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mariasont · 1 year ago

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Talking to a Brick Wall - A.H

a/n: rip erin strauss you would've hated this fic

masterlist

‧₊˚ ✩°｡⋆♡ ⋆˙⟡♡ ⋆˙⟡♡⋆｡°✩˚₊‧

pairings: aaron hotchner x bimbo!reader

summary: in which you overhear your boyfriend aaron's phone call

warnings: hurt/comfort, angst, miscommunication, self-doubt, happy ending but also a terrible ending bc i SUCK at endings xoxo

wc: 2.3k

You had called out your boyfriend's name multiple times as you wandered into his house. He had asked you a while ago if you wanted to come over for a movie night tonight and hell would have to freeze over before you ever declined that offer. However, upon arrival, you were greeted by silence; no response to the doorbell, his phone, or your voice. Thankfully, the key he'd given you last year jingled in your pocket as you let yourself in.

You had a pretty strong suspicion he'd be in his office--after all, this was Aaron Hotchner, a man who definitely did not believe in leaving work at the office.

And sure enough, his voice filtered through the slightly ajar door, the rich hue of his mahogany desk framing the gap. You were about to move towards the living room, assuming he was on a work call of some sorts, but his words stopped you dead in your tracks.

"It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm speaking, but the understanding isn't there. You know what I mean? It's like the concepts just float in one ear and out the other."

You caught your bottom lip between your teeth, brows drawn together, as your hand found the wall, leaning towards the door. He couldn't have been talking about you, right?

"I try to share details, to get her involved, but it's met with this vacant nod. As if the depth of it all just doesn't register."

Oh. Her. You tried to fan away the wetness that threatened to fall down your cheeks, each rapid motion a desperate attempt to convince yourself you were imagining things.

"And I'm patient, I really am. But when you're met with that blank look, it's... disheartening. You start to wonder if it's worth explaining at all. It's like talking to a wall."

Okay, that stung. It was like an immediate punch to the gut, your heart seeming to drop into the pit of your stomach. Your shoulders slumped slightly as you tried to rationalize his words, but nothing was really making sense right now.

The internal battle was a cruel one: stay and endure the sharp sting of his words or leave and miss more of what he had to say. The latter won, pulling you away from the door.

You knew you were never going to be the smartest person in the room, and in the past, it was a source of deep-seated insecurity, always a silent specter in the corners of your mind. But then you met Aaron. And he made everything just better. His own intelligence and impressive job never became a yardstick for your worth; he ensured you knew you were more than enough, just as you were.

He had always been the voice reminding you that you were smart in your own right, telling you that your worth transcended any numerical measure of intelligence like a stupid IQ score. But now you were questioning everything.

Anger seemed like the appropriate response, right? But it was hard to be when his words carried a weight of truth to them.

You did have a hard time keeping up when he talked about the complexities of his cases, sometimes feeling like an outsider looking in. But, even if you didn't understand, his passion for what he did was infectious, and you hung on to every word when he explained all the ways his smart brain was able to deduce things about people.

Still, a part of you imagined it was hard for him, that it probably got old fast when you weren't able to hold an intelligent conversation.

Your knuckles were white against the steering wheel, and it somehow took you only ten minutes to get home when it should've taken you twenty.

It was only when you had taken a shower, put on your favorite pair of pink sweats, brought out some Ben and Jerry's, and turned on Legally Blonde, did you check your phone.

Hi honey. What time are you coming over?

You tried to ignore the sensation of an invisible band drawing tighter across your chest.

so sorry, not feeling good. rain check? xoxo

You hated lying to him. Hated lying in general, save for the occasional white lie to protect someone's feelings. The fact that you weren't lying to his face was a small mercy, because obviously he'd be able to see right through you.

Do you want me to come there? I can bring food.

You wanted to be with him, you really did, you had been counting down the days to this movie night all week. But the thought of sitting beside him, wanting to ask about his day, about his work, now seemed like an intrusion. Knowing that your well-intentioned questions might be a chore for him or a source of frustration. The realization pressed down on you, a heavy weight that threatened to snuff your light.

no that's okie! thank you though <3 i don't want to get you sick!

Your phone was ringing, his name lighting up the screen for a FaceTime call, it felt like a betrayal of your own making. It was a skill you had recently taught him (which took forever), and of course now he was using it. Your finger jabbed at the red button, your cheeks turning the same color.

i look & sound disgustinggg rn

I know for a fact that's incorrect. You have a magical talent of looking incredible no matter what.

I want to see your pretty face.

you can be so flattering when u want to mister!

im going to take some medicine & then ill call u l8, k?

Hmm, okay.

love u! xoxo

I love you too, pretty girl.

You hated this. Your eyes were puffy, swollen and wet as you discarded the phone onto the nightstand. He deserved someone who wasn't so pathetic.

You wallowed in self-pity all night, and then all day, and then all week. You went through the motions--getting up, going to work, and then making up some lame excuse when Aaron asked to see you. Name it, and you had probably said it. In reality, you had been holed up in your room, trading glossy magazine pages for confusing behavioral books.

The subject matter was as dull as dishwater, making paint-watching seem thrilling. But you were committed to bringing some depth to your next conversation with him.

Today's excuse had been some half-truths about being buried in work--which in hindsight seemed comical, given you worked at a bakery and there wasn't much that could take up your time outside of contract hours.

You were splayed across the couch in an upside-down sprawl as you attempted to focus on the scholarly gibberish that filled the pages. 'Homology,' 'dichotomy,' and 'typology' melded into a migraine-inducing blur, tempting you to slam the book shut. You were fighting every urge to throw it out the window and paint your nails with that new glittery polish you've been dying to try.

At the insistent knock, you clapped the book shut (thank god) and stood, brows knitting, as you navigated to the door with a soft scuffle of slippers on polished wood.

Flinging it open, you halted, breath caught. "Aaron? Oh, hi, what are you doing here?"

The words sprang forth before you could catch them, your hands scrambling up to smooth the evidence of your couch-induced disarray.

He fixes you a pointed stare as he steps into your apartment, invitation be damned you guess. "I find myself repeating this, yet it seems necessary--peephole first, then the door, sweetheart."

You clamp your teeth onto your lip with such force, you're convinced you've tasted blood. "Oh, right, sorry... I should've remembered."

A flicker of foolishness and a heavy dose of self-consciousness threaten to surface. However, you quickly subdue them, tucking them away as you wrapped your arms around your body, offering him a small smile. Despite everything, your heart leaps at the sight of him. You missed him.

His face softens, his touch soft as he tilts your chin upward. "Look at me. It's fine. I just want to make sure my best girl is safe, that's all."

The temptation to simply crumble there and then, to forget everything and cocoon yourself in his arms, was overwhelming.

You leaned into his hand without thinking, which now claimed the entire area of your cheek. He was always so warm.

You watch as Aaron glances around the room, no doubt noting the absence of work-related clutter. "Still working?"

"Oh, I was, I told my boss I'd help with inventory reports." That part wasn't totally a lie, but it still made your conscience squirm with guilt.

"Do you want help?"

The proposal touches a raw nerve, sparking a defensive reflex. Did he think you were incapable?

"Thanks, but I'm actually all done with them," you lie, your a smile a little too rigid as you head into the living room.

You're keenly aware of his approaching footsteps as you hastily stash that stupid book under a magazine, silently praying he didn't notice. You settle onto the couch, and he joins you, casually drawing your legs over his lap as you recline against the cushions.

"How was your day?"

You wince internally at the automatic question.

"Not too bad," He replies with an easy shrug, his fingers sneaking under your sweats at the ankles, tracing lazy circles on your calves. "We wrapped up some paperwork, had a couple of briefings, and oh, we were introduced to our new consultant today. She specializes in crypto linguistics--really fascinating stuff."

Your eyes flutter briefly, a constriction forming in your throat, a twist in your gut. The mere mention of the consultant being a she amplifies your feelings of insufficiency. It leaves you wondering, why would Aaron ever be interested in someone like you?

"Crypto linguistics?" you repeat, trying to sound curious rather than lost.

He leans in closer to you. "It's a specialized area of linguistics focused on decoding encrypted languages."

You offer a nod, managing a convincing "Yeah, of course," even as your eyes unwittingly drift away from his unwavering stare, betraying a hint of your confusion.

Aaron's hand cradles your head, his fingers sifting through your hair. "Hey," he murmurs, drawing your attention back, "what's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

Your chin touches your chest as you mumble, barely audible, "hardly anything."

Aaron's expression turns to a frown, his broad hands guiding your ass and thighs as he positions you atop his lap, face-to-face, leaving you exposed with no place to hide. Your name escapes him with a sigh. "I don't believe that for a second."

You match his frown with your own pout, nestling your face into his neck, concealing the rosy hue that has claimed your cheeks. "Just a rough week is all."

"Is that so?" His voice was a gentle murmur, his hands soothingly moving in gentle sweeps across your back as you breathed out unsteadily. "Funny, that's been my week too. My gorgeous girlfriend seems to have been avoiding me all week."

"Have not," you mumble, your breath warm against his skin, fingers weaving through the hair at the nape of his neck.

He hummed. "Why don't you tell me what's wrong."

"It's silly."

He guided your face back to his, eyes searching yours. "Listen to me. No, it's not. I don't like when you try to diminish your feelings. Talk to me, honey."

That was your tipping point. A wobble in your lip betrays the onset of tears as your voice breaks.

"I just--I know I'm not as smart as the people you work with or even your past girlfriends. I know I don't get things right away especially when you talk about work, and I see how everyone else is so quick, and I'm here, always a few steps behind. I know that it must be frustrating for you, and I'm scared that one day, you'll get tired of explaining, and your patience will run out, and well, you'll see... you'll see that--"

"Baby, whoa, slow down," Aaron urges, his palms tenderly framing your face, a frown plastered over his face. Your heart hammers against your chest, its rapid beats almost audible, as if it might jump from your body. "Take a deep breath, okay? Can you do that for me?"

You draw in a breath.

His thumb delicately erases the tears that have made their way down your cheek.

"When there is something about my work you don't understand, I will gladly go over it as many times as you need. I don't expect you to know everything about that stuff, why would you? That's not why I'm with you. I'm with you because of your incredibly kind heart and the way you see the best in people. I love you because you are you. What is making you think this way, honey? It's breaking my heart."

"I overheard you Aaron," you said, "saying that sometimes it feels like you're talking to a wall when you talk to me."

"What?" he questioned, but his confusion was quickly morphed into concern. "Oh, sweetheart, no. I was talking about Strauss and her lack of understanding of our fieldwork."

"Oh."

"I would never speak about you like that, you know that, right? And if, in some alternate universe, I did, you need to break up with me, or better yet, set me straight." His hands stayed firmly on your face. "You should never tolerate that from me or anyone else, understood?"

You bit down on your lip, hands resting on his shoulders as you nodded. "Yes, sir."

He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips, sending fireworks to every inch of you as he mumbled against your mouth, "that's my girl."

taglist: @hotchhner

#aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x fem!reader #aaron hotchner x fem reader #aaron hotchner x bimbo!reader #aaron hotchner x bimbo reader #criminal minds #criminal minds fic #aaron hotchner angst #aaron hotchner hurt/comfort #Spotify

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laenordeservedbetter · 1 year ago

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Why?

Pairing: Clarisse La Rue x Fem!Reader (Daughter of Athena)

Synopsis: Percy sees something he never expected to see.

Warnings: Fluff, kissing, confused Percy, Clarisse slander (Percy), fear of spiders. lmk if I missed any.

This one-shot is based on this tweet.

A/N: Hello, lovely people. I'm back. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last wrote on here. My writing skills got rusty, but I hope you enjoy reading anyway.

not my gif. || masterlist

Percy was walking with Luke as the latter continued showing him the camp facilities that they didn’t get to go over in the original tour when he sees a strange sight that makes him stop walking. He squints his eyes, wondering if his mind was playing tricks on him. When his visions do not change, his eyebrows raise, almost going to the top of his head by how surprised he was.

Luke stops talking when he notices that Percy’s attention was elsewhere. He tries to follow Percy’s line of sight and chuckles when he does. “Oh, yeah. That.” Luke smiles, amused. “That happens pretty much every once in a while.”

“Should we help her?” Percy asks, mortified, as he refers to you. He felt uneasy, seeing you with Clarisse. She is the camp bully, isn’t she? People shouldn’t be leaving you alone with her. Something about the predicament he saw the two of you in seemed off. It shouldn’t be happening, that’s for sure. He steps forward, wanting to free you from the torture when Luke places a hand on his shoulder, preventing him from doing so.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Luke shakes his head, making sure Percy wasn’t going to make any more steps before he retracts his hand.

“Why are Clarisse and Y/n sitting with their backs to each other?” Percy looks up at Luke, knowing the older camper wasn’t going to let him interfere. The least Luke could do was answer his questions.

“They had a fight.” Luke explains simply, still with an amused smirk.

“Then why are they holding hands?”

“They get sad when they fight.” The raven-haired boy shrugs.

Percy doesn’t say anything, keeping up with his staring. It didn’t occur to him how creepy or weird it was, seeing how baffled he still is upon seeing you and Clarisse in the same room, and holding hands. It’s giving him the heebie-jeebies. What business did Clarisse have holding hands with one of the kindest people in camp? He didn’t like that idea, but there was nothing he could do about it. His only hope was that Clarisse doesn’t infect you with her bad attitude.

Meanwhile, inside the Athena cabin, you squeezed Clarisse’s hand three times, but you didn’t say a word. You were still pretty upset from the incident earlier.

Clarisse tried to look at you from her peripheral vision and even though you couldn’t see it, you knew that her face was ridden with guilt. She sighs, “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tossed that spider to you when we were in the woods, even if I was freaked out.”

You had been walking in the woods together, hand in hand, when a spider fell on Clarisse’s shoulder. Her natural instinct was to kill it, but she didn’t have any weapons with her and she was starting to panic, so she did the first thing her brain told her to do. She flung the spider over to you despite knowing full well that you were afraid of them.

You take a deep breath, staying silent for a few seconds before saying, “I forgive you and I’m sorry for yelling and cursing you.” Your head hung low in shame. That wasn’t your proudest moment either. The things you said would have made even Chiron blush.

Clarisse gives out a huge sigh of relief, momentarily letting go of your hand so she can stand up. She walks over so she can finally be face to face with you. “It’s okay, I forgive you. You were freaking out too.” She wraps her arms around you, meeting your gaze with a smile.

“I thought my soul left my body at that point.” You pouted, bits of distress still not wearing off.

She cups your face, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on your lips. “Do you feel better now?” She asks with a soft smile.

You can’t stop the smile from spreading to your face, too. You wrap your arms around her waist and hug her from your position on the chair, holding her tighter for maximum comfort. Clarisse laughs at how you didn’t want to let go, even after two minutes have passed.

“I love you so much. You know that, right?” Clarisse states, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

“I know.” You murmur happily against her, wanting nothing more than to stay in this moment forever.

Outside the cabin, about ten feet away, Percy Jackson could be seen with his jaw dropped and eyes wider than before. “They’re dating?!” He exclaims, looking at Luke in a panic. It seems that he didn’t connect the dots until you and Clarisse kissed. And even then, it seemed like it wasn’t true. He wasn’t concerned anymore, just confused.

Luke’s brows furrowed. “Couldn’t you already tell by the way they were holding hands earlier?”

Percy stares at Luke, his mouth agape, then back to you and Clarisse, then back to Luke again, feeling like he was about to combust because of this new information. “What? No. Why would I even—”

Luke pulls Percy along, cutting his rambling short. “You have much to learn, Percy. So much.” He walks ahead, heading back to the Hermes cabin. “Come on. I’ll fill you in when we get back to the cabin.”

#clarisse la rue #clarisse pjo #clarisse x reader #clarisse la rue x reader #clarisse la rue x y/n #percy jackon and the olympians

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hiddenreamers · 7 months ago

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F1 Drivers x foreign!reader

SUMMARY: When they know social norms and the local language, sometimes it might be hard to spot a foreigner. Even then, there are details to their daily life that might give away their heritage. Whether they're strange, funny or heartwarming, it doesn't really matter. Your boyfriend wouldn't have it any other way.

Featuring: Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo (it's my delulu I set the rules), Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Jr, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Oscar Piastri

Note: I'm a Polish gal, so the examples I've used are quite specific and probably not universal

Lando Norris

You're unsure if his terrible pronunciation is genuine or just a ploy to make you laugh. As time goes on, you're leaning towards the latter. The comedic timing of throwing out mispronounced random phrases and words is almost too perfect to be accidental. Considering the cultural differences, you have your quirks and superstitions that are largely funny and meaningless to him. Despite his lack of understanding, he adheres to them like the letter of the law (except speed limits, of course). While it might seem pointless to him that you have to knock on "something unpainted" after talking about misfortune, Lando will never make fun of you for it. He might laugh, yes, but he just finds those little rituals endearing. Secretly learns to say "I love you" in your first language but this time, he wants his pronunciation to be impeccable. He really means it, after all.

Lewis Hamilton

He's been showing genuine curiosity from the very beginning. While he wants to get to know you better as a person, he also wants to know more about your home. Consequently, Lewis jumps at any opportunity to travel with you to your native country. When you're pointing out different buildings as well as memories associated with them, he feels like he's getting a better understanding of who you are and why. Like Lando, he's mindful of the cultural quirks and sticks to them but doesn't find them as funny. While he's well aware you don't expect him to follow them, Lewis still refuses to kiss you over the threshold once you tell him it's said to bring bad luck. He's not going to risk it, is he?

Daniel Ricciardo

The ever-charming man is interested only in learning swear words and pick-up lines in your native language. Not very surprising. Even less surprising is the fact that you might have (on at least one occasion) taught him nonsense or a silly phrase while claiming it's something sexy or romantic. He is yet to be corrected that a certain phrase is not a heartfelt confession but a simple question of "Where is my sauerkraut?". There's something impossibly attractive about you speaking your mother tongue, according to Daniel. You could read aloud a random Wikipedia entry and he's down bad by the second verse.

Max Verstappen

Practical as always, Max has learnt to read your first language just to occasionally help. You're busy and someone is texting you? Maybe you forgot the next ingredient or step for the recipe but your hands are dirty? Max is there to help. Despite not much practice, his pronunciation is really good. He does, however, have a secret. All the random things he's been reading for you? They got him familiar with the language, at least the basics. Still, Max pretends that he doesn't understand 99% of what he's reading for you because he doesn't want to miss out on all the ego-stroking "Max is wonderful!!" messages you receive from friends and family. The king of keeping a straight face. He's so used to hearing you refer to him by pet names in another language that when he hears it in a movie you're watching, he instinctively looks towards you.

Carlos Sainz Jr

Similarly to Max, Carlos has picked up some of your mother tongue. Pretends he doesn't because he's living for the gossip you exchange with your friends. Most of all, he HAS to know what you're talking about after hearing you say his name. Are you happy with him? Does he fulfil your needs? Although each time you're gushing over him, he can't help his curiosity. Carlos might or might not have overheard you talking to your friends about a sexual fantasy and later on used that knowledge to his advantage. But if anyone asks, he doesn't know more than a "hello" in your first language.

Charles Leclerc

Like many multilingual people, you have a habit of directly translating sayings and idioms or just getting confused about which ones work in what language. Funnily enough, Charles unknowingly picked up some of the phrases you use. He realises only when someone gives him a strange look for saying "happy as a whistle". On another occasion he says somebody "stuck to him like thistle to a dog's tail", which sparked a landslide of memes. Charles insists on you calling him pet names in your first language exclusively. He claims they sound more loving when you say them in your mother tongue but maybe he's suffering from the same ailment as Daniel Ricciardo...

George Russell

As adorable as they are, George's random questions can get slightly annoying. He might be working you up on purpose, not that he'd ever admit. This man has a curious tendency to suddenly point to a random object and ask you what's it called in your native language. When you tell him, he exposes you to possibly the worst attempt at repeating the word. George is trying his best, okay? He might not be able to pronounce or write it but when you say it, he quickly learns to recognize the word. This has lead to seemingly strange situations when you can't remember the English expression and say it in your mother tongue, while George without a problem gives you the answer or passes you the item. Some of the other drivers are now convinced he knows your first language and George somehow can't find the right occasion to correct them. After secretly practising, he says "I love you" in your mother tongue and despite the rather awful pronunciation, it's the best thing you've ever heard. It's not flawless but it's perfect.

Oscar Piastri

Similarly to Lewis, he's genuinly curious about your homecountry. The difference is, Oscar is more leaning towards the literature and pop-culture side of things. He has a list of books, poems, movies and plays that are considered important to your homeland. If there are English translations, he'll at least try to read them (on a few occasions he's settled for the cheat sheets and summaries). Multiple times Oscar has talked you into reading the original to him and afterwards claimed that despite understanding nothing, that's his favourite version. Movies, however, he wants to watch with you. It's a cozy date, yes. But! It is also an opportunity to learn more as you have a tendency to pause the film and explain jokes, give broader context or share a fun fact about something on the screen. Through all of that, he learns certain unspoken social rules and superstitions. You tell him he really doesn't have to follow them for your sake when you notice he refuses to put your bag on the floor or switches seats with you if you sit at the corner of the table.

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misahyochaeng · 7 months ago

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“Insider”

(CEO!Mina x Fem!Reader🌧️🔞)

TW's// Smut, Dom!Mina, Sub!reader, CEO!Mina, Clubbing, One night stand, catching feelings, slight angst, Fingering, Bathroom sex, L bombing, Public area, exhibitionism, hair pulling, spanking, Mina is DESPERATE. Mentions of Nayeon and Sana, you and nayeon lowkey have some tension here and there but shh..//

—Flashback—

—"Nggh, M-Mina-nim.. fuck.” Your body shook the bathroom stall, your body gripping Mina's shoulders as you came undone on her fingers.

—"Hmm.. good girl." She helped you ride your high, helping you finish and clean up.

—"No hard feelings, ok?" Mina replied sternly, fixing your appearance and leaving you there at the bathroom stall.

No hard feelings.

—Flashback end—

Those harsh words echoed and panged through your mind. It had been almost a month since your one night stand with the vicious club owner, known for her dark aura and intimidating presence; yet you saw her in her most vulnerable moments, her digits inside you as she took care of the problem inbetween your legs.

You'd promise yourself to not fall in love, but your heart was saying otherwise. You kept stalking her social medias, keeping up with the company club, eyeing events she hosted and thinking about how nice it'd be to go and see her again, maybe experience her fingers inside you again.

—"Fuck.. ughhh i can't, i miss her so much." You complained to your friend Nayeon, head on her lap as she played with your hair, your hands scrolling aimlessly through Mina's feed.

—"Y/N, honey, come on.. It was just a fling, what's so awesome about, her?"

—"Nayeon, you don't get it.. it's THE Myoui Mina, imagine being able to spend the night with the most fucking rich woman in all Seoul? Shit, you'd be crazy like me too!!"

Nayeon rolled her eyes, pinching your cheeks softly as she continued to play with your hair.—"Alright, alright, dummy.. It's noticeable you're hooked."

You nod, getting comfortable in Nayeons lap as you continued scrolling.

You need to see her.

—

On the other hand, Mina was in her office, counting up big stacks of twenty dollar bills, legs resting on her desk as she went through the paper. —"Alright, Sana, here's your payment..."

Mina said as she handed the Japanese a rough stack of cash, her expression cold. —"And the rest i'll be keeping, as promised."

Sana checked and counted her bills, the ones she hardly worked for by dancing. —"Ma'am this is only—"

—"Am i getting a complaint, Minatozaki?" She snapped back, her voice cold and stern,

—"You got your fair share, you know i need to get my bills paid, darling." Mina stood up and leaned over her desk, lifting Sana's chin up and inching closer to her, lips barely apart as she stared at the latter in a rather dominating composure.

—"Is there any way i can increase my payment, Ma'am?" Sana asked, hand snaking to hold Mina's, which was still on her chin.

Mina thought for a bit, getting an idea and smirking. —"Oh i know a way, sweetheart."

———

—"Holy shit, Y/N!!" Nayeon yelped as she scrolled through her phone, you were laying next to her watching a movie, the scream making you jolt up, eyes going wide.

—"What the fuck!" She shut you up with a finger to your lip, sitting up properly as she began to explain, eyes scanning yours.

—"Okay, soo.. yknow my whole modeling thing with Tommy Hillfiger, right?" You nodded, eyebrows furrowed as she yapped on and on.

—"They're hosting a runway event and they invited me!," Nayeon then leaned closer to you, practically whispering in your ear

—"And they said i could bring a plus one, plus they're holding an after party in this club,” Nayeon said in a low sultry tone, trying to seduce and convince you, the action making you roll your eyes.

—"Come on! it'll be fun!" After a couple minutes of nagging, you finally gave in, borrowing some of Nayeons THF designer clothes and doing your makeup,

—"See, i knew you'd always look better in my clothing, i have a better fashion sense after all!" Nayeon replied cockily, taking off and changing her shirt infront of you.

—"Whatever, just hurry up so we can go," The only reason you agreed is because you needed to get your mind off Mina, almost a month and you couldn't get the image out of your mind, you needed to do anything possible to get that pit inside you out.

After a good ten minutes, Nayeon finally finished getting all dolled up, holding her handbag as she walked out with you to the door. —"Wait, wait! quick selfie before we go out, babe!"

You rolled your eyes and smirked, going over to the closet mirror you had near your apartment front door and posing, Nayeons hands snaking near the lower area off your waist as you both posed for a quick mirror pic, speeding off the door in a stat.

Nayeon was quick to post the pic, the entire car ride to the event just being some basic chatter.

———

Sana smirked as she got the notification on insta, seeing the two of you posing, she giggled as she liked the story. —"Bingo."

———-

As your driver finally settled near the event area, paparazzi drivers immediately started flashing you both, of course since you were going as Nayeons plus one; you had a reputation, sure, but not as big as your best friend's.

As the event finally started, you sat with Nayeon, her hand on your thigh as you both watched the fashion show, cameras occasionally flashing to you both, you watched with amusement as you admired all the outfits, whispering a funny comment or two in Nayeons ear when an outfits pattern or style was weird, both of you trying to hold in your laugh.

The event was fun, (and by fun you mean making fun of the weird outfits the models would walk in with), and it got your mind out of plenty of stuff; as you walked out, you took plenty of selfies with celebrities you admired, mostly flattering Nayeon in all her glory while you introduced yourself as her friend.

But now, the fun was actually about to start. As you pulled up to the club for the after party, it was full to the brim, butterflies in your stomach as the night began to settle.

The night was wild, filled with dancing, drinking, pouring shots in random peoples mouth and getting closer to Nayeon, the alcohol in your system making you touch, feel and grind all over your best-friend.

Little did you know, Sana, Mina's little minion and worker, was eyeing you the whole time.

Sana had been bringing over drunk girls for Mina to toy with, it's what they agreed on after all, the more the girls, the more payment increase for Sana. Sana was about to strike until you drifted off of Nayeon, whose lips were near you neck as you both danced together.

You slightly stumbled off to the bathroom, where only god knows what you were about to do.

That was until Mina bursted out of her office door, T-shirt collar messy as she wiped the messy lipstick on her face, a dark haired girl with bangs who looked like she just got ran over by a tornado leaving the room shortly after her, a hand trailing behind Mina's ass. —"Thank you for the service miss uhm.. Hirai.."

The girl blew a kiss as she ran off to party.

—“All good, Miss. Myoui?” Sana asked, head tilted as she gave the Japanese a cheeky smile.

Mina nodded, —"Just a quick bathroom break, i'll be back in a bit, bring the next girl over to my office ok?"

Mina walked off to the bathroom, hands in her pockets as she opened the door with her shoulders. You were leaning against the sink touching up your makeup until a loud thud made you snap your neck to the side, the sight of the girl you yearned so badly for making your jaw drop.

—"Myoui!!!?" You shouted, though it was quickly cut off by Mina's hand covering your mouth.

—"Shh, people aren't supposed to know i'm here, fuck." She replied sternly, the tone of voice taking you back a bit.

You both had a moment of silence before Mina spoke. —"It's been a while, no?"

You nodded, avoiding the latters gaze until she lifted your chin up with her finger, inching a bit closer. —"You okay?"

Mina replied, her cold facade disappearing and now being replaced with some light concern —"N-no it's just..."

You sighed before inching her hand away.

—"I don't think i can forget about last time, Mina.. I need that.." You paused for a brief moment as you stared at her, the bass of the music making the walls vibrate,

—"I need you."

Silence..

Mina barely wasted a second and latched onto you, hands holding your waist and ass as she bit your bottom lip, pressing her lips against yours in a deep kiss. You moaned out, Mina's cold hands reaching up to your shirt to cup and knead your breasts, pressing you against the wall, her thigh in-between your legs.

You bucked your hips for friction, grinding on her thigh as you whined against her.

—"Need it so badly, don't you, baby?" Mina teased, mouth trailing down to your neck, biting, leaving sloppy kisses, she was aggressive, desperate even; it was like you were her last fucking meal.

Mina groped your breast hard as she undid the button of your jean pants, shoving her hand down there to rub your clit through your underwear, a smirk pressing against your neck as your body jolted forward at the stimulation, mouth falling agape as you moaned out.

—"Good fucking girl." Mina gripped the skin of your sides harshly, her neck still on your neck, inhaling your scent, it was like an addiction, and she had fallen in deep.

Mina inserted two of her digits inside you, fucking you at an easy and steady pace, biting your earlobe as she kissed you roughly all over.

—“You need it so badly, don’t you baby?” Mina teased, mouth trailing down to your neck, biting, leaving sloppy kisses, she was aggressive, desperate even; it was like you were her last fucking meal.

You moaned loudly as she touched every single one of your weak spots, she knew what you liked and she’d do anything to please you.

The loud noise echoed through the bathroom, she pressed her lips against yours again, tongue exploring your mouth. —"Be quiet, needy girl, anyone can some in at any second yknow? See you being such a good girl for Miss Myoui, what would they think? Hm?"

You arched your back bucking your hips against her fingers, Mina's free hand reaching down to land three harsh smacks on your ass, kneading the area after, she was obsessed with your ass, and you knew it.

Mina's lips trailed down to your collarbone, marking the area. —"Don't wanna fuck anyone else after this, don't want YOU fucking anyone else, you're fucking mine, got it? This wet cunt is mine. Myoui Mina's fucking pussy."

You nodded endlessly, arms wrapping around her neck, you hid your face in the crook of it, biting her neck to suppress your noises.

—"Easy fucking girl." Mina spit back, her off hand just feeling you all over, sweat dripping down her forehead as she got you all messy for her.

—"Gosh, fucks sake Mina, i love you so fucking much."

Those words made Mina jolt up a bit, she would hear it a lot from all her different flings, but when it came out of your mouth, fuck, it was different. —"Yeah? Say how much you fucking love me, say it, needy girl."

Tears pricked at your eyes as you moaned out, telling her how much you loved her aimlessly, everything about her, how fucking obsessed you were with her. It struck a nerve in Mina, making her heart pang, she knew there was no hard feelings, but fuck.. why was she feeling this way.

She thrusted harder, hitting deep inside you as she felt your walls clench around her. —"Close, baby? Gonna cum for me? How about i take you home and treat you good after this?"

You nodded before pouring your juices out on the girls fingers, as she helped you ride your high, you pulled the girl closer into a hug and kissed her, your eyes teary. —"I'm sorry"

You apologized as you look into her eyes, her gaze softening, something you'd never seen before.—"It's.. Its okay.. Hey? I did promise id treat you? it's on me."

—"But what about—"

She was quick to reassure you, hands cupping your soft cheeks as she admired you with her gaze.

—"Don't worry about Nayeon, i've got it covered, trust me." As she said that, you gave in as she cleaned you up and took you out of the bathroom, eyeing Sana as she walked out with you, pinky's linked together.

You did good, Sana... You did good.

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vax-merstappen · 1 year ago

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suit and tie (cl16)

summary: charles is getting dressed for a photoshoot with apm monaco. he can't seem to find his clothes, maybe you would know where they are?

Some days Charles Leclerc was your simply your boyfriend. Other days he was one of the most famous people in Monaco. Today was one of the latter days, as he was scheduled for a photoshoot with his high end sponsor, the jewelry brand APM Monaco.

The brand had picked out a luxurious suit for Charles to wear along with numerous bracelets, rings, and a pricey necklace. You had admired the choice when he had showed it to you and could only imagine how handsome he would look when he was wearing it.

Soon you wouldn't have to imagine. Charles was in the shower, cleaning up before he got dressed. As far as he knew, you were watching your favorite show on TV, waiting to see him before he went to the shoot. He took his time, washing his hair and body before stepping out of the water and wrapping a towel around his waist. He brushed his teeth and dried his hair next. Finally, he left the bathroom and walked into your closet to get dressed.

Charles looked at the hanger where he had left his jacket. He blinked in confusion and looked at the hanger where he had hung his suit pants. Finally, he examined the one where he had put his shirt. They were all empty. In fact, the only part of the outfit he could find was the jewelry. He was alarmed, as he had definitely put all of the items in their respective spots. How could they have just vanished?

"Babe?" Charles called out from the closet. "Have you seen my clothes? I left them right here."

He got no response.

"Babe?"

Again, nothing. Had someone broken into your apartment? His clothes and apparently you were missing. In a panic, he tugged on some underwear and walked out of the closet into your living room.

"Oh come on baby!" he exclaimed when he realized what was going on.

You were standing in the middle of the room, wearing his suit jacket over your clothes. You held his shirt and pants in the air tauntingly with a mischievous smile.

"If you want to wear these, you're going to have to get them!" you said.

"Game on." Charles smirked as he walked closer to you. You backed away, carful to keep the clothes just out of his reach. He lunged for them, but you darted away, running for the kitchen. Charles was fast, but you were more agile. You dodged the chairs around the kitchen table and he tripped over one behind you.

"Gotta be quicker than that, babe!" you shouted as you ran back to the living room.

"Do you want me to go to the photoshoot in my boxers?" he asked, following behind you.

"I certainly don't mind when you wear less clothes."

He laughed and chased you into the bedroom. You jumped on the bed and held the clothes out of his reach again. Charles jumped onto the bed and grabbed your legs. You both fell into a tangled mess on your bed, giggling as he pulled them from your arms. You fought back as he leaned over you on the bed. You were now trapped under him.

"I win," he said with a goofy smile. You leaned up and grabbed his face to kiss him, pulling him down onto you.

"I think I'm the real winner, I got a Charles Leclerc to chase me with no clothes on. You know how many girls would kill for that opportunity?"

"I don't need to think about other girls when I have you, babe."

You couldn't help but blush a little at the comment and his sheer proximity to you. Even though you had been dating for months, he still had a way of making you feel flustered.

"Now I'm going to be late for the photoshoot if you don't give me my jacket."

You sighed dramatically and stood up from the bed. You pulled the jacket off reluctantly and handed it to him. As you watched him get dressed, you realized that he looked better in the suit than you had previously imagined. It was immaculately tailored and fit his body perfectly. When he put on the jewelry, he looked absolutely stunning.

"How do I look?" he asked, turning around to face you. You nearly melted at the sight.

"Incredible, babe."

He pulled you close and kissed you on the lips. "Let me tell you a secret."

"What?"

"I think you looked better in the jacket," he whispered in your ears.

You watched as he pulled away before smiling at you one last time and walking out the door. He may have been Charles Leclerc, famous formula 1 driver, but to you he truly he was just your sweet, loving boyfriend.

#f1 imagine #f1 x reader #f1 x you #f1 fanfic #f1 fic #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc x y/n #charles leclerc imagine #charles leclerc fanfic

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jenneyquinn · 2 months ago

Text

𝐠𝐫𝐮𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

in which he finally makes her his! (after 100 yq)

also no beta we die like gruvia

first date

because in her head, they’ve been dating ever since they first met, gray “lover boy” fullbuster has to be the one to ask juvia out—that’s how you know it was gonna be a special one

though he should feel confident, given all the research he’s done purely for this moment, his mind draws a blank

he only thinks about juvia’s interests and what she would like to do… but it’s hard when the person you’re going out with doesn’t have much interests besides yourself

on the day of, he meets up with juvia at the guild hall—the latter excitedly running up to hug from the side (as per usual)

gray takes her out to a little café that just opened since he knows she likes to bake (even if her creations sometimes are a hit or miss)

they reminisce on the times where they ate together—the caramade franks, the gray- and juvi-buns, and when they were living together—and they look back on them fondly

little did they know, they were gonna get a slight intrusion from their comrades

in the next table over, lucy, natsu, and happy are also seated—the salamander and the exceed feasting on the baked goods like there’s no tomorrow, causing the ice mage to stare past juvia and looking at the two in disgust

is everything alright, gray-sama?

he then notices that she probably thought he was looking at her all grossed out, but points out that their guildmates have also decided to try out the new café as well

she turns around and they exchange happy greetings, the five of them finishing their meals together

and though gray wouldn’t mind spending time with his comrades, he was looking forward to just spending the day with juvia (not that he’d actually admit that out loud)

so while juvia talks with lucy while natsu and happy continue ravaging the food on their table, gray just sits aloof, but leaning back on his chair as he drapes an arm over juvia’s

where are you guys planning on going after this? we’re going shopping since there’s this new dress i got my eye on

when lucy asks that question, gray was hoping that they’d just split ways after they were all done at the café, but he’d think that juvia would say no anyways—after all, why would she let her date spend any more time with one of her love rivals, right?

juvia thinks she knows what dress lucy-san is talking about, she wants to check it out too! what do you say, gray-sama? for sure, you’d like to see juvia in a cute new dress~

his cheeks flush red

he did not want to go to some girly store at all

but at the same time, he had a golden opportunity right in front of him

tch—whatever you want, i guess…

and that’s how the fairy tail members end up at the boutiques, the celestial-spirit and water mages trying out a mountain of clothing

… as well as bumping into erza, wendy, and carla—who seemed to have a similar idea as well

so this first date gradually became a group hangout, which gray tried very hard to not be bothered by, but his mind couldn’t help but itch for some alone time with juvia…

does she feel this too? he thinks, taking a glance at her typically-cheery self, is she feeling this now?

but juvia remains unbothered, so gray is content with just glancing at her—the smallest hint of a smile can be seen on his face

ICE PRINCESS HAVE YOU GONE DEAF??? OR YOU GONNA KEEP MAKING GOO-GOO EYES AT JUVIA???

and there goes his calm

at the end of the date, gray drops off juvia to her apartment—he’s stoic but deep down he’s bummed that their date couldn’t have turned out better

thank you for the great date, gray-sama! juvia had a fun time!

he’s clearly taken aback when she not only hugs him, but also gives a quick peck on his cheek, which instanly goes warm

you’re not sad the guys crashed our date?

of course not! juvia’s happy she spent the day with gray-sama, because she knows gray-sama has the most fun being with his team! … did you enjoy our date, gray-sama?

did he have a good time?

when he thinks back on the day, his mind only recalls all the moments where he saw a twinkle in juvia’s eyes, every time his heart does a little jump when she laughs, and most importantly—how she kept smiling the entire time

so, he smiles warmly at her, placing a kiss on her forehead before answering

i wouldn’t change a thing

in general

they usually spend most of their dates indoors, either at juvia’s or at gray’s

but their favourite outdoors dates are between market strolling and picnics... gray gets more affectionate if their picnics are in secluded areas

their mutual love languages are definitely quality time and physical affection

individually, juvia's is more towards words of affection, and gray's is acts of service

whenever gray has a day-long job, juvia wakes up extra early to make him a homecooked bento

between jobs, when he’s back in town, juvia doesn’t mind whenever gray lounges around her apartment, happily doing his laundry and serving him homey meals

anything to keep him from crashing at lucy’s place, right?

speaking of laundry, gray’s saved a lot of jewel from going to a tailor to get his clothes fixed because juvia does it for him!

sure, they’re all personalized since she sews their initials inside a heart for every garmet she mends but the embarrassment is a small price to pay than actually having to pay a tailor

on top of the scarf she’s made for him, juvia has knitted him sweaters, hats, and mittens (though the last one was pretty tricky and she accidentally added an extra finger to one of them)

juvia also sewed together a juvi-doll for gray to take on jobs “in case if he misses her”

he actually makes more of an effort to not lose the doll over his own clothes

they’d cuddle over the night, gray won’t admit it though—he’s comfortable spooning juvia when she’s in a deep sleep

they also have recurring nightmares (especially gray, who’d then hold onto juvia tighter)

sometimes, when he holds juvia tight enough, to the point where she wakes up, she soothes him by running her fingers through his hair and stroking his head until his teeth stops grounding

she prefers being the small spoon, but the payoff from being the big spoon is more heartwarming to juvia

and it's not like he'd ever admit it, but gray loves being small spoon

typically juvia would only go for jobs with gray, but eventually she grows comfortable with taking on jobs on her own

but if she did need a companion, gray only feels comfortable if it were just girls accompanying her, and gajeel as well

actually maybe not cana... they get too chummy with each other...

erza neither... they're even more chummy... but at least it's nothing to worry about because they're in the same team anyways

yep, gray definitely gets some possessiveness issues

he knows it’s stupid, but he also knows it would be more stupid of him to expect her to wait around the guild hall like a sad puppy until he came back from a job

not that it’s ever happened to him before

juvia gets less possessive, but gray gets more possessive

her love rivals decrease down to just lucy and other women who openly express their attraction to gray (even after she and natsu finally get together)

meanwhile, gray's pda actually peaks whenever lyon is in radius of them, and even though juvia insists that she and her ex are back on good terms platonically, he can never leave her alone if they bump into him

after all, if the jerk could easily dump her at her worst, he didn’t deserve to have her at her best

and even if a guy merely checks juvia out, gray already has 23462348 ways in his mind to take that perv down

juvia still initiates all the hugs, but now that they’re together, gray eagerly returns them

in fact, juvia's physical affection doesn't really intensify nor tone down when they start dating, but gray definitely blushes more

they don't regularly have tease-offs when they're alone, but in the guild, whenever the others start to tease gray while juvia's being all lovey-dovey and teasing him as well, gray easily shuts everyone up the moment he starts teasing juvia back

despite the 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴 juvia is, it really doesn't take gray much to have her all sheepish and bashful, and everyone else is just immediately uncomfortable

after all, every single time gray teases juvia back, his clothes are gone in a thanos snap—and that's already bad enough

you'd think the guild would get used to it after knowing gray for so long... they never do—and now they've got something else from the ice mage to be disturbed by

as for pet names? it pretty much stays the same

juvia’s: gray-sama, gray my love, my darling gray, gray my beloved—his name is too important that she can’t give a proper pet name unless his actual name is in it as well

gray’s: juvia (rarely “my girl”, “my woman”, “my wife”, “mine”—just any possessive title, really)

but never babygirl or pookie—those per names are cursed to him

gray doesn’t give juvia a pet name—her name is just that special to him, he doesn’t feel the need to add flowery words because her name is already worth more than precious metals and stones

that’s why if he ever hears somebody call her name a bit too friendly for his liking, gray’s already on edge

juvia always asks gray what he wants for dinner or his bento

unless if gray has a specific craving, he usually just tells her to surprise him (because he loves pretty much everything she makes so he already knows it’s gonna be good)

special dates

juvia keeps track of all the anniversaries (months, years, when they first met, when they first got together, their first date, their first kiss)

legend says she still knows how many days passed since they’ve met

as for gray?

he only needs to know one day—her birthday

because of all the dates she keeps track of, sometimes she tends to forget when her own birthday comes up

and when that happens, gray pulls out all the stops

breakfast in bed (he saved some jewel for lessons), a vase of flowers, a fancy restaurant dinner, and a moonlight stroll

and of course, he plans a midday surprise party at the guild hall (but passes it off as the whole guild’s plan and fails)

and during gray’s birthday, even though the ice mage prefers to just lounge around and cuddle with his partner, he just goes with whatever juvia has planned

it makes him happy since he loves seeing her face light up from the planning alone

double dates

usually they go with gajeel and levy

they’d also go with natsu and lucy, but since gray and juvia get together before they do, it never really counted as double-dates until the dragon slayer and celestial spirit wizard finally make it official

juvia stops being as hesitant before going out with gray and nalu (once the latter makes it official, that is)

gajeel and gray don’t really butt heads in the same way gray does with natsu, but there is definitely tension between the two

apart from levy, juvia also brings a sort of ray of sunshine vibe to the dark, bleak, edgy angst that gajeel “doesn’t really” like—sibling dynamics, yunno

so god help gray if he fucks that up

on the other hand, the bluenettes always have fun, even moreso when gale’s baby joins them on their dates

gray is perfectly normal about seeing juvia’s maternal instincts when she babysits for them like— baby fever who??

but unfortunately for gray, having the baby around just fuels gajeel’s paternal instincts and the overprotectiveness just goes through the roof

so that’s all the headcanons i’ve got so far, i might make some nsfw hcs but i’ve got a paper to work on for school this month as well as all the other stuff i’ve got going on here that i’ve been putting off…

anyways hope y’all enjoyed reading this lol

#fairy tail #gruvia #gray fullbuster #juvia lockser #juvia loxar #gray x juvia #anime

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voxsmistress · 1 year ago

Text

Mama Didn't Raise No Bimbo - Part 13

Sorry guys this is a little short but I'm currently away on holiday so internet is hell and trying to type everything on my phone is nottttt fun!!! so it might be short and sweet but as soon as i have my laptop and internet more chapters are on their way!!! Are there any scenes you'd like to see Y/n involved with in with the Vee's or just in the Hazbin Hotel world?

Part One / Part Two / Part Three / Part Four / Part Five / Part Six / Part Seven / Part Eight / Part Nine / Part Ten / Part Eleven / Part Twelve / Part Thirteen / Part Fourteen / Part Fifteen / Part Sixteen

“You fuckin’ did WHAT?” A glass flies and hits the wall a few meters from where you are sat sipping on your own glass of gin.

“Vel will you just listen- “another glass went flying at Vox’s head, she still managed to miss him but, she was getting closer. Leaning back in your own chair you hid your smirk by taking a sip from your drink. It was safe to say that Velvette was not at all impressed by the news that you had made a deal with Vox and Valentino. Fortunately for you, she wasn’t pissed at you. The other two … now that was a different story.

“No this was my fuckin’ deal why the fuck are you two deciding to high jack it you square faced pri- “

“Enough Vel!” The static in Vox’s voice made you all turn, he was starting to get mad himself – his one eye starting to warp and sparks appearing. Another sip from your glass you get comfortable in your armchair. You were all currently in the Vee’s (and you suppose yours) living area. After dragging them both here you had basically made Vox and Val tell Velvette about the deal. Better for her to hear it off you all now than from someone else. “Now Velvette”, Vox tugged on his bow tie a little bit calmer than a few moments ago: “you’ve got to learn to share my dear”. Amused at the way both these powerful Overlords were running with their tails between their legs because of Velvette was something you’d remember for ages. Of course you keep your thoughts to yourself. Vel could take them on. Something told you that you wouldn’t be quite as lucky.

“Why the fuck would I share when she WAS mine?” Quirking an eyebrow up at her, you take another sip. Not sure when you agreed to be hers specifically?

“Mi amor, she is ours now. Not yours. Ours” Valentino finally spoke from between a few puffs of his cigarette, arms crossed looking more displeased than angry, though he threw you a small smile when he saw you looking his way.

“Yes OURS. Remember the agreement we made Vel!” Agreement? You perked up at that admittance from Vox. What agreement?

“Uh, excuse me? What agreement?” Putting your drink down on the table next to the armchair you stand up so you were level with the three. From the wince on Vox’s face added with Velvette and Valentino glaring at him – you figured he’d let the cat out the bag when he wasn’t supposed to.

“Listen sweetheart”, his eye started to warp causing you to snort in annoyance. Did he really think that was going to work on you?

“Cut the bullshit mind tricks Vox, you know that doesn’t do shit to me, I want to know about this agreement you all made.” Moving closer to them you crossed your own arms. Surrounded by them: Velvette on your left and Valentino on your right, Vox directly in front of you. The latter now was giving you a sheepish smile. “Is anyone gonna tell me?”

“Y/n, our Princessa – we already told you that we saw you that night at the club preforming when you didn’t know we were there …” Val started them off, one hand waving his cigarette around and another coming to play with the hair on your shoulder.

“Yes?”

Vox sighed before continuing from Valentino: “We knew there and then that you held power. We observed you for a few months, to see where you were getting your power and what it could do – where it came from. Impressive. No one else seemed to see what we did. Not even that old timer: Alastor. Course we didn’t even know your capabilities as you hide certain parts so well”.

“We each knew we wanted you babe. Each of us craved you. After manyyyy arguments, tantrums and backstabbing we decided enough was enough. So, we made the agreement. All of us would have you or none of us.” Velvette looped her arm through yours, a small squeeze and a wicked smile directed at you. Uh huh.

“Lucky for us you agreed to have us all. Though some of us seemed to forget that”, Vox glared at Velvette while he moved closer to you. A huff came from your left and a chuckle from your right. A gloved hand caressed your face, lifting it slightly so you were looking up at Valentino who out of the three of them had been the calmest one. Shocking. So much for him being the emotional brat.

“Now that we have you” he crooned down at you, smoke encasing you all in your very own bubble.

“And I have you” you continued, face flushing from the attention of the Vee’s.

“Y/n, we are going to have so much fun” Vox chuckled. Arms encased you from all around, flashes of smug smirks and tightening hands made your own smirk widen. Why yes. You tightened your hands in Vox’s suit and Val’s jacket pulling them closer as Velvette pressed snuggly to your side. You were going to have some fun.

Taglist

@tasha-1994 @azullynxx @reath-solia @leathesimp @klorinda @twinklethewarrior @martinys-world @rosiethevoxobesser

@the-maladaptivedaydreamer @songbrita @midge7838 @joumi13 @wonderlandangelsposts @th3rizzler

@ace-spades-1 @iamferalfordilfs

@justgiulia @kittycatkrissa @qu1cks1lversb1tch @martinys-world @superwholatacohunters @mysticvoide

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burningcheese-merchant · 4 months ago

Note

If the Beasts/Ancients had signature pokémon (or were pokémon themselves) what do you think they would be? I just know White Lily needs to be a fairy type

Do you have the slightest idea how happy I am to have gotten this ask

Time to flex my encyclopedic knowledge + almost 20 years of playing Pokémon

(Note: gonna stick to just assigning types to them, if that's ok)

A N C I E N T S

Pure Vanilla as a Pokemon: Normal/Psychic (thought of Normal/Fairy, but I thought Psychic may suit him better bc of his magic + the Light of Truth + the association with intelligence/knowledge the Psychic type has always had)

Pure Vanilla as a trainer: The very first Pokemon that came to my mind was Audino. Something about Vanilla says he'd be an Audino guy. I'm not even sure what it is, Blissey would probably be slightly more fitting, but I keep imagining him being besties with an Audino and it's adorable to me

Hollyberry as a Pokemon: Normal/Fighting, I think (or perhaps Fairy/Fighting, because of Fairy's power over and invulnerability towards Dragon)

Hollyberry as a trainer: Hmm... Bastiodon kind of feels like the easy way out tbh. Tinkaton would be funny (but suits Princess a lot better imo). Chesnaught reflects her fighting style and personality pretty well... Chesnaught it is

Dark Cacao as a Pokemon: Dark/Fighting for sure (I considered Dark/Ice as well, but I just can't ignore the Fighting type for him. I feel like I'd be committing a crime if I did. Also, I don't think he's actually from the Great Icing Ridge? It's not super clear, but Might of the Ancients made it seem like he was a traveler from somewhere else. That could perhaps be used as justification for shelving the Ice type for him. (Also also you don't NEED to be Ice-type to live in cold places, plenty of other types seen in snowy biomes in Pokemon)

Dark Cacao as a trainer: Man would be rocking a Kingambit, change my mind

Golden Cheese as a Pokemon: Ground/Flying, duh. (Or maybe Rock/Flying? Ground seems better idk)

Golden Cheese as a trainer: It's hard. There are so many Pokemon that would suit her imo. Sableye. Diancie. Persian (Kantonian or Alolan, doesn't matter). Unfezant (female, the Pokedex repeatedly lists them as superior fliers). But... keeping with the lore of both CRK and Pokemon... I think, after she wakes up and reenters the world, all Golden should have is the one Sigilyph left in the entire desert, who chose to be loyal to her and the kingdom to the very end and beyond

Just want to note that Golden Cheese would be besties with Olivia and you cannot change my mind on that

White Lily as a Pokemon: Grass/Fairy with some Dark-type moves available in her movepool as a nod to her being Dark Enchantress, change my mind

White Lily as a trainer: FLORGES! WHITE FLOWER FORM! RAAAAHHHHHHH

B E A S T S

Shadow Milk as a Pokemon: Dark/Psychic, duh

Shadow Milk as a trainer: this one is tough tbh. Malamar? Banette? Zoroark (Unovan)? Probably Malamar due to its natural malevolence and hypnotism powers tbh (but the other two are so compelling... why did I limit myself to an ace for each of them...). Also, I think he would've had a Slowking as a hero

Eternal Sugar as a Pokemon: leaning towards Fairy/Poison, latter because I've already been imagining her as a succubus of some sort and Poison suits that better (yes I know she has wings, Flying is a basic bitch answer and not all winged Pokemon are classified as Flying-types)

Eternal Sugar as a trainer: Komala is right there... but so is Musharna :/ (lots of "dream eater" Pokemon would suit her probably. Which is funny bc most of those are Ghost-types lol)

Mystic Flour as a Pokemon: Psychic at the very least. Not sure about a second type though... (or just make her Mewtwo from the anime/movies, they've got the same genocidal emo attitude lol)

Mystic Flour as a trainer: Girlie gets an Espeon, the end. (Maybe she knew Jirachi once upon a time)

Burning Spice as a Pokemon: Fire/Fighting (thought of Fire/Dark too, but... same deal as with Cacao, if I didn't add Fighting I'd probably go to jail)

Burning Spice as a trainer: Incineroar Incineroar Incineroar Incineroar Incineroar Incineroar Incineroar- (he'd suck ass as a trainer though, just because I know he'd treat his Pokemon terribly, the same way he mistreats the Wild Spices...)

Silent Salt as a Pokemon: Dark/Steel. Like. Come on lol

Silent Salt as a trainer: Something else that would land me in prison is not giving Salt an Aegislash lol. Or maybe a Bisharp. And a Corviknight. (Perhaps he would have met Cobalion while he was still a hero)

I'M STARTING TO IMAGINE A POKEMON AU NOW. LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME. I'VE GOT, LIKE, EIGHT OTHER AUs I'M JUGGLING IN MY HEAD ALREADY. NOW I WANT TO MAKE UP ANGST FOR GOLDIE AND THAT SIGILYPH. WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS

(you can atone for your sins by asking me for full teams for each of these good-for-nothing short stacks)

#yes I remember Mr. Mime don't come at me about that for Smilk #this is what happens when I'm limited to aces only lol #cookie run kingdom #pure vanilla cookie #hollyberry cookie #dark cacao cookie #golden cheese cookie #white lily cookie #shadow milk cookie #eternal sugar cookie #mystic flour cookie #burning spice cookie #silent salt cookie #ancient cookies #beast cookies #merchant asks

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sommerregenjuniluft · 1 year ago

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@jegulus-microfic march 25 - eyeliner - 2341 words

<33 of losing babies and chance meetings in hawaii

Regulus rubs at his eyes, smudging the remains of eyeliner from the previous evening probably only more.

It’s been a wild night out given that Regulus found himself the only one out of his friend group appearing down for breakfast at the hotel’s buffet. He went for a classic hangover comfort food, coffee with beans and toast and while he longed for the sausages and eggs and fruit and frozen joghurt Regulus isn’t fool enough to think he would have been able to keep all of that down.

Sleep is already tugging at the corners of his mind again when he presses the elevator button to bring him back up to his hotel room to doze away another few more hours. There’s a nice breeze coming in from the double doors leading out to the pool and Regulus leans against the cooling marble of the wall, eyes closed, soaking it all in.

It’s been Pandora’s idea, to get the five of them out for a few days over easter, away from home. From work and family—not that the latter was much of Regulus’ concern—and Regulus must admit that this one is definitely one of her better experiments.

The elevator doors ding and Regulus blinks open his eyes and steps forward only to come to an immediate halt because—

Because there’s a baby in the lift.

Just– all by itself.

Sitting in its buggy. Completely at ease.

Alone.

No like…parent or guardian inside.

What appears to be a small boy with the wildest sort of curly, black hair Regulus has ever seen sits in his seat, one spiderman sock barely hanging onto his toes, chewing away on a toy in his lap and gazing with big, intensely green eyes up at Regulus.

“Uh, hi there, baby,” Regulus says. He sets a foot onto the threshold to keep the doors open and bends down, “Where’s your family, buddy?”

The kid suddenly throws his little body back into the padding of his buggy with a blinding grin and a screech of what Regulus assumes to be ecstatic elation, “Pafoo!”

“Bless you, mate,” Regulus replies politely.

The little boy reaches his hands out to Regulus, “Out!”

And, well, the little bugger might be onto something here because as of right now Regulus must look like a right nutter talking to the inside of an elevator and if the little one’s parents are going to try and find him they’ll probably start at the elevator areas on each floor.

So Regulus gets the small kid out of the elevator and wheels him over to where a set of dark leather sofas and armchairs are gathered opposite the elevator doors.

When Regulus sits down across from the little boy he giggles, happy as ever, as if nothing was amiss.

Well, at least the one time Regulus finds a lost baby it’s a happy one. Lucky draw, he thinks.

The boy is back to chewing on the little rubber ring again and Regulus eyes him curiously, chin propped on his fist. The boy’s skin is a warm brown, similar to Evan’s and Pandora’s and there’s a faint layer of freckles dotting his nose—just like it will happen to Regulus after a few more days out under the Hawaiian sunshine. There’s a small patch of drool on his yellow shirt but he looks clean otherwise.

After another moment of inner contemplation Regulus finally reaches out and tugs the sock back into place.

The boy snickers, wiggling his foot and Regulus finds his lips tugging at the corners.

“Pafoo, out!” the boy repeats again.

Regulus frowns, “Yeah, mate, I already got us off the elevator.”

The little boy keeps squirming in his seat.

“Oh,” Regulus makes when it dawns on him, “Oh, out. Er– yes, sure, hold on.”

He scoots forward on the leather to inspect the little belt trapping the boy in his seat. Eventually Regulus finds the lock, figures out the mechanism and untangles the boy from his buggy. Before he has the chance to freeze and wonder if the boy is even old enough to be able to walk yet there are small, chubby arms reaching out to him and tangling around his neck.

“Oh, okay,” Regulus blinks, feeling his tiny body warm where it’s pressed into his chest, “Um, okay, I’m– okay, uh. Hi.”

The boy pulls back from the crook of Regulus’ neck, smiling brightly. “Hi,” he replies, sweet as sugar and waving a hand at him. Regulus’ heart does not melt.

Regulus’ eyes however clock the small bracelet on the boy’s wrist, donned with little letters spelling out the name Harry.

“Harry, huh?” he asks. “My name is Regulus.”

Harry makes another one of his loud, elated noises, “Pafoo!”

“Nah, mate, Re-gu-lus.”

“Pafoo,” Harry grins.

“Fine,” Regulus sniffs, “I guess I shouldn’t expect too much from a one or two year old.”

Harry giggles again, nose scrunching adorably and hiccuping little laughs into Regulus’ shoulder.

If Regulus had ovaries he’s pretty sure they would be actively doing something right now which– is decidedly a disturbing thought to have. In a manner of trying to distract himself Regulus looks around, gaze landing on the socks once more.

“So what’s your favourite Spiderman movie, Harry?”

“Spidey!”

“Yes, which one?”

“Pafoo.”

“Mine’s probably the one with Andrew Garfield.”

“Mo!” Harry yells suddenly, pointing back at his buggy.

“Mo?” Regulus asks, confused.

“Mo,” Harry makes again, knocking his tiny, loosely curled fists against each other.

That’s when the clarity washes over Regulus, lips dropping open with a silent oh of understanding. It’s sign language for more.

He’s seen young parents teach their babies sign language for easier communication and with Dorcas being hard of hearing Regulus and his friends obviously have taken on learning a whole lot as well. The basics are as easy for Regulus as English and French are by now.

“More of what?” Regulus asks, doing the according signs.

“Tea!” Harry responds, smiling brightly, clearly happy with being understood.

Regulus kicks at the buggy to turn it and then fishes a sippy cup out of the holder next to the handles.

Harry slurps away at his cold tea content and does the little gulp ahh thing small kids do when they exhale once they’re done drinking.

Regulus does not think about adopting a baby.

“Harry!” someone calls from the end of the hall suddenly and may the gods stand by because the person running over is undoubtedly the most handsome man Regulus has ever seen.

The small boy in Regulus arms is literally a carbon copy what with the wild, black hair, the dark skin and the bright smile.

“Dada!” Harry yells, as if it wasn’t clear as day that they share the same DNA.

Regulus’ hands start sweating where they’re still around Harry’s now wiggling body, watching the young man rush over.

“Oh, god, thank you thank you,” the stranger chants, carefully lifting Harry out of Regulus’ hands, “Hi, baby, hi. Daddy’s here. Oh, holy fuck.”

Regulus snorts a little at the crude language but, alas, Harry is probably too young to remember anyways.

He gives them their little moment of embracing, fighting against the restless squirming in his stomach, the thing scratching at the inside of his walls demanding to find out everything about the cute boy’s father.

Once the young father has got enough squeeze time and Harry starts trying to wiggle free, he lets out another string of curses, this time Spanish, and Regulus barely refrains from whimpering.

He has to trap another one behind his teeth when the man finally, actually glances at him, relief clear on his features, laughing breathlessly and chocolate brown eyes glinting happily and with ebbing nerves.

“Thank you, I’m–” the handsome stranger blinks a little, mouth working uselessly before he slips back into a lopsided grin, “Hi, I’m James, you- wow, hello, uh– thank you, um, for Harry. I’m so glad he’s okay, I’m James– by the way. And you are? Aside from my gorgeous knight in shining armour.”

Regulus cocks a brow, hands on his naked hips right above the elastic of his short running pants and below his cropped, black shirt with pink letters saying those are bold words for someone in stabbing range. It was a Christmas present from his friends and the first thing he saw after rolling out of bed with a hangover this morning, sue him.

“No problem, he’s a little sunshine,” Regulus replies, gazing at Harry where he’s fiddling with James’ necklace, “I’m Regulus.”

“Wait,” James says, jaw dropping, “Your name is—”

“James!” it comes from the other side of the hall, followed by another rush of footsteps and Regulus turns to see two more men jogging over to them. One of them being—

“Jesus, fuck, I’m so glad you found him,” Sirius says, eyes fixated on James and Harry.

Sirius, as in, Regulus’ older brother Sirius.

Sirius, as in, Regulus’ older brother that he hasn’t seen in four years.

Sirius with his long-ish hair falling down to his armpits now in long, soft curls. Sirius with his arms full of tattoos and wearing red bootie shorts and having pierced nipples and Sirius with pink cheeks and a relieved look on his face and Sirius having his fingers interlaced with another man’s.

Sirius blowing out another breath as he strokes the little boy’s cheek carefully, “Where’d you find h—”

Sirius that swivels and looks right at Regulus standing dumbfounded in a random hotel lobby on fucking Hawaii.

“Regulus.”

“Sirius.”

“I– what are you doing here?”

Regulus narrows his eyes, “I found Harry.”

“You what?”

“Are you deaf?” Regulus shoots back, “I found your friend’s baby.”

Sirius’ mouth drops open, “Excuse me, that is my godson.”

Regulus slips into a frown, suddenly and stupidly feeling a bit possessive over the little kid that is clearly taken with him but apparently supposed to be his older brother’s godson.

He sniffs, crossing his arms, “Well, you’re clearly not doing your job well seeing as you’ve lost him. Also he called me his Pafoo.”

Regulus expects Sirius to volley back another insult, a counter-argument or something of the likes but instead he lets the loudest, most dramatic gasp rip from his throat.

“Oh God,” James mumbles, blanching but failing to keep his lips from twitching.

The man next to Sirius looks just as conflicted, instantly cooing into Sirius’ ear soothingly and rubbing his shoulder as this one whimpers like a wounded dog.

“What?” Regulus asks, looking at James.

The handsome father winces with a badly concealed grin before he ducks close, murmuring, “It’s Padfoot. That’s what we call Sirius, it’s sorta his nickname.”

Regulus can’t help it, the gleeful laugh bubbles right out of him. He could kiss little Harry right now.

“No!” Sirius wails, letting himself fall back into the lanky, taller man’s arms. “Betrayal!”

“Come now, Pads, he’s 18 months old,” the third man says soothingly.

“Remus is right,” James concurs, “Harry doesn’t even know my mum from our neighbour most times.”

“Effie doesn’t live with you,” Sirius cries out.

Regulus thinks there might actually be tears forming in his eyes.

“And neither do you,” James says pointedly, “You’re across the hall and you work full time, might I remind you. You’re over maybe four times a week.”

“Five! At least!”

“Sirius, darling, please stop yelling,” Remus mutters, glancing at a passing old couple with a wobbly smile.

Regulus grins, “No, please keep going, this is the highlight of my vacation so far.”

There’s a poke in his naked side and when Regulus looks over James is giving him a playful scolding glare.

Regulus digs his teeth into his lower lip, voice purposefully innocent, “What?”

“Don’t be a tease,” James chides but it sorta loses the edge with how wide he’s smiling.

“Or else?” Regulus counters.

James hums, giving Regulus a once over before clearing his throat, looking back at his friend, “Here, Moons, can you take Harry for a second?”

Sirius makes an affronted noise, looking downright stricken and he quickly takes Remus’ outstretched hands, pulling, what is presumably his boyfriend, out of reach for James. “Two Potters in one day!? Prongs, are you trying to kill me?”

James sighs, pulling Harry back against his hip which then decides to reach out his hands to Sirius, “Pafoo.”

“That’s right,” Sirius sniffs, crossing the distance and ripping Harry from James’ hold, “I love you, little stinker. You’ll get it with time, I know you will. You’re such a smart boy, Hazza.”

Harry immediately starts playing with the thin braids in Sirius’ hair and his brother swivels to level Regulus with a triumphant smirk.

“Whatever,” Regulus says, crossing his arms again.

But before jealousy, no matter over whom, can spread itself in Regulus’ chest, Sirius is stepping closer.

Regulus is certain their flip flops nearly touch and Sirius is staring at him intensely with the same eyes he sees in the mirror every day, and it makes him swallow. The freckle over Sirius’ mouth is just the same as four years ago, as is the one on Regulus’ temple.

“There’s a baby swimming lesson at the pool I wanted to attend with Harry later at 2,” Sirius says, voice husky, “Care to join?”

Regulus was supposed to meet the others back in Barty and Evan’s room at 3 but they’re probably passed out until then anyways. “I think I can make some time,” he replies airily.

Sirius blows out a heavy breath through his nose, before slipping into a grin, “Good.”

“Good,” Regulus mimics.

“I bet Harry floats better than you,” Sirius taunts, “Do you still sink like a stone?”

“It’s amazing how much of a talent you still possess for making me regret things,” Regulus snips back.

Sirius bumps their shoulder together, making Harry giggle and Regulus purses his lips in an effort to hide his smile.

And then James is there on the other side of him, taking Harry back from Sirius and smiling sweetly down at Regulus and for some reason his cheeks feel a little warmer suddenly.

—

[also for personal reasons i need everyone to know these were the booty shorts sirius was wearing]

#dad james potter #i'm rewatching modern family and mitch and cam lost lily in an elevator on hawaii so now we have this #jegulus #jegulus microfic #starchaser #sunseeker #wolfstar #baby harry potter #toddler harry potter #lune writes #lune’s tiny fic #regulus black #james potter #black brothers #sirius black

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scribblestatic · 7 months ago

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Okay, we are so back on my amputee!SY train.

Also, for Cai Minyue, which you'll read below, it's spelled and pronounced 蔡珉月 (Cài Mínyuè).

Prev: Part 4

---

The day of the crowning ceremony is one most of the remaining wives had come to expect. Sure, none of them were going to be empress, but honestly? Good for Shen Yuan. As much as the man called himself lazy, they knew of people with limbs substantially less dedicated to ecological maintenance, foreign diplomacy, and proper record-keeping.

Sure, he'd had to have a servant write for him at first, but he very much preferred writing through qi control, especially since, once he got the hang of it, he was much faster at getting his own words on paper. And boy does he have a lot to say.

His efficiency at the position aside, he also genuinely loves Luo Binghe.

In lieu of hands, he'll press his forehead against Luo Binghe's when he suspects that the latter's qi is unsettled. Although Binghe acts like he's an open book, Shen Yuan picks up on his moods easier, even the minute things. He's also very, very indulgent of him, but nobody's perfect.

But, perhaps it's that indulgence that has helped Binghe heal into the better person he's becoming.

Fantastic. Good for them, honestly.

Though, that didn't mean Shen Yuan wasn't, somehow, inexplicably still unsure as to why Luo Binghe wanted to make him empress despite having been married to him for several months by this point.

"He could do better," he insists as the servants dry his hair.

"Like, on the chance I really am Shen Jiu somehow, this really isn't something I deserve—" he pauses, voice wavering slightly as the Sha Hualing huffs at him to be still and puts the liner more cleanly around his eyes.

"Seriously, he has you and Liu Mingyan and Ning Yingying and Cai Minyue—"

"Are you complimenting the Little Palace Mistress right now?" Liu Mingyan asks, pinning his hair crown in place.

"She's rough around the edges, yes, but she's not a bad person."

"She hates you, though," Sha Hualing reminds him.

"And that's fair! If I expected to become empress at some point since he grew his empire on the remains of Huan Hua Palace, only to have my husband do some spells on his abusive shizun, marry him, then make him empress when he'd been imprisoned in the Water Prison for the crimes said shizun did against said husband, I'd hate me, too!"

At Sha Hualing's sigh and roll of her eyes, Liu Mingyan leaned from behind him toward his left side, where his remaining eye was.

"Do you love Binghe?"

"Of course I do," he says easily.

"And you trust him to make his own decisions?"

"Yes, he's a grown demon emperor. But—"

"And you trust that he loves you?"

"I...well..." He glances away, his thin face already starting to redden. "I don't get why, but—"

"But you trust that he loves you, yes?"

A simple but elegant fan rises up from the nearby table and opens in front of his face, hiding his nose and mouth from view.

"...Yes."

"Then, that's all the reason needed for him to make you his empress, is it not?"

"Well...it's just..." He starts fanning himself. "...from a political standpoint—"

"You can just say you're nervous, idiot," Sha Hualing snarls heatlessly, pinning another flower near his crown.

He keeps complaining and trying to reason with why he shouldn't be empress despite being perfectly suitable and wanted for the position, but it's not like he actually fights the process. By this point, the remaining wives closest to him knows he avoids and extrapolates and spins his own mind in place, but his actions often say more than his words do.

More than once, he's huffed and griped at them without any harmful intent. He's called Binghe "shameless" while allowing him to do as he pleased. Whenever the demon emperor would call him "wife," he'd huff and hide his face behind his fan and say "Who's your wife?" while turning away, only to lean in when his husband went to kiss him.

He only really said "No" when he truly thought or meant it, giving weak and petulant excuses when he seemed to not want to verbally agree in an almost coquettish display. And, when flustered, he rarely gave his agreement in simple language. If one didn't read between the lines, they could call him a hot-and-cold sort of spouse, but anyone who knew his language could tell he was almost always, unfathomably, full of warmth.

Even on quiet days—when his qi feels jagged and he seems overstimulated by the smallest things, strung tight and unfocused, his words coming out with more bite than intended—he was still warm underneath it.

Sha Hualing and Liu Mingyan watched as that warmth faltered upon the interruption of Cang Qiong Sect, their qi rolling and swords unsheathed as they protested his crowning, arriving right before it was set to add to the one already in his hair as a representation of his elevating status.

Yue Qingyuan's immense qi bowled some of the guards over, guests falling to their knees with others scrambling to get out of the way. Several other peak lords were also in attendance. Liu Mingyan's eyes narrowed upon seeing her shifu, Qi Qingqi giving her a look like a betrayed mother.

"Luo Binghe, you have long gone too far!" the sect leader bellowed, his voice commanding attention.

But Binghe himself just smiled, his eyes crinkling despite the light not reaching them.

"My, Sect Leader Yue. If this lord recalls, he did not invite you to this occasion. In fact, I explicitly remember banning you and the rest of Cang Qiong Sect from attendance."

"Shen Qingqiu was a member of our sect and your shizun. Yet, after debasing him to such a degree, you dare make a mockery of him in this manner? Your idea of just punishment has strayed too far. Cease this humiliation immediately!"

"This lord doesn't understand what you mean by 'humiliation.' I am not so wasteful as to pay such attention and money for an empress crowning ceremony as a paltry joke."

"So you intend to make a mind-broken man the empress to your throne? Hah. It seems you truly are more of a blasphemous fool than even I expected," Qi Qingqi said, her eyes ablaze.

As the two groups continued fighting, Liu Mingyan looked to Shen Yuan, who was mysteriously quiet, his shoulders hunched. From the way he was turned, seated to face Luo Binghe as he placed the crown in his hair, his blind side was to the sect now proclaiming their grievances in his stead.

Yu Qingyuan's pressure increased, and Luo Binghe spread his qi to match. The air churned and coiled with it, some guests having fainted while others hid beneath their seats and nearby tables or other such places. The ones who could somewhat withstand it armed themselves against the sect members, considering most attendees were demonic in nature. That said, the ones more sensitive to qi were looking pale and ill.

"Binghe."

Immediately, Luo Binghe reined in his pressure, turning toward Shen Yuan, adoration plain in his eyes. As though the others weren't there, he returned to his side and got to his knee before him as he often did so Shen Yuan did not have to crane his neck to look up at him.

Whatever look was on his face caused Binghe's expression to sour with concern.

"Yes, this lord is here."

A moment, then Shen Yuan sat up, his shoulders lowering as he straightened his posture. A fan laid still on Shen Yuan's lap. Liu Mingyan could almost imagine how he'd be sitting: his hands politely still, legs tucked slightly under the chair.

The very image of an ethereal, untouchable immortal.

"Our guests are suffering. Perhaps we should have this discussion elsewhere."

"But, your crowning..."

"It can wait until tomorrow. It can't be helped as it is."

"...If it's what you wish."

"Thank you."

Binghe's smile returned, though it was one of his softer, more genuine ones.

"You need not thank me, my beloved."

He lightly held Shen Yuan's chin, and he kissed his forehead, right where his huadian dyed his skin red. Some of the sect members choked in outrage, and Yue Qingyuan's pressure strengthened even further.

"Sect Leader Yue, restrain yourself," Luo Binghe called out. "You invade my palace and harm my guests by throwing your weight around. Have you no shame as a righteous cultivator?"

"You—"

"My beloved requests your acquiescence."

"You dare to call him as such after what you sent to me... After what you've done to him—"

The fan on Shen Yuan's lap raised up, opening slowly before snapping shut. The sound echoed in the area, powered by qi. After all, as the former Qing Jing Peak lord, the arts, and sound, were something he studied immensely, if he was indeed some incarnation of Shen Jiu.

"Yue Qingyuan, cease."

And, as though flipping a switch, the sect leader's qi calmed, pulling back in as though he never let it out. Though, perhaps it was less out of obedience toward him and more out of shock for the irritation in his voice. After all, he sounded...quite sane.

Shen Yuan turned toward them, finally looking at them with his eye, the fan opening back as it hid the lower half of his face. From Liu Mingyan's angle, she could see the unhappy frown on his balmed and lightly painted lips.

"...It seems you wish to protest."

"What?" Qi Qingqi murmured.

"If you want to do so, we can at an appropriate setting. However, here is not it. We've invited these people here for a celebration, not to be harmed."

Wei Qingwei looked firmly at Shen Yuan, likely thinking him possessed by some spirit...and wouldn't he be able to tell? If only Hong Jing could leave the mountain. Maybe Shen Yuan's confusion could also be resolved. Meanwhile, the murmurs and whispers from the sect were already referring to him as brainwashed and incapable of making judgements.

Luo Binghe quickly silenced the whispers by calling out orders, directing servants to tend to their crowning guests as the meeting would occur in the court hall.

Binghe shot a look toward Liu Mingyan, and she nodded back, leaving to find two people they needed for this.

Well...she hoped it wouldn't happen, as did Luo Binghe to a certain extent. However, since the sect did indeed come, they might as well use what they'd prepared.

---

It clicked to Shen Yuan as he was set in his seat beside Binghe's throne that, perhaps, this was all something that Binghe planned.

The court hall was already prepared, and the curtains hanging from the walls were more luxurious than usual. Maybe he could've put it off as simple decorating changes, but there was a nagging feeling in his gut that this had been carefully staged. Not in a fake or false sense, but in a sense that it had been carefully prepared.

He looked up toward Binghe as he placed him on the cushion, his husband carefully settling his clothes before gazing at him with dark eyes full of a profound regard that made him almost feel like crying.

"Hmm?"

Shen Yuan opened his fan, floating it in front of his face as he turned away.

"Nothing."

When his eye slid back over to Binghe's face, he saw the demon emperor's grin as he leaned in and kissed him on his cheek. If his fan lowered to allow him to do so, no it didn't.

"My A-Yuan is so magnanimous. Don't worry, we will certainly have you crowned by tomorrow, if not tonight."

"Who's telling you to rush, ah? Sit, Binghe. People are entering."

The chuckle that rumbled low in Binghe's chest thrummed in his own. After the demon emperor placed one more kiss on his cheek, this time closer to his ear—despite knowing they had become more sensitive since his other senses were muted, you menace—he sat on his throne and, once their guests settled, directed that the sect be allowed to enter.

The doors opened, and they were allowed to enter, but Shen Yuan found it difficult to keep looking at them.

The memory—dream—of them standing in the central crowd overlapped with the current situation. Though, they were a bit displaced. Back then, in the dream, he'd been lower down, bound in immortal binding cables and forced to kneel on knees he no longer had, coughing from continued exposure with the acidic air of the lowest depths of the Water Prison.

This time, though, outside of the dream, he was sitting on a throne of his own. One soon to be completely his in an official sense.

Yue Qingyuan sent him an imploring look, as though he hadn't failed to show up for him again.

...Why hadn't he showed up for him? The book never explained it. Hell, it never explained why Shen Qingqiu had hated Luo Binghe, nor had it explained why Shen Qingqiu felt so betrayed and snappy toward Yue Qingyuan. So many blasted plot holes.

At least now, through the dreams, he was able to get some context.

But Yue Qingyuan was always there, wasn't he? And Shen Qingqiu...he'd definitely asked why he didn't come save him. Yue Qingyuan would always just give him that same, imploring, apologetic look.

He was beginning to understand why the original goods had been so disgusted by it. Having it directed at him now felt similarly irritating.

"Now that we've uprooted our plans for these righteous cultivators, this lord would love to hear why you all have come to a crowning you were not invited to," Binghe sneered, seeming to also dislike the look Yue Qingyuan was sending him.

Or, well, maybe he had a personal reason to dislike him...

Ah. That was very possible, wasn't it? After all, he despised Qing Jing Peak, but he hated Cang Qiong entirely, with some sort of incident having interrupted his plans to raze it to the ground.

Yue Qingyuan, as the sect leader and someone personally involved in his life, had to have known what Shen Qingqiu was doing to Luo Binghe. And he did nothing.

Hmm.

"—to defile your shizun in this manner. We already gave you justice during his trial years back. What more do you want from him?"

"To become my empress, clearly," Binghe humored.

Many in the witnessing crowd laughed, while others tried to conceal their discomfort, perhaps swayed by whatever Yue Qingyuan said. Or maybe they'd always felt a bit uncomfortable about the idea of him as empress. Who knew?

"If we're to speak of justice, then Cang Qiong should consider their judgement overdue... And Shen Qingqiu's justice long ignored."

Eh?

Wait, Binghe, what's this??

"As uninvited as you all are, this lord is grateful for your impudence. Before the crowning of my empress, shall we have a retrial?"

Ehhh??

----

Binghe: Trap card activated.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5: here Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

Part 11+: links on Part 10

AO3

#amputee sy au #static writes #au post 5 #scum villain #original luo binghe #luo bingge #shen yuan #svsss

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darlingofsatoru · 2 years ago

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DRESS UP DARLIN’

⊹ synopsis: Various Jjk characters & how they’d react to you in certain halloween outfits.

⊹warnings: Implied fem!reader, very short drabbles, Reader uses makeup+ wears dresses in most, potentially ooc characters.

SATORU GOJO- ANGEL

Satoru can’t help but pause as you step out your room, eyes darting all over you shamelessly as you rummage through your handbag.

There’s only a few words that he can even think to describe you in that moment: Pretty, gorgeous, ethereal even..

“… I agr.. ee .. so I s— Satoru??” Your voice awakens him out of his thoughts, suddenly right in front of him.

He’s not even sure how that got past his senses but he lets out a content sigh, adjusting the collar on his outfit before beginning to admire your outfit once more.

An all white dress, no straps and a feather-like look to it along with matching wings

So this is why you told him to dress as a devil, matching outfits..

“…Huh, even prettier up close. I better keep you near today, huh, don’t want anyone stealing you!” He grins playfully, gently tugging you towards his embrace.

Halloween has always been fun but he’s sure it’ll be 10x better with you here.

RYOMEN SUKUNA- DEAD/CORPSE BRIDE

Truthfully, Sukuna has no interest in halloween.

It’s a silly tradition and he barely bothered to dress up, the only reason he did a little bit being you.

By barely bothered, he simply means that he’s wearing a light change of outfit that could probably be considered creepy (as if Sukuna himself isn’t scary enough) if you looked at it long enough.

Thinking of you, he groans as he gets up from his feet and goes to open his mouth to speak, stopping when he noticed you come into the room excitedly.

A white dress stained with fake blood (that doesn’t really look accurate to Sukuna, but he can appreciate the effect a bit, he supposes), not too long but also not too short for a wedding dress, paired with a classic veil covering your lipstick covered lips.

“Not half as bad as the deranged outfits most wear, I might even like yours, dare I say.” He smirks, enjoying the lift of spirit in your face from his words alone.

Maybe he doesn’t detest Halloween entirely..

YUJI ITADORI- WITCH

Yuji smiles widely, adjusting his top-hat excitedly.

He feels like Halloween was ages ago so the prospect of dressing up, especially with you, is great and has definitely put him into a good mood for the last week or so.

He actually wasn’t sure if a magician was scary but you’d suggested it could be, saying he could pull out weapons on unsuspecting bystanders (which, in his opinion, did sound pretty creepy).

“Hey, you okay in there?” He yells to you, rummaging the cupboard for the trick or treat buckets.

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute!” You shout back, taking a few moments before you emerge with a broomstick in hand.

Yuji blinks for a few minutes once he catches sight of you but quickly smiles wider, waving enthusiastically.

He’s seen plenty witch costumes in his life but they don’t seem to compare with yours, the lovely black and purple dress having a matching hat and broomstick to come with it.

“Woah, a witch? That’s cool, the dark purple really suits you, you know?!” He immediately starts, gaining an appreciative smile from you.

He finds himself paying more attention to your smile, the pretty shade of purple once more showing but on your lips this time.

“Oh yeah, ah, I forgot to ask about the trick or treat buckets.. Where are they again?”

NOBARA KUGISAKI- NURSE

Nobara leans forward in the mirror, enjoying putting a bit more makeup than usual.

It’s not that she couldn’t but more that there’s no reason. What’s the point of being dolled up every day anyway, it’ll just ruin the fun of it!

So she works gently on her eyeliner, making sure not to smudge it whilst her mind wanders to what you’re doing..

Probably getting ready like she is or on your way here, likely the latter since Nobara happened to be a tiny bit later in getting ready today.

The doorbell goes before she gets to dwell on it, making a classic ‘ding-dong’ sound.

“One second, I’ll be right there!” She yells down the hall, quickly getting to the door and opening it.

It reveals just who she expected, you in a rather pretty nurse costume.

“I’ll grab my bag and we can get going!”

This Halloween is definitely gonna be the best, Nobara thinks.

CHOSO KAMO- VAMPIRE

Choso crosses his arms, embarrassment itching on his face at dressing up in general.

Being half-curse meant he didn’t do these things much if not at all, getting into a skeleton jumpsuit-like outfit.

“You still sulking?” Your voice echoes the hall immediately, his face picking quickly.

You’ve always known how to calm him, even unintentionally..

“It’s just a bit itchy, I’m not sulking.” He replies, pulling at the sleeves.

You nod in understanding, meeting his gaze as he finally looks up.

“…Ah.” He murmurs, eyes trying to be discreet as he studies your outfit.

A classic vampire suit, coloured black and red with a large collar.

“Do you think it’s alright? It took ages to find an eyeshadow to match the shade of red.” You sigh, gesturing to your eyes.

Choso nods, embarrassment seeping onto him as he notices he has a small blush engulfing his cheeks now.

“I think it’s more than alright,” He says, pushing the skeleton hood up.

MEGUMI FUSHIGURO- BLACK CAT

Megumi sighs, growing bored of the high volume of noise rather easily.

He’d been dragged to this party by Nobara and Yuji to have some fun but it was anything but so far, having only felt bored the whole night.

Plus there was the fact you were apparently going to show up, likely dressed up like most people at this unpleasant party are.

“Megumi, hey!! You look pretty gloomy, you know?” A familiar voice awakens him out of his thoughts, revealing itself to be you immediately.

“I almost thought you weren’t coming.. Not that I blame you, it stinks like alcohol and sweat in here.” Megumi breathes out, taking a quick glance at you before avoiding your gaze and outfit entirely, cheeks too likely to heat up in front of you if he looked straight at you.

You chuckle and shrug, “I sort of expected something different but it’s not too bad, might loose my cat ears here though.”

He nods, he wouldn’t be surprised if anyone lost something in here, there’s people all over the place.

“So.. Wanna step outside? It’s pretty warm, you look like you’re melting.” You suggest, gaining a nod of approval from Megumi.

Maybe it isn’t so bad, at this overcrowded party, he’ll need to make sure to keep an eye out for your cat eats though..

A/n: First work, hope it’s not too boring!! Might not post for a bit after this but I do have a few drafts :D

#darlingofsatoru🩰#first post #jjk x reader #jjk x you #satoru gojo x reader #sukuna ryomen x reader #yuji itadori x reader #nobara kugisaki x reader #choso kamo x reader #megumi fushiguro x reader #jjk hcs #jjk drabbles #jjk halloween #halloween fic #guess who i favour.

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arcanewhoosh · 1 month ago

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The Weight (2/3)

AO3 link here

5.5k words

Proofread? Y/N

Relevant tags: Jinx x Reader, Alcohol, Alcohol Consumption

After an eventful first meeting, you and Powder end up at a local bar. Between the blatant flirting and jokes at your expense, you find yourself making decisions that surprise the both of you.

A/N This will finish in three chapters. Don't look at the word count I'm not trying to stuff everything to stick with the original chapter count wdym.

"Hey, I—I had every reason to think that your engine block was fucked."

"Clearly you don't know much about engines."

"Excuse you, I know enough… I'm just better at captaining."

Powder rolls her eyes at you, before shouting over the noise of the bar. "Two more drinks here, Ed! And maybe a water for the lightweight!"

"Hey!" She can only laugh as you playfully jab her with your elbow. "I'm not a lightweight, your metabolism is probably just insane."

She snorts at your response before taking the drinks Ed places in front of you. "Ed, tell Powder I'm not a lightweight."

"Doesn't matter if you ain't a lightweight, this missy's drinkin' you under the table here, muppet." He says as he sends a wink towards your companion.

Your hand waves dismissively at the bartender. "Bah, whatever, take her side." Ed slides the glass of water towards you, and you grumble as you start downing its contents.

Powder starts asking Ed random questions about you, the latter responding with exaggerated anecdotes. You barely listen, though. Instead opting to stare at Powder as she laughs at—probably—your expense.

You have no idea what possessed you to make that earlier bet with her. Never mind that you were being hypocritical about the whole professionalism schtick, you were way past that at this point. Still, you stare unabashedly at her and watch as excitement glints in her eyes at whatever Ed is telling her. The way the corners of her eyes crease as she furrows her eyebrows—which are perfect, by the way— and smiles. You swear the warm lighting of the bar makes her glow.

Your stomach does a backflip. It's probably just the alcohol.

Ed excuses himself to handle the other bar patrons, subtly telling you not to fuck up as he passes by. Powder eyes him, clearly hearing his remark, and smirks at you.

"You're zoning out there, chief."

"I not zoning out. I was just lost in your eyes."

She lightly punches your arm—damn she's strong—before leaning against the counter of the busy bar. You sit close to each other, citing the noisy atmosphere and the hindrance that would cause during your conversation, but you know better. You wanted to sit close because she was, pardon your French, too fucking attractive. That was your excuse hours ago when you first got to the bar. Now you're just thankful that she's not calling any attention to your proximity.

As for Powder, she looked like she wanted to keep a low profile. Her shoulders were relaxed, and the way she leaned into you could've been taken as a flirtatious advance. But every so often, when she probably thought you wouldn't notice, her eyes would flit across the room. The casual look in her eyes becoming alert, aware, in a split second, before morphing back relaxed once they settled on you.

If you had been just a tad bit drunker, you probably wouldn't have noticed. Not that you care. You worked at a port city, people of all kinds of backgrounds waddled in and out. She wouldn't be the first person with a troubling past sitting next to you in a bar. She probably wouldn't be the last.

"I'm guessing you don't get lost in all of your customers' eyes, too?"

Her words snap you out of your train of thought, and you let a lazy smile cover your face. You’re not a lightweight, that much you’re certain. Tipsy, however, you very much are. If the brazen flirting wasn’t making it obvious enough.

"Just yours."

"And you weren't out last night with some poor girl who also had engine troubles?" You put a hand over your chest in mock offense.

"You're breaking my heart here, blue." The feigned hurt in your voice does little to deter the eye roll that Powder gives you. You let out a laugh as you put your hands up as a sign of peace. "Hey, I swear I was trying my best to be professional earlier, but I'm off the clock now, so I can flirt as much as I want."

"Oh, we're flirting?" You furrow your brows at her.

"Was that not clear?"

"Nah, not really."

"Do you platonically get lost in people's eyes?"

"Maybe. How do I know you don't take girls here every night? I could ask Ed."

"Go ahead, he's an unbiased party. Besides," You shrug. "Even if I did, I'm a regular here so he wouldn't snitch on me."

"Don't put words in my mouth you muppet." the burly man working behind the bar walks back towards the two of you, refilling your drinks. He winks at Powder. "Don't worry love, I'd sell this one for a sack of potatoes—"

"Hey!"

"But." He says, a thick eyebrow raised at you. "The port chief here isn't a revolving door of lovers. In fact," He turns to you "I don't reckon' you've ever brought someone here. Or landed a date, actually—" Powder snorts into her drink, and you take it as a sign that it's time to usher the barkeep away.

"Okay, thank you Ed, for the refills. I think there's some people asking for you over there." Ed laughs as he lumbers over to the other side of the bar. You keep your eyes on him until you're sure that he's occupied, before turning back to Powder. "I do in fact, get dates. For the record."

"Oh, of course, I totally believe you."

"I mean it."

"Completely believe you."

"Okay, now you're just messing with me." Your ego is a bit bruised at Ed's interruption, and the shit eating grin on Powder's face isn't helping either. But she's smiling, and for some ungodly reason, you consider it as a win. You shake your head and take a longer sip from your drink. This girl is going to be the death of you.

"Okay, okay. Sorry, toots." She nudges you with her shoulder. "No more teasing."

You raise an eyebrow at her. "No more bruising my ego?" She shakes her head and crosses over her heart.

"Nope. Serious questions only, from this point forward."

"Oh? Like what?" You turn to her and prop your chin on your hand.

"Like…" She bites her lip and looks at a random spot on the wall of drinks across from you, momentarily in thought. At this point, you're not even trying to hide your staring. She doesn't call you out on it when she looks back at you, but a small smile plays at her face. “You’re drunk.”

“Just as drunk as you are.”

“I’m not drunk yet.”

“You’re literally slurring your words right now.”

“…I’m tipsy.”

You do your best to hold back a chuckle. “Hi tipsy—“

“Gods, please don’t.” She groans and hides her face in her hands. “I was just starting to find you attractive.”

“I thought we were done bruising my ego?”

“The dad jokes make you free real estate.”

“Okay, alright.” You laugh. Gently prying her hands away from her face. “Just ask me your question.“

She relents, but doesn’t let go of your hand as she sets hers down the counter. “Hmm…”

“Did you grow up here?”

You shake your head. “Nope. Came here looking for my great perhaps.”

An eyebrow raised; head tilted to the side. "Your great perhaps?"

"Yeah, like, trying to live a fulfilling life instead of just staying in one place forever."

There's a shift in her eyes, but you're a bit too drunk to figure out what it means. "I grew up in Bilgewater, and a lot of the pirate crews that came by were always talking about their grand adventure that got them treasure, or whatever. So I thought, what the hell? I can do that, too."

Powder doesn’t interrupt you when you tell her more about your past. How you worked at a bar serving the various pirate crews that would drop in and out, spending all the gold they found, then leaving again to find more. She does, however, show a particular interest when you tell her about the time a drunken captain almost made you walk the plank for bumping into him. You’re surprised by how easy it is to tell her about yourself, how natural it almost feels.

"I hate to disturb your weekly monologue about your great perhaps here, chief." You both turn your heads to where Ed is, grabbing empty glasses on the bar, and stacking them onto a nearby sink. "But it's just about closing time, and I need to clean up. So scram."

"Guess that's our cue." The chair next to you scrapes against the wooden floor as Powder pushes herself off of it. Her stance is wobbly, and you're only barely able to hold onto her as she stumbles.

"Easy, Blue."

A scoff. "Pfft. I'm just as drunk as you are."

"Then we're both fucked."

A laugh, then a mock salute, then a quick turn away from your grasp. "Speak for yourself port chief, captain, boss—whatever."

You scramble out of your own chair and follow Powder out of the door—not before turning around and leaving money on the bar because you forgot to pay—the cold sea breeze slapping you in the face the second you're out in the moonlight. It's late enough that the streets are nearly empty; save for the few drunk people here and there headed home.

Your head feels featherlight as you turn and spot Powder a few paces ahead, arms crossed, head tilted to the side. The light from a street post casts a shadow over her face, but you're sure that she still has that cocky smirk on. She's not even saying anything, and you feel your chest warm from the sight of her.

Must be the alcohol.

"Getting lost in my eyes again?" She asks as you make your way towards her.

"Absolutely."

A roll of her eyes as she turns around and starts walking. "Kiss-ass."

You follow suit, falling in step with her, and bumping her shoulder with yours. "You like it."

The both of you walk in silence for the next while, a quiet arrangement that you were going to walk her home. You take a deep breath, taking in the cold breeze and the peaceful atmosphere of the usually bustling town. The quiet and the wind is grounding, and you feel yourself slowly start to sober up the more you walk. To be fair, it was the middle of the week, and most people would probably be working tomorrow, so traffic at this hour was expected to be less.

You stop walking when you realize the direction you're heading in. Powder does the same, looking over to you with a curious glance.

"Are we headed back to port?"

She shrugs. "Yup."

"You didn't find a place to stay here in town?"

"I wanted to get some maintenance done while waiting for the gasket."

A thought pops up in your head, one that you probably shouldn't suggest, especially since you've only known Powder for a few hours. On the one hand, she could be a wanted murderer on the run, and you're on your way to becoming her next victim. On the other, you'd just be spending a night on your couch, and she'd have a place to stay. It certainly beat going back to the hang—

"Wait a second. The hangar's locked for the night. Were you planning on breaking in?"

She pretends to be hurt by your accusation, hand clutching her chest. "Breaking in is such a strong word to use, toots. I was gonna politely ask you to open it up for me."

You stuff your hands into your coat pockets, trying to offer a nonchalant shrug. "You could spend the night at my place."

Her eyes widen in surprise, but only for a split second, before that infuriating smirk pulls at her lips. "Oh. You want me to come back to your place?"

You laugh, not at all ashamed by her insinuation. "Not like that, Blue. I can't just let you back into the hangar, I could get fired for it. And it's a pain in the ass looking for a place to stay when you're half-drunk, also unsafe. I have a couch."

Her smirk fades, gaze softening a tad bit. She takes a moment to look around the empty street, then back to you. She crosses her arms before she speaks. "You sure you're okay with me crashing at your place?"

You shrug again. "Yeah, I mean, I'd rather not leave you wandering around the street at night, not that I'd leave you wandering alone. If you're dead set on looking for a place to stay, I'd totally go with you until you find one. But, also just in case you won't find one, which is pretty unlikely honestly—"

"Okay."

"Hm?"

The corners of her lips tug again—not the same as the one she had when she was teasing you earlier; it's a softer, more honest smile. "Okay. We'll go back to your place."

"Oh. Cool."

"Cool."

"…."

"So…Do you know remember where you live, or…"

"Oh! Yeah, right. Sorry."

You clear your throat, before gesturing down a street and turning towards it. Powder mercifully keeps quiet as the both of you make your way back to your apartment.

---

"Well, this is me." You fumble your keys a bit as you pull them out of your doorknob and place them back into your pocket. "Make yourself at home." There's a moment you want to slap yourself at your words. Suddenly having Powder in your space—your own doing, by the way—made you feel self-conscious. Not that you've never had people over, but something about it being her was making you all formal. You don't even need to look at Powder to know she's about to laugh.

Her snort from behind you is enough confirmation as you make your way inside. Deciding to spare yourself the sight—not matter how much you've seemed to enjoy seeing her smile—you opt to take off your coat and throw you keys onto the dresser next to the entrance. Powder's footsteps make their way across the room, exploring your space.

"You're doing well for yourself, chief." You turn around to look at her, as she's eyeing the view from behind the balcony doors.

"It's pretty nice. Nicer than where I used to live in Bilgewater, definitely. They paid me a decent amount for making the port run right."

"Was it that bad before you took over?"

You shrug, walking over to her while trying to remember the state of the port back when you started. "We were having trouble competing with all the airships popping up. One day I told them, why don't we just build our own airport? And they said, sure, but you're running it, and you're gonna pay for it if it doesn't work."

"Looks like it ended up working."

Just thinking about all the hoops you had to jump through just to get everything running smoothly makes you scoff. "Yeah, now. But around a year ago it was chaos. Do you know how hard it is to find an airship mechanic?"

She raises an eyebrow at you. "Can't be that hard, we got hundreds at Zaun. Even a kid could do it."

"That's cause that entire area is where most air ships come from. Especially when Hex Tech started taking off. No pun intended." Your hand reaches for the balcony door, pushing it open. "I had to learn all of that engineering stuff on site. That and managing an entire port."

Powder follows you out to the small balcony, leaning against the railing next to you. The breeze suddenly making you wish you hadn't taken off your coat.

"So…" She starts, lightly bumping her shoulder against yours. "This how you get most girls into your bed? Show her a nice view and talk about your fancy job?"

You bark out a laugh. "Depends."

That damn smirk. "On?"

"If they're having engine trouble."

It's her turn to laugh, and the lilt of her voice makes the butterflies in your stomach go crazy, makes your chest warm enough that the cold air suddenly doesn't matter. This definitely wasn't the alcohol.

"You know," She says, as her laughter dies down. "I've given you three chances to kiss me, and you haven't taken a single one."

"Maybe I'm just polite."

"Or maybe you're just dense. Which is tragic, because you've been flirting with me all night."

A pause. "Hold on, three?"

"Yup."

"When?"

"I'm not gonna tell you when I was waiting for you to kiss me."

You wrack your brain, trying to remember when Powder had given pause long enough for you to kiss her. "I count like, two."

She rolls her eyes at your response. "Oh wow, then you're actually dense."

Your mouth opens to protest, but you close it again just as fast, still stuck on figuring out the third moment when you could kiss her.

She seems to sense your struggle, as she laughs and pushes herself away from the railing. "Don't hurt yourself trying to think, toots." She quips, pulling you back inside. "Come on, it's getting cold."

Whatever's left of your ego is beaten down by Powder's remark, as you let yourself get pulled back into the warmth of your apartment.

"I really think it was just two times."

"Guess you'll never know."

You groan, running a hand down your face. "I'm gonna be thinking about this until I figure it out."

"Word of advice, think less."

"Yeah, but then what if you don't want me to kiss you, and then I try to kiss you?"

She shrugs, the couch creaking as she flops down onto it. "If I didn’t want you to kiss me, I'd shoot you."

"Fair enough."

A sigh escapes your mouth as you settle next to her. Your hands brush, but neither of you move away.

"You're a hard one to figure out, Blue."

"That's kind of the point, though, right?"

You shift in your seat, turning to face her. Your arm drapes over the back of the couch, behind her shoulders. "What do you mean?"

She looks around the room for a moment before her gaze settles back onto you, turning in her own seat so she's facing you. "You travelled for a bit before ending up here, right? You can't just…" She gestures with her hand, waving it at empty space. "Pour your soul out to strangers, trust them? Best case scenario is you'll never see them again. Worst case, they've got dirt on you or try to kill you."

The more you thought about it, the more obvious it became. Powder was right. Even you were paranoid about the people who came and went while you were in Bilgewater, more so when you started travelling alone.

"Do you…trust me?"

She scoffs, as if you just asked a ridiculous question. "Of course I do, I mean, I followed you here. Didn't I?" There's a bite to her words, but her expression quickly softens. "I…If we're being honest here, I think I'm trusting you a bit too much."

She leans her head against the cushions of the couch, taking a breath. You know she has more to say, so you keep silent and wait for her to continue.

"I don't think I would have done any of this, if it was someone else." She says quietly.

"I don't think I would've done this either, if it wasn't you." You confess.

She scoffs, but there's no edge to it. "Liar."

An amused smile makes its way onto your face. "I mean it." As if to drive your point home, your free hand brushes against hers, on purpose this time; you wait in case she pulls away. Emboldened when she doesn't, you gently grab her hand and interlace your fingers.

Her eyes flit to your joined hands, then back to your face, a small smile curls at her lips, stripped of all the bravado she carried with her earlier. She pulls herself closer to you and nestles herself at the crook of your neck, and you let your other arm fall and wrap around her, letting the silence fall over the both of you.

It's crazy to think that just this morning, you were cussing her out for giving you more work to do in the day, but now, she had you wrapped around her finger—not that you'd ever let her know that.

Maybe it's the alcohol, or the warm body next to yours, or the distant sound of the waves from outside. But slowly, surely, you start to feel eyelids grow heavier by the second. You wonder briefly if you should get up and go get a pillow or blanket for the both of you, but Powder’s even breaths stop the train of thought entirely.

You do your best to not wake your companion up as you reach behind her for your throw blanket, gently draping it over the both of you. Waking up tomorrow is going to be a pain, and you can already feel the your back and neck complaining.

Powder shifts beside you, curling closer into you, and suddenly the pain tomorrow is worth it.

The last thing that crosses your mind is the smell of the sea breeze and axel grease in her hair, as your eyes slowly close and sleep pulls you under.

---

You wake up from an offending ray of light hitting your face. Then, an ache in your neck, followed by your back cracking as you try to stretch.

The throw blanket draped over you does nothing to obscure the sunlight creeping into the room, as you groan and try to roll to your side to avoid it…straight off the couch.

You land on the hardwood floor with a thud, a few seconds of silence passing before your groans fills in the space of your apartment. It's a hard task getting up, with all the pain in your neck and back, plus being tangled up in your blanket. And the damn sun—wait a second.

The blanket is thrown to the side as you shoot up, and blearily blink the sleep out of your eyes. Yes, there was sunlight streaming through the window. Which meant that it was way past your actual wake up time, and you were late for work.

You scramble around your apartment, rushing out of the bathroom with your toothbrush in your mouth—which in hindsight isn't safe at all—while trying to change into a fresh set of clothing. All the while, a slew of curse words freely making their way out of your mouth. How did I end up on the couch last night?

And then it hits you.

Powder.

The bar.

Falling asleep together on the couch.

You stop midway through putting a sweater on as you scan the room. No shoes, no coat, nothing that would have suggested she was here the previous night. Even more confused now, you walk around to check if she was maybe in your bedroom. All the while trying to ignore the disappointed feeling in your chest starting to bloom. Not that you were expecting her to stay—you absolutely were—and have breakfast, or whatever.

With a defeated sigh, you finish up getting ready and head towards the front door, unhooking your coat and grabbing your keys.

And then you spot it.

A note, set beside the bowl where you keep your keys.

You ignore the hope that replaces the disappointment in your chest as you grab the piece of paper.

Wanted to get that engine running by today. Didn't wanna wake you. See you later at the hangar, yeah? Try not to think about this too much :P —P

So she didn't abandon you in the night and decide to never speak to you again. Great. You still have a chance.

Your brows furrow from the train of thought. A chance to what, exactly?

Deciding to answer that question at a later time, you stuff the note in your pocket and bolt out the door. Hopefully nothing went up in flames while you were out.

---

It was a mistake to hope, it truly was.

"I don't know how it happened boss, one second it was running fine, the next, whoosh! It just combusted!"

You shut your eyes and rub your temples with your hands. Surely you didn't jinx yourself when you left your house today. Maybe once you open your eyes, the singed winch would magically be working again.

You're momentarily tempted to scream into your hands, but decide against it for the sake for professionalism and setting a good example as a boss.

"Nope, still singed." Maybe opening your eyes wasn’t the right call. Out of sight, out of mind.

You sigh, defeated. This would have to be completely replaced, and who knows how long that would take.

"If it wasn't for that blue haired lass, the damage would've been worse, I say."

Your head snaps up at the mention of Powder. "The one with the airship we tugged yesterday?"

"That's the one."

Her ship was still at the far end of the hangar—at the docking area. Sparing a cursory glance in that direction, amid all the banging and scraping sounds that echo off in the hangar, you wonder if she had finished up her engine.

"See where she went afterwards, Buck?" You turn back to the older man, who offers you a half-hearted shrug.

"I dunno, just told me to check on anything else that was plugged into the same place as the winch. Turned around, and poof, she was gone." He says as he scratches his chin in thought. "Fast one, she is."

Half of your brain wants to seek her out, but the other—more logical—part knows that you need to file paperwork for the broken winch and get in wheeled out of an active work area. You still had a job to do, after all.

You resign and click your tongue, asking Buck to help you get the winch off to storage while you return to your office and fill out the dreaded paperwork. After making sure that there weren't any other pieces of equipment that got damaged. If there was anything else damaged, then that would be its own can of unfortunate wor—

"Lass wouldn't stop asking about 'ya, by the way." Buck says, wiggling his eyebrows at you as you start loading the winch onto a cart. "Sounded like she had an interest in 'ya."

"Yeah? What'd you tell her?" Hopefully, looking away would be enough to hide the smile slowly forming on your face, though it's doubtful, as you hear Buck laugh from behind you as the cart squeaks along.

"Nothing but glowing reviews boss. The others…can't speak for 'em."

You roll your eyes. "Great, now I have to find her after all my paperwork and tell her not to believe any of you."

"Paperwork?" He says as he stops abruptly, the weight of the winch immediately stopping your pulling as well. "Don' tell me you're gonna go back to work when there's a pretty girl looking for 'ya."

"We're at work, Buck." You deadpan.

"Eh who gives a rat's arse about work right now." He grins, shaking the cart out of your grip. "Go get 'ya girl and do the paperwork after."

"I have a lot of things—" "Heard she was done with her engine and getting ready to leave."

The words die in your throat, and Buck's grin widens at your expression—you probably look like a blubbering fish—as he successfully pulls the cart out of your grip.

"Be a shame if 'ya miss her."

The small slip of paper shoved into your pocket suddenly feels heavy. She wrote that she'd see you, so she wouldn't leave, would she?

Fuck paperwork.

"You know what, I'll pull in overtime."

You can hear Bucks laughter as you walk resolutely to where the airships are parked. More of a light jog really, but you weren't gonna tell Powder that. Besides, you eventually slow down once you catch sight of her airship, the engine still popped open at the back. Seeing as she isn't outside working on it, you hazard a knock on the airship’s door.

"It's open!" A muffled voice replies from inside.

You take a second to collect yourself, before grabbing the handle and pulling the door open.

"Hey." You manage, poking your head through the door way. Powder is busy tinkering with something on her desk, and you briefly smell burnt iron wafting through the air. "You know inhaling this stuff is bad for you, right?"

Powder turns her chair around, pulling a pair of goggles over her head. "So don't breathe it in, duh."

This earns a snort from you, inadvertently inhaling the offending fumes. "Of course, silly me." You say as you cough and try to fan out the smell with your hand.

"Can't believe your great perhaps is gonna end with you getting killed by air." Powder does little to hide the amusement in her voice. "Couldn't get killed by pirates in Bilgewater, but Gods forbid you inhale some smoke."

"Har, har." Initially you wanted to be pissed at her for not waking you up. But the easiness of how she carries herself, standing up and walking around the ship, unbothered, and how she speaks to you is already enough to let your guard down.

"So are you a vampire, and I have to invite you in, or…"

You roll your eyes at her, but smile on your face betrays your mood as you close the door behind you. Leaning against the side wall, you pull out the note she left you earlier that morning. "I was late today, you know."

"Oh, I heard. Something about the Port Master slacking off."

Your smile drops. "Wait, really?"

"What? No." She quickly follows, slightly alarmed by the shift in your mood. "I'm joking, clearly. Gods, you are a stickler for that professional bull."

A relieved breath escapes your lips. "Oh okay, good. Also, I'm not a stickler for it…I'm just trying to set a good example."

"No flirting with the customers, but once you're off the clock you're good?"

"Pretty much."

"All that flirting only to miss three chances to kiss someone?" She says as she holds up three fingers. "Wasted effort if you ask me."

"Hey, I only counted two!"

"And yet, there were actually three. You're gonna have to live with that, chief."

You're about to insist your point again, but you're brought back to why you suddenly rushed over here. You look over to your pocket—the note once again tucked inside—then back to Powder, whose eyes are also trained on the aforementioned piece of paper.

A few seconds pass, before you're able to find your words.

"So… Will I get a chance to figure it out?" Her eyes snap to you, narrowing slightly. "The third kiss? Or are you planning on leaving soon?"

You think you see her the corner of her lips curl just a little, before her expression turns nonchalant as she shrugs. "Depends."

"On what?"

A crashing noise from outside pulls the both of you back to reality, as you hear voices grumbling about cleaning up a mess. Powder lifter herself into a desk, wood creaking under her weight. There's an indiscernible—Disappointment, maybe?— look on her face, before she forces a smile and nods towards the door.

"Go do your fancy job."

You push yourself off the wall and take a step towards the door. You could. You should, right at this instant. But you've spent the better half of your great perhaps doing a whole lot of unremarkable known, instead. And as much as you liked living in comfort and knowing what comes next, you didn’t much like the thought of walking out this ship without finishing this talk with Powder.

"Word of advice? Think less."

You drop your hand that was about to reach for the door handle, turning around to face Powder. The surprise is evident in her features, but you don't give her time to whip out whatever snarky remark she has. You close the distance in two steps, then your lips crash into hers.

It doesn't take long for her to grab onto you and pull you closer. Not long for her to smile into the kiss, or for her hands to make their way into your hair; yours onto her waist. You feel heady, almost. Forgetting everything that's happening around you and just enjoying the moment.

Until there's another crash outside, loud enough that you pull apart in surprise.

You sigh, exasperated. Not daring to open your eyes, you lean your forehead against hers. "Fuck."

She chuckles softly against your lips, before placing a chaste kiss and gently pushing you away. "Go, before something blows up."

And you relent—though reluctantly—backing away towards the door, not taking your eyes off of her. Just the sight of her, flushed and smiling, is nearly enough to make you ignore your job. But you have time, you know you have time. Something about the glint in her eyes as she smiles at you, how relaxed she looks sitting back on the desk.

She'll be here when you come back, waiting for you to figure out what that damn third chance was.

#arcane x reader #jinx x reader #arcane #arcane jinx #arcane netflix #reader works at a ship and airport #post finale #like a good number of months after the finale

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danikamariewrites · 1 year ago

Note

In your housewife fic you mentioned that reader helps Rhys write the latter's to other high lords so maybe one time when she's having a really bad day , like nothing is going her way and she messes up while writing and starts crying so Rhys and feyre comfort her.🥲

Mess Up

Feysand x reader

A/n: this is part of the house wife series and honestly I’m loving writing this

Warnings: angst to fluff

Nothing had been going your way today. At the market this morning they didn’t have any of the ingredients you needed for dinner so you gave up. You wanted to leave the mess that was stressing you out in the living room but you couldn’t. But then the blanket kept falling off the couch so you just threw it and stomped out of the room.

You went to find Rhys, he would make you feel better. But somehow you ended up helping him with work instead of curling up in his lap. You should’ve went to Feyre.

You were writing too fast for your brain to keep up. Rhys needed letters sent out to the other High Lords regarding the border in Spring. You knew you were writing to Kal but thought of an inside joke to add to Helion’s letter as you were writing. Without rereading the letter you sealed it, pouring the black wax and stamping it with the Night Court seal.

Handing the letter to Rhys he asked you who to address it to. You stuttered over yourself as you thought about who you just wrote to. Now you couldn’t remember if it was for Helion or Kal. You rubbed at your eyes while thinking until Rhys snapped at you a little, “y/n, who is it for. You just wrote it, it shouldn’t be this hard.”

You knew Rhys was trying to joke with you but you could hear his underlying impatience. The build up of everything going wrong today hit you, this letter being the final blow. Your shoulders started to shake and hot tears stained your finger tips as they pressed harder into your eyes.

Sniffles and sobs shake your body. Rhys quickly moves to embrace you. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to get mad. We can just open it and figure it out.” You bury your face in his tunic. Your crying got harder. Rhys picks you up bringing you over to the couch. In his mind he’s calling out for Feyre for help.

Feyre comes rushing into his office, sitting next to young and Rhys on the couch. She lightly rubs your back calmly shushing you. Rhys rocks you a little whispering sweet nothings in your ear, telling you you’re ok and that you didn’t do anything wrong. “Please talk to us sweetheart. We want to help.” He whispers desperately.

You pull away, wiping at your puffy eyes. “I’m sorry,” you croak out. “Nothing went right today and I don’t have stuff for dinner and I messed up the letter.” You sniffle some more as Rhys hands you a handkerchief to blow your nose.

“Sweetheart the letter doesn’t matter. It’s ok, I promise I can write another one.” You look up at him with those big sad eyes. “Are you sure?” Feyre pulled you on to her lap so you’re straddling her lap. She cradles your face in her soft hands, rubbing her thumbs in small circles on the apples of your cheeks.

“Listen to me y/n. Sometimes we can’t control everything that happens to us. Some days are just…out to get us. And that’s ok. I’m going to tell you what Mor told me a long time ago, don’t let the hard days win. We’re here for you and we won’t let you face hard days alone.” You give her a small smile, letting her kind words warm your heart. You were thankful Feyre reminded you that you aren’t alone. That you can always go to them with your problems.

“Thank you,” you whisper, leaning forward to kiss her nose. “Of course baby. How about Rhys handles the letter and you and I go get ready for dinner. You deserve to be treated to night out.” You nod excitedly and Rhys kisses your temple. “I’ll be done in a bit.” He heads back to his desk while Feyre pulls you into the hall.

“Wait, what about the living room?” Your last problem that was t solved. Feyre brushes it off with a wave of her hand. “Nyx and Cassian can build a fort with everything tonight.” You giggle at the thought of the Illyrian general taking orders from the toddler. And fitting himself into a tiny fort made of pillows and blankets.

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar reader fic #acotar reader imagine #acotar imagine #rhysand x reader #rhysand x you #rhysand fluff #rhysand imagine #rhysand fanfic #feyreandrhysand #feyre archeron #feyre x you #feyre x reader #feyre acotar #poly!feysand #poly!feysand x you #poly!feysand x reader

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clandestineivory · 1 year ago

Text

Affogato Cookie x Amnesiac Reader (Part 2)

Summary: After saving your bleeding and dying soul from joining the rest of the fallen Dark Cacao warriors, Affogato Cookie takes you to his little cave home and decides to nurse your unconscious body to health, knowing exactly who you were and what your job was. It certainly wasn't much of an easy task when you had unfortunate nightmares about who knows what.

TW: ACK- I'm sorry but you aren't really going to be awake and I kinda lied about the whole toying w/ your mind thing and the poisoning. Most of this will just be his inner thoughts and idk what else teehee.

MAYBE in the third part, you'll get the bonding time of manipulation. If I have the motivation for it. Have fun darlings!

Oh, and PLEASE read part 1 before reading this. It'll make much more sense. Link is right here: https://www.tumblr.com/starbeamssovereign/751333871307669504/affogato-cookie-x-amnesiac-reader

"Well, well, well. What have we here?"

Affogato knew. Of course he would know, he was the Royal Advisor for Swan's sake! His job was to keep up with everyone important and who could be a threat. So you'd definitely be somewhere on that list.

He was wandering around the kingdom borders by the little cave he called his temporary home when he heard that familiar yowl of the snow lion. At the time, he thought that it was just hunting something and the prey it was catching ran away. But it was far more interesting than that.

As he walked closer to the scene, he could already see your bleeding and limp body hit your head on the rocks. As soon as that wretched Wraith of the Peaks left you alone, he rushed to see exactly who you were.

Then he smirked once he tucked some messy strands of hair out of your face and behind your ear to get a better look at you. The Fourth Watcher? Now this was a sight.

He had never personally met you before, but he heard of how you single-handedly managed to take down a Cream Wolf that had gone mad with some sort of rabies and tried to attack Crunchy Chip Cookie. It was quite an exciting tale indeed.

Yet, coming face to face with you was...a bit disappointing. Really, all you did was stab an arrow into that beast? Kind of pathetic if you ask him. (Not like he could do better, but that wasn't his current thought.)

"Hm...they'll be useful someday in the future."

He thought to himself as he dragged your bloodied body through the freezing snow and back to the cave.

When you two got back, he placed you down in the corner, taking off the top layer of your coat as a substitute for bandages as he wrapped it around your body, knotting it tightly, but enough so you could still breathe.

Affogato started a fire, calmly sitting down by it and watching you silently. He pondered over what he would do if you got better and woke up. Or if you didn't.

The latter was something the ex-advisor didn't need to see or feel.

━

As time passed, he started getting more medicinal items for your recovery, such as real bandages, herbs, medicine, etc.

Yet, with all these items to help you get better, he wasn't expecting that you'd cry out in your sleep and flinch when you were unconscious.

You were crying out in fear, curling up into a little ball in the cave, your fists clenched as these nightmares attacked your mind while you were sleeping. Well, trying to rest and sleep.

Affogato didn't really know what to do - he had never encountered someone who was known to be strong act so... vulnerable. He didn't even smile at your agony, he was just confused by it. All of your hurt sounded so raw...

All he could really do to quiet you down was walk over to your corner and let you lean on him. It felt embarrassing and uncomfortable, but also a bit...nice.

"Little Watcher, you can be so pathetic that it makes me pity a foolish thing like you."

He muttered once when he felt you snuggle closer to him post-nightmare.

But this arrangement was purely to get you under his control. Try to poison your mind, make you feel in debt to his sweet, sweet kindness and generosity. He wanted you to tell him everything about the kingdom. To be his little spy.

That was all you were good for.

...

Right?

#crk headcanons #cookie run kingdom #writers on tumblr #cookie run x you #crk x you #crk x reader #affogato cookie x reader #affogato cookie being a little shit #affogato cookie #crk affogato

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sjsmith56 · 7 months ago

Text

A Better Man, Part 5 - Warmth

Summary: Bucky inspects Andrea’s brownstone finding a host of problems that could derail the renovation. His mother, Winnifred Barnes comes to dinner, to meet Andrea and Lily.

Length: 5.8 K

Characters: Steve, Bucky, Andrea, Winnifred Barnes.

Warnings: Bucky’s anxiety, Winnifred remembering the real trauma that Bucky suffered as a child.

Author notes: More twists. My knowledge of house inspections comes from watching Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler home renovation shows. If you’re Canadian, you know who I mean.

<<Part 4

Part 5

Since Mrs. Parker, Sam and Steve had everything under control at the office, Bucky took his tool belt and everything he needed to check the house with him, when he took the money to pay off Officer Rollins. He tried to temper his growing irritation at the man as he drove to where Rollins had pulled over their truck. It was a dick move on the officer's part but also somewhat unprecedented. He wondered if Hydra Contracting was behind it, as he knew Rollins was friendly with Rumlow. Peter Quill had reported that Rollins had been seen at several of Hydra's nightclubs over the past month, sometimes in uniform, sometimes not, although the latter appearances tended to be at their strip clubs. No doubt if he were connected to Hydra, he would be advising them on Barnes Contracting moving all their inventory sooner.

Pulling up behind the police car, Bucky could see Rollins sitting in the front seat. Taking the envelope of cash with him, he got out of his car and stood beside the open car window.

"Barnes," said Rollins, lazily. "About time you got here."

"You got paid off last week," replied Bucky. "This request took us by surprise, and it took us time to gather enough bills together, plus we're busy."

"I figured that," said the police officer. "What's the deal with the sudden activity?" He gestured to the truck. "Your idiot driver wouldn't tell me anything."

"Just have some renovation work coming up that I need my crew for, that's all. Do you want this or not?"

A car passed them, and they both watched until it was out of sight before Rollins put his hand out. Bucky looked around to make sure no one was watching or taking pictures then blocked the view of him handing Rollins the envelope. The man opened it, quickly going through the bills.

"It better all be here, or I'll be stopping another one of your trucks," he warned. He looked out the window at Bucky, smirking. "Have a nice day."

Starting his vehicle up, Rollins pulled out of his spot, making Bucky move aside to let the car go. He walked to the cab of the truck where Scott was sitting. Pulling himself up on the step he leaned inside the open window.

"What happened?"

"Came to a complete stop at a stop sign then took the turn. Next thing I know I hear the siren and pull over. He wanted to know what we were moving. Told him it was a sealed shipment, and I didn't know, then he said he noticed a lot of our trucks out today. What was going on? Told him I only did as I was ordered and didn't ask why. He said I didn't come to a complete stop and if I didn't want the truck seized, he wanted $500. Has he always been a dick?"

Bucky huffed. "Pretty much. Keep an eye out for any of Hydra's men. I know Rollins is buddies with Rumlow. If they find out we're moving a lot of inventory in a short time they might think something is up."

"Something is up, isn't it?" asked Scott. "I was surprised when Sam pulled us off of moving the furniture today. Did she change her mind about the renovation?"

"The less you know, the better," said Bucky. "She didn't change her mind. Just get these deliveries done and you'll get the furniture moved when you can. I'm going there now to assess the actual repairs that need to be done. The way this day is going I wouldn't be surprised if I find asbestos."

"That wouldn't be good."

He started the truck and Bucky hopped off then returned to his car, watching as it drove away. He sat there for a time, thinking, then started his car up, determined to get to the house and do something there today. There was no parking spot close by when he arrived so he parked where he could and put his tool belt on, then grabbed his pen and notebook. Entering the house, he locked the door behind him then breathed out.

It had been a while since he last did an inspection of a house to give someone an estimate. At that time, the owner, a higher-ranking member of a certain crime family, offered him half the estimate to do the job, claiming a professional discount. When Bucky told him that was the price quoted the man had laughed in his face, then told him to fuck off. He went with Sitwell Renovations, who used stolen building materials, and stiffed a few of their subcontractors, then used substandard ones to finish the jobs. The original subcontractors weren't able to get their money, because they couldn't put a lien on the homeowner or else he would come after them. It was wrong on so many levels, including the knowledge that Sitwell likely bribed some of the inspectors to approve the finished product.

You're getting upset again. Stop fixating about Sitwell Renovations.

Heading up to the top floor, Bucky found the attic access and opened it, pulling down the ladder. Heading up, he pulled his flashlight out and shone it on the underside of the roof. There were several water stains, some of them with mold on them, which concerned him. It meant they would have to treat the mold as well as replace the roof. Directing the flashlight onto the floor he saw more water stains. One of the boards was broken and he used his hammer to pry it up, swearing when he saw the old insulation.

Shit, it's likely asbestos.

He knew a guy who could test it to be sure, but he wasn't touching it, if it was. He would have to get an abatement team in to deal with it before his guys did any work. If it was up here, it could also be in the lower floor walls. He did another walk around the space, looking at the wiring, noting it was old copper. Since they would have to pull it anyway, they might be able to take the old stuff in for recycling. That could help offset the cost. He made some notes in his book, then headed back down the ladder and slid it back into place.

Even though Andrea only showed him the ceiling water stains on this level he still did a thorough inspection. Taking out a screwdriver he unscrewed a wall vent and shone his flashlight on the metal venting, looking for any rough edges that would give him an idea if the insulation here was asbestos as well, but he didn't see anything of note and replaced it. Noticing the original light fixtures, he made a note to ask if Andrea wanted to keep them or update them. There was always a demand for the older ones as certain places tried to keep their original look. Personally, he tried to keep the fixtures original but update everything around them, in a similar style. He would have to ask her if the fixtures all worked, since he didn't want to use the electricity to check for himself, knowing the mess the electrical panel was in. If they didn't all work, they should be replaced, otherwise he would have to take them to a specialty place to be restored.

From there he checked out the bathroom on this floor. The floor, done in a mosaic tile was mostly intact but there were a few broken individual tiles. They could be replaced but it might be hard to replicate the faded colour. Still, it was a nice pattern, almost art deco looking. The bathroom fixtures, other than the clawfoot tub were all in need of replacing. The tub could be refinished and spruced up. Turning the taps he listened for a water hammer noise but there was none. That was good as it meant the plumbing was in good shape, but he should check the pipes to make sure they were copper and not lead.

On the second floor, he checked all the windows but only the one bedroom had the water damage around them. Gently prying off the interior casing on them, he saw the caulking on the outside trim had dried out and crumbled, opening the gap to the elements. Opening the window, he leaned out as far as he could to check the brick façade, but it seemed intact, so the water damage was likely from the caulking. Still, he would need to bring a ladder over and go up to check it to be sure. When the guys came to move the furniture, he would ask Clint to bring a ladder and leave it in the house. He might as well check as much of the façade as he could. Once again, he tried to check for asbestos through the vents but who ever did the HVAC did a great job of sealing it from the insulation. It was a testament to the skill of those tradesmen.

Checking the bathroom on this level, he noticed water damage on the mosaic floor tiles, as the grout had crumbled and chipped away. Like the upper-level bathroom, the fixtures needed replacing. He checked the taps, looking under the sink for leaks but there were none there. Getting on his knees he shone his flashlight under the clawfoot tub then ran the water and watched as drips formed underneath, a leak from the tub itself. Once he got up on the ladder he would confirm if there was additional leakage in the outside façade. It could be a combination of the two that was showing up on the floor below. He added it to the lengthening list of repairs.

With a sigh, he headed down to the main floor, confirming the water stains again. The dining room was in good shape, so he headed to the kitchen. Casting a critical eye on it, he checked the floor to make sure it was level, then checked the plumbing, hearing the soft plunk of dripping water. Underneath the sink cabinet he found a leak dripping from where the plumbing came out of the wall. As he looked at it, he had a sinking feeling and ran downstairs, lighting the way with his flashlight. Ignoring the electrical panel, he went past it to underneath where the kitchen sink was. He didn't even look at this area the other night because the light went out and Andrea kicked him out before he got this far into the lower level. When he saw the exterior wall, he groaned.

There was efflorescence on it and the concrete was still wet in an area near a crack which had shifted the plumbing so that it was no longer aligned, causing not just the leak in the kitchen. This was a major repair that could cause structural damage if it wasn't taken care of. Never mind everything else that needed work, this crack, the water damage, the electrical panel, the roof, the possible asbestos insulation, and external water leaks would all have to be fixed before anything else inside could be tackled. No wonder Andrea couldn't get a loan for renovations. His gaze landed on the furnace and hot water tank, which he hadn't even looked at yet. He knew in his gut that this place was going to be a money pit. How was he going to tell her?

After saying goodbye to Bucky that morning, Andrea cleaned up the breakfast dishes, started some laundry and unpacked more of her boxes, sorting her clothes in the walk-in closet. She also looked at what food was in the freezer and pantry, wanting to make something good for Bucky as a thank you for his help. Taking some pork chops out, she checked the pantry, remembering she had brought some potatoes. She checked the fridge, satisfied that there were enough fresh vegetables to make a complete meal, although she did have to go out and get a few things from the grocery store. Lily was fed, then went down for a nap leaving Andrea some free time. Taking advantage of the home gym, she worked out a little bit then showered, dressed, and explored the selection of books in Bucky's bookcase. Just as she settled in a chair a phone rang in the apartment. With her cell phone beside her, Andrea wondered if Bucky left his cell phone behind but instead, the sound led her to a landline that she answered with a hesitant "hello." A woman's voice greeted her.

"Hello. You must be Andrea."

"Yes."

"I'm Winnifred Barnes, Bucky's mother. He told me that he offered you a place to live while he renovated your home. I just wanted to make sure you got settled in."

That was nice. "Yes, my daughter Lily and I are getting used to being here. He's been very kind to us."

"I'm glad to hear it. Would you object to me visiting you this afternoon? I had some things to drop off for Bucky, but I would like to meet you and your daughter."

"Why don't you come for supper, as well?" asked Andrea. "I was going to make a nice dinner for him and there should be more than enough for three."

"You're sure it won't be too much trouble?"

"I'm sure. Please, I would like you to come."

She could almost hear the older woman smile through the telephone call. When Mrs. Barnes accepted the invitation, her voice was kind and warm. It reminded Andrea very much of her grandmother. As soon as Lily woke up, she would get her ready for a walk and get to the store for the few things she needed. In the meantime, she made herself something for an early lunch and turned on some music while she ate and read a book. She transferred the laundry from the washing machine to the dryer, just before Lily awakened.

A short time later, she was back in the apartment after the walk to the grocery store, and began prepping the food so she could slip everything into the oven. The pork chop and potato casserole was easy to prepare and with the addition of some mushrooms and sliced onions plus some extra seasoning Andrea was sure it would be appreciated. Just as she got it into the oven to bake for an hour, the elevator door opened, and Bucky walked in.

"Hi," she said cheerfully, as he entered the kitchen. "How was your day?"

"A little stressful," he admitted. "How was yours?"

"Great," she smiled. "We went for a walk to the grocery store, and I picked up a few extra things for dinner. We're having a guest."

"Who?" he asked.

"Your mother. She called to say that she had to drop some things off, so I invited her to dinner." She noticed his face. "That's alright, isn't it?"

Bucky realized he was frowning and shook it off. "Yeah, it's good. I'm just surprised, that's all. She usually drops things off at the office, but I was at the house most of the day so maybe she wanted to talk to me in person." He noticed her face. "Don't worry about my mother. She's great and she'll love you and Lily. Before she comes, I need to talk to you about the house."

At that moment, the landline rang, and Bucky answered it to the announcement that his mother was there. He gave the okay to let her up. The news about the house was going to have to wait. Soon, the elevator door opened and Winnifred Barnes strode in, carrying a bakery box. Bucky took it from her, receiving a kiss on the cheek. They both entered the kitchen.

"Ma, this is Andrea Hart and her daughter Lily. Andrea, this is my mother, Winnifred Barnes."

"It's a pleasure Mrs. Barnes," said the younger woman, extending her hand. "You brought dessert? You didn't have to."

"It was the least I could do after practically inviting myself for dinner. You must call me Winnie." Andrea began to protest but Winnifred waved her objections away, then looked at Lily. "This little angel is beautiful. Bucky, help me get my coat off so I can hold her. She's okay with strangers?"

"Mostly," said Andrea. "She likes Mrs. Parker and Sam, and Bucky held her for a time."

His mother grinned at him, delighting in the fact that he was blushing about holding a baby. He took her things, hanging her coat up and placing her purse in the living room. When he returned to the kitchen, he watched his mother cooing over Lily, who lapped up the attention from the older woman.

"She is adorable," smiled Winnifred. "You must be a wonderful mother to have such a happy baby."

"Thank you but it's all her," said Andrea. "She's been content from the start."

"Ma, come sit in the living room." Bucky led them all there, waiting until the women sat down before he did. "What was it you brought for me to see?"

"Oh, that can wait," said Winnifred. "It was nothing too important. So, have you done the inspection of Andrea's house for the renovation?"

Both women looked at him, expectantly, and he suddenly felt as if he were in a hot seat.

"Yes, I spent much of the day there," he replied, hesitantly. "I was just going to tell Andrea about it when you arrived." They still looked like they wanted to hear more. "It's not good news. There's mold in the attic from the leaking roof. I suspect you have asbestos insulation, but I'll need to get someone in to confirm that and they would have to do an abatement if it is asbestos." He sighed, then looked away, his face pained. "Those windows will have to be replaced as the caulking has dried up and crumbled away which is letting in rain. You already know about the electrical panel. There's a crack in the foundation that's letting in water, and it's messed up the plumbing in the kitchen. All of that has to be fixed before we can even think about fixing the water leak damage inside. Your bathroom fixtures need updating although we can salvage the tubs and get them refinished. Although your furnace and hot water tank are functional, they're pretty old and should be replaced." He ran his hand through his hair. "Your kitchen needs a total update as well. I'm sorry but it's going to cost a lot of money to do it. I suspect the bank looked at your old list of things to fix and didn't think it was worth it. With this new list, it's going to be a lot for me to cover. I would like to do it, but I want you to know what you're getting yourself into. My estimate of three months is easily doubled and right now I think it's going to cost around $150,000 to just do the basics. I'm sorry. I wish I had better news."

Andrea took it better than he was expecting. She was disappointed, something that he felt in his gut as she looked at Lily before examining her hands. Then she smiled wanly at him.

"It's alright," she said quietly. "The bank pretty much said the same thing, even though the list I gave them was smaller. They said it had been their experience that these older places had a lot of issues that had to be addressed even before tackling the cosmetic fixes." She sighed and stood up. "Thank you for being honest with me. Excuse me for a moment."

She left Lily with Winnifred and headed towards her room, as Bucky followed her with his eyes, feeling utterly helpless that he had to disappoint her. His mother watched him.

"You should go to her," she said. "I can stay with Lily."

"Ma ...."

"Go to her," she smiled. "She's worth it."

It was the first time his mother had ever said that about any woman he brought home for her to meet. Gently, he knocked on the door. He could hear crying inside.

"Andrea, may I come in?"

There was the sound of her blowing her nose, then she opened the door and began to cry again. Stepping inside, he hugged her, as she wept. He wished he knew what to say but something told him that what he was doing was probably what she needed most. Eventually, she calmed herself and pulled away, grabbing some more tissues. To see her with swollen red eyes and puffy cheeks was almost more than Bucky could bear.

"We'll find a way to do it," he said. "Somehow, I'll fix it for you."

"I can't ask you to do that," she uttered, her voice almost broken. "You have a business to run and that's a lot of money to cover."

"You're not asking. I'm offering." For a moment, he looked down, trying to say something meaningful. "Please, let me help you."

"Why are you doing this? I mean, what's the real reason?"

He envisioned a repeat of what happened in her basement a few days ago but even with what he did for his living, he had always been as truthful as he could be. He wasn't ready to tell her about his usual job, but he could tell her about his feelings. Gesturing to her to sit on the bed, he sat beside her.

"I've always been the quiet type," he said. "That trauma I referred to this morning messed with my head a little and it made me very introverted. In high school, I didn't date much but I had a few girlfriends, nothing serious. They weren't really interested in the real me. They just saw me as a good-looking guy who liked to please them. When my thing about blood became known they didn't even see me as that. I was weird Bucky." She placed her hand on his, smiling kindly at him. God, she's beautiful. "I had one serious relationship with Dot; I told you about her. After her, I didn't date at all. It was just easier. Then you walked into my life. The guys told me about this beautiful woman with a baby who just made their day with her presence and that's when I came outside that first time with Sam and Steve. They were right, you did make my day, and the more I saw you, the more I wanted to know you."

"Bucky, what are you saying?" Andrea was focused on him, her face serious. "Are you in love with me?"

"I don't know if it's love," he admitted. "I thought I knew what love was when I was with Dot, but it was all one-sided. I know that I like being with you and Lily. I don't feel alone or weird when I'm with you and when you cried just now, all I wanted to do was hold you and be there for you." He realized he was stroking her hand and stopped then looked at her. "If you don't feel the same for me, that's alright; we can be friends because I just don't want to be without you in my life and if you have to sell the house and move away then I might never see you again, and I don't think I can bear that."

She smiled at him as he kept talking then placed her hand on his cheek, making him stop.

"I wish I had met you instead of Brock," she murmured. "You are the sweetest man I have ever met. Dot was stupid to do what she did to you. Although there might be the beginnings of something between us, I'm not ready to take that next step right now. But I'm willing to take it slow with you and see where this leads us. Is that enough for now?"

His smile was almost beatific in its brilliance and Andrea felt her own insides warm up a little. She had to admit to herself that when he held her, she felt safe in his arms. The emotional warmth that emanated from him and even his mother, was something she really missed since her grandmother died. As for the house, she could sell it, but it would be at a significant discount as she would have to disclose the issues with it. In this market, that money wouldn't go far in buying a similar sized place. Even though the logical thing would be to sell it, a part of her pictured her and Lily there, baking cookies in the kitchen, or doing homework together at the table. From the moment she moved in there when she was pregnant it felt like home, her real home. Then a vision of Bucky coming in the front door as if he lived there with them suddenly entered her head, almost making her gasp audibly. Maybe she was meant to meet him, then to live with him as a roommate. Maybe, eventually they were meant to be more. Regardless, he was willing to help her, and she really liked the idea of him working on that place, knowing that he wanted to please her. Taking a deep breath, she stood up, making him stand up with her.

"Alright, somehow we'll figure out how to finance this," she said. "Friends?"

"Friends," he smiled. For now.

Returning to the living room, they found his mother still entranced with Lily, as she told her a story. It was a side of his mother Bucky hadn't seen before, realizing that she was acting like a grandmother. His younger sister was also unmarried and had no kids, so that meant Lily was the closest thing she had to a grandchild. She looked up at them.

"Are you alright, Andrea?"

"Yes, Mrs. Barnes, I'm good. Bucky helped settle me down."

"Winnie, I insist." The older woman looked down at the little girl in her arms before looking up at the pair. "Well, I'm glad. Whenever you two wish to go out, for any reason, you call me, and I'll come over in a flash to be with this little doll."

Lily kicked her feet a little and waved her hands towards Winnifred, making her laugh. The timer on the oven went off and Andrea went to see to it, while Bucky set the table. His mother, watching from the living room area, knew there was definitely something good about those two and she would do her part to make sure it bloomed into something better. This little girl needed a father and a grandmother. If Andrea's parents were too proud to make amends with their daughter, then she was more than willing to take their place.

Dinner was pleasant for all of them, with compliments from Bucky and his mother about the meal. The dessert brought by Winnifred, a cheesecake, was also appreciated. As Bucky cleaned up, Andrea took Lily to the bedroom to nurse her and get her ready for bed. She brought her out to say goodnight to Winnifred and Bucky, with both holding the baby in turn, and kissing her goodnight. It reinforced every hope that Bucky had for a relationship with Andrea, although he tried to temper the strong emotions he was feeling for her. After she had tucked her daughter in, Andrea returned to the living room where Bucky and his mother sat, having some tea.

"Well, I have enjoyed myself immensely," said Winnifred. "I do have to go but I meant what I said about looking after Lily anytime you need someone. She is a sweet child."

"I'll keep that in mind, Winnie," said Andrea. "It was very nice to meet you."

"Bucky, would you see me out to my car?" asked his mother.

"Sure, Ma," he replied, figuring she wanted a private word with him.

On the way down in the elevator, she made her thoughts known.

"She is lovely. What did you two decide when you went to her?"

"I told her I had feelings but that I don't know if it's love. She's not ready for another relationship yet but if it's meant to be then she wants to take it slow. I'm going to do the renovations. I'll find the money somehow."

"I'll give it to you," said Winnifred. She looked up at her son. "You don't have to tell her it's coming from me."

"Ma, you don't have to," he protested. "I'm sure that we'll get the business we need from the renovation side of the company. I can put a sign in the window of her place that we're working there. Maybe that will drum up business to make up for having to cut back on the other side of things."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, looking up at him again. "What's happened to your usual revenue stream?"

Uh oh. "I thought you knew. I assumed Steve mentioned it but maybe he was afraid you would be angry with him. Andrea's best friend hit it off with Steve and they went out together. She figured out that Barnes Construction isn't entirely legitimate." The elevator doors opened, and he stopped talking as they walked through the lobby, resuming when they were outside. "Turns out she's a cop and she's not turning us in, but she suggested we get rid of our shipments sooner rather than later. We're supposed to be on some task force's radar. If they show up and we don't have the evidence lying around, then they can't do much to us."

His mother was quiet until they got to her car. She stood in front of it apparently processing what her son told her.

"Well, maybe it was meant to happen then," she finally said. "You did say you would go legit for her. Maybe this is the way you go about it. Just be careful who else knows about that end of the business as it can open you up to blackmail. By the way, who is Lily's father? You told me before that he's with one of your competitors."

"Brock Rumlow."

He didn't notice how his mother seemed bothered for a moment, as he was distracted by a couple of joggers going by on the sidewalk. She placed her hand on his cheek, receiving a kiss on hers in return, then Bucky opened her car door and made sure she was buckled in before he closed it. As she pulled away, she watched her son cross the road, realizing she never gave him the documents she brought him. As soon as she was out of sight, she pulled into the first opening she saw and took her cell phone out. For a moment she hesitated then she dialled a number. It rang several times before it was answered.

"I have a problem," she said. "My son is in love with a very nice single mother. I just found out the father of her child is Brock Rumlow. You know what Pierce will do if he finds out about the baby." She listened for a moment then interrupted. "I don't care. I need protection on the woman and her child. They are important to me and to my son. If anything happens to them .... Thank you, Fury. I appreciate it. One other thing. Is Barnes Construction in the crosshairs of one of the gang task forces?" Whatever was said obviously satisfied her because she smiled. "I heard it from several sources but thank you for running interference for us. I appreciate that. My son is turning the company into a legitimate business, but any raids would make that difficult. I trust you'll advise me if anything is in the works? As long as it doesn't interfere with the other business, I'll take you at your word."

She hung up then and thought back to that horrible night so many years ago when Nick Fury, now the District Attorney, but then a hotshot lawyer in the District Attorney's office came to her with a pouch of diamonds and asked her to hold them for him. No questions were asked as to their origin or their destination. It was a quid pro quo situation; a favour to be paid back later. Except two nights later a corrupt cop, Henry Rumlow, showed up with a thug provided by his brother-in-law, Alexander Pierce, a general contractor willing to get his hands dirty. Rumlow demanded the diamonds. George, her husband, refused to say anything, as did she. The thug began beating George up, hitting him over and over again. That's when Bucky came out of the bedroom hallway holding his father's gun and pointing it at Rumlow.

"Leave my dad alone," he said, in his terrified six-year-old voice.

Rumlow started laughing.

"Your kid didn't even turn off the safety," he crowed, then reached for his own gun and pointed it at Bucky.

In a scream of rage, George head butted the thug, stunning him, then tackled Rumlow, fighting for his son's life. In the struggle, Rumlow's gun went off and he laid there bleeding out from a stomach wound. Carefully, George took the gun from Bucky, as Winnifred bundled him up and took him back to the bedroom. Then George did something he never thought he would do again after Grenada. He killed a man, using Rumlow's gun to shoot the thug when he roused and attacked George again. He called his right-hand man, Tim Dugan, to help. The big man, loyal to the core, helped carry the bodies out of the house, loading them into Rumlow's car trunk, that they lined with a tarp. While Dugan drove Rumlow's car, George took a company truck, driving out to an isolated spot. They staged the fight there, making it look like the two men fought each other before both received a fatal wound with Rumlow's service pistol. They left Rumlow's car there and George drove Dugan home. By the time he returned to their house, Winnie had cleaned up all the blood. He burned the tarp and his bloody clothes in a metal garbage can.

Other than Fury, who promised to make sure the deaths were not traced to them, no one else knew what really happened, although Pierce must have worked it out since he sent his man with Rumlow to steal the diamonds. Winnifred, who had whispered to Bucky never to speak of it, worried about him over the years, wondering if he was scarred for life. Other than being a quiet introverted person, with an aversion to blood, she was sure he had forgotten everything else that happened 27 years ago. Bucky's safety and happiness were everything to her. If Andrea and Lily made him happy then she would do all she could to keep them safe.

Part 6>>

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