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smok3r7 · 3 months ago

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They Always Come Back

Aaron Hotchner x f!reader

Explicit, 18+

So Much For, Dumb College Love

Main Masterlist & Series Masterlist - My AO3

Summary: You and Aaron met in college, Criminology Major, funny enough. Throughout your five years at George Washington College, you and Hotchner had this on and off again relationship; it was all fun until you started to realize that you loved him. After graduation the two of you cut ties and left it as dumb college love, going your separate ways. After a decade you finally land your dream job, a seat at the BAU; however when you notice the name copied on the email, you can’t believe your eyes.

Chapter Summary: Some souls are meant for each other and some aren’t.

Word count: 3.3k

The finale is here guys…I’m so proud of this story and am so happy that you guys love it! I hope this is all you guys hoped for, these two will forever hold a special spot in my heart<3

—

After a grueling week, working on one of the most challenging and traumatic cases you’ve encountered since you started half a year ago, the team decided to unwind with some drinks at their favorite dive bar - The Diamond. Tucked away on a quiet corner, the place is smaller than most bars, with just a jukebox to fill the air with nostalgic tunes.

The ambiance is calming but also lively, with the sound of laughter and chatter blending in seamlessly. The dim lights cast a warm glow, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease, as if they have found their own little sanctuary in the bustling city.

As you all sit around a table, the weight of the week slowly lifts off everyone's shoulders. Laughter fills the air as stories are shared and jokes, finding solace in each other's company. In this moment, surrounded by good company and good vibes, you feel grateful for them all and for the simple pleasure of being together in this hidden gem of a bar.

The bartender, Josie, is a gorgeous young woman they have come to know well and absolutely love; her radiant smile and effortless charm always make your heart skip a beat. With a flick of her wrist, she expertly pours out your favorite concoction, a Jack & Coke, the perfect balance of sweet and fiery that never fails to soothe your soul.

Especially after cases.

As you take the first sip, the cool liquid slides down your throat, and you can’t help but marvel at how Josie always seems to know exactly what you need. In that moment, surrounded by the comforting buzz of the bar and the soft murmur of familiar voices, even with all the disasters you and your team endure, this is the life you want.

The dimly lit bar provides a cozy sanctuary where you can forget about the horrors of the case, if only for a few hours. After a second drink, the team finds themselves opening up about their fears and struggles, forging a stronger bond in the process.

“Alright,” Garcia slams the last of her drink, “Enough dark nasty talk! What’s everyone’s plans for the weekend?” She’s never been one to keep up with the unhuman behaviors the rest of the team can, which is perfectly normal - and necessary. Sometimes you and the others can get caught up in the sad side of reality, when there’s so much more to life.

While J.J talks about how she’s going out with her two boys this weekend to her moms, you can’t help but notice the small glares from Aaron, the tension thick in the air. The conversation then moves to Emily, who says she’s going to Atlantic City tomorrow early afternoon and hints at her ‘Sin To Win’ weekend. You can’t help the small cheer that leaves your mouth before you chug the last bit of liquor and soda, clinking glasses with the girls while the guys chuckle to themselves.

But with a flash of light Derek, the observant one and jokester in the group, notices the brief glances between you and Aaron, he can’t resist commenting, "Love birds…will you two just give it up already?"

Suddenly, with the attention being brought to you guys, you can’t help but laugh at Derek, a genuine but terrified laugh. Then, you and Aaron exchange a sheepish smile, the air between you crackled with unspoken attraction, nerve-wracking more than anything. Laughter bubbles up, masking the underlying meaning, but the rest of the team observes, sensing a shift in the dynamics between you two but brushing off the fact of it all.

What began as a mature decision to work together now seems to be evolving into something deeper, more stirring. With each shared glance and lighthearted banter, it becomes increasingly clear that there’s a spark between you that refuses to be ignored - ever since the unplanned kiss. The realization dawns on everyone present, prompting knowing looks and whispered conversations.

As the night wears on, the playful teasing continues, but this time with a hint of something more meaningful. Perhaps the weekend drinks have let some of the team let their tongues loose more than normal, which you really don’t mind but you just wish that topic would change.

The main concern being that Derek saw you and Aaron kiss that night in Aaron’s office a few months ago. He hasn't treated you any differently besides making jokes here and there about you and Aaron, a lot like how Garcia and him do. It's not any of Derek’s business right now, especially when you don’t even know what the kiss means.

You try to push the thought to the back of your mind, focusing on work and daily tasks. But every time Derek cracks a joke or gives you a knowing look, you feel a pang of guilt and confusion. Was the kiss just a moment of impulse, or does it signify something more between you and Aaron?

You can’t help from the memory of the warm, familiar kiss from Aaron a few months ago lingering in your mind, you just can’t stop thinking about it or him. The music loud, the atmosphere vibrant, but all you can do is look at Aaron. The moment replays over and over, like a record.

You had longed to feel his touch again after a decade of separation, but now that he’s your boss, everything feels different. The forbidden nature of your desires adds a layer of complexity to your relationship. But it somehow makes you want more.

“Well,” Aaron announces, slamming the last of his scotch followed by the sound of the glass on the table, “I’m going to head home, you guys enjoy the rest of the night.”

The table erupts in sarcastic boo’s as Hotch backs out after just a couple of drinks, a familiar sight for you and everyone else. Despite his tough exterior, Hotch was always the first to leave after difficult cases.

It makes you wonder if he carries the weight of these cases heavier than the rest, or if he simply needs a break from the relentless demands of their job. Perhaps both reasons rang true in their own way.

As you watch him slip away into the night, a sense of understanding washes over you. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, sometimes the strongest ones need a moment of solitude to process it all.

“Bye man!” Derek raises his glass with a tipsy smile on his lips.

“Drive safe!” Your tone is a mix of giggles and seriousness, the liquor making you more bold than normal, but you instantly regret it.

The last thing you want is for the team to think you’re obsessed or pining over Aaron, even though you are, they don’t need to know that. The ache of unspoken affections weigh on you as you watch Emily and Garcia giggle at you as they take a sip of their beverages, you wish you could turn back time and keep your feelings hidden.

—

Stumbling towards Aaron's apartment, you feel disoriented and confused as the world spins around you in a hazy blur. You have no recollection of how you got here, or why you are in such a drunken state.

The memories from earlier in the night are fuzzy, but you vaguely remember drinking with Emily and Derek, the last remaining ones of the night. Flashes of laughter and camaraderie float through your mind, mingling with the haze of alcohol.

You drunkenly giggle to yourself while slightly bouncing from wall to wall down the hallway, making sure to miss apartment doors. Your blurry vision adds to the challenge, but you're determined to reach his apartment no matter what.

Each bounce brings a wave of laughter, echoing through the quiet corridor. The dim hallway lights flicker above, casting shadows that dance along the walls.

You stumble but manage to regain your balance, feeling a rush of exhilaration with each step. The sounds of your footsteps echo in the empty hallway, guiding you forward. Despite the haze of alcohol clouding your mind, you feel a sense of freedom and adventure in this moment.

With a mischievous grin, you continue your tipsy journey, eager to see where the night will take you. But then you feel something tell you to stop in your tracks, looking up from the floor you notice you’re in front of his place, F268. You stand outside Aaron's door, you realize the gravity of your situation - you have no idea what you’re here for.

With a headache forming and a sense of uneasiness, you reach out to knock on the door, hoping that Aaron will let you in. Your mind races with thoughts of what he’s going to say or even do when he sees you.

The lingering taste of alcohol on your tongue is a bitter reminder of the night's indulgence. Emily and Derek dancing, laughing, and singing with you till closing, the memories bounce around your pounding head. Your heels cause you to stumble, even while standing in one spot, causing you to giggle a bit louder.

What happened after the drinks and laughter? And how did I end up here, at Aaron's apartment? The answers elude you as you struggle to make sense of the night's events.

Knock, knock.

Next thing you know, he answers the door in nothing but dark blue plaid pajama pants, pleasantly surprised by you drunk in his hallway, he rubs his eyes, still trying to process your unexpected visit. The faint smell of alcohol lingers in the air as you meet his gaze with a mischievous grin.

"What are you doin' here?" Aaron asks, his voice laced with confusion and sleepiness.

You can't hold back a drunken giggle and blurt out, "Thought I'd surprise you."

His thick eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. The dim lights in his foyer reveal Aaron's puzzled expression as he stares at you, a subtle smile plays on his lips, but his puzzled expression gives away his confusion. The tension in the air makes you feel uneasy, almost as if you have disappointed him in some way.

“Your place is closer than mine,” you confess shyly, leaning your back on the hallway wall behind you for balance. Aaron's gaze is piercing, making you squirm under his scrutiny, “I’m too drunk to walk to mine and I just figured you be okay with me-“

"Just come in.” He cuts your drunken rambling before you make even more of a fool of yourself, grabbing your wrist to pull you in, causing you to stumble on your heels. The room spins as you try to regain your balance, the smell of warm candles and Aaron overwhelming your senses.

You catch a glimpse of his intense gaze, filled with a mix of concern and frustration. As he calmly guides you to his warm toned couch, you mumble an apology, but he just shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You need to slow down, dear," he says softly, his voice cutting through the haze in your mind, “I’m gonna grab a water, just- sit here, please.”

It’s easy for you to read him, even when drunk. You can tell he’s confused on how you even found his apartment, but he let you in regardless - because you know he really cares.

With the best of your ability, while he disappears into what you can only assume is his kitchen, you scan his living room. It's simple, like any man, but it’s got a sense of comfort with it. The worn-out armchair by the window, the stack of books on the coffee table and a bunch more on his shelves that fence the large tv, and the flickering candles creating a warm ambiance - all familiar sights that make you feel at home despite the haze of alcohol clouding your mind.

You catch a glimpse of old photographs on the wall, each telling a story of a moment frozen in time, then you stop. A picture of you and him in college hangs above a side table with a record player on it, the one of you both from the fair in your hometown, your breath catches in your throat and tears brim your eyes. He’s missed me just as much.

After all this time, he still loves you.

You always believed he was fine without you, but now you realize the depth of his feelings. The realization brings a smile to your face as you think about the moments you shared together. Despite the distance and time apart, there is a strong connection that still binds you.

"Aaron..." you mumble and get up from the couch, the room swirling slightly from the multiple Jack & cokes. Slowly, you make your way towards the familiar picture hanging on the wall. The golden frame catches the dim light, casting a warm glow on your smiling face next to his. Memories flood back as you trace the outline of his features with your fingertip, feeling the nostalgia strike deep in your heart.

In the quiet moment by yourself, surrounded by the echoes of the past, you feel a sense of peace wash over you. You remember the moments shared, the dreams woven together, and the heartbreak so many years ago. As you reflect on the times you spent together, you realize that Aaron will always be a part of you, no matter where life takes you.

—

“I couldn’t find anywhere in my heart to get rid of that.”

In the dimly lit room, Aarons smooth voice startles you, causing you to turn towards him. Your eyes fall on the two tall glasses of water placed on the coffee table, one for you and one for him. The alcohol coursing through your veins makes you feel comfortable yet emotional.

You struggle to utter any words, but ultimately they fail to escape your lips. Your gaze shifts back to the wall, a bittersweet reminder of the past, but you can't help from wondering how things could have been different.

A soft silence lingers between you and him, the weight of untold words hangs heavily in the air, filling the room with unspoken truths and lingering regrets.

“Do you think that- that this could work again?” You softly whisper as a small tear falls onto your warm cheek. Your feet hurt from the heels you’ve been in for hours now, causing you to sit back onto the couch, all while staring at him.

Aaron doesn’t respond, it's hard to tell if his silence is intentional or if he's just at a loss for words, either way a sharp pang of hurt pierces through you. You wonder if he even hears you, or if your words are falling on deaf ears. It’s really unsettling how much you don’t know him anymore, college you would know exactly this kind of silence means. But you don’t know.

The silence between you grows, it feels thick like a heavy fog descending upon the room, which starts to make you angry. You just asked him a simple, yet loaded, question and the least he can do is answer it. You look up at him as he sits down next to you, leaving a couple inches of space between you and him.

Frustration bubbles up inside you as you wait for his response, your patience wearing thin, faster than it normally does. The question seems to hang in the air, demanding to be acknowledged. You can’t understand why he remains so quiet, so distant.

Finally, unable to contain your irrational emotions any longer, you break the silence with a trembling, yet stern voice. "Why won't you fucking answer me?" Your words echo, pleading for some semblance of understanding.

But still, he remains silent, his eyes betraying a turmoil of emotions you still can’t decipher. Another few seconds of silence go by and you finally feel like you’ve had enough, so you push your hands on your knees and stand up. You try your best to balance yourself before you storm off, while telling him to fuck off.

Just when you think you are free to walk away, Aaron's sudden move catches you off guard. His grip on your wrist is firm, yet tender, pulling you close to him against your will. The intensity in his dark brown eyes sends a shiver down your spine, as conflicting emotions swirl inside you. You can feel the heat of his breath against your skin, his presence enveloping you completely.

In this moment, as you stand locked in a silent battle of wills, you realize that he’s head over heels for you just as much as you are for him.

“Yes,” Aaron loudly confesses, “I do think this can work again. You don’t know how hard this past decade has been for me, even harder the last couple of months having to work with you.” With his arms still around you, he purrs your name, “I love you more than anything.”

As his words sink in, the tension between you dissolves, replaced by a flood of emotions. The past grievances and misunderstandings fade away, leaving space for a new beginning.

With his dark eyes staring down into yours, he squeezes your body closer to him, "You make work enjoyable again. You make me comfortable in who I am," Aaron firmly tells you, "When you broke it off before we graduated, I felt like I lost a huge part of myself. But I know we wouldn't have lasted long after, it needed to happen."

The honesty in his words sends shivers down your spine as you realize the depth of his feelings. In the soft candle light, you see the vulnerability in his face as he speaks to you. His brows are relaxed but stern at the same time, revealing the rawness of his emotions.

His words echo in your brain, You make me comfortable in who I am. It's a simple statement, yet it holds so much weight. You realize, you have the power to ease his insecurities, to make him feel understood.

As you gaze into his eyes, you see a glimmer of gratitude mixed with a hint of fear of rejection. And in that moment, you know that you hold a piece of his heart in your hands—a fragile, precious gift that you vow to protect. And with that, you wrap your arms around the back of his neck and pull his face into yours in a gentle, yet needy, kiss.

The warmth of his touch ignites a fire within you, a fierce determination to shield his vulnerability from the world's cruelty, even with the cruel job.

As you hold him close, his heartbeat echoes in sync with yours, a symphony of love and longing. In the silent language of your entwined bodies, you find peace and understanding. Each kiss is a promise, a whispered vow of eternal devotion to each other, once again.

In this timeless embrace, you and Aaron are bound by an unbreakable bond, a fusion of souls that transcend words, ultimately meaning to end up with one another. Together, you forged a love story written in the stars, a tale of two hearts intertwined in a symphony of passion and tenderness.

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lilacxquartz · 2 months ago

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TO SAVE A BROKEN SOUL • suguru geto x cursed spirit f!reader

ao3 link • masterlist • << previous chapter

summary: freedom sure tasted sweet, but suguru wasn’t about to let you go.

warnings: violence, noncon, death and deeply disturbing themes

Final Chapter: Bittersweet

Learning how to live life alone back in the forest wasn’t too bad, you supposed. It didn’t take too long for you to get back into the swing of things at your own pace.

And given enough time, you could hopefully soon forget all about that strange man who wanted nothing more than to keep you locked up and hidden away from the rest of the world.

The forest quickly became your much needed sanctuary; a place where you could both breathe and be yourself once more. No longer were you shackled within the confines of his unjust prison, suffocated within the presence of a man who both hated you and wanted you alike.

But then something stopped you dead in your tracks, forcing you to investigate out of instinctual curiosity. It didn’t take you too long to figure out what caught your attention however as the smell of freshly cut flesh was strong in the air; seeping copper trickling down an open wound.

Without even thinking about it—you blindly rushed forward—your eyes blurring as the burning impulse to investigate coursed through your veins like spreading wildfire. You stumbled through the forest floor, clumsily stumbling and catching yourself on bristling foliage before uprooting yourself and closing in on the target at hand.

Red was all you could see.

Oozing vivid copper, gushing and creeping down like sanguine wine and goodness, just how intoxicated you were! Your vision remained hazy, blurring the person up ahead into nothing more than a shadow before you finally gave in and bit into them. The urge was overwhelming: quickly taken over by fading reason, a savaged push that forced you to surrender to the now familiar hunger.

It wasn’t long before you were deep in the middle of a feeding frenzy without quite realising just how you got there. You didn’t quite think about how your teeth sank deep into the already damaged flesh of the person who had no business being this far deep into the forest to begin with.

Meaning that, in such a frenzied state, you didn’t notice Suguru watching you from a distance either. You weren’t a human being, so your actions were a touch too predictable for his liking. You didn’t choose a random forest, nor did you attempt to escape to somewhere far away. Perhaps you thought that these woods were somehow different, or more dense or somewhere you could long get lost in—but they weren’t. Not as long as he had the bait primed and prepped in his hands, then he could coax you out with a temptation unlike any other.

Of course it didn’t take him that long to find you, nor did he have to be careful when he slowly crept up on you. The sight was odd to him, seeing you so out of control like that and for once, he didn’t have to read between the lines of what made you human and what made you a cursed spirit. It was obvious from the look of you; eyes wide and manic—fuelled by a murderous haze that was beyond any control, blood dripping down your chin, staining your skin with rotting red—stripped of any humanity you may have once had.

While lost in your untamed trance, you had just barely noticed him the second he crept up behind you. His footsteps were quiet, somehow evading the crunch of scattered leaves, stalking up to you like an invasive shadow. The realisation of what you had just committed and who likely planted such bait had finally hit you, sending you into a state of rising panic.

You sprang up, tearing forward in an attempt to escape him but in the midst of your blood lusted high, you moved just a little too slow.

An eerie glow formed as Suguru’s hands hovered parallel to one another, clasping around an empty space. Just as you barely processed what was going on, it was then that you felt it. A sharp, pulling sensation that tugged violently at your soul.

(Wait.)

An aching pain surged through you as you were forcibly drawn into the grappling pull, unable to resist the agonising confinement of his uzumaki technique. Cursed energy coiled around you, snaking around your body as it sought to constrict you, solidifying you within its suffocating embrace.

Slowly but surely, you were hauled into a glowing vortex—the most horrible pain ever imaginable—like slowly plucking flesh from muscle, like muscle from bone; disintegrating the markup of your very being into complete nothingness, yet into everything all at the same time.

It was a grim reality and one that you couldn’t escape.

Like a cornered animal that was once again hunted without cause despite roaming in its rightful element, you held onto what remaining hope you had as you finally slipped away. Forced to become something that was no longer you, that was you, that was just a mere fragment of who you used to be.

Fading away for good.

Until you were simply no more.

~~~

Suguru stared at the sphere that had finally formed into a solid mass. The ball took a good sweet while to materialise as it gathered every last drop of your essence, tightly packing whatever it could hold. Your tears were the last to follow, evaporating from the ground and fizzling away into the uzumaki.

His stomach churned again; finally realising what he had done as a result from anger and envy combined. So driven was he from his own corrupted desire to keep you all to himself, that he could just barely comprehend the gravity of what he had just done.

But it wasn’t like Suguru didn’t know what his technique did to cursed spirits.

So, why did he do that to you?

Albeit reluctantly and with a shaky hand, he bent down to pluck the uzumaki off the ground and wrapped his fingers tightly around the glowing sphere. He stared at it for a good half minute before shoving into his mouth, pushing it down his throat and swallowing, despite just how upset he was feeling.

And as the cursed energy flooded and settled and became assimilated within his senses, he found himself almost… pleasantly surprised by the taste.

Instead of rancid gasoline, your soul tasted sweet.

In that bittersweet moment, he warred at a deep conflict sparring deep within the depths of his mind. The consequences of something unforgivable finally registering, hitting him with a sweeping feeling of utter despair.

This seemed to be his tipping point; the moment of horrendous realisation finally accomplished.

Suguru sank himself to his knees as his palms secured the fall. It hurt, but he didn’t care. His body felt taut with tension as he choked out dry heaving breaths, unable to expel the turmoil that churned within. Tears streamed down his face, clouding his vision with an anguished blurr.

“…Why did I just do that?” he asked himself, hoping that an answer would somehow come and explain to him what drove him to do something like that.

Yet, as the minutes ticked by and nothing remained answered, Suguru was forced to face his actions and reflect. You were free and happy and instead of letting you go; he killed you and then absorbed you.

Why?

The question kept echoing itself in his mind, haunting him with his own unanswered obsession. Sighing deeply, rather than slipping away into rightful madness, Suguru instead bitterly swallowed away the remaining pain that had otherwise relentlessly gnawed at him before picking himself up from the forest floor. Finding that the day as he forced himself to endure, had passed in a numbing blur.

Maybe it was better that way.

Emotions, or… empathy for something inhuman was a ridiculous concept. Right? You weren’t even an animal; you were born from condensed negative energy and given a voice. Nothing more.

But as the night fell, he found himself bringing you back in the only way that he knew how—no matter how wrong it all felt—the desperation was surely there. With a hesitant gesture, he summoned your manifested form into his view but there was not a single hint of recognition behind those devoid eyes of yours.

What was once just glittering space, was now just nothingness instead.

Essentially, he had reduced you to no more than just a husk and it was a heartbreaking sight, despite him being fully aware of what he had done to you.

Suguru tried to touch you the same way as he did before, but the bleak experience hit him from your unresponsive form. It was a truly bleak experience as his fingertips settled and traced along the paths he already knew, yet feeling so barren and unfamiliar this time around.

He dry heaved again; feeling genuinely sick for what he was about to do, but he was also desperate.

Gently, he grabbed onto you by the waist before laying you down into the soft sinking mattress before climbing onto the bed too, crawling over your body and straddling over your hips. With a careful motion, he undressed the both of you, steeling himself for what he was about to give into.

Suguru’s hands roamed around your body, never once finding a single shred of comfort in your unreciprocated form. Pushing past the unease, he positioned his hardened length over the slick of your entrance, ready to push himself inside.

It was sick, he knew it. You weren’t yourself anymore and yet—he thrusted himself into you with almost violent fervour. His hips slammed into the marbled contours of your flesh, surrendering himself to an unforgiving rhythm while avoiding looking right into your eyes.

Oh no. No, no. This was neither a loving nor passionate fuck. Definitely not. This was purely clinical, almost. Driven by a wild desire to bring you back to him, to keep you forever, to never truly allow your soul to pass on and reincarnate as something else.

Suguru Geto was a man fully depraved, fully obsessed and perfectly aware, for in this passing moment, he didn’t care.

Gripping tightly around your hips to imitate the illusion of your own rolling hips, Suguru rutted into your core in a pace that bordered on manic, his thrusts bucking feverishly against your cunt. While he continued to rock into you, he tried to get you to bite him again—to feed on him—yet you didn’t do a single thing; just laid there blankly, staring at the ceiling with a vacant stare.

Such a realised sight was what had finally killed him as he surrendered to yet another cry; finding what little threads of sanity he had left barely contained, snapping and coming undone as the consequential weight of his actions had finally been realised.

With an almost pained final pump, he released himself into you and felt the hatred that he had otherwise reserved for himself finally settle and fester; unable to escape from his own mistake while continuing to ride out the last of his orgasm.

Suguru couldn’t help but weep into you as he finished; the weight of his actions finally settling.

This wasn’t you.

In fact, it was never going to be you again.

All because he was blinded by his own selfishness and now instead of burying you in the past or simply just letting you go—instead of releasing your soul and letting it move on—he held onto you.

If you were still in there somehow, then that’s a possibility that he couldn’t shake.

And so, Suguru would rather be haunted eternally by the reminder of you instead.

The sweetest poison that he ever drank, but a taste that he would never be able to savour again.

~~~

this was part 2 of lilac’s bite sized yandere nightmares

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thekingofwinterblog · 4 months ago

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Man I wish your MHA prediction came true, cause, no spoilers, but the truth is so bad😂

atleast its finallly over... never reading a series when it hasnt finished serialisation again😂

It's not even a BAD manga ending... i have seen BAD manga endings before, i know how they look like.

No, what MHA's final chapter is, is a NOTHING Ending. An ending where it is so, PAINFULLY obvious that the Mangaka or his editor did not want to piss anyone off, or take risks in general, that for a whole host of characters, there is NO closure, or even worse, it negates what came before.

so, its not like there is nothing good about the chapter, as i like shoji's big declaration, and the fact that japans society is changing to help people deal with the quirks withouth having to become heroes... but other than that, even the stuff i liked had major caveats.

But by far the biggest issue is that there are so many characters who got NO closure for their respective relationships, and it is stupidly obvious why, and who.

and since this question was prompted by Aizawa and his development, lets start with mic and Aizawa.

This picture right here encapsulates how Aizawa has changed. This is where he was always planned to end up. It is his natural end point compared to where he started off his story. Having turned into a much more caring man, who helped Aoyama rise above his flaws and change for the better rather than the brutal and spartan teacher he was at the start.

Or as his Ex Girlfriend would have put it has learned the value of "A household where the laughter never ends.".

However, the problem is we get no chapter, or even an ATTEMPT at giving him any form of closure where this change is encapsulated, the way we got with Endeavor, spinner, and Uraraka.

And thats a problem, because it wasnt ONLY hjis character who was tied to this hypotetical chapter for closure.

The closure of the ENTIRE idiot trio from the previous generation, alive and dead was dependent upon whatever Hori had planned for this hypotetical epilogue chapter before he or his editor chickened out, leaving Kurogiri's death in the climax with NO sense of aftermath behind it, coming and going, and frankly feeling like an aftertought rather than the sad ending to the tragic tale of the man who died too soon.

It also leaves Mic the single worst off, because while Aizawa at the very least had his character development to fall back on as a final point, even if he didnt get a closure chapter or moment, Mic gets NOTHING.

and that's a big problem, because as im going to go over in my big analysis of the man, Mic's entire deal is that while Aizawa developed in a terrible, negative reaction to his buddy's death, Mic's reaction was to stop developing at all.

His entire life after the tragedy is being a background character in everyone else's life, the DJ who always tries to make everyones day brighter, but has no actual ambitions, dreams or goals of his own.

thats why he clings so desperately to his memories of highschool, because unlike everyone else from that time, those memories are all he has. Even Aizawa managed to have a girlfriend at some point, an actual relationship, that though it crashed and burned had meaning. Mic doesnt even have that.

He is the ultimate sad clown, who pretends to himself that he hasnt wasted his life, by embracing a role as a literal supporting character, that his teachers suggested he would turn out to be.

In other words, his role in a chapter dealing with the epilogue of the trio, would certainly have been to finally, actually begin living his own life again.

but withouth that, there is nothing to suggest he managed to change. he will just continue to waste his life, thinking he'll never be able to create great new times for himself, rather than actually living his life and making new, best moments of his life.

i might be more annoyed about Aizawa not getting that final closure with Miss Joke, but there is no questions that Mic got an even worse deal with the narrative than Aizawa.

He remained a background character to the very end.

he's not the only one though.

You know who else never got closure? The Iida brothers.

We NEVER got to see how Tensei reacted to his brother not only taking up his mantle, but actually surpassing him and all his deeds during the climax.

Tenya's great ambition was to become a great hero to live up to his brother, and we didnt get to see any of his family members reaction to him actually achieving this dream.

As for other members of class 1-A...

Hey, quick question for anyone who read this story, Did you think Mina and Kirishima's character stories ended with these two, small, not given very much importance panels?

No?

Well fuck you, youre wrong! this is where both of their characters ends. their relationship, and their character arcs in general ended here, and they get no closure whatsoever.

and finally we move unto Izuku and the bigger problem with him and where he ended up.

Starting with him becoming a non powered hero, using tech.

Okay, not a BAD ending... But i feel like... maybe... there was a plan for something with that. Maybe... Maybe something that happened, and would have eased his character into using tech, rather than All Might just showing up with it after he's been a salary man for 3 years... Maybe something that was foreshadowed for years, and years.... Oh right.

Izuku losing his lower arms.

Like, looking back, it is painfully clear that Izuku was originally meant to lose his arms for good, before the editor(as he did with bakugo's death) put the kibash on that.

I like the idea... but there was a much better and more logical road to him becoming Iron Man with him having to use robotic hands in the epilogue. it would also be the logical outcome of all that foreshadowing, and was probably the original idea before it was deemed too gruesome.

However, thats a missed what if.

And if you have read the final chapter, you know it's not the BIG issue with this chapter. The SINGLE biggest problem with this ending, that is going to haunt it forever afterwards.

The complete sinking of Izuku x ochako by making it clear izuku has no regular contact with his former classmates, and ending the story withouth anything to suggest these two hooked up at all.

Now, im going to be very blunt, and very clear, before i tear this entire ship sinking to bits.

I didn't like Izuku x ochako.

At all.

I thought it was boring, too drawn out, and i didnt find much enjoyment as a ship from their interactions. in fact i would say i found izuku to have better chemistry with pretty much every other female character he ever interacted with.

Izuocha is the epitomy of a safe shonen battle couple. pure, boring vanilla.

I want to get that out of the way, before i really delve into why the way Hori just... torpedoed this ship because he didnt want to deal with the aftermath, was such a slap in the face.

Lets start with the most obvious problem.

It was all a waste of time.

every single moment of shiptease, and uraraka pining after izuku...

was one...

gigiantic...

Waste of fucking time.

I didnt like reading about this couple. But i cannot make the claim the story was not building up towards it.

it spent the vast majority of it's story building towards this couple, and in the last 3 chapters it devoted two of them to seemingly resolving this couple's story, and setting up for the next step... that never fucking came.

meaning that every little bit of ship tease these two had was a joke, a waste of time, it didnt mean anything in the grand scheme of things.

It was one of the most annoying parts of this manga to read through, and to my absolute fury and disguist i was fucking -vindicated.

It was an objective, waste of fucking time that could have been devoted to ANYTHING ELSE! It could have been devoted to another, better pairing, more character development for 1-A, Inko, the league of Villains, ANYTHING!

If the story was not going to end up with these two, there were plenty of ways to do that too, like having Uraraka's decision not to confess backfire as izuku moved on and hooked up with Mei, or melissa, or anyone else! or maybe just have izuku have moved past her an her ending up being friendzoned because she didnt make a move early enough! Or maybe have Uraraka realize she was gay after everything with Toga!

Again, ANYTHING ELSE would have been preferable.

instead, even at the very end, even when the following pages kills the pairing dead, Hori STILL tries to shipbait these two!

fuck off.

2. Making Urarak look shallow through the worst fucking timing in the world.

so, here is a question for you.

if you were going to ultimately choose not to go through with izuku x ochako, when would be the worst, possible timing to do it?

because i sure cant think of any point worse, than during a timeskip, where izuku's quirk ultimately went away, leaving him powerless and a common working man for 3 years afterwards.

Now this is obviously not meant to be the actual reason in universe for why this pairing didnt happen... but the implication is there...

And it wouldnt have been, if Hori had actually had Izuku turn her down in one of the previous chapters.

but because he decided to chicken out of any and all romance to not get any shipper blowback, through the safest way possible, it's there.

It's ugly, and it's cruel, and it's mostly implication... but it is there.

3. It makes Uraraka's entire character growth with Toga WASTED.

So Toga's part of her and Uraraka's storyline is obvious.

The girl who was looking for someone, anyone who would want to understand her finally found somebody who would, and she decided to give it all for that person.

in uraraka, she finally got what she could not get in the league, amongst her old friends, or anyone else.

No the problem is not with that side of their shared development.

The problem with this is that it completely wastes Uraraka's side of this equation.

The thing that Uraraka envied about Toga, was her ability to smile as she wanted, uncaring about how the world might think of her, something the shy uraraka deeply wished she could do too.

Ultimately, as presented in the final war arc, her develoment from this relationship was her finally learning to be honest, to embrace doing what she wanted to do.

She wanted to reach out a genuine hand in compassion to Toga despite EVERYTHING, and so she did. uncaring about what the world might have thought.

FInally she could be who she wanted to be. the girl who had been defined so long about keeping her love and more emberassing feelings under wrap no longer cared about being judged for them.

It's a very beautiful moment.

Man... It sure would SUCK if later uraraka completely backtracked, was never able to tell her crush her actual feelings, and instead it went absolutely nowhere, meaning she reverted back to the same person she had always been. that she never really grew past this flaw of herself she disliked.

That would really, really suck, and cheapen her entire character climax from the final war arc.

Man, that would suck.

It would suck even more, if the reason that happened, was due to the author not wanting to piss off the shippers that shipped the target of her affection with his former abuser and bully who tried to get him to kill himself.

This was a terrible way to end the series, not due to directly sucking, the way Attack on Titan, or bleach's endings did... but instead due to committing SO HARD to resolving NOTHING, that it flipped all the way around to being INFURIATING in how much it REFUSED to give ANY character who's final resolution would probably have involved shipping, that its pisses you off, because it means that everything that these characters were building towards had no resolution.

The only real exception was Iida, and in his case its just obviously clear that Hori just did not care to give him a climax. for everyone else though?

Hori's decision to not wanting to go through what Kishimoto went through after Naruto's final chapter might be understandable, but it also means that his already rocky final arc ended wastly lesser in quality than it could have.

#my hero academia #chapter 430 #430 #final chapter #izuocha #ochadeku #izuku midoriya #uraraka ochako #mina ashido #kirishima ejirou #iida tensei #iida tenya #aizawa shouta #kurogiri #present mic #toga himiko #meta #questions and answers

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thatsmzbitchtoyou · 4 months ago

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Run, pretty girl, run FINAL Chapter 7

Summary: Even with the safeguards put in place after the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D., the remaining Avengers find themselves on the run after the American government falls into disarray. The code word is sent, and they’re officially fugitives. Bucky makes a run for the safe house set up for emergencies like this where the Avengers are told to meet up, but on the way saves the pregnant agent turned payroll specialist that he was partnered with. Will they make it before she goes into labor? Or at all?

Warnings: violence, pregnancy, childbirth, death of minor character, language, eventual smut

“Бегать”: run “Подтвердить” : confirmed “Enkosi”: thank you “Дома”: home “Добро пожаловать”: welcome

Previous chapter

2 years later

Bucky walked up the steps to the small home he and Y/N had moved into a year and a half ago. He had reached out to Shuri after their Monaco trip, and she had been more than happy to have them stay in Wakanda. She had also been ecstatic to plan their wedding shortly after they moved in. Bucky saw no use in waiting, knowing what he wanted with Y/N, and she had excitedly accepted. He unlocked the door and stepped in, toeing off his shoes to the side and setting down his bag in the entryway.

“Mamas?” he called out as he dropped his keys in the bowl and walked through the hallway toward the front room. Y/N didn’t answer. She should be home. He looked around for a moment then headed to their bedroom. He checked his phone, not seeing any new messages from her. “You here pretty girl?” he called out again. Bucky heard a sniffle coming from their bathroom and walked to the door, trying to open it but it was locked. “Y/N? Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

“Yeah!” Y/N called back, though her voice sounded shaky.

“You don’t sound fine,” Bucky said. He waited a moment. “You’re freaking me out, Mamas. If you don’t open this door in two seconds–” Y/N unlocked the door and opened it slowly, peering up at him with red-rimmed eyes. “Woah, hey,” he said, walking in and cupping her face in his hands. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” she smiled. “These are happy tears.” Bucky still checked her over, noticing she kept an arm behind her back.

“Happy tears about what?” he asked, his eyes narrowing at her.

Y/N sniffed again, biting her lower lip as she lifted her hidden arm. She was holding a stick, and she brought it up close to his face. It took him a moment to register what she was showing him, then his eyes widened and his hands fell from her face and took it from between her fingers. Pregnant.

“You’re…I…” he stuttered, staring at the word.

“I’m pregnant,” Y/N whispered, her tears returning.

Bucky looked at her again, a smile spreading across his face. “You’re pregnant,” he repeated quietly. “We’re…gonna have a baby.”

Y/N nodded and huffed a laugh. “I’m gonna have your baby,” she said, her own smile breaking through.

Bucky laughed and set the test down then picked her up in a hug. Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled into his ear as he swung her around and out of the bathroom. “My wife,” he started, interrupting himself with kissing her anywhere he could reach, “having my baby,” he said as he laid her down on their bed. He kissed her deeply and she sighed through her nose.

When he pulled away she looked up at him with shining eyes. “Are you happy?” she asked, looking a little hesitant.

“Yes, Mamas,” Bucky nodded, knowing she was only asking because of her previous experience. “I’m so happy,” he smiled, tears starting to build in his eyes. “I want this. Are you happy?”

“Hells yeah,” she answered, making him laugh.

Bucky shifted himself down and lifted her shirt to expose her belly. She wasn’t showing yet, of course, but it didn’t stop him from caressing her stomach with a soft reverence as he leaned down and kissed just above her belly button, then dragging his lips across her skin and kissing randomly until he reached the scar near her navel, kissing it tenderly. Y/N’s fingers ran through his hair as she watched him. “I love you,” Bucky whispered to her stomach. “I already love you so much. You’re gonna have the best mama in the world. And I’ll do everything I can to make sure you make it here, and give you the life you deserve,” he continued, and Y/N inhaled shakily. “My baby.”

@vioplay19 @mrsnikstan @scott-loki-barnes @tufflepuff23 @itsmytimetoodream

THE END

**I hope y'all liked this one, as heart-wrenching as it was. Thank you for the likes, reblogs, follows and comments. I've got a couple more stories in the idea bank, but if you have any ideas or requests let me know and I'll see what I can come up with. Love y'all! -Li

#marvel #smut #bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes x reader #series fanfic #final chapter #chapter 7 #pregnant!reader #mama reader #agent reader

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bettyfrommars · 11 months ago

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I'm on Fire

chapter 18: the ties that bind

masterlist playlist

18+ MDNI

If you've come this far in the series, you know what to expect. No physical violence in this final chapter, but there might be some jealousy, protective/jealous Eddie, and threats. Steve with an OC character, parental Stobin, unprotected sex, oral, and meeting the extended family. Can't say goodby without a glimpse of Charlene. Reader is an artist and a vegetarian, but I try hard to keep away from any physical description.

word count: 15k

official author's note will be at the end of this chapter. I cherish you, my I'm on Fire fam, I'm so grateful for the ride, and I hope you enjoy this one.

"It's a long dark highway and a thin white line Connecting baby, your heart to mine."

-- the ties that bind, Bruce Springsteen

The next morning, a new Henderson opened her eyes to the world.

Steve was the next one to hold her after her parents, and he hadn’t expected to cry, to have his throat close up around his emotions and choke him when he was told they named her Stevie. He held her so close but so gentle and he barely noticed how wet his cheeks were until Robin came close and rubbed her palm in circles on his back.

“She kinda looks like me. That’s weird right?” Steve hushed, voice catching in a tearful hiccup. He was already thinking of the tattoo he would get with her name, inside his arm, close to his heart.

“Yeah, that is weird and impossible, Dingus,” Robin smiled into his shoulder, stroking a loving arc over Stevie’s little infant forehead with her finger. “But she kinda does.”

The labor had been long, the sun was up, and everyone was exhausted. Astrid was at the house making breakfast while you and Eddie looked after Oliver. He insisted on watching Pee-Wee Herman's Big Adventure again, and that was when you learned it was one of Eddie’s favorites as well; he knew every line by heart. He mimicked Ollie with the chant, “I know you are but what am I, I know you are but what am I?”

And it was only then that you realized why Eddie had made a joke once about violently cutting off your mattress tag, the one that specifically said DO NOT REMOVE. Also, it explained why Steve so ardently wanted to start his own biker gang called Satan’s Helpers.

After breakfast, Eddie took you back to the Hammer to get your car, and even though you didn’t want to socialize, you were also in no mood to be stranded at your place without wheels. Jackie reminded you that you looked like shit on your way through the smoky haze from the late morning drinkers. You simply nodded in silent agreement, and it wasn’t so much a nod as your head lazily bobbing on a spring. Your internal clock was out of whack, and you desperately needed a shower. A shower and a soak in the healing waters of some type of magical pond that could heal you from the inside out.

Maybe a month on a beach somewhere.

And then you pictured Eddie in a pair of loud, tropical swim trunks and giggled to yourself.

You were just about to leave the locker room with your paycheck and a few of your things, when tall, blonde Erika pushed in with a concerned look on her face, making you back up. She shut the door behind her and leaned against it, covering the “Safety in the Workplace” poster.

“Hey, so, that guy is here looking for you again,” her whisper was urgent.

Your heart sank for a second as the memory of Craig gripped you. You had to remind yourself that he was long gone.

But you wondered if a part of him would always be lurking somewhere near, haunting you from beyond the grave.

Your next guess was Chief Hopper, maybe he had more questions for you.

“What guy?” You were hoping she had a clue, or asked a name, so that you could prepare yourself, doing your best to smooth out the front of your shirt.

She only shrugged. “He’s older, Paul Newman type. Smells like he’s made of money. This is the third time he’s been here asking about you.”

It still didn’t ring any bells, but you’d only slept a half hour on the couch curled up next to Eddie while Pee-Wee stormed the Alamo looking for his bike.

You took a slow peek around the corner of the bar from the hallway and saw John Gregson sitting there with a drink in his hand. Full head of salt n’ pepper hair slicked back off his face, wearing one of his signature gray suits.

Was he by himself? The way Charlene had been popping up like a bad rash lately, you almost expected to see her there, playing the dutiful wife.

You hid yourself in the hallway again, wondering if you had it in you to have a conversation with anyone, let alone him.

To say his face “lit up” when he saw you would be an understatement; He looked as if you’d been pulled from the rubble of a burning building, and he thought he would never see you again.

You found it hard to match the enthusiasm, even though he’d turned out to be a decent guy.

He stood up from his stool and Shana gave you both a curious look from behind the bar as she poured a shaken martini into a glass. She was wearing one of her long, black wigs that day with Bettie Page bangs.

“It’s good to see you,” he gestured to the seat next to him, his icy blue eyes shone like the Mediterranean Sea. “It’s been a while.”

You sank one hip onto the padded stool so that one foot was still on the ground. You didn’t want him to think you were staying for too long.

“I’m sorry I’m so behind on your painting, life has been—”

He put his hand up, palm out to you. It was his left hand and you noticed that he was not wearing his wedding ring.

“Please, don’t worry about the painting. Take all the time you need, that’s not why I’m here. Can I buy you lunch?”

“I-I…” you fumbled. “I was just on my way out.”

“A drink then?” He cleared his throat and shifted closer casually so that his knee was touching yours. He swirled his drink in his hand. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about and I didn’t feel it was appropriate to do it over the phone.”

Your anxiety spiked a bit, and it wasn’t as if he was a serial killer or anything, but his sudden shift in proximity gave you pause. You asked Shana for an iced tea and gestured for him to follow you to one of the more isolated tables against the dark red wall, underneath a framed Led Zeppelin poster. He pulled your chair out for you before getting settled with his gin and tonic, making sure to use one of the black cocktail napkins as a coaster.

“I know you’re busy,” he cleared his throat. “So, permit me to get right to the point.” He removed the two stir straws from his drink and put them on the napkin.

“First of all, I’d like to apologize for my wife. I believe she’s caused you quite a bit of trouble.”

You had not expected that one

His stare was too intense, you had to shift your attention and take a gulp of your drink.

“You see,” he settled back, keeping his forearms on the table. “I met Charlene when I was barely out of high school, we were together before I made my money, and I always felt like I owed her my blind devotion. Lately it’s obvious that we only make each other miserable.”

He continued. “I’m not a stupid man. I always knew about the other boyfriends, not that she made much of an effort to hide it,” he smiled wryly to himself. “Not to bore you with the details of my failed marriage, but I know that Charlene’s the reason you lost your job at the gallery, and I’d like to rectify that, if I can.”

Realization dawned at his words. Why hadn’t you put those pieces together earlier? Of course Charlene was the reason you lost your job, she probably threatened to remove her funding and ruin Judith.

You could barely catch up to what he was saying before he started again. “I’m opening a gallery in Chicago, and I’d like you to come out and run it.”

You choked and had to cover your mouth with the back of your hand. “Excuse me?”

John smiled so genuinely at your reaction that the skin around his eyes crinkled. He undid a button on his suit jacket to get more comfortable. “You’d have full creative license, you’d be able to hire your team, do with it what you wish. I trust your vision.”

It was that opportunity you’d been dreaming about for years, the one you’d been working toward for almost a decade.

So easy, just like that.

Here, take it, it’s everything you’ve ever wanted.

…but was it?

Your head swam, vision tunneling slightly as you glanced around the Velvet Hammer. You imagined Steve on his stool at the door and Eddie pulling you aside in the hallway to kiss you. The song Everlong by The Foo Fighters was on, and you thought about how Chicago was over three hours away. You’d have to move; it was much too far for a commute.

“That’s such a generous offer, I…I don’t know what to say?”

“You don’t have to say anything right now,” and before you knew what was happening, his hand slid across the table and was on top of your fingers.

Your eyes flashed to his hand over yours and you sat there shocked while your need to be polite overrode your core instincts.

“I know there’s a lot to think about,” he continued, removing his hand to cup it around his drink again. “Of course, I’d pay for all of your moving expenses. I own a building downtown with an artist loft I think you might be interested in. You’d have plenty of room to live and paint, start fresh, if you wanted to.”

Start fresh.

You felt like Shana had slipped a psychedelic into your tea, like you were melting into your chair. Your brain was having a hard time keeping up with the reality of what was being offered.

He tossed back another sip and wiped the corners of his mouth, looking almost unsure if he should say the next part. “Charlene and I—” he licked his perfectly straight teeth in contemplation. “---we’ve decided to go our separate ways. We’re selling the lake house, a few other properties, and she’s planning to move to Hawaii to be near her sister.”

A thought zipped through your mind then. How long had Charlene known she was leaving? Why would she become a partner in The Velvet Hammer and then move to Hawaii?

“That means I’ll be at my condo in Chicago most of the time, unless I’m traveling for business,” he gave you a pointed look again. “There are so many places I’d love to take you to in the city. If you are interested, that is.”

“Well,” you laughed nervously. “I’d need to talk to my boyfriend about it. About the job, I mean. Moving to Chicago. His whole life is here.”

“Certainly,” John nodded, not missing a beat. “You talk to him and when you’re ready, you have my number. The gallery space I’m buying needs work, so I’d like to fly you out there in a week to take a look at it, once you decide.”

You were still staring glassy eyed at the edge of the table after John stood and left the Hammer. You hadn’t remembered to breathe in god knew how long, so you tried that, letting out a hard exhale that made a cocktail napkin go flying off the table.

Would Eddie move with you? Visit you on the weekends? The latter seemed more likely but also not, considering how demanding his work schedule was. Katie told you that Robin had asked her to move in, and you were overjoyed for her. She’d be paying her share of the rent and utilities for the next month, but after that you’d either need to find a smaller place or a new roommate because you couldn’t afford your duplex on a Velvet Hammer salary.

One week was all you had.

Did you even need a week? Surely you knew your answer.

—-------

The tires on the tow truck screeched to a stuttering halt out on a Hawkins back road lined with cornfields.

Behind the wheel, Eddie idled there, right in front of that familiar white picket fence around the big yard and the farmhouse with a porch swing and a red barn in back.

Eddie knew the details of the old Ferguson place by heart, it had been his dream house ever since he was in high school and used to take long rides on his bike to clear his head. The couple that had spent their life raising a family there were in their 80’s now, and he’d heard through the grapevine that they were relocating to a retirement community. To a smaller place that was easier to care for. All of their children were grown and lived far away.

The newest addition to the house was where his eyes fell.

His attention fixed on the sign at the end of the driveway for a long while, heart thudding in his chest.

The old Ferguson Farmhouse was for sale.

—---

The next day was the Welcome Home Baby Stevie barbeque at Steve’s and he had a blue “Kiss the Cook” apron on and a spatula in his bandaged hand when you and Eddie arrived. He wore an elastic bracelet made of colorful plastic beads around his wrist that you assumed was a new gift from Oliver. The sky was bright blue, almost blinding, and the air was crisp.

“You sure you’re okay?” Eddie asked on the way up the driveway to Robin and Steve’s backyard where the lawn had been neatly mowed and edged. “Anything you want to talk about?”

You hated keeping things from him, but you had no idea how to bring up John’s offer, or if you even wanted to mention it. Eddie had invited you over to his place the night before, but you’d told him you needed some time alone to get to bed early. Turns out that being alone with your thoughts only made it worse.

“No, I’m fine my love, I promise,” you leaned into him. “I’m just tired.”

He put his arm around your shoulders to scoop you closer and kiss your ear. “I’m gonna take care of you tonight. Make you a bath, pour you some wine, kiss you all over. How does that sound?”

“It sounds—” you felt emotions water your eyes suddenly and you blinked it away as quickly as you could. “That sounds perfect.”

You felt guilty that you were even considering John’s offer, but how could you not? A very hopeful part of you said that both were a possibility, that you could keep Eddie and have your dream job in the city. But how? You couldn’t take Eddie away from Wayne and Oliver and his business, you would never ask that of him.

“Is Wayne coming?” You asked, noticing you did not see his truck. Also, your thoughts were racing again and you needed a distraction.

“He’ll be here later,” Eddie assured you. “Astrid is picking him up on her way over. Max and Lucas stopped by the garage for a visit and I didn’t want to disrupt the reunion.”

You felt a bit embarrassed at the mention of his longtime friend Max, only because you’d been made to believe that she was a mysterious redhead that Eddie was having an affair with not too long ago.

Thanks to Charlene.

You imagined that Hawkins would be a much better place without her lurking around every corner. Was there a chance that Judith would take you back on at Moon River Gallery? No, you had no desire to go crawling back to that place. Unless a new gallery opened, or your art took off to celebrity status, you’d be waitressing at the Hammer and squirreling away your tips for the foreseeable future.

But, you’d have Eddie.

You’d been spacing out so hard, you barely realized that Robin was standing in front of you, offering to take the sack with a Tupperware full of homemade potato salad and hamburger buns. Eddie was carrying your veggie burger patties that he bought especially for the occasion, and the fixings to make tofu skewers. You told him you were a vegetarian once, and you never had to remind him again.

“You good?” Robin asked, noting the way you shook your head a few times to come back to reality. Katie came up behind Robin to place her hands on her girlfriend’s hips before she moved over to your side.

“Have a beer with me?” Katie asked softly, reading the weariness in your slightly hunched shoulders.

It was officially fall, but the weather was warm for Indiana in late September. Eddie had on his Iron Maiden concert tee under his jacket from their 1985 World Slavery tour and black converse with his worn jeans, and he took his leather off and threw it on a lawn chair as he walked over to the grill.

“You better leave the hard stuff to me,” he said to Steve, shifting his gaze accusatory to grill. The last time he let Steve grill your veggie burger, he’d charred it within an inch of its life.

“Have at it,” Steve dusted his hands together. “I have to go check on my pie in the oven.”

“You baked a pie?” Eddie gawked at him like he had hornets crawling out of his ears.

“Well, Astrid made it,” he pinched a few sunflower seeds out of the front pocket of his apron and popped them in his mouth, chewing as he spoke. “It’s cherry,” he bobbed his eyebrows up and down a few times suggestively, and Eddie scoffed, elbowing him out of the way so that he could put his skewers down on the folding table.

You were just about to take the first sip of your beer when a man’s voice that was not familiar called over from the driveway.

“There’s that long-haired freak I’ve been looking for.”

The skin on your arms prickled with gooseflesh and you spun around, thinking there was about to be some sort of trouble.

Slightly unrealistic to think the worst, but you were understandably alert.

There at the edge of the lawn stood a tall, handsome guy you’d never laid eyes on before, maybe in his late 20’s, and he had a Coffin Kings cut on that was very similar to the one’s Eddie and Steve wore. At his side, holding his hand was an adorable redhead. Her long hair was pulled through the back of a baseball cap, but you noted that the bright candy color was deeply familiar.

You turned to see Eddie’s reaction like you were watching a tennis match.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” he beamed. “Look what the cat dragged in, "and he stopped what he was doing to make his way over with his arms out and the two hugged, giving each other hearty pats on the back.

“Max!” Robin squealed, practically doing a cartwheel in that direction. You and Katie fell back and stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the group reconnect in a way that was very familial.

Lucas and Max had been together since high school, you learned, and Lucas was a member of the Coffin Kings Indianapolis chapter. The song Love Spreads by The Stone Roses played from Robin's portable boombox on the steps as the new arrivals meandered in to be with the rest of the gang and assimilated with ease.

Eddie rested his hand on your lower back to introduce you, and instead of a handshake, Max went in for a hearty hug, and in your ear, she said, “Eddie loves you so much, I’ve been dying to meet you.”

When she pulled back to meet your eyes, you nodded, swallowing hard. “I’ve heard so much about you,” you told her, and then Max shot a look at Eddie and made a crack about how she hoped it was all good things that you’d heard.

They were even more interested to meet Katie, being that Robin had not been serious about anyone since before Oliver was born. Just then, the Oliver in question came bursting out of the house flying his hot dog bun through the air like a plane, making engine noises.

By the time Dustin and Suzie came by with their new baby, the smell of burgers charring on the grill filled the air and you helped Steve bring some more chairs out to the lawn. Eddie was taking much care to keep your vegetarian stuff away from the meat, and you couldn’t help but notice with deep adoration.

Astrid had a lot on her mind. So much so that she didn’t have it in her to make the usual banter with Wayne that she enjoyed when they were together.

“You okay, darlin’?” Wayne turned to her in the truck on the way over.

“Oh,” she tucked a thick swatch of dark hair behind her ear. “You know, just thinking about how excited Steve must be about the new baby.”

There was a distinct melancholy in her voice. One of the reasons the relationship between her and Steve had never gone any further than besties who make love was her refusal to take away his chance at a big family. She was barely 21 when a doctor told her she’d never be able to conceive. Well, technically he said there was a small chance—a hairline percentage—but that it “would take an actual miracle”---those were his words.

She loved Steve too much to not let him be a dad. He was made for that life. Ever since he was a teenager, he’d known he wanted to be a father, and once he had Oliver, she knew she’d done the right thing. She’d tried to keep their relationship platonic time and time again, but in the end, the chemistry between them always proved to be too strong.

She’d decided that she would love him until he found someone else, and then she would continue to love him from the shadows. She’d given her heart long ago, and with him it would stay.

“Hell, look at the head of hair on that kid,” Wayne said when Suzie introduced him to her daughter. He gave a crooked grin and stroked a finger along the back of her tiny, exposed hand.

At that, Dustin took his cap off and swiped a hand through his unruly mane. “Thank god the rest of her looks take after her mother.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Lucas grumbled, thumping his friend in the arm.

Steve had his back to the crowd when they came in and Astrid spanked him on the bum on her way up the stairs to the kitchen.

He spun on his heel and was quick to cage his arms around her so she could only squirm. His face was flushed and glowing. “You meet the kid?”

“I did,” normally, she would’ve kissed him, but instead she pulled back a bit, tilting her chin away. “She’s so beautiful, Steve.”

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I—” she knew she was a fool to think he wouldn’t be able to read her face, a fool to think he couldn’t read her like a book after all of those years.

Steve frowned, examining her face for a clue to her distress.

Astrid’s stomach felt like she’d swallowed a lead weight.

She hadn’t decided if she should tell him or not.

About the secret she’d been carrying with her for a few days.

15 years, that’s how long she’d been in love with him.

Back when he was 19 and she was 23.

They’d known each other since they were little kids.

“I need to talk to you later,” she told him.

Steve dropped his arms from around her but held her hand. “You can’t tell me now?”

She’d be 38 in December.

“Later, okay?” She winked at him to ease his suffering, and then made her way into the house, knowing that he stood there the whole time and watched her go.

But later that day never came.

Wayne wanted to get back and rest before his chemo treatment, and Dustin and his family only stayed for about an hour as they were all understandably still exhausted and wanting to recover at home.

Astrid waved goodbye to Steve on her way out, and Steve stood up from his chair thinking he’d get a kiss, or at least a hug—but then she was gone.

He tried not to think too much of it. If he’d done something to upset her, she was never shy about letting him know. Maybe she was tired of socializing, maybe she needed a break from him.

Lord knows he wished he could take a break from himself.

Eddie looked over at where you stood talking with Max and Robin, and he recalled the conversation he’d had with Wayne a few days earlier.

“I don’t have to tell you you found a good one,” Wayne said from the couch in his trailer while Eddie sat next to him. “I think you know they don’t come around very often.”

“Oh believe me, I know,” Eddie raked a hand through his hair, brushing his bangs off his forehead one, two, three times. “I keep thinking one day she’s going to wake up and realize she could do a lot better.”

“You’ve done better than you give yourself credit for,” his uncle returned in a low, steady voice.

When the next words came, Eddie felt a tightness in his throat:

“I’m proud of you, son.”

Wayne had a hard time leaving the house the day after his treatments, so Eddie always came by to bring him lunch and make sure he had everything he needed. One day he came by to check on Wayne and found that you were already there, doing his dishes for him.

He’d never been with anyone who cared about the people in his life like that.

Back at the barbeque, you slipped up next to him and planted your lips on his bicep, breathing in the sandalwood and leather of his scent. “Penny for your thoughts?”

“Since you asked,” he smirked. “I was thinking how I wish I’d met you a lot sooner.”

“How much sooner?” You batted eyes at him once he turned to face you. “In high school?”

Eddie made a yuck face. “No, you would not have given me a chance in high school. I would’ve been a lovesick puppy, but you probably wouldn’t have even known I existed.”

“Are you kidding?” You stuck the tip of your tongue out between your teeth, examining him. “I would’ve jumped your bones so fast.”

“So fast, huh?” He chuckled, taking you by the hips. “What about now?”

He pulled you in and you hummed against his lips, trying not to get too horny right there in front of the guests.

Lucas and Max would be in town for a couple days, so you and Eddie made plans to meet up at the Velvet Hammer when you were off work on Tuesday. By the time the sun went down, all of the visitors were gone, and you were happy to head home as well after helping with some cleanup.

“Robin and I can take care of it,” Katie nudged you away from trying to wash out a casserole dish at the sink. “You get out of here and go rest. Make Eddie rub your feet or something.”

You both stopped what you were doing to look at each other.

The way you were searching your friend’s face made her turn to give you her full attention. In the background, you could hear Steve trying to convince Oliver to get his pajamas on and brush his teeth in a sing-song voice.

“I can’t believe how much has happened in these past few months,” you still had soap bubbles popping on your wet hands and you slid them absently along the thighs of your jeans.

Katie gave a thoughtful sniff. “I think about it a lot,” she mused. “About that night on the couch at our place when you first told me about the guy who picked you up in the tow truck, and then meeting the boys at The Hideout and then—”

She cringed and covered her face with a dish towel, remembering her “date” with Steve. “---it feels so surreal that Steve and I actually…well…I don’t want to think about it. It’s too weird.”

“But then you and Robin found each other again,” you offered, thinking back to that first barbecue at their house when Eddie had to take off suddenly for secretive Coffin Kings business.

It was on the tip of your tongue to tell your friend about the offer from John Gregson. Katie knew you better than most people and you could always trust her advice to be on the mark.

For some reason, you wanted to cry, just drop to your knees and start bawling right there on the kitchen floor. For no one reason just

Everything

Katie caught the way your jaw moved like you were just about to say something, but then Eddie’s hands were snaking around to hold your back flush to his chest. Your hair caught on his beard stubble when he leaned in, warm breath at your ear. “You ladies need any help in here?”

You closed your eyes; you were glad to have him there. Glad to be in his arms, glad to know, in your heart, that he would always try his best for you.

But you were the one keeping a secret.

Robin joined Katie at the sink and told you both to take a hike, lovingly.

Steve came into the kitchen after you were both gone and the engine of Eddie’s Chevelle could be heard thundering down the road.

The first thing he did was pick up the beige, wall-mounted phone and call Astrid. He stood there for a while with the receiver pressed to his ear and his other arm folded over his chest before he held the mouthpiece out in front of him and stared at it.

“She’s not answering,” he mumbled loud enough that the girls could hear.

“Maybe she’s at Wayne’s? Did you check there?” Robin offered; her hair worn up in a haphazard ponytail.

Steve checked the clock first to make sure he wasn’t bothering Uncle too late, but it was barely 8:30 and he was probably up in his recliner watching M*A*S*H reruns.

Wayne answered and they exchanged a few words, but then when Steve hung up again, he was quiet, contemplatively so.

“What did he say?” Robin asked impatiently, drying some silverware with a checkered towel.

Steve frowned. “He said she dropped him off almost two hours ago and told him she was going home.”

He tried her house one more time and, again, no answer. He let it ring five times but disconnected once her answering machine clicked on.

“Maybe she went to bed early,” Katie shrugged. “And turned the ringer off.”

Steve knew better; Astrid barely slept. Normally, not being able to get a hold of her would not phase him, but something about the way she’d been acting that night set an alarm off in his gut.

Outside, there was the sound like a firecracker bomb going off that shook the house. Robin yelped and Steve bolted to the window to yank the yellow curtain back to see where it had come from.

He got there just in time to see a streak of lightning crack the dark sky and a drizzle of rain hit the glass. “Oh shit, good thing Eddie came in the Chevelle,” the droplets turned into a downpour as he stood there.

“Looks like a hell of a storm is brewing.”

—----

Earlier that day, Charlene Gregson marched out of Murray Bauman’s office with her lawyer in tow. She wore her oversized sunglasses and no expression on her face as they went down in the elevator and exited into the austere lobby. She looked like a million bucks, which was probably the cost of all of the gold and diamond jewelry she had on.

Outside on the busy street, her personal chauffeur was waiting by the Towncar to open the door for her while her lawyer, a pit-bull of a man named Saul, got in on the other side to slide in next to her. Billy was out there waiting on his bike, to make sure no one bothered her on their way out. He flicked his cigarette to the ground and revved the engine, angling to fall in line behind the Towncar.

“You sure this is what you want?” Saul posed the question to her as he slammed his door shut. They’d just thrown a lot of money at Murray and had him sign official documents.

Charlene sounded annoyed. “It’s a bit late for that, isn’t it? The deal is done.”

He continued. “I suppose I’m still trying to wrap my head around why you would—”

“I don’t pay you to ask personal questions,” she sniffed. “Just make sure there’s a smooth transition. I don’t want to be having a cocktail on the beach and find out that you fumbled something, and I’m forced to fly back out here.”

The town car sailed into traffic and the two sat in silence for a few minutes until Charlene stared out the window at the passing buildings on their way back to the lake house.

“Have you ever been in love, Saul?”

He was confused by the question and tapped his foot a few times. “I can’t really say I have.”

After recent events, and everything that he’d been tasked to do in her name for the benefit of someone else made him wonder. “What about you?”

“Only once,” she pressed her red lips together, eyes unblinking behind her sunglasses. “And once will have to be enough.”

Saul assumed she meant her soon to be ex husband John, and so he left it at that.

—-------

In a matter of seconds, the rain was coming down in sheets and the windshield wipers on the Chevelle were flapping back and forth at supernova speed.

“We could go back to my apartment if you want,” Eddie turned the Faith No More song down on the radio so that he could be heard over the rain. “But your place is cozier, and I know both are fairly small but I’ve been wanting to talk to you about—”

“I think I want to stay at my place tonight,” you blurted it out, keeping your attention fixed on the dash, staring at nothing. “Alone, if that’s alright.”

You could see in your peripheral vision that he turned to look at you, and you offered a reflexive smile, shoulders hunched a bit as if you were trying to fold in on yourself.

He smoothed his palm around the steering wheel and tried not to let the sensitive side of him that had been abandoned his whole life jump to conclusions. Not everyone needed to sleep next to the person they loved every night; you wanting space was totally reasonable and had nothing to do with your feelings for him.

Right?

Just in case, he decided to make sure. “Was it something I said or? Cause if there’s an issue between us, you know you can talk to me.”

For some reason, his insistence to have healthy communication irritated you. Possibly because you knew he was right and you should put it all out on the table and talk to him, but you didn’t know how. Your brain had barely been able to process the offer from John, let alone put the whole thing into words.

“It’s nothing you did,” you said softly. “I just need time to think.”

Something about your tone and choice of words made his heart rate increase. “Think about what?”

“Just stuff Eddie, okay? I don’t want to talk about it right now!” You snapped at him, for the first time ever.

After everything with Erika and Charlene and Melanie and thinking he’d been cheating on you, you’d never lost your temper with him, and the two of you had never had a fight. As much as you knew that arguments and disagreements were a very normal part of intimate relationships, you still felt like shit the second the words came out with such vitriol.

There it was, Eddie’s biggest fear: you were pulling away from him.

He’d suffocated you just like he was prone to do. He was “too much”, and now you were getting sick of him.

For the next few minutes of the drive to your place, neither of you said a word.

You because you didn’t want to take your confusion and anxiety out on Eddie, and Eddie because he didn’t want to sound like a whiny, needy bitch and make things worse.

He parked up in your driveway to get you close to the door, but he kept the engine running to let you know he was honoring your wish to drop you off and let you be.

You took a deep breath and flipped the manual lock up with two fingers.

“Wait, let me—” he was about to get out and come around to hold his coat out for you so that you wouldn’t get wet, but you were too quick for him.

“I’ll be fine, goodnight.” you were soaked the second you stepped out, fumbling in the pocket of your bag to find your keys.

“I love you,” Eddie’s voice was barely loud enough to be heard over the weather.

“Love you too,” you said quickly, and then you were bolting for the house, wishing you’d left the porch light on.

Once you were inside, you clicked the deadbolt shut and watched the beam of Eddie’s headlights retreat.

This was ridiculous. You were being ridiculous.

There’s a beautiful man out there who treats you better than you’ve ever been treated in your whole life.

You threw your bag on the floor and undid the lock to jerk open the door again.

You stumbled out into the rain. “Eddie wait!”

But all you could see were his taillights as he pulled onto the main street and drifted away.

—------

Back at her house, Astrid let the phone ring.

At one point, she had her hand on it, ready to pick up, but then decided against it.

It was impossible for her to be fake with Steve, but she also wasn’t ready to be as forthcoming as she needed to be.

She stood at the table and looked at the paperwork from the doctor's office one more time before she made her way over to the couch and hugged a pillow to her chest to let the tears fall hot and heavy.

She had her eyes closed, so she didn’t notice the lights approaching in the driveway or hear Steve shouting her name from the sidewalk as he stood out in the rain.

He’d borrowed Robin’s car to ease his mind and make sure Astrid was okay. What if she had slipped and hit her head or something? What if she was there with another dude? Also, a possibility under their “don’t ask, don’t tell” relationship agreement.

The white t-shirt he had on was soaked through, making the tattoos underneath look like they were a design imprinted on the material that hugged his muscles.

He banged on the door with the side of his fist and shouted her name again.

By then, Astrid could hear him, but she stayed curled on the couch and waited in vain for him to give up and leave.

—--

Eddie scowled to himself as he parked the Chevelle in one of the garages and made his way across the parking lot and up the steps to his apartment, shaking his wet hair like a dog. He could hear a few of the guys partying in the clubhouse, and he thought about joining them, but realized his spirits were too low to be social. There was a punching bag in the back office where he normally did his workouts to burn off steam, but he wasn’t in the mood for that either.

He told himself he would check on you first thing in the morning, but then it occurred to him that you might not want to hear from him right away. He wanted to respect your wishes, your boundaries.

He didn’t want to smother you.

On the nightstand next to his phone was the card for the real estate agent he’d visited the day before. There was a room on the second floor of the Ferguson farmhouse with a view of the big backyard and he imagined setting some easels up to make it a place for you to paint. It had a big living room with a fireplace and a workshed in the barn. He wanted to talk to you about it, to ask if maybe you could see yourself living there. With him.

But now he wondered if things were moving too fast.

He crossed his arms over his body and took his shirt off in the bathroom mirror. He rubbed a hand down his stomach, noting the areas of skin that were not covered in inked designs. The fanged bat with wings spread wide on his chest, the dragon design on his bicep, the grim reaper on his forearm. A crude dagger made to look like it pierced his skin just under his rib cage that said, “true friends stab you in the front”. There were other bits of traditional biker flash scattered around that Steve had doodled on him over the past decade. On his other forearm was a memorial tattoo for his mother with her name, the year she died, and an angel statue with eyes that dripped blood, surrounded in roses and thorns, and the thorns came down over the back of his hand. It was done in a way so that the bats that had been inked there earlier were still visible.

He was barely 15 when another friend inked HELLFIRE on his knuckles. It was done with a homemade tattooing gun like the ones used in prison, and the letters had to be redone later because they were basically chicken scratches. One of the other earliest ones was the skull with a snake through it on his opposite bicep with his nickname “War Machine” underneath.

Some days, he wanted to get them all removed and start over.

Other days, he wanted to go balls to the wall like Steve and be inked from ear to foot.

He threw his soaked shirt in the hamper and was just about to grab a beer out of the small fridge near his desk to take into the shower with him—

but then there was a knock at the door.

At first, he thought it was one of the other Coffin Kings, trying to drag him down to get plastered with them, but then he noticed that the rapping of knuckles was soft, cautious even.

“Eddie?”

His head snapped around at the sound of the voice.

It was you.

—------

Steve held his finger on the doorbell, relentlessly. “Astrid, if you don’t answer the goddamn door, I’m gonna break it down! You know I will!”

Astrid wiped her face, flapping her hand to dry her eyes and cheeks to the best of her ability. She still had on the flowy, floral, maxi dress with an empire waist that she’d worn at the barbeque, and she wrapped a black shawl around her shoulders as she stomped begrudgingly to the door.

Just as she was about to reach up to unlock the safety chain, there was a loud thud from Steve’s foot slamming into the wood, vibrating the hinges.

“Steve stop!” She yelled, fussing with the second lock on the doorknob.

She yanked the door back and there he was: soaked to the bone.

There was only a short awning over her front steps, and so he was standing as close to the frame as possible while more thunder rumbled in the distance. His wet hair had flopped into his eyes, and he swiped it back with a twist of his head, spitting to the sidewalk as he did so.

His expression was one of anger at first, but then it melted into confusion when he could tell right away that she had been crying. “Why aren’t you answering your phone?”

“This is a bad time,” she stayed blocking the entrance, although the yearning in his eyes was actively testing her resolve.

“The hell it is?” He pushed. He shifted to see behind her, as if there was someone or something she was hiding. “You’re upset, I can tell. Let me in.”

“No.” That was her answer, but Steve wasn’t having it.

He stomped up onto the threshold, wet hair dripping onto her face as he closed in, bracing his hand on the door so that she couldn’t shut it. “Why don’t you want to see me?”

She tried to look everywhere but his face, but then his hand caught her chin and guided her eyes up to meet his.

“Talk to me,” he whispered from lips dotted in water droplets.

There was a tug of war going on in her heart, and in the end, Steve won. He always did.

She didn’t invite him in properly, she just turned on her heel and left the door open, knowing he would follow her into the living room.

His boots squeaked from all the moisture on her hardwood floors. He always liked to take his shoes off when he came to see her, but it was too late for that. He found her sitting on the couch in the dark, but he could only see the outline of her curly hair.

“Why are you sitting here without any lights on?” He reached down and flicked on a tiny wicker lamp that was on the nearby bookshelf.

“You ask a lot of questions,” she mumbled.

He pinched the front of his shirt to peel it from his body and flapped it a few times as if that would dry it out. “What did you want to talk to me about at the barbeque?”

“You’re soaking wet,” she got a good look at him in the light and suddenly felt bad that she’d made him wait out there.

“No kidding?” He snorted sarcastically.

“You left some of your clothes here last time. I folded them in the third drawer,” she hugged the pillow. “Get into something dry and then we can talk.”

He stripped down to his underwear right there in front of her, staring at her the entire time, as if he was worried she would bolt and try to hide from him. His patchwork of colorful tattoos was a jumble of loud expressions of his aggression and passion. In honor of his nickname Taz, he had several Tasmanian devils doing various things including riding a motorcycle and one on the back of his arm giving onlookers the middle finger. The ones on the front of his thighs were all self-done when he was just a kid, practicing his craft. When he was a teenager, he used to tease her and call her “Asteroid” and just above his knee was an asteroid with a fire tail crashing toward a heart-shaped earth. Besides the Seek and Destroy tattoo on the side of his throat, his skin was full of phrases, including the big “FTW” letters in an arc under his ribcage that stood for “Fuck the World”.

He went into her bedroom and brought out a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt with “Gary’s Plumbing” advertised on the front pocket. He dressed in front of her as well, keeping a relentless eye.

“You really are ridiculous, you know that?” She put her chin in her palm and waited patiently for the show to be over.

He flapped his arms out to his sides like a little kid waiting for approval on his outfit. “Okay, beautiful. I’m dry. Time to spill the beans.”

“Can you sit down, please?” Her heart flopped in her chest as she considered the words that were about to come out of her mouth and the effect, they would have on him.

In Steve’s experience, when someone asked you to sit down before they told you something, it was always their attempt to soften the blow of bad news. “Why can’t you just tell me now? You’re freaking me out, babe.”

“Steve,” She pleaded sternly. “Trust me, I need you to sit down for this.”

—------

Eddie barely had time to greet you before you were pushing by him to get into the studio apartment. You were hugging yourself, and anxiety had your stomach in knots.

“I need to talk to you about something,” you gushed.

Eddie stood at the door, keeping his back to you while he locked it. He was shirtless, dark hair dripping down the pale muscles that flexed under his flesh.

You looked around, trying to decide if you should sit or stand when your gaze landed on the painting you’d done for him after that first time you met. He had it displayed front and center, right above his desk on the main navy-blue wall, as if it were the most important piece in the room.

You were pacing when he turned toward you, the wheels in your mind spinning.

When he got closer, you stepped further away, but he caught your wrist. “Hey, why can’t you look at me? What’s going on?” His voice was sterner than he’d intended it to be.

“I can look at you,” you made yourself meet his stare to prove his point, but it was difficult. You felt like he could see right through you; all of your doubts, all of your fears and insecurities.

“Sit,” he directed you over to the end of the bed, facing the small sitting area with where there was a couch and a coffee table in front of an old Zenith tv.

Next to you, the mattress sank under his weight, but in your mind, you were somewhere else.

“So, is this it?” He released a heavy breath and started to play with one of the rings on his hand, pulling it up the finger and then pushing it back down to the knuckle.

“What do you mean?”

It was he who couldn’t look at you now. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“No!” You blurted it, eyebrows pinching together in frustration with the way you couldn’t get the words out. “That’s not…I didn’t mean…I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all.”

A rush of endorphins filled him with temporary relief while he waited for your next words.

You stretched your neck from side to side, swallowed hard, and then you told him.

You told him about John’s offer to run your own gallery in Chicago, the opportunity to have the artists loft you’d always dreamed of. You picked at a piece of skin on the side of your thumb as you talked.

“But I said I needed to talk to you about it first,” you added.

Eddie got to his feet and went over to look out the window over the garage parking lot. “Sounds like a pretty sweet deal,” he mumbled.

You weren’t breaking up with him, but you were, in fact, leaving him, which was much the same thing.

“Well, it’s complicated,” you said, watching as he went over to snatch his pack of smokes and lighter off of the coffee table.

“Doesn’t sound complicated to me,” the cigarette bobbed between his pinched lips as he talked, cupping his hand to light the end. “Sounds like you already know what your answer is.”

“I wouldn’t be talking to you about it if I’d already made my decision,” you countered. “I want to know what you think.”

“Well,” he scoffed, exhaling a sharp plume of smoke down his chin. His eyes were much darker now, almost black. “No one in their right mind would choose to stay in Hawkins, not with an opportunity like that on the table.”

He almost added, “no loser biker boyfriend is worth it,” but decided it was not the right time to be self-deprecating.

“But I like it here,” you mused. “More than I ever thought I would.”

“We’ll always be here, trust me,” he was trying to remain cool, but his exterior was cracking. “So, this John guy has been stalking you or something? Getting you to do this painting for him was one thing, but now he’s waiting for you at your job to get you to what? ----Move to Chicago to be closer to him?”.

The smoke came out his nose that time and the muscles in his throat tensed. He had a bad feeling about that guy before, but he wanted to respect your business ventures and give you space.

The change in Eddie’s demeanor made you wonder if that was the time for full transparency. In the end, you’d made a promise not to have any secrets from each other and you wanted to keep your word.

“There was mention of that, yes,” you said cautiously, nibbling at your lip.

“Mention of what, exactly?” Eddie scowled, cocking his head to the side.

“He said there were lots of places he wanted to take me to in the city,” you recited the words cautiously.

Eddie laughed and threw his head back; it was much more of a crazy, maniacal cackle. “Oh shit, maybe I should pay him a little visit? See if pretty boy wants to show me the city too.”

“Eddie.”

“What did you tell him?” He was fuming now, grinding his jaw as he stabbed the half-smoked cig into the ashtray.

“I didn’t tell him anything,” you repeated, but in a much louder voice. “I said I needed to talk to you, my boyfriend.”

“He knows you have a boyfriend, and he still pulled that shit?” Eddie bit the tip of his tongue between his teeth with a grimace. “That fucker needs to get rolled.”

“Eddie!”

“No, I’m serious,” he was yelling now, but more about the situation than at you. “I gave him a chance to be cool, to be a gentleman, and he fucked it up. I told you babe, dudes like that, with money, think they can take whatever they want. Well, he can’t have you, unless it’s over my dead fucking body.”

“Well, it’s my fucking choice, and I don’t want to be with him, I want to be with you, asshole,” You shot to your feet.

You’d realized something on your way over to his place and it was that you really did not want to leave Hawkins.

Every rational bone in your body told you to take the offer and run, but the other bones in your body, the not so rational ones, told you that you’d finally found your family and a place you belonged.

“Listen to me,” you grabbed him by the arm and made him turn, his hair flying over his shoulder. “I don’t want to take the job, okay? I want to stay here. With you.”

Eddie nostrils flared. It was taking all of his strength not to go out looking for that pencil pushing dweeb Gregson. But if he actually got his hands on him in the heat of the moment, he was afraid of what he would do.

“I’ll move with you,” Eddie wet his lips, a new idea flashing behind his eyes.

“With me? To Chicago?”

“Yeah, no, I could make it work. Hire another manager here, another tow truck driver. Come back and check in a couple times a month,” he walked by you as he talked, plucking at his lower lip with thumb and forefinger. “I could get a job at a garage in Chicago, easy. There’s even a King’s chapter there. I could get Bones to patch me in.”

“What about Wayne? And Oliver?”

“We’ll come back to visit,” Eddie nodded at the plan that was forming in his head. “Steve and Robin and the kid love Chicago. Maybe we can get a place with a spare bedroom for when they come up.”

“But what about—”

“I know this means a lot to you, this opportunity,” he cut you off. “I know I’m a dirty, biker asshole, but I’m not going to be the reason you give up on a dream.” He went over to the dresser drawers and pulled out a Pabst Blue Ribbon shirt to pull on over his head. The armholes were cut wide, and the collar was frayed.

“But what if I don’t want to live in Chicago?”

Eddie squinted like he hadn’t heard you correctly. “What now?”

You bit the inside of your cheek in contemplation. “I’ve been thinking that I don’t really care about that world anymore, the art world I mean.”

“You don’t want to paint anymore?” He appeared hurt by this notion.

“No, I do, I will always paint,” you corrected with a wave of your hand. “But the retail side of it, the snobby clientele, the stress, I’m not sure it makes me happy anymore. Not sure if it ever did.”

It was Eddie who took a seat that time, perching on the back of the sofa. You could tell he was trying to understand, but the information was coming at him a bit too fast.

“I don’t want to work at the Hammer for the rest of my life, either, but it’s okay for now,” you were working through the revelations as you spoke them aloud. “I have a friend who is starting her own greeting card company, and she wants me to do some artwork for her. Little by little, I can make a living while still doing what I love.”

Eddie’s thoughts drifted back to the farmhouse, and how much he felt like it fit the both of you.

“Are you telling me you chose Hawkins? Really?”

You went over to situate your hips between his knees and brushed his bangs off his forehead. “No, I’m saying I choose you, asshole,” a smile tugged the side of your mouth up. “Hawkins is a bonus, yes, but I will always choose you.”

Foreheads met then, and Eddie forced out a long-held breath from between tight lips. “I don’t want you to wake up one day and realize you made a mistake.”

“The only thing I regret is that I didn’t get to jump your bones in high school.”

He chuckled, repeating what he’d asked at the barbeque earlier. “Well, what about now?”

In the back of his mind he was thinking, “that John Gregson is still a dead man,” but he kept it to himself.

—----

Steve flopped down next to Astrid on the fluffy, tan sofa so violently it was as if he’d been thrown there by a force of nature. He scooted closer and pawed at her hand so that she would intertwine her fingers with his. He was reminded of all of those times as a teenager when he would get hurt on purpose just so she would patch him up. She was a couple years older and wanted nothing to do with him back then, but nevertheless he melted under the tender touch of her attention every time.

“I’m all ears,” he prodded eagerly when she did not speak right away.

Keeping Steve’s hand with hers, Astrid turned to face him and tucked her bare feet underneath her, adjusting the stretch length of her dress.

Steve watched the way her long hair fell across her neck and ample cleavage.

“Okay,” she cleared her throat. “What I need to tell you is—”

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, perpetually distracted.

“Steve?”

“Sorry, go ahead.”

Another big inhale and then: “These past few weeks, I could tell something was…off. I thought it was early menopause because I missed my period.”

Steve stared blankly, trying not to get turned on watching her lips move.

She let her gaze fall to their hands clasped on Steve’s knee, wondering if any of it was real, or if she was still dreaming.

“Is it cancer?” He dared to ask, squeezing her hand. “Because I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I’ll find the best doctor at gunpoint if I have to.”

“Steve!”

“What? You’re making me crazy! Tell me everything's okay?”

“I’m not dying, Steve.”

“Well then what is it? I’ve been going out of my mind and here you are—”

“I’m pregnant.”

His body had been moving, vibrating even, but it all came to a complete halt at that.

As if he’d been flash-frozen on the spot.

A mannequin of himself; mouth open, one eyebrow up.

He shook his head, confused. “Hold on, what? But I thought you said that you—”

She played with the hem of her shawl. “I was told it was impossible. I was told it would take a miracle.”

“Wait a minute, so—” he gulped and then leaned forward to search her face, one arm scooping behind her. Her eyes were glossy again, on the verge of another wellspring.

“Is it m-my…is it my baby?” He stammered.

She could only nod, chin quivering as more tears gathered at her lash line only to race down her cheeks once she blinked.

Steve lost it then too, sucking in air before he choked on his own emotions. He brought her hand to his chest and held it there. “My baby,” he gasped, eyes flooding. “You’re having my baby. We’re having a baby.”

“Yeah,” she hiccuped and sniffed. “You’re not upset?”

“Upset? Why would I be upset? How could you even think that?” He was deeply offended that she would question his reaction to something he’d wanted his whole life with her, specifically.

He was wiping her tears away with his thumbs as she spoke. “This is far from convenient, Steve. The way we both live our lives, we never planned for this. We barely have two pennies to rub together between us and—”

“Shhhh,” he kissed her nose and her eyelids and her mouth. “Money comes and goes, sweetheart. It doesn’t matter, nothing matters, but you and this baby. Our baby.”

Our baby. He couldn’t stop saying it.

He hadn’t known about Oliver until a few days before he was born, and he always felt robbed of all that time in the womb when he could’ve bonded with his son. Tina had been a three-day fling at a music festival, and he never had any intention of seeing her again. He’d been prepared to do the right thing though, to be a family even if it killed him, but then Tina just handed him a baby boy a week old and drove away, as if he knew what the fuck he was doing.

Robin had been in the car waiting for him when it happened. She saw him standing there in the street holding that screaming baby in a blanket and right then and there, a mother was born.

He put his hand on Astrid’s stomach, gently. “Can I feel it move yet? The baby?”

She laughed into her hand as she wiped her nose. “I’m barely seven weeks along, silly.”

He curled down like he always did when he put his head in her lap, but instead he placed his ear on her stomach, massaging her thigh with his hand. “I don’t think you can hear me, little one, but daddy has loved your mother his whole life and I love you very much.”

His next words were to Astrid; a murmur into the meat of her. “Will you let me love you now? The way I’ve always wanted to? Will you stay with me?”

She scratched her fingers through his hair, and then held his head there when his arms went around her waist. They stayed like that for a long while.

A bit later, in bed with her head on his chest, he was half asleep when she whispered: “You know that twins run in my family, right?”

—------

“A geriatric pregnancy,” Steve told you from across the bar when you were both back at work the next evening to the tune of Connection by Elastica.

You made a face while you put some limes and shots of tequila on your tray.

“That’s what they call it, I guess, when a woman is over 35,” he shrugged. “A geriatric pregnancy. So, I’m forcing her to take it easy.”

He was letting you and Shana in on the good news, and he’d been grinning from ear to ear for so long, his cheeks hurt. His gold incisor caught the red lights like it had a ruby in it. He’d even been smiling in his sleep, somehow, as Astrid noticed when she got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

“I’m so happy for you,” you mirrored his enthusiasm. “Does Eddie know? Wayne?”

“Not yet,” he made a loose fist and cracked his knuckles. “We wanted to tell Uncle together. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but I couldn’t wait,” he added sheepishly. “She knows I can’t keep a secret like that.”

“I’ll wait and let you give Eddie the news,” you told him. “I think he’d rather hear it from you.”

“Where is that War Machine?” Steve looked around, adjusting his sunglasses on his head. “I owe him a drink.”

“That’s a good question,” you glanced at the clock that was up by the wall-mounted tv. “He said he was going to stop by, but that was almost two hours ago.” It didn’t concern you too much because your boyfriend was a busy guy, and last-minute things were always popping up at the shop.

It was on your to-do list to call John on your break and let him know you were turning down his offer. The more you thought about it, the more you wondered if he’d planned to hire you on merit, or if he just wanted to get into your pants. When you thought about the possibility of the latter, it made your blood pressure spike.

You delivered a round of drinks to a table, and on your way back to the bar, there was a man in a suit coming through the door, holding a briefcase.

Steve gave him a nod when they made eye contact, but he didn’t ask to check his ID because the man had a graying hairline and was possibly mid-fifties at the least. He was fit though, and had a very confident demeanor about him. He looked like he was there to do business.

“My name is Saul,” he introduced himself to Steve with a handshake and Steve stood up from his stool to be eye level with him. “I’m looking for Steve Harrington.”

“You found him,” Steve rolled his neck, wondering what he could possibly want from him.

Saul gave a stiff smile that did not reach his eyes.

By then you were at the bar, acting like you were busy so that you could eavesdrop.

“What’s this about?” Steve pushed the sleeves of his flannel up to his elbows, exposing his tattoos.

“Well, it would behoove you to give me a moment of your time,” he moved one side of his suit jacket back to shove his hand in his pocket, rocking back on his heels.

“I have some business to discuss with you on behalf of Charlene Gregson.”

—------

John Gregson had no idea he was being followed.

He vaguely registered the sound of the loud pipes from the motorcycles rolling up to Margie’s diner, but he was having a late lunch with a business associate and didn’t pay much attention to it. He preferred white tablecloth lunch meetings, but in Hawkins there weren’t many choices. Their BLT was unbeatable though, as was the chocolate cream pie. He’d have to calculate them both into his low-carb diet and spend extra time at the gym in the morning.

He had his back to the door, making notes in his date book as the man across from him spoke over the sound of clattering dishes and silverware.

He felt the shadows pass over the table, but he figured it was a group on the way to sit at a booth further down.

But they came to a halt and loomed there, smelling of leather and tobacco.

John glanced over the top of his reading glasses at his companion first and saw that the color had drained from his face.

There were four members of the Coffin Kings glaring down at them.

Eddie frowned at the man with John and jerked his thumb to the side. “Get up,” he said. “Find somewhere else to be, I need to talk to your friend here.”

Devlin sank into the booth behind John while Van stood across the aisle flipping his butterfly knife, and Lucas stayed next to Eddie.

“Now, hold on just a—” John began to protest, about to get to his feet, but Lucas clapped a hand onto his shoulder and pushed him back down with calm, steady force.

His companion’s eyes darted from Eddie to John a few times before he gathered his things in a rush, tucking all of his papers under his arm, and shimmied past Van while holding his breath. It was clear he had no intention of going to wait at another table, he was down the row of booths and out the front door in a flash.

With a heavy sigh, Eddie sank into the seat across from John, wallet chain dragging on the vinyl as he settled in, stretching his arms wide along the back of the bench.

Lucas turned his back on the two but stood in the same spot, feet planted wide, hands in his pockets, blocking John from leaving.

With a resolute nod, John put his pen down. “Have we met? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure—”

“Cut the crap, man,” Eddie huffed with a lazy grin and hooded eyes. “You know exactly who I am.”

John took his glasses off and tucked them inside his jacket pocket. “Fair enough. How can I help you?”

Eddie plucked a pack of smokes out of the front pocket of his cut and motioned for Devlin to toss him a lighter.

“This is a no smoking section,” John reminded him, pointing to the sign on the wall with a red line through a cigarette.

Eddie stared at him as he lit the end and sucked in his cheeks until the cherry glowed orange.

He waited until after a generous exhale to speak, directing the smoke into John’s leftover pie.

“You see, John—can I call you John? I’ve been really…patient when it comes to this infatuation you have with my girl. More patient than you deserve, I think.”

John clicked his tongue. “Now, you misunderstand me, I—”

“I haven’t misunderstood shit,” Eddie scoffed a laugh.

The waitress came over, and John was sure she was going to tell him to put his cigarette out, but instead she just gave him the most flirtatious smile. “You want some coffee, hun? You hungry?”

Eddie finished taking another drag and winked at her. “Just coffee for me, darlin’,” and then he gestured to the other Coffin Kings. “Get these boys whatever they want and wrap it up to go. It’s on John’s tab.”

Once she was gone, Eddie continued. “Here’s what’s gonna happen, slick,” he reached over to tap the ash out on John’s plate. “Once she finishes this painting, you’re gonna to pay her more than what you initially offered, and then you’re never going to see her or talk to her ever again. Comprendo?”

John used the back of his fingers to push the plate a few inches away, dabbing the sides of his mouth with his napkin. “My offer for her to run my gallery in Chicago had no devious intentions, I assure you. I genuinely believe she is that talented.”

Eddie ground his teeth, jaw muscles bulging. “She’s beyond talented, you got that right, but she doesn’t want to work for you. You’re a creep. Throwing money and big promises around to get what you want. I know your type.”

“My type?”

“Has your wife ever mentioned me?” Eddie inquired, exhaling into John’s face.

He watched John visibly go rigid.

Rhonda set Eddie’s coffee cup on a saucer down in front of him with extra creamer and poured him a steaming cup.

John cleared his throat. “I think it would be in her best interest—”

“You don’t know what’s best for her,” Eddie bit. “Who are you, her fucking dad?”

He’d said it a bit too loud and a few people from other tables craned their necks to follow the sound.

Eddie leaned forward, whispering tensely. “I don’t think I have to tell you that I have friends in low places. People who will do what I say at the drop of a hat. You think you can hide behind your money? You’re wrong. The people who pump your gas and make your food and clean your bathroom? They’re all with me. You’ll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life. If you fuck with me on this, if you seek my girl out after I’ve told you not to? Well, then, I hope you like dentures sweetheart because I’m gonna pull your perfect, pearly teeth out one by one.”

By the time he was done, his hand had curled into a fist on the table. He spread the ringed fingers out wide and then made the fist again, making John look at it.

Eddie snubbed out his smoke in John’s pie with a sizzle and then settled back in his seat, relaxing his shoulders. He cocked an eyebrow up. “Are we good?”

John sat back as well. “We’re good,” he acknowledged stiffly, adjusting his suit jacket.

Eddie slapped the table and gave John a wink. “Well, this was fun,” he chuckled. “We should catch up more often.”

He took a quick gulp of his coffee and slid out of the booth.

He stopped to bend over and whisper, “don’t forget to tip well, slick,” in John’s ear on his way out.

—-------

By the time Eddie showed up at the Velvet Hammer, swatting away plumes of second-hand smoke as he went, everyone knew that Steve was going to be a dad again. Even the new customers who’d barely just walked in the door that evening.

Astrid had prepared for this.

One of the many complicated reasons she’d waited more than a week to tell him was because she’d known that, if he knew, he’d be announcing it to everyone he passed by on the street.

Steve jumped from his stool and hugged Eddie. “I’ve got great news, man,” he clapped Eddie a few times on the arm, over the thick leather jacket he had on.

Eddie had been on his way across the room to you when his friend stopped him, so the sudden affection took him off guard. “I like good news,” he caught your eye over Steve’s shoulder and smirked.

Steve let him know that he was going to be a dad again, which Eddie assumed would happen sooner than later, but he was surprised and delighted to know that Astrid was the mom. They both knew that she’d been told it would be nearly impossible for her to conceive.

Steve leaned in. “This proves it, man, I have a magic dick.”

“Sure you do,” Eddie scoffed, patting Steve on the cheek a few times. “Only took you 15 years.”

Before you could greet him, Eddie was already in front of you, pulling you flush to his body. He started to walk and you took backwards steps to stay with him. “Can you take your break right now?”

“I wasn’t going to for another hour but—”

“I need to talk to you,” he hushed.

“Um, okay, well,” you glanced over at Shana and she waved you off.

His mouth found yours the second you were obscured in the dark hallway. You figured he’d be escorting you out to the alley where you usually took your breaks with him so he could smoke, but this time, he pulled you into one of the two unisex bathrooms and locked it behind him. The bulbs inside were red, and it set an eerie, bloodwashed glow.

“This place sees a lot of action,” you mumbled into his kiss as he worked your skirt up so that he could take a handful of the meat of your ass. “I like to call it Steve’s Office.”

Before you knew what was happening, he was hoisting you up onto the sink counter with a grunt. Your thighs and bum were fully exposed now, covered in fishnet stockings, and one of his hands held your face while the other rubbed a knuckle over the heat between your legs. Your panties and stockings were preventing him from going further, but not for long.

You were about to protest, to say you had to get back to work, or to remind him how many women Steve had probably railed in that very spot, but

Fuck

And just when you softened with a shaky moan, he kissed a trail down your jaw and throat, with a few nibbles in between.

You whimpered, spreading your legs further apart, Doc Marten booted feet locking onto his thighs to keep him close.

“I have something..” smooch “...that I need…” smooch “...to ask you…” smooch

“Right now?” You palmed his hard length over his denim and then went to work at undoing his belt buckle. “We only have 10 minutes.”

He leaned back, letting his cherry bitten lips hover there at eye level. His bangs were getting too long, he needed a trim, and you brushed them to the side, off of his eyebrows.

“Do you want to move in with me?”

You blinked a few times. “Into your apartment?”

“No, no,” eager lips found your mouth again and his thumb rubbed circles over the taut nub of your nipple through your shirt. “The big farmhouse down on Marigold Road. I pointed it out once when we drove by.”

You stopped. “The old Ferguson place? Aren’t there people already living there?”

“Not anymore,” he could feel your arousal soaking through your underwear and he hissed, grinding his erection against your thigh. “I want to buy it. For us.”

In your desperation, you reached down and clawed at the section of black fishnet that was keeping him from you, ripping a little further down your thigh than you’d intended to.

Eddie kissed down the front of you on the way to his knees, and then your underwear was pulled to one side and his tongue was on your swollen clit, rolling in circles there.

You dug your fingers into his hair with one hand and supported yourself on the ledge with the other. He sucked a few times, and then his tongue went inside of you, and you bit your lip, squirming to try and repress a scream.

“That is a big step,” you gasped. “Moving in together.”

For the longest time, you couldn’t see yourself living with anyone other than a roommate ever again.

He hummed on your now soaked cunt and then kitten licked it a few times. “I’m ready. Are you?”

You didn’t respond at first because your eyes were rolling back in your head, so he popped off to get to his feet, his chin glistening. He spread your thighs further apart to make room for his hips and undid his zipper.

His pupils bloomed wide as he searched your lustful eyes, insecurities making his heart rate quicken. “Are you not ready? I mean, do you not want that? Is it too soo—”

But then you silenced him with your mouth, lapping up your juices from his chin, moving away a strand of his hair that had stuck there. “I want to see the inside. Could we go look at it together?”

“Yeah we can,” he pushed his boxers down and rubbed the tip of his leaking cock along your slit. “I’ll call the real estate dude in the morning.”

You clung to his neck, jaw going slack as he sank in. “I’ll have to check with Charlie.”

He chucked into the kiss at you mentioning your cat, and then he was stretching you out, easing his way in, aching to be one with you.

“Deeper…more,” you whimpered, and then you each let out a muffled cry when he filled you to the hilt, flush inside of your pulsing heat.

He rested his forehead on yours and began to work his hips, thrusting deep and retreating with a curl of his hips so that you could feel every vein, every ridge, but then you were clenching around him, and he sped up with a curse, a thumb working at your clit.

“This…fuck, I’m going to cum so hard inside of you,” he admitted with a huff. His belt buckle clinked against his zipper with every thrust. “You want that? You want all of me?”

“Fuck, Eddie, yes,” You whined, clinging to him as stars exploded behind your eyes.

His strong fingers dug into your flesh to hold your legs in place, and after a few more shaking pumps, he was spilling inside of you, each of you a moaning mess of “I love yous”, clawing at the other to be closer.

Someone banged on the door just as the two of you were catching your breath and Eddie was still inside of you.

“Get lost!” Eddie yelled, not caring if it was a customer.

“Are you two having a tea party in there? Cabbage Patch meeting perhaps?”

It was Steve, and then you could hear his ruckus laughter as he banged another few times just to be cheeky.

You adjusted your underwear back into place, and Eddie fastened his jeans before he helped you down off the counter. You pulled your skirt down and checked yourself in the mirror.

Yikes.

The rip down your inner thigh was painfully obvious. You wondered if shredding them in a few more places would make it more of “a look”, but then realized that the lighting in the Hammer was not great, and it wasn’t unheard of for someone to accidentally rip their stockings at work.

But what about when Eddie’s seed started to drip down your leg?

“You go,” you shooed him away as he stood there adjusting the collar of his jacket, waiting for you. “I need to pee.”

He was looking at himself in the mirror, rubbing lipstick off his cheek, but then he turned just before grabbing for the door. “If you don’t want to, you know, live together right away, I get it. But with Katie moving in with Robin and all, I figured—”

“You figured we could be roommates?”

He smirked, giving a bashful shrug. “A little more than that, maybe. Roommates with benefits.”

“Yeah?” You sank against his chest, forever helpless to his gravitational pull. “What kind of benefits?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” he rubbed the sides of your arms with his calloused hands. “I’ll make you pancakes.”

“You think you can make pancakes?”

“Baby, I've told you before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

—-------

“WAYNE!”

Uncle entered the Hammer and everyone screamed his name like he was Norm in an episode of Cheers.

It had been a while since he dropped by unannounced, and he looked better than ever.

Still much thinner than he had been the year before, and it was hard for him to catch his breath sometimes, but his eyes were bright, and he wore a soft smile more often than not.

Maybe the chemo was working? Maybe there was hope?

Devlin had been sitting on the stool at the bar next to Eddie, but Eddie was quick to tell him to take a hike when Wayne showed up.

“What did the doctor say?” He asked as his uncle straddled the stool and got comfortable. He was in a green and white plaid work shirt and had decided to leave his Coffin Kings leather at home.

Wayne gave a single nod and patted around for his smokes out of habit, even though he’d given it up when he started treatment. “Just heard Steve's gonna be a dad again. He better treat her right, that's all I can say." It was obvious he was damn near giddy at the thought, Eddie could see it in the way a smile kept tugging at the sides of his mouth. "I’m sick of talking about doctors and my goddamn condition. Want to forget about it for a night.”

Eddie respected that, and tapped the bar to order him one of those non-alcoholic beers that they kept cold specifically for Wayne and one other regular patron.

You barely had a chance to give Wayne a shoulder squeeze when Robin burst in through the door, frantically scanning the crowd. There was a dancer on the backstage, working her way down the poll, and Steve had gone over to remind a few rowdy customers to behave themselves. Robin rushed over and met him halfway, in front of the glowing jukebox.

He found no comfort in the way she looked like she’d been crying.

“What’s going on?” Felt like his heart literally stopped beating in his chest. “Are you okay?”

“The spare key,” she held her palm out. “You used it last time and now I’m locked out of the house.”

He felt around in his back pocket. “Where are your regular keys?”

She rolled her eyes, bouncing in frustration. “I lost them somewhere, okay? At work maybe, I’m not sure, but Oliver just threw a fit, I’m on my period, and we’re all just in a really bad mood and want to go home.”

“Alright, alright, here take my key,” he wrestled it off the metal ring to hand it to her. “Just remember to leave the back door unlocked for me. Is Oliver in the car?”

“No, he’s at Katie’s place with her, I needed to take a drive alone so that I could scream,” she snatched the key from him.

“Shit, you had me worried for a second.”

“Sorry,” admittedly, she felt like she was overreacting to something so small and fixable, but more likely her tears were from an accumulation of things. Once the panic spike subsided, her eyes landed on half of a white envelope peeking out of the pocket of his Coffin Kings leather, right above his TAZ insignia. She always teased him and said his official nickname should’ve been Dingus.

“What’s this?” It looked like it had some official lettering in the corner, and she plucked it out to look closer.

They made their way back to the front so he could keep an eye on the door, and she frowned at the name of a law office in the corner.

“I don’t know, I haven’t opened it yet,” he shrugged. “Some douchey lawyer brought it by, said it was from Charlene. It was busy when he came in, so he gave me that to read and told me to call him in the morning.”

“Fucking Charlene?” She balked. “What, is she suing you for not wanting to be her boyfriend?”

“I haven’t had time to open in, but it wouldn’t surprise me.”

A group of people came in, and two looked like they were 16, so Steve carded them.

Robin ripped the top of the envelope open. You stepped in front of her on your way to a table, and the two of you collided.

You said a quick apology and were about to ask if she wanted a drink, when Shana shouted across the bar to tell Robin the phone was for her.

“It’s your boss from the motel,” Shana continued, holding her hand over the bottom half of the receiver.

Robin gave a heavy, exasperated sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. “She’s going to ask me to work a double shift tomorrow, I just know it.”

She shoved the paperwork at you that she’d just unfolded, but not yet read. “Hold this for me? Be right back.”

“Oh—okay,” you had the paperwork pressed flat to your chest as you made your way over to stand at Eddie’s shoulder. He was talking to Wayne, but he reached back and squeezed your thigh in greeting.

You hadn’t meant to look, to eavesdrop on their private business.

But once glance was all it took

For you to be fully invested

Charlene’s name was the first thing to catch your eye

And then, The Velvet Hammer

You took a few long blinks, unsure if what you were looking at was real.

You mouthed a few of the words quietly just to make sure you were reading them correctly.

The way you froze made Eddie curious, and he turned his head to see what you were doing.

“What’s up babe? What is that?”

“It’s, uh—” you stammered. “It’s Steve’s. You’re never going to believe this, but um—”

“Can I see it?”

He tried to meet your eyes as he took it from you, but you couldn’t seem to look away from the words on the paper. Your mind was reeling.

Robin returned just as Eddie held the papers out in front of him, and she steadied herself with a hand on his back to read over his shoulder.

Steve meandered over; his curiosity officially piqued at what you were all huddled together about.

“What’s it say?” He had a smoke bobbing between his lips and his hands in his pockets. “Did I win the lottery or somethin’?”

He chuckled, but then you all turned to him in unison, unblinking, mouths agape.

“Yeah man,” a smile curled on Eddie’s lips. “Actually, you kinda did.”

—------

Charlene was on the plane to Hawaii when she read the newspaper article.

A glass of first-class champagne and a window to her right, an empty aisle seat to her left.

There he was, right on the front page of The Hawkins Post:

Steve.

In a bigger city, a business changing hands could fly under the radar, but in a small town, it was newsworthy when a local biker and bouncer becomes a business owner overnight.

A Cinderella story, the reporter called it.

The cover photo was of him out on the sidewalk, standing next to the red door entrance to the Velvet Hammer. Shana was in the photo with him, as were Robin, Jackie, Erika, and you.

Not pictured was Eddie Munson, whom the article mentioned Steve had chosen to take on as a partner.

The article talked about their plans for the Hammer, including bringing in a tattoo studio to the vacant storage space next door.

She ran her finger over his face on the newsprint.

It wasn’t until the end of the article that she got the wind knocked out of her:

“Steve and his longtime partner, Astrid Bautista, are expecting their first child together in the spring.”

She hadn’t expected that.

She had to look away and take a generous gulp of champagne.

Her eyes got a little wet and her vision blurred, but she read it again.

“Did you miss me?” Billy sank into the seat next to her with his sunglasses on and a white shirt unbuttoned almost to the waist of his jeans. He smiled around the pink gum he was chewing and craned his neck to see what she was reading, but she folded the paper hastily and turned it over.

She didn’t answer him, she just stared out the window over the clouds and tried to forget she ever felt a thing.

------

authors note: wow, we did it. This is my first fic series to finish ever 😭 If you've made it this far, you know how much this story and the characters have evolved since those first couple chapters. If this were an actual novel, I'd go back and make it all sync up, give it more continuity, and reveal nicknames like War Machine and Taz earlier in the game. But the cool thing about posting this way for a fandom is that you, the reader, are able to see in real time how the characters develop a mind of their own and take over the story in a way not even the writer can predict. In this case specifically, you can also see how I went from having no idea how to write a reader insert fic to becoming more and more comfortable with it.

I never had any intention of making Charlene a villain. She was literally based off of the wealthy woman in the Bruce Springsteen video for his song I'm on Fire. Just a gal who had a crush on her mechanic. Some of you voiced that you wished Charlene could get killed, or hurt somehow, and for those of you, you can trust that she is hurting. Knowing that Steve will be having a family with someone else is a deep wound.

I've had several requests for a separate biker Steve story with a new reader, and until two chapters ago, I fully intended to follow through on that. But the more I wrote him with Astrid, the more I felt it was wrong to keep them apart. If you are a fan of their love story, I highly recommend visiting THIS masterlist from @texasblues who created Astrid's character. But I do plan to bring a slightly different biker Steve back in a new au, stay tuned 🥰

This of course, is not the end. I plan to drop an epilogue on you all when you least expect it, and it will take place a year or two after the events here. If you are a friend of mine, you will laugh at this because whenever I say I'm going to write an epilogue, I never do. But this time I mean it.

I can't express in words how much your comments, asks, and messages about this story have meant, and will always mean to me. I was living through one of the darkest years of my life when I joined tumblr back in April and started writing this fic, and you all have held me together, whether you realize it or not. I love you and am deeply grateful for you all.

Taglist: @notsobubblybaby @unfocused81 @aysheashea @etherealglimmer@manicmagicmayhem @dream-a-little-nightmare@chaoticgood-munson @emxcast @rhirojo @bexreadstoomuch @micheledawn1975 @falling-solar-system@secretdryrose

@whatwedontdointheshadows @miarosso @seventhlevelofhell @corrodedcoffincumslut @lofaewrites @goldyghoul @chloe-6123 @kelsiegrin @chelebelletx @stylesxmunson @kurdtbean@dandelionnfluff @clincallyonline17 @tlclick73 @eddiemunson95 @sidthedollface2 @hideoutside @truffleshuffle12 @tenthmoon @texasblues@emilyslutface@mmunson86@onegirlmanytales@laylaloves-ed@dashingdeb16@eddiiiieeee @ick90 @dashingdeb16 @polyestermonster @trixyvixx @atomickaratel8dy @kiyastrf94 @allthingsjoeq @eddiesxangel @razzieth @corrodeddeadlydoll @erinekc @angietherose @sllooney @writinginthetwilight @moonbeamsandmayhem @brianamunson92 @joannamuns9n @bellalillyrose @alba8688 @chevelle724

#Eddie Munson #biker!eddie #biker!steve #I'm on Fire #final chapter #the ties that bind #Eddie Munson series #Eddie Munson fic #Spotify

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heavenlyraindrops · 5 months ago

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♱ Father Forgive Me (For I have Sinned) ~Chapter Twenty Six ~FINALE ♱

Lucifer Morningstar x Angel!Reader Fandom: Hazbin Hotel Chapter Twenty Six Warnings: profanity How to find the other chapters in my pinned post.

♱Where the purest soul in Heaven falls for the Devil♱

[Chapter Twenty Six]

“[name]! Dad!” Charlie adjusted her bow, as you and Lucifer appeared in the hotel lobby. You cleared your throat, smiling nervously as she approached.

“Charlie,” Lucifer said smoothly. He looked at you. “This is [name]. You’ve met.”

“Yes.” Charlie looked at you apologetically. “Look, I’m so sorry for what Alastor did. I don’t really know-“ she waved her hands around, “-the basics of the… situation, but I am sorry.”

“Whatever he did isn’t yours to apologize for,” you reassured her, and she smiled weakly.

“Yes, well…” Lucifer looked around, face expressionless. “Where is he, exactly?”

Charlie laughed nervously. “Dad…”

“I’m just asking.”

“Don’t do anything, please?”

He didn’t say anything.

“Look, Alastor is still useful to the hotel! And… you know how he is.” She looked at you. “I mean, how was he meant to know- I mean, he always does this, right? He likes to stir up drama.”

You frowned. She was making sense.

Alastor didn’t know of anything prior to your fall. He couldn’t have. All he saw was a frazzled girl to take advantage of and pit against his rival.

“This doesn’t mean you should forgive him,” Charlie said quickly. “It’s just, this hotel is about second chances. Consider this his second chance?”

“Redemption was his second chance,” you said stiffly, crossing your arms. Charlie looked dejected, but Lucifer cut in quickly.

“I won’t try and hurt him, Apple Pie.”

You both exchanged a look.

You went over to the couch, where Angel Dust was strewn out, his limbs draped over the sides as he scrolled on his phone. He looked up at you.

“Hey.” He sat up quickly. “[name].”

You gave him a wan smile, sitting down. “It’s been a while, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say that long.” He shuffled up the couch, drawing up his legs to make more space. “Sure does feel like a while, though.”

You hummed in agreement. “Say, where’s Alastor?”

Angel sat up straighter. “I betcha he’ll be out in a minute. Still sulking from that ass-kickin’ ya gave him.”

You both fell silent, and your phone pinged. You pulled it out to see Velvette’s number on your screen, a photo attached. You clicked on it.

A selfie, her lips pushed together in a pout. In the background, Valentino was screaming at a very fed-up looking Vox.

The caption read: he got cancer in his balls. u ok now? xoxo

A small laugh bubbled last your lips as you typed out your answer:

I’m fine now. Is that even possible with demons?

Her reply came immediately. idk. i dont think it’ll kill him tho :( he’ll prob just live w it forever. glad ur ok babes

“Angel,” you said, straightening up. He looked at you expectantly. “Valentino has testicular cancer.”

His lips stretched into a grin. “Seriously? Like, cancer in his dick?”

You snorted. “Yeah.”

You both burst into a fit of laughter, so much so that you didn’t notice when a static buzzing filled the air. You froze, looking up.

“Alastor,” Angel said flatly.

Alastor smiled, although it was shaky, upon seeing you. “[name]!” He laughed, taking a sudden step back as you stood up, clenching your fists. Your nails cut into your palms. “What a pleasant surprise. I’m glad you’re alright after that unnecessary scuffle outside.”

“You…” your lip curled. “I’m gonna fucking kill you.”

You vaguely registered Charlie shouting desperately: “[name], no!” As you lunged towards him, forcing him down, hands closing around his neck.

“You never fixed the window,” you remarked.

Lucifer looked at you, fondness still written all over his features as you picked your way around the empty room, careful not to step on any glass pieces. “It’s just the same,” you murmured. “This room.”

He stepped towards you, slipping his hand around your waist. “It is.”

It had been a week since you’d both left the hotel, no explanation given to any of the residents, instead replaced with an open, rather violent altercation with Alastor in the lobby. Charlie was certain Alastor had made a mistake, in his lust for “entertainment”, and hadn’t known the gravity of the situation. She was certain that he deserved a second chance.

Despite all this, you’d still given him a beating that would keep him battered for at least a week. And on his toes around you for the rest of his afterlife.

The light from the city filtered in, glinting off of the jagged remnants of the window pane, and bathed you and Lucifer both in red light.

He turned to you. “[name].” You looked at him.

He sank down to one knee.

You stumbled back, hands flying to your mouth. “L-luci…”

“[name], me and you… we’ve known each other for so long. There’s been ups and downs- a lot of downs-“

You could feel tears springing to your eyes.

“But in the end, we’re still together.” He took in a deep breath. “Sometimes I was worried that it wasn’t meant to be- we were too far apart, too many bad things were happening to you, just because you were with me, but now…”

He pulled out a small box.

“I know that’s wrong.”

A small golden ring glinted in the red light.

“[name], will you marry me?”

You stared at him in shock, knees going weak. “Yes. Oh my- yes!”

He laughed, exhilarated and relieved as he stood up again to sweep you up in an embrace. You buried your face in his shoulder. “I love you,” he murmured against your skin. You pulled away, tears now freely streaking down your face as you looked at him.

“I love you too,” you replied, and he took your hand, sliding the ring on. It fit perfectly.

He grasped both your hands in his, looking at you, eyes brimming with adoration. You leaned over, pressing your lips against his.

He let out a surprised noise, hands snaking around your waist as you cupped his cheek, both your lips moving together. You kissed him until you couldn’t breathe, until you pulled away, panting slightly.

“I love you,” he repeated, as if saying it once wasn’t enough. You gave him a tearstained smile.

“I love you too.”

-end-

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prettyshon10 · 1 year ago

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Major shoutout to the voice actors, because that scream Armin let out after he got his memories back…

#attack on titan #final chapter #aot #shingeki no kyojin #eren yeager #armin arlert #season 4

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chiqelatasblog · 6 months ago

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In the Middle of the Night 🌙

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Part Five is here.

Pairings : Bi-Han/Sub-Zere x Reader, Kuai Liang/Scorpion x Reader, Tomas Vrbada/Smoke x Reader

Author’s Note : Hi guys! Sorry for the wait (again). I didn’t like how this chapter was going, so I changed and restarted writing halfway through. That’s why it took so long to finish. (It’s also my first time writing intimate scenes with four people at once.) I’m proud of this chapter. Thank you for your support and kind words! Hope you enjoy this chapter. 💕

FINAL CHAPTER : (READER)

Life after death never seemed so… chilly, a little bit cold but not enough to be uncomfortable.

And hard.

As you slowly and softly emerged from the darkness, the first sensation you noticed was the coolness touching your skin. You could tell you were in contact with something hard, but your body was so heavy and full of pain that opening your eyes seemed impossible. As you tried to make sense of your surroundings, a vaguely familiar smell reached your nostrils, out of place with the darkness you had just left.

It was the scent of fresh snow on a cold winter day.

Bi-Han.

As you struggled for clarity of your thoughts, everything became more confused. Why was Bi-Han here? Your heart fluttered nervously, barely mustering the strength to open your eyes against the throbbing ache that gripped your body. Gradually, as consciousness began to seep back in, a soft, yellow light danced at the edges of your vision. With furrowed brows, a feeble moan escaped your dry, cracked lips, the pain a stark reminder of your ordeal.

"Shh, you're not fully recovered yet, àirén," Bi-Han’s deep voice came from right where your head was resting. It took you a few long seconds to realize you were lying on his chest. You could feel the weight of the covers laid over you to keep you warm. You couldn’t understand what was going on; your vision was still blurry, and everything seemed like a big blur of colors and lights. If you were fully conscious, you would probably start to panic, thinking you had done something wrong and hadn’t lifted the curse at all. But all you could do now was try to keep your eyes open, which caused you pain even with the slightest effort.

“Keep sleeping, your body needs it.” Feeling Bi-Han’s cool hand on the top of your head, stroking your hair, made you feel safe and calmed the ball of panic and anxiety that was waiting for an opportunity to rise. “I am here, àirén. I will never let any harm come to you. Go to sleep now.” Bi-Han kissed the top of your head, his voice sounding softer and more protective than you’ve ever heard before, was all you needed to close your eyes.

Although you wanted to ask him where Kuai Liang and Tomas were, if they were safe, and what was going on, the questions left your mind one by one as you drifted back into the darkness. Your breathing became heavy, and you fell asleep again, your body relaxing under the steady beat of Bi-Han’s heart.

***

When you managed to open your eyes for the second time, it was evening. Colors and shapes became clearer, and as you looked up at the familiar ceiling, you realized you were in your bedroom. Darkness enveloped the room, with the soft yellow light from the bedside lamp providing the only illumination.

Your body still felt heavy, and you were in pain, although not as intense as before. Nonetheless, fatigue weighed heavily on you, and the ache seemed to penetrate your bones, making you feel ancient beyond your years. As you shifted slightly, you felt the weight resting on your waist and the warmth it emanated. This body felt so warm, without any covering, enveloping you in its comforting embrace. You knew immediately who he was.

Kuai Liang.

As you murmured his name with numb lips, unaware, his powerful body behind you shifted. His arm around your waist reacted instinctively to your voice, pulling you closer to him, and you felt his warm breath on your neck.

“You should get some more sleep, tiánxīn. There’s a little more for you to heal,” he said.

Heal? When you attempted to turn towards Kuai Liang to see his face, he anticipated your movement and assisted you. Despite the slightest motion, your body rebelled, eliciting a moan as Kuai Liang planted a kiss on your forehead.

“I know, tiánxīn, I know. You’ll be fine, everything will be fine,” he reassured you, his voice warm and protective.

As you managed to tilt your head back slightly to gaze at Kuai Liang’s face, even in the dim light from the lamp, you could discern the expression on his face. His handsome features were marked by strong lines, and his eyes held tender, soft emotions, melting your heart as he silently watched over you. It was as if he couldn’t bear to look away. Yet, beneath the tenderness, you noticed dark circles under his eyes and other details that had escaped your initial notice. Besides the fatigue evident in Kuai Liang’s appearance, stress lines marred his features, accentuated by the deep scar between his eyebrows and the tension visible from clenching his jaw.

Your lips parted to speak, but exhaustion weighed heavily upon you. Your tongue felt heavy, your mouth dry, and even moving your lips left you incredibly tired. Kuai Liang noticed your silent struggles and placed a loving, soothing kiss on your lips.

"We'll talk when you're better, I promise," he whispered, drawing you closer until there was barely any space between you, his chin resting on the top of your head, enveloping you in his protective embrace.

As warmth and the scent of summer evenings filled your senses, a profound feeling of peace washed over you, and within seconds, you surrendered yourself to the arms of sleep.

***

When you woke up for the third time, soft fur tickled your nose, accompanied by the sweet sound of purring filling your ears. Blinking against the weight on your chest, you realized it was none other than Ninja, positioning herself snugly under your chin, her tiny paws massaging your chest as she rubbed against you.

"Ninja, what did we talk about? You're not supposed to bother her until she's better," came Tomas' familiar voice, his large form filling your field of vision. In an instant, a myriad of emotions flickered across the silver-haired assassin's face, too quick for you to decipher. Tomas stood there, his pallor nearly ashen, resembling illness. His eyes, red as if filled with blood, were sunken, encircled by dark circles contrasting with his pale complexion. You couldn't help but notice the way his clothes hung loosely on him, indicating weight loss. It pained you to see him like this, prompting questions about how long you'd been confined to bed and how long Tomas had been in this state. If he looked like this, what about Kuai Liang and Bi-Han?

"Tomas, what's going on?" Your voice emerged dry and hoarse, scratching at your ears. With a controlled expression, Tomas gently lifted Ninja and placed her on her paws. Then, he helped you sit up, propping you up with your elbows, and handed you a glass of water from the nearby jug. Though you managed to grasp the glass, a dull ache lingered throughout your body, a throbbing sensation that made its presence known. Consequently, your grip was shaky and weak, easily noticed by Tomas. He sat beside you, placing his hand over yours, assisting you as you drank. The water soothed your dry throat like balm, prompting Tomas to break his silence.

"I'm so angry with you for what you've done."

The tone of Tomas' voice was starkly different from what you were accustomed to. It was stiff, cold, and tinged with a hint of snarl. Yet, when you met his gaze, his expression betrayed his true feelings. Despite the furrowed brows and the anger simmering beneath the surface, his light gray eyes reflected a profound sense of resentment.

"I... I can't understand what's going on," Your gaze shifted from Tomas to your hands resting on your lap. There, you noticed the scar on your left hand, a reminder of the methods you tried to lift the curse weeks ago. As your fingers traced the wound, questions poured from your lips, each one tinged with uncertainty. “Hasn’t the curse lifted? Did I fail? Is that why I’m alive?”

A sound akin to a wounded animal escaped Tomas' throat as he enveloped you in his embrace with a speed you couldn't comprehend, planting a kiss on the top of your head and burying his nose in your hair. You weren't sure how long you had been confined to this bed, but judging by Tomas' condition, it had been quite some time, and you were certain you didn't smell pleasant. Yet, Tomas seemed unfazed by it all.

"Don't you ever, ever try anything like that again."

"Tomas-"

"Let me finish," Tomas interjected, cupping your face in his palms. His thumbs stroked your cheeks tenderly and carefully, as if he feared you would shatter at the slightest pressure. His gray eyes, bright as the full moon, bore into yours with such profound love that it made you tremble inside. Tears welled in your eyes at the intensity of emotion reflected in his gaze.

"The curse has been lifted. Lord Liu Kang will provide the necessary explanation, but I can tell you that if it weren't for him... right now... you..." Tomas' voice faltered, his jaw clenched so tightly you feared he might break his teeth. "Your heart had stopped. There was so much blood, and you weren't moving, you weren't breathing..."

"Tomas, my love, look at me, shh," you interrupted gently. You kissed Tomas first on the lips and then on both cheeks, desperate to reassure him that you were here, safe in his arms. The details of your return to life were irrelevant at this moment; what mattered most was calming Tomas. You knew the depths of his despair, having lost his family, and the mere thought of him experiencing such despair and fear again drained the color from your face. “I’m here, I’m with you.”

A small, wet laugh escaped Tomas' lips, but it carried no joy, only pain and grief. "Look at me, when I should be the one calming you down, you're doing this," Tomas said, taking hold of your wrists with both hands. He kissed your palms in turn before pressing your hands to his face, inhaling your scent deeply. His actions betrayed a desperation to reassure himself of your existence, as if he needed constant confirmation that you were truly alive.

"Don't ever do that again. We can't bear to lose you. Neither I nor my brothers are strong enough to survive such a loss. You mean more to us than anything," he pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but if I ever have to make that choice again, just know that I'll do it without hesitation," you responded. Tomas' brows furrowed deeply, his mouth poised to object, but you gently silenced him by placing your fingers on his lips. "You mean the world to me as well, my love. I would gladly give my life for you. I only wish you hadn't witnessed that moment. I didn't want you to see it. For that, I'm sorry."

Tomas swallowed hard, bowing his head and closing his eyes as he pressed his forehead to yours.

"You're a selfless, sweet woman... I don't know what we've done to deserve you, but I thank fate," he murmured.

***

Exactly half an hour after regaining consciousness, you expressed a desire to take a shower first, despite feeling incredibly hungry. According to Tomas, you had been asleep for a week. It had become more of a necessity than a mere desire to rid yourself of the fatigue and grime, to reorient yourself a little. Your body still felt uncoordinated, as if your limbs didn't quite belong to you, and moving them as you wished proved challenging for more than a few minutes. Nonetheless, somehow, you managed to take a shower, albeit a brief one.

Once dressed, you leaned against the bathroom door, trying to catch your breath, drained from expending all your energy. As the towel you had loosely tied around your hair fell onto your shoulders, you squeezed your eyes shut, waiting for the dizziness to pass. You prayed silently that your legs would carry you to the living room, despite their violent trembling and the growing weakness that made it difficult for them to support your weight.

When you heard your name being called, you opened your eyes to see Bi-Han at the end of the corridor. With a few swift steps, he reached you and effortlessly lifted you into his arms, preventing you from falling.

"Why didn't you call us?" he asked, his voice laced with concern, as you rested your head on his shoulder.

"I was trying to manage on my own," you murmured softly.

A sarcastic grunt escaped Bi-Han, indicating his disagreement. "You look like you could faint at any moment."

You had no rebuttal to offer. You were exhausted, hungry, and, most importantly, you had returned from the brink of death. So you remained silent, relishing the comfort of being held in Bi-Han's arms. It felt miraculous to once again discern his scent, feel the coolness of his touch, and hear his deep voice, which never failed to make your heart flutter. In a way, that was all that mattered. Even though you were aware of everything happening around you, your brain still struggled to comprehend the fact that you had defied death and returned, unable to fit it into a logical framework.

Despite Liu Kang's best efforts, the sensation of the knife piercing your flesh, the warmth of the blood, and the searing pain that coursed through your body lingered in your memory. After experiencing it all, the mere act of breathing and moving felt like a surreal dream.

"I wanted to stay angry with you," Bi-Han said, pulling you from your reverie. Though his usual biting, harsh tone, it now held a hoarse quality, revealing a truth he seemed reluctant to admit. Even as you attempted to gauge his expression by turning your head, Bi-Han’s steely gaze remained fixed ahead. “If it weren’t for Liu Kang-”

"Tomas mentioned it," you interjected gently, not allowing him to finish his sentence.

"How could you risk your life like that? Did you think we would simply resume our lives as if nothing had happened?"

"I couldn't bear to see you return to that cursed life. You can ask me for anything, Bi-Han, but not that. I couldn't let you go back to that existence. If it had happened, do you think I could have lived happily?" The mere thought choked your throat and brought tears to your eyes. "I couldn't. Please don't be angry with me."

"I'm not, anyway," Bi-Han replied, taking a sharp breath. "When it comes to you... fuck." His gaze shifted from the living room to you. Despite his tightly clenched jaw, furrowed brows, and attempt to maintain a poker face, you could discern the faint pinkness that tinted his otherwise pale cheeks. "Do you even realize what you've done to me, àirén?"

"Àirén?"

Instead of answering, Bi-Han settled into one of the seats without releasing you from his lap. Moments later, Kuai Liang emerged from the kitchen with a tray in hand and joined you. When you glanced curiously at the contents, the pyromancer smiled and took a seat beside you.

"I've made some soup and bread. It'll be good for your stomach."

Your eyes widened in surprise. "You can make bread?"

"He's quite the bread maker," Tomas chimed in, joining the conversation as he entered the room with Ninja nestled on his left shoulder. "When Madame Bo first taught him how to bake bread, he became completely absorbed in it for several months. Despite his fast metabolism, he consumed so much bread that I recall our trainers, especially our father, complaining that he was starting to gain weight and slow down." Tomas chuckled, eliciting a small smirk from Kuai Liang.

"You can't blame me when Madame Bo's recipes are just too delicious. Even Bi-Han couldn't resist the ones with sun-dried tomatoes."

Bi-Han responded with a small grunt, prompting you to inquire curiously, "Who is Madame Bo? I don't think I've heard you mention her before."

"She was one of our former clan members. For a brief period when we were children, she served as our instructor," Bi-Han explained from behind you. His deep voice, coupled with the fact that you were leaning against him, sent shivers down your spine. "She excelled not only in fine dining but also in combat. As she grew older, she chose to leave the clan. Now, she runs her own restaurant in Fengjian, keeping herself busy."

"We definitely need to take you there! I'm sure you'll love her food," Tomas exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Madame Bo will adore you as well," Kuai Liang added, echoing Tomas' sentiment. "Now, come on, start drinking before the soup gets cold."

As Kuai Liang dipped a spoon into the steaming soup and brought it to your lips, your cheeks flushed, and your voice came out feeble.

"Kuai, I can drink it myself."

"You've just returned from the brink of death," Kuai Liang replied softly, yet his tone carried a firmness that brooked no argument. "You're still in the midst of the healing process. Let me help you. You've already exerted yourself enough while showering."

"I'm not too weak to drink soup," you protested again. However, no one took your objections seriously, and you had to drink from the spoon that Kuai Liang offered you, feeling your cheeks grow hotter and hotter. After a few moments, you came to the realization that the situation wasn’t as embarrassing as you initially thought; in fact, it was rather pleasant. The fact that these three men, each possessing frighteningly powerful and deadly abilities, were caring for you in this way made you feel extremely valued, special, and protected. It was impossible not to be swept up in this feeling.

The rich taste of the vegetable soup calmed your stomach, easing away any lingering nausea, while the sourdough bread infused with soft olives and thyme proved to be the most delicious bread you had ever tasted.

"This is the best bread I've ever had, Kuai Liang! You must teach me how to make it," you exclaimed, eliciting a chuckle from Kuai Liang. Grasping one of the hands resting on your lap, he placed a kiss on your fingers. "I'm glad you enjoy it," he replied, returning your smile as you tenderly stroked his cheek with your hand.

After finishing the soup in no time, the front door opened, and Sektor and Lord Liu Kang entered. As you cleared your throat and made a move to get up from Bi-Han's lap, he tightened his grip, preventing you from moving.

"Bi-Han, let me get up. Lord Liu Kang is here," you insisted, turning to him with a huff.

"Yes, I can see that,"

"How am I supposed to make eye contact and talk to him and Sektor while sitting on your lap? Bi-Han, please—"

"There's no need for that," Liu Kang's calm voice gently interrupted, filling the room. You turned your attention to him and Sektor, who stood beside him, both wearing understanding expressions. "It's quite understandable that they want to be as close to you as possible after what happened."

Your lips parted to respond, but before you could, Ninja wriggled free from Tomas's grip, darted towards you with a stressed meow, and leaped onto your lap, curling into a ball and burying her head. Sensing the kitten's trembling, your brow furrowed with concern, and you immediately began stroking her small, black fur in an attempt to soothe her. Your eyes scanned her carefully, searching for any signs of distress.

"Sweet girl, what's the matter? What happened all of a sudden?" you murmured softly.

"She's afraid of Lord Liu Kang," Tomas explained, addressing your question. "I think recent events have left her a bit traumatized."

"Oh, innocent baby," you cooed, continuing to stroke the trembling kitten in your lap. Liu Kang chose to remain in the middle of the room, as if to avoid further distressing the poor animal. An somewhat embarrassed expression flickered in his unusually bright eyes. As Ninja realized that the Fire God wasn't approaching, she relaxed slightly, though she remained pressed against you, clearly unwilling to move anytime soon.

As the kitten's tremors subsided, you turned your attention to the duo standing at a distance. After exchanging a brief nod with Sektor, your gaze settled on Liu Kang.

"Lord Liu Kang, why did you bring me back to life? I thought you couldn't interfere in such matters."

"That's correct. But occasionally, there are rare opportunities in life where I can grant people a second chance for compelling reasons. Your sacrifice due to dark magic was one such instance," Liu Kang explained carefully, his gaze unwavering on you. A warm, kind expression softened his strong features. "Your selfless sacrifice had a profound impact on the fabric of existence. Without the curse, none of this would have occurred. This provided me with a unique opportunity to intervene."

As Liu Kang continued speaking, you slowly stood up, carefully depositing Ninja into Bi-Han's lap, while attempting to muffle her protesting meows behind your back. Bi-Han let you leave his arms this time, making no move to hold you back.

"In return for your courage and compassion, I have bestowed upon you the flame of life. Thus, you are now under my protection and supervision, as well as that of the Lin Kuei," Liu Kang declared.

"I-I, uh-I don't know what to say, Lord Liu Kang," you faltered. The news of being under the special protection of a god was certainly unexpected. Hoping that what you did would not be perceived as disrespectful, you closed the distance between you and God in a snap and responded decently with a hug that showed your gratitude. "I don’t know how to express my gratitude, but thank you very much."

You could sense Liu Kang's surprise through the slight stiffening of his body. Though he was the God of Fire, his body felt strangely cool, though not as cool as Bi-Han's, and a distinct scent emanated from him. It was a scent that sent shivers down your spine, an otherworldly fragrance that seemed to hint at the presence of magic. It was a blend of raw, harsh wilderness and the smell of freshly extinguished ashes.

After returning the hug with equal kindness, the two of you stepped back. The Fire God placed his hands on your shoulders in a friendly gesture, a small smile gracing his face. "There's no need to thank me. I simply did what was necessary. Your sacrifice could not go unrewarded in the face of Quan Chi's curse. If anything, I should be thanking you," he replied.

"I would also like to express my gratitude," Sektor spoke up, taking a step forward and approaching you softly. As Liu Kang withdrew his hands, you turned your head towards Sektor. He made a fist with one hand and placed it over his heart in a gesture you had not seen before, then bowed deeply, bending his body almost halfway down.

"You have brought our clan back to us. As Lord Liu Kang said, even though you are under Lin Kuei's protection, I would like to offer my services to you as a token of our gratitude on behalf of myself and Lin Kuei," Sektor expressed.

Once again, you were silent for a few seconds, unsure of what to say. Then, to avoid stuttering, you cleared your throat slightly and touched Sektor's shoulder with one hand. "Please raise your head, Sektor. I appreciate your sincere words, but you don't need to offer me your service or anything as a token of your gratitude. There's no need for any of this," you said, turning your gaze from him to the trio, who had been quietly observing everything transpire behind you. Bi-Han wore a small, ghostly smile, while Kuai Liang and Tomas were clearly beaming with pride.

Though Sektor complied and lifted his head, his expression betrayed a hint of displeasure at your words. "There must be something I can do for you," he insisted.

"Well... we can be friends? I guess... I don't know if that's allowed in a clan that trains assassins, but—"

"You are a part of us now," Kuai Liang interjected, putting an end to any further debate. Rising from his seat, he quickly approached you with wide steps and planted a kiss on your temple, instantly filling you with peace. Despite standing near someone as powerful as the Fire God and possessing abilities that defied logic, being beside Kuai Liang, Bi-Han, or Tomas made you feel safer and more at ease. "Our home is your home too."

"I would be honored by that," Sektor agreed, right afer Kuai Liang. With a smile that stretched wide enough to make your cheeks ache, you felt a profound sense of happiness fill your heart.

***

It took you about three days to fully recover. Now, you could comfortably move around without needing to hold onto anything or anyone. Your body was completely free of pain, leaving behind three cut scars that stretched from your stomach to your heart. They stood out as old scars, paler than your skin color, as if years had passed since they were inflicted. Though the scars didn't bother you, each time one of the three men saw them, their expressions darkened, evident of the pain it caused them. To spare them this discomfort, you usually opted to wear clothes that concealed the scars.

Liu Kang had already left three days ago after bidding farewell to everyone. Sektor, on the other hand, had returned to China the day after that to make the necessary preparations in the clan. You didn’t know when Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas would return, but you were sure that the time was near. Although you really wanted to go with them, they had been away from their clan and hometown for ten years, and although Sektor expressed that he had managed the clan as best he could during their absence, you were sure that they would have a lot of work to do and take care of when they returned. For now, you didn't want to be in their way while they sorted everything out.

Moreover, you had received a positive response from a job interview and were awaiting the second session and the review of your demo, marking the first step towards your dream. You refused to let the thought of being apart from them dampen your spirits. You had faith that everything would work out somehow. The worst was behind you, and the future no longer seemed as daunting. You could face it with hope.

"You have to knead it well, like this," Kuai Liang instructed, guiding your hands as he demonstrated bread kneading. His warm breath tickled your ear as his broad hands enveloped yours. Pinned between him and the counter, you struggled to maintain focus amidst the sensory overload of his presence—his powerful body, warmth, sound, scent—making it a miracle you managed to concentrate on this moment at all.

With the lifting of the curse, it had now transformed from a relentless, tormenting fire into a gentle whip that ignited your desire. As much as it felt great to revel in the details without the pain and intense pressure that once invaded your mind, you found yourself craving more. Yet, you were also afraid to cross that bridge because of their past. You didn’t want to do anything that might trigger them or that they wouldn’t like.

‘’I doubt she’s paying attention to what you’re saying, brother,’’ Tomas teased from the other side of the counter, his voice laced with amusement.

‘’She seem to have something else on her mind besides bread,’’ Bi-Han said, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. Caught in your momentary embarrassment, you shifted in place, aware of Kuai Liang’s knowing chuckle.

‘’I’m aware.’’ The pyromancer gently guiding you as you placed the bread in the container and covered it to let it rest for a couple of hours.

‘’So, you were teasing me, were you?’’ You quipped, turning to face Kuai Liang.

‘’Not entirely,’’ Kuai Liang chuckled, turning you to meet his gaze. ‘’Okay, maybe a little.’’

‘’The expression on your face says otherwise, Kuai,’’

‘’I enjoy the effect I have on you,’’ Kuai Liang confessed with his usual honesty. ‘’You can’t blame me for enjoying that—‘’

Before he could finish his sentence, you acted on impulse, rising on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his lips. In an instant, his lips parted, his tongue delving into your mouth, deepening the kiss into something passionate and fervent. Excitement coursed through you, as if your body had awakened anew, blooming like a flower receiving water.

The bronze-skinned assassin effortlessly lifted you, placing you on the counter with a firm yet gentle touch, urging you to spread your legs. Welcoming his strength eagerly, you couldn’t help but feel a rush of heat each time you witnessed his power. It was undeniably arousing, the way his muscles flexed beneath his skin as he maneuvered you into position.

As Kuai Liang leaned in close, his body pressed against yours, radiating warmth and hardness that sent shivers down your spine. You arched into him, craving the contact. A soft moan escaped your lips as you felt the delicious friction between your bodies. Your heartbeat quickened, and your body responded instinctively, hips moving in small circles to intensify the sensation building within you.

A low, guttural growl emanated from Kuai Liang as a respond. Gripping your legs, he drew you closer, the weight of his body pinning you completely. You could feel his length, firm and hard and burning hot, the heat seeping through the fabric of his trousers. Despite being confined, his thickness was unmistakable, pressing against you with a delicious weight.

‘’Fuck.’’ Bi-Han’s deep voice snapped you out of your trance. Turning to him and Tomas, panting with flushed cheeks, you noticed their arousal, evident as day with the bulges straining against their trousers. Bi-Han’s dark eyes seemed almost black with desire, fixed on you like a predator eyeing its prey. Tomas’s cheeks held a faint pink hue, his desire mirroring Bi-Han’s intensity. ‘’To the bedroom. Now.’’

When Kuai Liang, obeying Bi-Han instantly, lifted you up by continuing to grab you by the legs, you automatically wrapped your legs around his waist and tried to calm your rapidly beating heart. Although it took quite a short time to reach the bedroom, it was as if time had suddenly slowed down, a kind of excitement that you had never experienced before had taken over your body. Your heart was beating so fast inside, it was like it was going to jump out and leave your rib cage.

The moment Kuai Liang released you onto the bed, Tomas materialized behind you, his lips trailing kisses along your neck and shoulder, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving behind faint scratches. As Kuai Liang captured your lips once more, the kiss ignited with a fervor and urgency that consumed both of you. There were more teeth than lips as he nipped at your lower lip, his tongue sweeping through to soothe it before plunging deep into your mouth, as if he was trying to claim you with just that kiss.

All you tasted was him. You whimpered out loud, your head swimming with raw want.

‘’It’s alright, kotê. We’ve got you. You’re safe with us,’’ Tomas murmured against your skin, his lips traveling your shoulder to your neck, pausing at your earlobe. With a gentle nip, he whispered, ‘’Do you allow us to touch you completely, lásko?’’

Gasping, you pulled your head back to answer his question. “In exchange for me touching you too, yes,” you replied. A smile graced Kuai Liang’s lips.

‘’Everything that defines us already belongs to you. You don’t need permission for this, tiánxīn,’’

In one fluid motion, Tomas’s hand journeyed down from your rib cage to your stomach, deftly unbuttoning your trousers and pausing at the edge of your panties. With a gentle touch, he lowered it a little until they reached your wet heat.

‘’Shit, you’re already so wet,’’ Tomas exclaimed, his long fingers teasing just below your panties, eliciting a string of curses in Czech. ‘’I need to taste you. Now.’’

A ragged moan escaped your throat. Tomas’s voice was so thick with want that it made you clench your legs reflexively and imagining his words made you even wetter. Though being sandwiched between two bodies was exhilarating, the heat was becoming overwhelming. Sweat dampened your skin, and breathing felt labored in the rising temperature. Your chest rose and fell rapidly, almost painfully, as you struggled to maintain composure. Then, Bi-Han’s voice cut through the haze.

‘’You’re going to overwhelm her. Give her space to breathe, you idiots.’’

‘’Clothes—‘’ Bi-Han’s warning prompted the two brothers to withdraw, allowing you to gulp down sweet oxygen several times in quick succession. ‘’There are too many clothes.’’

‘’We can take care of that.’’ While Kuai Liang helped you take off your clothes, Tomas assisted you in removing your pants. You watched with bated breath as all three of them started to undress, moving in perfect sync. Their bodies were a sight to behold—beautiful and strong, like sculptures carved from marble. You could easily see the years of training etched into their forms, along with the pale scars left behind by their duties. When your gaze involuntarily shifted downward, you felt your cheeks grow warmer.

It wasn’t the first time you had seen them naked. The first time they emerged from the book, you were too afraid to focus on anything but their faces, and your feelings for them weren’t as intense. Although you could now look at them comfortably, it wouldn’t be a lie to say that their size intimidated you a little. The three of them were similar in stature, their impressively large members standing upright and stiff, all for you.

‘’Are you alright, kotê?’’ Tomas’s nose rubbed against your cheek gently. ‘’Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with us.’’

‘’Yes, tonight, the only thing we ask is for you to communicate your limits openly. If there’s anything you don’t like, you will tell us immediately.’’ Bi-Han said. With Kuai Liand and Tomas flanking you, he reached forward, planting a kiss on your forehead before tilting your chin up with his index finger, locking eyes with you. ‘’Are we agreed?’’

Swallowing hard, feeling your mouth dry up, you responded with a thick voice, ‘’Yes.’’

‘’Perfect. Now tell me, which one of do you want first?’’ Bi-Han whispered toward your lips before withdrawing back, leaving you to blink in turn at each of them. Choose? The decision weighed heavily; each brother held a unique allure—Kuai Liang’s passion, Tomas’s sweetness, and Bi-Han’s watchful dominance. They were all so different, yet equally special— ‘’I can’t choose.’’

‘’If it’s agreeable to both of you, I can go first,’’ Tomas offered, prompting silent agreement from Kuai Liang and Bi-Han as they withdrawed back, giving space to the silver-haired assassin. You couldn’t comprehend how all of you managed to fit in the bed, since it’s just for two people. But somehow, you made it work, moving in quite harmony.

‘’You are so beautiful,’’ Tomas murmured, his kiss tender and deliberate, suffued with compassion. ‘’Thank you for sharing this moment with us.’’

‘’I’m yours. Every part of me belongs to you, I accept everything that will come from all three of you.’’

Somewhere nearby, Kuai Liang uttered something in Chinese, and Bi-Han’s breath caught sharply. Meanwhile, Tomas, kissing you once more, guided you to lie down on the bed, his weight comforting rather than oppresive. Propping himself up on his elbows, he hovered over you, his short, soft silver hair a tousled mess, cheeks flushed against his pale skin, lips glistening, and silvery gray eyes shining like stars.

“You are very beautiful,” Tomas’s words a gentle caress against your skin. “I can’t get enough of looking at you; it tugs at my heartstrings every time.”

As his hand trailed over your throat, then down to the first scar, you observed his furrowed brow and darkening expression. When he leaned down to kiss the scar just below your left breast, a shaky breath escaped your lips. His kiss held not only tenderness but also an unspoken apology.

“I hate to see you hurt. I’m grateful that you’re with us; I just wish there was a way to solve what happened in a different way,” he quitely spoke against your skin, his voice laden with regret.

“It’s all right now, Tomas, and that’s what matters. Let’s enjoy the moment; we all deserve it. Don’t you think so?”

“You are right.” He showered your stomach with kisses, paying equal attention to each scar, while you glanced at the other two brothers watching you. Kuai Liang sat regally on a chair pulled close to the bed, like a king waiting for the perfect opportunity to conquer, his powerful legs spread wide as one hand leisurely stroked his erection. When your eyes met, his amber gaze sparkled with pleasure, a small smile gracing his lips.

“We will all take care of you in turn, tiánxīn. Do not worry,”

You gulped at this words, your gaze then shifted to Bi-Han, who sat at the end of the bed. His intense desire burned in his eyes, evident in the veins that stood out on his neck and the icy vapor that escaped his nostrils. It was the first time you noticed the freckles scattered across his broad, muscular chest, rising and falling with each controlled breath.

It was exhilarating to feel and witness their raw emotions so palpably. To be wanted. To be desired. There was a hungry part of you that craved more, yet you weren’t quite brave enough to voice it yet. Bi-Han caught your gaze, rising from his place with a growl, and captured your lips in a kiss that stole your breath away. Unlike Tomas’s sweet kisses or Kuai Liang’s burning passion, Bi-Han’s kiss was dominant, demanding, and deep enough to make your toes curl. As his tongue explored the depths of your mouth, you clung to his shoulders, trying to anchor yourself to reality amidst the flood of sensations.

“I want to mark you,” Bi-Han declared, his teeth grazing your lower lip with a hint of pain that only added to the pleasure. “I want to see my marks on your skin, to claim you as mine. Do you allow me, àirén?”

“Yes. Yes, please,” you gasped breathlessly, surprised at how incredibly hot and sexy his want sounded. Bi-Han’s gaze darkened even further, if that were possible, a predatory smile dancing on his lips as his minty cool breath washed over your face.

“Don’t beg. You never have to beg for us, àirén. As much as you are ours, we are also yours. Simply expressing your desires is enough for us to fulfill them.”

“O-Okay. You have not yet told me what the words you say in your own language mean—Ah!” Your head fell back as Tomas bit into the soft, delicate flesh of your thigh. The ache between your legs intensified, your body trembling with electric anticipation from head to toe. Another whimper escaped your lips as you desperately tried to shift your legs to alleviate the ache, only for Tomas to restrain you with a firm touch.

“I know, darling. I’ll relieve you in a moment. Don’t worry.”

Tomas kissed the sensitive skin of your inner thighs, each touch sending shivers down your spine. Sometimes his teeth grazed your skin, eliciting involuntary squirms from you. His once gentle touch was now more firm and strong, leaving you sure there would be fingerprints tomorrow. Meanwhile, Bi-Han redirected his attention from your lips to your neck, catching you off guard with a sudden bite that drew an embarrassing squeal from your lips.

While it stung, it wasn’t unbearable; instead, it ignited a tingling flame in your belly, spreading warmth throughout your body like a wildfire. Being claimed in such a primal manner felt undeniably hot and intoxicating, reaffirming your belongingness to them.

“Are you all right?” Bi-Han murmured as he gently licked the bitten spot, to which you simply nodded in response. “If it becomes too much, you’ll let me know. I trust you to do that, right?” Another nod from you earned a smile from Bi-Han. He pressed a kiss to your shoulder, “Perfect. Our perfect woman.

“The sounds she’s making…” Kuai Liang’s groan cut through the air, his voice deep and thick with desire that it was almost impossible to understand the words. “I want to hear more.”

“So do I,” Tomas added, his voice joining his brother’s. As if punctuating his words, his mouth closed over your aching core, surprising and rendering you breathless and causing your entire body to stiffen.

“Breathe, àirén,” Bi-Han urged, placing kisses on your neck and grasping the side of your neck with one hand, offering an anchor for you to hold onto, his thumb grazing your pulse. As you took a deep breath, the cryomancer nibbled on your earlobe. “That’s it. As for the answer to the previous question, àirén means ‘my love’ in my language.”

“Tiánxīn means sweetheart,” Kuai Liang said, his voice taking on a growl towards the end.

“And kotě means kitten,” Tomas’ voice was almost unintelligible, muffled by his actions. You moaned as his tongue curled over that little bundle of nerves, while Tomas let out an almost feral, uncontrolled growl that made your body tremble. “Fuck— your taste is amazing, I could get drunk on it.” Adjusting himself between your legs, he lifted them over his broad shoulders to get better access, ensuring your stability with his hands, pinning you down easily. “And lásko means love.”

You wanted to say something in return, but the words seemed to leave you. You were caught between Bi-Han’s bites of a mixture of pleasure and pain and Tomas’s deceptively moving tongue. When one of your hands went straight to Tomas’s hair and the other found Bi-Han’s, a groan went up from both of them, which made it clear that they liked it, and set your skin on fire. The sounds you made were completely primitive and loud enough to make you blush, when you closed your eyes tightly, you heard Bi-Han growling.

“Open your eyes, I want to see and watch the pleasure we’re giving you.’’

‘’There is nothing to be ashamed of here, tiánxīn.’’ When Kuai Liang appeared on your other side, you wanted to reach out to him, but it was difficult to move your hands. Fortunately, Kuai Liang had no difficulty reading you, so he leaned right over you and made you relax, leaving little kisses starting at the corner of your chin until they reached your lips. ‘’You are too beautiful for words, don’t hide yourself from us. Even looking at you is a pleasure in itself for us.’’

You felt a small laugh climbing up your throat. Everything felt so comfortable, easy and most importantly, safe. You had complete trust in them, and it was such a trust that it made it easier for you to put yourself in their control. You knew that they would never hurt you, the comfort and peace you felt from their presence came first.

Although your lips were parted to thank Kuai Liang, the words remained stuck when Tomas rolled the small nub with his tongue and closed his lips on it, sucking on. Stars, literally golden stars appeared behind the eyelids that you closed without realizing it, a long moan left your lips. Tomas was kind, but also cruel. He knew so well how to use his tongue and lips, where he should touch and at what speed he should move, that in seconds he managed to turn you into a tight ball just begging for more.

You heard Tomas chuckle; you didn’t need to look to see the proud expression that settled on his face, you could imagine it clearly. Bi-Han took a break from his assault, and you trembled with another wave of pleasure as he stepped away, just like Kuai Liang. Tomas’s tongue was hot and strong, and when that clever muscle opened your lower lips and dipped into your warmth, you both groaned at the same time.

Tomas pleasured you with his tongue in a way that left you unable to keep track of time. He used his mouth so skillfully that it should be considered a crime. It was as if he was a man lost in a desert who had just found water. His tongue licked your lips, sometimes teasing that small bud to make your breath hitch, and then easily slid his devilish tongue into your wet channel. He was literally devouring you, guttural sounds leaving his throat matching the sounds you were making.

While Bi-Han was cursing, Kuai Liang asked in a hoarse voice, “Can you bring her to peak like that?”

“Yes. She’s so wet and hot and sweet—My Gods, may they have mercy on us.’’

‘’W-Wait, ah- a minute.’’ As soon as you managed to somehow get the words out, Tomas obeyed you in a breath and stopped. The only thing you felt was his warm breath that touched your wet heat. Kuai Liang asked, stroking the top of your head, in a gentle and careful voice that you could call worried, ‘’Are you all right, tiánxīn?’’

‘’Yes, I just… I don’t want to come this way.’’ Even though your face was cut red, you continued. ‘’It felt so good. Just—Some other time, but not today.” Because if Tomas had continued for a few more minutes, you would have come easily without even needing to feel his fingers or his length inside, and you didn’t want this to happen the first time without feeling them inside.

“Of course,” Kuai Liang leaned down and placed a small, loving kiss on the top of your head. ‘’Thanks for sharing with us.’’

‘’But you’re letting me stretch you on my fingers, right? I don’t want to hurt you.’’ Tomas said, in a voice so deep that it made you shiver inside. When you turned your gaze from Kuai Liang to him, your heart misfired. Tomas’ lips and chin were completely covered with your juices, shining. His hair was even more messy than before, some of the short tufts had risen into the air, his gray eyes were dark, and the raw hunger lying there had accelerated your pulse, you almost couldn’t hear them because of the buzzing in your ears.

Remembering at the last moment what you were asked, you mumbled a ‘’Yes.’’ Chuckles poured out from all three men.

“Perfect. You’re so perfect and good for us.” As one of Tomas’ long fingers easily slipped into your wet warmth, a wave of relief washed over you, soothing the ache that had been constantly building up. “Next time, I want to see the moment when you come apart just on my tongue. Your taste is addictively sweet.” While Tomas peppered kisses on the inside of your thights, his clever finger moved back and forth with an ever-accelerating rhythm. It felt good, but it wasn’t exactly what you craved. You wanted to feel more—fuller.

“Use your words, darling,” Tomas said, sensing your desire through your squirming. Swallowing the urge to express yourself by closing your eyes, you met Bi-Han’s gaze and forced your lips to move. “More. I want more.”

Tomas smiled, and when he pulled his hand back, your eyebrows furrowed, and you let out a little desperate whine as if in objection. This was not what you wanted, what you wanted—just as Tomas returned to your entrance with two fingers, Kuai Liang’s fingers also began to stroke over the small bundle of nerves, causing you to see stars. As Bi-Han’s mouth closed over one of your hardened nipples, your body stretched like a bow. Every sensation felt overwhelmingly good, especially the tension building up beneath your belly, dragging you closer to the edge.

Bi-Han bit the delicate bud before sucking on it to soothe the pain, while Kuai Liang’s other hand kneaded your other breast. Callused fingertips left a trail of fever wherever they touched, and as Tomas’s fingers moved in and out, coupled with the pressure on your core, you were on the brink of climax.

Realizing how stretched your body was, all three of them ceased their sweet torture. As Tomas donned the condom handed by Bi-Han, you took a deep breath, desperate for the oxygen you badly needed.

“Are you ready, lásko?”

“Yes,” you answered in a flash. ‘‘I’m ready, Tomas…Please—I—“

“Shh, what did my brother tell you, darling? Don’t ever beg to us.”

As his length, bigger and harder than fingers, pressed at your entrance, your legs instinctively opened to welcome him in. Slowly, Tomas entered your molten hot depths, and you whimpered, clinging to his shoulders, trying to adjust to the incredible fullness.

“That’s it, you’re doing great, beautiful. Just a little bit more.” When Tomas’s groin met yours, the silver-haired assassin leaned in, gently stroking your cheek as he gazed into your eyes. A small, sincere, and happy smile adorned his face, sending a tremble through your heart. “Are you with me?“

“Yes.”

“Feeling all right?“

You nodded your approval, and Tomas chuckled, his thumb stroking your lower lip.

“I want to hear it in words, lásko.”

“Yes, very much.” Then, as you reflexively squeezed your inner walls, the overwhelming fullness made your head spin, and you both groaned in unison. Tomas surged inside you like a pulse, strong, hot, and hard, filling you completely, beautifully. His length reached every part of you, leaving no inch untouched. “How do you feel?“

“More wonderful than I’ve ever felt.” As Tomas leaned down further, kissing you deeply, you tasted your own essence on his tongue, unable to stop yourself from moaning into his mouth. It felt as though flames coursed through your veins, while your heart raced and the tension under your belly mounted. “Our woman,” Tomas purred, kissing you once more. “Ours.”

“Yours,” you gasped.

Tomas smiled, but his grin was feral and hungry, just like a hunter. As he began to move his hips, a gasp then a thin moan escaped your lips involuntarily. The pleasure coursing through you was indescribable, urging you to squirm for more. Wrapping your legs around Tomas, you tried to draw him closer. Tomas and Kuai Liang chuckled simultaneously, their laughter devoid of mockery, sweet as honey, warm and loving. Bi-Han planted a tender kiss on your temple.

‘‘Shh, he will give you what you want, àirén.’’

‘’Certainly,’’ Tomas replied, smiling. The rhythm gradually picked up pace, smooth yet intense, making it challenging to restrain the sounds of pleasure escaping you. The warmth emanating from Tomas, the flushed pleasure on his face, the sexual harmony… Everything felt magical and uniquely special, filling your heart with love.

In this moment, it was as if you existed only with these three brave and strong warriors, ready to fight and spill blood for you without hesitation. You were enveloped in a sheltered bubble where time seemed to stand still.

As Kuai Liang took your nipple into his mouth this time, Bi-Han’s hand trailed down your quivering stomach. When his fingers found that sensitive spot and applied just right amount of pressure, sharp waves of ecstasy mingled with the pleasure, eliciting helpless whimpers from you. The impending orgasm approached faster than you anticipated. All three of them made encouraging noises, pleased with the sounds you produced.

‘’Gods, your voice… Fuck,’’ Tomas breathed heavily.

‘’You moan so sweetly,’’ Kuai Liang remarked, joining in.

‘‘I want to see you peak, I bet you’ll look divine.’’ As Bi-Han increased the pressure on your mound, you moaned helplessly. Tomas swallowed the sound with a low growl, his lips never leaving yours. ‘’Let us see, àirén.’’

You were just barely breathing, unable to focus on anything except the white-hot pleasure coursing through you. Tomas’ hand found your hair, effortlessly tilting your head back to dominate your mouth as he pleased, while Kuai Liang’s fingers toyed with your sweetly abused nipple, sending sharp but addictive pain coursing through you. And when Bi-Han’s touch once again grazed your core, the world slipped away for a moment. The tension under your belly reached its peak, finally snapping. Shaken with pleasure, you couldn’t breathe—maybe you screamed, you couldn’t tell. Time, space, even your surroundings faded into oblivion for a fleeting moment.

It took a while for you to regain awareness, noticing Tomas’s hardness twitching inside you as he breathed heavily, trying to recover. ‘’Perfect, sweet lásko.’’ he gasped, kissing the tip of your nose. ‘‘You were wonderful. How do you feel?’’

Taking a moment to assess yourself, you realized you felt more than good—you felt great, alive, and fully satisfied. ‘‘I’ve never felt better,’’ you replied honestly. A bright, proud, and somewhat smug smile spread across his face as he planted a chaste kiss on your lips.

‘‘Can you go on?’’

‘’Yes, I trust you.’’

A growl of satisfaction emanated from all three at your response. As Tomas carefully withdrew, you took a deep breath, feeling a sense of emptiness after being full. While Tomas removed his condom, Bi-Han approached with a glass of water, and Kuai Liang helped you sit up. As you drank the cold water, surprised at your thirst, Kuai Liang peppered your shoulder with little kisses, while Bi-Han gently stroked the back of your head. If it weren’t for the lingering energy pulsating through your body, you could easily fall asleep like this. Their touches were gentle and caring, a stark contrast to the intensity before.

When you finished all the water in the glass, Kuai Liang asked, ‘’Would you like some more?’’

‘’No, this is enough, thank you.’’

Upon your answer, as Bi-Han rose to put down the glass, Kuai Liang arranged both pillows back to back, leaning them against the headboard. Then, he settled his powerful body against the prepared pillows and turned his amber eyes on you, bright as the sun. His sun-kissed body, rippling with muscles and adorned with a few scars, along with the flex of his scorpion tattoo on his arm, he was a sight to behold.

‘’Come here, tiánxīn.’’

Approaching him as instructed, you let Kuai Liang pull you towards him. His hair, usually gathered into a bun but now left in a ponytail, was scattered, its dark strands cascading over his broad chest, surprisingly soft to the touch. Kuai Liang effortlessly turned you over, making you lean against his chest, and you let out a shaky sigh as you felt his hard length, warmer than Tomas’, at your entrance. Though not as long as Tomas, Kuai Liang was certainly more well-endowed, the tip of his arousal flushed with red.

‘’Remember, if you don’t like anything, you’ll tell us. You are the most important thing to us, and we don’t want you to force yourself in any way.’’

‘’All right.’’ Turning your head to the side, you dropped a small kiss on the edge of his strong-lined chin. ‘‘Everything that comes from you, I already accept. There can be nothing that I will not like.’’

‘’You’re too sweet.’’ Kuai Liang returned the kiss on your lips. His hands slid from your waist to the back of your legs, parting them gently. ‘’Open up for me, tiánxīn.’’ As he pressed you down, his length entered you easily and effortlessly. Moaning softly, you rested your head on his shoulder, one hand curling up at the back of his neck while the other gripped the hand holding onto your leg.

‘’You’re perfect. You were made for us, tiánxīn. Wrapped wonderfully around me.’’

Kuai Liang, when he placed his teeth on the other shoulder that Bi-Han hadn’t marked, you shivered with another helpless moan. You’d never thought that pain could feel so sweet and good, or the happiness you’d feel when you woke up in the morning to see their claims on your body. While the pyromancer filled you inside with a strong and steady rhythm unlike anything you’d known before, Bi-Han came into view.

His hair was also disheveled like Kuai Liang’s, his black locks spilling over his chest, a stark contrast to his snow-white skin. From his perfectly lined muscles, your eyes trailed down to his painfully erect arousal, adorned with fine black hairs, and it didn’t surprise you that his size matched Kuai Liang’s.

‘‘You can always stop us,’’ Bi-Han said as he closed the distance between you. Without averting his gaze from you, one hand carefully descended, teasing your entrance with his fingers before slowly, very slowly, inserting one finger, eliciting a scream-like sound from you at the incredible fullness and stretching you felt. Kuai Liang licked the spot where he had bitten and reached towards your neck, while Bi-Han placed a kiss on the edge of your lip.

‘‘Are you all right? Is it too much?’’

“No. I’m good,’’ you said, gasping. Kuai Liang’s size was extremely endowed, and Bi-Han’s finger was definitely not considered small. Despite facing the kind of stretching you hadn’t experienced before, it didn’t hurt. Instead, all you felt was an indescribable pleasure that made you tremble uncontrollably.

‘’Can you take both of us?’’

‘‘Both of you… at once…?’’ As you responded to Bi-Han’s question with surprise, Kuai Liang planted a small kiss on your neck.

“He will prepare you carefully, tiánxīn. There will be no pain, only pleasure. Always pleasure. Don’t doubt it at all, but if you don’t want to, there is no problem in that. Whatever you want, we will fulfill it happily,”

All three of them carefully observed your every reaction, constantly checking your condition, trying to discern what you liked. ‘’I want to try,’’ you said in a voice that suddenly became shy. ‘‘I trust you. I know you won’t hurt me.’’

‘‘Never,’’ said Bi-Han in a harsh and sharp voice.

‘’We just want to give you nothing but pleasure, tiánxīn,’’ added Kuai Liang, joining his brother. Bi-Han leaned down and began showering your neck, collarbones, and breasts with kisses, occasionally sucking on your skin, while Kuai Liang continued his sweet torture on your neck and shoulder.

After a while, a second finger joined the first one. You didn’t know what you sounded like—a scream, a moan? It didn’t hurt, but it definitely burned now, the pleasure was overwhelming. You were sure you were scratching Bi-Han as you clung to his shoulders, drawing blood where you pressed your nails into his flesh. But you needed to steady yourself and do something with your hands. You moved as if you had lost control of your body, but under Kuai Liang’s grip as hard as steel, and with him impaling you, there was nowhere for you to go.

‘’That’s it. You’re opening so beautifully for me,’’ Bi-Han inhaled deeply while sucking on the spot where your throat met your shoulder. ‘‘Fuck, do you see how you’re sucking me in? So perfect.’’

You tried to babble something, his words making you blush hotly, but all that came out of your lips was a broken moan. You didn’t know if they could understand you, you weren’t even sure how you could still contain this much pleasure. As if you were about to fly away, your head fell to the side as the hot tension gathered under your belly spread in waves throughout your entire body once more, and you bit Kuai Liang’s neck, the only thing you could think of to suppress your uncontrollable moans.

Since Kuai Liang didn’t expect you to do this, his rhythm jerked for a moment, and an incomprehensible curses poured from his lips. As if it were possible, when his hardness, which was pulsating inside and burning like an ember, grew larger, you couldn’t stop yourself from moaning against his skin.

‘’I didn’t know you liked being bitten,” said Tomas, although his voice sounded close, you were not yourself enough to understand where it was coming from. You heard Kuai Liang take a sharp gasp.

‘’So do I.’’

At that moment, Bi-Han was completely focused on stretching you. His touch was gentle and extremely careful as he slowly pushed his fingers a little deeper each time, causing your whole body to tremble with it. After a while, when his third finger teased at your entrance, you tried to relax. Two fingers and Kuai Liang’s length were quite a lot, but you wanted this.

While trembling under Kuai Liang’s strong grip, you pulled your mouth back and gently licked the place you had bitten as a kind of apology, then looked at Bi-Han through your eyelashes. When his eyes, as dark as the starless sky, met yours, Bi-Han said, ‘’Breathe,’’ and then added his third finger to the others.

As you accepted him, all the air you could draw into your lungs flew away. You couldn’t scream, couldn’t even make a sound. When you opened your eyes again, which you hadn’t realized you had closed, you saw Tomas standing over you.

‘’Are you okay? Do you want him to stop?’’

‘‘No. I’m—I’m all right.’’ When you could breathe again, you continued in a weak voice. ‘’Just… Too full— oh, my god-too much.’’

‘’You’re doing great.’’ Tomas reached down and planted a kiss on the top of your head. “But if this hurts you-‘’

“No.’’ As Bi-Han pushed his fingers a little deeper, your eyes closed once again. ‘‘I’m all right.’’

The cryomancer growled, his fingers began to move back and forth a little faster and smoother as his grunts echoed through the room. After a while, you found yourself getting used to this feeling; to this fullness and the perfect harmony of hot and cold. When Bi-Han rooted his fingers and pulled them back without any warning, a confused, unhappy whimper poured from your lips. You wanted them back, just when you were used to it-

‘‘I know, àirén. I know, I’ll give you what you want.’’

When Bi-Han put on the condom that Tomas handed him and aligned his length, which was much, much bigger than his fingers, to your entrance, your heart started beating so hard inside that for a moment you thought you were going to faint. Kuai Liang leaned back a little more, pulling you along with him, while Bi-Han slowly began to insert his length through your entrance. Although you thought that Kuai Liang filled you too much and that Bi-Han would never be able to enter, Bi-Han carefully slipped into you within seconds, slow but sure, and—

You wailed, it was an absolutely overwhelming feeling, it was beyond fullness. But somehow, you stood up to it. It didn’t hurt, but it all seemed too much and too intense at once.

‘‘It’s all right, àirén. Shh, we got you. Breathe, yes just like that.’’

Bi-Han stopped when he settled down to the hilt, and while giving you time to get used to the feeling, he reached out to you and planted a kiss on your slack lips. Even though you tried to respond to him back, all you could do was moan and gasp brokenly into his mouth. Kuai Liang kissed you wherever he could reach, while whispering words of love and praise in your ear and caressing you with a broad hand that he slid over your belly.

When you finally managed to open your eyes, you came eye to eye with Bi-Han’s dark and hungry gaze.

‘’Are you ready, àirén?’’

“Yes.’’ You whispered.

When he bent down to kiss you with a feral smile that mostly bared his teeth, his long hair tickled your cheeks. Then when he started moving, you screamed and couldn’t stop yourself from putting your nails on his shoulders again.

Bi-Han snarled into your mouth, catching your lower lip with his teeth, as Kuai Liang also started to move, you completely gave yourself up to their control and mercy. Their movements were very harmonious, as if they were reading each other’s minds, one was on the way out, the other was inside, and they never left you empty. While Kuai Liang was warming your body from behind, Bi-Han was soothing you with his coolness with every part he came into contact with in front of you.

‘’Will you let us see you peak once more, beautiful?’’ Kuai Liang said as his hand on your stomach slid down. You moaned from where you were leaning your head on his shoulder, even the slightest movement was enough to make your eyes roll back. You didn’t think it was possible to survive such a pleasure if Kuai Liang touched you there—

‘’Kuai-’’ You said, gasping. Although it was foolish to hope that he would understand what you meant by voicing his name, you didn’t know at that moment how you could communicate otherwise. The hot tension in your stomach was so tense that you could have exploded at any moment. All you need is—

When Bi-Han, uttering a curse, grabbed your legs and placed them on his shoulders, burying himself deeper than ever, he touched a place in you that make sparks and stars appearing before your eyes, liquid hot electricity running through your whole body, making you tremble. As you contracted so hard that the two men took a sharp breath and snarled like predators. As Bi-Han pressed the same spot several times, his rhythm was smooth and relentless. All you could do was hold on to him. At that moment, Kuai Liang’s hand was resting on your mound, and you clawed his arm desperately, he stroked it once, twice, thrice, and then you came screaming. Your body stiffens, breath leaving your lungs, and your vision blurs into blinding white.

Although you don’t know how it happened, after a while, as your vision gradually clears, you find yourself curled up in Kuai Liang’s lap, gasping for breath. Your body still trembles with lingering aftershocks.

‘’Hey, there.” Kuai Liang gently stroked your cheek and kissed you. ‘‘Are you all right?’’

“Yes.’’ You said in a cracked voice. When Tomas appeared on the other side of you and brought the glass closer to your lips for you to drink water, you opened your lips with great satisfaction, grateful that you didn’t have to hold the glass because you were sure that there was nothing left in your body for strength.

You had some soreness, and after getting used to being full, you were feeling very empty now, it was a strange feeling. But other than that, you felt refreshed and great. A sweet tiredness that went down to your bones had settled on you, you heard Kuai Liang laugh when you yawned without being able to help yourself.

‘’Go to sleep, tiánxīn. You’ve earned that, we’ll take care of you.’’

With a sigh, you curled up on his chest, while sleep overtook you, you fell asleep in seconds because you had no doubt that you knew your men, that you were in the safest place on earth.

***

When you opened your eyes, the morning light filtered in through the window. With the fitness of having slept the best sleep of your life, you turned around where you were lying with the touch of a body behind you while yawning in the bed and met Tomas’s gaze, which was watching you with a pleasant smile. Under the morning sun, Tomas stood quite soft and relaxed, his eyes almost like shining stars.

He didn’t have a shirt on, so you could clearly see the marks you left on his skin—bruises and thin scratches scattered here and there. A faint heat flared in your belly at the sight of him, but you brushed it aside. It was early in the morning, and despite Tomas looking very handsome and enticing at the moment, you were incredibly hungry.

‘‘Good morning. Did you sleep well?’’

‘’More than enough.’’ You said it in a happy voice. Then, after taking a look around the room, you asked curiously. ‘‘Where are the others?’’

‘’They are in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.’’

‘’Both of them?’’

‘’Although he doesn’t show it, Bi-Han too, is a good cook. He just doesn’t like cooking very much.’’

‘‘I wonder why I’m not surprised to hear that.’’ You said with a chuckle. At that time, a meowing was heard inside the room, and then within seconds, when Ninja’s tiny body came into view, you pulled her to yourself with a hug.

‘’Good morning, little menace.’’ While placing a few kisses on the top of her head and scratching under her chin, Ninja let out happy purrs, then lying on her back, she exposed her round belly, which was obviously filled with food. You both laughed at the sweetness of the kitten, and when Tomas bent his head and tried to kiss Ninja’s soft belly, the kitten meowed and grabbed Tomas’s face with four paws, trying to gnaw and kick.

“Ninja, shh, we don’t show our love that way.’’ As you gently stopped the kitten and pulled her to you, you couldn’t help but laugh at the betrayal that appeared on Tomas’s face. “To touch the open belly of cats is a death sign, Tomas. Didn’t you know that?’’

‘’I thought she was getting used to us.’’ Tomas said with sad puppy eyes and a voice full of betrayal.

Some things are instinctive; don’t take it to heart.” After giving Ninja a bit more affection, as you straightened up to start the day, the cover slipped and landed on your lap. It was then that you noticed the array of purple bruises, bites, and fingerprints covering your body. To an outsider, you probably appeared as if you had been attacked. Tomas, with a quiet voice, voiced his concern.

“How are you feeling? Do you feel any pain anywhere?”

Finding his worries sweet, you kissed his shoulder instead of his lips, considering how awful your morning breath must have been. Despite sleeping deeply, your body, especially your lower half, was aching. However, it was a pleasant sensation rather than painful; you knew you would walk funny for a bit, but that was perfectly fine with you.

“I’m fine, Tomas, don’t worry.”

Tomas helped you out of bed and helped you get dressed after giving you one last worried glance. You made your way to the kitchen with Ninja trailing behind you, where you found Kuai Liang and Bi-Han arranging dishes on the counter in sync. The delightful smells instantly made your stomach growl, causing your cheeks to flush slightly. Tomas chuckled beside you.

“Good morning, my loves,” you greeted them softly. Their faces lit up as they turned towards you, and they each gave you a hug halfway and planted a kiss on both sides of your head.

Like Tomas, they also didn’t wear anything other than sweatpants to cover up below. Their skin bore your marks, and from the looks on their faces, they were proud of them, just as you were proud to display and carry their claim on you. It was primal, indeed, but it somehow satisfied something deep within you.

“It smells amazing in here. What have you cooked?” you asked as you approached the kitchen. Bi-Han handed you a mug of green tea, and Kuai Liang explained how they prepared a Chinese breakfast while you listened and sipped your tea with happiness.

The table was adorned with an array of dishes, from steamed buns filled with pork and vegetables to dumplings swimming in fragrant broth. Crispy fried rice cakes glistened with a sweet soy glaze, while golden brown pancakes dripped with honey. Fresh fruits adorned the table, adding a refreshing touch to the feast.

Soon, you started enjoying the breakfast laid out in front of you, accompanied by a lively conversation that had you laughing. The food was as delicious as it looked, and you couldn’t help but shower them with compliments. Bi-Han even stuffed a dumpling into your mouth at one point to quiet you, which almost made you choke with laughter.

As you took another sip of your green tea, a sound from your laptop caught your attention. Curious about the early morning email, you rose to investigate, careful not to trip over Ninja who was lounging nearby.

“Is there a problem?” Kuai Liang asked as he approached, reaching to take the kitten on his lap. Ninja immediately melted at his touch, her purrs filling the living room.

Opening the mailbox directly, when you saw where the message was coming from, your heart immediately began to beat with excitement. You held your breath, opened the message box with trembling fingers, and tried to read the message in a snap.

“Is everything all right? You turned pale in an instant,” Tomas said with a worried voice as he sat on the other side of you. A growl rose from Bi-Han. “Who do we have to kill? Give us the names.”

“Guys,” you blinked back tears of happiness, trying to steady your racing heart, “remember when I told you that the first round of the job interview went well?”

“Yeah,” they replied in unison, prompting a wet laugh from you, on the verge of tears.

“I passed the second round too! They liked the demo I sent them. They want to work with me! I got the job!”

When tears of happiness that you couldn’t hold back any longer started flowing down your cheeks, Tomas was the first to hug you. His huge body enveloped you, and he whispered how proud he was of you. Kuai Liang, who had dropped Ninja to the ground, hugged you in the same manner. He gently wiped away your tears and planted a loving kiss on the top of your head. Finally, Bi-Han didn’t hug you like the others, but he gave you a chaste, sweet kiss that lingered longer than expected. Then, with pure confusion evident on his face, he asked, “What the hell is a demo?”

“It’s a preview of the game that hasn’t been fully developed yet. I had been working on it for a long time, unsure about the storyline or characters, until I met you guys,” you explained, pulling up the files on your laptop to show them. Their curiosity piqued, all three leaned in to see the screen. As you navigated to the character screen, three names appeared: Smoke, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero, in that order, accompanied by their gray, yellow and blue appearances.

“Hey, these are our code names, and they look like us. Wait a damn second—” Tomas paused incredulously, and you planted a loving kiss on his cheek amidst his confusion.

“Yes, I know the graphics aren’t great, but everything will be improved. You guys have been my inspiration. Did you like it?” you asked, hopeful.

“This is incredible,” Kuai Liang said, eyes widening in amazement. “How did you manage to do this?”

“Well, I wanted to create a fighting game since highschool. My software was ready, but I was missing characters and a plot,” you explained.

“Are they fighting to the death?” Bi-Han asked, curiosity piqued. After your confirmation, he inquired further, “What’s it about?”

“Based on what you’ve told me, I might have drawn some inspiration from certain events. The main theme revolves around the power struggle between our world and other realms, with fighting tournaments organized to maintain balance,” you elaborated.

“This isn’t just inspiration; it’s reality,” Kuai Liang chuckled, trying to stifle his laughter.

“Why don’t you also call it Mortal Combat, to tie it all together?” Tomas suggested as a joke.

“Well, that’s not a bad idea actually,” you said at the idea Tomas had thrown out. ‘’I couldn’t think of a better name. But maybe with a K instead of a C, it’ll be more catchy,” you added with a smile, trying to read their emotions. However, as the silence stretched and they continued to stare at the screen, you began to feel apprehensive. “Are you… mad at me that I used the information? I can change it completely—”

Bi-Han was the first to drop his mask, a teasing smirk playing on his lips as his normally cold eyes held an amused glint. “Of course we are not mad. Military superiors, monks, and various criminal organizations around the world are already aware of the existence of Outworld and its tournaments. Making some changes in your game to avoid direct parallels won’t be a problem.”

“So you liked my surprise then?” you asked, glancing at them, and they responded with genuine happiness and pride. Tomas chuckled beside you.

“But you’ll pay us commission fees, won’t you? After all, we played an important part in this—” Before he could finish, you threw a cushion at his face, causing him to topple over. But just as he fell, he pulled you into his arms, laughing heartily before kissing you on the lips. “It was a wonderful surprise. Thank you for deeming us worthy of this,” he said, his voice warm and affectionate. “It’s a nice feeling to know that we are your inspiration.”

“Certainly,” Kuai Liang chimed in, joining his brother to kiss you on the shoulder. Bi-Han knelt down to get on eye level with you, lifting your chin slightly to plant a kiss on your forehead.

“We are so lucky to have you,” Bi-Han said sincerely, his voice calm and genuine. You closed your eyes with happiness, feeling content and loved. Everything felt perfect, and your heart was full of love and hope. Starting with Bi-Han, you answered back in a voice overflowing with pure happiness before kissing them each in turn.

“So do I.”

***

Author’s Note: You stuck with my silly idea and finished the story?! Thank you so much for reading it; I hope you enjoyed it!🥰 I know neither of them said "I love you" to the reader—I wanted to save that for an upcoming one-shot where each of them expresses their love to the reader separately. After that, I have a couple of interesting ideas where Quan Chi and perhaps Leilani will appear and have a plot in the next story. Hope you stick around! If you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me. Take care! 😘

#mortal kombat1 #mk1 #mk1 2023 #mortal kombat fanfiction #bi han x you #kuai liang x you #tomas vrbada x you #reader input #ao3 writer #ao3fic #ao3 link #ao3 fanfic #mortal kombat fic #in the middle of the night #writing fanfic #final chapter

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nikethestatue · 5 months ago

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A Match Baked In Heaven

Well, here we are--at the end of the road (though there will be a sizeable Epilogue coming up in the future).

But I want to thank everyone who stuck with me since October 2023, when I first got the bizarre idea to write a story about a London Matchmaker and an Arsenal footballer. I hope you all enjoyed the journey and I hope that the conclusion is satisfying.

TW: EXPLICIT (there is a long sex scene in this one)

Also, it's a long chapter.

Please let me know, Anon or not, what you thought of what came to be known as 'Matchy'.

Thanks again!

Chapter XVIII

I Got Mine

“Fine. It’s all a lie.”

Elain sighed and hung her head dejectedly.

She was tired. So very tired. She rubbed at her throat, which was aching from all the rough treatment that Azriel inflicted on her neck. He’s been unusually rough today. He wasn’t very gentle to begin with, his grip on her typically tight and firm. But today, he was almost vicious.

“You happy now?” she walked to the door. “You’ve lied. And I believed you. I am a stupid naive woman who fell for a playboy’s lies. Tale as old as time,” she shrugged.

She fiddled with the handle, not realising that he’d locked the door with a key.

“This was a mistake,” she said with some finality in her voice.

“Is that what you think?” Azriel asked in turn. “That we were a mistake?”

“Seems kind of obvious now,” she pointed out to him.

“I don’t think so,” he argued. “Actually, I don’t think so at all.”

“Please open the door,” she begged him, with tears in her eyes.

“No.”

“Azriel,” she hissed. “I am tired. I want to go home. I want to take Piglet and I want to go home. Open the damn door right now!”

“Or what?” he was curious, “You’ll start screaming?”

“If I have to.”

She turned to face him and said clearly, “Listen, all I want is my fee and I will be out of your hair and you can live happily ever after.”

He seemed to think about her words, and then crossed his arms and said, “Hmmm. That's going to be a problem.”

“What will?”

“The fee,” he explained calmly.

“Why is that?” she hissed with indignation.

“Because you are fired.”

He said it in a bland tone, like it didn’t mean anything. If she wasn’t listening closely, she probably would’ve missed his words. But she heard him, and her eyes popped wildly.

How dare he?

Fired?

FIRED?

He was firing her?

“You can’t possibly!” she cried. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh, I would. And I am,” he assured her dryly.

Fuming, she exclaimed, “why?! What did I do? How could you?!”

“Your services were lacking,” he shrugged callously.

Elain’s hand flew to her neck, and she glowered at him in utter shock, her breaths jerky and short. Say what he will, but she was good. She was excellent at her job. Her services never ‘lacked’ anything. Even with him and their complicated relationship, she still fulfilled the terms of their contract and introduced him to viable matches. Not only that but he was getting married! To one of the matches. And now he was claiming that she didn’t do a good job and that she was lacking.

“My services do not lack anything, sir!” she snarled at him angrily.

The corner of his mouth lifted in a tiny smirk.

“Sir?” he repeated. “I like it.”

She didn’t even understand what he was referring to for a moment, but then it dawned on her and she just about growled in her throat. All he ever thought of was sex! Or something juvenile or utterly daft.

“You want to call me ‘daddy’, baby?” he offered, smiling that nasty smile. “Oh, wait, you already do! In fact, you called me that today.”

“No I didn’t!”

“Oh yes you did. When you told that fat mongrel to stop biting me,” he reminded her.

“My dog isn't a mongrel! He is purebred,”

Azriel scoffed and asked, “what are the breeds? Pug, asshole and psycho?”

“Shut up,” she snapped. “I now wish I didn’t pull him off of you.”

“And what? Have him bite my dick off?” he mused.

“I don’t care! It’s of no use to me,” she waved her hand dismissively.

“Are you sure, sweetness?” he snorted a laugh. “Might as well use it to get yourself off a few times.”

She gasped and reddened adorably.

“Or,” he continued, but she begged him,

“Please stop talking!”

“Remember when I walked in on you?” his voice lost its sharpness and his expression seemed to soften a smidge. Though Elain had no idea what he was referring to and what he’d walked on.

“You remember,” he pressed, stepping closer to her.

“No, I have no idea.”

“When I walked in on you,” he repeated. “And you had my sweatshirt rolled up into a ball, and you tucked it under your dress,”

She blushed violently, remembering it. Oh god. Why now? What was he bringing this up now?

He was so close to her now, and then his hand was on her face, cupping her cheek, the scars so familiar and so beautiful, that she wanted to cry again. She wanted to bury her face in his hands and have that rough, scarred skin scrape over her cheeks, over her eyes…She wanted his fingers touching her lips, the way he always enjoyed it.

“You stood in front of the mirror,” he whispered, his chin landing on her head, and his arms wrapping around her. “And you didn’t know that I was there, watching you. You were looking at yourself, with a big round belly under your dress, thinking how you would look with my baby inside of you.”

“I…i,” she attempted to argue, but there was no reason. It did happen. She’d imagined it. Many times. What she’d look like pregnant, what it would feel like to have his baby inside of her, what their family would look like.

She couldn’t stifle a sob, which ripped out from her throat. It was a loud, choking, dry heave–a cry for the future she’d never have.

His hand migrated to her head, and he stroked her gently, his chin still resting atop the satin band. He was huge, his body even bigger and more muscular than she’d remembered.

“Shhh,” he cooed quietly. “Don’t cry, lassie.”

That only made Elain sob harder. When he called her ‘lassie’, she could barely function on a good day. Today wasn’t a good day.

“I have to fire you, sweetheart,” he told her again, calmly, almost soothingly.

“What are you talking about?” she sniffled, still perplexed by what he was trying to convey with this. She pulled away from his chest and looked up at him through her tears.

“The problem is,” he explained, as he moved his hand back to her face, and stroked his knuckles over her cheeks, “is that you are very unprofessional,”

Elain sucked in a breath and readied herself for an argument, but he didn’t pay her any heed and just continued talking,

“Because you made your client fall madly, irreversibly in love with you. And he adores you insatiably. Every longing he’s ever had is just his desire to possess you with every word and every action. You’ve consumed every thought in his head. You quieted the demons inside of him. You made him like himself more than he ever thought possible.”

Elain blinked rapidly, staring at him with incomprehension. She wasn’t sure what he was saying exactly, but it sounded an awful like a love confession.

“So you understand why I must fire you,” he pressed his lips to her forehead.

“Nooo,” she whimpered.

“Conflict of interest, my love,” Azriel smiled at her. “You are my conflict. My conundrum.”

“But…” she reached up and squeezed his neck. “Azriel. What are you saying?”

He sighed.

At that moment, someone banged on the doors, rapping on it impatiently and they heard an unfamiliar voice, saying, “Mr. Night. This is highly irregular. The ceremony is to be held in 30 minutes. Mr. Night…”

Azriel tilted Elain’s head the way he wanted to, ignoring the irate attendant.

“You can’t hate me for this,” he said firmly. There was something mischievous in his gaze, but also devious and unrepentant. Elain gulped down on some air, frightened of what was about to come out of his mouth.

“Or Feyre,” he added.

At the mention of her sister, she shuddered visibly. She didn’t expect him to bring her up. Whatever this was, it was bad. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what he was referring to.

“What did you do?” she asked, her voice trembling. Despite the general heaviness of her elaborate dress, she was shivering against Azriel’s broad chest, her palms cold and sweaty at the same time.

“You want to sit down?” he offered thoughtfully, gently rubbing her bare arms up and down, warming her up.

“What did you do?” she repeated.

“Lied to you.”

There was a beat of silence between the two of them, which stretched into an uncomfortably long pause.

At last, Elain managed a tiny, “how?”

She felt small and wounded, like a hunted animal under the scrutiny of his gaze.

“I needed to make you suffer,” he said cruelly.

“Why?”

“So I’d know that you loved me,” he squeezed her chin almost painfully in his hand. His eyes bore into hers, and his mouth turned into a straight, angry line. “So you would know what it’s like to be without me. So you’d feel it. The way I felt it. I don’t think that you knew that this was real until you’d lost me.”

“What the hell are you saying?” she pushed at him, but he held her steady, squeezing her arms and her face in his huge hands. “I always knew that this was real!”

“Yeah…no, I don’t think so. Like I said, Elain, you needed to be humbled,” he reminded her with that same cruel glint in his eyes, “you needed to understand that I was your man. You needed to cry and you needed to beg for forgiveness, knowing that you’d lost me.”

“I am not going to beg you!” she shoved at him, cheeks red. “Not for anything!”

“Oh, you will,” he assured her. “Because I hold your happiness in my hands.”

“So hooking up with Gwyn was your way of making me beg?” she huffed a hysterical laugh.

He released her so suddenly, she almost fell.

“No.”

“No, what?”

“No, I lied about that,” he announced blandly.

Her brow furrowed and she stared at him, fearful, annoyed, and hopelessly hopeful. What she was hoping for, she wasn’t even sure.

“You lied about…” she began saying, but was interrupted by his vigorous nodding.

“Told you, you were threepence short of a shilling,” he scoffed.

“Stop insulting me!” she yelled.

“Then stop being daft!” he yelled back.

Composing himself instantly, he let go of her and circled the room, looking agitated. She was still waiting for more–for an actual explanation of what he meant when he said that he’d lied. Frankly, right this moment, she didn’t care about the logistics or complete comprehension of what had occurred. She just stood in the middle of the room, trembling.

“You…you aren’t with her?” she whispered pathetically. “You aren’t with Gwyn? You broke up?”

He ceased his pacing and looked out the window.

It was a lovely, sunny day outside. The birds were loud–he could hear them even from here, and the greenery outside was pregnant with life. It was bursting and flowering, blackthorn trees were already heavy with pink and white flowers, and cherry plums began blooming as well. It was unusually beautiful for this early in the spring.

“I was never with her.”

Elain’s head snapped towards him and she stared intently, looking for any sign of dishonesty.

“What do you mean?” she whispered brokenly.

“You know what I mean,” he turned to look at her. “You know exactly what I mean. I am firing you because I am in love with you. And it would be a conflict of interest to continue to employ you. I’ve never loved anyone but you,” he added quietly. “Only you.”

“So,” she was shaking so violently, she grabbed the back of the chair, to hold herself upright. “This…this whole thing? What is this…what of Gwyn?”

A look of complete bewilderment flickered over her flushed face.

“Like I said, a ruse,” Azriel didn’t look at her, as he inspected her forearm, carefully pulling the drying paper towel off. “I asked Gwyn to play along and she is a romantic at heart, apparently,”

Elain wiped her face, feeling faint.

“Don’t worry,” he glanced at her, though he sounded frighteningly rational. “I know it’s fucked up. But you wouldn’t fucking listen. So drastic measures needed to be employed,”

“You are grotesque,” she moaned, staring at him in horror.

“I’d call it ‘crafty’,” he argued. “I find solutions, you see. I always win. I wanted you, and I was going to have you by any means possible.”

“You…you…” she choked out, “you will not have me!”

“No, I will,” he assured her.

“You did all this,” she made a wide swipe with her hand. “You…what…” she was feeling so out of sorts, so discombobulated that she was actually afraid that she was either losing her mind or experiencing some kind of an episode. She scrambled to recall stroke symptoms–was that numbness in her left arm? Was her face drooping? Could she still speak and make sense? Because if she thought about this objectively, nothing made sense.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his tone concerned, as he noted her confusion, and her sweaty pallor. “Do you want some water?”

The good thing was that the antechamber had been set up with champagne, water, whiskey, truffles, and biscuits. Azriel poured her some water and came to where she was standing.

“Sit down, sweetness,” she urged her gently, wrapping his arm around her waist and carefully pushing her down on the chair. She all but collapsed, without even arguing, and sat on the chair, while he brought the glass to her lips and held the back of her head, so she could drink.

“Drink,” he cooed, stroking her head. “That’s my girl.”

He put his palm on her abdomen and whispered, “breathe, Ellie. I know it’s a lot to take in.”

“Azriel,” she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, not even caring what that looked like, “you need to be honest with me now. Are you marrying Gwyn?”

“No,” he answered, shaking his head. “No, I am not. I am hoping to marry you, actually.”

“Then what is all this?” she insisted, looking around. She was very well familiar with this venue–it was popular with well-off brides, who could afford the exorbitant prices. Lots of celebrities were married here as well–Judy Garland, Patsy Kensit and Jim Kerr, Prince Pavlos of Greece, Irving Penn and Lisa Fonssagrives, Wallis Simpson, Patrick Vieira, Marco Pierre White and others. This venue required deposits and arrangements and advance notices. This was not a walk-in.

He went to the refreshments table, poured himself a whiskey, pulled up a chair and sat facing her.

“Listen,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I was really pissed at you, especially after that day at the Ivy.”

She tried to remember, but came up empty handed. What happened at the Ivy?

Azriel didn’t expand on it though. He continued, ignoring her confusion.

“It was a combination of bad advice and my own personal anger. And frankly, I am still pissed at you, but whatever. I am over it. I got your sister to help me,” he said, and it dawned on Elain that he meant Feyre.

“What did she do?”

“Well, I couldn’t go to Nesta because she’d rip my cock off and I am fond of the thing,” he confessed. “Though it’s withering and dying as we speak, due to disuse,” he sighed dramatically and Elain couldn’t help but chuckle. “You don’t understand,” he pressed, “I’ve not been inside a pussy since early September. We are in March now.”

“Oh!” she scowled, “however are you surviving?!! Poor lad,”

“I am! I am a fucking poor lad!” he agreed vehemently.

“What did you rope my sister into?” she asked instead, taking his tumbler and throwing back the rest of his whiskey. He snorted a laugh at her, his brow raised in amusement.

“Got her to find an appropriate venue–this was her choice, but I think she did well,” he said, looking around. “And then of course, she designed the invitation,” he told her sheepishly.

Elain’s mouth popped open.

The invitation.

Mr. Azriel Singer-Night and Miss Gwyneth Berdara request the pleasure of your company at their nuptials…

“Jesus Christ,” Elain moaned softly.

“Okay, before you freak out,” he said quickly, but she cut him off,

“Before? BEFORE I freak out? I am freaking out, Azriel. I am so past freaking out, you have no idea!”

“Okay, I understand,” he nodded, caressing her arm soothingly, like it made it okay. “But don’t blame her. I bribed her,”

“With what?!!”

He winced and said quietly,

“Unlimited hugs from Pink?” rubbing the back of his neck, he added quickly, “so you’ll need to sort that out with him, because I can’t. I would–I absolutely would–but he hates me. So I am not sure he’ll listen. So you should probably get on that sharpish.”

“So you are bribing my sister with my dog to create a fake invite to your fake wedding with another woman? And I have to be the one to make good on your promise?”

He considered it and then acknowledged, “Well, when you say it like that, it doesn’t sound good.”

“It doesn’t sound good,” she concurred.

She couldn’t even comprehend the depth of his deception. It was truly unhinged. Diabolical.

And yet…

To go to these lengths was truly inexplicable behaviour, unless Azriel was genuinely…in love.

“But,” he continued, “on the other hand–,”

“There is more?” she groaned, needing more whiskey. Sharpish.

“I planned a wedding for us,” he said, trying to look innocent.

She let out a hysterical laugh.

“You actually think that I would marry you after all this?”

Azriel opened his mouth, but there was a forceful knock on the door and they heard Rhysand’s voice,

“I brought your trousers and a new jacket.”

“How long is this going to take?” Nesta echoed. “If it takes you over 45 minutes to convince someone to marry you, then maybe they are not that into you,” she shouted. “And you should take the hint! She can do much better than you!”

Azriel winced and murmured, “fuck she is brutal”.

Elain took the interruption as an opportunity–she jumped from her chair and rushed to the door, hissing at Azriel “open it!”

He sighed, but did not argue and walked to open the door.

Nesta was standing there with a sneer on her face, arms crossed on her chest.

“You knew too?!” Elain cried out, not believing that her sister would do this to her.

Nesta rolled her eyes slightly,

“I didn’t. But I guessed,”

“How?” Explain!” Elain exclaimed. “How did you know?”

“Know what?” Cassian piped in, looking a tad lost in this conversation.

Rhys meanwhile wrinkled his nose, looking at Azriel’s paper-toweled arms, and his torn trousers, ordering him, “You need to change.”

Fenris and Feyre were minding the snarling Piglet, and Feyre had the good sense to look guilty and avoid Elain’s blazing glare.

“Is there always this much drama with these families?” Fenris wondered out loud, smirking at the ridiculousness of the situation.

“How did you know?” Elain insisted, while Azriel wrapped his fingers over her upper arm and held her close to him.

Nesta pursed her lips, giving him an unamused look and then said, “I didn’t believe that he left you. Not for a second. He loves you too much. Always have.”

Elain stared at her sister, eyes wide, expression shuttered.

“Told you,” Azriel breathed into her ear.

“Leave me alone!” she tried to wrestle her arm out of his hold, but to no avail.

Rhys handed Azriel a garment bag, saying, “if we could make this happen some time today, it would be wonderful.”

“You knew it too?” Elain asked accusingly.

Rhys shrugged innocently.

“I am married to Feyre darling, you know. It certainly didn’t take an hour to convince her to marry me, did it, Fey?”

Elain pointed her finger at her sister, and growled at her, “I will have a very serious talk with you later.”

Cassian stepped forth, looking puzzled.

“Wait. You aren’t marrying Gwyn?” he confirmed.

Nesta groaned.

Azriel said ‘no’.

Cassian exhaled loudly and exclaimed, “oh thank God! But are you marrying Elain? I am so confused.”

“Clearly,” Nesta sniped under her breath.

“He is not marrying me!!” Elain howled desperately. “He made his bed and,”

“You’ll be in it,” Azriel told her with mad confidence.

“Ha! Dream on. Never. You are a liar! And a cheat. And a manipulator.”

Azriel’s facial expression did not change, though his eyes turned colder and lines bracketed his mouth. His huge hand squeezed the back of her neck and he pulled her roughly to him.

“Apparently,” he gritted out, “we have more to discuss.”

All the other men straightened and made themselves known, watching how he rough handled her, but before anyone could say anything, he half-dragged her back into the room and slammed the door closed.

“Ow,” Elain attempted to twist out of his hold, but he gripped her tightly and even as she tried to unlatch his hand from her neck, he just held her, though he did not squeeze.

“Clearly, we are not on the same page yet,” he grunted with displeasure. “And you, beautiful, seem to not understand your position,”

“My position?!?! What is my position?! Let go!” she attempted to slap his hands away, but wasn’t successful.

“No. Your position is to understand that this is happening.”

“Nothing is happening. You didn’t even ask for forgiveness!”

“And I won’t,” he warned her. “Don’t expect it.”

He finally released his brutal hold on her arms and she noticed faint purple marks on her skin. Wonderful…

“I know what you want from me,” he said with a sigh.

“And what do I want from you?” she asked, her voice shaking, adrenaline pumping through her and making her feel like she was on drugs. She’d done a couple of lines of cocaine in uni. This felt even worse.

He scowled and explained, “You want me to tell you that I will be okay. That time will pass and I will grow comfortable being without you. You want me to tell you that I wouldn’t need you like I do right now. That I wouldn’t want you. You want me to tell you that time heals all wounds and that I would move on.”

She was blinking at him, watching his beautiful, devastated face, and how he was shaking his head.

“But the truth is, beautiful,” he gnawed on the inside of his cheek, still shaking his head, as if imagining what that would look like for him–the reality of her not being there. “The truth is that, no, it won’t be okay. Because frankly, I love you too much. And I know that I am a fuck up who probably fucked up any and all chances of actually being with you. Now I see how stupid it was, but I can’t go back and change it. It is what it is. But you need to understand that I wouldn't be okay at all. Because you, Elain, well, you are my endgame. My soulmate. Really the only possible ‘happily ever after’ that there is for me. I am not an easy man to love. I am dick to everyone, or almost everyone. A real twat. And not a simple option for any woman to like, let alone love. Birds have been throwing themselves at me for a decade and I think that screwed things up for me in my head. Not an excuse, I know, but I also know that from the moment I saw you–and I saw your legs first, without even seeing your face–I somehow knew this was it. No more birds for me after I’ve met you. Haven’t even thought of anyone. Haven’t paid attention to a female. When I saw you, I knew that I was going to become a nutter for you and my world would begin and end with you. And to this day, I am absolutely convinced that you are entirely too good for me. I am punching so above my weight I can’t even wrap my mind around it. But you are my person. My only fucking love. The only love I want,” he sounded exhausted and absolutely defeated, as he wiped his eyes and his forehead. “And no, I will not be okay without you, Elain.”

“But you lied to me, and you manipulated me,” she began whispering, “and,”

“And I’d fucking do it again,” he told her, his tone stern, his voice rough. “You want me to beg and grovel? Is that what you want?” he shrugged. “Sure, I’ll do it! If it makes you feel better, I’ll do it. But it’s a waste of time,”

“Why?!” she exclaimed, “are you not sorry for putting me through this?!”

“I’ve put myself through worse,” he argued. “And no, I am not fucking sorry. And yeah, I’ll grovel if that will make you happy, but don’t expect any kind of bullshit of us ‘taking it slow,” he made quotation marks with his fingers, “or me giving you ‘time to decide’ or get ‘in touch with your feelings’, none of that shite,”

“Excuse me?!” she cried out incredulously.

He stepped closer to her and before she could pull away, he cupped her face between his hands.

“What it means, beautiful,” he said severely, his face grim and intense, “is that the only way you are leaving this building today is as my wife.”

She attempted to step back and get out of his hold, but he squeezed her cheeks tighter and pressed on, “You are marrying me today, Elain.”

“You are insane! I am not,” she screeched, but he shook his head in a firm NO.

“Yes you are. You are becoming Mrs. Night. Today. I am done playing fucking games with you.”

“I am not marrying you!”

“Yes, you are,” he insisted. “And if you aren’t, then it’s me kidnapping you and keeping you in a cage. Like, your choice, baby.” He shrugged nonchalantly.

“You are completely insane!” she gasped.

“Maybe. But I also love you more than life. Love you more than anything. Yeah, call me obsessed, unhinged, deranged–I’ll accept it. Because I am all those things. Because of you and how I feel about you. And I am sorry, Elain, but I love you selfishly. I love you too much to let you go. So I am not,”

“And if I say ‘no’?” she demanded.

“It would be better if you said yes,” he suggested. “Because then I’d have to do something drastic, and I don’t want to. But I will steal you,” he warned. “I don’t care what it makes me and I don’t care if you think that I am an obsessed freak.”

“You are!”

“So I am.”

Suddenly, he dropped down in front of her to his knees and wrapped his heavy, strong arms around her thighs, burying his face in her belly. She stood still, her arms hanging awkwardly at her sides, a desperate need to touch him and comfort him clawing at her. Unable to help herself, she threaded her fingers through his thick black hair and whispered, “what do you want, Azriel?”

He didn’t answer right away. Just kneeled in front of her, and held her, inhaling the scent of her, his palms gently stroking her bottom.��

“You,” he said at last. “Only you. I only want one thing, Elain. And it’s you.”

She didn’t know what to say, so she didn’t say anything. But then, Azriel looked up at her and asked the same question, “What about you? What do you want?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted.

“I do.”

“Of course you do,” she rolled her eyes at his confidence.

“You want the same thing you’ve wanted for a long time now–me. Deny it or not, it won’t make a difference. We both know that it’s true. You want to be married to me.”

She choked and attempted to say something, but the next moment he shocked her by pulling out a small box and shifting to one knee.

“Always wanted to do this, never thought I’d get the chance,” he muttered under his breath. “Okay, here it goes,” he looked up at her and asked, “marry me, beautiful. Today. Right now. And I promise to be the best husband to you. I will love you and I will be loyal. I’ll respect you. I’ll take care of you. You’ll never want for anything in your life. I’ll make you laugh. I’ll save you, if you need saving. I’ll pick up Pinky’s turds. I’ll participate in all your high society crap with you. I’ll dedicate every goal to you. I’ll fuck all your holes and you’ll love it,”

“Jesus Christ,” Elain gasped, her whole body shaking.

“I’ll get you pregnant and I’ll be a good father to our children. I’ll cook and I’ll wash dishes…No, we have a dishwasher, so that’s a moot point.”

She couldn’t help but snort a laugh.

“Same for laundry. Also, we can just hire maids and housekeepers because we’re rich. I am not paying you your fee,” he warned. “Your services leave much to be desired, frankly. But the 230 mil–you get that, along with me, because you’ll be my wife. And we are together for life. Maybe we’ll take some longevity shots and live forever! These are my terms. I suggest you accept them.”

Elain scrubbed her face and muttered,

“This is the worst proposal ever.”

“No it’s not!” he exclaimed, scandalised.

“It is. It actually included the words ‘fuck all your holes’ and ‘turds’.”

“Practical things,” he shrugged, opening up the little box. Inside, Elain found a lovely ring–not ostentatious or enormous–but a gorgeous pale pink oval diamond set in a flower-like setting. There were little emeralds surrounding it, resembling leaves and tiny pearls for flower buds.

It was a perfect ring.

Of course.

But then, Azriel knew her. Knew how she was and what she liked and what she wanted. He always knew, without her even telling him.

“The only acceptable answer, Ellie, is a ‘yes’,” he reminded her.

She bit her lips, looking at him, at the ring, her mind scrambling.

Finally she asked, “you’ll be honest and true with me, always?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“And you love me like you say you do?”

“I do. Even more than that.”

She traced his cheekbone with her finger and whispered,

“I love you too. I love you so much that even if parts of me tell me to say ‘no’, I cannot. “

“Your heart won’t allow you to say no to me,” he told her confidently. “It knows you better than your brain does.”

He waited for her and she murmured, “I am scared.”

“Don’t be.”

“Will it be okay? Will we make it?”

“We’ll make it, baby. We were written in the stars a long time ago. Also, I asked your father for your hand as well,”

She gasped, “you did?”

“Of course. I am not a neanderthal.”

That was questionable, but okay.

“Asked him a long time ago,”

“What’s a ‘long time ago’?” she wondered. “We’ve only known each other for a little bit of time.”

Azriel sighed and admitted, “I asked him over Christmas.”

Elain stuttered. Christmas??

“You asked him and then you broke up with me?!” she cried.

“I never broke up with you,” he corrected her. “I gave you ‘time’,” he scoffed at that. “Something you kept saying you need. So you had your ‘time’ and you were miserable. And now, I am not giving you any more time. By the way, your father gave me his permission to ask you. He told me that I am an ‘unorthodox choice’ for you, but a good choice nevertheless.”

He took her hand and brought it to his lips.

“So tell me?” he asked, “what’s your answer?”

Elain swallowed hard.

What was her answer?

“Yes,” she said clearly.

Because there was only one answer for them.

Elain Archeron loved Azriel Night.

Loved him from the first time he showed up in her office, full of swagger and contempt. She loved him when he was rude to her. She loved him when he was kind. She loved him when he told her the names of the children he was going to have. The children that she’d give him. She loved him because he was loyal and true and good and no matter what, she knew that he’d love her with the same deranged passion until her dying days.

“Alright then,” he grinned. “Let’s get fucking married!”

He placed the ring on her finger and rose to his full height.

“Now, I have to change, pretty girl. I suggest you get your swollen puffy face under control–you don’t want to regret those wedding pictures later on.”

Elain stared at him.

“Are we really doing this now?” she whispered.

“Fuck yeah we are. But before anything happens, I need to talk to my pug.”

Elain straightened her dress, her hands shaking.

“You gonna hyperventilate and freak out?” he asked seriously, unbuttoning his shirt.

Elain shook her head and then said, “No. Are you really going to marry me?”

He smiled and said,

“You know it, baby.”

She walked to the doors and opened them.

Everyone was there. Were they listening? She wouldn’t put it past them.

“Az!” Cassian yelled loudly. “May I remind you that you said that you wanted to marry a girl who knew how to bake. And Ellie knows how to bake! So technically, yours is a match baked in heaven!”

“For the love of god,” Nesta groaned.

Azriel was laughing.

“You are right! That’s why I am marrying her!”

Cassian’s roughly beautiful face broke into a wide smile.

“Ellie, you said yes?”

Elain extended her arm forward and showed off her new ring to everyone.

“I am happy for you, pumpkin,” her father stepped forward and threw herself in his arms with a sob.

“Now, don’t cry, sweetheart,” he stroked her head. “Rhysand has been kind enough to let me know that the thing is done. And here, I brought your mother’s veil, in case you wanted to wear it. Feyre didn’t get the chance, so I thought that maybe you’d like to.”

It's a light relief from a bad habit

It's my mother's cookin' when I can't have it

It's the last train home from the day trippin'

It's the place I know when I start slippin'

Darling, won't you take me home?

Send me shivers somewhere I used to go

Wrap my name across your mouth

When I let my feelings down

Darling, won't you take me home?

Yeah, won't you take me

Tell me, does your mother know? Oh

I still love you, head to toe, yeah

Like the back of my car on a sunny day

You're the song on the radio I never play

You're the words in my soul that I wanna say, yeah, I wanna say

So won't you make me stay?

‘Home’ was the song that Elain Archeron walked down the aisle to the man she loved.

He stood there, grinning, his arms thrown over the shoulders of his brother and his cousin, waiting for her at the end of the road.

She held her sisters’ hands, because for better or worse, they were there for her, come rain or shine. And there were no better people to bring her to her Azriel.

Her father and Fenris walked ahead of the three sisters, with Piglet between them.

If there was one creature who was giving Elain away, and trusting her to Azriel, it was Piglet. Her faithful companion. Her friend. Her protector. The one who had saved her just as much as she’d saved him.

Elain was blinded by tears of happiness, but she’d noticed Lord and Lady Darling, and Dev, and some rough looking men, who she’d assumed were Azriel’s mates from days long gone, and there were his teammates in attendance as well. Her friends were there too, and somehow, she realised that she was always a foregone conclusion, and Azriel knew it. So he chanced inviting everyone to their wedding, because he knew that Elain belonged to him and would become his wife on this day.

Every song that they had danced to was called ‘Home’.

Their wedding song was ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

“Home is wherever I'm with you,” Azriel whispered in her ear, holding her close to him. He kissed her head and added, “you haven’t stopped crying, you know.”

Elain craned her neck to look up at him and demanded, “kiss me right now!”

He laughed and pressed his lips to hers. It was a slow kiss, relaxed and leisurely. Like he had all the time in the world. And maybe he did.

“I am too happy,” she admitted, her hands wrapped tightly around his neck. “I am overwhelmed and I am too happy.”

“So I guess you did want to marry me?” he teased.

“Pfff, not even a little!” she argued.

“Obviously.”

Feyre was dancing with Piglet and Fenris. And Dev, much to Cassian’s chagrin, somehow snatched Nesta into a dance. Rhysand had smooth, hip-thrusting moves which caught the eyes of every woman at the party. Too bad he only had eyes for Feyre.

At that moment, Piglet jumped out of Feyre’s arms and trotted to the newlyweds.

He got up on his hind legs, swaying to the beat and asking to be picked up. Which is what Azriel did. He picked the pug up and pulled Elain closer, so the dog was between them.

“One minute you are asking for her number,” he muttered, “and then next minute, you are a dad to a spoiled dog you never asked for. And you are married.”

The gorgeous black-haired woman who bore a striking resemblance to Azriel and Cassian was introduced to Elain as their mother.

“Ohmygod,” Elain murmured, watching her father and her new mother-in-law dance rather affably, before they went to drink champagne and giggle.

“Ohmygod,” Azriel echoed, his eyes wide.

“Are they,”

“Into each other?” he finished her thought. “Looks like it!”

Cassian descended upon the two of them, wrapping his massive arms around their shoulders and grinning like an idiot.

“Ma and your dad are getting it on!”

“They are not getting it on!” Elain gasped.

“Ha! Looks like there will be a coupla wedding nights tonight,” he winked at them, and then rushed to sweep Nesta off her feet in a dance. She pushed him away a little, but then wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. Cassian smiled and caged her in his embrace, holding her close.

“Treat my elske well, yeah, mate?” Fenris, tall and imposing, appeared at their side, and gave Azriel a measured look which hid a bit of a warning in it. “You got my first love to fall for you and marry you. But she will always be my first love.”

Instead of arguing or protesting, Azriel pulled Elain close to him, his hand resting on her hip, and extended his other hand to the blond man.

“I promise,” he said seriously.

“Good man. Now, did she tell you that you gotta take her surname now?” Fenris laughed, shaking Azriel’s hand and clapping him on the shoulder.

This was news to Azriel, who turned to look at Elain, confusion written on his face.

“Beautiful?”

She bit her lip and mumbled, “Ummm…well, yes. You have to. It’s, well,”

“I have to become a Mr. Archeron now? Since when?”

“Well, in my family, if a man is of lower rank, he takes the Archeron name…” she explained lamely.

“Well, newlyweds, I’ll let you sort it all out. Welcome to the family, Azriel,” Fenris smiled. “See you at Ascot! Oh yeah, did she tell you? You’ll need to participate in all the fun social events now. She used to drag me when her ginger wasn’t available. Now she has you, Mr. Azriel Archeron.”

“We have to discuss this Archeron thing,” Azriel said, as he watched Fenris greet a stunning woman with striking green eyes. “Can I hyphenate it at least?”

Elain nodded, “Yes. That's alright.”

“Well thank god for that.”

The wedding venue

By the end of the day, when Azriel and Elain left the Old Chelsea Town Hall, showered with flower petals, he not only had a new wife at his side, but also a new name.

And somehow, he didn’t mind it one bit. Especially because he shared the name with his son, and his wife. He figured he’d drop the surname of his hateful father, Singer, because he wasn't sure why he was still keeping it, and would make it official:

Azriel Archeron-Night

Elain Archeron-Night

Piglet Pinky Archeron-Night

Only Piglet was staying behind. He wasn’t thrilled. However, Azriel was pretty firm on this–Piglet needed to sit a few days out, while Azriel was going to make his new wife truly his. The things he was going to do to her did not include catering to Piglet’s many whims or waking up at 6:30 in the morning to take him out.

So Piglet was staying behind.

At first, Feyre volunteered to take him, to which Rhys made horror eyes. His helpless and terrified gaze was caught by Sir Charles, and he beckoned Piglet to him.

“Do you want to stay with grandpa, big boy?”

Piglet considered and then gave an affirmative bark. Yes, he would stay with grandpa. He would like that very much. Because that meant pretty much unlimited snacks, running around in grandpa’s big house, long walks in the park behind the house, and he knew they’d be going to the Connaught Bar where grandpa liked to go every night for a drink, and where Piglet was allowed to sit quietly–which he did.

“We’ll take care of him,” the lady told Azriel.

The lady seemed nice, at least at first glance. Piglet would need to do more bonding and see how she was with snacks. But it looked like grandpa liked the lady, so Piglet was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“Ma,” Azriel began, but Sir Charles interrupted him and said, “don’t worry about us, son. We’ll take care of the pooch. You take care of my girl.”

We.

Apparently, Sir Charles and Azriel’s mother were going to take care of Piglet together. Azriel wasn’t sure what was happening, but he overheard the man inviting her to Scott’s tomorrow night for dinner. Scott’s was on Sir Charler’s street–only a block away from where he lived. Would there be a…nightcap afterwards? Azriel shuddered. Life was stressful enough: he just got married, he was on the verge of winning the Premier League title with Arsenal, he needed to move house, and he likely was going to be selected for England’s National Team for the Euros in Germany come June. He really couldn’t think of his mother and his father-in-law getting hot-n-heavy in Sir Charles’s mansion. That was too much to take even for Azriel. He already felt like he was a walking heart attack waiting to happen.

But at least Piglet was sorted out, even though Feyre promised (threatened) to take him to the park tomorrow for a ‘long walk’. Chances were that Feyre would be carrying Piglet through Kensington Palace Gardens herself on her ‘long walk’, but Azriel figured that that was between Piglet and Feyre.

Azriel helped Elain into the car, folded her train carefully onto the floor and then got in himself.

He’d left Dev to party and there was one of Lord Darling’s drivers waiting for them.

“Congratulations on your wedding Mr. and Mrs. Night,” the driver greeted them pleasantly. “Where to?”

Elain glanced at Azriel with gentle hope shining in her eyes and he said, “We live in Bloomsbury. Near Russell Square and the British Museum.”

“Certainly, sir,” the driver nodded and pulled away into traffic.

Elain threaded her arm through his and put her head on his shoulder.

“Alright, beautiful?” he asked.

She nodded wordlessly.

“Still happy?”

She nodded again and buried her face in his shoulder. Azriel reached and cupped her cheek in his hand, stroking her gently, before dropping lower and pulling her hair out of its bun. A thick lock curled around his finger and Elain sighed with relief, once the tightness in her scalp lightened.

Azriel pulled his phone out, and then smiled to himself.

“What?” Elain finally asked, noticing his little smirk.

“Oh, I don’t know…it’s nothing,” he shrugged, but she knew that it wasn’t ‘nothing’.

“Tell meeee,” she whined and he laughed.

“Look,” he showed her the phone. “It started off with Crazy Pug Lady, then I changed it to Pretty Matchmaker,” he explained, as she watched him thumb through his contacts. “By November, it was Az’s Girl,” he chuckled, “and finally, the much maligned Mrs. Night,”

She blushed at that, but he tsked and muttered,

“Time for one last change?”

She glanced at him quizzically, and then watched his fingers delete Mrs. Night. In turn, he typed a new contact: Wife.

Azriel had all kinds of plans for his wedding night. To say that he hadn’t thought about it–a lot–would be a gigantic lie. He thought about his wedding, and his wedding night all the time. Constantly. Because somehow, he knew that as bizarre as it was at this day and age, he’d have to marry Elain first, before having sex with her. And he was correct. Here he was, married. To the love of his life. His beautiful girl. His proper soulmate.

What he didn’t expect was for Elain to take charge.

Once the car pulled to the house and the driver opened the doors for Elain, Azriel rounded the boot and shushed the man to step aside. The driver wasn’t put off, but only smiled and let Azriel scoop Elain into his arms. He threw ‘’night’ to the driver and headed toward the white steps, bounding up pretty quickly. Good thing he thought to grab Elain’s purse on the way out, because otherwise, they’d be locked out right now and that didn’t bode well for the sucking and the fucking that was currently on his mind.

As soon as he opened the door and carried Elain across the threshold, she gently wrapped her arms around his neck and coaxed his face lower, so she could kiss him. Her little eager tongue slipped easily into his mouth and she kissed him hard, impatient hands tugging on his shirt.

None of that virginal, shy, timid behaviour that Azriel came to expect from Elain. He figured that he’d have to cajole and gently sway her into it, and he was prepared to do that. He was prepared to be slow and careful and romantic. He was prepared to worship her, lovingly lick her pussy and make sure that she was comfortable and cared for throughout.

But now, he was reconsidering things. Quickly.

Elain wasn’t acting timid or shy.

The way she was kissing him–possessively, hungrily, deeply, swiping her tongue into his mouth was anything but bashful.

Heat and sweat broke out all over his body, and he grew boiling hot under his suit and his famed self-control all but slipped and disintegrated right then, just as Elain pushed her hand under his shirt, pulling it out from under his trousers with feverish ferocity.

“I need to see you,” she breathed heavily, “I need to see your body,” she demanded, touching him tentatively, and pressing her palm to his firm abdomen, her flesh hot against his own.

He smiled a smug sort of smile, watching her desperation, and how she trembled against his body.

“And you haven’t seen me naked yet,” he murmured into her panting, soft mouth. Elain stilled mid-kiss and then snorted a laugh.

“Of course you would say that,” she dragged her nails over the back of his neck. “Is it an implication of the size of your cock?”

“Oh, baby, you know my cock is big,” he winked. “You had copped a feel a time or two,” he reminded her, before wrapping his fingers around her hand and whispering, “care to take this inside the house and not stand in the foyer?”

“So impatient, Mr. Archeron,” she stroked his stomach again, before proceeding to unbutton his shirt slowly.

“Mrs. Night,” he said casually, watching her long lashes flutter against her cheeks, as she watched his body reveal itself to her, and his thumb skimmed over her bare collarbones. “You have no idea the kind of impatient I am right now. However, the kind of sex I want to have with you isn’t done against the wall of the house entrance next to the coat closet.”

To demonstrate, he leaned against her, pressing his pelvis into her belly, and showing her exactly how desperate he was for her.

“Impressed, sweetness?” he whispered into her ear, before nipping on the earlobe and flicking it with his tongue.

She swallowed hard and looked up at him. A bit of her bravado had disappeared once she felt the heat of him and the overwhelming size of his 6”5 foot frame and the jumble of muscles that covered his body.

“I want to show you how good sex with a man can actually be. Sex with your husband,” he reminded her heatedly, as if she would forget. “Your Fenris was impressive and I am sure that he is hung like a stallion,”

Elain gasped and blushed profusely, which made Azriel smile. “But,” he continued, “you were young and inexperienced. And your subsequent blokes probably didn’t rock your world. But I am eager to show you, baby,” he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

She licked her lips and moaned, “show me then.”

“I will, sweetness. I will.”

Under her long skirt, Elain’s thighs fell apart around his own and he decided to offer her just a taste of what was about to come. So he shifted his leg until the upper part of his thigh pressed into her warmth. Grabbing her hands in his big one, he lifted her arms over her head and pinned her to the wall, and then lifted her skirt up and over her legs, so he could slot his leg in at a better angle.

Elain groaned, her eyes falling shut, her neck arching backwards.

She was hot and damp and he felt her through the material of his trouser, the soft folds parting for him, as he ground her down on his thigh. He dragged his tongue against the flushed skin of her throat, while he moved her hips against him, bucking her down and pushing hard.

“That’s my girl,” he encouraged. “Rub that pussy over me. Get yourself nice and soaked for me.”

Unable to touch him, she writhed and moaned a long throaty moan, her hips gyrating on his leg, scooting in a way that allowed for the most amount of friction for her clit.

“Oh god,” she cried out, “I am going to come.”

He nodded, urging her on, strangely proud of the fact that the first act that they experienced as husband and wife in their house was her orgasm. The thought was delicious.

“Two minutes of a bit of rubbing and you are coming already?” he teased. “I fucking can’t wait to do all the things to you.”

“You want my first orgasm to be in the foyer?” she moaned.

He shrugged.

“I am not denying my wife any orgasms. Take what you need, my love. There are numerous ways that I can make you come. This is just an amuse bouche.”

He didn’t touch her with his fingers yet, but found the plain cotton knickers that she favoured and tugged them upwards, wedging them into her pussy. He sawed them back and forth over her clit, making her shudder and plead for relief. Her hips jerked and she stretched her arms tightly, trying to break free from his grip, which was impossible. But her breasts popped from under her dress and looked down at her, wantonly beautiful and on the edge of orgasm, Azriel couldn’t help but wince at the ache in his cock. He bit her neck sharply, his teeth skimming her pulsing vein.

“I’ve not seen your stunning orgasm face since December. I can’t wait to watch you again,” he grunted into her neck, “and I can’t wait to get inside of you and watch you as you clench my dick.”

Shaking and panting, she came quietly, but powerfully over his leg, her slim fingers squeezing his.

“That’s my girl,” he kissed her cheeks, her nose, her mouth, “keep coming. You are so beautiful, it’s fucking with my head.”

“I…I’ve never seen you,” she breathed, riding out her climax, “never seen you come,”

“Well you will today,” he promised with a laugh and kissed her again.

“Please,” she murmured, voice almost pleading, her eyes hooded and warm, her cheeks hot. “I want to…”

Azriel felt his cock stir, scenting the heady whiff of her orgasm wafting between the two of them. Releasing her hands, he squeezed her jaw in his fingers and kissed her savagely, his other hand tangling with her unbound hair, and he couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to grip all that gorgeous hair while he fucked her mouth and buried himself fully between those pink lips. He’d make her love it and she’d ask for more.

When he pulled away from her at last, panting for breath, she grunted, “we need to get upstairs”.

He nosed into her neck, murmuring, “you want to get fucked, baby?”

She nodded, clutching at his shoulders, while he caressed her thighs and then hoisted her up, grabbing her ass and giving it a hearty squeeze. Anal. Maybe not today, but eventually. Definitely. Though, considering how things were progressing so far, he wasn’t sure what the night would bring.

“Do you need a drink?” he asked, though he was heading upstairs as he spoke.

She smiled and shook her head. She didn’t need liquid courage. She needed him.

Looking at her, he couldn’t miss the heated look and the flushed cheeks and her messy hair that hung down his forearm.

“Yeah, no drink,” he muttered and she laughed.

“Maybe later,” she offered. “Once you’ve had your way with me.”

“Once I’ve had my way with you,” he promised savagely, “there won’t be any walking for you. For a while.”

“Okay, but please don’t cripple me with your dick,” she requested.

“I won’t, if you are going to be a good girl for me.”

She bit her lip prettily, looking sexy and fetching, and nodded, “I’ll be a good girl”.

He smiled, nodding to himself.

Elain liked to submit. She was feisty enough in real life, successful, and in control. But she relinquished control when he was around–and he wasn’t sure whether she realised that or not.

“And I will make you feel wonderful,” he promised, opening the door to her bedroom. Their bedroom, he supposed. Now, it was their bedroom. “And you will fall in love with me even more!”

“You are awfully sure of your magnificent prowess in the sheets,” she chuckled, but he kissed her along the jaw and smiled.

“I’ve got some experience,” he shrugged modestly. “And,” he set her down on the floor, and then reached behind her body, and tugged on the laces that kept her dress in place, “I am in love with you. Which makes me want to outperform myself. But now, I need to get you naked for me.”

He shifted the dress, loosening it around her body, and then pulled it down, and once it pooled around her feet, he offered her his hand in a most chivalrous manner and helped her step out of it.

True to herself, she was wearing stockings with wide lace bands around her plump thighs and there was no way in hell that he was going to remove them. The knickers were plain white, with lace inserts and even from here, he could see that she was wet for him. Her full, round breasts were stuffed into a strapless bra, which he unclasped in one quick move, tossing it on the floor. It was a shame to watch her generous cleavage disappear, however, once he weighed the soft globes in his palms, he couldn’t think of anything else but watching how they swayed and moved with every touch, and how his thick brown fingers dug into the pale skin. He squeezed them, not gently, unable to help himself. Filling his hands with all that softness felt better than any drug–it was mesmerising to watch how he moulded her flesh to his liking, roughly thumbing her pink nipples, until she moaned a pathetic little ‘Azzzz…” She trembled with pleasure, her skin covered in goosebumps, her heart beating rapidly and loudly–he could see the blood rushing to the surface of her skin and colouring it a pretty pink.

He pulled her nipples hard, twisting them between his fingers, squeezing tightly until she whimpered in pain and gasped, balling her hands at her sides.

“Oh, it hurts,” she breathed.

“I know,” he told her simply, twisting and pinching her nipples harder, watching them redden between his thumb and forefinger. “You can take it, sweetheart,”

She nodded, licking her lips again.

After he nearly fisted her the first time, and he only stopped short of cramming his whole hand inside of her up to the wrist, Azriel learned that Elain liked some pain with her pleasure. She liked the discomfort. She wasn’t as vanilla as everyone'd assumed she was. And truthfully, after meeting Fenris, Azriel wasn’t surprised. The huge blond bloke was pretty as fuck, but there was something sordid lurking beneath the handsome visage. The man was into something hard, and Azriel was going to discover what it was later on. But Fenris took Elain’s virginity, and no matter what, he couldn’t have been all gentle and accommodating. It just wasn’t in him, because in Azriel’s case, it took one to know one.

So, instead of easing his grip on her tits, he asked “more?”

And his good girl nodded and mouthed, “more”.

He pushed her against the wall, so there would be some support for her, and then squeezed her breasts together and dropped to his knees in front of her, bringing them to his mouth. He pulled her swollen nipples deep inside and gave them a rough, hearty suck. He watched her wince, when he worked his tongue and his lips over the puckered buds, biting them, and sucking ferociously, but she only whispered, “Oh, that’s good…Please, my love…”

Yeah she fucking loved it.

“Hold them for me and feed me,” he grumbled an order and she hurried to squeeze her breasts together and hold them for him as an offering. He palmed her ample behind in his hands, massaging it slowly, enjoying the feel of her skin, the heaviness of her tits in his mouth, the nearness of her body. He dipped his fingertips into her crack and pulled her cheeks apart, slowly at first, and then harder, until he felt around her tiny hole and pressed his fingers around it, feeling how it stretched.

He pulled his face away from her breasts and her wet nipples glistened next to his cheek. The breasts bounced, and he licked them, until they were wet with his saliva.

“Baby, anybody fucked your ass?” he asked, knowing the answer in advance.

“Nooo,” she shook her head, glassy-eyed and perfect, panting softly, while he played with her little hole.

“I’ll have to fuck it, you know that, right?” he said plainly.

“Yes,” she agreed simply. “Today?”

“We’ll see how your pussy fares,” he rose to his feet, but didn’t release her ass from his grip. “If you can’t take anymore dick in there, you might have to take it in the bum.”

Her eyes lit up with some sort of unholy excitement at his proposal, and she whispered, “I want to be yours.”

“You are mine.”

“You said you’ll fuck all my holes,” she reminded him. “During your god awful proposal.”

He slapped her right ass cheek hard and warned, “keep on talking like that, and I’ll tear your pussy and you asshole.”

She laughed and then stood on her toes and kissed his mouth.

“I want to see your cock,” she whispered into his lips, kissing him all over his face.

He grabbed her hand and brought it to his groin, letting her feel how hard he was for her.

She squeezed him through his trousers, running her hand up and down his length a few times, before he ordered, “On your knees, beautiful.”

She didn’t question the command, but lowered herself on her knees in front of him. Her knees were on the rug, but he stepped away from her, unbuttoning his trousers, while he grabbed a decorative pillow from the armchair.

“I am not a monster,” he told her and tossed the pillow down on the floor.

She sighed with relief and climbed on top of it, her posture relaxing instantly.

He wasn’t a monster, but he also wanted her to spend a decent amount of time on her knees in front of him, and didn’t want her thinking of anything but his dick, and least of all not about knee pain.

“Hands on your lap,” he instructed, and she obliged, placing her hands on her lap compliantly and waiting. He knew how to undress quickly, and therefore got rid of everything that he was wearing in less than a minute. Less than 30 seconds more like.

His massive hand was squeezing the base of his shaft, and still, his cock loomed hard and proud at his navel.

Other than Fen’s, Elain had never found penises attractive. They were utilitarian at best, but mostly ugly and weird looking.

Her husband’s cock literally made her mouth water.

She swallowed the excess of saliva, unable to tear her eyes from the huge pole that stood tall and thick, the cut of his V a visual guide to all that glory. 6”5, with a glorious dick. She was one absurdly lucky woman. Though the size of him gave her pause for a second.

He must have noticed a flicker of trepidation on her face, when he came closer and lovingly stroked her head, and then her cheeks.

“Do you like it, sweetness?”

“It’s beautiful,” she admitted. “But…will it,”

“Fit?”

She nodded, nervously chewing the inside of her cheek.

Azriel scrunched his nose with annoyance. The idea that her previous lovers didn’t wait until she was ready and didn’t take their time to prepare her sufficiently kind of made him rage inside. Well endowed or no, she shouldn’t be concerned, or worse, frightened. He’d have to remedy that. A little pain with her pleasure was one thing, but this wouldn’t do.

“Ellie, who is made for me?” he asked, caressing her mouth with his fingers.

She blinked at him and whispered, “I am.”

“That’s right, pretty girl. You are. So you know I will fit like it’s my god given right. Because we were made for each other.”

“You are such a romantic,” she teased, relaxing in front of him.

“You wouldn’t be saying that when I am fucking your face,” he warned playfully.

“Still a romantic. I know you, Azriel. A man after my own heart.”

Before he could say anything, she opened her mouth for him.

God damn, his wife was perfect.

“No touching, unless I tell you,” he warned, and then rubbed the thick, smooth, pink head of his cock over her lips.

She didn’t move, remaining in the same position, hands folded on her lap.

But the moment he touched her face and her lips with his dick, she lurched to lick at it.

He slapped her lips lightly, cautioning her, but she licked again, and he whacked his meaty shaft on her face again.

“I want it,” she whined, bouncing on her knees.

“You are that hungry for cock?” he smirked, his chest expanding from sheer male pride that he was feeling right this moment.

“Please, Az,” she begged, eagerly lapping on the head, pushing the tip of her tongue into the little slit, smearing her lips with precum.

“Please, Az, what?”

“I need it in my mouth,” she pleaded. “I want to suck.”

He placed his hand on the back of her head and then urged his shaft inside her mouth.

“Since you asked so nicely, baby. Show your husband how sorry you are for being bad,” he pushed against her tongue, making her swallow him down. Her brows knitted in defiance, because she still didn’t think that she'd done anything wrong, but he wasn’t going to have this argument with her anymore. Today, his cock is not going to be loving. Today, it was going to be punishing. And maybe, once she learned her lesson, he’d give her loving.

He propped his hand against the wall, holding the back of her head with his other hand and pushed his cock deeper, not allowing her to pull back.

“Watch me as I fuck this bratty little mouth,” he said. “And remember every time you rejected me, turned me away, and argued with me.”

She glared at him, but took him without complaint, her heavy tits swaying with every shove of his cock. Her mouth felt heavenly–warm and wet, and she sucked him noisily and deeply, swallowing a little more with every push of his hips.

He stroked her hollowed cheeks, murmuring, “finally, my ornery girl, with a ring on her finger, my name next to hers, at my feet, her mouth full of my cock. Are you feeling contrite?”

She shook her head no, watching him brazenly with her watery eyes.

He sighed a heavy sigh and said, “Okay. I guess I’ll have to fuck you until you cry.”

And he did.

He was merciless.

Tears leaked out of her eyes, and she panted and dug her nails into her knees, moaning over his dick loudly.

God. There was so much. He was so fucking big. She was feeling lightheaded from the lack of oxygen, her mouth absolutely ravaged by the girth of him. Her throat hurt, because while he didn’t force himself down into her, he pushed steadily, deeper and deeper.

“Good fucking girl,” he praised. “Are you tired?”

She was, but she wasn’t going to stop. So she shook her head no. She was going to suck for as long as he wanted her to. Because perhaps, she was feeling contrite. Maybe she was sorry. But she wasn’t going to tell him that.

He tsked in warning when she grabbed onto his thighs, squeezing them for purchase.

“Did I say you can touch?” he gave her a disappointed look, and then pressed his cock deeper. She panicked and cried out, but he stroked her head and whispered, “you are okay. Breathe, breathe,” which she did, panting nervously through her nose. “It feels really good when you gag, sweetness. So I am going to choke you, but hold on to me, so I can feel how you are doing.”

He pulled her head back, holding it tightly in his palm and then stepped over her and pushed his shaft deep. She gagged desperately, but it didn’t feel unpleasant, especially when she looked at his blissed out expression and heard him muttering, “fuck it’s good…oh fuck, fuck…” She loved him and wanted to give him pleasure, and if this is what he enjoyed, then she was going to accommodate him.

She stroked his firm, muscular ass–the thing could probably crack a handful of walnuts all at once. While he continued to fuck her mouth, she gently tiptoed her fingers closer to his hole and pressed on it. He stiffened between her lips and looked down. She looked for approval and he smiled at her, “Fuck, you look gorgeous. My dick in your mouth is exactly where it belongs.” He wiped her tears and told her, “suck me off, sweetness. Show me how hard you’ll work for me.”

The pressure on her skull finally eased and she was able to swallow him deeply and began sucking, bobbing her head on him. He grunted above her with enjoyment, and rasped quietly, “dip your pretty fingers in your pussy.”

She scrambled to obey, and smeared her fingers with her wetness.

“You know what to do,” he said then, waiting. She did. She wasn’t sure if he was into it, but apparently he was. Without breaking her steady rhythm, she parted his cheeks and carefully pressed her wet fingers inside of him. He tensed, as she worked them deeper inside and she noticed the whiteness of his knuckles. He was holding on by a thread. And Elain was very pleased. Because she did this. She drove him to the brink and it was clear that he was just about losing his mind. She pumped him firmly, sucking on his cock, and finding the spot inside of him which made him shudder and moan. He wasn’t particularly vocal in bed, but this stimulation unleashed him and his hips buckled against her. He wanted to last longer, but he knew that the future was bright and he could indulge in this play as frequently as he wanted. Thank fuck.

So he thrust hard down her throat and ground out, “choke”. The added vibrations inside her gurgling throat brought him over the edge and he came so hard, he was afraid he was going to black out. His new wife with his dick in her mouth, and he, unconscious on the floor. Whatta wedding night…afternoon.

He watched her suck on him, her throat contracting as she swallowed. “Show me,” he asked and she opened her mouth and showed him her cum-stained tongue.

“My good girl. Swallow everything,” he urged unnecessarily. Of course she was going to swallow everything. “Holy shit, you are brilliant,” he vowed, caressing and stroking her.

She smiled at him and he gave her his arm, lifting her off the floor.

“This was the best blowjob I’ve ever gotten,” he admitted.

She wiped her lips with the back of her hand and smirked, “I am glad you liked it, husband.”

He wrapped his arms tightly around her and pressed his lips to hers.

“Say it again,” he hissed, almost crushing her against his chest.

“I am glad,”

“No not that!”

“That you liked it?” she teased.

“Wife!”

“Yes, husband?”

“That’s better.”

He pushed her towards the bed and then tossed her on it unceremoniously.

“I need to eat your pussy, or I will die,” he declared dramatically.

“Die?”

“Do you want to be a widow?”

She frowned at his words and then smacked his shoulder.

“If you don’t stop saying stupid things, I will kick you in the dick!” she threatened.

“Sorry baby,”

He lay her on the bed and kissed her belly.

“See, this is me being contrite,” he told her, sliding her damp panties down her legs and leaving her naked except for her stockings. He placed an open mouth kiss right on her bare slit and dragged his tongue from her back hole to her clit. “Do you want to try it?” he offered. “It’s easy.”

“I am not sorry!” she told him stubbornly, grabbing the plush duvet in her fists and arching her back for him.

He pushed her knees apart, almost pressing them to the bed and kissed her pussy again.

“Spread yourself for me,” he requested, his breath fanning over her damp skin.

She blushed, which was kind of silly, because she was laid out in front of him bare and spread, but this somehow, was too much.

“You just spent twenty minutes being gagged with my dick in your throat, and now you are shy?” he cocked his brow at her.

She bit her lip, but wordlessly spread herself, pulling her folds far apart and exposing herself completely.

“That’s right, beautiful,” he moaned, “that’s perfect. No secrets between us. Nothing unsaid. Nothing unseen. You are mine and I am yours. The way it should be.”

“Az,” she breathed, feeling vulnerable and uncovered, and yet, trusting him for some reason. He might not deserve her trust, not yet, not everything that he’s pulled, but she couldn’t help it. At the end of the day, he did right by her. Married her. Trusted her.

He tongued her clit steadily and it felt amazing, but she looked down at him and whispered,

“Az, I know you will die if you don’t eat my pussy,” she laughed softly.

“Yeah,” he concurred, slurping her down.

“But I need you inside of me. Please. I want to be your wife in every sense of the word. I’ve waited for so long for you. And now you are here. And I can’t wait anymore.”

He sat back on his hunches and his thumb replaced his tongue, as he looked at her from between her legs.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she nodded.

“You think you are ready?”

“I’ve been ready since before Halloween,” she chuckled.

He grabbed his cock and gave it a few long, leisurely strokes, while she watched him with desperate hunger in her eyes.

“I want you inside of me,” she begged softly. He crawled over her and squeezed her throat gently, before kissing her deeply.

“Anything you want, my love. Anything for my wife.”

He licked her soft breasts and then lightly slapped them with his dick, poking her nipple with its blunt head. He lifted her breast up and said, “suck” and she licked on her own nipple, craning her head down. He pushed the cockhead inside, and closed his hand over her chin, making her suck both her nipple and the tip of his cock.

“Good girl,” was all he said, watching her with a blazing gaze of absolute devotion. “The things we’ll do together,” he added dreamily. His imagination had no bounds when he thought of his wife and their sex life.

She popped her nipple and his cock out of her mouth and kissed the tip, saying, “take me, husband”.

It was an invitation that Azriel couldn’t resist.

He rubbed himself briefly and then kissed her lips slowly.

“I will go slow, beautiful. You are probably tight as fuck, so I want to make this count, and I want to make this last, alright?”

“Yes, Az, I want you so much I feel like I am going to burst,” she complained.

He pressed against her, rubbing his shaft in her slick, before sliding slowly inside.

“Oh fuck,” he groaned, almost in surprise? “Oh…tight…”

Tight didn’t even begin to describe how incredible she felt.

He seriously considered the possibility that he was going to blow his load before he was even fully inside of her. And that’s despite having come only ten minutes ago. Jesus fuck.

The blissful tightness was indescribable, and he shuddered like a dog, trying to pace himself.

Her nose was scrunched and she scowled adorably, before he stopped, allowing her time to get acquainted with the sensation and kissed her lovingly.

“You are amazing, Ellie. How are you doing?”

“You are huge!” she blurted out and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sorry, sweetness. Nothing I can do about that. Does it hurt?”

“It’s so fucking tight!”

“You are telling me!” he smiled, but then lay his palm on her stomach and stroked her lightly.

“Look at me,” he ordered, “and relax. You are tensing up. I am yours, beautiful. No need to be nervous.”

She exhaled heavily, following his instruction, and attempting to ease against him. He was insanely hot and thick, and despite the pressure, he felt mind-numbingly good. Her walls stretched, as he pushed his way in, and when he pushed his hand onto her mound and pressed his thumb to her clit, she moaned with pleasure.

“That’s right, sweetness,” he urged her on. “Pussy was made to please me.”

He sank deeper and deeper, pressing forward firmly, but without aggression. “Open up for me, Ellie.”

She helped him out, lowering her hips down onto him, panting loudly, while he rubbed her clit and finally bottomed out. His balls pressed to her ass and the entirety of his enormous shaft was lodged inside.

She closed her eyes, and expelled a tortured, deep moan of pleasure.

“Finally in you, my Elain,” he breathed, cupping her face in his hand. “My god.”

“Finally in me,” she echoed him. “I love it. I love it so much.”

He fucked her then. Not fast, but driving each thrust hard into her. His hand was on her face, the scarred, uneven surface of his fingers tracing the hollow of her cheek. He touched her face, her lips, until he wrapped his arm around her head, holding her in the crook of his elbow. He watched her let go then, and become focussed only on that moment. The heaviness of him, the weight of his muscles and bones, and the heat of his skin, the pressure of his fingers on her hip, as he dug deep into her skin, and the sensation of his shaft filling her seemed to be the only things that mattered to her in that moment.

“Make me feel like you’ll never let me go,” she moaned.

“I will never let you go,” he promised.

Shifting her hips on his cock, he made her groan, as she clawed at his bicep, because he hit that spot. And it seemed like no one else’s done this before, judging by the awed expression on her face.

“You like that?” he smiled, kissing her and thrusting hard.

“You are so deep,” she gushed. “The deepest.”

“I should hope so. I do have a long dick.”

But he looked prideful and satisfied by her comment.

He picked up the pace then, driving into her smoothly and with single-minded intent. Her stocking-clad legs wanted to wrap around him, but he preferred to keep her open, so he could watch his dark shaft slide in and out of her pinkiness. He threw her knees over his elbows, keeping her nice and pliant and loose.

It felt good.

Just fucking her like this. Nice and deep and steady.

He could enjoy the moment, watching her beautiful face, her messy hair, her breasts which jumped and bounced steadily from his thrusts.

Their bodies slapped and rubbed together, and he loved the sexual sounds that they were making together. She bowed beneath him, arms thrown above her head, grabbing the edge of the pillow, eyes closed.

“Do you want me to play with your clit?” he offered but she shook her head and said,

“No. Just keep going like this. It’s too good. I never want it to stop.”

Ditto.

Azriel. Her husband. Her love. Her dream. Her forever.

She didn’t want to come, but she couldn't stop the tidal wave of pleasure engulfing her.

He caught on to that and pulled himself higher, grabbing the padded headboard with his left hand, and gaining more leverage. His hips drove into her with increased speed, though he didn’t break his rhythm.

“Az,” she whispered his name and he tucked his face against her cheek, listening to her laboured breathing, wanting to hear her say it again. And again.

“My Az,” she repeated softly, worshipfully. “My husband.”

“Yours, Elain. Always yours.”

He felt when she came for him, her tightness squeezing over him, drinking from him, pulling him deeper. Her arm fell over his shoulders, holding him to her.

Her muscles were still quaking, when he released a pleasured moan, enjoying her complete disintegration beneath him, while he found his own climax and came hard and deep inside of her. They were both bare to each other–soul and cock and cunt.

He wasn’t ready to think about children yet, but he wouldn’t have minded if the outcome would result in a baby. If his seed found the way, then so be it.

He kissed her slowly, still spasming inside of her, his pelvis nestled next to hers.

“I love you, beautiful,” he whispered, throwing her leg over his hip and keeping his spent cock inside.

When he looked at her, he saw that she was in tears.

“Oh my god, Ellie, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?” he asked in a panic.

She held onto him and said, tears rolling down her cheeks,

“I am in love with you.”

Relief flooded him, but he only stroked her face and said, “I am in love with you too.”

Behind the windows, the sun was setting.

London.

A black pearl of a city surrounded by the brightest green of emeralds, cut in half by the cobalt ribbon of the Thames.

London.

Not agreeable. Not easy. Not forgettable. Always magnificent.

London. Where a bad day is still better than most good days anywhere else.

London. Where dreams are made and crushed, where surprising matches are made in the convoluted and circuitous corners, where a footballer and a Lady can find their own heaven.

London was home.

“You. It was always you. Even before I knew you. It was you when I first heard your voice. It was you when I saw your face. It was you that I had asked about, when I asked the eternal question–is this love? And the answer was yes. It’s love. And the one that I love is you.”

#elriel #azriel and elain #elain archeron #pro elriel #elain x azriel #elain #A Match Baked In Heaven #Elriel fanfic #Elriel Fanfiction #acotar #my writing #final chapter #end of the story

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fast-moon · 11 months ago

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Noragami Final Chapter Raws

It's here! It's the end! This chapter isn't numbered and is just called "final chapter", but it would technically be 109, I suppose. There's a LOT of talking in this chapter to tie up loose ends, but I also took the day off work to work on it, so hopefully I can finish it in a day, since it's twice as long as normal.

Google Mirror Mediafire Mirror

#noragami #chapter 109 #final chapter #raws

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makethiscanon · 4 months ago

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MHA Final timeskip spoilers but NO GUYS I AM SOBBING LOOK AT OJIRO'S ADULT APPEARANCE HE IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS I ALWAYS HOPED HE WOULD BE I THINK I'M GOING TO THROW UP YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS HAS DONE TO ME--

HE HAS THE SLICKED BACK SPIKEY HAIR I ALWAYS PICTURED HE WOULD HAVE AND ALSO THE ROUNDED NECK COLLAR FUR AND THE BLACK SKIN TIGHT TURTLENECK FROM MY PRO HERO DESIGN FOR HIM.

I love him. That is my adult tailbaby husband in all his glory thank you literally I could not have asked for anything better I am literally a broken mess you don't understand you don't--

#no seriously when i say sobbing i am SOBBING #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #mha 430 #my hero academia #ojiro #ojiro mashirao #mashirao #tailman #pro hero #final chapter #time skip #jiro kyoka #koda koji #sero hanta #i have too many feelings right now

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shu-box-puns · 11 months ago

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You wanna be one of them (Tsu'tey x Reader) Part 9

Previous Chapter <- Act 9

If you prefer to read on Ao3, you can find the fic here!

Word Count: 9156

Summary: To transfer, or not to transfer, that is the question.

Reader uses they/them pronouns.

The morning the Sky People returned to the stars, you linked up to your avatar as you had been doing for the past several months. As always, you felt something in the back of your mind click into place as the buzz of the link unit cradling your human body melted away, in its place, the sounds of the forest swept in, alongside the comforting rumble of a steady purr. Your senses filtered in one by one after that, as they always did.

Only this time, you woke to the scent of your new home, the comforting weight of your mate’s arms wrapped around you, and the soft light of dawn trickling through the canopy above your newly built hut. It would take several more weeks before New Village was finished, with your own accommodation needing a few further tweaks, but it was home.

Smugly, you felt yourself grinning as you curled up tighter in Tsu’tey’s arms, revelling in the weight of them wrapped around you and the warmth of him pressed up against you. The hammock rocked under your shifting weight, sturdy and comfortable as it swayed. During the night, your legs had tangled together, whereas Tsu’tey had tucked his face into your neck, his steady breaths curling across the sensitive skin of your collarbones. Here, within the home you’d built together in New Village, he was the picture of relaxed.

All too soon, his loose limbed sprawl wound tight as he realised you had linked up.

Tsu’tey’s ear flicked lazily as he shifted in place, a cat readjusting before going back to sleep. <”Good morning.”> He greeted sluggishly, nuzzling his cold nose against vulnerable skin.

Smiling to yourself, you squeezed him in return, relishing in how he melted under your touch. All pliant and relaxed, greedy for some soft words and adoring touches. <”Did I wake you?”> Tsu’tey hummed drowsily, but took his sweet time in responding. <”No,”> he murmured finally, making no move to get up. Typical.

As his breathing evened out again, you listened to the familiar buzz of the clan preparing for the day. Two dozen hunters would oversee the launch at noon, whereas the rest of the clan would continue to forage and build New Village in their absence. With all the humans successfully rounded up and accounted for, the time had come to finally get them off Pandora.

<”We need to get up.”> You finally told the ceiling, when Tsu’tey made it abundantly clear he had no plans of doing so.

Predictably, your mate shook his head against your skin before nestling down further into you, pulling your long limbed body impossibly closer. You had the sneaking suspicion that he would crawl in your body if it were possible.

Who knew the fearsome Tsu’tey was a cuddler?

You certainly hadn’t; not before. Not when you’d been friends, despite the evidence lying in how he’d always felt a need to playfully shove at you or knock your shoulders together. What once could’ve been passed off as platonic camaraderie between hunters, had now been revealed as what it was.

A newly formed bond, strong in its magnetism and unescapable. Not that you wanted to escape. If anything, the last few days had proven just how much Tsu’tey had been holding back during the courtship. Now that you were mated, it seemed you couldn’t keep your hands off of one another. Sometimes, you felt like it was a miracle you’d managed to get anything done.

Every touch felt too fleeting, regardless of whether it had been for hours or minutes. You constantly wanted to be near him, wanting to appease the instinctual part of you that looked at Tsu’tey and felt complete; felt safe. It was a fascinating phenomenon, you’d concluded.

Even more so when you realised that although Tsu’tey had formed the bond with your human body, the pull between you was no less magnetising in your avatar. It didn’t matter which body you occupied, Tsu’tey seemed to sense where you were before you could even announce yourself.

Chuckling to yourself, you gave his back a sympathetic pat in condolence. <”I know, I know, I love a lie in as much as the next person, but the sooner we get up, the sooner we can get it done.”>

<”That is not how time works.”> Tsu’tey immediately argued.

<”And yet, we still have to get up.”>

Stubbornly, Tsu’tey didn’t move, so you were forced to resort to peeling his hands off of you and wiggling out from under him. Tsu’tey put up a half-assed fight, but ultimately allowed you to sit up. Legs swung over the side of the hammock, you glanced back to find him glaring at your back whilst curling into the warm spot you’d left behind. His tail thumped unhappily as he simply watched you, looking annoyingly adorable.

Seeing your distraction, Tsu’tey abruptly decided he was done with sleeping and quick as a whip, reached out and wrestled you back down into the hammock. You yelped, hands pushing feebly at him as he pressed you down into the comfortable material and stretched out across your front.

<”Forgetting something?”> Tsu’tey asked calmly, the hunger in his gaze betraying his collected tone. You felt his tail thumping down next to your thigh now, intrigued as you smiled and pulled his face down.

A purr rumbled to life in his chest as you kissed his cheek, like you had every morning after he’d rescued you. Adorably, his ears were wiggling now as his eyes fluttered closed, basking in your attention. Finding yourself grinning too hard to keep kissing him, you settled for pressing your foreheads together as you had hundreds of times before. Lovingly, your hand slid from cupping his cheek to carding through his braids.

Tsu’tey’s eyelids slipped open at the change of sensation. <”More.”>

<”Greedy.”> You purred back.

<”If you’re going to kiss me,”> Tsu’tey continued slowly, a glint of glee creeping into his eye as he lowered himself from his hands to his elbows. It sent a thrill through you, in how confident he was in getting when asking for something. He was hovering close enough not that your flat noses almost touched. <”Then I demand that you do it properly.”>

You couldn’t help but momentarily flick your gaze down to his lips as he spoke, noting - not for the first time - their pretty pigmentation. How a hint of lilac had crept onto his lower lip, blending perfectly with the blue of his complexion. Those lips stretched into a cocky grin under your attention.

It took great effort, but you managed to glare up at him as you replied in mock offence, <”those were proper kisses.”>

Tsu’tey tilted his head curiously, looking as unconvinced as one physically could. <”Properly.”> He repeated, as the corner of his mouth kicked up in amusement.

With a playful eye roll, you sighed. <”Fine.”>

Dramatically, you puckered your lips and batted your eyelashes, assuming Tsu’tey would scoff at your idiocy and push you away with a laugh. You thought he’d groan at you for ruining the mood and finally climb out of bed to get on with his day. It seemed however, that you had gravely miscalculated.

Instead of replying with banter or a tut, Tsu’tey’s cockiness abruptly melted into hunger. Your stomach squirmed as his eyes dragged down your face to your mouth, his tongue unconsciously flicking out to wet his lower lip. Your only warning was the way his ears lowered, before he promptly dove in for the kill.

Despite his enthusiasm, the first touch of your lips was gentle, almost chaste. A simple press of warm skin to skin before pulling back. His pupils were blown unbelievably wide as he tilted his head and moved in for another.

His body pressed you down into the hammock, applying delicious pressure to your stomach and thighs. You felt your own purr rising in the back of your throat as the security the position offered, with your mate covering all of you with himself, and taking whatever you gave him. Your chests were pressed so tightly together that you could feel the rhythmic pounding of his heart beating in time with your own escalated pulse.

The way his hands cupped your cheeks, his thumb rubbing back and forth across the apple of your cheek as if you were something precious - something to be admired - made your knees weak.

Kissing Tsu’tey was nothing like touching foreheads in either form. Neither was it anything like kissing him when you were human. In this body, where the size difference was significantly less and your strengths were similar, the kisses were less careful, and more effortless in how they pushed and pulled you into each other’s orbit. It was simple, and perfect, and felt like you’d been doing it your entire lives.

That was what you loved about Tsu’tey. How easy it was to be with him, and how effortlessly the pair of you fit together. How, despite your differences and your playful banter, you could still have these precious and soft moments just between you.

All too soon, your mate pulled back with a satisfied grin. <”Much better.”> He praised you, landing one last parting peck to the tip of your nose before rolling off of you. You were left panting, staring up with blown pupils at the ceiling whilst Tsu’tey puttered around the hut.

Getting your breath back, you finally managed to roll yourself out of the hammock. Stooping for your knife belt, you heard Tsu’tey chuckle to himself from across the hut. Flipping him off over your shoulder, you secured your belt across your torso before reaching for your jewellery. The pair of you prepared for the day ahead in companionable silence.

By the time you’d strapped your armband across your bicep and shouldered your bow, Tsu’tey had adorned his Olo’eyktan attire and dug out a couple of bowls of war paint. Having already crushed the pigment and mixed in the adequate measurement of water, Tsu’tey had sat himself down and gestured to you to come over. The feathers braided into his hair danced on a soft breeze as you sank to your knees opposite him.

As he wordlessly mixed up the yellow pigment for the base layer, you found yourself beginning to fidget. <”What pattern are you doing this time?”> <”The same as before. My family crest.”> Tsu’tey explained simply, his eyes remaining fixed on the task at hand.

<”Your family…”> You trailed off as realisation dawned on you.

Tsu’tey made a point of dipping his fingers into the thick, yellow paint, his hand steady as he withdrew from the bowl and raised it to begin painting the cold mixture in a familiar pattern across your features. Diligently, you kept still as he worked, watching his brow furrow in concentration. Outwardly, he seemed to be the picture of calm and collected, but behind his back, you noted how he was making an effort to keep his tail still. The sudden twitches and aborted movements of the appendage betrayed his anxiety.

You knew without asking that both of you were recalling that morning before the Battle for The Tree of Souls, when Tsu’tey had distracted you from Grace’s passing by applying your war paint, an act traditionally performed by mates or family members. At the time, you had dismissed it as a kind gesture, considering you had no family of your own to ask. But in hindsight, Tsu’tey’s true intentions had been painfully obvious. As had the gifting of the Atokirina knife and armband after your successful iknimaya.

<”You’re a sneaky bastard.”>

Tsu’tey’s lips thinned, but his movements remained steady. <”No, you’re just dense.”> He sighed tiredly with no venom. <”You knew exactly what applying war paint means, and yet did not stop me. I assumed my intentions were welcome since you reciprocated.”> <”I mean, yes it worked out, but I didn’t think that was how you meant it.”> You admitted honestly, to which Tsu’tey rolled his eyes but let you speak. You pressed on, <”I assumed it was because Jake was occupied with Neytiri. Just like I didn’t realise the gifts were courting gifts, because I assumed you were just being friendly and didn’t want me to miss out on the usual traditions.”>

<”Dense.”> Tsu’tey repeated smugly. <”When have I even been that friendly to an outsider?”>

You tilted your head in acknowledgement to the valid point. <”Not dense.”> You decided to focus on, ignoring his sarcastic snort. <”It wasn’t my fault that your People’s courting rituals don’t come with a handbook.”>

Tsu’tey shook his head, dismissing the argument. <”I made my intentions painfully clear.”>

<”By painfully clear, you mean painfully confusing.”>

Abruptly, Tsu’tey pulled his hand away from your face and fixed you with a stern look. <”And what, please tell me, is confusing about gifting you useful items? Does that not indicate courtship on your planet?”> <”I mean yes, but-”> <”Then my point remains the same, you are incredibly dense.”> With a flourish, he put down the yellow paint and reached for the navy whilst you stewed.

He was applying the new shade to your brow when you came up with a decent response. <”And what if I turned up to HomeTree with a fistful of flowers and presented them to you?”>

Tsu’tey’s painting hand faltered mid stroke as his nose scrunched up in confusion. <”Why in Eywa’s name, would you want to do that?”> Your heart twinged. <”Just humour me, what would you think?”> <”Would you intend to add them to a soup? Craft clothing or extract the oils?”> <”No. I would pick them because they’re pretty.”> And they’d look pretty on you. You didn’t add. Tsu’tey scoffed, his voice firm as he voiced his opinion. <”Then I would consider it impractical, and a waste of resources.”> Against your best efforts, your expression tightened at the predictable response. Thank Eywa for Mo’at confiscating your hard found ‘weeds’.

Tsu’tey’s steady hand had gone still against your cheek. <”What?”> He asked, pulling his finger back.

<”What?”> He wrinkled his nose. <”You’re looking at me like I stepped on your tail and refused to apologise.”> You kept your mouth resolutely shut, hoping he’d just go back to painting, but as usual, Tsu’tey didn’t let you off lightly. <”Yawne, tell me.”> He said sweetly, his painting hand lowering in clear indication that he wouldn’t continue until you explained.

With a loud swallow, you pushed the words out, feeling foolish. <”Humans give people they like pretty flowers to show they like each other. It’s usually how we show something that we’d like to keep dating.”>

Understanding swept across Tsu’tey’s face. <”I see. It is one of your traditions then?”>

<”Yeah.”> <”How interesting.”> Tsu’tey commented neutrally, <”unheard of by my people, but similar to our gifting of useful items.”> You hummed in agreement, which Tsu’tey took as the go ahead to drop the topic and continue with the task at hand.

>_<

The hunting party was uncharacteristically silent as it crossed the rainforests towards Hell’s Gate. Where usually there was light banter or joking, today, no one spoke. Hardly anyone made eye contact. There would be time to relax later, for now it was crucial to come off as the hostile enemy the RDA painted them as. One final push before the finish line.

The rest of the day followed the same sombre mood. You sat astride your pa’li with your bow notched and resting against your thigh as you supervised the sad march of the humans towards their spaceship. Your war paint felt tight against your clammy skin, but you knew it made you look unsettlingly fearsome from the weary glances your former colleagues kept shooting you. You recognised a couple of faces amongst the crowd, all of which were twisted in defeat and bitter betrayal. Their eyes slid off of you like oil over water. It seemed that you fit in so well amongst the clan, that no one could pinpoint your face.

At your side, Jake shifted uncomfortably astride his own mount, his eyes pinned on Neytiri who stood at Tsu’tey’s elbow on the other side of the literal human stream. The pair were decked out in their feathers and formal attire, offering a united, intimidating front in the face of the defeated humans.

The tension was so thick that it felt like a cloak around your shoulders. The anxiety it generated naturally filtered down the bond into your mount, who shifted uneasily on her hooves. You soothed her as well as you could. Gently, running your hand up and down her neck as you pushed calming thoughts down the bond.

She did not like this weird environment where the earth was smooth and treacherous and the dirt was concealed by a thick layer of rock. She did not like the towering structures pretending to be cliffs, nor did she like the rumble of the metal toruk’s growl, which sent her instincts into overdrive. She was concerned by the weird little creatures willingly clambering into the great predator’s mouth, and anxious that she might be asked to follow.

As she shifted, you kept rubbing her neck and coaxing her to look at the trees instead of the waiting spaceship.

Beside you, Jake drew in a deep breath, barely warning you that he was about to speak.

“What is it?” You asked quietly, conscious of the people within earshot.

”Well,” Jake began, “Tsu’tey asked me the weirdest questions this morning, about weeds and random flora that I don’t even know the translations for. You didn’t, by chance, have anything to do with that, did you?” The marine whispered, sounding more amused than concerned.

Rolling your eyes at his blatant jabs ”I was proving that our traditions are different and he shouldn’t have expected me to figure out the courtship through mixed signals and unfamiliar gestures.” ”Ah.” He did not elaborate.

“What does that mean?” Jake pointedly ducked his head. You furrowed your brow. “Jake, what the hell did you tell him? ”Jake suddenly became very interested in the humans marching across the tarmac. You prodded him in the side with the end of your bow, to which Jake took a swift swipe at the weapon which laughably missed. ”What the hell did you tell him?”

“Nothing bad!” Jake exclaimed too loudly, drawing a few heads. He raised his spear in silent threat before continuing, his face melting into the cold, hard lines of Toruk Makto. Startled, the humans returned their attention to the spaceship instead of his outburst. ”I told him about roses and carnations and shit. Alright?”

“Wow, didn’t take you for a florist. Was that a side gig back on earth?” “Of course not. I just had a girlfriend who was really into flower meanings.” He fiddled with the twine holding his spear head to the shaft. “Uhuh, of course you did.” Without turning his attention from the humans, Jake shifted his weapon and jabbed you in the side with the butt of his spear. You hissed before twisting in the saddle and kicking him in the hip. He narrowly avoided being unseated by the blow. Jake growled in response, but whatever retaliation he planned on carrying out abruptly flew out the window when the pair of you noticed that someone had stopped walking in front of your pa’li.

Just from the way he held himself, you knew the man was important, and he knew it too. Luckily, it didn’t take too long for his name to return to you.

“Oi Selfridge, spaceship is that way.” Jake prompted, motioning to said ship.

The former CEO didn’t move. With a thoughtful expression, he pointedly looked the marine up and down with cocky disinterest, his exo mask puffing loudly in time with his slow, measured breaths. Somehow, he commanded all of your attention despite his vulnerable position, he barely came up to your pa’li’s knee after all.

“You know this isn’t over.” Selfridge stated, no, promised.

Jake sat up a little straighter as his expression turned venomous. “No. It very much is over.” The marine said confidently, to which Selfridge shook his head.

Your spine prickled, as your tail shot upright. With great theatrics, you drew your bow on the man, ensuring that his attention slid to you as you pulled the bowstring taught and aimed your arrow at him. “Move along.” You growled simply, motioning to the ship with your arrowhead.

Selfridge took his time looking you up and down, unnerving you with how calmly he reacted to having an arrow longer than his leg aimed at his head. “Doctor.” He drawled by way of greeting, to which you made a point of pulling your bowstring back to your cheek.

The CEO nodded once, his expression unreadable, before turning on his heel and marching peacefully into the spaceship alongside everyone else to find himself a seat. You kept your arrow trained on him the whole time, if only because it made the rest of them shuffle a little faster towards the ship.

Smartly, no one else attempted to strike up conversation.

Before the sun reached its peak, the door to the spaceship began to close with a thunderous grind of gears. Within minutes, the clan were retreating back across the tarmac towards the trees as the engines began to fire up. Your pa’li had just stepped into the shade of the furthest tree when the enormous machine generated enough thrust to finally lift off.

And just like that, it was over.

Something sentimental stirred in your chest, as you urged your pa’li to pause. Restlessly, she did, allowing you to turn in the saddle and watch the enormous machine streak up into the clouds and beyond. It sped like a shooting star back into the atmosphere and then further and further until it was almost indistinguishable from the other daytime stars.

>_<

A vast bonfire was lit as eclipse rolled in, and the light of the human spaceship had shrunk to a pinprick in the night sky.

As the smell of roasted yerik and popping nuts filled the belly of New Village, you relaxed against a fallen log. Face freshly cleaned of war paint, you looked out amongst the People who had welcomed you into their midst and felt warmth bloom in your chest. The clearing was alive with chatter and music as na’vi leapt around the popping flames, twirling with one another as laughter filled the air. It was the most relaxed you’d seen everyone in weeks.

Your eyes were heavy from the alcohol, a pleasant buzz settling into the back of your mind as you simply watched. At long last, you felt content. The RDA were returning home. The clan was finally safe. And to top it all off, you’d somehow snagged the Olo’eyktan of said clan and gotten yourself a ridiculously protective alien cat in the process.

The very same powerful chieftain, who was currently curled up in your lap, decked out in his Olo’eyktan attire with his tipsiness showing in the bright flush of his cheeks. You didn’t need Tsaheylu to know that he was content. Every hard contour of his body screamed relaxed. His muscles were loose and pliant under your wandering fingers as you carded the long digits through his freshly braided hair. His tail lazily thumped against the grass, whilst one of his arms was slung over your lap and loosely holding your thigh. A possessive but comfortable hold.

Over by the fire, you watched a couple of avatar drivers attempt to imitate the complex dance moves of some hunters, who laughed good naturedly at them before drunkenly walking them through steps.

You could see Jake forcing Norm to dance with him, whilst Neytiri cheered as she swayed on her feet. To his credit, Norm tried his very best to keep up, but Jake was a surprisingly competent dancer. The scientist gave up after an embarrassing couple of failed attempts, his hands raised in mock surrender whilst Jake ribbed him.

The marine didn’t let his lack of partner sour his drunken haze however, and quickly swept Neytiri up in his rhythm. She beamed, her eyes alight as her body moved with liquid grace to the sound of the drums.

<”Are you cold, Yawne?”> Tsu’tey murmured softly into your thigh, the arm slung over your legs moving to rub at your calf. Your gaze flickered downwards as a fond smile slipped onto your lips.

<”You don’t need an excuse to cuddle me.”> You chuckled, giving his scalp an affectionate scratch, <”get up here.”> Your mate rolled the command over in his head once or twice, before deciding that the suggestion was a sound one. With great concentration which could only be mustered after one had drunk a little too much, Tsu’tey fumbled into a sitting position before promptly collapsing down on the log you were currently leaning against, and clumsily dragging you across his chest. You laughed, wiggling to readjust his neck piece into a more comfortable pillow before settling down.

Against your ear, Tsu’tey’s chest roared to life with a healthy purr, to which you allowed your own content sound to slip free. His grip tightened on your shoulder, whilst his tail wound its way around your ankle. The picture of content. Who would’ve known that Tsu’tey was an affectionate drunk?

”Look at ya, you lovebirds.” Jake suddenly slurred, his head popping into your peripheral vision before promptly disappearing as he threw himself down into the grass with a heavy thump.

“Love-bird?” Tsu’tey muttered to himself, his eyes closed and his head tipped back to lean against the cool bark of the log.

“Jake.” Neytiri lightly scolded, padding away from the fire, her eyes bright with amusement. “I believe you have had too much.” Jake looked thoughtful for a moment, his hand rising to scratch at an absent beard as he looked the picture of quiet contemplation. All before he shook his head with an exaggerated. “Naaaaaaaaaaa.”

Neytiri chuckled lightly.

“Having waaaaaayyyy tooo much fun.” The marine continued, oblivious to the volume of his voice, whilst Tsu’tey grumbled. “I wish every day.” He paused, “could be like this one.”

“I mean,” you interjected, refusing to lift your head from your comfortable pillow. “What’s stopping us? Am I right?” “Right you are!” Jake agreed readily, before a sudden idea struck him. His ears flattened as he spun to Neytiri who barely batted an eyelid at his dramatics. “Neyyyytiri?”

She sighed. “Yes?” “You know you love me?” “I do.” “Like, you love me the way Tsu’tey loves human Y/n?” “Yes?” Neytiri answered, her voice wavering. “Where is this going, Jake?” “Well, would you still love me if I were a na’vi? Like fully na’vi. Not half or even a quarter, as in full, total na’vi.” He was talking animatedly with his hands now, which he was waving around to emphasise his words, only to catch sight of them mid rant. The marine frowned as he wiggled his five fingers. “Or, well, as close to na’vi as I can get.”

To her credit, Neytiri managed to keep her voice level when she responded, but you could tell from the sudden thrash of her tail that Jake had unknowingly struck a nerve. “What are you saying Jake?” “Well!” The marine continued, oblivious to the distress on his mate’s face. “The doctor.” He pointed dramatically to you, “and I were discussing consciousness transfers.” It was as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over your head, smacked your round the face with a marble rolling pin, and then gleefully kicked the back of your knee so you fell down a flight of stairs. Beneath you, Tsu’tey’s body went from a comfortable pillow to a rigid bed of granite.

Neytiri just looked confused. “You want to go through with the-” “Yes!” Jake replied rapidly, his tail wiggling with eagerness. “I do! I really want to! It’s all I’ve thought about for WEEKS!”

“Really?” Neytiri pressed, Jake nodded excitedly, to which Neytiri sighed. Her lips were pressed tightly together as she looked him up and down, her ears lowering as she realised just how sure he was about this. With an anxious flick of her tail, the huntress managed to smooth out her expression and offer a neutral, “we will talk about this once you’re sober.”

Jake just wiggled, all wide smiles and flapping ears. Neytiri shook her head at him, but didn’t press the matter further. Cautiously, she approached, still studying him for telltale signs of doubt, but found nothing.

Jake on the other hand, had decided the conversation was not yet over. With a sudden and unnerving turn of his head, his too focused gaze settled on you, causing you to tense. Those disproportionately small eyes seemed to peer into your very soul as he asked plainly, “did you decide that you wanted to do it with me in the end?”

Tsu’tey loose grip around your torso turned bruising. His purr, which had lowered to a languid rumble since Jake had sat down, abruptly cut out.

“You have discussed this?” Tsu’tey asked, his voice barely within the range of calm. It almost sounded accusatory, but that could just be the alcohol running through your bloodstream.

“A little.” You replied honestly, finding yourself unable to meet his eyes. You almost felt guilty for admitting it, as if you’d betrayed him somehow. “I mean, as avatar drivers we all inevitably fantasise about staying like this. Whether it’s possible or not-” “But Mo’at thinks it is possible.” Jake interrupted, oblivious to the mosaic of emotions currently playing out across Tsu’tey’s face. “We have a chance.” He implored, practically sparkling with enthusiasm. “A real, proper chance.” “As did Grace Augustine.” Tsu’tey cut in, his eyes suddenly sharp and sober. If he didn’t have his arm still tightly around your torso, acting as reassurance and comfort, you might have shrunk away from the ice in his tone. “Was her chance not as good as your own?” “Grace was dying.” Neytiri pointed out carefully, “Eywa had already taken her hand.”

“And what if She takes his hand?” Tsu’tey pointed out, gesturing to Jake. “What if She takes them out of their bodies but does not give them back? What then?” Neytiri’s carefully guarded expression threatened to crumble, to which Tsu’tey’s rage flickered. Guilt played out across his face as he gazed upon his friend and saw his own anxiety reflecting back at him.

“If it makes you feel any better, She wouldn’t want me.” You mumbled inaudibly, tipping your head back to catch his eye. You focused on making your microexpressions relaxed, trying to offer subconscious comfort.

“She might.” “She won’t.” You reassured him, “I’m too slippery anyway.” Which was a lie. Of course, there was the very real chance that Eywa might not breathe you back, and that terrified you. It made you queasy just thinking about it.

”That’s alright.” Jake reassured you, before a sly, shit-eating grin appeared on his face. ”I doubt Tsu’tey could deal with waking up to your grumpy ass every morning anyway.”

The mixed emotions in Tsu’tey’s face immediately cleared up into an offended snort. ”I could!”

”You could not!” Jake countered explosively. ”Sure, they’re all cute trying to steal back their blankets, but I have feared for my life. The swearing is ridiculous and the side-eyes could kill a man.” Tsu’tey suddenly grinned as if he were about to let Jake in on a state secret. ”Perhaps your methods guarantee failure.” He purred seductively in your ear, before unexpectedly attacking your neck and ear with kisses. Absently, you heard Jake fake a retch between the sounds of your own shrieking. He was ignored, as you focused all your efforts into wriggling free of Tsu’tey’s secure grasp, as the assault of loud kisses were pelted across your face and neck.

By the time he let up with one last, heavy kiss to your cheek, Neytiri had coaxed Jake into drinking some water, and the previous topic of conversation had been laid to rest.

If Tsu’tey held you a little tighter throughout the rest of the night, neither of you brought it up.

>_<

All in all, it was a wild party that lasted well into the early hours of the next day.

Bidding Neytiri and a sloshed Jake a warm goodbye, you and Tsu’tey padded across the village to your shared hut. Within moments of ducking in through the curtain, you went straight for the hammock. Flopping down in it on your front, you felt exhaustion threaten to drag you down there and then. Over the hours, your drunkenness had lightened to a pleasant warmth in your chest and a slight slowing of your reflexes.

Something which Tsu’tey took advantage of now as he carefully unstrapped your knife from your chest, as well as removing your armband and other accessories. His focused movements were practised and gently as he placed everything down carefully beside the hammock on the floor where you could find it easily in the morning.

<”You coming in?”> You asked sleepily, after he brushed your braids from your face and straightened.

<“I must check on the clan first.”> Tsu’tey whispered back, ever the doting Olo’eyktan. <”Several of the younger hunters were not looking too capable of getting home unassisted.”>

<”Okay.”> You yawned, before snuggling down with a content purr. <”I’ll be heading out then.”> Tsu’tey smiled tightly. <”Of course.”> <“Sleep well.”>

He nodded, but you were too tipsy to find anything unusual in the action.

As Tsu’tey’s footsteps padded away across the hammock, you allowed your eyelids to droop as you began to drift away.

The comfortable buzz of alcohol left you as you slipped back into your human body, like a warm hand disappearing from your cheek. You opened your eyes to the low glow of the link unit, to the tiny little lights that decorated the inner metal frame; a pathetic replacement for the stars.

For a moment, you just laid there, wishing you were still in your home. Recalling the warmth of Tsu’tey’s body as you’d been pressed against it all night. In some ways, you half expected to turn your head and find him there waiting for you, but in reality, you knew he wouldn’t be. Whilst the link unit was a sensible distance from the village, it was still out of the way enough for privacy. Which meant your comfy hammock and mate would be inaccessible until you relinked.

With a heavy sigh, you lifted a numb arm and pushed open the lid.

The room beyond your unit was dim, with only the green emergency lights breaking up the darkness. The whir of Jake’s machine chugged along by the wall, and no doubt would continue to do so for several more hours. You envied him, despite having made the decision to leave yourself.

Absently, you recalled the conversation from earlier. The confident way in which Jake had communicated his desires, how he hadn’t hesitated in stating what he wanted. Although he had been drunk at the time, you knew how much he wanted to transfer.

In some ways, you envied how single minded he was on the matter. How sure he was that it would be the best thing for him.

Overhead, raindrops tapped lightly against the hollow metal of the compound roof. When did it begin to rain?

With a coldness settling in within your ribs, you heaved your sore body into a sitting position. The walls of the compound were grey, as Hell’s Gate had always been. The floor was ice cold beneath your feet, a stark contrast to the sun warmed soil you’d been lounging on for the past few hours.

With a firm shake of your head, you shoved that thought process down. Dwelling too long on it would only make the consciousness transfer more appealing. And sometimes it was; when you were alone. But after the look on Tsu’tey’s face when Jake had brought it up, the way he’d held you that little bit tighter, the way your now sober brain could read the fear in his actions, you knew you couldn’t go through with it. Not now that you had everything you needed.

With forced energy, you padded out of the link room towards the bathroom where you flicked on the light but pointedly avoided looking at yourself in the mirror. In this weird mindset, you weren’t quite sure how you’d feel if you caught sight of yourself.

The warmth of the shower helped in the way only blistering hot water could. And comfortable pyjamas just made everything that little bit more bearable.

The kitchen was as you’d left it that morning. Sterile and boring. Dragging down a sealed ration from one of the overhead cupboards, you pierced the plastic film before shoving the dehydrated meal into the microwave and setting it to three minutes. In the stillness of the compound, illuminated by the orange light of the little machine, you watched your lacklustre meal spin on the carousel.

If you hadn’t been staring so hard at the microwave, you would’ve missed the flicker of movement that darted across the window in your peripheral vision. Instinctively, your head snapped up. After spending all day in your avatar, you could feel the phantom sensation of your ears pricking as your slouched body went ramrod straight. The reflection of the warm light of the microwave made it hard for you to see out into the darkness, but when the little machine dinged and went dark, the kitchen was abruptly plunged into darkness.

As the pastel glow of Pandora’s plants filled the little room, you felt your heartbeat begin to pick up. You dared not move a muscle, despite itching for a weapon. Preferably your knife, but that was stashed beside your link unit as an additional security measure.

With luck, the movement was something none threatening that had just happened to come across the compound and immediately lost interest. Or maybe, it was that palulukan that had taken an interest in Tsu’tey. If you were really unlucky however, it would be something armed and intelligent enough to get into the compound.

Somewhere outside, you heard something large shifting through the undergrowth, as a couple of plants wiggled when something brushed against them. You sucked in a sharp breath.

The sound of someone politely knocking was almost more terrifying than the unknown.

Spinning around, you found a distinctly na’vi figure lurking behind the glass of another window. You weren’t entirely sure whether to be relieved or more terrified. The figure stooped, as if peering through the glass before knocking again, this time more firmly. With the plants backlighting them, you couldn’t make out any features.

Deciding that this was not at all how you wanted to spend your evening, you decided to bite the bullet and turn on the light switch. Hopefully, the na’vi was just drunk and confused, and the sight of you would send them on their way.

You flipped the switch, bathing the kitchen in warm light. Your own reflection looked back at you from the window, looking tired and small. To your surprise, the na’vi began tapping more furiously, almost desperately against the glass at the sight of you. Your brows furrowed, that definitely was not the reaction you’d been expecting, must be someone from the clan.

Hesitantly, you approached the window. The knocking slowed down a little, as the na’vi realised that they had successfully captured your attention. Making your movements obvious, you brought your hand up to the glass to block out some of the light, which created a small pocket with which you could see outside with.

The first feature you noticed was the familiar notch taken out of the na’vi’s right ear. By then, it was pretty easy to figure out who had drunkenly decided to visit you.

Your shoulders lost their tension as you sighed good naturedly and pulled away from the window. With exaggerated movements, you turned in the direction of the airlock, to which the knocking ceased once more and you heard something large pushing through the undergrowth as they strode for the entrance to the compound.

With practised ease, you strapped on an exo mask and slipped into the airlock, which immediately clicked shut and sucked all the earth air out before the second door unlocked with a crisp click. Pushing it open, you were immediately met with a firm sheet of rain. And there, standing at the base of the steps, his braids dripping, was Tsu’tey.

<”What are you doing here?”> You blurted, taking in his sodden appearance. Judging by his slightly elevated breathing, he’d run here instead of tracking down a pa’li or calling his ikran.

With the sway of a tipsy man pretending to be sober, Tsu’tey stepped closer. <”Missed you.”>

Your knee jerk reaction to the admission was to point out that you’d last seen each other barely half an hour ago, but his expression stilled your tongue. You could see your own uncertainty reflecting back at you, could see the unsettled shifting of his feet as his eyes flickered from your face to somewhere over your shoulder.

<”Yeah, I missed you too.”> You said instead, finding a private smile slipping onto your face as his shoulders loosened in relief.

The tension between you now felt more charged than usual, like a second shoe preparing to drop. This wasn’t the usual buzz of friendly camaraderie or mutual pining, there was something more lurking in the shadows here. A thought evidenced by the hunter’s lowered ears as he averted his gaze once again.

<”What is it?”> Your voice was barely audible over the sound of raindrops landing on leaves, but you knew from the way his expression snapped back to something more neutral, that he had heard.

It was then that you noticed he had one hand suspiciously hidden behind his back.

The scene turned comical then. With Tsu’tey dripping wet from the rain and hiding something from you, whilst you stood at about chest height thanks to the ramp outside the compound, with your hands resting on your hips. To an outsider, the scene would resemble a sceptical parent wondering what their toddler had that they definitely shouldn’t. The fact that Tsu’tey was swaying slightly from the alcohol just added to the entire thing.

<”What do you have there?”> You asked carefully, to which Tsu’tey’s eyes narrowed.

<”Nothing.”> <”Tsu’tey, I can see you’re hiding something.”> <”No you can’t!”> He blurted before adding, <”am not!”>

You arched a brow, to which Tsu’tey’s tail rose in silent challenge.

<”How?!”> He demanded.

<”Lucky guess?”>

The hunter sighed heavily. <”It was a secret.”>

<”Ah, I see.”>

With a pout, Tsu’tey dramatically pulled a bouquet of flowers out from behind his back and thrust them at you. They were tiny in his enormous hand, barely glowing with several of their petals missing and their roots still intact with soil falling from them at random intervals. <”You are truly a difficult person to smoothly give gifts to.”> Your mate helpfully informed you as your eyes blew wide at the adorable gesture.

You were torn between wrestling him down into a hug and bursting into tears at the thoughtful gesture. With a tight throat, you instead managed to squeeze out an emotional, <”thank you,”> as you reached to take them. The plants fit perfectly into your fist.

Tsu’tey’s expression immediately brightened, his ears pricking at the evident emotion swimming behind your eyes. Although he looked ridiculously similar to a drowned rat, his fanged smile was nothing short of adorable as your fingers brushed when you took the flowers from him. All of which, you were pleased to realise, weren’t carnivorous or dangerous for you to touch.

<”What’s the occasion?”>

Tsu’tey’s tail stopped mid-wag. <”Occasion?”> He repeated uncertainly. <”Not that I’m not grateful!”> You quickly jumped in, <”they are gorgeous flowers, I was just wondering why you trekked through the forest at the ass crack of dawn to give them to me.”> <”I just wanted to.”> Tsu’tey explained dismissively, not quite meeting your eyes as he looked at your ear or the doorframe at your back. Raindrops slid down his cheeks, before collecting on his jaw and dripping off. An idea caused him to tense. <”Did I do it wrong? Can they only be presented during a celebration?”> <”What? No. Of course not. Flowers are just for when you want to.”> <”Okay.”> Tsu’tey said firmly. <”I should-”> he motioned over his shoulder towards the forest as he retreated a step.

You were blurting out an invitation before he could take another. <”Do you want to come in? I should have plenty of towels to get you somewhat dry.”>

He paused, chewing on his lower lip before nodding.

With care, you ushered him into the airlock, where he still struggled to meet your gaze. He’d been in the compound enough times to know where the new Na’vi respirators were kept, so you left him to it, after removing your exopack.

Padding into the kitchen, you managed to find a tall enough cup to fill with water and set the flowers in until you could get ahold of a proper clay vase. They glowed faintly in the dim room, as they slowly died.

Your dinner was now completely forgotten in the microwave as you puttered around the kitchen, pulling another large cup down from a cupboard and filling it with water. Setting it on the counter, you checked under the sink for some towels only to come up empty handed. The hallway cupboard provided much more successful results, and plenty of warmed towels to get the job down.

By the time you returned to the kitchen, Tsu’tey had sat himself down on the floor and was leaning back against the far wall. The same one he’d leant against whilst holding your human form for the first time. Then he’d been in a similar state of anxiety after watching your avatar collapse in the Well of Souls and assuming the humans had found the compound. Now, he just looked tired.

Scooping up the large cup of water, you approached.

<”Drink this, it should lessen the hangover you’ll wake up with tomorrow.”> <”Thank you.”> He said, gently taking it from you and drinking deeply. It was gone in three gulps, but he didn’t seem to mind. Placing the cup down by his thigh, he held his hand out for a towel, which you handed over willingly. With a sigh, Tsu’tey heaved himself off of the wall and began to wipe himself down.

For a while, neither of you spoke. Tsu’tey busied himself with getting the worst of the rain off and removing his weapons, whilst you bundled up the soaked towels to be dealt with later and strode back and forth from the sink to refill his glass. By the time he deemed himself ‘dry’, Tsu’tey somehow looked even more tired.

<”Right, you’re sleeping in my bunk tonight.”> You instructed, taking the last towel off his hands and adding it to the pile. <”God, it’s feels like it’s been forever since we cuddled like this.”> You motioned to your current body with a cheeky smile, which seemed to have the opposite effect on your mate. <”Do you want to talk about why you’re really here?”> You offered, to which Tsu’tey schooled his expression into a firm scowl. <“No.”> <“You sure. You’re stressed and I want to help you if I can, but I can’t if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”>

<”It’s nothing.”> He deflected, before adding. <”It’s stupid.”> <”Which is it?”> You prodded, knowing from his expression that he was almost there. With another push or two, he would explain and you’d both be able to sleep better tonight. <”It sounds important.”>

He glared with no real heat, but didn’t deny it.

<”You didn’t come here because of the flowers, did you?”> He sighed, <”no. It is about what Jake said at the feast.”>

The quiet admission gave you pause. His eyes were burning now with a hurricane of anxiety and fear. It was clear that Jake’s drunken confession hadn’t only unsettled Neytiri.

<”About the consciousness transfer?”>

<”Yes.”> <”What about it?”> Tsu’tey tensed as if expecting a blow, to which you retreated a step and kept your expression neutral. <”Please, I want to hear your opinion on it.”>

<”You do?”> <”Yes, you are my mate.”> You flickered your gaze down to your wrist, the one with the spiral from his kuru carved into the skin. Delicately, you ran a thumb across the mark, allowing a nostalgic feeling to flicker to life in your chest. <”And this would affect you as much as me. I want to know what you think about it.”> <”Okay.”> Tsu’tey said quietly. <”I don’t want you to do it.”>

He paused again, studying your face for a reaction, to which you gave none.

<”I don’t want you to change.”> He added, averting his eyes as if the admission was a shameful thing to give voice to. <”We’ve only just truly begun to understand and trust each other, and we’re happy. We’re finally happy, and life is good. And now,”> he swallowed, <”now I’m terrified it’s going to be ripped away. The Sky People tried to take you from me twice, and both times they failed. But Eywa, if she takes you, I can’t do anything, and that terrifies me. I don’t care if you’re like this. I don’t care that you’re alien and different. That you dreamwalk during the day and sleep here at night. It doesn’t bother me anymore. And I don’t want to lose it. This. Us. It’s too important to me!

<”I love you in your avatar, yes. I love hunting with you, and riding pa’li together, and messing around because we’re equal in strength. But I also love coming here and being with you whilst you tend to the compound. I love our size difference, I love how you don’t back down from me. I love being able to hold you for hours. I love when you braid my hair and I love that I can carry you around like you weigh nothing. And I love being able to connect with you through Tsaheylu. But most of all, I just don’t want you to leave, not if you don’t have to.”> He swallowed audibly before forcefully composing himself. <“But I also know that that is simply a risk of the procedure, and this is not in fact my decision to make. I understand that. And if going through with the transfer will make you happy, I will support you.”>

<”You would.”> His eyes shone as he finally glanced up and met your gaze. <”Undoubtable, Yawne.”> He said with enough conviction to convince you immediately. If you really wanted to, he would support you. <”Whatever you want to do with your avatar, I will be by your side the entire time.”>

Something within you crumbled like an origami crane under the tightening of a god’s fist. Your carefully schooled expression shattered as a boat load of stress and unresolved tension swept off of you. Tsu’tey’s expression morphed into alarm, his hands coming up to hold you as half-thought out apologies began to tumble out of his mouth.

<”Yawne, I-”>

You hugged him before he could say anything stupid. It was a stretch to reach his neck, even with him sat down, but you managed by standing on your tiptoes. <”You beautiful, wonderful, perfect man you.”> You praised as you cupped his cheeks and kissed his pliant lips. All at once his concern morphed into confusion.

<”I love you.”> You exclaimed happily as your vision grew misty. There was laughter bubbling up in your throat from the force of your relief. Laughter which made it hard to keep peppering him in kisses. You tried regardless.

<”Eywa, how I love you.”> You continued, revelling in how Tsu’tey’s pupils swelled from the claim. <”My other half. My thoughtful, amazing mate.”> Tsu’tey spluttered under the onslaught of affection and praise, his cheeks flushing gorgeously. <”I’m not going anywhere.”> You promised, <”I refuse to if there’s even a chance I won’t be able to get back to you.”>

You promptly released his cheeks to wrap him in a hug. Wrapping your arms around his neck as you cuddled in close. Automatically, one of his large hands came up to steady you, the weight of it stretching across the span of your neck, as sure and comforting as it had always been. He was too starstruck to respond.

<”I don’t need the stupid avatar.”> You said, rambling now. <”I See that now. I don’t need to transfer to be one of the clan. Just as you’ve always said.”>

Tsu’tey’s grip tightened. He curled around you, taking deep steadying breaths as the tension he’d been carrying finally slipped away. You hadn’t noticed during the feast, but after Jake’s confession he hadn’t managed to completely relax into the same headspace he’d been in beforehand. Now, you could hear the relief in his voice as he swallowed loudly. <”I am glad.”> He murmured, and you knew he meant it. With great strength he pulled himself back so he could look down at you, those golden eyes alight with relief and adoration. Gently, he leaned down and knocked your foreheads together as he had done countless times before. <”And I love you too, you infuriating little creature. I wouldn’t change you for anything.”>

Abently, you slid your hand up to one of his fringe braids before tucking it behind his ear. Tsu’tey pressed into the action, causing the braid to fall back where it was, and its ruby red bead to catch the artificial light.

<”Your braids need to be redone.”> You comment simply, giving the hair a light twirl. His roots were beginning to grow out, whereas some of the shorter strands were beginning to escape from the beads.

Tsu’tey’s eyes flickered from the bead tipped braid with a thoughtful hum. <”Well, it is a good thing you seemed to be itching for something to do. Just make sure the partings are straight, I would like to take you up on that offer to share your bunk.”> You let out an indignant noise. <”My partings are always straight.”> Tsu’tey pulled a face. <”Debatable.”> You scoffed, <”and what happened to me being an awful braider?”> <”People can improve.”> Tsu’tey teased, to which you flicked the braid you were holding into his eye. Your mate only grinned before carefully rising to his feet. He still had to stoop to fit inside the compound, but it was nowhere near as awkward of a stance for him as it had once been. With a soft smile, he extended his hand to you, which you took without hesitation. Together, you walked towards the bunk room.

~FIN~

Previous Chapter <- Act 9

Sequel with the addition of son!Spider now available on Ao3 here!

#Tsu'tey x Reader #Tsu'tey #avatar #avatar twow #final chapter #happy ending :)

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