#Hold fanfic

[under-the-aspen-tree]

A Moth To You (Chapter 1 - The Realms Delight) Aegon II x (Bastard Velaryon) Reader

Series Summary: After a year travelling abroad, you have been called home to Kingslanding by your mother, Rhaenyra. Turns out your family has grown in your time apart.

Word Count: 2.7k

It was the warmest day you had seen thus far on your travels and the southern sun was beating hard against the foliage that covered you. Your linen dress lay still in hot waves against your body and sweat was already beginning to dampen your skin at barely noon, but the gentle Pentoshi breezes brought scents of sweet berry and cinnamon from the local trade towns that made the morning heat more than bearable.

It was over a year into your travels, and though you had adored the glimmering snowfall of Winterfell and the brilliant greens of Oldtown, Pentos was by far your favourite destination. Perhaps it was because the Free Cities were naturally so far from your reach, or that their customs were much lazier than your own, but you found yourself more than content to sit in these lavish lands for the rest of your days. The concept of laying upon sun-hardened sands, eating soft grapes and sipping sparkling wine filled your heart with yearning but, as always, duties always lay in wake.

"It is too hot a day for you, Princess," the voice awoke you from your pleasant daydreams, but not frustratingly so. Reluctantly, you lifted your heavy eyelids to find a man hunched over you in silks as fine and yellow as the sun above. You cracked a tired smile.

"Illestrio," You cooed, shifting your arms to pull yourself into sitting as he knelt beside you. "What brings you to these gardens?"

Illestrio was the fine son of the Lord kind enough to take you and your grandmother in. Rhaenys wasn't immediately besotted at your yearnings to explore further than Westeros, desiring your tour to be restrained strictly to the lands of your birth, but had eventually come around to the idea. The Pentoshi Lords and Ladies seemed more than happy to take in the blood of the dragon, delighted with the sights of your beasts, but Illestrio's father had a long history of trade with your grandfather, Corlys, and was the first to offer you lodgings.

It was only chance that had brought you so close to his son, not only in age but also in habit. You both shared a love of music, adventure, and fine wines, and he had been more than happy to be your escort through the trading towns of Pentos. He had shown you the most lavish of spices, drinks, and scenery and, in return, you had become his royal armpiece. It was by far the most comfortable of positions you had ever held.

"I was looking for you, Princess," Illestrio flashed a white grin before offering you a hand, making to stand. "Your grandmother has requested your presence in her chambers."

You stilled a groan, bundling your skirts up as you clasped his golden hand, feeling the warmth tingle from his adornment of thick rings. In the few months you had spent in Pentos, you had gained a healthy glow to your usually pale skin, but it was nothing in comparison to the years of relentless Summer that the Pentoshi had endured. "Is there any particular reason she has given for disturbing my morning?" You said cheekily.

"I'm afraid not," He smiled, leading you back towards his father's estate. "Let us hope it does not take long. I was hoping to show you the wonders of the pink lakes this afternoon."

Rhaenys' chambers were close enough to your own that it wasn't ever difficult to wander the maze that was Illestrio's home to find her. It was certainly a lavish estate, built up of polished white stone and marble with grand windows that overlooked their gardens and gold trinkets wherever one looked. You were certain their wealth amassed your own by a long stretch, and Illestrio's father loved to show that in every way he could find. On your first day in his manor, he had presented you with a solid gold box encrusted with rubies containing jewellery so fine the chains trickled through your fingers like water. You had never been one for extreme displays of wealth, but you couldn't deny that you loved the simplicity of your life here. Back home in Westeros, even with your family name and the luxury that came with it, you were looked at with a level of scorn. Your dark hair and eyes earned you the rumour of bastard, along with your brothers, and whispers never failed to reach your ears when walking the corridors of the Red Keep. Here, however, your dragon and single thick lock of silver hair were enough to be treated like more than royalty - more akin to the gods the Valyrians were often compared to. 

When you knocked on your grandmother's door, you knew the news could not be excellent. Usually, when you two met, it was for fruits and sweets in the gardens or a tour of the orchards, never alone in one's chambers. Rhaenys was sat with her back to you, facing out towards the window where she had a view of the stoney mountains in the far distance. Her black hair shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun and her thick silk gown gave her the silhouette of someone much younger than her years. Even despite your time in the Free Cities, and the many gifts of traditional dresses and shoes your hosts had provided, she still chose to dress in your own Westeros customs. 

"Sit," She said, not turning to face you, keeping her eyes locked on the terrain before her. You did so, not failing to notice the trunks that piled up in the corner of the room. You pursed your lips for a moment before walking towards her.

"Grandmother, how are you?" You smiled politely, shaking off the concern for her travelling possessions as you made yourself comfortable in a plush chair opposite her. She did not respond immediately, but her hand slipped from her goblet and towards a small piece of parchment sitting on the table between you both. She pushed it towards you.

"Is everything alright?" You frowned, snatching up the stained paper and drawing your focus to the slanted writing. Your mother's writing.

"I am afraid our time travelling has come to an end, Princess," She said, finally turning her gaze to your own. "Your mother has requested our presence in Kingslanding, and it is perhaps long overdue."

You spluttered at her words, quite unladylike, as you read the words again and again. "But.. we've barely seen it all yet. What reason could she have for sending us home?"

Rhaenys pursed her lips. You knew she was not opposed to returning to Westeros. You remembered the promise you made when she agreed to the trip over a year ago. 'I will do as you wish, and you shall see the world, but once we are done you will resume your duties faithfully.' 

You had agreed of course, thrilled at meeting your wishes of adventure, but you had been putting off the idea of returning for some time now, convincing Rhaenys time and time again to prolong your stay in Pentos for as long as possible. Despite adhering to your wishes, you knew your grandmother missed Driftmark, where you had left your Uncle Vaemond and cousin Baela to defend her home while Corlys fought in the Stepstones.

"Our travels are completed, my child. It is time to resume our duties in Westeros."

You could see in her eyes that she felt for you, but that the decision was made and final. Rhaenys knew you wouldn't object, keen to your word, but that you would mourn for the life you were living in Pentos. 

"How long before we go?" You averted your eyes to the landscape, twisting the satin gold of your necklace.

"We leave at sunrise in the morn. I would suggest you set your affairs in order." You almost missed the gentle wink she sent you, and a wave of melancholy washed over you at the thought of alerting your friend to the sudden change of plans.

______

"Tomorrow?" Illestrio's face was a mask of shock and fury from where he stood at the entrance to your chambers, thick brows drawn together as he regarded you. You had wanted to break the news to him on your afternoon visit to the pink lakes, or perhaps in the shade of the pergola outside over honey wine and lemon cakes. But you had too much to pack and too little time. Your trunks were thrown open beside your bed, filled with your possessions and a few trinkets you had amassed during your tours, most gifts from the man before you.

You did not pause from your packing, only granting him a sideways glance as you gathered your life within your hands and put it all in cases. Would these fine dresses ever see their homeland again?

"My mother has demanded it, I have no choice." You said softly, busying yourself. You were afraid that if you stopped for too long, and stared into those doe-like eyes and golden skin, your resolve would shatter. "We always knew the day would come."

"But not so soon," Illestrio protested, stepping forward to take hold of your arm. "I thought we would have much more time together. There are so many places I have yet to show you."

Places you would never get to see. Hot tears suddenly stung your eyes and you had to blink furiously to push them aside as he forced you to look at him. At his thick curly hair that he could never tame, as his pouted lips and slender nose and perfect cheekbones. He shifted his hand to take hold of your cheek as the other ran through your hair, fingers slipping through the silver segment. You noticed he did this a lot, separating the strands from the deep brown and staring at them as though bewitched. He did not look into your eyes, simply regarding the white locks. 

"Stay," He whispered.

You took his hand into your own, thumbing a thick golden ring on his first finger. "I can't."

"You know what your mother wants, Princess." His gentle tone was turning into a pleading and you had to tilt your head down to stare at his chest. "You know what your duty is to her house."

"It is my house too," You reminded him, but you knew what he spoke of.

"Then ignore her. Forget those fat lords in Westeros. Marry me tonight." The suggestion had you looking up in shock, wide-eyed. 

"You cannot be serious."

The steel glint in Illestrio's green eyes answered for him. You had enjoyed your time with him here, of course, and you would be a fool to ignore the stirrings in your chest that came whenever he approached, but you thought you were both aware of where this would end. You made to speak, but he cut you off.

"Would you be happy in the tower of some old man, bearing his children, sitting at his table? The prize possession of an idiot who hasn't a care for you but for your name?

"You would be happy here. Winter does not touch us the way it does Westeros. You would live out your days warm and happy and carefree." He was bargaining now, trying to convince you. You did not need convincing. If you could, you would accept the offer in a heartbeat.

"Illestrio," You shook your head, holding out your palm to caress his cheek. "I have always known I would marry for my house. I am a princess and I have a duty to my houses and the realm to marry for position."

"And what of Saera Targaryen?" Illestrio countered, looking at you with hardened desperation. You baulked at the comparison. "She abandoned her duties and lived out her life in Lys."

"Saera was practically exiled," You reminded him, frowning. "She resorted to the ways of a whore to escape her duties. Do you wish for me to have the same remembrance? The whore of Velaryon?"

"You would not be a whore," Illestrio huffed. "You would be my wife. You would be happy."

You pulled away. The conversation was going nowhere and you could see that now. No amount of reasoning could persuade Illestrio from his stance, and none could move your own. You had always hated the idea of being a political chess piece, but it was who you were born to be.

"I will leave at sun break," You informed him, brushing tears from your eyes as you turned back to your packing. "I would appreciate it if you could see me off."

Illestrio was silent for a moment, but you could feel his eyes like steel daggers boring into your back. "When your husband takes you on your wedding night, remember this. Remember what you could have been while staring into his eyes."

You whipped around, outraged at his words, but he was gone before you could face him. Your lip wobbled, fury turning your cheeks red and hot, but nothing could be done. You let out a single shaky sob as you threw the linen garment you were holding into your trunk before turning to the vase of wine on your table and pouring yourself a goblet-full.

The morning brought light northern breezes through the dockyard, sending spirals of sand whirling beside the waters. With the sun just barely setting the sky alight, you would have quite liked to spend your time wandering through the local towns rather than blinking sleep from your eyes as you waited beside the ship that would carry you home. Rhaenys was having words with Illestrio's father, who looked quite furious to see his son was yet to make a farewell appearance, and the crew was traipsing on and off the boat as they readied it for your leave.

When the time came, Illestrio's father, a large man with a heavy moustache on his upper lip and clothes so expensive and colourful he reminded you often of a court jester, took you into a heavy hug before kissing the back of your hand.

"Thank you for the gift of your presence in my estate, Princess," He smiled. "I hope to see you here again."

You smiled tightly at the words, curtsying lightly as you were forced, yet again, to hold your tears at bay. You would not mourn this man whom you scarcely knew, but you would mourn his home. "Thank you, my Lord, for offering your home to us. This past month has been the happiest I have known."

The man lit up proudly at your words, puffing out his great chest and smoothing the bright blue silks he wore against his body. "You are most kind, Princess."

The ship rocked gently as the waters turned from black to violet silver in the sunrise. Gold sunlight bore heavily as the sky turned a clear and gentle blue, reflecting the heat-stained houses of Pentos as you took sail. Even as the ship took up speed, turning Illestrio's father into a colourful blob and then to nothing in the distance, you could not turn your watering eyes from the city you had grown to love. You didn't want to turn your back on it, towards the fate that awaited you in Kingslanding, for you feared that if you looked away you would soon forget the Pink Lakes and Cinnamon breeze if you did not spend all your willpower on committing the sight of Pentos to memory.

You didn't want to go home. You wanted this, this lifestyle of luxury beside Illestrio, trying to teach him Valyrian and laughing at his strange accent when he failed to pronounce the words. You wanted to stare at his gentle hands as he traced out the letters to his own alphabet, more interested in his hands than the words he was speaking.

Rhaenys joined you as you bore ever further from the lands, dark hair swaying gently from the tower of plaits she had spun it into. You broke free from your contemplations, but continued to stare out towards to silhouette of the city. 

"You will not be forgotten here, Princess." She reminded you. "These people did not know Rhaenyra, but they knew her name."

You did not face her as you pondered her words, turning your head slightly to show you were listening. "From Winterfell to the Free Cities, they all call you the Realms Delight."

[pixiemage]

Please, for the love of god, please don’t be this person. No matter how long it’s been since an update, no matter how many unfinished stories are sitting on their account, no matter what - do not be this person.

Not only is it insanely rude, but you also do more damage than you think be being such a self-entitled ass about something someone created for free and for fun. “This author” can see what you say.

RIP decency indeed.

[simply-ewok]

rolling over, half asleep, in the middle of the night and when you stretch your arm out you end up smacking ghost in the face, and you can’t help but fling yourself back with a loud gasp before realizing it’s just your man, who yet again, snuck inside and cozied up to you without stirring you (bc he hates waking up his baby) bc he was able to come home early and chose to surprise you. and after you relax and begin apologizing for hitting him you hear his low, growly chuckle as he sits up to pull you into his chest, kissing your forehead before mumbling into your sweet smelling hair “it’s all right lovie, di’n’t mean to scare you.”

[breesperez139]

Dc x Dp Prompt #6

“I’m a twin”, Damian said one night. He could feel the narrowed eyes of his family drilling holes on his back in disbelief. Not that he could blame them. Damian had never so much as implied being raised with a companion, much less a sibling.

“I had a brother”. Damian paused to recollect himself. He had not said his brother’s name out loud in over 8 years.

“His name was… Danyal”. Damian hated the way his voice wavered, but he could not help it. Danyal was everything to him, his other half. Their heart beat as one and when one heart stopped beating, the other one died with it. At least until his family put his heart on metaphorical life support without ever realizing.

“Where is he now?” His father asked, voice filled with knowing grief and a hint of betrayal. It had in fact been 6 years since Damian first showed up on his doorstep.

“Up there”. All eyes shifted towards the specific star he was pointing to. “Right before he died, he promised me he’d guide me from the stars. Unfortunately, the stars are not visible in Gotham, so my brother is unable to be of much help unless I leave the city.”

“Your brother is Polaris, the North Star?” Tim questioned warily, most likely in attempts to not offend him. Damian was aware of how stupid it sounded, but Danyal had promised, and his brother never broke his promises.

“Yes. Danyal is with the stars now, just as he always wanted”

[aslyran]

Visions

[originalartblog]

I made some doodles for @whathorselegs' new Chuuya and puppy(ies) series! This good boy is Kuma, he's a Japanese terrier!

and a (slightly inaccurate) comic based on the fic:

[chuluoyi]

✎ protect

- gojo satoru x reader

the word “protect” now means so much more to him

genre: soft and playful gojo, sugary dump fluff, pregnant!reader

note: anyone craving some soft gojo? :3 based on a suggestion by an anon who needs a soft gojo a while back, thank you!

a part of gojo's love entries

general masterlist

When he was 16, Gojo Satoru thought that protecting other people was a pain, and didn't take it seriously.

Later, when he realized that even non-sorcerers deserve to live their lives in peace, he dedicated himself to becoming stronger so that he would be capable to protect them more. However, even then, he didn't perceive their worth as significant.

But when you entered the picture, that measly, glorified word suddenly became so much more.

Usually people would only care about whether he had succeeded his mission or not. His formidable reputation as the epitome of strength means no one is genuinely interested in his wellbeing—no one after Suguru, to be exact—until you did.

After a whirlwind romance of attraction and banters, Satoru reached the conclusion that he wanted you, the only person left who actually made him feel like a human, to stay happy and safe. He would do it with his own hands, even if it meant reshaping this cruel world to be kinder for you with him as your shield.

And the word “protect” gained an entirely new meaning years later, when he rested his head on your swollen belly—the place where his new cherished treasure was growing.

“When will he come out~?” he asked in a whiny tone and a blissful smile, even though he clearly knew the answer.

You shook your head with playful resignation, unable to conceal your smile. "In three weeks. Now help me get comfortable, you dork."

He helped you turn over and fetched a pillow to place under your aching spine. Then, with a mischievous grin, he lightly poked your belly with two fingers, eliciting a yelp from you.

"Don't poke me! You're poking your child!"

To that, Satoru merely threw his head back and snickered like the dumbass he was. He then tenderly rested his hand on the taut skin of your belly, gently massaging it, smiling with ardent happiness.

"Can't really believe it," he sighed, brimming with the purest sense of contentment. "A mini Gojo, huh... You're really doing a honorable work."

A child of his and yours. He had always wondered how he would be after seeing him firsthand—would he laugh just like he had been doing now, or will it be the first instance that move him to the point of shedding tears? One of the reasons he eagerly anticipated his son's birth was just to discover how he would react.

Seeing the weight of his baby growing within you, making you rounder and fuller, stirred a deep well of warm emotions in him with each passing day though.

"I am," you retorted cheekily, rolling your eyes. "In fact, you should be revering and worshipping me for carrying your spawn."

He merely hummed in a childlike manner, feeling his baby move around under his touch. You were about to roast him again with something funny when he leaned down and planted a kiss on your tummy, whispering to it.

"Please come out already~ Papa wants to meet you!"

Your heart swelled with warmth at that moment. Gojo Satoru was many things, but he wasn't typically known for his softness—he was often seen as this all-perfect being, and so witnessing him acting purely on his human emotions brought you a sense of happiness.

“Who do you think he’ll take after?” you mused.

“Hmmm. Me, obviously. He'll be hot just like me!” he quipped proudly, and you playfully smacked him on the arm.

Satoru caught your hand and kissed it tenderly amidst his grin. "But I want him to have your personality. I'd hate to see him be a show-off."

"So you do realize that you're actually a menace."

He laughed out loud, patting the generous swell of your belly again with a smug look on his face.

"I know, but I'm your menace, and that's all that matters."

And when his adorable son was born less than three weeks later and you passed out due to sheer exhaustion, Satoru vowed by everything in the heavens and the earth that he wouldn't spare anything to protect you and his child from this curse-filled world.

Epilogue - on the night of the birth -

“Satoru—” you panted, grimacing, head jerking back as your womb throbbed and pulsed in order to bring forth your child into the world. “I… feel like I’m going to faint…”

Worry etched his face as you leaned on him. “Hey, hey… Calm down sweetheart, relax and catch up on your breath, okay? Don’t worry, he’ll come out soon.”

Somehow his words rubbed you the wrong way.

“Hahh—this… is because of you! This happened because you shoved your stick into me! You horny bas—aahh!”

“Well, hey! Last I remembered, you begged me to put it into you! And I'm not—pfft—”

“Then what are you?!”

“Hmmm, nothing but a man who got you pregnant, sweetheart~”

“If I bleed out and die, it’s going to be your fault, you evil, wretched sorcerer!”

[navybrat817]

Hold You Tight: Part 11

Pairing: Club Owner!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Fic Summary: The owner of The 107th wants you to be his girl whether you like it or not.

Part 10 | Series Masterlist | Part 12

Chapter Summary: Bucky reveals a small piece of his past and also confirms one of your suspicions.

Chapter Word Count: Over 3.6k

Chapter Warnings: DARK AU, tension, unease, possessiveness, inner turmoil, gaslighting, manipulation, mention of stalking, slight feels, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?), more warnings to come.

A/N: More Hold You Tight and hope you enjoy! Bucky edit by the beautiful @nixakimbo . ❤️ Beta read by the lovely @whisperlullaby , but any and all mistakes are my own. Divider by the talented @firefly-graphics . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

You busied yourself with orders after Clark left, but it didn’t stop you from looking toward the door every few minutes. You weren’t sure if you were expecting him to return or if you were anticipating Bucky arriving. Why were you allowing him to consume your thoughts again? You needed to concentrate on your job, the thing you loved and helped pay your bills.

Mrs. Crandle gave you a smile when you checked the time, too. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were excited to see this young man who thinks he’s your boyfriend,” she commented.

“I don’t know if excited is the word I’d use,” you said, trying to smile through your nerves. “Apprehensive, maybe?”

She hummed, looking over your recent arrangement with a proud gaze. “I can understand that. It’s been a bit since you’ve been in a relationship,” she said, giving your arm a small squeeze. “But don’t be too apprehensive, dear. It’s okay to let someone in.”

You bit your tongue when you wanted to blurt out that Bucky didn’t just let himself in. He tore through your life and made a home for himself in the ashes. But Mrs. Crandle meant well and didn’t know what was going on. “Well, he offered to be my date to Addison’s wedding and she was very happy to hear that.”

“Oh, I’ll bet she’s thrilled for you,” she said. Addison stopped by the shop a few times and your boss adored her and the friendship you two had. “And if I’m not mistaken, that’s your date walking in,” she smiled, nodding toward the door.

Your stomach dropped when Bucky entered the shop with a tender smile on his face. “Hi, doll,” he said, heading right to you and pressing a kiss to your forehead. “I hope I’m not too early to take you to lunch, but I don’t mind waiting if you’re busy.”

“Oh, it’s not too early at all,” Mrs. Crandle said before you could protest. “It’s nice to see such a fine young man take one of my best workers to lunch.”

Bucky put his right hand to his chest. “A fine young man? You flatter me, Mrs. Crandle. It is Mrs. Crandle, right?” He held the same hand out after she nodded. Of course, he knew her name. You almost smacked his arm away, not wanting the man who disrupted your life to touch your boss. “Everyone calls me Bucky. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, too,” she said, giving you a wink. One smile from the man and she was under his spell. “I hear the two of you may be attending Addison’s wedding together.”

You gave her a pointed look when Bucky smiled your way, wishing she hadn’t brought it up. She either ignored your stare or didn’t notice. “That’s the plan. I know the day will be all about Addison and Brady, as it should be, but my eyes will be on my girl,” Bucky smiled, giving the shop an appreciative look as your stomach flipped. “And it’s easy to see why she loves working here. You have a beautiful place.”

“Thank you. It really is a group effort to keep this place alive,” she said, turning her attention to you. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get your bag and go enjoy your lunch.”

“I can work through it. There are still a few orders to finish,” you protested, which was a reasonable excuse.

“I’m not making you work through lunch.” She looked offended by the very idea. And of course, she wouldn’t give you an out. Like most of your small circle of friends and loved ones, they wanted you to find a partner. “And don’t worry about the orders, dear. You two lovebirds go and take as long as you want.”

Lovebirds?

“I’ll try not to keep her too long,” Bucky said as you went to get your purse. “So, how long have you owned your shop?”

You blocked out the chatter between them, taking a breath to steady yourself. How many times had you imagined a boyfriend surprising you at work just because they wanted to take you to lunch? Or even just because they wanted to see you? You got your wish, didn’t you?

“I’ll be back soon,” you smiled as Bucky wrapped an arm around your lower back, crowding your space like always. Mrs. Crandle looked over the moon and you made sure the smile stayed on your face until Bucky led you out of the shop. “Sucking up to my boss? Really?”

Bucky chuckled. “I wasn’t sucking up. Just making conversation,” he said. The small conversation won her over. “And didn't you try to get Ray on your side this morning?”

He had a point, but you ignored it. “Where are we eating?” You asked, though you didn’t have much of an appetite.

“I got us a table at a cafe close by,” he said, tightening his arm around you. “I figured you wouldn’t want to go far in case you had to get back to work.”

“That’s thoughtful,” you said, though it was actually nice that he didn’t want you to venture far.

“I’m a thoughtful guy,” he teased. Making sure it was safe to go, he helped you cross the street. Ray stayed in the car, but you sensed him watching and wondered if he’d join you. “And I got us a private table on the back patio. No one should bother us.”

“They do private tables at this cafe?” You asked as he held the door open with a smirk. He probably threw a bit of money their way to make it happen and you almost wished there would be others around so you’d feel a bit more comfortable.

“Welcome, Mr. Barnes,” a woman smiled, not bothering to look your way as she grabbed a couple of menus. “We have your table set up if you’ll follow me,” she said, gesturing for you to head to the back.

Much like walking into the club, you felt out of place as you walked through the cafe. Not because it wasn’t your scene, but because of the special sort of treatment. You didn’t want it. Though the ambience of the fairy lights and privacy would’ve been sweet and romantic otherwise.

“The server should be here in a moment, but please let me know if you need anything,” the hostess smiled, her gaze lingering on Bucky as he pulled out your chair. “Anything at all, Mr. Barnes.”

You felt a bit small as you sat down and eyed the hostess. It was her job to be friendly, but she hadn’t exactly acknowledged you and made it obvious that she specifically wanted Bucky’s attention. You wouldn’t say you were jealous and part of you understood why she’d want him to look her way. Still, wouldn’t the general assumption be that you two were a couple?

We are not a couple.

You looked up at Bucky when he rested a hand on your shoulder, but there was nothing flirtatious or warm about the smile on his face. “If my girl or I need anything, we’ll say so,” he said in a cool and courteous tone.

“Of course.” The hostess faltered slightly as she set the menus down, but recovered quickly. “Enjoy,” she added, scurrying off.

Bucky’s hand lingered until she was out of sight. “I don’t appreciate that she didn’t look your way,” he said, shrugging his jacket off before he took a seat. You could see the tension in his shoulders, his gloved left hand flexing slightly. “It’s clear that we’re here together on a lunch date.”

Your eyes flickered to him as he looked over the menu, his jaw clenched. The hostess giving him attention bothered him much more than it bothered you. “It’s okay, Bucky,” you said.

“No, it’s not. It’s disrespectful. I’m here with you. I’m not interested in her or anyone else.” His eyes were as cold as ice when he pushed the menu away, making you shiver. “I’m not like my dad.”

“I know I’m the only one you see,” you said, reaching over to touch his hand. He took it the second it was within reach. You didn’t think he’d do anything to hurt or damage the hostess in any way over something harmless in your eyes, but maybe offering a bit of assurance would distract him. “I don’t know your dad, but I can sense that you aren’t him.”

At least, he wasn’t entirely like him. His ruthlessness came from something or someone. His dad may fit the bill.

“He cheated on my mom when she was nothing but good to him. She was good to everyone and he threw it back in her face,” he sneered. You could practically taste the bitterness from his words and it broke your heart. It was no wonder he wanted you to believe so badly that he’d be faithful to you. “And I’m glad that piece of shit will never lay eyes on you or anyone else.”

“I’m so sorry,” you said, aching for the pain his mom likely experienced and him by extension. Regardless of the man he was, he held his mom in high regard and she didn’t deserve an unfaithful partner. “I know that doesn’t change anything, but I am.”

Bucky’s gaze softened considerably. “I know you are and I appreciate that more than you know.” He rubbed a thumb over your skin, his shoulders starting to relax. “The cheating wasn’t even the worst of it,” he muttered before the server walked in with a pitcher of water.

What else did his dad do?

“Hi. I’ll be taking care of you today,” the server smiled, sweeping a look over both of you as he poured each of you a glass. Bucky barely smiled back. He didn’t want people ignoring you, but he didn’t want gazes lingering for too long either. “Have you had a chance to look over the menu or would you like something else to drink?”

“I’m fine with water and I think we’re ready,” you said, pointing out one of the entrees. You didn’t want to draw out lunch longer than it had to be. “Thank you.”

“I’ll have the same. And take your time,” Bucky said, handing the menus back. His smile didn’t brighten again until the server left. “Talking about my dad is dampening the mood. How’s work going today?”

The subject change was jarring, but you imagined he didn’t want to dwell on the unpleasant topic. It also wasn’t a good time to ask about his mom and the flowers. “Work is fine.”

“Just fine?”

You debated if you should say anything about Clark. You didn’t want him on Bucky’s radar, but what if Bucky somehow found out and you didn’t say anything? Telling him was the better option. “Well, there’s a regular customer who stopped in. He’s going through a break-up and actually tried to give me a couple of roses since I was kind to him, but I didn’t take them,” you explained, trying not to make a big deal of it.

The glint in Bucky’s eyes made you nervous, but you knew any malice wasn't aimed your way. “He tried to give you roses and you didn’t take them?” He asked evenly.

“No, I didn’t. I told him to give them to someone else as I’m very much not interested in getting flowers. Except maybe from you,” you assured him, his lips twitching up. That was a good sign. “What about you? How’s work?” You added, hoping to shift the topic back to him.

A moment of silence passed before he nodded. “If he persists or bothers you, let me know first thing and I’ll take care of it,” he said. You had a feeling the topic of Clark was far from done and you didn’t want to know how he’d take care of it. “I do have to go to the club late tonight, but I was thinking we could go shopping after your shift.”

“Shopping?” You raised an eyebrow. “Shopping for what?”

“I did offer to get you a new outfit for your girls day,” he said, rubbing circles on your hand. “And a collar.”

The nagging feeling in the back of your mind went off. That was the second time he brought that up. One would think he was doing it on purpose. “You know, I mentioned you getting me a collar, but that was something I said when I was alone this morning. Along with a couple of other things you've mentioned, it’s too much of a coincidence to me that you’re suggesting it,” you said carefully, sitting up straighter. “Do you have cameras or something in my home? Be honest, please.”

He observed you, almost in morbid curiosity as you waited for him to respond. You knew what the answer was going to be, but you wanted to believe your paranoia was getting to you. “First, your apartment isn’t your home. The penthouse is going to be our home together and maybe that’ll finally sink in once you’re living there,” he answered, your eyes wide. “And second, of course I have bugs around your place. Visual, audio, you name it. I’m not exactly trying to hide that I’m watching you as much as possible.”

You felt sick at the admission, thankful that you hadn’t eaten anything. How much did he see and hear? Did he listen to your talk with Addison? Watch you shower? Sleep? He continued to violate your privacy and had no shame at all in doing so. Enough was enough.

“You’re not exactly trying to hide it? You hid it by not telling me!” You accused him, the gaslighting bastard. “How could you do that?”

He shrugged, which only upset you more. “Mentioning the collar was a pretty big hint. Do you really think I’d bring it up if I didn’t want you to know I was watching or listening in?”

“You…” You let out a breath and swallowed back tears. He really did want you to know. “You want me to feel scared, don't you, like when you broke in. Because when you scare me or make me feel uneasy, you can control me more and get me to do what you want. You’re sick.”

He reached out and gripped your hand again before you could push yourself away from the table. “I thought we established that I’m not trying to control you. How many times do I have to say it?”

“And yet everything you do says otherwise,” you said. It was all a tactic to him. A game. “When will your actions back up your words?”

“I told you this morning my place is safer than yours. The security measures in your building are a joke. Do you realize how easy it was for me to get in and to break into your place? I hardly broke a sweat and that means anyone could get in and get to you. So, yes, there are devices in place so I can make sure you’re safe when I’m not there.” He shook his head at your glare. His reasoning didn’t excuse his actions. “I understand if you’re mad at me, but I did say I won’t give you a choice when it comes to your safety and I won’t apologize for that either.”

You stared at each other, his gaze as firm as his stance. As much as you wanted to throw something, the dishes weren’t yours and you didn’t want to create a mess for the staff to clean up. “You’re really telling yourself you’re watching me for my protection? Who the hell is going to protect me from you, Bucky?” You took a breath when his eyes widened, as if your words hurt him. “No one, with the exception of you, is going to break into my place for any reason. I have nothing of value there, except for the necklace you gave me.”

“You are valuable,” he said, squeezing your hand and resolute in that belief. “How can you not see that?”

“Because I’m just a regular person and there’s nothing wrong with that.” Your voice shook, but you couldn't stop. “With the exception of you, no one will look twice at me, let alone break into my place.”

He shook his head. “You don’t know that.”

“No, I don’t because life is unpredictable and watching me doesn’t guarantee that nothing will happen to me,” you said, narrowing your eyes in thought. “Is this really about protecting me or are you projecting what your dad did to your mom on me? Do you think I won’t be faithful to you in this ‘relationship’ you think we have, so you have to watch me at all times to prove I’m yours?”

Bucky made a sound like you hit him and asking was a bit of a low blow, but it was a possibility. “Kotyonok, you’re one of the most loyal and faithful people I know. You’d never do anything to make me question that.”

“You trust me?” You asked softly. He nodded without hesitation. “Then help me trust you. Get the devices out of my place for starters since you had no right to put them there to begin with. Please, get rid of them.”

You’d never feel completely safe or comfortable there again, you hadn't since he broke in, but he had to give you that.

“I'll get rid of them,” he said after a moment.

That felt too easy, but you felt relief all the same. “Thank you. That's-”

“After you move into the penthouse because I'm not going to give a shit about the people who move into your apartment after you,” he clarified.

You swallowed thickly. He was never going to budge. “You sit there and act like you’re a decent guy because you haven’t forced yourself on me and you won’t raise a hand to me, but you’re still a monster,” you said, your gaze vulnerable and open. He had to see how upset you were, how he caused you to feel.

His expression didn’t change, except for his eyes. They looked as sad as you felt. “Maybe I am,” he whispered.

The server chose the perfect time to show up with your meals. “Here we are!” he announced, setting the food down and taking no notice of the heavy tension between you and Bucky. “Enjoy.”

Neither of you spoke as you ate, but he watched you expectantly. He wasn’t going to change his mind about the bugs in your apartment or anything else and he didn’t deserve your fire. So you had nothing to say. Nothing at all. You were exactly what he called you: a doll.

“Don’t you dare,” he finally spoke when you took money out of your wallet and set it on the table. “This is a date and I’m paying.”

“This isn’t a date, Bucky, no matter how much you want it to be,” you said quietly, his eyes flashing. “And I need to go back to work.”

You gasped when he bent the fork he held in his left hand, your heart pounding in fear as you looked around. The server hadn’t been back to check on you and the two of you were all alone. What was he going to do? “What? You think I’m going to hurt you after I promised I wouldn’t?” He asked, setting the destroyed utensil down. “Because I’m a monster, right?”

“I didn’t…” You couldn’t say you didn’t mean it because you did, but deep down it wasn’t your intention to make him angry. You should’ve known better, but your emotions were getting the better of you when you had to play it smart.

“A monster who hurts people?” He asked in a deep voice you didn’t recognize. “Kills people?”

You gripped the sides of your chair, fear creeping in more. “Bucky, what are you talking about?” You whispered. Why was he saying that?

He blinked and shook his head. “Why won’t you just let me love you?” He asked, suddenly getting up to round the table. He pulled your chair out before you could get up and dropped to his knees, uncaring of ruining his pants. “All I want is you,” he whispered, resting his head in your lap.

Your body went taut when his hands moved up your thighs. Did he remember or care that you were at a cafe? “I-I know you want me.”

“I know the bugs in your place are upsetting and I know I’m being stubborn about it, so let me make it up to you a little bit, please?” He asked, lifting his head to gaze at you. “Let me take you shopping tonight. Let me spoil you.”

“I…” You went silent when he slid a hand up your torso and rested it on your chest. Could you play along to calm him down? “I guess we can go shopping. Nothing too fancy, right?”

“Whatever makes you happy. I just want my girl to be happy.” He groaned when you willingly ran your fingers through his hair. “And you’ll love me like I love you. I know you will.”

You waved off the server when he tried to check on you and gave Bucky a shaky smile. You’d go shopping with him, keep him happy, and pray he wouldn’t continue to suffocate you with his version of love. It was too late though. The very oxygen you breathed now was what he fed into your lungs. And the monster that lurked beneath the surface, the one who needed you, was eventually going to break through and get what he wanted.

Maybe he’d get a taste tonight.

So, I wanted a bit of action in this part, but the muse refused. I swear the conversations are happening for a reason and we may see some action during the shopping trip. What are we going to do knowing your place really is bugged? And is he going to look into Clark more? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[fuegogatto]

Not even funny how MASM has been taking ahold of my mind. AND TO SEE ONLY A HANDFUL OF SHIT ONLINE ABOUT IT IS A CRIME I WANT TO FIX. Hopefully this food is enough for today. I go back to lurking🙏

[2tarbell]

just thinking about TRAILERPARK!RAFE and reader driving around in his truck. it’s one of those ones with a bench seat so she can ‘snuggle up real close’ (rafe’s words). specially when it starts getting colder. it has a collection of her favorite cds tucked in every crevice and various little hair clips of hers. hes got a picture of her tucked into the mirror (that he definitely sticks in his hat when he goes to work). he loves how his truck is just an extension of his girl.

it’s always her sittin’ sideways, legs hooked over his lap. one of his arms wrapped around her waist and the other hand lazily holding onto the steering wheel. she says she hates when he drives one handed, but honestly… it’s kind of sexy.

nudging his jaw with her nose and peppering pecks on the stubbled skin. and you bet she’s giving him sweet kisses at stop lights that he always tries to deepen. but then she’s giggling and telling him to drive. and he’s smiling boyishly and pinching her waist.

“none’a that, baby — c’mon. gimme another kiss.”

“rafe — there’s a car comin’ up…”

“i don’t give a shit — give dad a kiss, now…”

[obsob]

happy and proud!!

✷(print shop)✷

[starry-bi-sky]

No.

No, no, no, no, NO!

He's shaking. His heart is burning in his chest, pounding like a jackhammer against his ribs, and there's a trembling, aching rage building beneath his tongue and pressing against his teeth.

In his hands, his fingers tense and wrists locked, the article reads in big, black font: JOKER LOCKED IN ARKHAM ASYLUM AGAIN!

Danny shouldn't feel so angry about this, this is a good thing. Gotham doesn't have to deal with him for another few months at the least. He should feel relieved, a little more at peace.

He is not.

He cannot swallow the fury thudding behind his eyes, the burning white heat searing a deeper hole in his chest. A searing green filling static in his ears in the way only the rage of the restless dead can have.

How is he going to kill him now?

Arkham may be the only asylum in America made entirely of tissue paper, but it's still an asylum. There are cameras, guards, other patients resting inside. Danny can think of a million different ways to sneak in and kill Joker, but someone will hear his screaming.

It'd have to be rushed.

He doesn't want it to be rushed.

It's a cruel thought. Cruel and cold and merciless, but Danny doesn't feel an ounce of shame, not an ounce of guilt, for it. He wants to be alone with the Joker when he kills him, that's all he wants. In Arkham, you are never alone.

He forces his anger to bubble back down into his chest, stuffing it between his heartstrings and his ribs like a blanket you're trying to bunch up into a corner. It sizzles and burbles. The static begins to fade out into a high-pitched ringing; it sounds like distant screaming.

Danny is still trembling, but he can think a little clearer now.

He can wait.

He can wait. He can wait. He can wait. He canwait. Hecanwait. Hecanwait.

He can wait.

He's waited five years for this. He can wait one more week. One more month. One more year. However long it takes for the Joker to break back out, Danny can wait.

And when the Joker does, inevitably, break out.

Danny uncrinkles his fingers around the edges of the newspaper, loosens his limbs just enough so he can pay for it.

He'll be waiting.

The dead, after all, have all the time in the world.

[zephyrchama]

(Obey Me! Barbatos x reader with no gender mentioned.)

(Some very intimate Barbatos fluff for his birthday! Posting one evening early for the American crowd as it's already his birthday in Japan.)

You hadn't realized how late it was.

With the Devildom sky being in a constant state of darkness, hours could easily slip by unnoticed. Barbatos' birthday dinner had wrapped up long ago. You offered to stay and help tidy things up. Afterwards, the two of you retreated to his bedroom to converse over drinks.

The time displayed on your D.D.D. was shocking. You should have gone home ages ago. It wouldn't be safe for a human to walk the streets at this hour, so you asked, "Is it okay if I spend the night?"

Barbatos responded, with no hesitation, "Of course. I'll prepare a guest room for you immediately."

You shook your head and put out an arm to stop him from getting up. "I can't ask you to work more on your birthday. What if... I stayed with you tonight?"

Barbatos contemplated the idea with a sip of tea. "I would like that very much." A smile crept onto his face, gradually becoming the biggest one you had seen all day. "Are you sure you can handle it? I must say, with all the pampering I've received today, I'm in a rather selfish mood."

--

It turns out, there really is a bed in one of the many nooks of Barbatos' room. It was on the smaller side, with sufficient room for one butler, but a smidge too tight to fit a couple. It was expertly arranged with layers of fluffy comforters and two sets of pillows, as if Barbatos foresaw this turn of events.

"Make yourself at home."

Barbatos briefly excused himself and left the room, giving you time to change into borrowed pajamas. They were his signature turquoise. Long and loose and flowy robes that crossed in the front with a belt to tie the fabric around one's waist. They made it easy to slide into bed where you nested into the soft sheets. They were sparkling clean and smelled of fragrant detergent with a hint of Barbatos' natural odor.

"Now then, if you'll pardon me."

You hadn't heard him return. The mattress suddenly shifting made your heart skip a beat. It got warmer under the covers. You lifted your head to get a glimpse of the birthday boy but he quickly took that as an invitation entwine his fingers in your hair. Round nails grazed against the top layer of your scalp as your face got pressed into the curve of his neck. You felt a peck on your head.

"As you can see, my bed is narrow. Allow me to make some adjustments." Barbatos intended to make maximum use of the minimal space. All in the name of comfort, his leg went between yours, thigh rubbing against thighs. A hand coiled around your midsection, tucking itself under the robe's belt and pulling your waist against his. Your bodies were so close that a third person could probably fit.

The fingertips in your hair trailed down your ear, around to your collarbone, down your arm. Raising goosebumps along their path. Barbatos threaded his slim fingers into yours and placed a kiss upon your hand. "If this bothers you, do stop me."

You shook your head, nuzzling into his neck. It took some time to discover the grooves in his body where you fit the best. He worked his way back up your arm with his mouth, retracing the route he just took. Some spots he would only exhale over. Some spots he would part his lips and sample your taste with the tip of his tongue. He was making it hard to sleep.

Through all the doting, you nudged your face up and softly peeped, "Hey, Barb?"

He reluctantly came to a stop at once. The pressure on your back loosened, his grip let go. A resigned sigh escaped next to your ear, so full of yearning yet so faint you could have imagined it. You placed a hand on his cheek, brushing back the long strands of hair on the side of his face. Barbatos touched his forehead to yours. Deep emerald eyes seemed to shine in the dark. You wondered if they glowed.

"Yes?"

"Happy Birthday."

Barbatos froze. This was not what he expected. Aside from his chest subtly rising and falling with each breath, he was a complete statue. You let him process the simple sentence, content to gaze into his astonished expression and play with his hair. His skin heated up. A pink blush overtook his whole body. Months of conditioned restraint had to be fought back before he wholeheartedly embraced you.

His weight dug your legs into the soft blankets. Everything felt plush. Barbatos grabbed a fistful of fabric along your midriff and placed kisses on your nose, your eyelids, your lips, whilst you were busy laughing at the onset of affection. The mattress shifted again, the covers slid. When finally you could catch your breath, you were laying face up, eye-to-eye with the demon on top of you.

"I cannot imagine a better gift," he cooed.

[chahnniesroom]

to have and to hold

pairing: bang chan x female reader

summary: you don't think there's anything chan can do to make you love him more. chan continues to prove you wrong.

word count: 1.4k

warnings: mentions of pregnancy, lots of fluff!!

a/n: sorry it has been so long since i posted! i have been wanting to write this since that ep of return of superman where chan and felix took care of rowoon, it was so so sweet. also i'm so sorry but i did not edit this at all

till death do us part collection | read it on ao3 | masterlist

“Do you think you’d ever want to have kids?” 

Your question breaks through the quiet dialogue of the show that you and Chan are watching. Behind you, you feel Chan freeze before he forces himself to relax and continue fiddling with your fingers.

Chan hesitates for a moment longer before answering.

“I don’t know,” he says, slowly and carefully. “I think that I’d want to eventually, but right now? Being an idol- It would be difficult. I mean, for anyone it’s hard, but especially with this career…”

“Do you like children?” you ask, curious even though you can anticipate his answer.

“Yes.” This time he replies immediately, although his voice is still cautious. He releases your hands from his hold and gently nudges your shoulders so that you twist to look at him. “Y/n- Do- Are you-”

“What?” you stare at him, not sure why he suddenly seems so worried.

“Are you pregnant?” he asks gently. “It’s fine if you are! We can totally work things out and I will 100% support you the whole time-”

“Oh!” You smack yourself in the forehead. “No! Definitely not! I was just thinking.” 

“Ah.” Chan slumps against the back of the couch, this time he’s actually relaxed. “Just thinking or- what brought this on?”

“I’m sorry,” you say hurriedly. “That must have been out of nowhere for you. No, it’s because my older sister’s wedding anniversary is coming up, the first one since she’s had a kid, so I wanted to let her go out without having to worry. I was wondering if you wanted to help me babysit?”

“I see,” Chan says, sounding relieved. “Your sister. Yes, I haven’t met Doyun yet, right? I’d love to help you take care of him.”

—

Your sister is delighted that you’ve offered to take Doyun for an evening and you quickly coordinate with Chan what day would work best. It’s not possible to babysit on your sister’s actual anniversary due to Chan’s schedules, but your availabilities line up on a Friday night the weekend after.

Chan is nervous leading up to it, which you find absolutely adorable. When you look over his shoulder one night, curious what he’s focusing so intently on, you find him scrolling through articles on interacting with babies as well as tips on baby-proofing an apartment.

Before your sister arrives, you work with Chan for a few hours transforming the open area of your apartment, placing pillows and draping blankets over sharp corners and making sure to keep any small objects out of reach. 

When the doorbell rings, Chan panics, popping his head out of the kitchen from where he’s been trying to figure out a way to prevent Doyun from being able to open the cabinets.

“We're not ready!” he says, eyes wide.

“What do you want to do, keep them waiting outside until you finish?” you joke, then pause when it looks like Chan is actually considering it. “Don't worry, I'll go let my sister in and you keep working on that. We'll be watching Doyunnie the whole time, so even if you can't work that out, it's fine.”

Your sister doesn't stay for very long. She hands Doyun off to you and assures both you and Chan that your place looks safe for a baby. After going through everything that is packed in the massive diaper bag that she’s leaving with you, she heads back home to get ready for her dinner.

Doyun has a short attention span and cycles between playing with a stuffed animal, a ball, some plastic fruits and vegetables, and toy trains within the first hour. He is so adorable that you and Chan don't mind how much energy is required to keep him occupied. Luckily he's a fairly easygoing baby and hasn't fussed at all, although it did take a while for him to warm up to the two of you.

He's comfortable now, especially since Chan has started to spin the two of them around, hands firmly gripping Doyun’s torso. Doyun absolutely loves it, shrieking in excitement with his eyes crinkling. Even after a few minutes of the same thing, he never grows bored, just as thrilled everytime that Chan lifts him above his head. Although Doyun isn’t very heavy yet, after 15 minutes there’s sweat visible on Chan’s forehead and he’s starting to get out of breath.

“How about we take a bit of a break? Do you want to read?” Chan sits Doyun down against some pillows and rummages through the bag that your sister packed, finding some of the books that she included.

Chan hands the books over and although Doyun accepts both of them, he throws them aside and instead clumsily reaches up towards Chan, clearly asking to be picked up again. Chan pretends to groan and complain as he lifts Doyun back up.

“Aww,” you coo. “He really likes you.”

“And I really like him,” Chan says, spinning Doyun around. “I just wish I hadn’t gone to the gym earlier today, I didn’t realise what a workout this would be!”

Eventually Doyun grows tired, no longer begging Chan to continue. This time when Chan settles him on the ground, he just looks around curiously before crawling up to Chan and grabbing at his curls.

“He’s so small,” Chan marvels. “Look at his little fingers!”

He reaches out towards Doyun, who immediately wraps his hand around Chan’s index finger and pulls it towards his mouth.

It's comical to see the difference in size between their hands and Chan visibly melts, allowing Doyun to gum at his fingers, quickly covering them in a sheen of saliva.

“Are you hungry Doyunnie?” Chan asks. “It’s almost time for dinner, let’s see what your auntie prepared for us.”

By the time Doyun is set up in a high chair with a bib on, you’ve finished cooking. Dinner for Doyun is simple, consisting of steamed vegetables, tofu, rolled omelette, rice, and a bit of fruit. You’ve also used the same ingredients plus a few additions to make kimchi stew for you and Chan.

Chan is distracted the whole meal, prioritising feeding Doyun and wiping his face clean in between bites over eating his own food. It's a futile effort since Doyun seems more interested in smearing the food around rather than getting it into his mouth.

When you're finished with your food, you switch spots with Chan and coax Doyun into eating the last few bites he has left while Chan scarfs down his own meal. 

After dinner, you carry Doyun into the bathroom and start filling the bathtub with a shallow layer of warm water. He watches with wide eyes as you add bubble bath that changes the colour of the water to a deep blue and creates a thick cover of bubbles. After washing the dishes and wiping down the kitchen, Chan joins the both of you just as you’re rinsing suds out of Doyun’s hair.

Cleaned and dressed in a fuzzy onesie with tiny bear ears poking out from the hood, Doyun struggles to stay awake for the rest of the evening. It’s obvious that he’s tired, he’s starting to get cranky and his blinks get longer and longer, but he stubbornly continues to play. After his third time nodding off while slotting plastic shapes into a cube, Chan picks him up and walks him around the room, rocking him slightly while humming a melody that you can’t recognize.

When your sister comes to pick up Doyun, he's sprawled out on Chan’s chest, deeply asleep. A line of drool drops from his open mouth to form a wet spot on Chan’s shirt, but Chan doesn’t seem to mind, staring at Doyun with stars in his eyes.

That night, right when you're about to fall asleep, Chan speaks up. His arms are wrapped around you and you can feel his breath against the back of your neck. 

“I think,” he says quietly. “I think I want kids. Not now, I still have the same concerns as before, but in the future? I want it.”

“You did so well with Doyunnie, it looked so natural,” you agree. “I think you would be a great dad.”

“Only if you’re there by my side,” he corrects.

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

till death do us part collection | read it on ao3 | masterlist

[lunarmoves]

“friend,” sun’s voice echoes across the daycare, cool and swift like the blade of a dagger cutting through the wind. 

you look over to him with an eyebrow raised, a bundle of crayons gripped in your hand from where you’d been tidying up the arts tables. sun’s staring right at you, hands clutched together in front of his thin waist. the nearly iridescent glow of his eyes holds your own in an unreadable gaze. 

“…yeah?” you ask after a short moment, curious at this sudden… stillness. maybe even wary.

he tilts his head at you, a sharp click sounding through the air. then, after a beat, his optics narrow and he lifts a hand to quirk two fingers at you. “come here.” 

you’ve never heard him sound this way—stern, almost. calculatingly calm. in fact, it jars you so much that you find yourself immediately obeying. the crayons get dropped into their designated bucket. and then you’re slowly making your way closer to him. pit pat pit pat, goes your steps. closer and ever closer until you’re standing right before him—tilting your head back to properly look up at a face of stagnant metal and silicon. 

you're not sure what's going through that artificial brain of his. you can only stare at him, his head directly in line with one of the lights above in a way that makes the edges of his rays glow. a halo, almost. but not quite—not quite fitting, actually.

he seems to appraise you, in a sense. those two fingers he had used to beckon you closer lift up to gently touch your chin. silent. contemplative. you wait expectantly, watching him look at you. observe you. it makes something crawl under your skin.

after a terse moment, he speaks again, withdrawing his hand. his head tilts slightly in a small gesture towards the back of the daycare. "go grab the cleaning supplies from the closet."

your face must be confused, you think, feeling it twist slightly. but you nod and step away from him so you can trot over to grab the little cart he keeps in the daycare closet.

it's quiet.

it's quiet, you realize, as you roll the cart's squeaky wheels across the tiling and mats of the floor. it's quiet when it should not be quiet. you hear yourself swallow. what is going on right now?

you bring the cart to sun, who's still standing in the same position you had left him in. still and silent as a statue. as a robot. the only thing that had moved, really, was his head—spinning and rotating to track you as you grabbed the cart. still indecipherable.

you want to ask him why he's behaving this way—so odd, so unlike him—but you don't get the chance.

sun speaks up just as you come to a stop in front of him. "go clean the toys."

you give him a look. but when he offers you no reaction other than another tilt of his head, you decide to grab the wipes and do as you're told. and once you finish that, sun tells you to toss all the balls back in the ball pit. then finish cleaning the arts tables.

all the while he stays in that same position. watching you with those pinprick white eyes and odd stillness that you are not used to coming from him. you want to question him—but then you see his carefully crafted, blank face and just decide that maybe he is having an off day. maybe you're being tested right now. maybe the higher ups at fazco were deciding whether or not to fire you so they ordered sun to do an impromptu evaluation.

either way, you keep your mouth shut, only tossing sun minor confused glances in between sanitizing toys and restocking boxes. and it's not until the daycare is clean and you're once again standing before him—appraising him appraising you—that you decide to speak up. there are goosebumps all over your body.

"what was that all about?" you ask with a small frown, arms crossed over your chest.

sun takes a moment to reply—still staring down at you. still utterly motionless. you wait patiently, trying not to let his version of sun get to you.

and then it's like life gets breathed back into him. abrupt and sudden. he starts swaying side to side in his usual manner, his arms clasping behind his back as his eyes upturn into crescents. you are more than just a little bit stupefied, especially when the daycare's background music starts playing from the speakers again. as though it had never been silent in the first place.

"hm?" he asks cheerfully, cocking his head to the side again. "what was what all about?"

your jaw nearly drops open. "you know exactly what i'm talking about!" you reply indignantly, your arms moving to wave about the daycare widely. "what was all of that just now??"

sun hums again, unperturbed. "oh! that?" he brings a hand up to tap at the bottom of his faceplate. tink tink tink. "well i suppose you could call that an experiment of sorts!"

"an... experiment," you repeat slowly. what the hell? "what are you talking about?"

"i am not quite sure you want the answer to that, friend," is sun's cryptic answer. you're starting to get a bit frustrated here.

"i think i can handle it," you state dryly, resisting the urge to roll your eyes.

sun's smile stretches wider. "well! if you must know, it was something i have wanted to test for a while!" his rays twitch slightly. "a silly thing, really. one i could not have done without you, so thank you, really."

you squint at him—his smiling face, his crescent eyes. "and this thing was...?"

sun's eyes squint so much they're nearly closed. he leans down closer to you, your face cast in his shadow. you can feel your heart drop to the soles of your feet. the shiver that rattles down your spine. and you come to the conclusion that you do not like this version of sun.

"obedience," he eventually whispers like it's a raw secret meant for you alone.

and in the face of sun and his ever static smile, you swear his teeth look more like knives.

part two

[wisteriasymphony]

Wouldn't it be fucked up to visit a wax museum and look your younger self in the eyes.

Wouldn't it be fucked up to know that the 'you' people find worth preserving is a 'you' you can never go back to, maybe never were to begin with. That the 'you' that the people find worth preserving is one without so fundamentally without personhood, without agency.

Wouldn't it be fucked up if the way people immortalized you was as an accessory to your mother, 'your' wax seamlessly pushed against her wax as the wax mother holds 'you' so fondly, yet so distantly, 'you' looking at her but not her to you. Your name isn't even on the placard at her feet, just hers. Wouldn't it be fucked up if this is the first time you had seen your mother in four years, and here she is, reminding you that you'll never escape her?