#GIVE MY AN ASS OH LORD IN HEAVEN GIVE ME LOVE HANDLES

[torchstelechos]

By the lord, I have to get fatter

[queers-gambit]

Here’s a little prompt if you are still taking requests

Billy leaves reader at a gas station after an argument and Eddie (or even Steve) show up see them sitting outside on the ground with obvious signs of crying and offer to give a ride home.

(Reader can be the type of person who is kind to everyone just to add that little extra)

ooooohhhh, this one hurt, not gonna lie. slutty angst club - i'm calling you to arms!!

my apologies for how long this has taken me, but depression be WILD and i have the attention span of a squirrel ✨ anyways, thank you very kindly for the request - i hope you like it - and all of my love unto you! 🖤

🍒 requests are now reopened

Natural Instinct

pairing: Billy Hargrove x female!reader, small Steve Harrington x female!reader

fandom masterlist: Stranger Things

word count: (shorty) 3.4k+

note: beef cake beef cake beef cake, author is sleep deprived.

warnings: cursing, significant others fighting, the prompt a.k.a Billy being a dickhead. cutie Steve, Lord's name in vain, and angst. kinda ambiguous ending that i don't know if it counts as comfort or not.

"Christ on the Cross, Billy!" You gasped, hanging onto the 'oh shit' handle for dear life as the car's tires squealed with exertion. "Can you slow down!?"

"Nah, you know what? You think it's cool to fuckin' bring this back up! Fine, then I think it's cool to drive this fast!"

"Slow down, Billy! Please!" You snapped, enraged by his reckless driving. You could recite statistics to crash crashes like you had it tattooed on the back of your eyes, a slice of information you sought out after dating Billy - perhaps for this reason.

He sighed heavily but begrudgingly did as you bid and slowed down considerably, reducing speed by at least 30 miles an hour. You breathed a little easier, but Billy was snapping, "Why'd you have to bring it back up? Huh? You not tired of your own drama by now?"

"Look who's talking! We wouldn't have any issue if you actually respected this relationship! And I have to bring this back up because Chrissy is still all over you," you snapped in return, truly fed up with having the same fight over, and over, and over again. "I'm sorry it makes me uncomfortable but you know, watching the cheer captain make come-fuck-me-eyes at my boyfriend is really getting old! It's almost like you get off on other women's attention!"

"Doesn't mean I'm doing anything to them in return," he snapped back at you, briefly reminding you of a feral animal as he made a sharp left turn into the glowing lights of the gas station. "Keep your ass there, I'll be a minute," he sneered as he turned the ignition, stepping out of the car and slamming the door with the intent of filling his gas tank.

You felt something in your stomach snap and prickle, making you stand from your seat and let the door shut behind you as you rounded the back of the car, "Billy, we're not done talking about this."

"Oh, for fuck's sake," he sighed, hand slapping to his thigh as a cigarette dangled from his lips.

"Jesus Christ - tell me you're not actually thinking of lighting that!?"

"I'm not fucking stupid!" He snapped, eyes ablaze as he shoved the gas nozzle into his tank. "I told you to stay put! God damn it, can't never do what you're told, huh!?"

"We're not done talking about this and if you think I want to show up at this party with you pissed off to High Heaven, then think again!"

"I'm really not tryna think about you at all," Billy rolled his eyes, scoffing, and turning away from you to lean against his car with his arms crossed defensively.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" You moved around to face him. His eyes refused to meet yours. "Billy, it's just not a good feeling seeing all those cheerleaders throwing themselves at you everyday, and you know it's only to make their boyfriends jealous."

"Or maybe I'm trying to piss you off," he sneered quietly.

"What?" You felt something in your heart crack slightly.

"Just get out of my face."

"Billy! C'mon - "

"Nah, you know what?" His eyes now blazed with anger, making your feet cement to the ground beneath you out of sheer anxiety. "I think I've had more than enough of you for a lifetime," Billy scoffed again, moving to yank the empty nozzle free and set it back to the gas station tank. When he moved for the driver's door, you snapped back into action.

"What's that supposed to mean? Billy!"

"Means I'm done with you! You don't trust me?" He rounded on you. "You think I'm inviting all those bitches closer to me? Then fucking fine, we're done, I'm done, this," he gestured between you deftly, "is done. Find your own way home 'cause I'm goin' to the party without you, I'm sick of hearing you bitch and gripe about this."

"What - wait, wait, wait!" You gasped, watching him drop into his driver's seat, not even sure when he had opened the door.

"Nah, I've fucking had it with you and these fucking insecurities. If you can't trust me, as your boyfriend, then you know what? We ain't got no type of business being together. I'm done wasting my time."

"Billy, don't do this," you tried, already feeling the cold set it - but for your bones to jump when his ignition roared to life. "Billy, please, baby, wait, I'm sorry - I'm sorry, okay - I'm so fucking sorry, baby, please, just wait," you moved with his window as he rolled away from the station. Your instant need to please him, to placate his anger, kicked you into overdrive and made you suddenly regret bringing the entire subject up.

But in truth, you didn't want to go to the stupid fucking party tonight if he was just going to invite the attention of other women in! Was that so wrong? You didn't think so - but based on his current actions, you were beginning to think you were damagingly wrong.

"Yeah, whatever, take it up with someone who's gonna listen to you bitch, whine, and cry the rest of your time," he sneered, rolling his window up, and without waiting for you to move away, pressed on the gas pedal and sped away from you.

"BILLY!" You screamed at the retreating car, feet stalling in the dirt as you look around you. Truth was, you were maybe 5ish miles from town because Kasey Werner was throwing a party in her Granddaddy's barn; leaving you on the outskirts with no ride. "Oh, my God," you panted, pacing for a moment and feeling your heart lurch with panic. This wasn't good...

What you would've given to have one of those portable walkie-talkies the kids you used to babysit for used.

With tears in your eyes, you turned back for the small bodega at the gas station and wondered in. But the only person present was a young lad who didn't speak a lick of English - and you, who didn't speak a lick of Amharic, was unable to communicate your needs properly. He just smiled at you, repeating, "Yes? Gas? Good price!"

Giving up, you moved back outside and looked both up and down the road; feeling your heart drop to your feet when you realized the only lights were sporadic and few between... Leaving you feeling unsure if you could even walk home; not feeling entirely safe.

Shout out your home town of Hawkins for giving you lingering trauma by being some door to an alternate, creepy, slimy dimension!

Dropping onto the curb, you felt the first sob claw its way out of your throat before an entire avalanche of emotion fell over you; leaving you sputtering for breath. However long you sat there, you weren't sure, but you knew you sobbed the entire time as self-pity overwhelmed your body like a tidal wave. Distraught and alone, you felt your options were gone and done, figuring when the wave of desperate sadness passed you'd start to walk - but then, your saving grace pulled up in a red BMW.

You picked your head up when you noticed Steve Harrington stepping out of his car, feeling honest, white-hot shock run through you when he was making a direct beeline for you. You sat up a little and wiped your cheeks, shying away from his inquisitive stare as he reached you and softly mumbled your name.

"Oh, um, hey, Steve," you nodded softly at the boy you had no other contact with outside of that shared, lingering trauma Hawkins put you both through. Him more so, but still.

"Hey, um, so, this might be a dumb question, but are you okay?"

"Well," you twisted your hands together, feeling foolish, "um, B-Billy got kinda mad at me and... Well..."

"Don't tell me he left you here," Steve seethed, sighing as he took the seat on the curb beside you. "Shit, man, c'mon, please, don't tell me. That means I'd have to kick his ass again."

You shrugged, "I don't know, yeah, guess he did leave me here." But then his words registered in your brain, "And I'm pretty sure he kicked your ass, buddy-boy."

"Logistics," He rolled his eyes, waving your words off. "How long ago did he leave you?"

"'M not really sure," you rubbed your hands together. "Enough for the chill to set in, I guess?"

"Oh, my God," he realized, looking you up and down and finding you only in a thin party dress, "you must be freezing - c'mon, come with me," he nodded, standing to usher you under his arm. And in that moment, your mind reared with worry to remind you that your natural instinct to trust everyone made you forgiving and left you wanting to trust all of them; and that perhaps, not everyone was worthy of it.

Not to say you had any reason to think Steve Harrington untrustworthy, but only that you needed to heed caution before jumping into people's cars. Look where your nature got you with Billy - dating a manipulative jackass who couldn't regulate his own feelings for the life of him; someone who always charged you with their own (un)emotional stability; someone who made it your problem if you couldn't be their punching bag and tried to stick up for yourself. Trusting Billy got you nowhere, so, with Steve, it was only 'natural' now that you were cautious.

Steve both felt and noticed your hesitation as it physically portrayed itself in the form of you coming to a halt, spying the tears collecting in your eyes again as your mind screamed at you to use caution - something you didn't heed before starting your fight with Billy. "Hey," he nodded softly, brows gently crinkled with genuine concern, "you all right?"

"I-I'm sorry, but I don't - I don't know you. Sure, we went through all that shit together, but I don't know you - you know? I-I can't just go with you."

"No, hey, it's okay, I know," he sighed, "but seriously, I can't leave you alone all the way out here." He offered a genuine smile - something you noticed Billy rarely did, as he preferred to smirk as it hid most of whatever emotions he had. Oh, shit, here you went comparing Steve and Billy; which, truthfully, was like comparing a sweet Georgia peach to a half-burnt cigarette. When you appeared calmed by his little 'joke', Steve continued, "So, could I please sit you down somewhere warm, put gas in my car, and make sure you get home safely?"

"W-Wh-Why are you helping me?" You worried, shaking from both the cold and expulsion of adrenaline.

"I don't really need a reason to do the right thing, do I?" he asked softly, offering a small smirk. "I know we aren't really friends, but my mother raised me better than to see a woman in trouble and walk away. Least I can do is offer you a ride home in a warm car, right?"

You twisted your fingers together, "Um, y-yeah, okay. Sure, okay, yeah, I'd really appreciate the ride. Listen, I can offer you a few bucks for gas - "

"No, don't even go there, it's not necessary," he assured, smiling brighter then before at you. "I appreciate it, but it's okay, I gotta fill up anyways. Here," he lead you to his car finally after your feet unstuck themselves from the dirt ground, and opened his red passenger door. "Gimme a sec to fill the tank and I'll get the heat going."

"Take your time," you nodded meekly, sitting, and trying to drawl in yourself; to minimize your presence.

Steve didn't take long, and just as he was dropping into his seat, turning the ignition, and cranking the heat, you heard the roar of Billy's Camaro from down the road. Steve took one look at your tearful face and pulled out, heading back towards town; a full minute passing before Billy was tearing back into the gas station - frantic eyes searching for any clue of you.

In the car, you and Steve had settled into a comfortable silence. But he seemed anxious to leave it like that; leaving him to start a new conversation. "So, uh, d-do you mind if I ask... Like, what happened?" ex-King of Hawkins High asked softly, his radio turned down to four to hear you properly.

You shrugged, "I told my jerk boyfriend that I didn't like it when cheerleaders flirt with him because it made me uncomfortable, and he took it as I didn't trust him."

"Well, do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Trust him?"

"I do," you admitted, leaning on your hand pressed to the passenger door. "But that's my personal problem for trusting everyone and not learning when they betray me, show their true colors... Listen, hey, uh, c-can I ask you something, Steve?"

"Shoot."

"Do you think Billy's good for me?"

Steve avoided your eyes, "I don't think I should ans - "

"C'mon, I know you have an opinion. Am I just naïve for trusting him? Please, Stevie, I need someone to help me make sense of it all. I don't even know what I'm feeling, so, please, am I being naïve?"

"No, no, I don't think so. I think you're in love and that can make you wear rose-tinted lenses that filter everything you see, feel, hear, whatever have you."

"Is that bad?"

"No," he assured swiftly, "because being love is really great when you do it the right way with the right person, but sometimes it makes us a little blind. We accept love as we think we deserve it, because we don't know any better, and we don't have other prior experience."

"Right..."

"So, it's not your fault for figuring it out. Maybe you love Billy, and maybe he loves you, too, but that doesn't mean it's 100% healthy. In truth, I don't think any relationship is really going to be 100% either which way, but it's up to us to determine pro's and con's of each."

"How do I know?"

"I don't actually know," Steve admitted, sighing sadly after. "I guess it's one of those things we all have to just figure out for ourselves instead of hoping someone will tell us."

You groaned, "Why can't this just be easy?"

He chuckled a bit, "My mom would say that if things were easy, everyone would do them. Maybe that's why sometimes, it's a choice to be single."

The sigh you heaved was mighty, "Am I stupid for not even feeling angry?"

"You're not angry? But he left you!"

"I know!" You assured sharply, "But I feel more sad than angry!"

"Oh," he deflated a bit, glancing at you, "yeah, uh, I guess I get that."

"He was angry, and I know that makes him irrational, but I'm just really sad that I trusted him and he left me like I was some piece of garbage! I'm angry, sure, but fuck! I'm just sad! Like... Like why was it so easy for him?"

"I don't know," Steve frowned.

"N-No, I'm sorry - I'm not asking you to hold answers to my relationship, I'm just..."

"Sad," he understood, nodding. "Whatever you wanna talk about or say, I hope you feel free enough to in the safety of this car. Whatever you say won't leave this sanctuary."

You sighed gently, "Thanks, Steve... Hey, um, what were you doing tonight?"

"Oh, I dropped Robin and Vickie off at Kasey Werner's, I was coming home," he shrugged some.

"Do you have to pick them up, too?"

"Not until much later," he assured.

"Would you maybe wanna hang until then?" You asked with a sigh. "I just - "

"You're sad," he understood empathically.

"My mom made cookies, if that helps?"

"Oh, I was in before, but now I definitely am!" He laughed. "I swear, your mom's baking could be the solution to world peace!"

You chuckled as he went on a tangent about how your mother's baking was 'legendary'. He told you about how, years ago, he told his mother to start getting his birthday cakes from the hometown bakery since he tried samples during the 4th grade Career Day. You understood better than anyone because your mother was more than talented in the kitchen, but it didn't really translate over to you.

In fact, only half an hour after getting to your house, you and Steve had covered the kitchen in flour as you tried to recreate one of her recipes, while her pre-made dough was divided up on cookie sheets, sitting in the oven to bake. And that was where Billy found you when he burst through your back door; laughing loudly with Steve 'The Hair' Harrington, flour dusting both of your guys' cheeks and hair.

"Billy!" You shouted in shock, hand to your chest to try and calm your erratic heartbeat as he stood there - just staring wildly.

Home security wasn't a thing in the '80s, so, yeah, Billy can just show up at your house and walk in whenever he wants.

"Oh," Steve muttered, sighing as he set one of the mixing bowls aside. "You wanna handle that?" He asked you in a whisper, but your eyes were bulging as you couldn't believe he'd show up like this.

"What? We get in one fight, and you run into some other dudes' arms?" He sneered, glaring at you. "But Harrington, no less? And I gotta find out about it by showing up - "

"Unannounced, uninvited, and unwelcome, I might add," You perked a single brow.

"You had to stoop this low?" Billy growled at you. "Harrington, like, are you serious right now?"

"Hey, dude," Steve muttered sarcastically, giving a short flick of his wrist in the form of a wave.

"Just for your information, Steve's literally only here because you left me, you fucking jackass!" You raged, missing the way Steve smirked as he was waiting for your anger to take over - and it turns out, seeing Billy was the last straw.

"But I came back!"

"That doesn't excuse the fact that you left me all alone - in the cold and dark - with no way home, no way of calling for help!" You screamed as you slowly stalked towards him. "I can't believe you! I tell you that shit you're doing in making me uncomfortable and instead of trying to take the time to understand my point of view, maybe even want to fix it, you just shame me for it! Then got mad as if I caused all this! And then, the cherry on top of of this fucked-up sundae, you LEFT me at a gas station!"

Knowing he wasn't going to win this, Billy held up placating hands, "Hang on, sweetheart, just let me - "

"Don't try to break out pet names now, you fucked this up!" You raged, hands flying with animation. "And now I want you gone - go! Get out of here!" You pushed him towards the door.

"Hang on - "

"No, you know what? You might not respect me, but I'm tired of treating myself like that! So, from now on, I'll do what's best for me, and right now, that's having you gone! You might not respect me, but I sure as shit do, so get out! Get gone! Goodbye!"

Billy scoffed as you pushed him out the door finally, locking it after him as you laid your body against it. Huffing, you looked up to spy Steve in the back of your kitchen, smirking as he nodded before clapping slowly.

"That was - wow," he chuckled, clapping still. "Way to go, superstar. That was pretty impressive to watch. Feeling better?"

"I feel great actually," you admitted. "Is that normal?"

"That's what standing up for yourself feels like," he smirked.

"I like it..."

"Good, ride that high," he advised. "And try to direct all that into baking skills 'cause so far, we're failing pretty miserably."

"Speak for yourself," you teased, pushing off the locked door to venture towards Steve; unaware that Billy laid against the locked backdoor, tears in his eyes and slowly (like molasses slow) dribbling down his cheeks as white-hot guilt overwhelmed his heart, mind, and very soul. Billy wasn't accustomed to this kind of empathy, and it was rattling the stony boy to his core.

Usually, there was anyone else to blame for his fuck-ups, but now, it was only Billy's fault, and it was a harsh realization for the lad.

Another thing he wasn't accustomed to confronting? His accountability.

And when he heard your effortless laugh from within your kitchen, he had to push away from both his heart, mind, and your house with a plan forming each step he walked away from you.

[arcadejohn127-9]

What if Mc was a person who don't take shit from anyone, demon human or Angel, and just was this small sassy piece of dynamite? How’d everyone react?

MC who takes no shit - brothers + undateables

Satans pact and chapter 16 spoilers

Lucifer:

So you've chosen death

This man can't even handle the smallest sign of defiance

an actual bitch boy

"You are here because you were picked to attend, you were listed to be under my care, this is MY house! You follow MY rules-"

"hold that for a second, I'm calling Dia."

He's so easy to rile up

You feed off his quick temper, he makes it too easy

But he deserves it

Too many times he thinks he can just control you and his brothers

You've cut Mammon down from the ceiling, when faced to Lucifer you just handed him the rope

"If you want someone to hang so much, do it yourself, old man, it is your fault after all - if you didn't leave your cursed valuables lying around Mammon would of never tried to steal them and get himself cursed."

Mammon:

He both scared of you and in awe of you

He's surprise you're still alive at this point

Of course you're alive, the great Mammon is looking after you

You have definitely called him out for being a tsundere

"So, you wanna make out or do you wanna keep yammering on?"

"I- You can't just be saying that to demons!! Why would I wanna kiss some human-"

"Kay, I'm going to go see if Levi wants to-"

"WAIT! DON'T DO THAT!"

Whenever he steals something from you or the others, you go on a man hunt

"Sell your own stuff! You always have something new in there! or are you that scummy and bad with money you need to steal off others ?"

Please have some mercy with him

In general, finds your sassy attitude interesting, always wonders what the new comment or roast will be

Levithan:

Scared and in awe but times it by 10

Is mostly terrified because you make him upset

Didn't expect to be called a guilt tripping bitch

"You're busy? I get it, I mean - why would you ever want to spend time with someone like me? I'm just some nobody, a yucky otaku who no one wants to be around-"

"I get having a low self esteem but shitting on yourself at EVERY given chance and then go on to be about how yucky and worthless you are when I just wanna spend time with someone else?! You can fuck right off!"

He thinks you're a delinquent, has gotten you a cool jacket so you can put it over your shoulders

You can pat him on the back for at least being able to stand up for himself, he's always ready to brawl and never shys away from calling his brothers out

Always lets you wear his headset and just watches as you cuss and sass any petty player

Satan:

It seems you keep choosing death

You wanna get sassy and back talk the literal embodiment of wrath????!

So - do you want be buried or cremated?

You take none of his shit

He respects it just as much as he hates It

We all know he has good control over his anger but there's a limit on how much of your attitude he can stand

"You're so petty, do you have to be a smart-ass about everything?"

"that's rich coming from the guy who threatened to cut off my limbs because I wouldn't make a pact wth him."

When he doesn't respond you just nod to yourself, checking your nails

"Yeah that's what I thought."

If he needs to come up with a good come back he always asks you

Sits back and watches you argue with Lucifer

Asmodeus:

He loves it until you call him out

Didn't expect to get psychologically profiled

"At first I thought you were just a narcissist but now I see you're just a Insecure man who placed his value on his looks and how people perceive him-"

" You can't seem to handle any type of bad press about you-"

"Oh? Did you make yourself look bad then blame it on someone else because they just wanted to do what they please? Oh boo hoo!"

You could end this man's career with a single word

But, if you're 'no shit' attitude is targeted to someone else? He's all over it

Will sigh dreamily and watch you chew Someone out

Unless you get super roasty and rude - he encourages you to talk to him with an attitude

"You're so hot when you talk like that~"

Knows you aren't all sass, he definitely enjoys your more softer side

Will invite you to a sleep over so you two can gossip and rant over a bottle of wine and do a mini spar

Beezlebub:

What prompted you to be this sassy? He's baby!

I mean, he did throw a fit when you ate his custard and destroyed your room

Sure, constant hunger is painful but he can survive without one custard

Yeah- he can be up for roasting and being chased out

"You've told me you literally want to eat me! How is that comforting?! You're hunger tantrums are already bad enough but now I know I could be on the menu?"

"No thanks! Do the hokey pokey and turn your goofy ass around!"

Has a habit of being your stool, he doesn't mind really, finds it pretty adorable actually

You're so small compared to demons so when a gym jock is being rude about you or Beel

You just snap your fingers and he'll sit down, hunch over and put his hands over his head

You'll just step on his palms (you take off your shoes angrily whilst telling the jock demon to not move an inch) and just go off

He understands where alot of your cusses come from, he agrees with you and feels guilty on his behaviour

Really likes it when you stand up for him; normally no one does that because he's such a big guy

Belphie does it but things can be abit disheartening when your twin Is the only one rushing to help you

Belphegor:

You know what? Understandable, please, fire away

Just keep making jokes and references to all the bad things he's done

He needs to be put in his place

The dude has literally killed you! If you weren't going to give him an earful when you recovered then what was the point?!

This man is one of many bastards in this school

Either watches you go off on people or sleeps mid arguement to stop hearing you call him out

"I'm innocent, I haven't done a single thing wrong in my life."

"wELL-"

He will always respect you for looking out for his twin, when he can't do anything he always looks to you to step in

Has held things out of your reach just to watch you get mad

UNDATEABLES↓

Diavolo:

You've chosen a fate worse than death at the cost of sassing a pure man

He gets upset but is very understanding, it's his companions who will handle your fate

I honestly, CANNOT, think of a reason you'd want to be sassy or rude to him

If it's just in general and not meant to offend him; he thinks it's very attractive

You've got a silver tongue and able to make a comment without much thought

Very impressive

His type is Lucifer very simple

You'd call him out for letting dangerous behaviour happen at the school and putting loads of faith into Lucifer

Perhaps point out how reckless inviting humans to a demon realm - who could easily be killed if they don't have an escort with them at all times

But other than that? He's safe

Barbatos:

He is your executioner

He can handle a jab

But he will remind you he was the one who saved you if you get too out spoken with him

that only gets him more cussed out though

"So you're aware of pretty much every event that happens, Right?"

"You could say that."

"Then shouldn't you use those abilities to then help anyone and stop all sorts of tragedies?"

"My Lord has stopped me from using my powers freely."

OKAY THAT'S SOMETHING YOU CAN CUSS DIA OUT ON

In general, you just make comments about how vague he is

He's too mysterious that it's just ridiculous

You want to get to know him but he just gives you that smug look and amused laughter

Solomon:

Can you really be blamed for being Sus of him?

He's so suspicious, for what?! For what reason?!

He doesn't like being called old? Depending how disrepectful you wanna be, you like to use the nickname "Grandpa Solo"

"I'm surprised you aren't actually some evil Wizard trying to get the brothers pacts so you can be the most powerful human alive and take over the Devildom."

"Who says I'm not?"

He's witty and smug

You're sassy and explosive

You're a duo that should be feared

The two powerful humans banding together? I'm sure there's a website on the two of you with theories of your evil plans

Simeon:

Finds your attitude delightful!

Didn't want his kindness to annoy you but it did, sometimes it is a crime to be Too nice

His favoured company are all sassy bastards so it only makes sense he likes you very much

"You gave them bangles that made them into SAINTS! that's fucking weird! And you had them turn into angels despite the fact they have truama from heaven!"

as mischievous as Simeon can be

His angelic nature really does pop out alot

"aren't you tired of being nice? Don't you want to go ape-shit?"

"Of course not, there's no need but thank you for worrying about me, I know I can seem force and strange to you but I really do enjoy being kind to others."

"disgusting."

Almost fought him during the TSL event; you didn't expect him to do a 360 and become super strict

Despite your hard shell you care alot about the people you're close with and can't stand to see them upset

Luke:

It appears you're trying to throw hands with a 10 year old

He does seem demonphobic

Why are you always denying your true feeling??!! Just admit you like demons!

You try not to swear and be outwardly rude Infront of him

But sometimes this little boy really tests your patience

"Okay species-ist."

Is your main response when he's being a tsundere

He's the one who's the safest from your attitude

[stardustincarnate]

DANCING IN THE DARK // Light Yagami x Reader

word count : 4992 genre : fluff, crack summary : it’s your birthday, and the yagami siblings have prepared some tricks up their sleeve.

a/n : made this for my birthday last year because why shouldn’t i and honestly light is my comfort character. also i keep on saying this but the internet needs more light fluff fics :) and for anyone reading this on their birthday, may you have a wonderful day! <333

"Happy birthday [Y/N]! Thanks for inviting us!"

"Oh Sayu, behave yourself!" Sachiko scolded her daughter who was running in circles around you before hugging you. You shook your head, implying that it's alright. You were close with her anyway. "Happy birthday [Y/N]. We hope you'll like these small presents we got you."

"Thank you! But you shouldn't have.. Really." You blushed. They only clicked their tongues friskily. "Hah! Though that's nothing compared to what Light got you!"

"Oh, where are your parents dear?"

"They're in the kitchen preparing and.. stuffs. Come on in you two before it starts—" You barely even summoned the rain, but there it went, an immediate, hostile rain invaded the city just as you had expected. They quickly stepped inside and before closing the door, you checked it there was anyone—someone in particular— who'd come running to your doorstep. But there wasn't.

"Mr. Yagami's still at work?" Sachiko nodded. "He'd be here by dinner time. I told him to go straight here."

"I understand." You replied meekly and shifted your gaze to the window. "How about Light? Where is he? Is he coming?"

"Of course dear! Why even ask? That boy wouldn't miss it for the world. He should be here in some minutes. He said he was gonna pass somewhere before heading here."

Before you could reply, as if summoned at the mention of his name, came Light casually barging in the front door. You thought he looked more like a thief rather than a prince coming to see his damsel who's not really in distress.

A thief drenched in the rain, that is, holding a bouquet of roses and nicely wrapped boxes of different sizes. He sure got you a lot of presents.

"Light! What did I tell you about bringing a raincoat?" Sayu huffed.

"Haha I said I'd be quick though— and it's fine.. Hello there [Y/N]. Good evening." He ran to you, handing you the presents and bouquet before hugging you tightly, the rainwater on his clothes permeating on yours. Of course you couldn't properly hug him back since your hands were occupied. You merely gave his cheek a peck and he whispered, "Happy birthday [Y/N]," before pulling away with a grin.

"Thank you Light! Although I really appreciate your gifts, what I don't is this." You pointed to your clothes with your lips, looking at them. His grin widened. He anticipated this to happen. "You are soaking wet."

"Yeah. I'll go change clothes. Be right back!"

"It's raining cats and dogs! You're gonna get even more drenched!"

"I already am so that won't matter when I enter the house."

You watched the siblings continue to quarrel. You sighed fondly and handed Light an umbrella. "There ya go. Though you really should've brought an umbrella or raincoat first."

"I'm sorry then, Ma'am." He chuckled. "You should go and change too." And with that, he headed back to his house, three blocks away from yours. Sayu snorted. "I thought he was incapable of being a dummy. Guess that can't be helped."

"I heard that!"

You giggled and put down the presents before going upstairs to change clothes.

Surprisingly when you went down he was already there. Guess you took too long to change. He seemed to be having that kind of conversation with your father. On the other hand, your moms were talking and laughing to themselves. You had no plan of interrupting either of their conversations so you went to Sayu who was idly playing with her hair, sitting on the carpet. As expected, she was full of topics—mostly just about girly stuffs which you didn't really mind— especially her continuously fangirling to that TV actor, Hideki Ryuga. And, well, you actually were too. It wouldn't kill you to fangirl sometimes, right? It went on like that for about some minutes.

A hand being suddenly placed on your shoulder was enough to startle you. You turned around, gazing up to see Light whose brow was raised.

"Oi oi Sayu. Don't brainwash her into joining you and your addiction to that TV star."

"I'm not brainwashing her! I mean, who wouldn't fall for Hideki Ryuga? Right [Y/N]?" She squealed.

"Precisely!" You winked. Light heaved a sigh dramatically as he sat beside you. "Psh. I am more handsome than him, and [Y/N] can attest to that."

"Who says I can?"

"I— whatever. Can't believe you'd choose that actor over me." He huffed and looked at you with disdain.

"Of course I will! Any girl will dump her boyfriend for Ryuga—"

"Hmm. Are you really older now? Or just a thirteen-year-old trapped in that body?"

"Hey! What makes you say that?"

"Nevermind me. Go and join Sayu in her silly fangirling and keep your childish mode activated." He rolled his eyes and was about to stand up, but you clung to his arm and began to act like a cat by playfully rubbing your head against his cheek— which was odd to say the least. He gave you a dubious and irritated glance.

"Oh! Is my Light jelly? My my, you look like a girl on her period, which is kinda adorable."

"Cut it out! Do you mean to say, you on your period?"

You slapped his arm. "I don't act like that during my red days! I certainly don't!"

"Oh yeah because you act way worse than that."

"Augh. You're just jealous! Come onn saaay it! My babyboy is jelly~"

"Good Lord, would you mind cutting it out? If admitting it is gonna make you stop then yes, I am jealous."

He was internally dead. Seeing his reaction made you laugh maniacally (c̶o̶u̶g̶h̶s̶ ̶k̶i̶r̶a̶ ̶l̶a̶u̶g̶h̶), even getting your parents' attentions.

"Talk about being childish, hah! Babyboy got jealous over an actor~ Ah, you are so adorable that I might even squeeze you to death!"

"Shut up. You're no fun."

"Oh, but you're enjoying this, aren't you babyboy?"

"One more of that ridiculous nickname and I swear I'll kill you."

"BABYBOOOOY~~"

"Shut up, or I'll shut you up!"

"I dare you babyboy!"

He looked severely annoyed when he glared at you and leaned his face closer to yours. He looked like he was going to eat your face rather than kiss you, but then—

"EHEM!"

There went Sayu, whose presence was completely forgotten by the both of you.

"Oh. Would you mind leaving us alone? We need privacy. Kids aren't supposed to see what's next."

"No way! You're taking her all to yourself Light! That's no fair."

"Fair enough since I'm her boyfriend."

"And I'm her bestfriend?!?! You're just her boyfriend. Bestfriends come first before boyfriends!"

Sayu rebuked, clinging to your other arm and pulling you away from Light. He had no rebuttals and only clung to your other arm, keeping you away from Sayu who was also determined to get you away from him. You already knew where this was going.

'Good Lord' you mentally sighed. And yup, there they went, playing tug of war, with you as the rope.

"I came first, so get your ass away from us, Light!"

"You get your ass away from us!"

"No you!"

"HOW ABOUT YOU TWO STICK YOUR DAMN ASSES TOGETHER AND GET THEM AWAY FROM ME?? For the love of heaven, stop!"

"..Err...Sorry." The two Yagamis murmured and let go of you. You three soon heard a chuckle coming from behind. It was your mom.

"While you guys wait for the food, why don't you try out the karaoke? I'm sure you are great singers. Hmm my [Y/N] may be an exception though."

You whined at your mom's comment. You stood up and Light grabbed your arm before Sayu could, giving her a sharp glare. "She's gonna stay with me, got it?"

"Hmph. Fine then. Enjoy it while it lasts, big brother."

She pointed her fingers from her eyes to his before playfully winking at you. You grinned and shook your head as you made your way to the sofa. You had no idea that their exchanged glares had a double meaning to it.

After they finished picking song numbers and it was your turn, Light secretly handed Sayu two eggs, telling her to be careful in handling those.

Yup, he had five eggs—no not including his own and certainly NOT the number of his own—hidden inside his jacket's pockets the whole time.

You three had made it clear that you were the first one to sing even though you were all fully aware that you suck at that. They innocently looked at you when you glanced at them. You eventually entered the numbers and just as you were about to murder your first notes you heard a loud CRACK! You thought something fell somewhere in the kitchen, but then the second CRACK! came. It felt like something fell on top of your head. And you were right.

But you were already too late when you saw egg shells falling down your hair. And they weren't the only thing—

"What in the nine circles of hell is this?! Oi—" CRACK! CRACK! and CRACK!

The last one missed but by the time you were already a mixture of skin and eggs. The worst part was that one yolk was dripping on the right side of your face, and your mouth was opened due to shock at the same time so some of it got inside your mouth. You absolutely hated the smell and worse— you were sticky! You looked at the siblings who then burst out laughing. The adults were too.

"Now that's what I wanna have for breakfast." Light quipped.

"SHUDDAP! Were you guys all on this?!"

They didn't respond. You walked towards the siblings who were now slowly backing away. You scowled and raised your hands, about to touch them, but they scurried away, with Sayu using her brother as a shield.

"I am so gonna get you two! Sayu, why must you betray me?"

"It was Light's idea!"

"Hey no—" The three of you continuously ran in circles in the living room, with them (mostly just Sayu) screeching and frantically flailing every now and then the closer you got.

They were terrified of the egg monster that you were.

"Don't be mad [Y/N]. Did you know that eggs will do wonders for your hair? At least you don't need to go to the salon now."

"I know but it wasn't only my hair! I am so gonna get you, Light, you little ass!"

"Welp there you go [Y/N]! He's all yours!"

Sayu halted and tripped not only her brother but you too since you were accelerating too fast. Light fell on his chest, and you fell on his back, the gooey substance dropping to his jacket. And to make it worse, you nuzzled his hair with your yolk-covered one. He squirmed, panted, and whined ridiculously.

When he regained his strength he immediately wiggled you away from him. He stood up and removed his jacket, but the smell still lingered since his hair and nape were also covered with yolks and egg whites.

"This wasn't part of the plan.. Sayu..."

"Hehehe."

You dramatically threw your hands up and wheezed to get their attention.

"This is very unfair. I just changed clothes and now I definitely need to take a shower to get rid of this yucky smell."

"I may have to as well."

"Are you implying that we'll shower together?"

"Of course not! Unless you want to— but on second thought, no way! I'll go back home and return—"

"Nope, you're not going anywhere. I had it worse than you! You can easily wipe it away."

"But the smell—"

"You'll have to live with that until the party's over, mister."

You glared at him and walked upstairs to straight-up take a shower that took about thirty minutes. Even though you used as many shampoos as you could, there was still a slight smell left. You honestly weren't anticipating that.

As you languidly made your way downstairs you heard the clicking of metals, indicating that they had already started eating without you, the fucking birthday girl. Mr. Yagami had also arrived. Guess you really took too long and missed some tea— if there ever was.

Light glanced at you and gave a smile of mischief. You raised your middle finger but quickly hid it when your mom glanced your way.

No other choice but to sit beside your stinking boyfriend since it was the only vacant seat left. And you couldn't help but laugh when you saw the egg remains there.

"Let's properly start dinner then." Your dad announced. "Huh? I thought you guys had already started."

"We did. But it wasn't official. Of course we won't officially start without the birthday princess~"

"What difference does it make? And really, dad?"

After the prayer you eventually started eating. Just looking at the food already made you feel full and you were sure that you'd soon look like a pregnant woman after eating all those. Of course, there also had to be some entertainment otherwise it wouldn't be a normal dinner for you.

"Few visitors, huh?" Light elbowed you. "Obviously."

"Why didn't you invite the other neighbors?"

"Do I look like I'm close with those vivacious people?"

"Of course not." His grin somehow irritated you. He's doing this on purpose.

You puffed your cheeks. It was true though— you only had limited visitors this year, specifically the Yagami household. Let's just say that they're the only benevolent family in the neighborhood. You weren't really acquainted or interested in befriending your other neighbors and their kids since first of all, they're literally kids. And even though some of them were at the same age as you and Light, you couldn't really vibe with them. You had lots of friends though, but their houses were too far from yours. You could've had invited them too but it was raining cats and dogs. They might get stranded and you weren't really a fan of sleepovers. They did greet you via text earlier. Although, it was still rather saddening.

Both your parents shifted the topic to your university lives, the rankings and all that stuffs, including reminiscing old times, but they weren't comparing. It was all good to them.

"As expected! Your son is number one as always." Your mom smiled to Sachiko. Your dad then butted in, "Oho, I heard [Y/N] once swearing to beat him. Would you let that happen Light?"

"No way." He chuckled. You shook your head. "Watch me do it."

"I've been doing that for years."

"Tch. I was always first but then you stole the spotlight. Be thankful I don't hold a grudge on you." You jested. Him and your parents chuckled in unison.

"The spotlight isn't the only thing I stole from you though."

"Wow, you are capable of being cheesy too?" You coughed to apparently hide your smile and avoided your parents' sly looks. "Yes yes, you stole my heart too Mr. Know-It-All. You were supposed to be my rival but you cursed me."

"Did not. My charms were only being effective."

"Tsk."

"Wow, you two might be the smartest couple I've ever seen! But you know my teacher once told me if two smart people were to collide then it'd be chaotic." Sayu butted in.

"Why is that?"

"Because they'd keep on contradicting each other with their own beliefs and when they get into arguments it'd be super long but very logical. She also said it's not good because there's no contrast between them. They're already perfect and too much perfection isn't good."

They may be some truth to what she said. You and Light exchanged glances, mentally communicating.

"There's a bit of rivalry. Sometimes. And it's rather fun." He replied. You nodded in agreement. "Besides, we're not entirely perfect. Look at your brother, he's very meticulous in mapping out scenarios and good at speculating probabilities. He's the school prodigy. But that school prodigy has a secret. Wanna know what? He dances like a withered vegetable being shaken up in someone's hands." You, except for him, all giggled. But he had a comeback of course.

"I can dance, excuse me. Hiphop just isn't my style. And you know what? Not only does [Y/N] destroy a song's purity, she can never be a match for any sports for me."

You harshly stepped on his foot, earning a loud groan from him.

Dinner went smoothly. You felt like you didn't need to eat for at least three days, however there were still some desserts to eat. The conversation regarding each families' personal matters continued with you being quite invested in it. Then eventually, the 'most' awaited part arrived—they actually saved it for last—wherein they sang you a happy birthday as you made your wish. Who knows what it was? Only you know the answer to that. You blew your candle and they clapped happily. It made you feel like a kid but it was fun. And then you continued to eat. Cake, ice cream—and there were a lot more. For some reason you also requested a bag of potato chips.

And you already felt bad for the horrors your toilet was about to see.

It was the karaoke's time to steal the spotlight, again. You only watched them sing, although a bit out of tune they were clearer better than you completely murdering those notes. You tried ushering Light to sing but he irritatedly responded a no to you for the nth time. There were only two times you heard his singing voice— and damn, he really is a talented man. But it wasn't exactly his main forte so he refused to do it again.

"Let's get drunk too!" You jested, looking at your parents who were now acting like drunk and cheesy teenagers. Welp they had some drinks.

"[Y/N], you know I don't drink." Light shook his head and sighed, sensing an incoming annoyance at the way you were acting.

"Oh? If that's the case then mind you explaining to me why you're still alive because-not-drinking-would-lead-to-dehydration-which-apparently-leads-to-your-death-if-not—"

"You know that's not what—"

"Let's get high on caffeeeeeine insteaaad!! One cup of bullshit and the other crappuccino!"

Your parents glared at you. Your boyfriend was beginning to get highly concerned. "Why is she like this?"

"Perhaps too much coffee is really unhealthy, that's why, son."

"Whaddaya mean coffee? She didn't even drink any! All she drank was milk! Eight glasses every other day! Blame the milk!"

'What did I do to deserve this?'

He thought, and there you went again with your maniacal laughter. If Light and you hadn't known each other he'd definitely think you're a complete psychopath.

"Oh dear! Did I just say that? God, why did I do that? Liiiiiight..." You shook him. "If I ever start acting like that again please stop me."

"You are acting lke that right now. That's not cute. You're not even drunk."

"Quit being a killjoy, I'm enjoying my 'drunk' state. This is an experiment."

"What the hell? You are sober yet you're doing things worse than people who aren't do."

"But it's honestly fun."

"I can't blame you for being so irritatingly childish since it's your birthday, but it's time to stop that. Stop it. Get some help."

"Stop me then. You're the good guy here."

"How can I stop someone so crazy?"

"They say a kiss on the forehead can stop someone doing crazy stuffs.."

"You're only making that up."

"So what if I am? I speak facts. So, go on, please."

He pressed his lips together and thought about it. It was barely visible but you were sure that he's blushing.

"HAHAHAHA! I forgot my babyboy can't kiss without feeling so yucky about it."

"Hush."

"Psh, don't bite on me mate! I'll do the honor then." You were already kissing his forehead the moment he thought about running away. You weren't able to hold back a smirk as you did. He was grimacing the whole time, but he was actually enjoying it. But of course, he'd never let it show.

To 'annoy' him more, you butterfly pecked your way to the tip of his nose. You pulled back at least an inch or two from his face. And to your surprise, he pecked your lips.

It was so light that you thought it felt like hair on your skin. Thankfully your parents and Sayu—or maybe not Sayu—were too busy to give a damn about it.

You wordlessly sank back, face the reddest it could ever get.

"You stay still now."

"Heh... How about one mor—"

"Absolutely not. That's a kiss worth for three months. We had a deal back then, didn't we?"

"I'm starting to regret that deal."

"It was your idea."

"Let's disregard that deal."

"Nope. I gave my word. You did too."

"Oh come on!"

"'Kissing is a waste of time,' you say."

"I take it back!"

"You don't." He chuckled. You elbowed him and groaned.

You then were idly eating more of the chips as you watched your parents dance shamelessly. They began to coax you and Light to do the same because it was your special day after all. You and Light had different opinions about it. And, he was in.

"Why not? Afraid of your true skills being exposed?"

"Why should I be afraid to expose talent? Heck it's just not my liking. Besides, didn't we already dance?"

"Yeah but that was last year on your 18th birthday. You danced with other guys too. So maybe, maybe— just maybe, I only want to solo you right now."

"Wha— pfahahahaha! Did you just say that? Say that again!"

"Ah? No. Nevermind. Forget it."

"Awe sorry. It's just rare to see that side of yours. Hmm, how can I refuse now?" You pressed your lips in order not to laugh at the way he looked, as if he was regretting everything he did in his life. You stood up and offered him your hand, in which he refused to accept since it was his job to do in the first place.

"Oh! But I don't wanna dance here. Let's go to my room. I have an idea." He merely nodded. "Mom, dad, we're just going to go upstairs! In case you'll wonder why we suddenly disappeared."

"Can I come with you? I don't really want to dance or sing with them." Sayu jumped at you. You shook your head and Light spoke on your behalf. "Kids aren't allowed. Let us have our privacy this time."

"—Sorry but he's right. I do have some games you can play for you to pass the time. Or books, over there if that piques your interest. Don't worry, we'll be back quick to make sure you won't be lonely."

"Alright! Thank you!"

"Ah but why not join us here?" Your mom frowned.

"We have some business to do in my room—" That came out vague, but it was too late. Your mildly drunk dad had already replied, "Don't forget the protection, okay?" Leaving you, Light, his parents, and your mom to have that 'What the fuck?' look on your faces.

You two raced to your room nonetheless, quickly locking it. He was surprised to see how much of a mess it was. Mostly just the bed and the heap of completely random things on top of your cabinet. If he's a neat genius, you're the untidy one.

"Do you ever seriously clean?"

"Why clean it when it'll just eventually turn into a mess again? I can work perfectly fine in this state."

He shook his head and picked up a pillow and the bedsheet lying on the floor, but you stopped him before he could lay his hands on your one-hell-of-a-mess bed.

If you two ever do get married someday, the marriage would certainly include a lot of chaotic things and arguments about the chaos you've bestowed upon your damned house.

"I didn't bring you here to be my personal cleaner. Stop that."

"I'm actually doing you a favor???"

"We have other business. Cleaning is uninteresting. As your girlfriend, it's my duty to stop you investing yourself in such a boring activity."

"You're not really much of a good influence, are you? Fine. But I'm gonna do it once we finish anyway."

You snorted and opened the curtains to add a slightly relaxing view to the scene.

The rain hadn't stopped, still hostile and loud. You were lucky your room had a nice view of the streetlight. Though it would've looked better at dusk— more romantic to a lovers' liking when they dance as the sun sets, coating the sky in a mixture of lively, serene colors, with the streetlight slowly coming to life and they wouldn't realize it because they're lost in their own world.

You smiled at the thought. You wanted to do that with Light even though you knew you would never say it out loud— or who knows?

While your boyfriend was looking at the window, you turned on your lamp and the purple LED lights you had hanging on the walls and turned off the ceiling light. The room was then turned to a dull purple one. But it looked better than before—if you were to ignore the tangled mess on your bed of course, in which case was thankfully barely visible now— and at least to set a specific mood.

"Outdoing ourselves, aren't we?"

"Yes, well.. doesn't it look more.. romantiiiiiic to you?"

"Maybe. All that's missing now is the music. And maybe roses too, hmm? But it's alright. I have the prettiest rose here already."

"Oh my God. Are you really Light Yagami, or just a spirit who had taken over?"

"Shut up. I thought the word romantic was never in your dictionary."

"Ah, but I have a lot of words in my dictionary, so you'll never know, my dear." You winked and took one rose out of the bouquet he had given you. You handed it to him. "There goes your rose."

He cringed, but he was smiling too. He tucked your hair behind your ears and placed the rose on top of it. Now all that was left to do was to play the music.

"Hey Light. We're gonna regret being this overly romantic one day, aren't we?"

"Probably. And all that cheesy stuff. But who knows? We may or may not end up like our parents and continue whatever this saga is."

"Yep. But I also think we'd regret it more if we don't grab the chance to do it."

"Well said, [Y/N]."

You grinned and went on to play the music on your vintage gramophone. Needless to say you were quite the quaint one. And Light knew well of this.

"Shall I have this dance, my lady?"

"Why, I thought you'd never ask."

You hid a smile as well as he. You loosely wrapped your arms around his neck. His hands were on your waist and you two slow danced, the rest of the world falling away. You thought whenever someone would say it, they're just exaggerating. But you were wrong. It really did feel like it that it might have been the closest to heaven you'd get.

Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you...

His eyes were locked on yours. This time, he wasn't holding back anymore. He was feeling the moment just as you were. And who cares if your movements weren't completely in sync with the music that was barely audible due to the rain?

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin?

If I can't help falling in love with you...

The smile you were hiding broke out when he pulled you closer. It was definitely a rare event so you had to savor it. Slow dancing in the dark, just like old lovers.

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be...

You might've had already ran out of steps halfway to the song. You two stood still, bodies pressed with you looking up at him. He rested his forehead against yours. Your faces were so close that you swore you could already feel his lips against yours.

Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you...

And at that moment you really felt that you wanted him to take your whole life. You couldn't dream a world without your Light anymore.

To your surprise, he cupped your face and kissed your forehead, his lips lingering there for a while as your bodies merely swayed to the rhythm of the song.

You love this man. He's not entirely perfect, but he's the best for you. He's your match. He's your lover. He's your rival. You were his, too.

"Psst, Light. I love you.." You whispered, pecking his cheek.

He stared at you with amusement, his adorable smile growing wider.

"I love you too."

"Even if you smell like shit right now..."

"You too. But did I complain?"

"Oh shush." You laughed. His arms tightly embraced you, and you rested your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes and smiling to yourself as you two continued to lightly sway your bodies. He as well closed his eyes, leaning his cheeks against your head.

He considered this moment to be one of the bests where he's genuinely happy.

And outside, unbeknownst to you, stood a lonesome fellow under the streetlamp, drenched in the rain, a wistful smile on their face as they looked up to witness a moment like that from you two, wishing that one day they'll get to do that with someone too.

[angelic-bee-enthusiast]

Hope you'll enjoy it... It's just a short fic, but I wanted to write something a little bit more light-hearted for a change, hope it worked adhajks. It's canon compliant up until Jack's birth, then it diverges., though that's not really important. Again, I'm fairly new to this and still learning, so it may be a little bit ooc, I still need to figure out how to write each of them! ca. 1,1k, post-canon, domestic idiots, background toddler!Jack

Yes, he once led armies and was one of Heaven's best strategists. Yes, he is an Angel of the Lord, a celestial being unfathomable to the human mind. Yes, he is currently partaking in a heated discussion with Dean about which is the best bed to get for his toddler in the middle of an IKEA.

"Cas, man, I'm sure he'll be happy with whatever choice you make. He's three, and I don't think he has that big of an opinion on interior design. However, I personally think the one looking like a car is the best one," Dean argues, not even trying to hide his distaste for Cas' choice - a simple wooden frame.

"Not everyone is as fond of cars as you are, Dean. I know you think it's 'lame', but we could paint the bed on our own, that way Jack would have something a little bit more personal," Cas answers, hoping to finally reason with the other man.

"Didn't know you were much of an artist," Dean simply replies.

"Well, actually, I hoped you would do most of the painting, maybe add some little bees or flowers?" I saw the drawing you did of me for the bestiary - you're really good at it."

Obviously, Cas knows the hunter is shy when it comes to his artistic talents. It's something a lot of people don't even know about him.

As expected, Dean blushes immediately. Scratching his neck, he mumbles something that suspiciously sound like 'didn't know you saw that'.

Sighing, Cas continues nevertheless. "So, can we please just take that one and leave? Sam and Eileen have been alone with Jack for hours now, they'll need a break sometime soon."

"Dude, they can watch the kid for half a day - I've taken care of Sammy's sorry ass since I was four, they'll handle a Thursday afternoon. Besides, when we're already here, don't you wanna get something for your own room, too? Just something a little more homey than the standard bunker stuff," Dean responds far more cheerfully than he's been just minutes before, though there's also another, underlying question on his mind.

Ever since Jack was born, Cas started to spend more time and the bunker, but of course, there have also been times he had to leave, together with Jack, to protect him. Thankfully, everything calmed down the last couple of months after their last big fight ended, and even though Cas has been living with them ever since, Dean feels like the Angel doesn't see the bunker as his own home, too. The older Winchester wants to change that, first, to make his best friend feel welcome, secondly, to keep Cas from leaving.

It's selfish, Dean tells himself, wanting to keep his friend close at all times. Additionally, his non-existent self-worth supplies that Cas, a celestial warrior as old as creation, could certainly do a lot better than a broken 40-something-year old. Trapped in his self-deprecating thoughts, Dean, at first, doesn't even realize Cas asked him a question.

"Oh...I didn't know this was actually my room?", Cas retorts shyly, blue eyes now avoiding his gaze.

Gobsmacked, Dean stares at him, trying to figure out if that was a joke. It had to be a joke, right? Doesn't Cas know how important he is to them? Crap, they really need to get that into his thick skull ('Maybe if you used your words for once, he'd know it', another, unhelpful voice inside his head condescendingly points out).

"Buddy, you gotta be kidding me. Yes, obviously it's your room, dumbass. You know we like having you around just because you're you, right? Not only in live-or-die situations or when we need your help," Dean chooses his next words carefully, admitting he cares doesn't come easy to him after all. "I want you to stay, you gotta know that."

It's as close as he ever came saying that three words that have been laying on the tip of his tongue for years now. Suddenly, it's Cas time to turn slightly red, despite angelic control over his body.

"I'm sorry, I didn't really... not like that, anyway. Thank you for telling me," the Angel softly murmurs.

After that, it takes Dean a second to notice that he's been pulled into a tight hug, then another second to return the gesture.

In the corner of his eyes, the hunter sees that an older lady is watching them, smiling friendly. They embrace each other a little bit longer than it may be strictly platonically acceptable, but who cares? Dean doesn't. After they've parted, the woman starts approaching them.

"Please forgive me for interrupting, but I just wanted to say, you two really make a lovely couple! It's not often you can feel the love radiating off of strangers," she compliments the two men.

While Cas' initial reaction is mostly confusion, Dean feels like he's just been slapped. No even knowing what he's going to say, he opens his mouth and closes it again, only for a rushed 'Thank you?' to come out.

Nodding, and giving each of them one last smile, she returns to her own shopping cart.

Cas must have caught up to the situation now, because he doesn't let Dean off to easy.

"You could have corrected her," the Angel sates, a hint of curiosity behind it.

"Oh...yes, I guess I could've. I mean correct her, because - because we're not actually together. But I didn't."

The hunter is internally begging himself to stop at this point, never before having felt a desire that strong to just shut up. He doesn't even know why he said it, but maybe talking about their home and their... Cas' kid, the domesticity of it, made Dean's meticulously crafted walls crumble.

Squinting, and most likely seeing right through Dean's babbling, Cas decides to casually drop another bomb at him.

"You know, I don't mind you... not correcting people," he tentatively approaches the subject.

"You, uhm, you don't?" Dean asks, eyes huge enough to really earn him the nickname squirrel.

Cas doesn't know where he suddenly, after more than a decade, gets the courage from, but he reaches for Dean's hand, who lets him.

They're staring in each other's eyes, as if they could decipher what the other thinks just by looking hard enough. Finally, his expression soft and full of no longer hidden adoration and love, Cas whispers, "No, I really don't."

Something melts inside Dean, seeing his Angel like that, hearing the words he never thought he'd hear.

"Then let's get this stupid bed and head home, I think our plans for today just have changed," Dean grins like he hasn't in a really, really long time.

[omg-im-such-a-masochist]

NEVERMORE?

Prompt: Requested, by the adorable @pod95 Thank you so much for your request, babe. I hope you’ll like it 😉😘

Word count: Long-ish

Pairings: Finn Bálor x Reader

Warnings: +18, smut, dom x sub dynamic, one night stand, rough sex, oral sex (female and male receiving), spanking, tricophilia (hair kink - pulling) breath play/ asphyxiation kink (chocking), cursing and fluff.

Tag: @theworldofotps , @new-zealand-chic , @yungbludjazz360

Notes: Lord, forgive me, my dirty mind and the sin I’m about to commit! This is pure filth people, pure filth! Y’all know the drill loves,sorry for misspellings,english isn’t my first language (bla bla bla),check out my other stories if you’d like to(it would make your girl here very happy 😊) You can check them out on my Masterlist. Okay,now let’s get to the fun part, shall we? Hope you’ll enjoy 😉

“Y/N, I’m gonna look for Tim in the men’s locker room ok? I’ll be right back” Leon, my brother, said

“Fine, I’ll wait here” I smiled at him, sitting down in one of the audience benches

A few minutes passed and I heard someone ask me

“Are you looking for someone?” A handsome Irish guy asked

“Nope, I’m waiting for my brother”

“Is he one of the wrestlers?” He asked

I smirked “No, but he dates one”

“Oh, I see” He grinned “Would you like me to call one of them for you?”

“Nah, it’s ok. I don’t mind waiting. They haven’t seen each other in a very long time plus, I don’t have anything better to do” I shrugged

“Mind if I sit down with you?”

“No, go ahead and pick your seat” I joke and he sat right by my side

“I’m Finn” He offered me his hand

“Y/N”

We shook hands and he said

“Beautiful name for a beautiful lass”

“I’ve never heard that one before” I mocked, making him laugh

“So, what are you gonna do later?” Finn asked and I sensed his intention

“Look, Finn” I look into his blue eyes “My brother is the one who’s into wrestlers, not me”

“And I’m not into your brother, I’m into you” He sincerely said

His words were so honest that caught me off guard and made me laugh

“You’re funny” I smiled

“You’re gorgeous“ He chews on his gum with a boyish smile on his face

“How come you’re so confident?” I asked amused

Finn shrugged “I’m a Leo, it comes naturally” He winked and I laugh

“Y/N!” My brother screamed, coming to me with Tim by his side

“Hi, Y/N” Tim greeted, hugging me tightly

“How are you, Timmy?”

“Better now” He looked at Leon with pure love in his eyes

“Finn, you wanna come?” Tim asked

“Yeah, sure”

“Where are you guys going anyways?” I ask them

“We’re going to that sushi place, you’re coming, right?” Tim asked me

“Honestly? No” I sighed

“Why?” Leon, Tim and Finn asked at the same time

“You know I’m not a sushi lover, ok? So I’ll pass! But, please, feel free to eat my part of the sushi boat” I smile fondly

“Where are you going then?” Leon asked worriedly

“To the hotel, I’ll order some room service”

“I thought we were supposed to enjoy the city together” Leon reminded me

“And we will, tomorrow!” I got up from the bench kissing Leon and Tim on the cheek “Also, you don’t need a third wheel tonight! Enjoy your night together, lovebirds” I winked at them

“Nice to meet you, Finn” I said

“And you” I look at Tim as I was grabbing my backpack “Take care of my little brother or I’ll kick your ass!”

Tim laughed “Got it, boss”

“I’m coming with you” Finn stood up

“You’re declining sushi?” Tim asked in shock

“Changed my mind. Room service sounded very tempting all of a sudden” He smirked, looking at me

*Does he never give up?* I thought

......................................................................

Finn and I walked from the arena to the hotel. He’s surprisingly a very nice and funny guy. We talked about different subjects and I grew fondly of him in that short 40 minutes walk.

“Do you wanna watch a movie or something?” He asked

“Of course. Just let me take a shower and change clothes and I’ll meet you in your room, is that ok?”

“Sure, love. I’m in room 433”

After 40 minutes I knocked on his door. I went for a safe choice of black leggings and a crop top. I didn’t wanted to look like I’m trying to impress him but didn’t wanted to show up too sloppy either.

“Hey” Finn smiled softly, wearing now a pair of grey joggings and a black t-shirt, with his hair still wet from his shower.

“Come on in” Finn intertwine our fingers, pulling me towards the couch

“Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you”

“What do you want for dinner?” He smiled, grabbing the hotel menu.

Finn decided for a fusilli with pesto and grilled chicken and I went for a zucchini spaghetti. He ordered a wine bottle to go with our dinner (which he insisted in paying for).

We talked and ate, sitting on the couch, looking at each other. Sharing stories and laughs, forgetting all about the movie.

“Did you liked living in Japan?” I asked, sipping from my wine glass

“I loved actually, it was one of the best times of my life”

“Then why did you leave there to wrestle in America?”

“It was a new opportunity with a great company. Wrestling is my life so I had to take it, you know?”

“Yeah” I smiled at him

Finn took the wine glass out of my hand and placed on top of the coffee table, next to his.

“I like to try new things, Y/N” He leans forward, until his lips are centimeters away from mine “I like to have new experiences” His hand rested on the side of my neck, while his thumb caress my cheek

“So I’m gonna be straight forward with you. You’re a very beautiful woman, I feel very attracted to you and I would love to spend the night together and have some fun” He whispered

“Oh, you’re mean” I chuckled

“No, I’m not” He smirked “I’m honest! So tell me, do you want to spend the night with me?”

“Yes” I murmur

Finn’s lips touched mine, softly at first, until we got used to each other but then the air changed.

His kiss became more vigorous, rough and hard. Finn’s hands gripped my neck lightly

“I like things a little rough, Y/N. So, if at anytime you feel like it’s too much, you let me know, ok?”

“I doubt that it will be too much” I smirked “Never found a man who could give me as hard as I like it” I chuckled

“Is that a challenge, love?” He grinned, walking us towards the bed

“Are you up for it, sir?” I batted my lashes

“Oh, you’re gonna regret that” Finn closed his grip on my neck

“Give me your worst” I smile in pleasure once I feel the pressure upon my neck increasing.

Finn shoved me down to the bed, quickly yanking off my crop top and sports bra and ripping my leggings at the crotch. Smirking when he saw no underwear.

“Oh, you came halfway ready didn’t you, love?” Finn chuckled, spitting on his fingers and spreading it through my folds until he stopped at my clit.

“Play with your tits” Finn commands

I obey him, massaging my breasts softly. Pinching my nipples until they are hard for him.

Finn lightly slapped one of my hands away, capturing the free nipple into his mouth, flicking his tongue on it.

The pressure he was putting on my clit was dreamy.

I moan softly at the sweet torture he’s causing me

“Your moans are so fucking hot” Finn says, scratching his teeth on my nipple and quickly attacking the other one.

He dive down, into my core. The minute he started to lick me, I’m in heaven! The guy is THAT good.

“Oh fuck” I moaned “Why are you so good at this?”

Finn looks up to meet my gaze and slowly smiles, still licking my folds tortuously.

“You’re so wet for me” He whispered, licking a long stripe from my entrance to my clit. Where he locked his lips and began to suck on it.

I tried to close my legs in order to get some relief, but Finn held them down on the mattress, open for him.

I never came from just pussy eating without any fingering, but I felt like I could come at any minute now.

“I want you to come on my face” Finn said

“I can’t, I need something in” I shuddered

“No, you don’t, silly” He smiled deviously and sucked my clit even harder

“Come.On.My.Face.Right.Now” He commanded with a hard slap on my ass between every word

And I did. Grabbing the sheets forcefully into my fists I borderline screamed his name in pleasure.

The contractions of my orgasm were so hard that I had my own release dripping down my lips.

Before it could reach the mattress, Finn eagerly licked.

“So good” He coos

“Please, can I suck your dick?” I beg

“That desperate, huh?” Finn cackled

“Yes, I am, sir” I place myself in all fours on the bed and nuzzle my face on his clothed erection.

“Please, sir. I really need it” I pleaded

Finn’s eyes grew dark in pleasure “Take him out” He smirked

And I just understood why, when I free him from his pants.

He was THICK and LONG, but that just made me grew even more eager to have him in me.

“I can’t wait to have you in me” I giggled

“Yeah? Do you think you can handle it, love?” He laughed at my excitement

“Not only I CAN handle it but will enjoy every second of it” I smirk at him and while looking up at him, I shoved him down my throat.

I made sure to relax my throat as much as I could and keep a lot of saliva to make it easier for the both of us.

“You sure know what you’re doing, love. So sloppy...it’s fucking beautiful!” Finn moaned “Feels so fucking good”

I can feel him twitching on my throat, that’s when he pulls off

“That’s enough. I don’t want to come on your mouth”

Finn quickly got rid of his clothes. When I began to take off my crotch ripped leggings Finn said

“Leave them on! I want to fuck you like that. Turn around”

When I lay down on my stomach Finn’s hands ripped my leggings more so he can have a full vision of my ass

“So fucking hot” He slapped my ass cheeks

I look over my shoulder to Finn and found him touching himself while looking at me.

Finn smirked, reaching for the bedside table, he pulled out a condom.

Rolling down his length, he positioned himself behind me

“Let me know if it’s too much, is color system ok for you?”

“Sure. Green: go, yellow: slow down and red: stop”

“Good” He smiles “Let’s ser if you really can take it like you said earlier” Finn teased making me laugh

He slowly pushed in, letting me get used to his size bit by bit. He felt even bigger than he looked.

Once he’s buried inside of me, Finn and I both moaned loudly

“Shit... I’ve never fucked someone as tight as you. Jesus fuck!”

“You’re so thick is heavenly” I panted

Finn began to move slowly at first. Stretching my walls for him, until we’re both used to how each other felt.

Then the fun started. His thrusts became harder and faster, making me curl my toes in pleasure.

“Choke me, sir. Please”

Finn’s hands locked around my neck pulling me back to meet him until my back is arched painfully so Finn can kiss me vigorously.

“You’re such a good little whore” Finn grabbed a fistful of my hair, pulling me back even more, until I was holding my weight up on my arms.

Finn fucked me even harder and I couldn’t help but moan.

“You didn’t lied, you really can take it! Can’t you?” He bites my neck

“Yes, sir. Every fucking inch” I giggled

“I can see that, lass. Such a cock whore. I love that!” He laughed amused

I could already feel the familiar burning on my lower abdomen

“Sir, please. I need to-“ I stopped my sentence when his pace grew even faster

“Come, love. Come on my cock, I wanna feel you” Finn whispered on my ear

A chocked moan left my lips as I came around him

“Oh fuck, you’re squeezing my cock so good I can barely move” Finn mumbled

His hands reached my clit and he circled the little nub, prolonging my own orgasm as he came with a growl.

We stood still for a minute to catch our breaths.

Finn went to the bathroom and started to fill up the tub.

*That’s my cue to go, I guess* I thought and begin to get dressed. Finn walked out of the bathroom and frowned

“What are you doing?”

“Leaving. Thanks for the dinner and the fun” I tried to hide my disappointment

“And who said you‘re supposed to leave?”

“What? I thought-“

“Thought wrong, love” He smiled, pulling my crop top off my body

“C’mon” Finn offers me his hand “Let’s go take a bath then we can order some more room service and make out on the couch” He winked

And Finn was faithful to his word. We took a long bath together, talking and laughing. Then he ordered us some room service, my all time favorite: cheeseburgers.

“I thought you didn’t eat junk food” I said mesmerized when my eyes meet the burgers

“I do sometimes!” He defended himself making me look at him in disbelief

“What?” He asked and I raised one eyebrow at him

“Fine! I eat it once every 2 years, ok?”

“Once every 2 years?” I gasp “Damn dude! You’re surreal” I stare at him in shock

Finn bites my cheek lightly “Don’t you think I deserve a treat after the night we just had? You drained me, woman!” He chuckled making me blush in embarrassment

“Stop” I slapped his shoulder lightly

“Awww you’re blushing” Finn laughed softly “You’re so damn cute” He gave me a smooch and said “Let’s go, love. Or the burgers will get cold”

The night ended with more talking and make out sessions on the couch

“I want you to sleep here with me” Finn whispered

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure!” He smiled

When sleep finally took over us, Finn dragged us to the bed. We spooned and Finn pulled me as close as he physically could. Sweetly kissing the top of my head we both fell asleep within minutes.

......................................................................

Something moving around the bed was disturbing me from my sleep

“Y/N, wake up” His deep voice called

“Love, c’mon wake up!” Finn giggled while I groan in protest.

“Will you wake up if I say I got you breakfast?”

“Food? Where?” I mumbled, quickly sitting up on the bed and making Finn laugh hard

The breakfast tray was on top of the bed, with juice, coffee, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, toast and chocolate chips pancakes.

“I didn’t knew what you were in the mood for, so I got a little bit of everything” Finn smiled, slightly embarrassed

“This is perfect, thank you! But you didn’t had to, you know”

Finn rolled his eyes “That’s nonsense! Choose whatever you want to eat so we can go before we run late”

“Go? Where?” I ask confused

“Aren’t we going to explore the city with your brother and Tim?” He asked, chewing on a piece of pineapple

“You’re coming along with us?”

“Yeah...unless you don’t want me to” He whispered softly

“Of course I want you to come along” I smile widely and he smiled back

“So go on, eat your breakfast so we can go to your room and get you some clothes” Finn winked

And I thought to myself *How the hell am I supposed to be with this man for just one night?*....

Please, if you’re comfortable with it, let me know your thoughts on this? Feedbacks are always appreciated 🥰😘

[fictionadventurer]

Father Brown Reread: The Absence of Mr. Glass

The consulting-rooms of Dr Orion Hood, the eminent criminologist and specialist in certain moral disorders, lay along the sea-front at Scarborough, in a series of very large and well-lighted french windows, which showed the North Sea like one endless outer wall of blue-green marble.

I like how the first and second collections both start with a story focusing on a professional detective who’s not Father Brown.

True to form, we’ve got a color word in the first sentence. And not only that--a hypenated color word! You don’t get much more Chesterton than that.

Everything about him and his room indicated something at once rigid and restless, like that great northern sea by which (on pure principles of hygiene) he had built his home. Fate, being in a funny mood, pushed the door open and introduced into those long, strict, sea-flanked apartments one who was perhaps the most startling opposite of them and their master.

Highlighting this because “Fate, being in a funny mood” is a great phrase.

But also because I love when the stories contrast Father Brown’s clumsy, homely shabbiness with characters who look more distinguished and accomplished.

"My name is Brown. Pray excuse me. I've come about that business of the MacNabs. I have heard, you often help people out of such troubles. Pray excuse me if I am wrong."

It’s odd that Father Brown is consulting another detective on this. He doesn’t seem the sort to seek out other help. He usually just winds up on the scene of the crime by accident.

It seems like he should have the confidence to solve the mystery himself.

It seems like the more natural way to bring Hood into the story would be to have the girl approach Dr. Hood and Father Brown just to be at the house for priest reasons before figuring out the mystery.

But maybe Father Brown’s stumped from lack of evidence and doesn’t have the time for an investigation. (Actually paying attention to his priestly duties for once?)

After all, it’s only luck that the crisis that gives them an excuse to investigate the apartment happens two minutes later.

And of course, the whole point of the story is getting this Holmes detective to the same crime scene as Father Brown to contrast their methods, so it doesn’t much matter how he gets there.

And there is a lot of fun in seeing shabby little Father Brown in this professional detective’s immaculate study.

"Oh, this is of the greatest importance," broke in the little man called Brown. "Why, her mother won't let them get engaged." And he leaned back in his chair in radiant rationality.

It’s not a full-fledged Father Brown story unless the mystery is centered on a romance, is it?

A stock Chesterton exchange: foolish-looking character says simple, silly-sounding statement as if it’s the most sensible thing in the world, before being forced to elaborate by a confused listener.

This story gives us Father Brown at his most silly-seeming. Here he’s not just unassuming and sheltered; he seems like one of Chesterton’s holy fools. He hasn’t looked this simple-minded since “The Blue Cross”

"Mr Brown," he said gravely, "it is quite fourteen and a half years since I was personally asked to test a personal problem: then it was the case of an attempt to poison the French President at a Lord Mayor's Banquet.  It is now, I understand, a question of whether some friend of yours called Maggie is a suitable fiancee for some friend of hers called Todhunter.  Well, Mr Brown, I am a sportsman. I will take it on.  I will give the MacNab family my best advice, as good as I gave the French Republic and the King of England--no, better: fourteen years better.  I have nothing else to do this afternoon. Tell me your story."

Sure, he’s a condescending ass, but I can’t help liking this guy. He’s got a good heart and a good sense of humor.

I kind of wish he’d have showed up in at least one or two other stories (preferably with a better end than Valentine).

The little clergyman called Brown thanked him with unquestionable warmth, but still with a queer kind of simplicity. It was rather as if he were thanking a stranger in a smoking-room for some trouble in passing the matches, than as if he were (as he was) practically thanking the Curator of Kew Gardens for coming with him into a field to find a four-leaved clover.

I like this metaphor very much.

Brown is still very, very much the simple little curate of “The Blue Cross”. But with the bumpkin traits turned up to eleven.

I’m very curious about Dr. Hood’s past cases, and how he achieved such renown.

"I told you my name was Brown; well, that's the fact, and I'm the priest of the little Catholic Church I dare say you've seen beyond those straggly streets, where the town ends towards the north.

Yet another parish! How many is this? This seems like the most distant, rural parish that Father Brown has yet had.

And Father Brown’s actually doing some work at it!

He seems to have quite a pocketful of money, but nobody knows what his trade is.  Mrs MacNab, therefore (being of a pessimistic turn), is quite sure it is something dreadful, and probably connected with dynamite. The dynamite must be of a shy and noiseless sort, for the poor fellow only shuts himself up for several hours of the day and studies something behind a locked door.  He declares his privacy is temporary and justified, and promises to explain before the wedding.  

Doesn’t the landlady have a key to the door of her own lodger? Can’t she just demand to look?

British people, I tell you.

Unless the daughter is preventing her from looking, out of respect for her beloved.

And, you know, he does promise to explain, so it’d be rude to just barge in.

So why bother consulting the great detective in the first place? If Todhunter’s really on the up-and-up, he’ll explain eventually, they’ll get engaged, and all will be well.

he is tirelessly kind with the younger children, and can keep them amused for a day on end

Given Todhunter’s chosen profession, this makes perfect sense.

You see, therefore, how this sealed door of Todhunter's is treated as the gate of all the fancies and monstrosities of the 'Thousand and One Nights'.

Another Father Brown mystery built upon a fairy tale atmosphere.

To the scientific eye all human history is a series of collective movements, destructions or migrations, like the massacre of flies in winter or the return of birds in spring. Now the root fact in all history is Race. Race produces religion; Race produces legal and ethical wars. There is no stronger case than that of the wild, unworldly and perishing stock which we commonly call the Celts, of whom your friends the MacNabs are specimens. Small, swarthy, and of this dreamy and drifting blood, they accept easily the superstitious explanation of any incidents, just as they still accept (you will excuse me for saying) that superstitious explanation of all incidents which you and your Church represent.

A lot of the most racist characters in Chesterton are the most educated, scientific and progressive.

Granted, Chesterton does a lot of stereotyping along national lines himself. But usually it’s not with the idea that these differences are bad things. And certainly not with the idea that race is the cause of all war.

the door opened on a young girl, decently dressed but disordered and red-hot with haste. She had sea-blown blonde hair,

Is this the first blonde female love interest in these stories?

They were quarrelling—about money, I think—for I heard James say again and again, 'That's right, Mr Glass,' or 'No, Mr Glass,' and then, 'Two or three, Mr Glass.'

Given the eventual explanation of what’s really happening here, wouldn’t she have heard some other noises (possibly crashing noises?) alongside this?

"I do not think this young lady is so Celtic as I had supposed. As I have nothing else to do, I will put on my hat and stroll down town with you."

Wow, you were really just going to disbelieve her because of her nationality, weren’t you?

Playing-cards lay littered across the table or fluttered about the floor as if a game had been interrupted. Two wine glasses stood ready for wine on a side-table, but a third lay smashed in a star of crystal upon the carpet. A few feet from it lay what looked like a long knife or short sword, straight, but with an ornamental and pictured handle, its dull blade just caught a grey glint from the dreary window behind, which showed the black trees against the leaden level of the sea. Towards the opposite corner of the room was rolled a gentleman's silk top hat, as if it had just been knocked off his head; so much so, indeed, that one almost looked to see it still rolling. And in the corner behind it, thrown like a sack of potatoes, but corded like a railway trunk, lay Mr James Todhunter, with a scarf across his mouth, and six or seven ropes knotted round his elbows and ankles. His brown eyes were alive and shifted alertly.

The clues are laid out very nicely here.

This is one of the most Romantic (in the literary sense of the term) crime scenes in all of fiction. Every clue is as picturesque as possible.

"How to explain the absence of Mr Glass and the presence of Mr Glass's hat? For Mr Glass is not a careless man with his clothes. That hat is of a stylish shape and systematically brushed and burnished, though not very new. An old dandy, I should think." "But, good heavens!" called out Miss MacNab, "aren't you going to untie the man first?"

This entire segment is so funny. I laugh every time one of his long-winded deductions is interrupted by the common-sense demand to untie the man.

Now, surely it is obvious that there are the three chief marks of the kind of man who is blackmailed. And surely it is equally obvious that the faded finery, the profligate habits, and the shrill irritation of Mr Glass are the unmistakable marks of the kind of man who blackmails him. We have the two typical figures of a tragedy of hush money:

So much of the Holmesian deduction process relies on stereotypes, doesn’t it? Sure, Holmes doesn’t label people in “types” quite this way, but it relies on using the evidence to reach the most stereotypical conclusion without factoring in the random possibilities of life. (The suspect might have ink on his hands, but it doesn’t mean he’s a clerk). It’s fun that this story calls out that conceit.

"No; I think these ropes will do very well till your friends the police bring the handcuffs."

Okay, so there’s a sensible explanation for why Hood ignores their cries to untie Todhunter. But it doesn’t make the previous exchanges any less funny to read.

"But the ropes?" inquired the priest, whose eyes had remained open with a rather vacant admiration.

It’s interesting that Father Brown’s actually buying into this. My memory had him being more skeptical of the deductions, but he’s admiring the chain of logic being built here.

It’s kind of a nice change from the usual Chesterton tack of the mouthpiece character disdaining every scientific explanation.

It was not the blank curiosity of his first innocence. It was rather that creative curiosity which comes when a man has the beginnings of an idea. "Say it again, please," he said in a simple, bothered manner; "do you mean that Todhunter can tie himself up all alone and untie himself all alone?" "That is what I mean," said the doctor. "Jerusalem!" ejaculated Brown suddenly, "I wonder if it could possibly be that!"

And we’re off! I always love the moment when Father Brown puts everything together, and it’s especially satisfying here, after he’s spent the whole story sitting back and letting another man do all the detective work.

"His eyes do look queer," cried the young woman, strongly moved. "You brutes; I believe it's hurting him!" "Not that, I think," said Dr Hood; "the eyes have certainly a singular expression. But I should interpret those transverse wrinkles as expressing rather such slight psychological abnormality—" "Oh, bosh!" cried Father Brown: "can't you see he's laughing?"

Each sentence gives a vivid picture of the three different personalities here. The tender-hearted young woman. The too-practical man of science. And the brash common sense of Father Brown.

He shuffled about the room, looking at one object after another with what seemed to be a vacant stare, and then invariably bursting into an equally vacant laugh, a highly irritating process for those who had to watch it.

Irritating to watch, I’m sure, but very amusing to imagine.

"But a hatter," protested Hood, "can get money out of his stock of new hats. What could Todhunter get out of this one old hat?" "Rabbits," replied Father Brown promptly.

I love the hat conversation and these lines in particular.

He was also practising the trick of a release from ropes, like the Davenport Brothers

According to Wikipedia, the Davenport Brothers were an American magician act that toured England in the 1860s. They built on the Spiritualism craze and claimed all their tricks were done by spirit power. There isn’t much about what their tricks wer, (besides a couple of escape tricks and spirit cabinet things). Most of the Wikipedia article is about the many times their tricks were debunked. (Naturally, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle refused to believe they were frauds).

But the mere fact of an idler in a top hat having once looked in at his back window, and been driven away by him with great indignation, was enough to set us all on a wrong track of romance, and make us imagine his whole life overshadowed by the silk-hatted spectre of Mr Glass."

This isn’t so much a debunking of the Holmesian deduction methods as a case study proving why logical deductions have to be built upon sound premises. One mistake at the beginning can send you in a completely false direction.

"You are certainly a very ingenious person," he said; "it could not have been done better in a book.

I love when the characters get meta.

This is a very snide remark in context, but of course Father Brown proves himself.

Mr Brown broke into a rather childish giggle. "Well, that," he said, "that's the silliest part of the whole silly story. When our juggling friend here threw up the three glasses in turn, he counted them aloud as he caught them, and also commented aloud when he failed to catch them. What he really said was: 'One, two and three—missed a glass one, two—missed a glass.' And so on."

I can’t explain how deeply I love that the entire mystery is built on a pun. This one section is the reason this is one of my favorite Father Brown stories.

This drives home the idea that mysteries and jokes are the same types of story. They both require laying out information that’s put together into a surprising conclusion.

There was a second of stillness in the room, and then everyone with one accord burst out laughing.  As they did so the figure in the corner complacently uncoiled all the ropes and let them fall with a flourish.  Then, advancing into the middle of the room with a bow, he produced from his pocket a big bill printed in blue and red, which announced that ZALADIN, the World's Greatest Conjurer, Contortionist, Ventriloquist and Human Kangaroo would be ready with an entirely new series of Tricks at the Empire Pavilion, Scarborough, on Monday next at eight o'clock precisely.

I grew up on cheesy sitcoms. I’m a sucker for the “everyone laughs” ending.

If Todhunter’s willing to admit the truth here, he could have saved himself a lot of trouble by just admitting the truth right away. (I don’t buy the “he keeps it secret to keep his tricks secret” explanation. You can tell people you’d a magician without giving away everything about your act).

Does Mrs. MacNab let them get married? Now she knows he has a harmless vocation, but it’s not exactly a stable one. Would she let her daughter marry a guy so flighty that he can’t even settle on a coherent focus for his own stage show?

Given that the story ends here, we’re supposed to assume that she does. I guess he must be a successful performer--part of her mistrust came from the fact that he had too much money. So he and Maggie should have a comfortable life together.

I’m glad. He seems like a nice young man.

[elliethesuperfruitlover]

its gonna be an oolong night

A/N: Yes, I’m still alive. This is for a character that literally nobody is familiar with, and I honestly don’t care at this point. He’s wonderful, attractive, and my god great character yes yes yes. Mat x reader. 

Warnings: smut, oral sex (fem! receiving), major teasing, like more than usual for me, but somehow still soft like what the fuck

I also know that a lot is going on right now, fandom-wise, and here in the US.(i swear to god one of these days im just gonna start throwing hands at the police)  (or just the world in general.) But here’s some smut to take your mind off that, at least for a few thousand words.

Tag List: @super-unpredictable98, @seanfalco, @seancekitsch, @bisexualnathanyoung, @neuroticpuppy​, @misskittysmagicportal,  @ghoulsbuddy, @magic-multicolored-miracle, @the-freckled-luba, @maerenee930​

“Come on, it’s not that bad. It’s literally just a dosage cup full.” he said, leaning the small cup towards you. Mat was testing a new brew of coffee, one he made this time. Although you loved and trusted him, sometimes he didn’t have the best execution. 

“Sir, you have no idea how much anxiety I’m gonna be having if I have like any of that.” you reply, slowly backing into the corner. You look around for any type of escape, and it seems as if the side door in the kitchen was the only option. As Mat dove forward, you spun to face the door, and placed a finger on the handle.

“One move and I’m gone sir. Not permanently of course, the dick’s too good, but you know I have places to be. Food to eat. Arson to commit.” you say, half-stern, foot inching towards the door.

“Ugh fine. At least I know that I’ve been fucking you right this entire time.” he replies, downing the coffee before throwing the small cup in the sink, walking towards you. The sun was out, and he was simply glowing in it. Especially after that work out with Craig, dear lord, that man was looking scrumdiddlyumptious.

“You always listen. I have no idea if it’s because of your anxiety, or that you drink your respect women juice every morning. But what can I say, you know your way around.” you mutter, letting him come from behind you in order to hug you.

“I don’t think I’d want it any other way. Finding the body’s secrets and enjoying them together. Are you purposely trying to get me to fuck you on the couch, because I will.” Mat whispered into your form. You could feel him press his hardness into you, and a few thoughts passed through your head.

Do I want this man to fuck my brains out? Yes/No

Am I going to have to clean the couch, bed, counter, and or kitchen table afterwards? Yes/No

Will he make/give me brownies afterwards? Yes/No

But I have work to do??? Do That First, And Let Him Tease You Through It/Ignore

“Okay, fine, I’ll let you fuck me afterwards. But you can tease me throughout, it’s always an option.” you mutter, turning around to see the half-smirk on his face.

“Oh, you’re going to struggle, mama.” he said, putting a record on, Keys of Life, as expected.

“We’ll see.”

And fucking see you did. You couldn’t get a fucking break from this man’s fucking hands. He was observing you while you folded laundry, and would purposely brush his hands with yours when you handed a new article of clothing to him. You were washing dishes practically attached at the hip. It took you a good hour to get all of the housework done. Of course, it would’ve gone much smoother if Mat wasn’t sitting on counters like a cat, mind, counters that you were trying to clean. 

“Yay, you’re finally done!” Mat cheered, climbing towards you from the end of the bed, gently tugging your pants off. He kissed up your calves, and breathed in deeply once he got to your hips. He let the sigh out, and got to work on treasuring your legs and thighs.

  You took a deep breath, and got distracted in thought for a moment. Mat always treated you like, well a queen. Waking up in the morning to cook before he goes down to the shop, and letting you try new recipes. He even let you go back into the kitchen to tour it once. Although, Pablo headbanging wasn’t what you intended on seeing. Nevertheless, you wouldn’t take it back for anything. Mat’s wonderful, and he made sure everything was as it should be. Well, most times at least. It gave you a warm, fuzzy feeling, and you came back to the realm of reality where Mat was finishing his rounds, fingers threading a trail to your underwear. 

  He also tugged those off, and without a second thought, your legs spread further, and Mat gently kissed along your slit, then using his fingers to separating your labia. Your head sat back on the pillow as his tongue made itself familiar with you once more. His hands came up to hold your hips to his face, and you had half a mind to squeeze his head with your thighs. Tiny, lewd noises filled the once-quiet space as Mat went to town on your pussy, like he hadn’t eaten in days (thats a lie, he ate you out during a work call the night before). His nose gently nudged your clit, and you gasped. He smiled against you as one of his fingers came to toy with it, rubbing gentle circles. You sighed at his touch, but then the fucker began teasing.

  His tongue would get within centimeters of your clit before retreating back down. You were very tempted to reach down to hold his head where you wanted. You thought it out for 0.5 seconds before reaching down and gently pressing his head into your sex, adjusting your hips as to where they’re slightly off the bed. He looked up at you, glaring, as he let you have your way with his head...for the time being at least.

 He lapped at your excretions, almost disgustingly so, but every noise that come from below further fueled the fire. The burning, aching fire in the pit of your gut that wanted nothing more than to absolutely be ruined by (or to ruin) your lover, as well as the bedsheets that you’d been occupying. For short moments of time, you focused on the feeling of his dreads on your thighs before another intrusion made you gasp out loud, making your hips stutter against Mat’s face, losing their up and down motion. Mat’s fingers were more than skilled at getting where they needed to be, and as you felt them (yes, them, he works quick) scissor into you. Your walls contracted when he moved his mouth over your clit, sucking roughly. Those fucking sounds drove you over multiple waves, but the big one was yet to arrive. You were getting extraordinarily close, and on extremely short notice. You couldn’t make head nor tail of Mat’s fingers or his tongue. All you knew was more and more pressure right where you wanted. The flat of his tongue just needed to move like an inch to the left-

oh jesus fucking christ~

 Your legs squeezed around Mat’s face as you came, and you screamed to the heavens, head thrown back. Angelic, almost, except maybe God won’t let you in for this moment, right here in particular. Mat came back up with the bottom half of his face covered in slick, eyes blown with lust.

“Every time you properly give me an orgasm, I swear 5 extra years get added to my life.” you mumble, catching your breath.

“Mm, and well deserved. You taste so fucking good, I need even more time to cherish you.” he replied, shedding his shirt.

  You admired him from your spot on the bed for a short moment before the sex gremlin in your brain leaned forward, urging you to kiss your partner. He reciprocated, and his arm found its way back around your body as the two of you made out. Mat’s hard-on pulsed against your thigh, even through those fucking boxers, you thought, as Mat detached from the kiss, moving his way to your neck. He nipped at a few spots, and kissed over your clavicle before finally taking off his last article of clothing, and you contracted once more upon realizing that this man, truly was yours. He wouldn’t be this tender and caring with anyone he found (on second thought, mans does have horrible anxiety, so-). But no, he usually wouldn’t eat out some stranger, then ask them what their favorite surprise flavors in cupcakes are. He wouldn’t carry them to bed after their day was too exhausting to even want to life another finger. He wouldn’t come over and smoke, and talk over records with just anyone.

“I know you’re thinking about something. Come on, my penis is a simple being, it’s not a deity.” Mat says, chuckling afterwards.

“Right... let me just call the pp doctor real quick. In reality, I was thinking about how good you are to me. But please, do feel free to stick it in, I’m waiting sir.” you reply, letting Mat line himself up before he gently sheathed himself in you, causing your head to tip back once more. Mat also let out a beautiful, guttural noise of his own, furthering your own want for him to fuck your brains out.

  Mat gently pulled back before starting a decent pace, making sure to let you adjust where needed, and tucking his head into your neck. You looked over to his back, and stare at his ass before deciding to actually focus on the pleasure you were experiencing in that moment. Your hands rested on his back as you gently clenched and unclenched, thinking of nothing more than being absolutely wrecked and fucked out by Mat, letting your thoughts wander to the dirtiest, most filthy parts of your brain. Once you were done practically creaming at the thought of being ruined, Mat groaned against your neck. He was almost whimpering, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his muscles gleamed in the sunlight, which peeked through the blinds. 

   You just so happened to look down at where Mat was slamming into you, and it was such a wonderful thing to see. There was cream practically streaming out of you, and the spot underneath you was soaked, a good sized puddle of release surrounding your bottom. Mat wasn’t even fully pulling out anymore. That didn’t even matter though, he just felt so good. Too fucking good. The sound of him fucking you into the mattress was so good. So much better than the toy in the bedside drawer. It worked wonders, true, but my god, Mat did you so well. Could never hold candle to him. Mat was getting louder, and the almost full-bladder feeling built inside of you, but that was for another time. Although, the sheets can’t possibly be ruined any further. Anyway, Mat was about to fucking mating press you into the goddamn mattress.

  You clenched, and gasped loudly as Mat hit that one spot. The definite, all-in spot that made you see stars when tapped correctly. Your nails dug into Mat’s back, much to his liking, and he drilled you into the mattress, legs held by his hands, and all thoughts thrown out of the window. He was openly praising you, how good and tight you felt, and how he wanted to *shudders* fill you up while he gently, but somehow so roughly made love to you. A few more loud moments passed, and you ground your hips upwards, making sure that somehow, you remained dominant in your own sense. Mat sped up impossibly, hips moving like a blur into you. He reached his end, and cried out, hips pressed directly into yours as he came. His eyes were closed, but he looked so fucking good, head thrown back, chest glistening with sweat.  He collapsed next to you, breathing heavily. You contemplated getting up, but Mat always got a smidge clingy after his orgasms, so you were you wrapped your arms around him, in an odd sideways hug. Minutes passed, and you were fighting sleep, and resisting the urge.

Once you were almost out, you heard a muffled noise from besides you.

“Sorry, didn’t catch that.” you muttered. Mat moved his head from the pillow and said something very honest.

“I want you to sit on my face. You didn’t get a chance to orgasm again, and I want you to have as lovely of a experience as I did.” he replied,  and you were a deer in headlights for a moment. A very aware deer, but like sir, I need some reference. Don’t tell me to pop, lock, and drop it on your face right after I just held my legs in one spot for like 30 minutes.

“Fucking get to it then.” you purred, hips hovering above his face

He waited only seconds to begin absolutely devouring you, nose buried in your pussy. You barely even had to move your hips, as was getting into every spot you needed him to perfectly. His tongue seemed to move a mile a minute, getting all of the best places it could find. You were afraid of what was to happen if he was too quick. Poor thing would need a good five minutes of warning. You fully let go of the tension in your body, and let Mat work his magic, hands holding onto your ass extremely tight, sure to leave bruises.

You screamed when he landed a slap to your ass, harder than usual, and you were just moments away from another wonderful climax. At this moment in time, you wished that you had a mirror on the top of your bed, so that way, you could see everything. It would be so perfect for so many tender moments in time. Or less tender, more rough and “chile, we shoulda got the roast out at 4:45, but it’s 5:25 moments”

 Your brain just go happened to think about looking down, and Mat’s blissed out face, mildly flushed in comparison to other moments. You moved your hips just one touch to the right, and it caused you to orgasm on his face. Quite messily for an observer’s eye. Yeahhh, you should’ve warned him about that. Mat wiped his face off, and smiled, kissing your thigh as you fell to the opposite side of the bed. You laughed it off, and almost immediately knocked out.

“You could’ve told me about that, y’know.” Mat said, the next morning. He was brushing his teeth, and preparing to open The Coffee Spoon up for the morning.

“It would’ve ruined the fun. Who doesn’t like a bit of spice added to their coffee, hmm?” you retorted, watching as his eyes drifted over to yours in a somewhat happy, somewhat “oh my god, the fucking nerves of that pun” way.

  No matter, because there would be a lot more surprises where that came from.

Mat, for reference:

Masterlist

[jennbabeyy]

Cinderella.

A/N: I’m back !!! This is a long one but I hope y’all enjoy it as much as I did. If you want the full experience, listen to Mac Miller’s song “Cinderella”. Thank you for reading 🥰

-

“I been waitin' all night for this moment I been waitin' all year for this moment I been picturing you takin' off your clothes for me I been literally curvin' all these hoes for you”

Angel swore he didn’t do relationships but there was something about her that drew him in from the very first time. She was innocent, pure and beautiful. He knew that she had men coming after her just by taking one look at her.

He was at a corner store with some of the Mayans collecting money that the owner owed Bishop when he saw her. She was with her friends, never once laying her eyes on him. But Angel swore she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and it would be a shame if he didn’t at least get her name.

It was a whole 20 minutes before Ez dared Angel to ask for her number, which he did.

She wasn’t easy to break through, but when the Mayans left the corner store , Angel left with a giant smile on his face and her number safely tucked in his pocket. The rest of the guys were throwing jokes at him but Angel was on top of the world, nothing could bother him at the moment.

It had been a few weeks later when he finally invited her to the party Bishop was throwing for one of the guys. He kept going back and forth oh the idea of inviting Y/n but eventually Ez convinced him.

It was tough but Angel convinced her to come through, and in the back of his mind he wonders if maybe this will be the thing that scares her away. Not most girls can handle the club life and Angel was nervous to see how she would fit in with his extended family.

The guys though, they thought it was funny that Angel would barely pay any attention to the girls that lingered around the clubhouse. Only 3 weeks of texting with Y/n and he was smitten. Any other girl around him didn’t seem to exist and that was new for him. He once welcomed the girls that tried to give him attention around the clubhouse, now they were just a bore to him.

The girls that tried to sit on his lap that night, he would dismiss them, not taking any chances. Y/n would be arriving soon and all he wanted was to be with her.

None of the guys ever saw Angel act this way about a girl.

“Been here every night for weeks at a time You in my dreams that's why I sleep all the time Just to hear you say I love you, just to touch you, just to leave you behind”

Ever since that night, your relationship moves at a pace that excites Angel. He hasn’t been in a relationship for a while but he knows this wasn’t like anything else. It’s smooth and easygoing, something that Angel never really dealt with in his life. But he finds himself enjoying every second he can get.

This morning, Angel doesn’t know if he’s dreaming or not but he hears the shower going and Y/n comes to mind. She loves taking showers in the morning before he even wakes up. It’s an inside joke between the both of them that it’s the only time she has without Angel and how much she takes advantage of it.

The water turns off and Angel hears the rustle of her movements as they bring him out of his sleepy state. He barely opens his eyes and sees her figure dress in his shirt that fits way too big on her.

A small smile appears on his face, when he realizes that her clothes are dirty and are mixed with his in the hamper. She hasn't gone back home for about a week but Angel doesn’t mind, he loves seeing her in his clothes.

He closes his eyes once again, the sleep coming back to him. It used to be hard falling asleep but ever since Y/n came into his life, he’s embraced the feeling of sleep. He dreams now but they are all filled with her. She’s his own very angel. Sometimes it’s hard for him to distinguish what is real or what is a fantasy.

Angel hears her humming as she picks up the clothes he’s left behind last night, and he swears that’s what lures him back to sleep.

Her sweet giggles fill his ear and he feels her smooth hands caress his cheek. Letting out a sigh, Angel realizes this is his favorite kind of morning.

The last thing he remembers before drifting back to sleep, is her whispering “I love you.”

This is what love is, Angel thinks as he drifts off to sleep.

“Daddy told you, better bring your ass home Cinderella better get your ass home Man I swear the parents just don't understand“

Her parents weren’t huge fans of Angel. Ever since he had picked her up in his motorcycle, he clearly made out the judgement on their faces. Though Y/N never let her parents come in between their relationship, deep down Angel was scared one day she would come to her senses and leave him for someone better. He even feared about how much her parents actually liked his brother better than him. It took him a while to get over but it still crept into his mind from time to time.

Most nights Angel enjoyed the company of his girl along with a nice movie night. Tonight was no different, after having a semi food fight with Y/N, they were both freshly showered watching a comedy movie. It wasn’t a movie that interested him but it was her turn to pick one and Angel was more than happy to just lay with his girl.

It started with just a simple text, which had interrupted their argument about which cereal was the best. He stayed quiet knowing that it was her dad, always making his way in between them even if he was nowhere near them.

A small sigh escaped Y/N’s mouth, though she hid it quickly with a smile. A kiss made his worries fade away just for a minute before it was interrupted again.

This time a call and Angel knew their peaceful night was coming to an end. No matter how old both Y/n and Angel were, he still respected her parents and if he wanted a future with Y/N he would have to put up with it. So he did.

“Baby, just answer” Angel gave Y/N a small push, nodding his head towards her phone at the end of the couch.

“But its movie night, and we said no phones. Plus he just wants to continue to say snide remarks now that he knows I’m here with you.”

And Angel knew it, but he kept his mouth shut. No matter what he didn’t want to cause a drift between Y/N and her dad.

Fuck he loved her. And if he had to put up with her dad, he would because to him Y/N was worth it. Every snide remark, he could take it as long as he had her by his side.

She was his future and her parents would just have to get used to seeing their daughter with him.

“We started on the bed and then we moved onto the floor I thought you was an angel now you yellin' to the Lord”

Angel couldn’t believe he had been together with Y/n for about six months. By the time their anniversary comes around, she has moved in and Angel swears that it was bound to happen since the first night she spent the night over.

That night, he planned a date night with the help of Coco and Ez. Both of them never wasting the chance of being able to tease him about being whipped. And he was proud to admit it, Y/n was the first girl to ever change his life and he couldn’t believe an angel like her wanted him just as much.

By the time Y/n arrived home, the entire floor was covered in red petals that led to their bedroom. The candles on the ground lit the way and Angel could see the happiness appear on her face. She had no idea he would even do something for their 6 months. He had made sure she was out of the house for the entire day. He even had to pay Letty extra to make sure Y/n would stay away until he was ready.

It’s this moment he realizes that his favorite thing to do is surprising her and watching the way her face lights up.

She’s dressed in his favorite, a flowy sundress. But he swears she looks good in just about anything. His favorite look would be her wearing his t-shirt and he gets to see that every day she goes to bed.

Angel is enchanted with the way she is, how she moves, how she makes him feel.

She makes him feel loved.

She’s his very own angel.

Throughout the darkness, he watches her eyes shine beneath him. She looks beautiful to him as she comes undone right in front of him.

And Angel swears it’s the best view he’s ever seen.

“You used to tell me all the time I ain't your type Now you always wanna spend the night Now I'm doing everything you like“

Angel lets out a smile as he watches Y/n bond with his dad. Ever since he introduced the two of them, he noticed the way she perfectly fits with his small family. His dad had welcomed her in with open arms and Y/n always made sure to have family dinners every Friday if possible.

And his dad had given a nod of approval for the first time in Angel’s life.

Letting his eyes roam over the most important people in his life, Angel thinks back to the day where he met the woman that changed his life.

A small laugh threatens to escape his mouth as he remembers her fiery temper, the day he tried to ask her out properly.

It had taken a while to convince Y/n, she took one look at him and had made Angel work for it every single day.

Now almost a year later, Angel finds himself doing most of the things Y/n loves to do. She’s an artist, a talented one if you asked him. And of course he was 100% biased but his girl knew her way around a paint brush. They sit in their backyard on a blanket as the sun sets, her favorite wine opened. He sucks at anything that involves art but just watching her while she works makes Angel feel at home.

And he just admires her, watching as she mixes colors in front of her. He feels like she’s the artwork but to his surprise she painted him, capturing the intimate moment between them.

Her very own muse.

It’s their thing now, something he looks forward to but also something he keeps to himself. There’s no way he would let his brother or best friend know about this, he would be teased for life.

“Yeah, but I still respect the game

Every time I’m out of line

You always set me straight

The sex is great, for heaven’s sake

I need it everyday”

It’s a first for Angel but there’s rarely any fights between the two of them throughout their relationship. He had always been used to the constant fighting when he was seeing someone or even just used to the constant toxic negativity with the other person. But with Y/n, there’s none of that and if a fight would happen he still respected her because he knows that at the end of the day he still loves her no matter what.

Angel never once finds himself looking for another woman’s company when a fight breaks between the two of them. He may spend the night at Coco’s but early the next morning Angel is back at home making breakfast for her. It’s his own way of apologizing for what he did wrong.

He knows when he says something out of line, Y/n will be the one to always tell him what’s good. When the club shit gets too much to handle, and he brings home the stress, she makes sure that they work through things together. They’re a team, it’s the first thing that pops into his head when he’s away from home doing work for the club.

Everything changed when Angel finds himself making decisions based on her. It's a first for him. He’s no longer by himself, he has a girl to think about too.

And after the fighting is done, the make up sex is amazing. Angel looks forward to it even when he’s too angry to talk to her. Even when she feels frustrated every time he gets a call from Bishop during an intense argument. It’s something that’s always on the back of his mind. Once everything is made up between the two of them, he leads her to the bedroom. And sometimes they don’t even make it.

 He’s addicted to her.

“Never gonna find nobody better, all my life”

[djarinslover]

Good Boy

Pairing: Maxwell Lord x F! Reader (no y/n)

Warnings: swearing, bdsm dynamic, dom/sub, oral (reader receiving), orgasm denial, office sex, semi public sex, SMUT

Word Count: 3k

A/N: Not my first fic, just first on Tumblr. And I’m a real subby woman, no dominate bone in my body (in the bedroom anyway) but there’s something about making a powerful grown man cry while on his knees that gives me a raging lady b0n3r oop. This was real fun to write, I hope people like it. Anyway. Maxwell Lord is a sub. A sub knows a sub lmaooo

Maxwell has been real bitchy lately. He’s been yelling at employees more than usual, being far too snippy with potential clients, cussing out business partners. Far worse, he was ignoring you. At work and at home. You could handle him ignoring you at work; you understood he would tune you out sometimes when you spoke. But at home crossed a line. He wasn’t the most affectionate person around but there were things the two of you did together. You missed it. He walked around like he had a stick up his ass (more than usual). You began to get grouchy as well because of his attitude, snapping at others. You were used to Maxwell’s moods; you’ve been working for him for five years and been his partner for two. You knew how he was and could be. You just didn’t understand what his problem was. He locked himself in his office at home, not coming to bed until long after you’re asleep, long gone when you awoke.

The straw that broke the camel’s back was when you caught Maxwell bellowing at a new intern; a meek young woman with bright eyes and a passion for business. You had been copying files, checking your watch to see how much longer it would be until lunch. You then heard the voice of your lover, words unintelligible. Poking your head around the corner, you saw him in poor Melody’s face, his own face red and veins straining in his neck. She was trembling in front of him, tears pooling in her eyes. You never marched quicker to his side. You shoved yourself between him and the young woman, pushing on his chest to shove him back. His eyes widened, nostrils flaring like a bull ready to charge. Your own eyes challenged him. With a huff, Maxwell stormed to his office.

“Are you okay?” You turned around to Melody, sympathy falling over your features.

“Uh, yeah . . . I’ll be okay,” she hiccupped, wiping away tears roughly.

“Go on break, take an extra thirty minutes.”

“Are you sure? Won’t he be angry?”

“I’ll deal with him. Go.”

She flashed a pinched, timid smile before hurrying off, binders clutched tightly to her chest. You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose. When you turned around, everyone who had been watching the incident quickly went back to work. Rolling your eyes, you marched to Maxwell’s office, copying be damned.

Stopping at Angela’s desk, you said, “Maxwell and I have a very important phone conference that popped up, make sure no one disturbs us.” She nodded, eyes not leaving her typewriter.

You didn’t even bother knocking, just swung the door open. Closing it behind you with a thud, you stood there, hands on hips and eyes narrowed. Maxwell’s head was in his hands, fingers gripping his hair tightly.

“Go away,” he grumbled.

“No, I’m sick of your shit lately,” you hissed. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“I’m not talking about it here.”

“You talk about it now or you can find a hotel to sleep at tonight.”

With the thinly veiled threat, he lifted his head. He looked tired; drained from life. With a sigh, Maxwell sat back. “I don’t know. I’m so damned stressed, things aren’t working out how I would like.”

“That’s life. That doesn’t mean you get to take it out on poor interns.”

“I know.” A defeated sigh.

You walked closer to him, carefully like you were walking towards a deer. He was easily spooked and could be sucked back into a bad mood in any instant. Approaching the side of his chair, you swung your arms around his shoulders, hands kneading. He was extremely tense, letting out a groan at the pressure.

“Oh, honey,” you cooed.

Maxwell began to melt into your touch as you pressed harder in soothing circles. Eventually your hands reached his neck. One hand still on his shoulder, the other crawled to his throat, right under his jawline. A groan rumbled in the depths of his throat. You leaned in close to his ear, biting the lobe gently. “Do I need to take care of you?”

“Here?” he gasped, hands twitching on his desk.

“Will it help change your attitude?”

“Yesss.” It came out as a whimper.

Tightening your grip on his throat, you cooed again. “Why didn’t you just ask, pet?”

“I thought I didn’t need it, that I could handle it.”

“You know Mistress is always here for you. Stand up.”

He stumbled out of his chair, standing up straight with his gaze pointed at the door. “Strip.” At your command, his hands fumbled for his shirt buttons. Ripping his jacket off, followed by his shirt, he reached for his pants. Kicked his shoes off, pants and boxers falling down his legs, he turned to look at you. You beckoned him forward, away from the desk further into the empty space of the room. You walked around him, pretending to inspect him. His cock was beginning to get hard, flushing a light pink and jerking against his leg.

“Look at you, my pet. I haven’t even touched you and your cock is already begging for me,” you said, smacking his ass.

A whimper escaped him. You walked back around to look at his face, noticing his bright red cheeks. A sense of pride rushed through you. You loved that you could reduce such a man to a blushing mess. You came closer, one hand tweaking a nipple as the other ghosted over his cock. His throat tightened. You touched the slit, finger trailing down the most prominent vein to grab his balls. They were heavy and hot.

“Do you feel that? All this because you haven’t asked Mistress to fuck you in over two weeks. Do you know how that makes me feel?”

Silence. His eyes flickered down to yours before going back to staring at a spot over your head. 

“Answer me.”

“No, Mistress. How does it make you feel?”

“Disappointed, Maxwell.” Your touched pulled away from him so quickly, it was almost like you had been burned. “I promised I would take care of you and all the needs you had. Yet, you denied me and yourself. I’m hurt and disappointed.”

“How can I make it up to you, Mistress?”

You were quiet as you walked away, letting him fidget and think. Digging around the usually locked bottom drawer of his desk, you located the spare leash and collar you had stored away for occasions like this. Walking back to Maxwell, you noticed his hands were fisted into balls at his side, face scrunched up as he tried to hide any anxiety. You showed him the collar before locking it around his neck, tugging at the leash. His face flushed a deeper color, his dick looking equally as red as he dropped to his knees. Leash in hand, you began to walk back to his desk.

Plopping down on the desk, you motioned to him with a finger. “Come.”

He crawled to you, eyes hungry. You cocked your head, foot nudging his dick when he sat in front of you. He moaned, biting his bottom lip. The thought of you pressing a high heel to his exposed cock always turned him on. You could begin to feel your own arousal dripping in your panties, so you wiggled your skirt up over your hips and slid your panties down your legs. Maxwell pulled them the rest of the way off with his teeth, pressing his nose to the crotch. You watched him inhale the scent of your pussy before tugging the leash harshly. He dropped them, meeting your eyes.

“Mistress has been very frustrated with you. I’ve been getting myself off alone. You better make me cum, pet.”

Maxwell nodded eagerly, licking his lips like a starved man staring down a large meal. Considering the two of you haven’t had sex in quite a few weeks, he was starved for you. You let him squirm under you gaze as he stared at your pussy. Juices were coating your inner thigh, letting you and him know how excited you were.

“Eat me out.”

He dived up as fast as he could, tongue touching your clit instantly. You didn’t want to reward him with moans right off the bat, but it felt so good. You almost forgot how his mouth was the closest thing to heaven.

He lapped up the juice you were gushing for him, tongue reaching deep into your pussy, fingers rubbing your clit. He moaned, eyes fluttering up to look at your face. You had your bottom lip caught between your teeth, nails digging into your palm. He moaned again, tongue swirling in a way that had you crying out. You grabbed his hair to pull his face closer. He had the audacity to spell his name on your clit, lips sucking tightly as he went. Fingers reaching up inside of you to touch your g-spot, your eyes rolled to the back of your head.

Your thighs tightened around his head, the bottoms of your heels digging into his back. You were teetering over the edge, right there until he flicked your clit with his tongue as fingers rubbed that magical little nub inside you.

“Maxwell,” you whimpered as quietly as you could, hips thrusting onto his face.

With a groan, you came into his mouth, fireworks flickering behind your eyelids. His mouth moved gently, softly. 

“Fuck,” you groaned as Maxwell slurped the cum leaking out of you. He licked and sucked until you pushed his head away from overstimulation. You slumped back on your elbows, leash hanging loosely in your hand. You panted, eyes slightly out of focus as you licked your dry lips. That was a damn good orgasm.

You sat up, chest still heaving. Maxwell sat between your legs with bright eyes watching every move. You grabbed him by the chin. A smirk twisted your lips at the sight. He looked so desperate, so needy with glazed over eyes. You tapped a finger to his mouth, which dropped open to suck on it. You pulled it away as your grip tightened on his jaw. He kept his mouth open.

“Look at you, pet. So obedient,” you sighed, running a hand through the now very messy blond hair atop his head. Tugging it, you angled his head back. You spit in his mouth, watching the way his eyes rolled. “Swallow.” Eagerly, he did as you said, opening his mouth once more so you could see he listened. “Good boy. Such a good boy for me, Maxie.”

He sagged slightly in your hand as the praise sent a shiver down his spine. Leaning back so you could look at the erection he was sporting, you let go of him completely. The whine that left Maxwell’s throat thrilled you. You loved the sight before you. Maxwell Lord, a powerful, demanding, mean man with a large, famous company and even bigger ego was kneeling at your feet. Kneeling before you with your cum drying on his face, collar around his neck and precum practically oozing from his cock.

Jerking the leash, you motioned for him to stand. He leapt to his feet, moving to close the gap between the two of you. You let him; just this once without permission.  He didn’t touch you, he knew better. Just leaned in close enough for you to smell the cologne you bought him. Tugging him closer, you placed your lips by his ear. “Do you want to fuck me, pet?”

“Yes!” he cried, head jerking to lay in the crook of your neck. You smiled, running your nails down his back. “Yes, Mistress, please! I need you!”

You shoved at his chest, gesturing to his large office chair. “Sit,” you barked. He hurried to the chair, sitting with a straight spine. His cock was weeping, curling towards his soft belly. Straddling his thighs, you stroked his cock. He threw his head back with a cry, lip caught between his teeth. This was the first time in weeks you touched his dick. It must have felt wonderful. Not wanting to waste any more time, you pressed his head against your vagina. His cheeks flushed, eyes teary and pleading with you.

“Do you deserve it?’

“Yes, Mistress. I’ve been good.”

Picking up the discarded leash, you held it tight, making the collar push against his neck. “I disagree. You’ve been a brat lately. Being rude to employees, cussing out company partners. Not listening to me.” As you spoke, you slid down his cock slowly. So slowly you felt like you were punishing yourself. “I’ll let you fuck me, love. You don’t get to cum, though.’

He nodded, face tight with something that looked like pain. He yelped when you finally slid all the way down. He was throbbing inside you, dick twitching at every breath. You could tell he wanted to go wild; grab your hips and pump. Push you down and make you scream. He wanted you to know he was your good boy. “Please,” he whined, tears falling down his cheeks.

“Fuck me.”

His hands grabbed your hips, slamming his upwards as he pulled yours down. The moan that left your lips was a bit too loud but it left him yearning for more. He needed more of those sounds, needed you to cry for him so he knew he was doing a good job. Having you bounce on his cock in his office was nothing new, but today it felt different. More intimate somehow. Maybe it was because he had been neglecting himself, maybe it was because you were angry with him. He didn’t care, he just wanted to admire the way your tits looked still trapped in your shirt, moving with each thrust. He admired the way your eyes were clouded over with lust, lips curled into a smug smile. He admired the way your hair fell around your shoulders, sticking to your face with sweat. You looked like a goddess to him, the most precious thing in his life. It fueled him to thrust harder the longer he looked.

“Maxwe-ELL!” Your voice rose to a high pitch at a particular thrust to your g-spot. He was really giving it his all. Your hands clutched onto his shoulders, watching the way sweat dripped down his temple. You met his eyes, noting the fierceness in his pupils. He lunged up to kiss you as your eyes met, biting your lip with a growl. With an equally rough noise clawing out of your throat, you gripped his hair and tilted his head to the side so you could ravish his mouth. Tongue shoved deep inside, it was like you were trying to find what was left of your release in his mouth.

A sharp breath huffed out of his nose against your cheek, a signature sign he was close. You immediately removed your lips from his and lifted your hips, placing a hand on his throat. He stilled, eyes wide. “I cum first.” He nodded, slowly starting to move his hips again. You kept eye contact as the hand on his throat reached down to rub your clit, helping you get to your second release that was just around the corner. He let out a noise, eyes burning into your as he pulled out slow to shove in fast and deep. Between the new movement and your fingers on your clit, you began to sing. Not losing eye contact, your mouth opened to let out a loud cry. You quaked on top of Maxwell, legs shaking so hard you swore you almost pulled a muscle. As soon as you crossed the peak of the best orgasm in three weeks, you slumped against his chest. He was ever so slowly pumping into you, hands rubbing up and down your back. So considerate.

The sounds of his grunts became clearer as the fog lifted. You came out of the post orgasm blissed daze to realize Maxwell was close to cumming himself. You sucked your teeth, taking his wrists to pull his hands away from your hips. His hips stopped instantly, the whine leaving his throat so pitiful you almost gave mercy to him. Almost.

“Oh Maxwell, you didn’t think I was going to let you cum without permission, did you?”

“No, Mistress. Of course not. I’m sorry. May I cum, please? Please?”

“No.”

You slid off his cock, walking away. Rummaging around your purse, you found the bright pink circle. With a new pep to your step, you pranced back to Maxwell. Mean smirk on your lips, you attached the cock ring to his poor swollen, red cock. Looking at his face, you saw the tears streaming down, lip jutted in a pout. You placed a hand on his cheek, talking softly.

“This is your punishment for the rest of the day. You wear this to your next three meeting and dinner, Mistress will reward you.”

His lip trembled before he sighed. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Good boy.” You brushed away sweaty hair, bringing his head to lay on your chest. He nuzzled your breasts, burying his face between the two through your blouse. “And we will be having a talk about your attitude tonight.”

After a few minutes playing with his hair to help him calm down, the two of you dressed. You were fixing Maxwell’s tie when you felt his intense gaze on your face. Glancing up to look at him, you raised an eyebrow. He smiled, cupping your cheeks so you looked at him.

“I love you.”

You swore you could melt through the floor, you could fly with how light you felt. Maxwell barely said the L word (holidays and anniversaries aside), not even after a scene. Your heart was pounding in your throat, blood rushing to your cheeks. “I love you, too.”

“It’s adorable that you manage to feel embarrassed at three little words when five minutes ago you were making me cry.”

“It’s a talent,” you said with a grin. The words were still running through your head. They made you feel like you could conquer anything. Maxwell Lord loved you; that’s all you needed.

The two of you left his office, looking every bit professional as you did when you entered. You chatted in his ear about the next meeting he was going into and right before he entered the room, you grabbed his ass, squeezing hard. He didn’t jump (Maxwell never showed a reaction in front of other people) but he threw a glare over his shoulder. With a wink and a pat on his butt, you set him off to the meeting. Neither of you could wait for tonight.

——-

Part two here!

[littlegrrl7]

A Devil’s Heaven

Smutty excerpt Chapter 26

Ikemen Sengoku - Oda Nobunaga/OC

Spanking

---

“I see you are finally awake. I thought you’d sleep all day,” She sipped from a small brass cup and, with a smile, handed him one. He swallowed it and made a face at the thick bitterness.

“It’s an acquired taste.” She turned again as a wooden pole swung free on one of the lower decks. Her Chinese sounded harsh and barking compared to the lilting Portuguese or her pleasantly accented Japanese. Two men saluted her and got the pole under control, raising a smaller sail.

“Chiara—”

“Captain,” she corrected him gently but without a glance, her eyes still on the rogue pole on the lower deck of her ship. Nobunaga gritted his teeth.

“Captain, where precisely are you taking me?”

“To see the world with me, as you desired.” Her full lips curled upward, and he felt that tug in his groin. Dear spirits, what exactly happened last night? His gut rolled. It must have been that dark brandy. He put a hand to his forehead shading his sensitive eyes from the sun.

“Chiara, I don’t—”

“Captain,” she sounded vaguely annoyed.

“I have a country to run and citizens to care for. I can’t be flitting off with you to see the world.”

At this, she stopped, turning to give him her full attention. “Nobunaga, that is not what you said last night.”

He frowned, still trying to piece together the evening. “I—”

“You said someone named Mitsuhide and your man Hideyoshi could handle things for a while. I sent them a letter this morning before we cast off.”

“I said that?”

Now she definitely looked annoyed. Her eyes left his, scanning the boat.

“Matisse!”

The redhead looked up from where he was tying off some large ropes. “Aye, Captain?”

“You have command,” she barked, then brushed past Nobunaga, stating in a low voice, “my cabin, now.”

A few of the men looked from the first mate to their captain, then eyed Nobunaga speculatively. Low murmurs started.

“If you hens have time to gossip, then I guess we can send you over the deck for barnacle duty,” Matisse commented loudly as he moved to the upper decks. The men immediately clammed up and got back to work. He eyed Nobunaga curiously.

“Did you overstay the party, Lord Oda?” He smirked.

Nobunaga turned to follow Chiara to her cabin at the rear of the ship.

She motioned him through the door, her lips pressed tight, then closed it firmly behind him.

“Speak.” Her eyes were flinty, his narrowed.

“Chiara, last night. I can’t recall all of it. I remember we came back to your ship, we had sex. Then we drank and talked and—”

Spirits, he had lapped brandy out of her navel. And then she poured it over his cock—

“And?” She eyed him in annoyance.

“And I honestly don’t recall saying I could leave with you. I expected to disembark the ship this morning before you left the harbor.”

“Well, it’s a little late for that now. We’ve been underway for hours.”

“Hours?” his voice rose, alarmed.

“You said, and I quote, ‘let those layabouts take care of the country for a while, I need to conquer the world with my beautiful Captain.’”

“Layabouts? Chiara, I have never in my life used such a word.”

“You were quite drunk.”

“So, perhaps, you shouldn’t have taken my oaths as truth while I was intoxicated.”

“You were quite adamant.” She smirked.

“You need to turn this boat around and take me back! I have responsibilities. I have a summit to be at in less than a month!”

“Tides out, we are already underway,” she clipped as if that explained everything.

He sighed, holding his head. “Chiara, do you recall when we first met, you were concerned that I would simply take you as my own, giving you no choice? You are doing precisely that.”

She frowned at this, then gestured for him to sit in her chair.

“Is it so terrible?” She asked, straddling his lap, her breasts brushed seductively against his chest through the thin cloth. She still smelled heavily of rich brandy and the tobacco they had smoked. Was she still drunk?

He had been smoking?

“Chiara…”

“Is it?” Her lips were so soft, caressing his neck, then covering his mouth. His mind drifted in the pleasure of it. Nobunaga brought his hands to her shoulders.

“How are you even sober after last night?”

She shrugged, lacing her fingers through his hair. “Come sail with me Nobunaga, I’ll show you the world.”

He let his hands slowly slide down her back to cup her hips.

“Chiara, there is nothing I would love more, but I have to make arrangements first. I have nothing packed with me. I’ve left no direction for my men. You can’t just steal me away.”

“It appears that I can because I have,” she countered playfully. Her hips shifted enticingly on Nobunaga's lap, making promises of encasing him in a tight, seductive heat.

He growled.

“You need to take me back.”

“I don’t need to do shit. You are on my ship. I make the rules here.”

“Oh, do you?”

Suddenly she was lifted into the air. He took three steps and tossed her unceremoniously onto the bed.

“The crew is loyal to me. What are you going to do about it, Nobunaga? Tell me I’m a bad girl? Scold me?” Her eyes lit dark with glee as she turned to him. Chiara’s hands were already at the buttons of her blouse. That gap fell lower, exposing her breasts.

“That is exactly what I am going to do. You seem to have forgotten your manners,  Captain .” His eyes roved over her, and then his hand shot forward, flipping her face down, a mass of golden hair in his fist. He pinned her, the weight of his palm to her shoulder blades. “If you want to act like a naughty girl taking what she wants instead of asking nicely, then that is how you will be treated.” His other hand came forward, yanking her pants down to her knees, exposing the ample round curve of her ass. He noticed a perfect ring of purple teeth marks on her left cheek.

His teeth marks, Nobunaga groaned and his cock gave a hard, lurching throb.

He gave her a few light slaps watching the flesh of cheek roll enticingly with it. His hand went to his buckle, katana sheaths hit the wooden floor as they slid off his belt.

“Wait, Nobunaga!” Chiara squirmed. She tried to twist to see what he was doing when the first crack of leather hit her skin. She squealed.

The second strike hit, and she screamed. Then the searing heat of his tongue soothed the abused flesh. His hand squeezed, palming her right cheek rolling it gently.

“I’m waiting for your apology,” his voice wavered somewhere between pissed off and aroused.

A string of Portuguese came out so virulent he was certain she was swearing. He raised his belt again.

Crack.

She panted angrily. “You bastard. I—”

His tongue soothed over the abused skin again, and Chiara slumped into the mussed bedding with a moan.

“You?” His large hand rubbed a warm circle on her reddened skin.

“I am not sorry for stealing you from a life you could no longer stand to be mired in!”

“Mouthy girl.” The leather cracked against her flesh again, sending it into a tantalizing jiggle. He followed it up with rhythmic light slaps that had her moaning and writhing despite him still having a firm grip on her hair. Chiara clenched her hands in the bed sheets.

“Stop,” she gritted out, not even trying to look back at him. Nobunaga paused, then raised the belt again. The silence spun out brittle between them, with only her panting breath filling it.

“You know what word to use if you desire for me to stop.” He dragged the leather slowly over her abused flesh. Waiting.

Chiara went quiet.

He adjusted the grip on her hair, softening it just slightly. She turned her head just enough to look back at him. His eyes locked with hers. Those dark blonde lashes fluttered as they stared each other down, neither budging. Nobunaga traced his belt over the soft skin just below her cheeks. Chiara licked her lips, leaning back into it.

“Harder.”

His dick throbbed confined by his hakama. Dear spirits, this woman would be the death of him.

He cracked the belt three times across her ass, relishing the high-pitched cries, the way her back arched as she leaned into it. He glanced down and saw her arousal trickling down her thigh. With a groan, he released her hair to spread those cheeks and taste her. She bucked and twisted on his tongue, and he kneeled on the bed, putting a hand under her to lift her hips higher. His fingers brushed up her back once again to grip that mane of hair.

“More?” he growled the question into her skin.

“God, Yes!” It was more of a high pleading whine coming out of her throat than anything commanding. He raised the belt.

The door opened.

“Captain, is everything alright in here?” Matisse stepped into the room, and his mouth gaped in shock.

Read more on A03 https://archiveofourown.org/works/28048281/chapters/68713227

[amlovelies]

somewhere between hope and pride

written for @wayhavenmonthly​‘s Fall for Unit Bravo

Day 18: Harvest

Pairing: Mason/F!oc (Serena Willis)

rating: M- strong language, sexual conversations and mention of alcohol and cigarettes

words: 1.7k

read on ao3

A/N this is another piece of my canon divergent as of yet untitled AU. 

               It’s exactly the sort of event I would have done anything to avoid back home. The community center is decorated with pumpkins, gourds, and leaves in the warm tones of fall. The last event of the annual harvest festival, the silent auction, is apparently the height of Wayhaven’s autumnal social calendar. Mayor Friedman had specially requested Unit Bravo’s presence. I’d considered telling Agent Greene that since I was not technically an agent that I must not be included in that mandate in order to escape attending.

               However, after weeks of what amounted to house arrest, I was more than happy for an opportunity to get out an about. We still had been unable to locate the party behind the bounty on Dinah. Without any real reason to leave the premises, I’d spent most of my days in the library, watching movies with Farah, and avoiding Mason.

               It’s been a little over two weeks since I ended things. That sounds like there was something to end. It’s been two weeks since I stopped hooking up with him, and it’s sucked. As much as I may know that I was making the right choice to protect myself, I miss spending time with him both in and out of the bedroom. But that was the whole reason why I had to stop it. My dumbass had caught feelings. If it was just fun then I wouldn’t miss him. Mason doesn’t do feelings.

               For all my grumbling, the event hasn’t been terrible. Nate and Farah are off going through the silent auction offerings. Adam has been dragged off to speak with the mayor and Agent Greene leaving Dinah, myself and Mason alone at our table.

               I’m nursing another glass of red wine and even without super senses I can hear the pretty brunette at the table behind us trying to work up the nerve to approach the brooding vampire sitting a few seats to my right. I have to remind myself that he was never mine to lose before I get too bitter.

               I steal a glance to see if he’s noticed, to see if I need to really start drinking in earnest.  I’ve never seen him in a button up before. It’s black and I can still see the chord of his crystal necklace poking out from where the last few buttons are undone. His hair is pulled back in a low ponytail with only a few strands falling out around his face. He looks sharp and devilishly handsome. As I look up, I find that his eyes are already on me. His brow is furrowed, but it smooths as he noticed me looking at him. I wonder how long he has been watching me, if he’s noticed how agitated I’ve become. I hope not.

               For once he looks away first. Without a word, he rises from the table and I notice him reaching for the pocket he always keeps his smokes in as he heads for the hallway. I surprised he is even bothering to leave; he usual lights up wherever he wants to, rules be damned. Maybe he needs a break from the overstimulation of the room. There are a lot of people here and it must be wreaking havoc on his nerves.

               “Well, that was interesting,” Dinah says off to my left.

               “Huh? What was interesting?” I ask as I turn to her.

               “I take it you still haven’t talked to him.”

               “There’s nothing to talk about.” I don’t want to have this argument again. She seems determined to try and make us out to be some great romance. Not everyone gets what she and Nate have.

               “How will you know if you don’t try?” she asks her voice soft as she places a soothing hand on my arm.

               I resist the urge to shake the hand off. I know she is trying to be helpful, and I don’t want to lash out at her. I’m just getting so tired of people encouraging me to do something I know will only hurt me. “Mason made it clear from the beginning that it was just fun. I don’t have a right to try and change the terms halfway through just because I’m stupid and caught feelings.”

               I already know how that conversation would go. At least this way my pride can stay intact.

               “Don’t look at me that way, Dinah. I’m fine.” I don’t want her pity. Not about this.

               She sighs and shakes her head, “and people say I’m stubborn.”

               “I’m not stubborn.” I say as I pour myself another glass of wine. “I’m just realistic.”

               We lapse into silence as I sip at the wine. After a minute or two, Nate slides into his seat next to Dinah. I’m thankful that they can keep each other company and just leave me to my wine.

               I hear a chair slide back from the table behind me, and watch as the brunette walks past me to the quieted cheers of her friends. Mason has reentered the hall, and apparently, she has finally found the nerve to make her move. She’s cute. Her low-cut dress much more flattering than the prim professional number I had borrowed from Dinah. I’m sure Mason will find her appealing enough. I knew he would find new people to take to bed; I just didn’t think I would be in the room when it happened.

               I see her reach out and place a hand on his arm. He hasn’t brushed her off and she hasn’t been scared off by his rudeness. I can’t do this. I want to leave, but they’re too close to the hallway. I glance around and see a smaller exit at the back.

               Adam will probably have my head, but I’d rather risk getting kidnapped than start crying in front of everyone here. In front of him.

               I think I hear Nate say my name as I go to leave, but I don’t turn around. I can feel tears welling up in my eyes and I need to get out now.

               The door leads to a small set of stairs. I’m alone. I walk to the edge of the landing and grab the metal railing for support. It’s freezing. Drawing in a deep breath I focus on the cold. I have no one to blame, but myself. I hate that I can feel tears escaping down my cheeks. Stupid, stupid Serena.

               At the sound of the door opening, I turn. I do my best to wipe away any trace of the tears before who ever it is can see.              

               Fuck. Why did it have to be him?

               “Though you were supposed to stay inside?” Mason growls at me as the door closes behind him leaving us alone on the stairs.

               “Well we both know that I don’t always follow the rules.” I say trying to be my usual snarky self.

               “You don’t have to babysit me.” I continue.  “I’d hate to ruin your fun.” It comes out with more bitterness than I meant.

               He looks confused for a moment, “oh that” he shrugs.

               “Yeah, so like I said, you don’t have to babysit me. I’ll go back inside in a minute. Go get your dick wet or whatever.” I cross my arms across my chest and roll my eyes. I’m shooting for nonchalance and indifferent, but I don’t know if I managed it.

               He looks at the door for a moment before looking back at me. “I don’t think I will.”

               “What, why not? She’s cute and seems into you. Isn’t that all you need?”

               He leans back against the wall and with a smirk says, “only one I want to have fun with here is you, Sweetheart.”

               I feel like all the air has been pulled out of my lungs. He’s a tempting vision and my body responds to the familiar pattern of banter. If it was only that it would be one thing, but there’s a flicker in my chest of something that feels suspiciously like hope. A vain hope that he means more with those words. That he means I’m the only one he wants beyond tonight.  

               “Too bad, because I’m not interested.”

               “you’re lying” he accuses me with narrowed eyes.

               “Is your ego really that fragile that you can’t handle a rejection.” I say with a scoff.

               He rolls his eyes. “I know you and you’re lying.” He smirks, “remember, your body gives you away.”

               Stupid vampire super senses.

               “Why do you care, Mason? We both know you were going to get bored sooner or later.” I turn away so he can’t see my eyes anymore. I can’t do anything about my heartrate, but I can get rid of at least one source of information.

               “Would I? I’m not bored yet.” I can’t tell if he’s asking me or if he’s asking himself. I feel him move closer so that he’s standing directly behind me. His hand ghost over my arm, not actually touching it. “I thought we were both having fun. I don’t see why it needs to stop.”

               “God damn it don’t make me say it!” I yell. I had hoped he would just let it go.

               “Heaven forbid I make you do something you don’t want to do, Sweetheart.” He says in a biting tone.

               “It wasn’t just fun for me.” I admit as I turn around to face him. “It was beginning to mean something to me, and I wanted it to mean something to you, but it doesn’t work that way for you.”

               There it is. Fuck my pride, I guess.

               “What if it did mean something?” he asks.

               My chest tightens as the little spark of hope flares within it, “Does it?”

               He closes the inches between us and kisses me. I don’t know if it’s an answer or a test, but at that moment I don’t care. His hands move to my hips and pull us flush together. God, I’ve missed this. My whole body feels like it ignites at his touch. Would it really be so terrible to believe in this? To believe he cares for me?

               This kiss breaks and I whisper, “I think I love you.”

               His hands drop from my hips as if he’d been burned.

               I nod and swallow all the emotions I’ll have to deal with later, “that’s what I thought.”

               I don’t give him a chance to respond before I’m through the door and back to the event.

               Stupid, stupid Serena. You knew how this would end.

tagging: @lord-king-saint, @morgans-ass-freckles, @agentnatesewell, @lilyoffandoms, @softforf and @bellarxse (If you would like to be tagged/not tagged/only tagged for certain pairings please let me know 💜)

[dem0nsiget]

He can tell himself it’s just normal the first few feathers he finds on the ground.

But when he finds almost a whole pile under the chair Cas sits in, Dean finally confronts the angel.

“Dude, what the hell? You’re like a damn Husky, but with fucking feathers. You sick or something?”, he asked, drawing Benny’s attention from the book propped open in his hands (the Iliad, based on the gold foil reflecting off the cover).

Cas glanced at the ground behind him, then back at Dean, a sheepish look on his face.

“It’s... no, I’m not sick.”, he said when Dean’s last comment fully registers. “I’m an angel of the lord, I can’t get sick.”

Dean just heard a soft snort from the vampire tucked in the corner of the library, but by the time he glanced over at him, Benny’s turned back to reading.

“I know that Cas.”, Dean said, looking a little exasperated. “But why are you dropping feathers?”

“It’s probably a molt.”

Dean waited for him to elaborate, but Cas instead chose to just stare at Dean, his head tilted every so slightly to the side.

He loves him, but sometimes Dean really just wants to strangle Cas.

“A molt? Since when do you molt? And what the hell does that mean? We’re gonna be cleaning up feathers for the next month?”

“No, it should only last a week or two. Less if I can manage to pluck most of the dead feathers.”, Cas said matter-o-factly. “They don’t happen that often. Maybe once every ten human years.”

Dean just glanced back over at Benny, hoping to find some kind of assistance, but he can tell by Benny’s face he is pointedly not looking up at them to avoid said assistance.

The motherfucker.

“Alright, well, you said it’ll last a week unless you can pluck the feathers. Need help doing that? Not like Benny or I have anything better to do.”, Dean said, not giving Benny a choice whether he wants to help or not.

“Speak for yourself, Winchester. I am reading.”, Benny called over, icy blue eyes giving Dean a death stare that from any other vampire would probably have Dean backing off, but with Benny, he knows better.

He’s a freaking teddy bear when it comes to Dean and Cas.

“A book that you’ve said yourself you’ve read like a dozen times. Stop being an ass and come help.”, Dean shot back, earning a grumble from the Southerner, but Benny just begrudgingly shoved his bookmark into the book, and left it on the table next to his chair.

He got up and walked over, still glaring at Dean, who looked unfazed and unamused.

Cas, meanwhile, looked both grateful and embarrassed.

“I- I mean, it’s fine, you guys don’t have to help, I can get most of it myself-“

Cas was shut up by Benny, who just flicked the back of the angel’s head lightly.

“Shut up and let us help you.”, he grumbled. He still wasn’t a huge fan of being awake during the day, as his body fought him being awake, but he endured it to stay on the same sleep schedule as the rest of them.

Cas just glanced between the two, looking for a moment like he was about to protest again, before a slight shimmer, like rising heat, passed through the air, and a couple seconds later, two large black wings were draped over the back of the chair.

Dean had seen Cas’s wings only a couple of times before, as he didn’t usually walk around with them in a corporeal form, as they could be annoying and cumbersome.

But they usually looked much sleeker and glossier than they did now. Even as Dean watched, a slight breeze from Benny moving caused a tattered feather to drift to the floor.

“Dude, you look like you got dragged around in the dirt.”, Dean said, lifting one of his wings gently, a couple feathers drifting to the floor as he did.

“I’m aware.”, Cas snapped, sounding annoyed.

“Oh, relax, angel.”, Benny said, leaning against the table, not really knowing how to handle Cas’s wings, so he just hung back for the moment. “Y’know he’s just teasing.”

Cas just grumbled something in Enochian at that, but stretched his wings out a bit more.

“So... what do we do?”, Dean asked, not exactly well versed in wing maintenance.

“Just find any that look tattered and pull them out. If they’re molting they’ll pretty much fall out.”, Cas said, leaning over slightly to rest his arms on the table, laying his head in his arms. “I’d go get a garbage bag or something, there will probably be a lot.”

“On it.”, Benny said, heading out of the room towards the kitchen.

Dean meanwhile ran his fingers through Cas’s wings, a slight shudder passing down the angel’s spine at that.

“Sorry.”, Dean said, pulling his hands away.

“ ‘S okay.”, Cas murmured. “Feels good. Don’t be surprised if I fall asleep.”, he said. “It feels nice to not have to try and contort yourself to get the old feathers out.”, he said.

Dean glanced over when Benny came in carrying a couple garbage bags, flicking one out as he walked in and handed it to Dean, who looped the drawstrings around the back of one of the chairs to keep it open, while Benny did the same on Cas’s other side.

Dean caught sight of a glint of blue, seeing Cas with his head turned to watch Dean with that usual lack of care that he’s been caught staring.

Dean just dragged a chair over, sitting down behind Cas’s wing, and started pulling through the feathers, dropping the ones that fell into his hands in the garbage bag.

They work in silence, Benny on one wing, Dean on the other, Cas staying still and quiet between them. He shifts a few times towards the beginning, but about half an hour in, Dean starts hearing soft snores coming from the dark-haired angel.

Benny looked amused at that, grinning slightly when he picks up on the snores as well, but just turns back to Cas’s right wing.

Dean finds it relaxing, just a simple task to do, especially one that’s helping Cas. He so rarely asks for help, that Dean’s glad for any chance to help him in some way, to make up for all the times Cas has helped him over the years.

It took the two of them a good hour to finish Cas’s wings, and when they do, they looked a little ratty, a lot of the feathers now in garbage bags, but Dean knows they’ll grow back. It’s better than how they looked after Cas had fallen. He still remembered the shadowy look of his wings then, barely more than bones with a few feathers clinging on.

Jack had restored all of the angel’s wings, as well as opened Heaven up fully again, essentially reversing everything Metatron had done.

Dean was glad. He knew Cas had hated the look of his wings before Jack had restored them, which was why this was the first time Dean had seen them in years.

He stood up and tied off the bag of feathers he had, almost the entire bag full of black feathers. They’d figure out something to do with them later.

Benny meanwhile had already done the same, and gently shook Cas awake, who startled for a second.

“Wha-“, Cas murmured, sitting up slightly, before he yawned, the yawn giving him enough time to remember why he’d fallen asleep at the library table, glancing back at his wings, stretching them slightly, and beamed.

“Thank you.”, he said, smiling at Dean and Benny. “That feels much better.”

“Good.”, Dean said, leaning over to kiss his forehead. “But next time, ask us for help.”, he said.

“Well, I’ll probably need your help again in a few days.”, Cas said. “When the feathers that didn’t get pulled today start falling off.”

“Oh no, the torture.”, Benny said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Just let us know when you want our help, cher.”, he said, ruffling Cas’s hair slightly, before he walked back over to the corner of the library, sitting down and picking up his book again.

Dean rolled his eyes at him, but just gave Cas a soft smile. “I’ll go put these bags in the armory, we can figure out something to do with them later.”, he said.

Cas just nodded, laying his head back on his arms, watching Dean head out of the library, just smiling softly as he closed his eyes again, and drifted back off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

((A drabble? With actual dialogue? It’s more likely than you think!

But seriously, this is some of the first actual dialogue I’ve written in forever, XD. And please excuse any changes of like tense (past/present), I kept flopping back and forth for some reason and tried to get it under control, but it was making me not want to write it so I said fuck it and just wrote it XD.

Will be posted into my Denstiel Drabbles AO3 fic as well!))

[dayasbun]

Public - Fezco

Summary: The one where you made the mistake of telling Fez that you have a kink for public messing around.

Warning: Oh LAWD the smut in this...i pulled all of my kinks out for y'all...enjoy <3

-

God he looked so good.

You and Fez were at a buisness meeting- not the usual scene for you two, but the company you were a part of offered you a huge promotion. In result, you and your man were invited to their headquarters for a meeting of enjoyment and just some education on your new position.

The man at the table blabbed away- your new boss- and you nodded politely as he spoke. But your mind wasn't on him, it wasn't even on the new position- it was all on Fez.

He wore a black pinstripe suit with black dress pants and a pair of shiny black shoes. 5 rings were spread out on his fingers between his two hands, and fuck the whole outfit was just so goddamn sexy.

Every time you looked over at him, your eyes filled with lust and your mind filled with some of the dirtiest thoughts you'd ever had. All you wanted was him.

Soon enough the meeting came to a close, but the portion where you and the other newfound employees ate dinner together was still to come. Another 2 hours was left and you didn't know if you could control yourself that long.

You and Fez got up, looking for the nearest bathroom since you both had to go. His hand was on your waist, something he did often to keep you close to him. Every woman in that room watched as you two walked out, some of the men too. Fez was fine as hell, you knew that...we all know that- and he cleans up so well. You smirked as you two turned the corner and finally arrived at the bathrooms.

"If those girls in there drooled over you any longer I'm afraid that they would've flooded the floor."

Fez chuckled at your comment, his hand still on your waist. "And I ain't even look that good either like damn girls just be loose nowadays."

"Um no girls aren't loose, you're just a very fine specimen baby...especially when you wear that suit." you trailed your fingers from his bushy beard down to his defined chest.

"Girl dont you act up or I may have to take care of you."

You went on your tiptoes, placing your lips next to Fez's ear. "You know I have a kink for public shit." you whispered before spinning around with a giggle and heading into the bathroom.

+

The dinner at the business get-together was just as boring as the lecture before, but hey at least there was food. You and Fez sat next to a sweet couple, a girl with red hair named Zara and her husband Chris. They had been together for 14 years and were only 32, it made you think of your future with the man who kept his hand on some part of you at all times. But you tried not to think of the future too often. Fez always told you that if you look too far into the future, you'll miss what's happening in the present.

The more the dinner went on the more you squirmed. He looked so good you couldn't handle it. You two hadn't had sex in a while, two weeks and a day to be exact. You had both been busy, but all you wanted was for Fez to fucking blow your back out- he could do it right now in front of all of these people if he needed to.

Because you needed him now.

To give him a hint of where your mood was, you slid your hand onto his crotch under the dining table. He didn't react but you felt his dick twitch under your hands, and that made you so wet that you thought it may show up on the chair you were sitting in.

"Don't do this shit unless you really want to do this shit." he muttered into your ear so that only you could hear. In response you squished the member and he licked his lips nodding, almost as though he was accepting a challenge. He quickly moved your hand and placed his own on your crotch under the yellow printed dress you were wearing; the tables had turned. After feeling how wet you were his eyes widened in pure shock. He worked his way in between your thighs and underneath your panties to the wet area he called 'his'. You grabbed at your dress to try to control yourself but it didnt work, so instead you let out a strange cough, leading to Zara asking if you were okay. You nodded in response and smiled softly.

Meanwhile under the table Fez was going to fucking work. 4 of his fingers- of course he chose to use the hand with the most rings on it- were continuously pumping in and out of you, and your legs were spread so wide you couldn't believe no one could tell. You prayed no one dropped their napkin, but a naughty part of you said that would be a good thing and they would get a show. You tightened your thighs around his hand for more pleasure, but he didn't like that and a quick pinch led to you keeping them wide and open again. He worked his entire hand inside of you and holy shit you were seeing stars and feeling heaven. Not moaning was the hardest part, you loved screaming out his name and he loved hearing it.

You took a hold of his wrist and pushed his hand even farther in- a bad choice on your part because the pleasure was so intense that you started to shutter. You could feel the coldness of the rings inside of you and his fingers wiggling around hitting the spots that only he knew about. You and Fez could both feel you ready to come out, and as soon as he pulled his hand out there it was, all over his hand and the floor. Fez made a calm motion of dropping his napkin and swiftly leaning down to get it, but during it he made sure to leave a lick and a light kiss against your pussy. You growled under your breath as he grabbed the wet panties you had worn from the floor and placed them quickly into his pocket, leaving your pussy loose and exposed to the cold air.

You quickly excused yourself from the table and stumbled to the bathroom, praying Fez would follow. Your prayers were soon answered because just seconds later you felt his hands on your back. "Go." he said quietly and you took his instruction and walked into the women's room. As soon as the door closed your dress was dropped to the floor, leaving you in only a bra.

He looked you up and down and bit his lip "Damn. That's really all mine huh?"

"You know it is."

With that he picked you up sitting you on the counter and spreading your legs. He dropped to his knees and began to eat you out, and you could finally let your moans ring loud and free. You kept your hands in his hair as he ate you out like you were his favorite food.

"Fuck baby oh my god I love that y- you know I love that-"

"Who's pussy is this?" he asked, he did this a lot- his dominant side had to make sure you were all his, only his.

"Hmmm I don't know." You taunted him, leading to him spitting on your clit and biting it softly.

"I'll ask one more time, who's pussy is this?"

You shrugged pushing your hair back and never breaking eye contact. He raised a brow and stood up flipping you around and dropping his pants. You smiled but you didn't let him see it. You felt his length against your ass and let out a moan. "Put it in baby come on..." you begged.

He teased you for a minute, rubbing the head around your entrance but eventually slid in. His strokes started slow and long, you moaned uncontrollably as he fucked you with so much passion.

"Fuck Fez fuck-"

"You feel my shit in you?"

You nodded and groaned, holding onto the counter for the bit of support you had. He slapped your ass as he moved, something he knew you loved. "Faster..."

He moved with more rythym and faster than before. The sound of your skin slapping with his and his heavy breathing was you heard. As he slid in and out you heard the door creak, turning to see Zara standing in the door frame, her mouth in a wide 'o'. You couldn't even say anything, you were way too into this shit to care about a coworker watching you- and Fez barely even noticed and most definitely didn't stop.

"Deeper baby come on keep fucking me just like this-"

With that Zara quickly rushed out closing the door behind her but gasping quietly before doing so.

Fez grabbed ahold of your hair and fucked you even harder- it had never gotten this intense between you two during sex. The counter was shaking and the mirror was rattling against the wall- fuck he was so deep in, and his cock was just so thick. You knew people outside of the bathroom could hear, but to be quite frank you didn't give a single fuck.

"Baby you look so fucking good right now goddamn... your pussy all wet and drippin' and me all deep in you...fuckkkkk Y/N."

You tried to groan out a response to your boyfriends statement but failed terribly, only making small gurgling noises from your throat. You didn't even know it was possible for him to fuck you this hard but lord knows you weren't complaining.

After a few minutes he calmed down, he was ready to cum and most definitely wasn't wearing a condom- y'all didn't need a baby quite yet. Fez pulled out of you slowly and flipped you around yet again. He came on your chest with a huff and you grinned watching him. He rubbed it in like he always did (he said that his cum was like lotion...literally only Fez would say that shit) and pulled his boxers and pants up.

"Holy shit baby, didn't even know you had that in you." You said breathlessly as you kissed his hand softly.

"I got even more than you could ever imagine. and yo lil friend came in here and saw us, you think she finna snitch?"

You chuckled a bit "Fezy she doesn't have to, I'm pretty sure everyone in the building heard you fuck me like that."

"Good, that means they all know I mean business and you mine."

"Yeah yeah I know dominant ass." You sat up and put on your bra and dress. You put your hand out for your panties but Fez simply shook his head.

"Oh you thought I was done? This buisness ass shit still got an hour left."

"Oh so you're gonna play with me more?"

"Fo' sure."

"Bet."

[mythologyfolklore]

Deal with a Prince of Hell

(A/N: Maybe a warning beforehand, because this contains a short physical description of the abrahamic God and in other ways might be offensive towards religious people. It’s not meant to be, but just a heads-up. I don’t want religious discourse on my work, because this is a fanfic. There is also murder and violence, just to reinforce that.)

.

In spite of being a warrior, Archangel Michael was actually extremely slow to anger.

He was courageous and strong, but also long-suffering and merciful.

To hold his hand over mankind, dispel fear and despair, give strength to the brave and fight the forces of darkness, that was his work assigned by the Lord God Almighty.

Anger was blinding and deluding. A feeling unbecoming of the Leader of all Angels.

When he exacted the Wrath of God, it wasn't his own.

However, there were times, when he did feel wrathful, though it was extremely rare.

Today had been a normal day, until Michael had summoned the other Archangels for a meeting to discuss the tasks for the next month.

None of the Archangels had ever failed to follow the summoning.

So Michael felt uneasy, when only Gabriel, Uriel and (to his great surprise) Azrael attended.

“Where is Raphael?”, he demanded to know.

The Archangels exchanged uncomfortable glances and Azrael was frowning ominously.

Raphael – sweet, dutiful and soothing little Raphael – was missing.

“We don't know where he is”, Gabriel admitted worriedly.

Oh no …

Suddenly there was a light tap on the door.

Michael went to open it, only to come face to face with Raphael. His alarm bells went off as soon as he saw how eerily wan the younger Archangel was.

“Sorry I'm late”, Raphael gasped, “I …” And proceeded to collapse into Michael's arms.

“Raphael!”, the other Archangels cried and ran up to them.

Gabriel blanched, when he caught sight something; from a hole right below the wings, a golden liquid was trickling down Raphael's back. “Ichor! Oh Lord Almighty, he's wounded!”

Michael followed his sibling's glance and felt a light sickness pool in his stomach. But he forced himself to calm down and ordered Uriel to take off his red coat and spread it on the floor.

Carefully the warrior Archangel put his brother down onto the cloak, so he could inspect the wound.

Now, that he had a closer look, Michael frowned: “This is demonic work. Likely caused by a flaming sword forged from Hellfire.”

“Hellfire!”, Uriel cried, “Hellfire is lethal for angels!”

“He's not going to die”, Azrael spoke calmly, “He came here just in time. Step aside, Michael, and leave this to me.”

It was ironic that Azrael, Angel of Death, vessel of the great Destroyer herself, She who brought mortal souls to rest, would be the one to save Raphael's life, but she put her hand onto the wound and within seconds the demonic essence left Raphael's corporation, manifesting as a black flame in Azrael's hand, before vanishing. She had obliterated the Hellfire, like it never had existed in the first place.

“Now you can heal him, Michael; you're almost as adept in the healing arts as he is.”

Michael followed the instruction. A prayer to God later the wound closed, as if by itself.

“Now we need to take Raphael to his quarters”, Azrael said to the others, “He may be healed now, but he still needs to rest for a few days. It speaks for his strength, that he survived this wound and made it all the way back to Heaven. We'll ask who did this, when he wakes up.”

Michael picked the unconscious Raphael up and carried him, while the others followed closely behind him, debating about who the culprit was.

“Only a Prince of Hell could have done this!”, Uriel hissed. “I bet it was Asmodeus! Ze is his greatest opponent, hates him with a passion and also is extremely cunning and powerful, so who else-?”

“You're losing that bet”, Azrael interrupted her sibling. “Had Asmodeus managed to wound Raphael like this, ze would never have passed up on the chance of destroying him. And neither would the other Princes. No. It must have been a lower ranking demon, who could go undetected more easily. They ambushed Raphael when he was distracted, that's the only explanation for how they could literally stab him in the back. Probably they were too scared of our retribution to finish him off. So they skedaddled and hoped that Raphael would succumb to his wound and be destroyed.”

“We will ask Raphael later”, Michael repeated Azrael's words from earlier, before this could grow into a heated debate.

“And once we know”, Uriel insisted, “We will get the culprit's sorry ass and smite them so hard that other demons won't dare to even whisper our names for many centuries to come!”

“To exact judgement and retribution is the right of the Most High alone”, Michael scolded, “We are his tools and messengers and in no position to judge, question or act without the will of the Lord. Now compose yourself.”

Uriel saw their error and nodded. “Still, it sickens me to the core”, they mumbled, “The thought that someone could hurt him like this – and a lowly demon at that!”

Michael didn't admit, that he felt the same way, but Gabriel obviously did. Azrael on the other hand remained as calm and neutral as ever, as could be expected from the vessel of none other than Death herself.

“I shall take my leave now”, she said, “You three take care of your sibling. I will report to the Almighty, that one of His Archangels has been hurt.”

Azrael spread her black wings and flew away, bearing her ever present scythe.

.

When Raphael awoke, he heard low whispering.

At first his sight was quite blurry, but soon he could make out glimpses of yellow, blue and red.

A soft moan alerted his visitors, that he was awake.

“Raphael! Oh praise to the Lord!” The voice of Gabriel.

Now the younger Archangel's sight cleared and he recognised Michael, Gabriel and Uriel.

“You really scared us back there”, Gabriel chided.

Raphael blushed with shame and glanced aside. “I'm sorry”, he whispered.

The other Archangels exchanged frowning glances.

“Sorry for what?”, Gabriel asked confusedly, “You're the one who got stabbed, what do you have to apologise for?!”

“I failed!”, Raphael choked. “I failed as an Archangel! What good am I, if a low-ranking demon can take me by surprise and literally stab me in the back?! Being so weak, that's what I'm sorry for!”

“Raphael, listen to me”, Michael spoke and sat by his sibling's bedside. “You're not weak. You're one of the most valuable assets Heaven has."

“Valuable asset!”, Raphael echoed, “An Archangel shouldn't have been defeated so easily!”

“Who is saying anything about defeat?”, Michael retorted. “You'll be fine within a week and we will handle the rest. Everything will be alright.”

“But …”

“No. You are the one through whom God heals¹. You're the Archangel of healing, because you were always meant to heal wounds of body and soul, to dispel pain and sorrow – you're a healer, not a warrior. Never once have you failed to fulfil that purpose. Yet you also never failed to overcome the most powerful of demons. I mean, would you say that Asmodeus and Azazel are small fry?”

Raphael chuckled: “No.”

Asmodeus and Azazel were anything but 'small fry', as Michael had so eloquently put it.

Asmodeus, a former Seraph and now Prince of Lust, had always been extremely powerful and highly intelligent.

Azazel, although not quite as powerful, was extremely manipulative and seductive.

They were both very strong in their own right and neither had ever gone down without a fight. Even though Azazel was now bound in a special part of Hell. Asmodeus on the other hand had been bound several times, but the Prince of Lust was too strong to be chained permanently (at least by any other than the Almighty).

Michael went on: “The reason that little demon could wound you, was because he's a low-rank demon. You have been known to vanquish powerful Archdemons and those are the foes you're used to. There was no way you could have predicted, that one little weasel could even dare to assault you, while you're minding your own business.”

“Exactly”, Uriel now spoke up, “And you're still strong and mighty; most other angels would have died from such a wound, before managing to return to Heaven to get treatment, but you! You dragged yourself all the way back up through the many spheres! Speaking of which, how did you do it?”

Raphael smiled: “Honestly? I don't know. Probably pure obstinacy and the Will of God.”

The other Archangels chuckled.

Michael grinned: “There's the Raphael I know: the smiling sweetheart, who spreads healing warmth wherever he goes, whom Our Father, us angels and the humans love.”

“Even with my sentimentality?”, Raphael laughed.

“God made you this way”, Michael pointed out. “It would go against His Will to not love you the way you are.”

Just as he had finished his sentence, the door opened.

Raphael's eyes widened, when the Angel of Death came into the room.

“Greetings, Azrael”, he addressed her. “I faintly remember you being there, before I passed out.”

Azrael nodded affirmatively.

Raphael observed how uneasy the others grew around her. As the vessel of Death herself, Azrael just had that effect on others, though she didn't mean to. But he, in his function as a healer, had faced her way too often to still feel the same unease.

“Welcome back, Archangel Raphael”, she said and closed the door behind her. “How are you feeling?”

“A bit woozy”, Raphael admitted.

“That's no wonder”, Azrael remarked. “The demonic essence was inside your body for a whole week, before I removed and destroyed it, so Michael could heal the damage.”

“I see. Thank you for your help, then.”

“You're welcome. Will you tell us what exactly happened?”

The younger Archangel groaned: “I was leaving my pharmacy for my earthly home, when someone ripped my bag off of my arm. As I pursued the thief, I recognised him to be a demon in disguise. I chased after him into a dark alley, where – oh so predictably – I was assaulted by a group of about thirty demons. They came at me with flaming blades, Hellfire and such. I smote about thirteen of them, before one got lucky with a throwing knife, right between my wings. The pain was maddening – I think I destroyed three more demons in my fury. The rest scrammed. I needed a whole week to drag myself all the way back up here, because of the Hellfire poisoning. And that's it.”

“Do you think Asmodeus could have ordered a hit on you?”, Uriel pried.

Raphael shook his head. “No, ze wouldn't have allowed that. Ze wants to kill me zirself, ze says that all the time. While they were definitely from the Second Circle, this was an unsanctioned assault. Maybe they wanted to please their Prince by presenting zir my head on a silver plate or something. That's never gonna happen.” He chuckled: “Ze'll be furious, when ze finds out.”

The other Archangels nodded.

“Thank you, that narrows it down a little”, Gabriel stated, before turning to Azrael: “You have spoken to the Almighty. What does He say?”

“This: Raphael is to rest for another week, then resume his duties as always. Fret no longer, Raphael, for God loves you, who never failed to be humble and kind to all. As for you three”, she turned to the other Archangels, “Hold your temper, all of you. The Creator has given me the name of the culprits. And He too wishes for justice to be served.”

“By us?”, asked Uriel hopefully.

To everyone's surprise, Azrael shook her head. “No. The exacter of the Lord's justice shall be the one, who has claimed Raphael for zir own.”

“But that's Asmodeus!”, Raphael exclaimed.

The others stared at him.

“What does 'claimed Raphael as zir own' even mean?”, Michael questioned.

Before the Archangel in question could answer, Gabriel clarified: “It means that Asmodeus has called dibs on killing him. No one but zir is allowed to lay hand on Raphael, because ze wants to have the satisfaction of revenge all to zirself. Beelzebub has a similar thing going on with me.”

“Charming”, Michael deadpanned. “To choose you as their revenge kills to be. Maybe I should ask Lucifer, if he has a similar attitude towards me. Anyway, what were you going to say, Azrael?”

Azrael told him that Asmodeus didn't know yet what had happened. “So the Lord wants one of you to go down to the Second Circle of Hell and persuade zir (persuade! Not threaten or force!) to unleash zir wrath on those who did it – and only one of you”, she added, when the Archangels grew excited.

She and Raphael rolled their eyes in annoyance, when the other Archangels began to argue amongst each other.

“I will go”, Michael stated, “I'm the leader of Heaven's host and it's my responsibility.”

“But I am more eloquent than you!”, Gabriel argued, “If anyone can persuade Asmodeus, it's me!”

“Please, Gabriel! As if you could even get as far as to Asmodeus' circle! The closest thing you ever got to fighting was to turn the Nephilim against each other before the Great Flood! But I guard the Gates of Hell”, Uriel pointed out. “I know the place and its inhabitants! I should be the one to go!”

“Enough!”, Raphael snapped, startling everyone.

“I want none of you three to go! Gabriel is too clueless about the ways of Hell, Uriel is too undiplomatic and you, Michael, don't know Asmodeus at all! Azrael, can't you go? You're calm, level-headed, eloquent and the vessel of Death herself! You would be perfect …”

“I have no time for these things, Raphael”, Azrael declined. “Nor is it my job. Michael is the strongest and the hardest to impress. If anyone other than you can interact with the Prince of Lust, it's him.”

Raphael nodded, but he still felt uneasy.

Azrael handed Michael a list of names and a warrant directly from God, then saw herself out.

“Michael, can I speak to you alone?”, Raphael requested.

Michael glared at the other two and they left.

Once alone, the warrior Archangel hugged his sibling and cradled him in his arms.

“Don't worry so much, Raphael”, he cooed. “Ze can't be worse than Lucifer, can ze?”

“It's not that”, Raphael sighed. “I know you can fight zir, but this isn't about battle or fighting. This is about wit and diplomacy. Asmodeus isn't like Lucifer.”

“Enlighten me then”, Michael requested, while stroking the Healer's curly hair. “The more I know, the better.”

Raphael leaned into the soothing hand (the hand that had defeated Lucifer himself) and described his nemesis' character: “Ze became the Prince of Lust after killing the original one. Ze is exceedingly volatile, unscrupulous and cruel, yet just as seductive as someone in zir position should be: charming and silver-tongued, like zir brother Lucifer. That's all they have in common, however. Asmodeus isn't like Lucifer, ze learns from zir mistakes. Ze is intelligent, pragmatic, calculating and extremely manipulative. No one can get under one's skin quite like Asmodeus can – speaking from experience. If you have a weakness or a pressure point, ze will find it and take advantage of it. Ze is really curious too, so if something piques zir interest … well, you get the idea. That's about it. Just … take care of yourself down there, Michael.”

“Hey there”, the warrior Archangel chuckled, “If I didn't know better, I'd say you have no faith in me!”

“That's not it, it's just …”

“Trust me and the Lord”, Michael told him and kissed his forehead. “You rest and get better, after you've been through in the past week. I'll be fine, Raphael. Don't forget who I am and always have been.”

Raphael felt his face flush.

.

Michael said his due praises and prayers, before descending to the bottom of Creation.

When he came to its gates, he encountered Abaddon, the Angel of the Abyss².

“Are you substituting for Uriel?”, he inquired. “Last time I checked, you were responsible for keeping an eye on the Watchers.”

“I am substituting for Uriel”, Abaddon confirmed. “I'll return to the Abyss I come from, when they return. And what are you doing here, Leader of Heaven's Army?”

“Business”, Michael clipped and presented his permit.

The Angel of the Abyss nodded and opened the Gate to the Vestibule of Hell.

“Watch your back down there, Archangel”, he warned, “The damned madly crave the Light of God. And the demons have been particularly antsy lately.”

“I know”, Michael nodded. Then he entered this place, where he, for all fighting and smiting of demons, had never been to before.

In the Vestibule, he encountered the souls of those who had been too cowardly to choose between Good and Evil and now were plagued by all kinds of vermin. The fog there was so thick, that he needed a bit to find the Gate to the First Circle, but he did and found himself in Limbo.³

The virtuous nonbelievers fell on their knees and oohed and aahed at the sight of the Archangel. Their longing glances didn't escape Michael.

As he drew near to the Second Circle, he encountered Belphegor, the Prince of Sloth, who was ruling over both the Vestibule and the First Circle and apparently inspecting his territory.

When Belphegor saw Michael, he groaned: “Nooo, not one of you Clouddancers! I just finished my walk! Oh Satan, I thought my day couldn't get any worse!”

The Archangel was way too agitated to tolerate this nonsense, grabbed the Archdemon by the robe and lifted him up.

“One more comment like that”, Michael snarled, “And Astaroth will have your position to herself again! Now, tell me how I get to the Gate of the Second Circle!”

“Th-thi-this way!”, Belphegor squeaked.

“Coward”, Michael grumbled in revulsion, but let the other go and continued his quest.

When he came to the Second Circle at last, the demons trembled at the sight of him.

“Open the Gates!”, he commanded. “I'm not here to smite anyone, but I will, if you provoke me.”

They scrambled to fulfil the Archangel's demand, though the very emanation of his sheer power almost forced them onto their knees.

“Thank you. Now scram.”

As soon as he entered the Circle, he was assaulted by icy, hurricane force winds and unfolded his enormous six wings to shield himself.

After just a few metres, he was approached by a tall, elegant demon.

“We need to see your permit to enter here”, she spoke boldly, though the Archangel could tell she was uncomfortable.

Michael showed her the divine warrant and looked her over, as the demon scanned the text.

This was not one of the fallen angels, but it was a second generation demon – likely one of Asmodeus' own children.

“Take me to your Prince”, he ordered.

The Incubus⁴ looked up from the paper with subdued irritation. “While I know who you are, you can't give me orders around here, Archangel. It doesn't matter who you are in Heaven, here in Hell we work by different rules.”

For a second Michael felt a little awkward, as well as really aggravated at the disrespect. But the demon did have a point. Though to Michael's defence, he had never actually been obliged to be polite to a demon before (what with him being a soldier and all).

“I'm sorry, my bad. Would you please be so courteous as to lead me to Prince Asmodeus to do my assigned business with zir?”

The Incubus smiled suavely: “Better. Follow me.”

While they crossed through the Second Circle, Michael had to dodge a few damned souls, who were blown about like leaves in the icy storm. He shuddered at their anguished wails and screams.

Soon they reached a black palace (how cliché).

“My fath- zir Highness's office is right above the throne room, in the centre of the palace. But this place is a mace, so getting there will take a while”, the Incubus informed him and Michael nodded.

The Archangel could feel the influence of Asmodeus grow stronger the nearer they drew; a baleful presence with a heavy pressure and a weird heat, tickling him and trying to get under his skin.

By the time they reached the door to Asmodeus' office, it had grown physically uncomfortable. Raphael had warned him, that the Prince's aura acted on its own, that it spread far and affected everyone within vicinity – just like Lucifer's and Satan's. The pulsating emanations gave Michael a faint nausea.

His guide knocked twice and from the inside a gentle, androgynous voice answered: “Enter”.

The Incubus went in first and informed the other person of Michael's arrival.

“Well, show him in then”, the voice commanded, slightly impatient.

The demon came back out and gestured for the Archangel to go inside.

.

Asmodeus was sitting behind zir desk surrounded by considerable stacks of paper.

Ze was … honestly, Michael wasn't sure, what he had expected the Prince of Lust to look like.

But one thing was for sure, he had not expected a creature with three different heads (a bull's, a ram's and a slightly distorted human visage), floating purple hair and claws almost as long as the bony fingers they belonged to.

Still, he had to pull himself together. After all, a monstrous appearance was no reason to be rude.

“Hello, Asmodeus”, he greeted zir.

“Michael”, ze returned (zir smooth, seductive and feminine voice contrasting zir appearance).

The Archdemon's glowing red eyes (all of them) wandered over the Archangel's armour and weapons.

“I come in peace”, Michael assured zir.

“Sure, that's why you're armed to the teeth”, Asmodeus remarked sarcastically.

“Well, sorry for considering that coming here would be dangerous”, he retorted. “Also, could you please change your appearance? I don't know which of your heads to talk to and it's mildly irritating.”

The Prince of Lust snickered, but did him the courtesy. One snap of zir clawed fingers later and Michael was facing an attractive, well-endowed blonde woman with unnaturally turquoise eyes wearing a burgundy business suit.

“Better?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“You're welcome, but if this puts you off, however do you talk to the Cherubim?”

That made him feel incredibly awkward, because with the Cherubim he often had the exact same problem.

“Well, let's forget about that. So, Michael …” Ze leaned back in zir chair, “… what brings you to my humble abode? If this is about Ornias again, I already told Uriel – wait, what happened to your hair?!”

Michael had taken off his helmet, revealing that the right half of his head was shorn.

“Just a little prank by Gabriel”, he muttered.

Asmodeus chortled: “Nice hair style, Archangel. Very … rebellious!”

“Hilarious”, he grumbled. “Anyway, I have come, because of this.”

He threw his warrant and a list onto the table.

Asmodeus read the warrant and arched an eyebrow. “You received your permit to come here directly from God?”

“Of course.”

The Prince of Lust nodded and added zir signature and seal to confirm that Michael had shown up. Pure formality.

“Still, that doesn't explain why you're here”, ze said. “Only that it's extremely important. Then again, I could tell the moment you entered my Circle – and yes, I could feel it”, ze added, “My aura spreads throughout the entire Second Circle of Hell. Now, what is so urgent that God sends you of all angels to come here to consult me?”

Michael decided to cut to the chase: “Archangel Raphael has been assaulted by a large group of demons.”

“And? How is that any of my business?”

That response caught him off guard. “Well … uhh …”

Asmodeus sighed: “Michael, I'm the Prince of Lust. Punishing violence or assault is not my job, unless it's of sexual nature. If you want punishment for violence against the divine, go to the Seventh Circle.”

Michael frowned: “That's where blasphemous souls get punished. I just told you, that the attack was committed by demons – demons from your Circle”, he added pointedly. “So I'm afraid this is your business. Speaking of which, you wouldn't happen to have known about it?”

Zir turquoise eyes grew hard. “Michael, if you're accusing me of sanctioning or even ordering a hit on Raphael, you're wrong. I know better than to assume that a bunch of mook demons would get the job done. If I actually wanted Raphael to die, I would finish him off myself.”

“God may grant, that you'll never accomplish that!”, Michael growled.

“Whatever”, the Archdemon brushed him off. “Bottom line is, I have nothing to do with it. I didn't even know, until you told me. When was that incident?”

“A week ago. Raphael needed a whole week to get back to Heaven, because of the injuries-”

“Wait a minute! Did I hear that right, they actually managed to wound him?! How???”

Michael inhaled sharply, before explaining: “It was a group of about thirty demons, namely those on the list. One of them got lucky and managed to literally stab him in the back.”

“Oho!”, Asmodeus exclaimed. “But he is alive, isn't he?”

“Yes, but he almost almost died.”

“Good. He deserves to suffer for a change.”

Michael wasn't sure what offended him more, zir indifferent demeanour or zir words.

“No, Raphael does not deserve that!”, he spat. “These demons assaulted him out of nowhere and wounded him gravely. They are your subjects and if you won't punish them, I will! And I'm not as nice as Raphael!”

For a second Asmodeus' expression froze.

Then zir left eye began to twitch and the temperature in the room dropped so rapidly, that the Archangel suppressed a shudder.

“Nice?”, ze echoed and Michael realised, that he had dropped a brick.

Asmodeus dropped the businesslike facade and jumped up.

“Nice!”, ze hissed, “That little bastard flung me into Hell so hard, that I now have a permanent limp! Chained me to the bottom of the Red Sea for almost a thousand years, full knowing that I was hydrophobic! And why? Because I had been doing my job and in the process grew attached to Sarah! Alright, so I did kill her first seven husbands, but what of it? They had it coming!”⁵

Michael held his spear a little tighter, but stated calmly: “I will not argue with you about your phobias or the fate of humans I never knew. It's none of my business.”

“I'm not done yet! There was that one time he threatened to chain me to the deepest bottom of the Mariana Trench, which is almost eleven kilometres under water! And then there is Asasel. All he did was teach humans about warfare and metalwork … and didn't Raphael imprison him in Dudael, under a pile of rocks, so that he may never see the sun again? Wow, what a nice and sweet little Archangel! Don't you just want to hug him! You're not a Fallen! You have never been on the receiving end of his so-called niceness! I don't care, if he was acting on God's orders, that doesn't make it hurt any less! By Satan, I can't wait for the day, when that little Archangel suffers – suffers by my hand! If I die afterwards, then so be it! I will get my revenge, if it's the last thing I do!”

Wow.

Seemed like Asmodeus had just waited to say that to someone's face.

Michael wasn't sure what to do with that.

With Lucifer he had it easier. Sure, when the two met, there would always be taunting on Lucifer's part, but then they would duke it out, no further talk, no questions asked. It was that simple.

But this …

Asmodeus seemed to notice his plight, for ze snorted: “You've never been talked to like that before, have you?”

“No”, Michael admitted.

“Thought as much.”

Then to his surprise, ze resumed zir detached smile. “Do forgive my outburst. My general mood hasn't been the best today. What were you saying?”

“Oh yeah – God has asked me (via Azrael) to come here and ask you this: that you exact your own justice on those, who-”

“And if I refuse?”

Now Michael was the angry one. “You would dare to go against the orders of the Most High?!”

Asmodeus chuckled: “Of course, that's how I fell! I was sick of being a slave and blindly following orders and the Fall, terrible as it was, freed me. I owe God nothing more, nor do I have anything to say to Him. As for my dear nemesis Raphael … if I'm on speaking terms with him, it's because he treats me with the due respect. That doesn't mean I owe him anything.”

The Archangel forced himself to take a few deep breaths, before he made another blunder. Still he couldn't help but pinch his nose in frustration.

“Asmodeus … why can't you just cooperate?”

“Michael, I fear you don't understand. Some of the demons on this list are my dear children. Through God's will a hundred of my children with Lilith die each day, just because they are hers.⁶ It's only natural, that I love those who survive just the more. Besides, Raphael didn't go down without a fight, did he? The list says that he smote sixteen of his attackers (among them seven of my children), of which there were thirty-one. If my darlings didn't know not to mess with an Archangel before, they do now. But I love my children (all 2,191,493 of them) and I will not lay a hand on any of them, nor will I allow any of you to, just because your silly little Archangel failed to watch his back.”

Those words made Michael relax just a little: for all his fierceness, he was first and foremost a being of divine love. Asmodeus' care for zir children was something he could understand and work with.

“You don't have to.”

“Come again?”

Michael clarified: “Not all of the surviving demons are your children, right? You can make an example on those who aren't. Like you said, if the rest of them didn't know not to mess with my siblings before, they do now. That would just reinforce it.”

While the Archdemon considered that, zir mood seemed to improve to the point of the room temperature becoming more comfortable.

That encouraged Michael to continue: “Besides, you would also do yourself a favour.”

Asmodeus raised a questioning brow. “Explain yourself.”

So the Archangel did: “You have staked a claim on Raphael, that he would be yours to kill.”

“That's correct.”

“Well, then what would stop you – one of the most evil and powerful demons of Hell – from asserting your claim by punishing those who dare to touch what you perceive as yours? Without your permission or even knowledge, no less!”

The Prince grinned deviously. “Why, you sly Archangel! How unscrupulous to use my pride and possessiveness to your advantage!” A snicker. “But you're not getting me that easily.”

“That much is clear. What are your conditions?” Michael couldn't believe he was asking this.

The Prince of Lust shrugged casually and named zir conditions: that ze would be allowed to come to Heaven for a bit and pay Raphael a sick visit.

That didn't sound like much, but this was a Prince of Hell demanding access to Heaven, the holiest place in creation. The warrior Archangel really wasn't comfortable with the prospect of an Archdemon prancing around in Heaven. However, if he wanted this to get anywhere, he couldn't flat out refuse.

“I think I can arrange that”, he accommodated zir, “No promises though.”

“That's all I need to hear”, Asmodeus grinned with the confidence of someone who knew they had already won.

Michael nodded. “Right. If I manage to get approval from our Father, I will send you a permit via postage. Just … try to look less demonic, when you show up.”

The Archdemon laughed: “That's fine with me!”

The Archangel nodded affirmatively. “Good. I will take my leave then.”

Asmodeus nodded and gave him back his permit. “Shall I say hello to your ex-boyfriend?”

Michael tilted his head. “My ex-boyfriend …?”

“You mean Lucifer wasn't your boyfriend back then?”

The Archangel stood up and headed for the door. “He wasn't.”

“Strange”, the Prince of Lust remarked. “I was under the impression, that you loved each other.”

Michael hesitated.

The problem was that Asmodeus wasn't wrong. But ze wasn't completely right either: they had never been a couple, but they had been in love. After Lucifer's betrayal, however …

“That was aeons ago. We never hooked up.”

“Oh. My bad. Then again, it's no surprise with his personality.”

“Not that fond of him, then? Raphael said you complain about him all the time.”

Ze pressed zir lips together. “As dutiful and obliged to him as I am, Lucifer is … difficult to work with. Any more questions?”

“Actually, yes: Raphael told me you gained your position by killing your predecessor.”

“That I did.” Asmodeus smiled broadly and with relish, revealing razor sharp teeth. “And it was  exhilarating! Then again, if the original Prince of Lust calls you a chimaera and you tear him apart in mid-air …”

“Oh my God.”

“That's exactly what Raphael said. Now go home, Michael. I will handle this affair from here. I assume you know where the exit is. Anything else?"

“Only one more thing: say hi to Luci-fuck next time you see him.”

The Prince of Lust gawked at the Archangel in disbelief. “Did you just …?!”

Then ze cackled hysterically: “Ohhhohoho! Michael! I'm shocked! You – ahahahaha! Luci-f-ahahaha! Ohohoho, this is priceless! Such language from you! Oh, I can't wait to see his face! This is fantastic! Can you say it again?”

Michael smirked: “What, Luci-fuck?”

That had the Archdemon laugh so hard that ze almost fell from zir chair.

“Goodbye, Asmodeus”, the Archangel chuckled, left and closed the office door behind himself.

As he left Hell and said goodbye to Abaddon, Michael felt so much lighter than he had before.

He sent a prayer to the All-merciful, before returning to Heaven and report the results of his mission to His Face.

.

You couldn't speak to God without going through Metatron first.

But Michael just got to greet the Scribe, before the latter pointed to the massive silver archway behind himself.

“Our Lord is already expecting you, Archangel Michael.”

“Right”, Michael mumbled and walked through the archway.

Stepping through the archway into the Throne Room of God was always an experience. One had to walk through what seemed like a planetarium rather than a hallway for minutes, before actually getting to … another archway, this one of gold.

Michael hesitated to cross this one.

Then the most beautiful of voices called to him: “Michael … come in, my child.”

Now he entered.

The light that assaulted his eyes would have blinded any other being than an Archangel or Seraph.

The Throne Room of God looked differently every time Michael came here. Sometimes it didn't even look like a throne room at all. Just like now: instead of on a throne, the Almighty was sitting in a worn-out armchair, among endless piles of books and scrolls, behind an ebony table. But instead of by a fire, the room was illuminated by God's blinding light.

Like the clearest echo, the singing of the Seraphim choir sounded through space.

“Lord God Almighty”, Michael greeted the Creator and fell onto his knees.

“Hello, my child. Come here”, the Almighty beckoned and pointed to the smaller seat on the other side of the table. “Have a seat.”

The Archangel did so, keeping his glance lowered in reverence.

Being so close to God, to feel His unlimited power was overwhelming, even for the most powerful and high-ranking angels.

“You can look me in the face, you know”, the Most High spoke with a hint of amusement. “My light has never blinded you and it never will.”

Michael would never understand, how he could look the Lord into the eyes without being reduced to a bawling mess, like most other angels. Those eyes, all-knowing and infinite like the entity they belonged to. And they were sparkling with merriment.

“My dear child, you're always so tense, when you come here”, He chided Michael.

The Archangel couldn't help but smile. “Well, I can hardly waltz in here Lucifer style and act like I'm not speaking to an omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent entity, who created literally everything in existence now, can I?”

God laughed quietly: “No, Michael. You know better than that. But here and now, I will be your father. Have some cocoa, my child. And tell me, how your mission went.”

Michael felt a little embarrassed, but he recounted everything that had happened.

“I nearly messed it up”, he admitted sheepishly. “Most humans are more diplomatic than I was back there, not to mention Gabriel. I will never be as good at this as he is.”

The Almighty smiled: “You're not meant to be 'as good at this as Gabriel'. You're meant to be as good as you. And for the first time you did well. You rectified your slip-ups, listened to zir point of view, tried to understand it and offered a solution. You used your kindness and zir pride to come to a mutual agreement. This situation required initiative and you took it, like the sensible person you are. There is no reason for embarrassment.”

But the Archangel still wasn't convinced. “I promised zir to arrange a visit. Here in Heaven. Without speaking to you first, my Lord.”

“Alright, maybe that was a little cheeky”, God chuckled. “Remember for the next time not to make promises too soon. Asmodeus knows that I can't say no now, even though you only promised zir to try. But it's forgiven, Michael. Let zir visit Heaven. And don't worry about conduct. Asmodeus may be one of the most evil people in Hell, but ze has a desire for self-preservation. Besides, that little pun of yours just put you into zir good graces – and yes, even Archdemons have those!” God laughed. “I must say, this is the pettiest I have ever seen you! I will never get that pun out of my head!”

Michael smiled lopsidedly: “You don't get anything out of your head, King of Kings. Speaking of which … what about the demons? Do they remember Heaven?”

“Not all of them. But Lucifer, Beelzebub, Astaroth and Asmodeus remember everything, unlike the rest of my fallen children. It was for the best, that the rest shouldn't remember what they lost. Or that most of my children here shouldn't remember the bonds and love they once shared and the pain of losing their beloved fellow angels to pride and betrayal.”

Michael felt his heart crack.

“He … Lucifer remembers?”

God nodded. And for the first time those infinite eyes became sad. “Yes. Everything. He and the other three were the first to fall and the oldest of my children. Therefore I didn't erase their memories.”

Michael knew that he shouldn't ask further, but he couldn't help himself: “Do they … do they remember love?”

“They do. They try to forget, except for Asmodeus, but they do.”

Michael felt a particular spectre of the Lord's warmth caress his head: the healing love, which God once had given a shape in the form of Archangel Raphael.

“You are allowed to grief, my child”, the Most High told him gently. “Don't keep it all to yourself. You have been strong for far too long now, Michael. You will never be able to let go, if you don't allow yourself to break. Sometimes you need to have the courage to be weak and vulnerable, in order to gain new strength.”

Those words broke him.

For the first time in aeons the mighty Archangel Michael wept.

.

“You looked changed”, Raphael remarked, when Michael came to check on him later. “Refreshed. Almost reborn.”

Michael smiled at him and Raphael knew that he was right.

“I do feel like it”, the warrior Archangel confirmed and hugged the smaller Archangel tightly. “Hey, can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course, Michael.”

“I think I can finally let go.”

Raphael understood and smiled gently. “I'm glad.”

He himself didn't remember much from before the Great War and that was probably for the better. But he knew that Michael did, that it always had pained him, that he had never been able to break the chains of the past.

“I loved him so much, Raphael. It was already painful to put my devotion to the Most High before my feelings for him and reject him. And then he betrayed our Father and Heaven … all this time I have carried this ache in my heart, building walls about myself and never talking about it. But when I talked to the Most High earlier, He told me that it's okay to hurt. He let me open up and it felt so good. I now know that Lucifer remembers me and what we once had, that he will never forgive me for choosing my duties and love for God over him and it will always hurt, but the certainty helps me, just a little.”

“You cried in front of God?”

“Yes.”

Raphael's smile widened: just when everyone began to suspect that the Most High was a detached, indifferent and distant creator, He reminded them all, that He was merciful, that He was there and that He loved His children, every single one.

“Other than your mission and Lucifer, what else did you two talk about?”, he asked curiously.

Michael laughed and let go of his sibling. “Nuh-uh!”, he scolded playfully. “Not telling! That is a matter between the Almighty and me.”

“Come oooon!”, Raphael whined. “I wanna know!”

But the older Archangel remained firm. “No, Raphael. I will not reveal what the Almighty revealed to me without His permission. Next time He summons you, ask Him yourself, you curious little angel.”

Raphael huffed, but nodded.

Of course Michael was right. Still he couldn't help but be curious.

“At least tell me about your meeting with Asmodeus! I'm dying to know how that went!”

Michael laughed sheepishly: “Well, I dropped a few bricks, but I think ze and I came to a solution we can both be content with.”

Raphael listened curiously to his older sibling's account of the meeting and laughed heartily at the sassy remarks the two had exchanged.

“By the way”, Michael finished awkwardly, “You might get a special visitor very soon.”

The smaller Archangel's eyes narrowed. “Michael … what did you do?”

.

Ten seconds later, all of Heaven could hear someone screaming …

“WHAAAAAAAAT???”

.

In the Second Circle of Hell meanwhile, both the resident demons as well as the dead souls had not missed the rapid weather swings that had occurred, while the Archangel had been speaking to their Prince: from the normal storm, to a hailstorm unlike any seen on Earth, then back to hurricane force winds and then suddenly to almost mild winter weather, before a sudden temperature drop made everyone shiver and the ground freeze.

“Damn, Zir Highness sure is having a lot of mood swings today!”, an Incubus (the one, who had guided the Archangel Michael) noted and rubbed her clawed hands, until her body adjusted to the sudden temperature drop.

“Well, ze should stop, because I'm feeling dizzy!”, one of the older demons whined. “All these temperature swings make my circulatory system go haywire!”

“Demons don't get circulatory complaints!”, another scoffed. “Stop being such a pansy! This is literally Hell, we've been putting up with the weather around here for millennia and you're whining about circulatory complaints?!”

“Exactly!”, the Incubus agreed. “There are other things to worry about! Like what Zir Highness will do, when ze finds out about your hit on Raphael! Motherfucking Archangel Raphael, the guy who vanquished so many powerful demons, our Prince included! So what made you believe that you could take him down, huh?!”

The first Fallen glared: “Shut your trap, you second generation demon!”

The Incubus narrowed her eyes. “Careful. Were my father to hear about your conduct towards me, ze would not be pleased.”

Just as she had finished her sentence, one of the Prince's heralds came running.

“Orders from the Prince!”, he announced, “All demons of the Second Circle are to gather in the assembly hall at eleven am!”

All demons within hearing range dropped whatever they were doing and hurried to follow the summoning.

Within half an hour all demons in the circle had gathered in the hall and were chatting anxiously.

What could their Prince want?

Punctually at eleven am, the usher announced with a booming voice: “The King of the Second Circle, Archdemon of Lust, Prince of Hell, member of the Unholy Council of Seven, advisor of the King of Hell himself, Leader of Hell's army, Zir Highness Asmodeus!”

Everyone stood in reverence, as the Prince rode in on zir monstrous, winged lion.

“Hail Satan! Hail Satan!”, the millions of demons declared with one voice, as Asmodeus waved graciously. The Prince of Lust was sporting zir human form; voluptuous blonde with cherry lips and bright turquoise eyes.

That in itself wasn't bad.

But ze was also wearing zir robe of shadows beneath zir princely regalia. The room temperature was so low, that hoar frost was covering the walls and everyone quivered. The vibe the Prince was giving off was so sinister, that it made the lesser demons physically sick.

The message was clear: Asmodeus was furious.

Someone was going to die.

The Prince allowed a herald to help zir off zir terrible steed and slowly limped to zir own seat. A Succubus hurried to put a microphone right in front of their father's throne.

Asmodeus nodded towards zir child.

“Sit down”, ze spoke into the microphone and everybody sat. Then ze announced: “The following demons shall come hither before my throne.” And read out a list of names.

The demons in question obeyed, trembling even harder than the rest.

Their superior gave them a frigid glance, before ze bent forward and addressed zir subjects in a weirdly level tone.

“Creatures of the Second Circle of Hell. I have summoned you, because something has occurred, that was both surprising … and impertinent.”

There were murmurs all about and the tension grew thicker.

“Early this morning”, Asmodeus continued, “I had a visitor: the Archangel Michael. He came all the way to my office, because of an interesting incident. One that involved the demons kneeling in front of me and a few more: the wounding of the Archangel Raphael.”

Another murmur went through the crowd.

“It has been brought to my attention, that a group of thirty-one demons launched an ambush attack on the Archangel. And that one of them managed to wound him with a flaming throwing knife. As you all can see”, Asmodeus pointed at the demons in front of zir, “Only fifteen of them are kneeling before my throne. The other sixteen have been destroyed by Raphael, unsurprisingly.”

The murmuring died down and was replaced by subdued silence.

Only now ze addressed the demons before zir directly: “You fifteen are charged with indirect murder of fellow demons, unsanctioned assault and defiance of my authority. How do you plead?”

No one was surprised, when they pleaded not guilty.

Asmodeus made the biggest eye roll ever, before continuing: “I admit, the news caught me off-guard. Especially the fact, that it happened over a week ago and no one cared to inform me, until that cursed Archangel Michael waltzed into my office, armed to the teeth. Which displeases me more than a little. Now tell me”, Asmodeus turned to the demons before zir, “Who of you had the notion, that launching a surprise attack on an Archangel without my sanction or even knowledge would be a good idea?”

The demon on the far right put their arm up, shaking like a leaf.

Asmodeus tilted zir head in surprise. “You? You are the instigator?”

The demon cowered under his superior's killer stare.

“So you convinced thirty demons, that attacking a motherfucking Archangel was a brilliant plan? Impressive, I must say. But also inane. Surely you must have known, how suicidal such an endeavour would be. And he did destroy half of your gang, didn't he?”

Asmodeus' glowing eyes narrowed.

“Your little stunt cost the lives of seven of my children, as well as nine of your siblings. And to top it off, you dared to touch something that belongs to me. All of Hell knows, that I have staked a claim on the little Archangel and I have never taken kindly to anyone touching what's mine. And you didn't even get the job done: Raphael lives. He survived and told his siblings everything. Now the entirety of Heaven knows, which practically forces me to make you face the consequences! But I won't punish you all the same. Children, step back.”

Three of the demons did as told, leaving twelve demons kneeling in front of Asmodeus' throne.

“For their lèse majesté, indirect murder of fellow demons, unsanctioned assault and disobedience, I sentence the twelve demons in front of me to-”

“What will it be?”, the instigator scoffed. “An eternity in Abaddon's Pit?”

The Prince chuckled frostily: “This fate would await you, had you not pulled ten of my children into this. I lose a hundred of them to the forces of Heaven each day and no thanks to you now I have to mourn seven more. As it is, the Pit would be way too merciful. No. You will be devoured … by my shadows.”

The tendrils on the Archdemon's shadow robe extended and spread all over the ground. Everyone screamed in fear and scrambled onto their seats for a modicum of safety.

The Prince laughed, obviously enjoying the mass panic.

With deliberate slowness ze stood up and limped down the stairs to be at the demons' eye level. With a diabolic sneer ze let zir shadow slowly surround the convicts.

“Any last words?”

The demon to the far left lifted their hand.

“Yes?”

“Your Highness, may I take off my winter coat? It's brand new, I'd hate for it to get ruined.”

The Archdemon nodded.

“Too kind”, the lesser demon thanked zir (not without irony) and stripped out of their coat.

“Indeed so”, Asmodeus agreed and took the garment. “I must admit the dignity you face your gruesome execution with is admirable. Not that this is going to save you.”

With that, the Prince's shadow fully engulfed and consumed the lesser demon completely. They didn't even scream, as they died.

The audience groaned as one, shaken at the sight.

And Asmodeus had been kind; seeing as that demon had been granted a quick death as a nod to their bravery.

The other eleven on the other hand screamed hysterically and huddled together in mortal terror. Several of them fell onto their knees, wringing their hands.

“NO!!! MERCY!!!”

Asmodeus scoffed: “Mercy? Here in Hell? Have you forgot that this is a place of punishment?”

“N-no, but-”

“Unbelievable! You went against my orders and have the nerve to beg me for mercy? Disgusting.”

“Y-your Royal Highness! D-don't do this! We didn't mean – we only wanted to-”

“Wanted to do what?”, Asmodeus cut them off. “Serve to your Prince the head of zir nemesis on a silver plate? In the hope, that you would gain my favour and be rewarded? Congratulations, you accomplished the opposite.”

The second one was torn apart and consumed with far more brutality than the first and blood spilled everywhere like in a splatter movie.

Not just a few witnesses screamed in horror.

The ten condemned remaining scrambled together even closer. They tried to run, alone the Archdemon's will held them where they were.

Asmodeus on the other hand seemed to be downright delighted by their terror.

“Is there anything else you might want to say, before I destroy the rest of you?”

A short demon managed to stand back up and screamed at zir: “WE ONLY WANTED TO PROVE OUR LOYALTY!”

“There would've been other ways of doing that”, Asmodeus informed them amiably. “But as it is, the only thing you proved is your folly-”

“I DON'T WANT TO DIE!”

“So?”

“WE THOUGHT IT WOULD PLEASE YOU!”

As their dying screams tore through the air and gore splattered everywhere, the Archdemon's cherry lips twisted upward. On zir beautiful human face it looked even more terrifying than on zir grotesque demonic visage.

Asmodeus smiled.

“You misjudged me, I'm afraid.”

.

“Now that this is done”, the Prince of Lust purred sweetly. “I think I got my point across. I never want to see such insubordination again, do you all hear me?”

The audience nodded collectively.

One by one they came down from their chairs, as their Prince's shadow retracted and returned to being the fringes on zir black robe.

“Good. Now to you, my children. Come here.”

The three obeyed hesitantly.

Asmodeus felt just a little sorry for terrifying zir children so, but drastic times required drastic measures.

“As your loving father, I will spare you this gruesome fate”, ze soothed them.

The Succubi sighed in relief.

“However”, ze continued sternly and they tensed up again, “That doesn't change the fact, that you have been very irresponsible by getting involved in this. So often I have warned you against the Archangels. They are way out of your league. Only a Prince of Hell like myself can hold their own against them. Yet you tried to mess with one anyway and seven of your siblings paid the price. That was foolish and I thought I raised you better than that. I am heavily disappointed in you.”

They lowered their heads.

“Now that you have seen your siblings die and just witnessed the brutal execution of my fellow Fallen, you will live with your survivor's guilt. You're grounded for the next two hundred years. In the meantime you will be cleaning the stables, including that of my dragon-lion Lyssa⁷. You will also be feeding her. That's your punishment. And mind you, next time I won't be so generous anymore.”

They stared at their father in horror.

Normally Lyssa was fed normal meat like any other lion, but once Asmodeus had fed two demons from the Third Circle to her, because of some disrespect.

It had put zir at odds with Beelzebub for a while, but they had reconciled quickly.

Both of them were vicious, when it came to punishing the slightest signs of rebellion; they'd destroy first and ask questions later. After all, you couldn't be a Prince of Hell, if you weren't a special kind of ruthless.

Asmodeus sighed, shook zir head and miracled cleaning supplies out of thin-air. “Now clean up this mess, you three. And then you will make a shroud for your fallen siblings. I do hope you have learned your lesson.”

.

Michael, ever the protective sibling, was anxious about the sanctioned, but very much unwelcome sickbed visit Raphael was going to receive soon.

Sure, God had assured him that Asmodeus would not harm Raphael and he had full trust in the Almighty, but he couldn't help it!

He wasn't the only one; in fact Uriel and Gabriel seemed to be even more nervous about it.

Uriel had been incensed at the news and had nearly thrown hands with him. Not that they would've stood a chance against the warrior Archangel, but Michael wasn't one to look for a fight.

Finally the three were pulled aside by Azrael.

“How much longer do you intend to skulk around Raphael's quarters?”, she confronted them.

“Well, how can you be so calm about it?”, Uriel snapped. “This is about Asmodeus, a motherfucking Prince of Hell-”

“Language!”, Michael scolded.

Uriel glared at him and went on: “-Raphael's oldest nemesis, coming to Heaven, the most hallowed place in Creation, and you're telling us to settle down?!”

“The Most High sanctioned it”, Azrael returned calmly. “You're fools to worry, when our Father agreed to let zir come here.”

“But-”

“Do not question God's decisions.”

The warning glance in the older Archangel's silvery eyes silenced Uriel instantly.

Azrael was paragon of patience, always calm and never rash, accustomed to waiting and able to tolerate almost anything without even arching a brow. But where the Almighty's decisions were questioned, she was quick to warn her fellow angels from treading onto potentially dangerous paths.

The Angel of Death sighed: “We have nothing to fear from Asmodeus. Not here in Heaven. The holiness of this place will take a toll on zir, so ze will seek to leave as soon ze's said zir say.”

Uriel nodded and humbly lowered their head. “Of course, you're right. I need to calm down. Raphael can take care of himself, even in his recovery and Asmodeus isn't stupid enough to attack him here. There just is something about their relationship, that unsettles me.”

“Well, our relationship is pretty unsettling!”, a voice snickered. “But that's what makes it fun!”

The Archangels whirled around to look at the newcomer and their eyes widened in shock.

Asmodeus smirked: “Hello, everyone. Michael told me to try and look 'less demonic', when I showed up. So I did! Do you like my getup?”

The Prince of Lust was clad all in white, the long golden hair in a loose plait. Ze almost looked like an innocent young woman. Only the blackened, fractured halo and the sly look in zir bright turquoise eyes gave zir away. And the walking cane, obviously; it was practically one of the Archdemon's signature features.

Asmodeus arched an eyebrow. “What, won't you say hello? Do angels these days think they're too good for basic politeness?”

“Hello, Asmodeus”, Uriel said coolly.

The demon smiled amiably: “That's more like it! So good to see you all again! How long has it been? Michael's recent visit not counted, several millennia?”

The Archangels exchanged uncomfortable glances. Such genial conduct from a Prince of Hell was … jarring. To say the least.

But then the Archdemon squinted. “Wait … Azrael, is that you?! Why, I almost didn't recognise you! So you're the new Angel of Death?”

Azrael nodded. “Yes. Death chose me to be her vessel, after her old one fell.”

“I can see that, honey, look at you! I simply can't believe how tall you've gotten! And you're an Archangel! Nothing like the tiny, snow white Cherub, whose wings just wouldn't grow!”

Michael cleared his throat: “I don't want to be rude, but didn't you say you wanted to visit Raphael?”

Asmodeus laughed: “Of course! But I just couldn't resist catching up with God's little helper¹! My, how she has changed! Unlike you three. You haven't changed at all”, ze added pointedly. “And neither has Heaven, apparently. It's just as cold, white and sterile as I remember. No wonder the silly little Archangel prefers to spend time on Earth. Speaking of him, where were his quarters again? My memory is a bit blurry on that part and I couldn't find a site map.”

Gabriel gave zir directions.

Asmodeus smiled suavely: “Thank you.”

Then ze limped off to Raphael's rooms.

The other Archangels, save Azrael hatefully glared after the demon.

“Fucking arsehole!”, Uriel hissed.

“Language!”, Michael scolded.

“But it's true!”, they enraged themselves. “'Silly little Archangel'?! And reminding Azrael of the handicap she used to have! If this wasn't a holy place I would break zir spine! I will not stand for this behaviour!”

“Yes, you will, Uriel”, Michael ordered harshly and grabbed them by the arm, before they could run after the demon. “You will keep your temper and you will be friendly and prudent, like the Archangel of Wisdom you're supposed to be. Do you hear me?”

Suddenly he realised just what he was doing and let go.

“Oh – oh good Lord God Almighty, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, I didn't mean – I'm sorry, Uriel.”

Uriel rubbed their arm (it would probably bruise later) and averted their gaze. But the pain in their eyes hadn't gone unnoticed by the other Archangels.

Gabriel glowered at Michael, while Azrael shook her head in disappointment.

Michael sighed and hugged the white-haired Archangel. “Look, I'm sorry. I really am. That was cruel of me to say and do and I only shamed myself there.”

“Sure did!”, Gabriel grumbled and was promptly elbowed by Azrael.

“Mistakes have been made”, the Angel of Death spoke, “This one won't happen again.”

“Certainly not”, Michael promised.

Uriel still didn't say anything, but they did hug him back.

The warrior Archangel smiled, having all the answer he needed.

Azrael cleared her throat: “Now that this is settled, how about we put it behind us and I treat you all to a snack? Personally, I need a white chocolate moccha or something else that contains gross amounts of caffeine and sugar.”⁸

.

Raphael heard steps outside his bedroom, put his book down and sat up in his bed, waiting.

Asmodeus didn't even knock before ze entered the room.

The Archangel had to make a double take at how modestly the Prince of Lust was dressed.

“Hello, Raphael”, Asmodeus purred sensually, fully knowing how much Raphael hated it, when ze talked like that.

“Hi. Nice outfit”, he commented. “Loose plait and flowers in your hair? Long white skirt and blouse with frills? I'm impressed, you almost look cute.”

“And you look almost weak!”, Asmodeus retorted. “I've never seen you this fragile! If the cause had been me, I would be absolutely delighted.”

“What do you want?”, Raphael spat. “How did you get here and can you even walk around here? The consecrated ground should be burning your feet and Heaven is too high up for demons to reach these days!”

Asmodeus shrugged: “These shoes are human-made. This way it only stings a little. As for how I got this far up, I hijacked a rocket.”

“Asmodeus!”

“A ride, Raphael! I got a ride!”, the demon groaned in annoyance. “Yerachmiel picked me up from earth. Are you satisfied now?”

“No. Again, why are you here?”

The Archdemon frowned: “Why so hostile, my beloved nemesis? I just want to make a sickbed visit to my revered adversary!”

Raphael's eyes narrowed. “No, you want to feast your eyes on seeing me vulnerable for once in your life.”

“That too!”, Asmodeus tittered. “But not just.”

Then, without even asking for permission, ze crossed the room and sat on the edge on the other's bed.

“I didn't allow you to invade my personal space.”

“I'm the Prince of Lust, silly little Archangel. Whatever makes you believe, that I give a damn about personal space?”

The Archangel was about to further sit up, but Asmodeus placed a hand on his chest.

“Now, now! Aren't you supposed to rest?”

“That's hardly possible with you around.”

The Prince of Lust snickered. Then zir grin slowly morphed into a leer, that made Raphael's flesh crawl.

“Look at you, Raphael. Bed-ridden and still weakened from an incident that was over a week ago. Absolutely fantastic. If being here in Heaven wasn't taking such a toll on me, I could sit here and revel in this sight all day.”

“But you can't. Lucky me.”

“Not so lucky”, Asmodeus contradicted. “You're at my mercy, more than you could ever care to admit.”

“Oh, I think I could”, Raphael replied. “I am in fact aware of how defenceless I am right now. I'm just not afraid of you.”

“Hmmm … maybe you should be”, the Archdemon mused.

Raphael gasped, when he felt the hand on his chest heat up. Then it wandered upwards, to his neck.

He choked, when those manicured fingers wrapped around his throat, painfully hot and threatening to suffocate him. He could feel the Hellfire crawling under Asmodeus' corporeal skin and the razor sharp claws beneath zir finger tips, more than ready to be unleashed onto their victim.

“I could kill you, Raphael”, ze purred. “Right here. Right now. Have my revenge and destroy you, just like I have always dreamed. I can feel just how weak you still are. One blow and your siblings would return to find your charred, lifeless shell, your soul completely destroyed.”

Raphael grinned lopsidedly: “But you won't.”

Asmodeus snickered: “You're right, my fondly loathed. I won't.”

Still the Archangel was grateful, when the demon finally let go.

“Let me see your back”, the Prince demanded.

Raphael frowned at zir peremptory tone, but let his sleeping gown slide off the shoulders.

He suppressed a shudder, when he felt Asmodeus' hand running down his spine and stopping right where he had been stabbed recently.

“I see, they left a scar”, ze observed. “Must have been quite a potent weapon.”

“I think it was”, the Archangel mumbled. “I needed almost a whole week to drag myself back to Heaven.”

“I'm surprised you even lived that long”, Asmodeus noted. “Azrael and Michael didn't manage to remove all of it, did they? Some of it is still in there. If I don't remove the rest, it will kill you sooner or later. Like a slow poison.”

This time he did tremble.

Because this thought did frighten him.

And trying to conceal it was futile; demons could sense fear.

Thankfully, Asmodeus didn't comment on it.

Suddenly the Prince applied a little pressure on the scar, making the Archangel gasp.

“I will drain the last bit of unholy essence out of you now. So brace yourself”, ze breathed into his ear. “Because this is going to hurt. A lot.”

Raphael gulped heavily and did as told.

But even the warning couldn't have prepared him for the sudden, searing hot pain in his back. It was similar to when he had been stabbed, but even more intense than that – it felt like the Archdemon's claws were digging into his flesh!

When ze brushed over a particularly sensitive spot, he screamed in agony.

Asmodeus snickered into his ear and the Archangel felt anger well up in his chest; of course that bastard was enjoying this! Surely ze was taking zir time to make him suffer as much as possible!

After a while, he finally felt something being drained out of him and for a moment it hurt even worse.

Then, before Raphael knew it, the pain was gone and he collapsed into Asmodeus' arms, trembling and gasping for breath.

“There, there”, the Prince cooed and embraced him from behind with one arm. “All better already. That wasn't so bad now, was it?”

“Not so bad?!”, he gasped. “It was worse than when I got stabbed! What in Heaven did you do, sink your claws into my corporation and dig around in my flesh?!”

The Archdemon chuckled: “Felt like it, didn't it? But no, my dearly detested. Exorcising Hellfire is just that painful – at least for humans and angels. But worry not, it's inside of me, where it belongs.”

“You drew this out”, Raphael accused zir. “And revelled in my agony, like the sadist you are.”

Asmodeus smirked diabolically: “And you deserved every second of it. Oh don't make that face, Archangel”, ze added, when Raphael glowered up at zir. “Need I remind you of all the things you did to me in the past? And now you have smitten seven of my children. Their stunt was the epitome of stupid, but that's not the point. The point is, no one has more right to make you suffer than myself.”

Raphael wound himself out of zir arms and readjusted his sleeping gown.

“Why do you always act like getting tormented by you is a privilege?!”, he demanded to know.

The Archdemon chuckled: “Oh, I have many reasons! I'm a Prince of Hell, making people suffer is fun and most of all … you belong to me.”

Raphael's eyes grew hard. “I'm not your property, Asmodeus.”

“Oh, you keep telling yourself that, silly little Archangel! But I have claimed you and there is nothing you can do about it. If anyone but me dares to lay hand on you, I will let them see the worst side of me. My wife knows this, the other Princes know this and thanks to what I did to the culprits, the rest of Hell now knows too.”

Oh no.

“Asmodeus … what did you do to the survivors?”

“Oh, I killed them!”, ze said cheerfully. “They got ripped apart in mid-air and consumed by my shadows! Except for my surviving children, naturally – they just got manual labour and house arrest. And the entirety of my Circle witnessed it! After all, I had to make an example on the demons who dared to act against my orders. Oh, you should have seen it! More than three million demons, completely horrified, scrambling onto their chairs to get away from my shadow, blood and goo everywhere-”

“Please stop. I neither need nor want to hear the gory details.”

The Prince pouted. “You're such a killjoy!”

“There is nothing joyous in what you do.”

“Okay, rude! Ah, whatever, I still have a lot to tell you. And I want you to listen, because this is important.”

Before the Archangel could reply, Asmodeus' hand returned to his throat – what was that with zir sick obsession of choking people?!

“Just to make this clear”, ze snarled, “Now that I have saved your life, you're in my debt. So you better prepare for the day, when I'll collect it. For a Healer, you get into far more trouble than is good for you. Still, I want the entirety of Hell, Heaven and Earth to know, that it is solely my privilege to tempt, hurt or even kill you. You're mine, Raphael. Always have been, always will be. Whether you like it or not. And you should be grateful, because that also means you're under my protection. Still you better not get into such a situation again, because if I have to save your pathetic arse one more time, I will torment you to the point where you'll beg for death. Do you understand?”

The Archangel managed a little nod.

The Prince of Lust smiled – “Splendid!” – and let go.

Raphael coughed and gripped his own neck.

“Why the H-e-double-hockey-sticks do you always do this?!”, he rasped.

Asmodeus tilted zir head. “Why, whatever do you mean, my beloved nemesis?���

“Act like you're the only one who has some beef with me! Like you have a monopoly on being my enemy!”

Objectify me, others would have said, but Raphael knew Asmodeus too well. Ze was prideful and condescending and zir behaviour towards him often came across as objectifying, but he knew that the demon had a twisted, undefinable kind of respect for him that ze didn't have for any other angel or human. Even though Asmodeus' possessiveness towards him (that ze didn't exhibit over anyone else, not even zir wife and lover) was a more than dubious honour.

Asmodeus snickered: “Well, I wouldn't say I have a monopoly on being your enemy, but I definitely have one on being your nemesis. Azazel could escape his prison and I would still rip him to shreds, should he even attempt to harm you.”

“Wow, how very charming!”, the Archangel replied sarcastically, “Thank you! I'm touched!”

The Archdemon snorted. “Oh, you silly little Archangel! I love your sarcasm, it's just so … unangelic!”

Raphael scowled: “Leave, Asmodeus. Since you obviously have nothing more of importance to say, I will no longer put up with your taunting.”

Asmodeus chuckled: “As you wish. Not that I would've lingered much longer anyway. As I said before, being here in Heaven is pretty tough on me.”

Oh, praise to the Almighty!

“Oh, before I forget!”, ze cried and produced something from zir pocket. “I think this belongs to you?”

He blanched, when the Prince of Hell handed him a silver locket.

“How did you get your hands on this?!”, he croaked.

“One of your attackers snatched it, when they scrammed”, the Archdemon explained. “My children handed it over to me.”

The Archangel opened the locket to see, if anything was missing. But nothing was.

“The medallion of Yehudiel. The one she gifted to you, when you two got engaged.”

“How do you kn-”

“I'm surprised you still have it”, Asmodeus remarked. “After all this time.”

He clutched it to his chest, as he stared at the demon. “Asmodeus … what happened to her?”

“I don't know.”

It was a lie.

Tense silence fell over the two.

Eventually the Prince of Lust decided to show a little mercy. “Yehudiel is dead, silly little Archangel. That's all you need to know.”

So she had fallen.

Raphael wanted to ask zir, if ze knew who she was now, but Asmodeus clearly had no intention of answering that question. So he took it for now.

“Right … should you come across her, please say hello from me.”

Ze nodded. “I can do that.”

How strangely graceful.

The Prince of Lust stood with some effort and limped towards the door.

“Anyway … I will be on my way now. It was fun, my dearly detested. Say hi to your siblings from me, when you see them later.”

“Shall I say hi to Father from you too?”

For a moment Asmodeus lingered in the door frame.

“Do whatever you please. It doesn't matter to me. Goodbye, Raphael.”

Then ze was gone.

.

With owlish eyes Lilith watched her husband pace up and down the room.

Asmodeus had been doing this for hours, venting zir frustration about zir nemesis and about how “unimaginably dense” he was.

Zir anger was causing a hurricane to rage in their Circle, so powerful it was leaking through to the bordering Circles. This had to be a new record – Asmodeus was notorious for affecting the weather in the Second Circle with zir moods and the angrier ze was, the colder and stormier it got. This power was only second to Beelzebub's; the right hand of Lucifer himself was renowned for zir weather aspect.

She was tempted to tell zir to calm down and stop rambling about Archangel Raphael, but she knew that ze needed to get it off zir chest.

Asmodeus was too proud to do this often, too proud to even talk about zir earlier existence. It would have come off as nostalgic and sentimental and Lilith knew that her husband was anything but.

“That idiot is driving me insane!”, Asmodeus fumed. “I mean, come on! I served him the truth on a silver plate! Nobody else, except for maybe the Almighty, even knew about the relationship between Raphael and Yehudiel, let alone that they wanted to get married and gave each other a locket as token!”

Of course Lilith knew that.

She also knew that ze possessed a medallion similar to the one ze had returned to the Archangel. It was the only remnant of zir earlier existence that ze had kept. (Which was a bit odd, because she knew that her husband had long moved on – ze had never been one to dwell in the past, ze was living for the moment. It was one of the things she loved about zir.)

And she knew, that her spouse had been tempted to keep the piece of jewellery, after their children had handed it over to zir.

“He remembers that – I know he does! The shock on his face about me knowing this said it all! And he still didn't get it?! How the fuck did he not get it?! How can one possibly be that dense?! This is a new level of dumbassery! Even a human would have figured it out!”

Lilith coughed softly.

Sure, she had renounced her humanity all these millennia ago, but that didn't change the fact, that at some point she had possessed it. Beelzebub still called her a “being of clay”, when ze felt particularly jealous; ze and Asmodeus were lovers in a way, yet it was her Asmodeus had chosen to marry. Sometimes the Prince of Gluttony was still sour about it.

Her cough made her spouse stop dead in zir tracks.

“Do forgive me, my queen”, ze apologised. “That human remark was uncalled for.”

Lilith nodded gracefully.

Asmodeus tore at zir purple hair. “It's just … gha! How much more obvious could I possibly be?!”

“Maybe he does get it, deep down. Maybe he doesn't want to see the truth: that his fiancée has turned into one of the most vicious demons of Hell”, Lilith theorised, “I mean, if you suddenly turned back into an angel, I would flip my shit too. Probably be in denial as well. Because that wouldn't be the person I fell for and married. It wouldn't be you.”

Asmodeus smiled lopsidedly. “You're right, it wouldn't. While I remember everything, I can hardly believe, that I ever was pure-hearted, kind and beautiful. Not after more than six thousand years of being … this.”

Ze pointed at zirself.

Lilith tilted her head.

The King of Demons, as ze was also known, really wasn't beautiful by human, angelic or even demonic standards, at least not in zir current form.

Ze had three heads; one a black ram, one a black bull and a human one. The moon pale human face, a strange combination between beauty and hideous distortion: Asmodeus had very sharp cheek bones, purple lips, floating purple hair, razor sharp fangs and glacial turquoise eyes, that glowed red, when ze was passionate, enraged or upset. The Archdemon's androgynous body was covered in fluffy, black plumage and ze had the legs and feet of a bird of prey, lethal talons included. Not to mention the snake tale and the black hands with their long, clawed fingers. Then there were zir gigantic six wings, black-feathered with a pinkish hue and covered in eyeballs.

And this was just one of zir many shapes – some were even more frightening.

To Lilith her spouse was the most beautiful thing in the world, no matter what ze looked like.

She fluttered up (she just was so tiny next to zir) and gave zir a peck on the human-like cheek.

A light pink dusted Asmodeus' cheeks and ze giggled stupidly.

Cute.

Within seconds she found herself wrapped into zir wings and arms and they were cuddling.

“To me you're perfect, my husband”, she cooed, “No matter what you look like.”

“Oh, how I adore you so, my queen”, ze purred, “My soulmate, my perfect equal, best of all women and of all man- and demon-kind. You, who always let me be free and who is so perfectly suited for me. You, who won the heart of the Morningstar and still chose me.”

“My dear king”, she hooted quietly, “You, who could choose anyone as zir wife and wed a being of clay, who divorced two husbands. My very special person, who never treated me as anything less than zir equal, never asked me to submit to you and never laid chains on me.”

She took her human face to kiss her spouse on the lips.

Asmodeus kissed back with passion.

What followed was passionate lovemaking between two immensely powerful demons.

.

Meanwhile the demons and the dead sinners of the Second Circle noticed another rapid weather change, this time for the better.

“Ah, our Prince and his queen are fucking again”, one of the Fallen noted.

“Oh thank Satan!”, another sighed. “If anyone can soothe zir Highness's temper, it's Queen Lilith!”

“Let's hope this will last”, a Succubus remarked, “Father has been in such a measly mood lately, ze really needs to calm down and cheer up.”

.

“Whoa!”, Asmodeus gasped afterwards. “Six thousand years and still no one can sate my lust and make me see stars like you can!”

Lilith giggled: “Ditto, my dear!”

They lay like this for a bit longer, before the Prince of Lust noticed a cunning gleam in zir wife's owlish eyes.

“What are you plotting, my queen?”, ze smirked.

“Oh, I just had an idea!”, she tittered. “I think you should tell him flat-out the truth.”

Asmodeus caught on, but groaned: “Uuugh, way to bring Raphael into the afterglow, Lilith!”

“No, no, hear me out! Reveal yourself to him! Show him your fallen form! Don't you want to see the despair on his face, when he discovers, that his beloved fiancée is now his worst enemy?”

Oh.

Oh!

Ze beamed at her: “You're right! This would be … oh, so fantastic! The perfect revenge! Oh, the very thought turns me on again!”

The infanticidal owl demon cackled: “Alright, round ninety-nine it is!”

“Hell yeah!!”

.

After another day of bed rest, Raphael was finally allowed to resume his duties.

The other Archangels had been surprised, when he had given them the details of his nemesis' visit.

“So that's why the Almighty allowed Asmodeus to visit you!”, Uriel cried out, “I can't believe that didn't occur to me!”

“I told you all, God had a good reason to let this happen!”, Azrael proclaimed proudly, “But as usual you had to freak out, before thinking stuff over.”

Uriel rolled their eyes: “Yes, yes, I admit it, I overreacted and you were right about everything. Happy now?”

The Archangel of Death nodded in satisfaction. “Very.”

“Still kinda ironic, though”, Gabriel mused. “That Asmodeus would be the one to save Raphael's life. I mean, everybody knows that ze wants to murder him really, really hard.”

Raphael smiled lopsidedly: “That's true. But killing me here would have been suicidal. And Asmodeus loves zir life.”

“Speaking of zir”, Michael spoke up, “Do you happen to know, who ze used to be?”

Raphael shook his head. “No. And honestly, I never thought I needed that knowledge. But ever since ze gave me back my fiancée's gift, I'm starting to think … maybe I do need to know.”

Suddenly he had an idea.

“You guys remember everything or at least know, right? Can't you tell me?”

Everyone looked first at Michael, who shifted uncomfortably.

Then at Gabriel, who promptly turned away.

Azrael shrugged, even though she clearly knew.

It was Uriel, who gave in, but instead of answering his question, they just asked: “Raphael, why don't you just ask Asmodeus zirself?”

The Archangel of Healing huffed in exasperation: “I've already tried that several times, ze doesn't want to tell me anything! Ze didn't even give me a clear answer, when I asked zir what happened to Yehudiel!”

The other Archangels pricked up their ears.

“What did Asmodeus say?”, Michael wanted to know.

“'Yehudiel is dead, silly little Archangel. That's all you need to know.'”, Raphael parroted Asmodeus' sultry voice. “Gha! I hate how ze is always so flirty and forward, yet when it comes to zir past, ze always gets vague and elusive! I just have to mention it and ze gets either cagey or angry! The only thing I know about zir, is that ze was a Seraph and that ze was always close to Lucifer!”

The Healer sighed and flopped back onto his chair. “I'm sick of all this secrecy! I want to know the truth! Is that too much to ask?!”

The other Archangels exchanged even more awkward glances.

Finally Uriel took some pity on their sibling and pat his shoulder. “You know, Raphael … I think you should try one more time. Confront zir and this time be adamant about it. Don't let zir leave, before ze has told you everything. No matter how many temper tantrums ze throws, put your foot down. You're self-assertive, you can do that.”

Raphael beamed at the hoary Archangel: “You're right, Uriel! That's what I'll do!”

His mind was made up.

This time he wouldn't let Asmodeus get away, before ze had told him everything.

Because that wily arsehole had answers and Raphael wanted them.

.

---

.

1) Raphael literally means "God heals" in Hebrew. 2) Abaddon means "Destruction" in Hebrew and is the name of a place in the underworld, where the damned are punished. It's the bottomless pit, where Satan and his followers will be incarcerated following Armageddon, but it's also the name of the angel in charge of it, hence the epithet "Angel of the Abyss". He's said to be in charge of an army of monstrous-looking locusts. Sources vary on who exactly that angel is. I headcanon, that God created an angel from the abyss, named him after the place and gave him the key to watch over it. 3) Limbo is traditionally the place, where "virtuous heathens" would go, people who had lived a virtuous life or just had died with no other guilt than not having been baptised. Some people believed that unbaptised children would also go there, but this view was contested even from the early Middle Ages, on account of them being innocent babies. The Catholic Church established a few decades ago, that unbaptised children have a place in Paradise. In fact, the very concept of the Limbo was never included into the official canon, but obviously it has always been an influencial and popular idea, ever since it was first conceived. 4) If you're stumbling over the Incubus being a female, the reason is that incubus derives from the Latin word "incubare" ("to lie on"). So, despite the tradition that Incubi are always male, it would technically be more accurate to say they're always tops, regardless of gender. In kind, Succubi are always bottoms, when you go by that logic, since "succumbere" means "to lie beneath" in Latin. 5) In the Book of Tobit, Asmodeus plagues a girl named Sarah and kills her first seven husbands, before they can sleep with her. It's never stated, why ze does this. In the Testament of Solomon, Asmodeus tells Solomon that this is part of zir job. But it could also be that ze's obsessed with Sarah or acts as some kind of guard and kills the husbands, because they feel more lust than love for her (I think it's the obsession thing, as well as the job). Ze is later driven away by Tobias under the instructions of Archangel Raphael. Raphael pursues Asmodeus down to Egypt, binds zir and in some versions either imprisons zir in the Red Sea or strangles zir. 6) Lilith was Adam's first companion, but she dumped him, grew wings and flew away, refusing to submit to him. God sent three angels, who asked her to return to Eden, but she refused and furthermore declared, that she would become a demon, who harms babies. So God was like "Well, if you're gonna be like that, fine, but you'll lose 100 of your own children each day." And Lilith was like "Fine." (As ridiculous as this sounds, this is canon! The Alphabet of Ben-Sira also says, that she is driven away from babies by the names of the angels, who spoke to her) 7) The Dictionnaire Infernal by Collin de Plancy states, that Asmodeus rides a lion with the wings and neck of a dragon. I decided to name her Lyssa, after the ancient Greek personification of furious anger, as another nod to Asmodeus' wrathful aspect. 8) Azrael means "Help from God/God helps" in Hebrew. 9) I've been inspired to this by the fact that I've stumbled over several entities of death/destruction in modern media, who have a fondness for human food. So my version of the Angel of Death loves sweet, hot beverages. God allows His angels to treat themselves once in a while, as long as it's not too self-indulgent. Bonus: I will not apologise for the "Luci-fuck" pun. :P

[just-jordie-things]

I Need You - Nicholas Scratch

word count: 8798 warnings: swearing summary: Nick and (y/n) had been at each other’s throats since forever, but a certain blonde witch helps them realize their real feelings ___

(y/n) was ready to walk back to her private dorm room and pass out.  She’d spent all week studying her ass off for the Witches Final that was at the end of next week.  The exam would likely be the most important thing she’s ever done, as it would decide if she could have a future working at the Academy of the Unseen Arts, or if she would have to live the ordinary life as a witch among mortals.

She desperately wanted a role in the Academy, perhaps as an advisor or professor, she wasn’t sure.  But the Academy was all she knew, she’d barely stepped foot in the outside world.  Being a witch, and actively practicing her trade.  Leaving when her schooling was over simply wasn’t an option.

She unlocked her door, relieved to be in the small room she called home, and dropped her bag by the door before shutting it behind her.

Before she could take another step, she found herself trapped.

The witch groaned before looking down, finding a special marking on her floorboards, designed just for keeping a witch in place.  She was bound by the circle drawn in what she could only assume was blood, and she knew right away who’d done this.  The Weird Sisters, of course.  Who else would want to keep her trapped in her own room for no particular reason?

She knew that she wouldn’t be able to use her own magic to get out of this, and was reluctant to summon the only person she knew who could get her out of this.  Muttering a summoning spell, she brought him to her room.  And in an instant, Nicholas Scratch  was standing in front of her.  He looked surprised, if only for a moment, before he smirked at her predicament.

“I could use your help,” She sighed, gesturing down towards the the trap she was currently standing in.  “And before you make fun of me, just please get me out of it first”

“Make fun of you?” Nicholas asked suggestively, already forming is hands into the proper placement to undo the blood drawn prison’s power.  “(y/n), I would never” He said teasingly.  (y/n) rolled her eyes, praying to the Dark Lord to give her the strength not to attack him when he set her free.

Nick and (y/n’s) friendship was a rocky one, and rather confusing.  They bickered and teased one another relentlessly, but at the end of the day, could always count on one another.  For the most part, it made sense to them.  It was others around them that couldn’t understand their dynamic.

Nicholas recited the reversal spell with ease, and she stepped out of the trap right away, almost running straight into him, had he not stepped back and grabbed onto her arms to steady her.

“Falling for me now too (y/l/n)?” He asked playfully, and (y/n) scoffed with a laugh.

“You wish, Scratch,” She sassed him back, already using a cleaning spell to get rid of the blood on her floor.  “But I would never waste my time so colossally”

“Waste your time? Who just came here and helped you out of that mess?” Nick replied, a cunning smile on his face as he knew he’d won this argument, if you could even call it that.  “Care to explain this by the way?”

“No, I don’t,” She answered, a deviantly sweet smile on her lips as she pat his chest before walking past him.  “Now, if you don’t mind seeing yourself out, I have a nap to get to”

Nicholas chuckled, but she was already crawling into bed.

“You’re welcome, by the way”, He said, heading to her door.  (y/n) hummed what he assumed was a ‘thank you’ but it could’ve been ‘fuck you’.  He shut the lights off at the door.  “Goodnight” He joked before leaving.

“G’night” She mumbled back, too exhausted from her day to come up with something witty in response. ___

“How was it getting to your room last night, (y/n)?” Prudence asked as she passed by (y/n’s) lunch table, where she was sitting with Nick and Sabrina across from her.

“Why do you have to be such a bitch all the time, Pru?” Nick asked, looking up at the witch expectantly.

“I don’t know Nicky, why do you have to be such a warlock slut all the time?” Prudence responded, making her sisters giggle.  But it didn’t stop the way their eyes raked over Nick like he was a fresh piece of meat waiting to be bitten into.

“Maybe go sit at your own table, Prudence, before I hex all your teeth to fall out” (y/n) snapped, glaring up at the girls and begging them to say something snippy back at her.

With a hmph, Prudence and her girls walked off, leaving (y/n) at her table to scoff and pick at her food.

“Are we ever going to have a normal day here? No.  I don’t know why I’m taking this exam,” She sighed.

“What exam?” Sabrina asked curiously before biting into a blood red apple.

“The Witches Final,” (y/n) answered.  “If I pass it with a high enough grade, I can remain at the Academy, get a steady job, have a place to live, all in one package”

“That sounds perfect for you, you’d make an excellent teacher,” Sabrina grinned at her witch friend.  “You’re always teaching me stuff, right now you’re teaching me stuff” (y/n) laughed quietly, nodding her head a bit before stabbing a piece of her vegetables with her fork.

“Yes.  Except that this is the most corrupt and poorly handled school in all of history” (y/n) monotoned to show her displeasure.  

“Perhaps if you weren’t so negative, it wouldn’t seem so bad,” Nick suggested, folding his arms over the table as he gave her a shit eating grin.  (y/n) just narrowed her eyes at him before turning back to Sabrina.

“I love and hate this place”

“Well, if you pass the final and get to stay here, you could make it better” Sabrina said optimistically.  “Personally, I think the place needs more windows, but that’s just me” She added with a shrug of her shoulders.  (y/n) laughed at her, and realized how much she really enjoyed her presence.  Ever since Sabrina showed up, there had been nothing but trouble chasing her.  But she really was a pure of heart soul- not to mention an absolute sweetheart.

“Yeah, well, I’ll see what I can do,” (y/n) replied.  “But I have to pass first.  And if I don’t, I’ll be stuck in the mortal world”

“Mortal world?” Sabrina repeated, a silly smile pulling on her lips.  “You meen Greendale?”

“Around here we just call it shithole” Nick chimed in, making (y/n) laugh again, nodding her head.

“Hey!” Sabrina whined in offense, hitting Nick’s bicep.  “Greendale is beautiful, you can’t say anything because you’ve never been”

And just as she spoke, her face lit up, looking between her new friends with bright eyes.

“I have the best idea!” She squealed, her feet tapping against the floor as she couldn’t contain her excitement.  “Why don’t I take you guys to town?”

Both (y/n) and Nick winced at the idea, but didn’t say anything as not to hurt the girl’s feelings.

“Oh come on, it’ll be fun! I can show you around, you can get a feel for the ‘mortal world’ and we can get to know each other better!”

(y/n) sighed softly, but the look on her face told Sabrina she’d already agreed.  “Fine” She gave in, much to Sabrina’s delight.

“Oh my Satan this is going to be so fun!” She said, taking (y/n’s) hands and squeezing them before releasing them and turning to Nick.  “You’ll come too, right?” She asked.

“If her highness would grant me her permission?” He spoke, looking to (y/n) with a playful expression.  She rolled her eyes, leaning over the table a bit before him.

“You’re a grown boy, Nick, you can do whatever the Heaven you want” She remarked, and went back to eating her lunch.

“Sounds like I’ll be there then” He smirked, and Sabrina clapped her hands.

“Wonderful!”

“Perfect” (y/n) monotoned.

“Excellent” Nick spoke, staring down (y/n) with inquisitive eyes.

It was going to be one Heaven of an evening. ___

(y/n) had just decided on an outfit when Sabrina knocked on her door.  She quickly rushed over to answer it, happily letting her in.  Surprisingly, Nick was already with her.

“Thank the Dark Lord you’re here, do I look okay?” (y/n) asked, looking down at her own outfit skeptically.

She was in a knitted black skirt with a faint red plaid design, and a long sleeved fitted black shirt with the shoulders cut out and a collar.  Her lipstick matched the red in her skirt, and her hair was cascading naturally over her shoulders.  She even wore tall black knee socks

“Of course you do, it’s adorable.  Very witchy,” (y/n) giggled at the compliment and nodded, letting her guests come in while she slipped her shoes on and grabbed her messenger bookbag.  “Right, Nick?” Sabrina looked up at the warlock while (y/n) was turned away from them.

He glared down at the blonde witch as she nudged his stomach with her elbow teasingly.

When (y/n) turned around, wondering what they were doing, Sabrina straightened out and Nick wiped the look off his face.

“Enchanting” He finally answered Sabrina’s question, glancing at (y/n) up and down.  The witch in discussion crinkled her brows at his answer, but there was still a rosy blush on her cheeks that he felt lucky to have caught.

“Well, I’m ready to go,” (y/n) cleared her throat and headed for the door.  “What will we be doing first, Sabrina?” ___

“This is your house?” (y/n) asked as they walked towards the front steps.  She hung back just a few feet away, admiring the home, while Sabrina waited for her on the stairs leading up to the door.

“Yep,” She answered proudly.  “My Aunties and cousin will be excited to meet you.  I thought it’d be a good place to start”

(y/n) was still standing in the lawn and staring when Nick snapped his fingers in front of her face, making a frown settle on her face.

“I’m coming” She mumbled, pushing past him and following Sabrina into the house.

“Aunties!” She called out when they walked in.  She began to wander the house, looking for her relatives, while Nick and (y/n) hung back awkwardly at the front door.  “Ambrose?” Sabrina continued to yell and walk around.

(y/n) pushed her hands as far as they would go into the shallow pockets of her skirt.  Both from the nerves and the chilly weather that made her knuckles feel frigid.  Her and Nick shared a look while they stood in silence.

Finally, Sabrina came back, dragging a boy that looked to be a bit older than them behind her, and two women following.

“Well hello, Sabrina’s friends…” The boy spoke first, holding his hand out to (y/n) as soon as he laid eyes on her.  “I’m Ambrose” He introduced, but Nick felt that he was only speaking to (y/n).

“Don’t mind him, he’s on house arrest, aren’t you Ambrose?” Sabrina spoke up, making Ambrose drop (y/n’s) hand after shaking it for too long and back off a bit.  “Guys, this is (y/n) (y/l/n), and Nicholas Scratch” Sabrina proudly introduced her friends.

“Oh, Sabrina they seem lovely,” the woman with the short blonde hair and blue eye shadow spoke first, stepping forward to shake both of their hands.  “I’m Hilda, it’s so nice to meet you both”

“Nice to meet you too” (y/n) replied kindly.

“The pleasure's all mine” Nick said.  Never once did he turn off his charm.

“And this is my Aunt Zelda” Sabrina said, beckoning the woman to come forth and greet her friends.

“Nice to meet you” She said, refusing to shake hands soo that she could keep her ring that held her cigarette in place.  (y/n) and Nick nodded back.  This was well out of their comfort zones, especially (y/n’s).

“Well, we’re gonna get going because we have a lot to do in one night,” Sabrina said, hugging her Aunt Hilda goodbye.  “I just wanted you guys to meet”

“Be safe dear” Hilda said sweetly.

“Don’t forget to get back to the Academy before curfew” Zelda added.

“And come by with your friends again soon” Ambrose said, making sure to look (y/n) up and down before Nick opened the door so they could all get going.

“Bye!” Sabrina waved before heading back outside to walk into town.  Once the door was shut, she grabbed (y/n’s) arm.  “I’m sorry about Ambrose, he doesn’t know how to keep to himself”

(y/n) chuckled and shook her head.  “It’s alright, I thought he was charming” She assured.

“Where are we going now?” Nicholas asked before the conversation could go any further.

“We’re going to my favorite place, and I guarantee you guys will love it too” ___

The trio walked into a warm building, and (y/n) began to rub her hands together as he smiled in relief that it was heated.

“Welcome to Cerberus's!” Sabrina said, facing them and putting her hands in the air.  “It’s a bookstore and a cafe”

“Ooh” (y/n) cooed, wandering over to the register where the coffee menu was.  Her eyes eagerly read over the menu while Nick and Sabrina hung back for a moment.

“She’s pretty cold, you could give her your jacket you know” Sabrina suggested to the warlock, who stared back at her unamused.

“I don’t know why you insist that I have a crush on (y/n),” He shook his head.  “Witches and warlocks don’t get crushes like mortals do” He began to walk towards where (y/n) was standing, and Sabrina caught up next to him.

“Then why do you look at her like that?” She said suggestively, and Nick shrugged his shoulders, although, he didn’t look away from (y/n) as he spoke.

“Like what?”

Sabrina rolled her eyes, and left him to stand with (y/n).  Just in time, as she’d begun to order a drink.

“I’ll take one melted mocha please-”

“Hot chocolate!” Sabrina chirped to the man working at the register, who’d looked very confused by (y/n’s) order.  “She’d like a medium hot chocolate, I’ll buy it”

“You don’t have to-”

“My treat,” Sabrina said, waving a dismissive hand as she pulled out three dollars to pay for it already.  When the man walked away to make it, she whispered to (y/n).  “And in the mortal world, we call it hot chocolate.  Because here, we don’t use pyrokinesis to melt the chocolate” She explained quietly.

“Oh,” (y/n) hummed and nodded in understanding.  When Sabrina paid the man, (y/n) leaned over to Nick.  “You were right when you said mortals were a bit boring”

He chuckled, smiling down at her.  “Did you just admit that I was right?” He asked, and she already regretted saying something, walking back up to take her drink from the counter and thank the man who made it.

The three wandered throughout the store, glancing around at the posters and trinkets that were littered everywhere.  Sabrina had been explaining to (y/n) how her Aunt Hilda had begun working here, and believed that she’d fallen for the owner, Doctor Cerberus.

“That’s sweet” (y/n) commented as she took a sip of her hot drink and curiously looked at each book on the shelf they were standing by.  Nicholas had gotten too excited by the occult section, and made his way to search through it, leaving the girls behind.

“You think so?” Sabrina asked, and (y/n) could tell that she was brewing something up in that blonde head of hers.

“Yes?” (y/n) replied, looking away from the books and quirked an eyebrow at Sabrina.  “Why do I get the feeling you’re plotting right now?”

“I was just curious.  Nicholas has told me that witches don’t get… well, that they don’t fall in love the way mortals do” Sabrina said, prying (y/n) without her even realizing it.

“Well of course we don’t,” (y/n) said, not catching on to what Sabrina was putting together, and instead brushing it off as another thing she hadn’t learned about the other part of her world.  “When we feel things, it’s so much more… powerful… I think, than mortals” (y/n) explained.  Sabrina’s eyes widened with awe.

“Really?” She asked, and (y/n) nodded.  “That’s beautiful” (y/n) furrowed her brows at the comment.

“I guess I never really thought of it that way,” She mumbled, her eyes catching on a book, and pulling it off the shelf.  “When I lost my baby sister a few years ago, the pain that I felt was so agonizing, that my parents hexed me to keep me from throwing up” She told Sabrina, who frowned.

“I didn’t know you lost someone, (y/n),” The blonde witch said softly, placing a hand overtop of hers.  “I’m so sorry”

“It’s okay, I’m much better now,” (y/n) assured.  She kept the book in her hands, deciding to buy it as a memory of coming here.  “But I guess, if a witch were to ever fall in love, the feeling would be just as strong, and… beautiful” She repeated Sabrina’s word with a small smile on her face.  Her eyes wandered across the store, an enamored look on her face.

Sabrina turned to see where (y/n) was smiling fondly at, and sure enough, there was Nicholas.  Stacking book upon book in his arms from the occult section.  Sabrina grinned as she looked back to (y/n), about to say something cute, but (y/n) was already walking over to join him.

“I know your muscles are probably handling this, but do you want help?” (y/n) asked with a smirk on her face as Nick looked over to her in surprise, not having seen her appear.

“Satan bless you” He muttered, letting her take the top half of the books he’d picked out.  He probably had eight of them all together, and (y/n) giggled as he still continued to look through the shelves for more.

“Don’t you think this is enough for now? Seeing as you’ll have to carry them back to the Academy later?” (y/n) asked, and he stopped in his motions, a frown forming on his lips.

“You’re right” He muttered.

“Did you just admit I was right?” She teased, a grin on her face.  But when he looked at her, instead of glaring, he just smiled back.  A small nervous laugh escaped her lips as she looked away, down at the stack of books in her hands, her drink sitting on top, balancing perfectly.

“You two ready to hit the register and go to the next spot?” Sabrina called, a knowing look o her face as she interrupted their silent moment.

After Nick paid for his books, he put them in (y/n’s) bag with her own book that she’d found, and enchanted it so it didn’t feel near as heavy as it actually was.

“I really liked that place Brina,” (y/n) acknowledged as they left, using a nickname for Sabrina for the first time since meeting her.  The younger witch seemed to like it, because she smiled so wide her eyes crinkled a bit.  “I think I’d even go back sometime”

“Really?” Sabrina asked hopefully.

“Perhaps.  If I fail the Witches Final and have to live here” Sabrina rolled her eyes playfully.

“Well, if that wasn’t enough for you, just wait for this next part,” Sabrina said, pointing just up the street.  “It’s not too far.  And it’s almost sunset, which makes it perfect”

“What is it?” Nick asked.

“That would ruin the surprise” Sabrina replied, and they walked a bit further up the street.

(y/n) had her hands wrapped around the paper cup that held the last few sips of her drink, desperately trying to use it to keep warm.  She wished that she’d thought through her outfit more, and worn a coat.  Most of her legs were exposed due to the skirt, and her fingers felt rigid and bony as the cold nipped at them.

“Here it is!” Sabrina announced, running through a gated area.

Inside (y/n) could see the flat green plain of grass, with an abundance of flowers and bushes and plants growing inside, and in the distance, apple trees.  A smile crept onto her face as she looked up, finding the metal gates had a metal beam bent and twisted to spell out Greendale Gardens.

She eagerly walked in, forgetting about the cold for a few moments as she admired each and every flower she passed.  And of course she knew them all, botany was one of her strongest subjects at the Academy.

“Sabrina, this is just beautiful- oh look! They’ve even got fire lilies!” The beam on her face was glowing as she stooped down to admire the orange flowers, fingertips gently stroking over a few of their petals.

Before moving on, she mumbled a short incantation to make sure they’d live through the spring, so they could bloom beautifully when summer came.

“It’s so difficult to grow them here,” (y/n) said to Sabrina as she caught up to her.  Nick hung back a bit as they talked, but listened in amusement as (y/n) went on about the flower.  “They need partial shade, but it’s always so cloudy in this area that it’s difficult to give them any sun at all”

“Unless you have the gardening cheat codes like you do” Sabrina joked, and they both giggled to themselves.

“Sabrina this is just… it’s absolutely beautiful.  I can’t imagine any place being better than this one, I could stay here forever”

“You could?” Sabrina smiled happily.  She’d known that (y/n) was reluctant to come into town, much less to even think about living here one day.  It made her glad to know that she’d changed her mind on the mortal world.

“I could,” (y/n) nodded.  “I’m so sorry for making fun of it earlier, I’m happy to have given it a chance”

Sabrina kept on walking, off to admire the place she’d had pictures for the junior prom taken with her friends months ago.  (y/n) stayed put, kneeling down by a patch of edelweisses and pansies.  She’d always found them to be a cute flower.

“Hey, (y/n),” She heard Nick’s voice call gently, and looked up to see him standing beside her, weaving together a few stems of a couple of already bloomed fire lilies.  

Her expression fell, not of sadness, but of surprise.  He was making a small flower crown of her favorite flowers.  He held his hand out, and she gradually set her palm in his, letting him help her up to her feet.  His eyes were still focused on the flowers as he put together the finishing touch to get them to stay bound together.  And when he finished, and was satisfied with his work, he carefully placed it in her hair on top of her head.

(y/n) was staring at him with round and analytical eyes while he adjusted the crown on her head.  He still had yet to really look on her, too concentrated on perfecting his work.  When he was proud of the placement, he smiled, and finally met her eyes.

Her own smile was slow to spread across her lips, and she was suddenly very aware of how close he was standing.

“When did you learn how to do that?” She murmured, her fingers reaching up to gently pat the three flowers that now rested on top of her head.  He shrugged, glancing from the flowers and then back to her eyes.

“I don’t know, sometime while not paying attention in Botany 101” He joked a bit, but the laugh that came from her was quiet and faint.  Her eyes were darting in between his, not knowing what to say, but needing to get rid of this silence before it drove her insane.

“You guys want to see my Prom pictures from here?” Sabrina asked, pulling out her phone and wandering over to the two.  When she looked up, she grinned at (y/n).  “Well look at you, Queen of Hell, that’s so pretty”

(y/n) blushed and thanked her quietly, fingers playing with the now empty cup still in her hands.

They spent a while sitting in the grass and flipping through Sabrina’s pictures from Prom, waiting for the sun to set.

“I can’t beleive Prom is a real thing,” Nick said, “I always thought it was just a mortal myth”

“Oh, it’s real.  And it’s amazing.  I should do something so that the Academy has one too!” She thought aloud, and (y/n) laughed, but shook her head.

“They would just ruin it.  You should cherish the traditions you have with this part of your world.  That’s why you appreciate them so much, isn’t it? Because it’s that part of you?” (y/n) asked.

“I suppose so,” Sabrina shrugged, thinking about it for a moment.  “But still, it would be fun.  And then you guys could experience it too”

“Mm,” (y/n) hummed, and pulled her legs to her chest to preserve what little warmth she had.  “Father Blackwood would just turn it into something it’s not.  Sacrifice the Prom Goddess, everyone has sex, sounds like the mortal version would be much more fun.  And safe”

“First, it’s Prom Queen,” Sabrina chuckled, liking the way (y/n) called some of the things in the mortal world.  “And-”

“And second, what’s wrong with everyone having sex? I say we help Sabrina get us a prom” Nick cut in with a mischievous smile.  (y/n) rolled her eyes at him, whacking him with the back of her hand like it was second nature.

“Were you Prom Queen?” (y/n) asked, changing the subject a bit.  “Did you go with… what’s his name again?”

“Harry”

“Harvey,” Sabrina answered, glaring at Nick.  “And yes, we did go together.  But we weren’t Prom King and Queen.  That’s more of a popularity contest than a couples one,” She said.  And then looked at (y/n) with a bold smile.  “We would’ve won if it was”

The three laughed quietly to themselves, and sat in a comfortable silence as they watched the sun set, just over the horizon of the apple orchard.  The sky was painted in brilliant streaks of pink and orange and purple, and the three laid back in the grass, lazily watching it happen above them.

(y/n) was very aware of her arm next to Nick’s, just lying in the grass casually.  Her fingers had been gently swirling around the feathery blades of grass, enjoying the way they softly tickled her fingers.  But every once in a while, as she made this motion, her hand brushed against Nick’s.

Sabrina, who was sat on the other side of (y/n), had decided she wasn’t going to interrupt this time.  That they could lay here until one of them got bored and asked what was next.

(y/n) swore that Nick was moving his hand just a little bit closer to hers, because their touches happened far more frequently.  Until she was no longer circling her fingers around the blades of grass, but in his open palm.  Drawing small but intricate designs blindly as their eyes remained on the sky, that was getting darker by the minutes.

Her heart was racing in her chest, she wasn’t sure why, at the idea of tracing her index finger along the creases on his palm, and trailing up his fingertips, where it became very easy to slot her fingers in between his.  And it was easy.  His fingers curled over the back of her hand comfortably, and his thumb caressed hers.

It was nice, laying in the dark, watching the night sky, and holding hands with Nicholas Scratch.  She didn’t think it would be this nice, but it was.

They lied there for what felt like hours.  (y/n’s) eyes had even fallen shut as her whole body calmed in the soft grass with Nicholas stroking the back of her hand.  This Garden had brought her a peace she didn’t know she needed.

“Is there anywhere left to go on your list, Sabrina?” Nick asked, breaking the silence after a long period of time.

“One more spot, and we’ll have time to hang around there before the witching hour”

The witching hour was their curfew, and if they didn’t make it back to the school on time, they’d be locked out until dawn.  No other punishment would come to them, besides having to find somewhere to sleep for the night.  But it was still important to make it back on time.

“What time is it?” (y/n) asked tiredly.  All of the relaxation that had settled in had made her very drowsy.

“Almost midnight” Nick answered.  She dared a glance over to him, only meeting his eyes for a few moments before she looked back to the sky.

“We can get going, if you want, Sabrina” (y/n) suggested.

“Alright,” Sabrina answered, sitting up.  (y/n) pulled her hand out of Nick’s before the witch could see, but she wished she hadn’t.  Her hand felt cold without the warmth from his hold right away.  “Should we head on then?” She asked.

(y/n) nodded, opting not to say anything as she pulled her hands into the sleeve of her shirt to try to regain the warmth.

The three began to walk again, (y/n) throwing away her cup so she could wrap her arms around herself, moving quickly as an attempt to generate some sort of heat.

“Wherever it is you’re taking us next, it better be heated” (y/n) grumbled to Sabrina, who laughed.

“It is,” She assured her.  “And it’s not too much further away”

“Good”

Nick laughed to himself as he looked at her, holding herself to stay warm.  She narrowed her eyes back at him, but it wasn’t her usual glare, because there was a small smile on her lips.

“Here, you baby,” He shrugged off his black coat and draped it over her shoulders.  And again, she stared at him like it was the first time she’d ever looked at him.  “What? Don’t make it a thing and just take it” She laughed a bit and nodded, putting her hands up in surrender before taking the lapels of the coat in her hands to hold in front of her chest, keeping it mostly closed and warming up.

“Thank you” She told him, and he nodded in return, sticking his hands in his pockets.

Sabrina smiled to herself as they continued walking.  She’d be damned if she didn’t get these two together by the end of the night.  She didn’t understand why they weren’t already, there was obviously something there, underneath all the bickering and stubbornness that they used as a front, there were real feelings.

And then it dawned on her.  Maybe, just maybe, they hadn’t known of their own feelings, hadn’t realized what they were and what they meant yet.

Sabrina wouldn’t want to put him out of business, but she was ready to play Cupid. ___

“Is this… your high school?” Nick asked as they approached the last building she wanted to show them.  Sabrina grinned and nodded her head.

“It sure is.  Welcome to Baxter High” She said, and began to race up the front steps.  (y/n) and Nick gave each other unamused looks as they walked up the steps much less enthusiastically.

“You really wanted to bring us here?” (y/n) complained when they walked through the entrance.  It looked just like an average, run down high school.  Linoleum tiles on the floor, bland metal lockers lined the walls.

Sabrina cast a spell to bring the school to life, turning on some of the lights and playing music throughout the halls.  (y/n) looked a little more impressed after that.

“Alright.  It’s still ugly, but this is better” She said, taking Nick’s jacket off and giving it back to him.  She took her bag off her shoulder too, setting it by the lockers at the front.

“Ugly?” Sabrina asked, feigning offense.

“I have to agree with (y/n) on this one, it’s certainly not a school of… design” Nick said, and (y/n) grinned at him.

“Now you’re agreeing with me? Who are you and where’s the Nicholas Scratch I know?” She pestered him, and when she nudged him gently he nudged back.

“He’s figuring some shit out right now” He hummed, only for her to hear, as they followed Sabrina.  She seemed to know where she wanted to go, while the other two just pretended to enjoy the pictures and paintings on the walls.

(y/n) couldn’t help but wonder what it was that Nick was figuring out.  It made her mind buzz with thoughts and assumptions… hopes.  It felt like her heart was about to burst right through her chest with every heavy beat.

“This is the gym” Sabrina announced as they walked past it.  (y/n) winced as she looked in through the windows.

“It looks awful” She muttered.

“It is,” Sabrina replied with a giggle.  “But I wanted to show you guys the best spot!”

“Harvey’s truck where you makeout?” (y/n) had meant to only say it to herself, under her breath, but clearly Sabrina heard, as she huffed loudly.

“No,” She elongated the word.  “The library!” Just as she’d exclaimed the word, she pulled open the doors and flipped the lights on.  (y/n) chuckled, shaking her head as she glanced around.

“Sabrina Spellman, your whole mortal life is books and coffee” She said.  Sabrina hummed, but shrugged a shoulder, not really caring.

“It’s much cozier than the Academy” Nick commented, wandering in further to where there were a few small couches and cushioned chairs.  He fell into the couch, spreading his arms out along the back of it, while (y/n) admired the generous collection of books.

“It’s… quaint,” She commented, fingers dancing along the spines of different novels.  “I wish our school had more than just history books and spell books, I’d love to just read a story for once”

Nick watched her from where he sat, just enjoying being in her presence, before Sabrina stepped in front of his view.

“Checking her out again, Scratch?” She asked quietly, so (y/n) wouldn’t hear.

“Even if I was, leave me be, Spellman” He responded, setting his chin in his hand as he watched her walk along the aisle of books.  He had yet to decide if she was her most prettiest when looking at books, or the sunset.

“Why won’t you just admit to yourself that you like her? You’re obviously enamored with her, just tell her that”

“No, no that would mess up everything we have.  And I like what we have” He confessed.  Sabrina crinkled her brows, and scoffed aloud.

“You like arguing with her every chance you get?”

“No, I like bantering and being on each other’s nerves, she’s cute when she pretends to be annoyed with me.  I like our friendship because it’s weird, and it’s different, and she’s different from anyone else I’ve ever met”

“Well… wouldn’t you like it to be like that… but all the time?” Sabrina asked.  He hadn’t looked at the blonde witch in front of him yet, his eyes still glued on (y/n) as she looked around for a book.

“Maybe someday” He said quietly.  Sabrina was about to say something when (y/n) walked back over to the two.

“You guys weren’t gossiping about me, were you?” She asked, but she was just kidding around.

“I was just about to tell Spellman the time the Weird Sisters pulled that knotted rope trick on you, made you trip over your feet for a whole day,” Nicholas said, smirking as she scowled at him.  “You had to be there,” He said to Sabrina.  “She had to give an oral report in Demonology, pretty much presented the entire thing on the floor”

“It wasn’t that funny” (y/n) said while Nick began to laugh.

“It was hilarious” He argued back.

“Right, well, so I don’t have to be here while you two beat each other up, I’m gonna try and break into the kitchen to get us snacks,” Sabrina said, jerking a thumb over her shoulder.  “Try not to kill each other, and remember… a lot of people have been on that couch” She said, before taking off out of the library and somewhere unknown to them in the halls.

(y/n) and Nick looked at each other, before she went back to the shelves.

“I think I’m going to steal one of these,” She told him, looking through the plays and sonnets.  That section was often just used for classes that required those books to be read, but she was looking through each and every one.  “I just don’t know which one”

“You’re going to steal a library book?” Nick chuckled, and she looked over her shoulder at him.  He had angled himself sideways on the couch to be facing her, his elbow set on the armrest as he propped his head up.

“Yeah, why not?” She asked, going back to looking for a good read.  “Not like you haven’t done worse”

Finally, she pulled one out, and brought it back over to the area he was sitting.

“Why do you act like I treat you like I hate you?” He asked suddenly.  It wasn’t attacking, just a question, but it took her by such surprise that she froze up in her spot.

“What?” She mumbled out, her fingers curling firmly around her book.  Nick stood up from his seat as he spoke.

“I say rude things and pick on you sometimes, but I’m not the one hexing you, (y/n), I’m the one reversing the hexes. I’m the one telling Prudence and Dorcas and Agatha to fuck off, I’m the one sitting with you at lunch and helping you study for Conjuring, I’m the one reminding you that you’re going to pass the Witches Final because you’re so much more brilliant than you give yourself credit for”

She blinked as she stared at him her lips falling open to say something, but no words came out.  He’d walked closer to her with every word he said, and was now standing just in front of her.  She wasn’t sure what to say.

“I know…” She said softly, nervously.  “Thank you, Nick, really I… I don’t say it enough but I know you’re always there for me as much as you pretend to dislike me I… I know I can count on you to be there”

She took in a short and shaky breath before continuing.

“And the truth is I… I need you, Nick.  You’re important to me”

A smirk curled on the corner of his lips as he took a rather broad step forward.

She found herself bumping backwards into the stone fireplace, her eyes staring up at his, wondering what he was going to do next, hoping, praying, he would take advantage of their close proximity and kiss her.  All she could think about right now is what it would be like to kiss him.  Consequences be damned, she felt urgent to know.

“I really don’t hate you at all, you know,” He hummed.  If he moved forward even an inch, his nose would bump into hers.  “You’re far more captivating than you are infuriating,” His hand came up and his fingertips hesitantly traced along her jawline.  “Often times, you’re both”

She smiled at that, despite the nerves that had settled in her chest from his featherlight touch.

“You think you aren’t infuriating, Nicholas?” She asked, eyes flickering down to his lips, even if just for a moment.  “You’re always trying to provoke me”

“Like you don’t instigate” He replied with a slight shake of his head and roll of his eyes.

“Picking on me, poking me all the time” She added.

“Bothering me when I’m trying to study,” He remarked instantly.  Their voices were growing lower the more they spoke.  “Trying to make me mess up on spells- memorizing things”

“Teasing me,” (y/n) whispered so low, he only heard it because her breath fanned across his lips.  Her eyes fell to his mouth again, watching his lips twitch into a smirk as she murmured, “Like right now,” Their lips brushed together, almost as if on accident, but it sent a chill down her spine nonetheless.  “I don’t know what you’re doing…” She said breathlessly as her eyes fell shut in anticipation.  “But you better kiss me right now”

He smirked, and she could feel it on her lips.  Opening her eyes, she looked up to see his own piercing hers, dark, and alluring.

“Or what, (y/n)?” He muttered.  She made a small sound like a whine, before taking his collar and pushing herself on her toes to meet his lips in a kiss, deciding she’d have to be the one to take control first.

Their lips met and it was as if a burst of colors exploded behind their eyes.  Her hands were gripping his collar, while one of Nick’s was wrapped around her lower back, pulling her in close to him, his other hand laying gently across her jaw, making sure she wouldn’t pull away any sooner than she had to.

The kiss itself was rough and messy, full of pants and tongue, both of them filled with desperation hand lust.  (y/n) found herself running out of breath quickly, but not caring, in between each fervent kiss she was gasping quietly for air.

She suddenly realized she wasn’t cold anymore.

Nick’s hands wandered to her hips, warm fingers brushing under her shirt and caressing softly against the skin of her waist.  She loosely wrapped her arms around his neck, hands carding through his thick locks of curly hair.  Her jaw grew sore but she didn’t mind one bit.

“Sabrina’s… gonna come back…” She warned, in between kisses, but Nick just shook his head, nose bumping hers as he kissed along her jaw, until he found the sweet spot below her ear.

“Let her,” He murmured back, and she grinned in bliss, head tilting back against the wall, fingers secured in his hair, while he sucked a pretty purple love bite on her neck.  She could do this for hours.  “Hold on,” he told her, and before she could react, he teleported them just a few feet away, and she fell onto the couch with a surprised gasp, Nick overtop of her.

She was laughing as she looked up at him, hands sliding behind the nape of his neck as he was looking back down at her.  They just smiled at each other for a moment, before he took the flowers from her hair, and set it on the back of the couch.

“You’re much less annoying when you’re under me” Nick murmured, leaning down close to her lips, but not quite kissing her yet.

“Oh yeah?” She replied, nose sliding against his.

“Mhm,” He hummed, and pressed a hot open mouthed kiss against her lips, making her hands grip to his shoulders, but he pulled away.  “And sexier too”

“Shut up” She giggled, face and chest hot as she took him by the face and pulled him down on top of her, kissing him breathlessly.  His hips pressed down into hers.

Her hands were just starting to slip under her shirt when they heard the library doors open, and they parted, sharing a panicked look before shooting upwards and sitting on opposite sides of the couch, adjusting themselves.

“So all I could find was Jell-O, but that’s something at least,” Sabrina said as she walked in.  “Oh look, you didn’t kill each other” The blonde witch grinned playfully as she handed the each a Jell-O cup and a plastic spoon.

Nick was straightening his collar, and (y/n) tugged her skirt down her legs a bit.  Sabrina caught this, but didn’t mention it.

“Thanks” Nick said, almost gruffly, as he tore the lid off and began to shovel in the gelatin.  Sabrina’s eyes widened at the action, looking to (y/n) in surprise, but (y/n) was focused on putting her lilies back in her hair.

The three ate in silence, avoiding eye contact, besides Sabrina, who looked between the two skeptically.  Something had happened, that much she knew.

“So we should probably be walking back to the Academy-”

“Great idea!” (y/n) chirped before Sabrina could finish speaking, throwing away her plastic cup and spoon, and taking the book off the table she was set on stealing.  Sabrina watched the girl’s wild antics with a furrowed brow.

“Are you taking that?”

“She thought it’d be cool” Nicholas explained, not that it helped Sabrina’s understanding, but she just shook her head, deciding to ignore it.  (y/n) and Nick’s eyes met for a moment, before she looked away and walked next to Sabrina out of the library.

The three walked out of the school, (y/n) grabbing her bag by the front door and adding her new book to it.  

“Did you like Greendale?” Sabrina asked hopefully, and her friends nodded.

“I found it pretty cozy,” Nicholas answered as he slid his hands into the pockets on his coat.  “I was pretty comfortable, I could do this all the time” He said, eyes wandering to (y/n), who looked back at him with wide and cautionary eyes.

“That’s great!” Sabrina said happily.  “I’m glad you liked it, I thought you’d hate it most”

“Me too,” Nick replied, and there was a blush growing on cheeks now.  She knew he wasn’t talking about Greendale.  “Turns out I actually like it a lot, lucky for Greendale”

Sabrina laughed, brushing the slight weirdness of his tone off for him just trying to be a goofy charmer as always.  This time, not picking up on what he was really saying between the lines.

The trek back to the Academy of the Unseen Arts was long, but not treacherous.  (y/n’s) hand had looped through Nick’s arm, using the excuse of her coldness and tiredness to give reason to the action.

When they got to the school, Sabrina said goodnight and headed off to her own room right away, saying she was exhausted and her feet hurt from all the walking.  She left quickly and without another word.

“I’ll walk you to your dorm?” Nick asked (y/n) when it was just the two of them.  “You know, to make sure there aren’t any traps in your doorway”

She laughed quietly, ducking her head down and then looking back up to nod her head.

“Yeah, that’d be… great” She said, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear before they began to walk to her dorm.

It was quiet in the Academy, most of the witches and warlocks out for the rest of the night, or already in their dorms.  So as they walked, it was calm, almost serene.  When Nick took her hand, she let him, and intertwined their fingers together.

“So, do you think you’ll end up living in Greendale?” Nick asked, and she shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m not sure,” She hummed.  “But if I don’t pass this test… then I guess I’m moving there… which doesn’t sound so bad now”

Nick smiled down at her as they turned into her hallway.  “You’re going to pass the test,” He told her.  “You’re the top of all your classes, there’s nothing that you can’t do.  You know that, right?”

She smiled up at him, and realized she’d been slowing down ever since they’d turned down her hall.  But still the inevitable came, and they were standing in front of her door.

“You… gonna open it?” Nick asked, a smirk on his face as (y/n) stared at her door.

“Uh- yeah, yeah,” She mumbled, pulling her key out of her bag and unlocking the door.  “Must’ve gotten lost in thought” She mumbled, opening the door and putting her key back in her bag.

“Oh yeah?” Nick asked with a grin, taking her attention back before she could walk inside and shut the door.  “Maybe you’ll tell me sometime… what about?” He continued, almost unsurely, but there was a hopeful look in his eye that (y/n) couldn’t ignore.

She smiled back, and nodded her head.

“Maybe,” She replied with a cocky tone in her voice.  “Sometime”

Nick nodded back, squeezing her hand before finally letting go, and stuffing both of his hands into his pockets.

“Well, uh, I guess this is goodnight, (y/l/n)” He said, bowing his head a bit before turning to walk away.

(y/n) bit her lip as she stood in her doorway, carefully setting her bag down inside, and her hands began to fiddle together.

She wanted to talk to him about it, she wanted to call him back to her and let him sweep her off her feet and stay the night so they can talk and kiss and hold hands and- and that feeling was so overwhelming she thought she might just burst.

And then it clicked, all at once.

Sabrina had been right to ask her about how witches and warlocks feel, and this feeling (y/n) had right now was the exact one she’d explained to her earlier.  Powerful, consuming, it was absolute devotion, and she realized that now.

“Nick?” Her voice called out down the hall before she had even dared herself to do it, and before Nick could get too far.  He turned, and she took in an unsteady breath, a brief moment to calm her racing heartbeat.

“Yes?” He answered when she hadn’t said something right away.

“Don’t you think that right now could be that sometime?” She asked, biting on the inside of her cheek to keep her nerves settled.

The warlock grinned, wide, and genuine.  He strode back down the hall to her open door rather quickly, and with each step her heart beat faster with anticipation and excitement, and a little bit of fear.

“I think right now is the perfect time” He said as he approached her, taking her face in his hands, and bringing her lips up to his in a passionate kiss.

It was much more gentle than their first kiss, he’d brought her to stand on her tiptoes, hands pressed against his chest to keep her still.  As his lips moved over hers, all she could think about was one question, why hadn’t they been doing this this whole time?

When they parted, all her nerves had subsided.  There was nothing to be afraid of, she trusted Nick, she cared about him, and she was right on the verge of falling completely and dangerously in love with him.

Nick’s thumb stroked over her cheekbone as his eyes flickered all over her features, like he was assessing to make sure she was truly happy.  The results came in positive.

“You’re gonna take me by surprise and make me fall deeply in love with you, aren’t you, (y/l/n)?” He said aloud, brows drawn together like a disoriented puppy, and she giggled quietly in response.

“I was just worrying about the same thing, Scratch,” (y/n) teased, hands sliding around the nape of his neck.  “You thinking about sticking around for a while to help me study?” She asked, and he nodded his head before she pulled away from him to walk in.  Nick followed after and shut the door behind him.

“Am I getting invited to spend the night with (y/n) (y/l/n)?” He asked with a playful smirk on his face.  The one that makes her roll her eyes and smile all at once.

“Do you want an invite to spend the night?” She asked him, quirking an eyebrow and folding her arms behind her back as she looked at him expectantly.

“Oh, without question” He answered, still teasing, and still making her giggle as he leaned over to kiss her lips shortly.

“Absolutely then” She replied, grinning up at him with twinkling eyes, and his own expression mirrored hers.

Nicholas had never felt so determined to love someone so completely.

___

taglist: @reblogserpent @strawberryfields-forever

xoxo ~ jordie