#I need her to rail me from behind aggressively

[abbysthighs]

Are you kidding me?

[deadly-darkblade]

I really need to aggressively get railed from behind. The only sounds are my moans and whimpers as her hand collides with my bare ass until she can see the imprint of her hand shining in a bright red. All while she degrades and praises me for being such a good girl for her ✨️

[pia-nor481]

She…What? Chapter Five

Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Daniel ricciardo x Reader

Daniel finally talks to Oscar and Lando just can’t help but put his hands on her

2.1k words 18+

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Oscar couldn't move, he knew he should have, maybe run to Lando say what he saw. No that would be extremely selfish to ruin his night. Something was pulling Oscar in and keeping him there. He shouldn't be watching his friend's Girlfriend getting railed by another man, and he most certainly shouldn't be squeezing his cock at the sight. Twice tonight she's gotten him hard and yet this time he had no problem with it. He was pulled back to reality upon feeling his phone vibrate in his back pocket. It was a message from Lando asking where he was. He looked up one more time before turning away, hoping he'll remember the image of her tomorrow.

She awoke with a pounding headache the next morning, naked in Daniel's bed. "Morning Darling." He grumbled, pulling her closer to avoid the light from the open curtains. She moaned quietly pushing her head further into his chest, not wanting to wake up quite yet. "No, hurts too much." She never really knew her limit when it came to anything so trusting her with alcohol could be dangerous, especially when she wakes up hung over. "I know love." Daniel whispered sweetly, playing with her hair before reaching for the nightstand, grabbing water and some ibuprofen. Daniel didn't drink too much last night, he didn't feel like he deserved it. They continued to enjoy the others company for a while, waiting for the pain killers to kick in. "So, last night, what happened with Lando." Daniel said, lying back with a smirk on his face. "Wow you really are interested in your friend's sex life, it's almost like you want to fuck him yourself." She laughed, finally sitting up as he rolled his eyes. "Well, he blindfolded me, tied my wrists and make me watch him fuck me in front of the mirror, you know, the usual." She laughed, looking for any item of clothing she could used to cover her chest.

"Can we talk about something more serious?" Her head turned fast at his question, chest filling with worry. "Always." She whispered, coming back to him. Daniel let out a large sigh before beginning to speak. "So you remember Oscar seeing us last night?" She nodded slowly, knowing this could be a problem for his career, if Oscar decided to be really petty it could go all wrong for Daniel. "Why didn't you tell me you were sleeping with him." He said with a pointed tone, she was not expecting such an aggressive start to the day. "I'm not now, nor was I before. We agreed that if we were to sleep with anyone then we'd consult each other first... What's happened?" Her hand made contact with his chest, feeling the rapid heart rate. "I saw him in the elevator before I went to the club yesterday, and I may or may not have started on him. But he was still nice to me after and I feel like a bit of a dick. But then he saw us and well, he was getting off on it. No one normal would do that unless they were involved before, and I know for fact that I wasn't sleeping with him." First he was jealous of Lando and now Oscar, he was going a bit too far after being the one to suggest this relationship. "Maybe he's just a pit of a perv because I promise you I've not had any form of sex with him, or frankly even had any contact with him." She elaborated, swinging a leg over Daniel's lap. "Then why was there a McLaren hoodie with the number eighty-one on it in you're room?" He said clearly still annoyed. "Because, Lando was walking around the paddock hard and Oscar was being kind by giving him the hoodie to cover up. Lando left it behind the first time I gave him a blowjob. You can ask him you're self." She spoke quietly with her arms crossed over her chest. "No I believe what you're saying it just hard for me to adjust. That's no excuse but it's the reason. I needed to shift the blame from myself. But that's wrong of me. I'm sorry Love." He muttered the last part into her skin, running his hands over her hips. Guilt quickly consumed him.

"Would you be okay if it happens in the future because I have a feeling either Lando will ask for him or he'll come directly to me." She asked worried it could end badly. "Not really. If I'm honest, I'm still kinda mad at him. I know, I know he's not done anything but still. I just don't know about him. It's different with Lando, I'm actually close with him you know...Let me sort some things out with him first. Then we'll see." He said, chest puffed out slightly. Her nerves eased slightly as she grabbed his jaw, kissing his lips softly.

"You know what I'm like...I love to tease my men." She giggled out, receiving a harsh smack on her ass. "Don't start. You know what I'm like, I'll punish you." He said in a low voice, pulling her up so she was in his lap." You know I'd like that, Danny." She was quick to start grinding down, moaning quietly. "Darling, we can't. We have to be out of the room in half an hour." He groaned desperately wanting her. "Fine." She huffed rolling off of him, looking in his suitcase. "You were fucked twice yesterday and that still wasn't enough, need me to get you off again. Truly insatiable." The Australian laughed, bringing his hand behind his head, letting a sigh escape his lips. "You've never complained." She muttered, throwing a shirt at him. "I could never, I love watching you cum. Although it's not fair that women can have multiple orgasms and men can't. Otherwise you'd be on my dick a lot more." Her only response was a quick laugh as she grabbed his things, placing them neatly in his suitcase. "As much as I love seeing you like this, you need to put some clothes on. My room is a mess and we need to go soon." She stated, pulling Daniel from under the covers.

They walked rather quick towards her room, Daniel's hand around her waist as they made their way through the hallway. After struggling with the key to the door she rushed towards the bed. Daniel was quick to follow, deciding it was best to help her gather her things. "Woah, you didn't tell me you bought this." He stated dumbfoundedly, holding up a slick red vibrator. "I have to keep some tricks up my sleeve." She grabbed the silk from the floor and folded it quickly in her hands, placing it gently in her suitcase. "Oh, you weren't kidding about the blind fold. You really did have fun yesterday." He laughed tapping her ass before walking around the room, noticing the infamous McLaren hoodie. "You still have this?" She looked up briefly before zipping her last bag up. "Yes, I've not had the time to give it back. Lando was supposed to take it back to him the other day actually." She grumbled to herself, headache coming back. Daniel carried the hoodie in his left hand while guiding her out of the room. "Let's get you something to eat, it should help." They left the room in silence and headed towards the lift, she hugged him close as the dizziness set in. "I'm going to take this back to Oscar, gives me an excuse to talk with him." Daniel said, shrugging his shoulders. She smiled before replying, "I'll walk there with you, I want to speak with Lando, see if he even alive."

They walked back into the paddock late in the afternoon. Daniel needed to speak to his team about the race the day before as well as speak with Oscar. They made way to the McLaren hospitality and waited for the drivers to come out. Lando was first to make an appearance, coffee in his hands, trying to stay awake. "Hey Lovely." He whispered out, kissing her cheek. "You alright mate?" He turned to Daniel with a puzzled look. "Yeah, I'm good, you good to speak later though? The usual?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. Lando nodded, slipping his hand in hers. "Can you do me a favour? Send Oscar out here. I need to talk to him." Lando nodded once more, guiding her into the building. It was a general rule that other drivers were not allowed into another team's hospitality. "Hey Osc, Daniel wants to speak with you outside." Oscar was shocked, that much as clear from his face.

If Daniel was concerned about him telling the media about what he saw that was understandable, but realistically he wasn't going to say anything, no matter how much Daniel disliked him. He was nervous walking through the door, he didn't know what to expect. The first thing Oscar noticed was his hoodie in the hands on the other Australian. "So...What did you want to talk about?" His nerves were showing, Daniel handed to top to him before speaking. "Mostly what you saw last night." Oscar cheeks pinked at the thought, if he was being honest, he masturbated in the morning thinking about her, he wanted to be the one making her moan. "That's fucked up man. You cant do things like that to your friend." He was almost furious that how casual Daniel was making the situation. "Hold on, it's not what you think...Lando knows." Daniel rushed out, pulling Oscar to the side, hopefully avoiding the listening ears of everyone around, Oscar let out a quiet and confused 'what?' before letting Daniel speak again. "Look, we have a pretty odd relationship. We were guess together first and I suggested that she start seeing Lando as well." Oscar's jaw dropped midway through the explanation. "She was with Lando the day you gave him you're hoodie, and that may have caused some temporary problems between us. You know, communication is pretty important in this kind of relationship. Well what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for talking to you like that yesterday, you didn't deserve that." Daniel averted his eyes, felling slightly embarrassed. "Thanks, sorry I just don't really know how to react. I understand why you're so mad though. Technically I did take your seat and caused a multitude of problems for you, so it's alright."

"I do have a few questions if that's alright." Oscar stated, pulling the hoodie over his head, quickly realising it didn't smell like him or Lando. Daniel nodded quickly, looking around. "So is this some kind of open relationship or is she...you know... a prostitute?" Oscar cringed using that word but anything else sounded too vulgar. Daniel laughed loudly, head falling back slightly. "No she's not. We aren't really together either. It's complicated. But yeah, I think open relationship is the best way to put it." Oscar nodded, finally understanding, although he with still on edge around him.

At the same time, Lando was quick to pull her into his drivers room. Kissing her neck as soon as the door was closed, she moaned quietly, knowing there was still plenty of McLaren employees in the building. "Missed you." He mumbled into her skin. It was when Lando woke up to an empty space on his bed he realised how much he craved her presence. "You were with me last night." She giggled, feeling him sucking on the base of her neck. He wanted to tell her she was all he could think about, he wanted to say that she was consuming him, but he just couldn't, he didn't know how. "Doesn't mean I don't miss you." She tugged on his hair lightly, wanting to look at him. "I have a little proposal to tell you about." Lando moved back, pulling her to sit on the bed with him. "Daniel and I have talked about it and of course I need to speak with you as well. What about bringing Oscar in on this?" Lando didn't speak for a while, and it concerned her very much. "I mean, I don't really mind. It doesn't affect me too much." He shrugged his shoulders as he spoke. Not really seeing how this was supposed to bother him. "Don't tell him about it though, I want to see how he reacts to being told about our relationship. I'm not sure whether he will ask you or me about it first." She said, lifting his shirt up. Lando made haste in pulling it off, reaching for her top. "Definitely ask me...Now come on, take your clothes off."

Chapter Six

[klausluvr]

When He Forgets Himself — A Klaus Mikaelson Smut (18+)

I had a request asking if I could write a smut where the reader dominates Klaus. I hope you enjoy Xx

Klaus liked to keep his glare hard as he pondered the torturings of his enemies. He stood out on the balcony, hands folded on the railing, a multi-thousand dollar trench coat draping his figure. His eyebrows were furrowed as he wondered what would suit him. Would he rip out their tongues or have them beg for mercy? Would he bite them or make them run? Tie them upside down, perhaps? A smirk wanted to lift itself at the corner of his lips, but he wouldn’t allow it.

Cue his lover, her body leaned against the doorway to the balcony, observing him silently. She wore a white robe, her lingerie the same shade. She knew he was conscious of her presence. She knew he was ignoring it, too. All the beauty and glamour and sex and love she offered him was again… left untouched.

This had been their predicament for a short while. Klaus, oh so mighty, fighting off enemies and spending the rest of his time thinking of more creative ways to win. His lover, awaiting him to come home to her, awaiting his attention — but lately, it was all to no avail.

He spoke her name monotonously, his stare unmoving.

“Baby,” she responded softly. She walked up to behind him, snaking her arms around his waist. “You need not scheme so much.”

“But I do, sweetheart. You don’t understand what it takes to remain in my position.”

She sighed. “Alright. Could you at least come to bed? It’s late and I miss you.”

Klaus didn’t respond, his mind elsewhere. His lover sighed again, this time with a little passive aggressiveness. “You’re neglectful.” she spoke.

A small chuckle escaped him. “To what am I neglectful of?”

“Many things, love, but most of all, your lover.”

He turned around and with his hand, lifted up her chin. “I don’t have time for this, sweetheart.” he said.

When he went to remove his hand, she caught it. “And what will you do instead? Contemplate violence? You’ve had a millenium to contemplate violence. I won’t be ignored by you.” Her voice remained gentle, but it did begin to lower as she spoke.

He was silent as she removed his hand from her face, and carried it down her body, eye’s never leaving his. He blinked as he felt her soft neck, her chest, her breast. She ran his hand on her waist, over her ass. She kissed his hand, then let it drop. She turned around and walked inside, curling her fingers to beckon him. “It’s a shame you forget our love. That’s alright — I’ll just have to remind you of it. Come.”

The tone of her voice was unfamiliar to him. The fruitfulness of her voice was as it always was, but there was something so commanding about it now. He followed her. “And what would that entail?” he called from behind her.

“You’ll meet what I have to offer in the room that we share.”

There, she instructed him to sit at the edge of the bed. When he did so, she climbed atop of him. “You remember that first time you fucked me?” she asked him. “I was too scared to admit my lust for you, so you coaxed it out of me. Ran your hand up my spine,” she said, doing as she described, “and pulled on my hair. Forced me close to you. You, the predator and I, the prey. God, I thought I wouldn’t survive it.” She ground her hips into his, earning herself an angry hiss from Klaus. She, however — also pleasured by the friction — made a point of not reacting to it. Although, she could not stop the pulsating of her cunt. He felt it agonisingly through her lace. “And where are we now?”

The look in his eye never softened, only now glossed in lust. His face was tighter, however. One of his hands gripped her thigh, the other her jaw again. “Remember who you belong to,” he warned.

His lover smiled, then left his lap promptly. She climbed onto the bed. She kneeled on it just behind him and ran her hands over his shoulders and down his chest. “I’ve always remembered who I belonged to, baby.” she whispered in his ear. “It is you who fails to recall.”

Klaus laughed low again, entertaining his lover before, in his mind, he fucked the smile right off of her face and then some for even conspiraing something like this. She kissed at his neck, pulling at the back of his scalp. Klaus allowed his head to weigh back, closing his eyes. He was biding his time. She took the coat off his shoulders. Klaus stared straight ahead. “I want you to do something for me, daddy.” she cooed, allowing the coat to lay on the bed.

Klaus squinted his eyes, unmoving. There was a pause before he spoke. “Ask nicely and I might just do it for you.”

She hummed, her hands onto his body again. “I want you to touch yourself for me.”

She watched for his reaction, though from their position she couldn’t see much. His eyes were wide, his jaw tight. Never in their relationship had she demanded submission from him. Before him, underneath him and kneeling to him, she would melt graciously into submission from the start, ever needing him to take control. She loved it, as did he. But now, her hands taunting his shoulders, her lips purring commands at his ear — it was baffling to him. He also found it funny. He had told her to do the same many times, and each time she obeyed, always needing someone’s eyes on her like that, his most of all. In an instant, she was underneath him. He stroked her face. “Why would I do that when I have you, my darling, hm?” he taunted.

She had lost her breath in the switch of positions. When she caught it, she shook her head at him, pushing him off of her and then mirroring his position over him. “You won’t command me tonight, baby. Not at all.”

Klaus scoffed. “You wouldn’t have come to me if you didn’t want to be commanded,” he said. Despite his words, he still allowed her this position.

“I come to you because I love you.” she responded. “I need you because I love you. And despite your actions, you need me, too.” She climbed off of him again and situated herself near him on the bed, laying on her stomach. “Should you refuse, you simply won’t have me tonight.”

As she spoke, he had sat back up again and shifted his body to meet her eyes. “And what would you do instead?” he asked almost softly.

She ignored his question, only looking at him for a moment. “Well, go on.”

Klaus huffed. “Fine,” he spoke through gritted teeth. He ripped off his shirt, throwing it across the room. “Have it your way. But how long will it last, sweetheart, before you begging me to fuck you?” He rose from the bed, turned to face her and removed the rest of his clothing. He spat in his hands and she pulled her head back to watch him, leaning on one of her elbows.

He glared right at her as he stroked himself. At first, it was difficult for her to keep the eye contact, to remain in control. She could not help but recall the amount of times she did this for him, and also the times when it was her getting him off and not his own hand. She felt the urge to aid him, but she wouldn’t dare lose now.

The first moan that escaped him not only pleasured her, but spurred her ego. “Talk to me.” she said.

“What?”

“What are you thinking about, daddy? What makes you touch yourself like that?”

He subconsciously fastened his stroking, and to that, he groaned. “I’m thinking about fucking you so hard that you forget what language is. I’m thinking about the moment you can’t restrain yourself from pouncing onto me only moments away from now.”

His words, near threats, made her sigh. She blinked, her gaze shifting back and forth from his eyes and his working hand. The sight made her mouth open without her consent. She had to think quickly.

“Why is it me that comes to mind when you pleasure yourself, Klaus?” she asked, her hand stretching out across the bed to tease them both.

“Who else needs me like you do?”

“And now the truth.”

Klaus’ eyes softened a little. In between moans, he said, “‘Cause no one does it like you do. No one pleasures me yet weakens me like you do, no one ever has.”

Satisfied with his answer, she nodded. She continued to watch him.

He was breathing heavily now, his eyes forcing themselves shut. His moaning drew louder.

“Look at me.” she commanded, her voice still relatively gentle. His lover retracted her hand. “And talk to me.”

And he did. Though, his eyes were wider now, his eyebrows twitching. “I need you, sweetheart,” he whined. He struggled to think much, but what he could, he was confused. At his own actions, at the tone of his voice, the look in his lovers eyes as they shifted into darker and darker shades. He could see the pure need in her eyes as he had in his, but he was beginning to realise that he would not be getting what he wanted. But she would. Yet, he couldn’t stop. “Don’t make me beg for it.”

She didn’t respond. Instead, she rolled over onto her back. She recognised hints of her behaviour when she submitted in him. She was dying to pleasure him, but she would have to master the art of restraint tonight if she truly wanted the roles reversed.

As he was about to orgasm, she raised her hand. “That’s enough.” she said. She curled her fingers. “Come here.”

When his hand left his dick, his breath drew sharp. He crawled back onto the bed, positioning himself next to her. She pulled him in closer so his torso was atop of her, angling his body diagonal. She smiled up at him. “You did so well for me, daddy, you know that?”

He sighed, then kissed her. She instantly took control, taking his face in her hands and raising her chin to meet his lips. Her kiss was tender, yet still lustful. Strangely, he basked in the soft dominance of it, how all he had to do was follow her lead.

He laid his head on her breasts. “I need to be inside you,” he told her, his voice only above a whisper. His breath was shallow. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, for being mean. Can I fuck you, baby? Please?” The beauty of submission was that it was given, never stolen. The submissive will choose somebody they feel is worth their body, their words, their need, and lend it to them until the night is over. She knew this very well, as did he; however, he was learning just how good it felt, how free, how safe. He couldn’t believe it — he was begging to fuck her.

But still, he couldn’t stop. What the hell was happening to him?

She hummed, stroking his hair. “I love it when you beg me.”

Klaus struggled to respond. The ache in him, an agonising need, stirred his entire body.

She whispered in his ear, “come fuck me, daddy. Gently.”

He immediately lifted his head off of her, nodding at her demand. He crawled off of her body, taking her underwear in between his teeth as he did so. After tossing the garment, he positioned himself at her entrance. He looked at her for final approval.

“Go on.” she said, eyes a little wide and glossy.

He thrusted into her slowly at first so as to not hurt her. When she adjusted, she nodded to him. Then, he upped his pace a little at her request, chasing her satisfaction.

When the tempo was just right, she praised him. “Oh, that’s it,” she mewled. “Good boy.”

Klaus groaned, his eyes blinking shut. He quickly opened them again, his eyes on hers. While he was a little fast, he was not rough by any means. One of his hands were holding her hips, his thumb caressing the skin at the same pace as his hips. The other hand was circling her clit.

“Say that again,” Klaus begged.

She grinned, clawing at the sheets beside her. “Good boy, good boy.” she repeated for him, the last few words slipping off of her tongue of that of a moan than language.

She enjoyed that while he was still on top of her, while it was him who moved their bodies, ultimately, she was in control. She called the shots. He was desperate for her command, not the other way around.

Never did she not bask in his dominance, however. She was a submissive at heart, they both knew that. It was even more pleasurable being in charge tonight because she knew exactly every sensation he was feeling. To simply… give in to the command of your lover felt like sinking into a hot bath. It was almost as if she could feel the steam enter her sinuses now, how the bath pulls you into it’s embrace.

While they both wanted to, neither of them could last too long when they were with each other. Not unless they were intentionally edging. Although, she had tortured him enough. They both usually came around the same time, and she was close, so she knew he would be, too. His thrusting fastened just a little bit.

She pulled him closer softly by his neck. “Are you close, baby?”

The feeling of her breath in his ear almost sent him over the edge. “Uh-huh. Cum together?”

“Of course, baby.” she replied through her panting.

As soon as she felt she was about to orgasm, she called on him to do so. “Cum with me, daddy, come on. There’s a good boy.”

When they came, his orgasm felt like a release of so much, apart from just his lust. His paranoia of being overtaken, his overwhelming angst, the cruel grasp his mind had on him. His control. God, he came hard. So hard so that he made no noise, nuzzling his head into his lover's neck. He couldn’t even breathe for those moments.

When they were both calm once more, neither of them moved from their positions. She stroked his now dampened hair, whispering sweet nothings into his ear.

“You did so good, baby. So good. Are you alright?” she asked tenderly.

It took him a second to respond. “Mhm, god, thank you, love.”

She giggled. “Take a moment, then we’ll go again. How’s that sound?”

When he hummed in response again, she kissed his temple. “That’ll teach you for neglecting your lover.”

[siderealscribblings]

99 years, 11 months, 27 days

“Do you think Lady Furina is done speaking with Cloud Retainer now?” Eponine tried to look unbothered by the fact that she was thirty minutes overdue for a bathroom break, leaning against the railing with an expression of forced nonchalance that was starting to crack. 

“At this point, I think it’s safe to ask if we can skirt through the room,” Sana sighed, knocking on the balcony door. “Lady Furina? May we enter or are you two still-” 

“Uh…captain?” Fantine called, squinting at something high above them. “I admit I spaced out during the briefing, but do we have any other strange flying animals as guests other than Madam Cloud Retainer?” 

“At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Sana said, shielding her eyes as she followed Fantine’s gaze. After a few moments of concentrated staring, she spotted a small figure against the pale blue sky. Two large wings spread out, catching the thermals over the city as it floated down on the wind. At first, she thought it was a bird, but the closer it got the more human the creature looked which only made Sana more nervous. 

“Hey…don’t people ride wind gliders in Mondstadt?” Eponine asked, unbuckling her pistol holster. “That’s not one of the Knights of Favonius, is it?” 

The door opened to an apologetic looking Furina. “Thank you so much for waiting, ladies; I just needed to confer with Madam Cloud Retainer on some pressing …oh heavens, is that another crane?” 

“Ma’am…please return inside until we know for sure,” Sana insisted, shielding Furina with her body. The figure swooped, gaining speed as it rocketed towards the roof above the balcony. Ten meters above the Palais, its wings flared, allowing it to skid to a halt on the rooftop in a flutter of flowing silk and dislodged roof tiles. 

“Oi!” Sana called up, her Sumeran accent slipping through as she drew her sword. Dendro energy twisted into thorny vines as it ran along the length of the blade, adding wicked barbs to her weapon. “Get down from there!” 

“Can one be of any assistance?” Cloud Retainer asked as Furina craned her neck up at the slender young man perched on the rooftop. From behind Sana’s shoulder, Furina could spy an ornate, broad-brimmed hat that she immediately wanted for her own collection as well as a half-open jacket the color of spring wind. Short dark hair ended just below his ears and violet eyes looked out over the city, scanning the skyline for something that had nothing to do with the Archon beneath him.

“E-Excuse me!” Furina called up, irritation growing as it seemed the intruder was ignoring her after barging onto her home. “Hello?! Captain Sana is talking to you! You are trespassing on the Archon’s-” 

“Could you keep your voice down?” The figure said, not even looking at Furina. “I’ll be out of your hair in a second; I just need to sniff someone out and this is the highest spot in the city.”

Furina’s mouth hung open, an impotent cry of disgust half formed on her lips. “Ex-cuse me?! You can’t just-” 

“I said keep your voice down,” the stranger said, finally leaning over to aggressively shush the Regina of All Waters, Kindreds, Peoples, and Laws in front of her staff. “You can yap your little head off once I find who I’m looking for so kindly cork your croissant-hole and let me concentrate.” 

“You want me to break his legs, ma’am?” Fantine whispered, fitting a pair of brass knuckles on her hands. 

“We can tell M. Neuvillette that he slipped and fell…” Eponine agreed. 

“You clearly aren’t from around here,” Sana said, trying her best to keep an even and professional tone. “You are in the presence of the Hydro Archon, Lady Furina de Fontaine. As the captain of her personal guard, I must ask that you show her the respect she is due…and kindly get off the rooftop!” 

The young man leaned over, squinting at Eponine. “...is that her?” 

“No!” Furina snapped. 

“Oh…is that her then?” The stranger said, pointing at Fantine. “The chick behind you is dressed like she’s from Liyue so I don’t think it’s her-” 

“Me!” Furina snapped, stamping her foot. “It’s me! I am the Hydro Archon and that is my rooftop you are standing on!” 

The stranger cocked his head to the side, squinting at Furina’s crimson expression as though trying to figure out if she was lying. “...really? The way you’re dressed, I figured you were some kind of court jester or something.” 

“J-Jester?!” Rather than shrink away from the stranger as he landed on the balcony, Furina marched up to him with the pugnaciousness of a particularly petite Pomeranian, brushing Sana’s hand off as she tried to hold her back. “That is rich from someone wearing tassels on his hat!” 

“Lady, if you want to have a dumb hat contest, leave me out of it,” the stranger snorted. “You clearly have an unfair advantage.” 

“You miserable…” Furina cleared her throat, forcing her impotent human rage into a divine mold. “Identify yourself and declare your intentions before I have you thrown in a cell!” 

Despite being face to forehead with the Hydro Archon, the stranger just looked irritated that his search was interrupted. “You have a funny way of greeting guests; I came all the way from Inazuma on your invitation only to get yelled at when I finally show up...” 

“Inazuma?” Furina blinked as the stranger fumbled around for a scroll that he chucked at Fantine. “Why aren’t you with the rest of your countrymen at the Opera?” 

“I didn’t want to waste time making small talk with your Iudex, so I bailed and decided to go sightseeing on my own,” the young man said, nodding at Fantine. “You, Miss Not-Archon; do something useful and introduce me.” 

“I’ll announce my…foot in your ass…” Fantine muttered, dutifully opening the scroll. “Presenting Monsieur Minamoto no Makoto…First Child of the Storm and Natural Offspring of-” 

Fantine paled, glancing at Makoto whose smug expression had grown even smugger. “...th-the Raiden Shogun.” 

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[petertingle-yipyip]

WORLD CLASS SINNER - FRANK CASTLE

seven - bad idea, right?

six // finale // masterlist

Pairing: frank x exodus

Word Count: 6,754

Summary: Beaten but unbroken, Y/N manages to uncover a truth that keeps Frank from falling off a precipice. But as a result, she ends up caught.

You were screaming. Armed officers had escorted you and Frank out of the room and they kept yanking on your arm, pulling you away from Frank. You jerked in their holds, kicking and screaming and throwing every curse word in every language you had. You didn’t care that it made your wound leak blood. You didn’t care how it hurt.

“He didn’t do this! He didn’t hurt me! Let me go! Let me go!” You kept screaming, kept thrashing, until finally one of their grips faltered. The officer made an exclamation about the blood on your arm but you didn’t care.

You hurried to the gurney they were putting Frank on. The adrenaline must’ve crashed and all of his injuries were catching up to him. Yours were threatening to take you down as well, but you pushed through, using all your strength to keep your eyes open. Hands were on your arms again and you yanked hard. Your elbow smacked the railing while an exasperated sigh sounded from behind you. You refused to look, refused to budge, refused to speak. Instead, you took Frank’s hand in yours and willed him to live.

Paramedics talked around you while they loaded Frank. You tried to go with him but a stern hand on your shoulder stopped you. Your head snapped, rage now simmering in your tear-filled eyes, but you knew there was nothing intimidating about a woman crying her eyes out. Brett sighed deeply and gave you a once over. He motioned one of the medics over, said something that you couldn’t focus on, and stepped aside to let you up. You nodded gratefully and sat at Frank’s side.

The paramedic he had talked to came to your side and asked you a question. It didn’t register so when you didn’t answer, she pointed to the various injuries. You simply nodded, allowing her to reposition your body to whatever would be easiest for her to work with.

“Он не может умереть. Пожалуйста, не позволяйте ему умереть. Не он, не сейчас.” You mumbled, but you weren’t exactly sure how quiet you were. (He can’t die. Please, don’t let him die. Not him, not now.)

Was that what Frank felt when you were dying in his arms at the carousel? When you were bleeding out, staining him with the little you had left? When he begged and cursed and demanded you lived? You felt gutted. You had felt guilty enough in the coming days that you had nearly added another name to the death roll of that cursed attraction, but to now know what it felt like, it was almost enough to make you physically sick.

It was all such a bad idea. Going after Billy. Confronting the man from Ohio on your own. Coming back to New York before you had fully settled your head. You never should’ve gone to see Billy, maybe then he would’ve forgotten about everything between you two. 

Everything since had happened aggressively fast.

You arrived at the hospital and were taken to two different rooms. An entire team of E.R. staff flocked to Frank, while you had two nurses. It wasn’t important how many caregivers you had, so long as Frank lived. Quick stitches in various places and replacing the gauze you had already bled through were done while your focus was in the next room.

Please, God, don’t take him.

You were mildly surprised you let the thought come as a prayer. You truly were desperate, to turn to an entity that had turned His back on you and, despite having several chances to take Frank, didn’t seem to want him.

Hopefully you don’t want him this time either.

You were so lost in your prayers that you didn’t realize Brett was standing in front of you. Your nurses were long gone, but a prescription for antibiotics was in your hands.

“What?” Your brows furrowed as the hospital around you came back into focus.

“I just need a quick statement.” He repeated but there was something hesitant in his expression, like he knew you weren’t all there.

Clearly.

“Statement?” It was your turn to parrot. “No. No, there is no statement to give.”

“C’mon, Y/N.”

“I need Matt or Foggy before I do that.” You shook your head. You folded the paper and tucked it into the waistband of your skirt. “Call my lawyers.”

“You're not under arrest.”

“I didn’t think I was.”

“Just tell me what you two were doing there.” Brett tried instead. “He was pointing a gun at you, Y/N, but you still want me to believe he’s not the bad guy?”

That seemed to reel you back to reality. The sting of your wounds started to nag at you at the same time.

“He wasn’t going to shoot me.”

“Like he shot those other women?”

“No, something wasn’t right about that.” You confessed. “They shouldn’t have… Frank was looking for Russo.”

“And you?”

“Also looking for Russo.” You nodded.

Brett scoffed slightly but you noticed he didn’t have anything to take down your statement. That conversation wasn’t supposed to be happening, not like that at least.

“Good way to get yourself killed.” He nagged and you refrained from rolling your eyes. “Seems a habit with you.”

“Yeah, well, God doesn’t want me and neither does the Devil.” You shrugged. “Hopefully they don’t want him either.”

“You can’t save this guy, alright? Whatever you think you owe him, you don’t.”

“You weren’t there.” You said flatly but your voice sounded miles away, lost in the memory. “At the carousel. You didn’t see the way Billy looked at me, like I was just something to get rid off. To throw away and not worry about again… But Frank, he wouldn’t leave my side. You may not think I owe him anything but I owe him my life, Brett. How do I repay that?”

“Maybe you don’t.” He shrugged. “Man’s got a rap sheet that can cover the globe. That’s not the kinda guy you need to run around with.”

“You’d be surprised the company I keep.” You pushed off the bed and groaned as your leg buckled slightly, fresh pain throbbing in your stitched wounds.

They’d be healed by morning, whether your body’s doing or yours. 

“You shouldn’t go till the doctor discharges you.” Brett tried.

“I’m not gonna sit around and wait for some guy in a coat to tell me I can leave.” You countered. “The nurses did their jobs. They’ll bill my insurance. Everyone still gets paid.”

“Y/N-“

“No.” You said firmly. “You say I don’t owe Frank anything. You don’t owe me anything so stop trying to protect me. I was FBI SWAT and before that, something worse. I’m fine.”

“Okay, clearly you need a concussion eval because there’s something going on.” He complained. “Stay put. I’m finding a nurse for you.”

You blew out a sigh and watched him go. Once he disappeared down a hallway, you left. You wandered the emergency area, peeking into rooms until you found Frank. You couldn’t and it made a hole in your gut. You cursed yourself and then found a small collection of nurses, muttering about having treated the Punisher and how they were glad he had moved to another unit.

You found your way to the hospital gift shop and were able to get a clean shirt and shorts. The lady at the register, after her eyes flicked to every stitched wound and shadowed bruise she could see, said she would add it to your existing bill. She reached over to scan the bracelet and sent you on your way. You changed in the closest bathroom and decided to take the long walk to your apartment.

When you got there, you took a warm shower. You felt the remaining blood washing away, soaked your hair and scrubbed it firmly. You wanted to stay in the water, to pretend there was no war against Billy outside your apartment. Pretend the man from Ohio wasn’t hunting you as well. Pretend there wasn’t a terrified teenage girl counting on you. But you knew that your apartment wouldn’t be safe forever.

So you got out, finished getting ready, brought yourself to tears forcing the slashes to heal, slipped the stitches that were still wet with blood, and left. You wore a short sleeve compression shirt with your vest over it. You hid it all under a loose fitting button up and blazer. You clipped the badge to your waistband on one side and slipped your gun into the back of your belt. You slipped a small switchblade into your pocket and grabbed your purse before returning to the hospital, almost as a whole new woman.

“Sorry, ma’am.” The posted officer said easily, stepping in front to block your path. “Hospital staff and police only.”

“I’m with Nelson and Murdock, Castle’s legal team.” You countered and went to pass. He stepped in front again and your head cocked in annoyance. “What do you want, my Bar license? I have a right to see my client.”

“Sorry.” He shrugged. “Strict orders.”

“Hmm.” You nodded, tongue pushed against your cheek. Your eyes flicked to the name pinned to his chest. “How about now, Officer Smith?” You shifted your blazer to show your FBI badge.

“I could also pull out the Sixth Amendment from the Bill of Rights. Neither my bureau nor your precinct can deny a person legal representation. Due process and all, but hey, this is great grounds for a mistrial.” You continued, a shrug of your own. “Or I could just have your badge now. Your choice.”

“Alright, just go.” He groaned and waved you on. As you passed, he muttered something about the second ‘know-it-all bitch’ to come for Castle.

Karen beat you to it then.

When you stepped inside, Karen was sitting silently in the closest chair.

“Y/N…” She gasped and sat a little straighter.

You were suddenly thankful you had taken care of yourself before you came.

“It’s good to finally see you.” She continued.

“Right, well, things have been busy.” You nodded and went to Frank’s other side. You slid off your blazer and sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m just glad he’s alive.”

“Well what about you? Are you okay?”

“Fine.”

“Does um- Does Matt or Foggy know you’re back?”

“They saw the news about the ReadyQuick check place.”

“I know they’d love to-“

“I didn’t come back for a reunion, Karen.” You sighed.

It wasn’t fair to be mean to Karen. You knew that and you knew you should apologize. There was too much going on that she didn’t know that had your focus. Amy. Billy. Frank. The man from Ohio. The bounty on you all. There were pieces that you weren’t even sure how or if they fit anymore. Dinah. Dr. Dumont. Curtis. Your mind was too busy, too locked in on your mission, to worry about pleasantries.

“I came back because he needed me.” You looked at Frank. “Because he and…”

You knew Karen was trustworthy. She had kept your secrets until she physically couldn’t anymore. She kept Matt’s secret, even in his alleged death. She kept Frank’s in his. But telling her about Amy felt more vulnerable than anything. Instead, you trained your eyes on the cuffs around Frank’s wrist. You wondered if the pins in your hair would be enough to trigger the pins and release them.

“Y/N, what the hell happened?” She asked and the fear in her voice didn’t go unnoticed. “I saw the news.”

“Billy.”

“Did he… Did he see you two coming?”

“Don’t.” You sighed.

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t get involved this time. Look at what it did to him, and you don’t even know what it did to me.”

“She’s right.” Frank murmured and you felt the relief roll through you. He wouldn’t look at her, barely even looked at you. “Walk away, Karen.”

“What? You two think you can scare me off that easy?”

“It’s not about scaring you.” You sighed. “It’s about keeping you alive.”

“I don’t think you want me to go.” She shook her head and stood.

You sighed and got to your feet. You angled your body so you could face them both and you kept a hand on the side rail.

“It’s a tough situation.” She continued and you raised a brow. “But nothing we haven’t dealt with before. We just have to figure out what to do about it.”

“What to…” Your brows furrowed and you took a few tentative steps forward. Karen shifted but didn’t move. “Karen, we don’t do anything. You think there’s a firm in this country that can do anything? We’re fucked on that front.”

“I did it.” Frank said quietly.

“Shut up.” You said sharply.

“I killed three women.”

“Shut up!”

“Why?” He scoffed and you turned quickly. “You’re not gonna fix this. Neither of you are. What you’re both gonna do is turn around and walk out that damned door, alright? You’re gonna get as far away from this and from me as you can.”

“Look me in the eyes and tell me to go.” You threatened. “I dare you. I’m not leaving until you actually have the audacity to pull the trigger on me.”

Karen went back to her seat and took a gentler approach. “It doesn’t change how I feel about you.”

“It should.” He said quietly.

“It doesn’t.”

Was that what you and Matt looked like, when you were practically begging for him to hate you for what you’d done? You could remember the way his expression shifted everytime you brought up the blood on your hands. He had cringed, not at what you had done but at what you thought you were. He never thought you the villain and you would never understand what you had done to deserve that. Something in a past life, maybe, but when you stood and watched Frank bully himself for something you weren’t convinced happened, you knew he deserved that same treatment.

You didn’t see bad in Frank. He had done admittedly bad things, illegal things, but you were no better. Call it whatever name, you and Frank were still soldiers, trained to fight whatever war found you. This wasn’t one you’d let him fight alone.

You all sat in silence for a little while. You played the scene of that night over and over, trying to picture the wounds on the women, but so much had happened so fast. You hadn’t gotten a good enough look. You couldn’t say for absolute where the bullets came from but you were willing to bet it had nothing to do with Frank. It was something Billy did. You were sure of it. But how the hell were you going to prove it?

After a long while of silence while Frank tried to sleep off his injuries some more, Karen spoke.

“What about you?” She asked carefully.

“What about me?” You replied tightly.

“If this is what happened to him, I can only guess how you were hurt.”

“Few slashes, bullet graze, more bruises than anything.” You shrugged and thought of the deep purples and blues that covered your body from your fight against the Ohio man. You wondered how much was still there.  “I wasn’t wearing anything so he made sure to take the brunt of it. Most of it just hurts from before.”

She nodded and you could see she wasn’t sure how to segway into what she wanted to talk about.

“There’s a reason I haven’t seen anyone.” You said plainly. “This fight with Billy and-“ You shook your head. “It’s too much to risk to see them.”

“Would they make that choice?”

“I know Matt would, and he’d also agree that Foggy doesn’t need to be dragged into this either. You’re the only one insisting.”

After that, you went to get a coffee from the cafeteria. You had to argue your way back into the room when a new officer was posted, but the flash of your badge and your ID let you through. When you got back to the room, you stayed out of sight for a moment while you listened.

Frank was awake, telling the full story of the carousel. He mentioned the way his kids looked at him and you could hear the pain in his voice, feel it crawling under your skin and freezing your veins. You shivered and the warm drink in your hand felt as if you had pulled it from the fridge.

The blue fog in the room was growing thicker with every word, making it harder for you to breathe. Tears you hadn’t realized were building fell down your cheeks and you had to take a few shaky, labored breaths before you managed to find control of yourself and your powers. You knew you were growing more tired and in turn, your abilities were more sensitive, but you’d expected to break down over your inability to be done with Billy, not the Castle family’s tragedy.

You came fully into the room and wiped at your eyes with your sleeve. You set the coffee on the far table and sniffled slightly. Karen looked at you with her own tears forming and Frank’s eyes were glassy as well. You knew there was nothing to say about his family so you didn’t. While you were thinking of something, anything, to try to explain your theory, the door opened and a nurse’s cart was pushed in.

Your head snapped and your hand went for the switchblade. As your fingers found the metal, the “nurse” turned out to be Amy. Frank grumbled in annoyance and you laughed in relief.

“Thank God.” She sighed with a smile and you smiled back, but then her suspicious eyes latched onto Karen. It almost made you laugh. “Who are you?”

“Easy, killer.” You teased.

“I’m Karen Page and I’m guessing you’re not a nurse. Who are you?” Karen answered, taking a defensive stance in front of Frank.

“Nobody. She’s nobody.” Frank answered.

“Hey.” You snapped and glared at Frank, who purposefully looked away from everyone.

“Yeah, I’m the nobody that came to get you out.” Amy answered and went to the cuffs opposite of Karen. You shook your head with a small, amused smile before following behind her and staying at her side.

She fiddled with the locks before Frank tried to snatch his arm away. You grabbed his wrist purposefully and sent a flare of anger towards your palm, enough that he groaned and offered you a glare of his own. Amy explained to Karen the bounty on all of you when Dinah Madani walked in.

“Fucking hell.” You muttered, turning to the woman and crossing your arms.

“Gang’s all here.” She said in greeting.

“What do you want, Dinah?” You asked sharply while Frank insisted on Amy being taken away and protected.

Karen and Dinah went back and forth about the situation and Amy. You didn’t intend on stepping in, given both women had a right to be annoyed with so much that they didn’t know, but a snide comment about Amy’s sticky fingers made you.

“Okay, you know what.” You commented loudly. “She may be a little klepto, but if you’ve got a problem with anyone in this room, you can take it up with me. You don’t get to sit on a high horse anymore, got it?”

“You really wanna do this now, Y/L/N?”

“You say that like I need backup to knock you on your ass.”

“Not like you fair well without it.”

“Look at that.” You smirked. “All it takes is you getting shot in the head and a skeleton out the closet for you to grow a backbone. Tell me, again. Who was the one that actually drew blood from Russo?”

“Enough.” Karen tried but that didn’t stop the hand that was already on its way to your pocket. “Why are hitmen after you?”

“It’s a long story.” You snapped, not looking away from Dinah.

“And she’ll tell you when you get her and the kid outta here.” Frank continued and you scoffed. “You know I’m right, Y/N. It’s not safe for any of you to be here.”

“I don’t need safe.” You argued over your shoulder. “What I need is for y-“

“Can’t you just-“ Amy tried loudly. She came around you and stood in between your standoff with Dinah. Hesitantly, you withdrew your hand and took a step back. “Can’t you wave your stupid badge around and get him out?”

“No.” She said firmly.

Amy turned to you, desperation hiding behind her eyes. “Can you?”

“My badge doesn’t mean shit anymore, kiddo.” You answered sadly. “Otherwise I would’ve had everything cleared by now.”

She let out a loud sigh of frustration and went back to fighting with the handcuffs. “Then someone’s gonna need to help me get him out. Otherwise he dies either way, in here or in jail.”

Karen and Amy began muttering a plan when Dinah stepped aside for a call. You watched her for a moment and the tension in her body gave it away. You snapped your fingers to get the conversation behind you to stop and you snatched Dinah’s phone from her hand. You put it on speaker and Billy’s voice came from the other side.

“…no matter how many cops you surround him with. Are you gonna visit him every day?” The broken man taunted. “Like you visited me?”

You opened your mouth to speak but Dinah beat you to it.

“So why don’t you come here, Billy? Join the party?” She asked.

“Can he hear me?”

“Yes.”

“How’s it feel, Frankie? To be locked up in a cage like an animal? To be confined to a room with nothing but your miserable thoughts to comfort you? Nothing temporary about that pain. It’s like a waking death, like you’re burning in hell… Yeah, yeah, you’re your own devil now, Frankie Boy. And you are no better than me.”

Your head cocked in interest. You're no better than me. Why did that matter to Billy, if Frank was or wasn’t, or even if Frank believed he was or wasn’t?

“You done, Bill?” Frank finally spoke. His voice was cold, distant. Miserable, almost.

“No, you. You’re done!” Billy screamed. “And every day you’ll remember that I’m the one that put you there.”

“But you didn’t.” You spoke up, brows knitting as you remembered that night. “The guys you ran with did more damage than you did…”

“There she is.” He sounded almost proud. You hated that he felt he knew you still. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised you’re still at his side. Not like you have anyone else, right? No place in the world. Isn’t that what you said?”

You could feel three pairs of eyes on you. Karen, Dinah, Amy. Frank was still looking at the phone.

“Right.” You agreed tightly. “But you realize that doesn’t bode well for you.”

“Enlighten me.”

“Nothing’s stopping me from burying a knife so deep in your chest it’ll come out the other side.” You threatened. “I can put so many bullets in you that no one would recognize what’s being buried. I’m sure you’d want a closed casket anyway, given those nasty scars.”

He laughed dryly and your empty hand clenched into a fist. “When are you gonna give it up, hmm? I win, Y/N. I win.”

“Not yet. Not until I’m dead.”

The call ended after that. You handed Dinah her phone without looking at her. Instead, you waited for Frank to meet your eyes. He wouldn’t and all it did was deepen the divide you could feel growing between you two.

Frank was punishing himself for those women, but in your bones, you knew it was wrong. That certainty was seering through you, sharper than you had felt anything before. You tried picturing the scene but everything seemed to be missing pieces. Where were the blood

splatters? Where were the entry wounds? Were the women lying in puddles of blood when you found them?

Your chest began to rise and fall quickly and the certainty shifted to something else, something wild. Trying to piece together the missing facts played into the unpredictability that came with Billy’s return and it tightened around your throat. It constricted your chest until you felt you couldn’t breathe.

You slipped out of the room and away from everyone until you made it outside. You took a deep breath and tried to focus, to see through the blurring scenery around you, but you couldn’t. You felt trapped. You dropped to the nearest bench and bent over, putting your head between your knees.

Your eyes closed and behind your lids, gray wisps danced and teased you by creating the outlines of the dead women. If you were alone, you would’ve screamed. Instead, you forced all of it down to your palms. It stuck to the circular scar on your wrist instead. Your other hand grabbed it as you righted yourself and leaned against the building.

Your scar seemed to pulse with the intense emotions but you didn’t know what to do with them. You could turn it to anger but what would you burn? Sadness but what would you cool? Fear but what would the bitter taste change? You let go of your wrist and looked down at it in defeat. Beneath your skin, you saw the rolling waves of gray moving like water. It made you shiver.

“Everything okay?” Karen asked. Your head snapped up and your friend was looking at you with concern in your eyes and Dinah in tow. “You snuck out.”

“Just needed to think.” You shrugged as each woman took a seat on either side of you. “Something’s not right about this.”

“Yeah..”

“Why would it matter to be better than Frank?”

“It’s a game, Y/L/N.” Dinah said firmly. “You know Billy just wants to get back at you and Frank so he’s messing with your head.”

“I can’t stop thinking that it was all planned.” You continued. “The women at Valhalla get escorted out the main room. Why were they in that office? And why did Billy lead Frank there? If he didn’t have the women leave, he would’ve known they were there.”

“There’s a lot about the crime scene that doesn’t add up…” Dinah agreed.

“And Billy calling like that. It means something, right?” Karen looked to you.

“I think so.” You nodded. “If I had just looked closer at their bodies…”

“It’s Mahoney’s case.” Dinah added. “He’s not gonna let either of us in close enough. I know I wouldn’t if it were the other way around.”

“If there is even the slightest chance that Frank didn’t do this, we have to check it out.” Karen urged. “C’mon, Y/N/N, you owe him that much.”

There it was again. Someone saying you owed Frank something. You weren’t really sure if you did or didn’t when it came down to it. Sure, he could’ve killed you when you first met, but it was in his best interest not to. He could’ve let you die at the carousel, but he fought tooth and nail for you to live because it was his vendetta too. He could’ve left you at Valhalla, but he took the beating so you didn’t have to because it was his unfinished business. Yet every time, the first priority seemed to be your wellbeing. Your survival.

“Dinah, you talked to his psych.” You turned to her. “What did you talk about?”

“Just that to understand one you had to understand the other.” She shrugged. “We talked about their differences and how Frank was better than Billy because-“

“You’re no better than me. That’s what Billy said on the phone.” You pointed out firmly. “She knows where he stays and she still talks to him. You gave her exactly what Billy needed.”

“What are you saying?” Karen asked.

“It’s the center of gravity approach. You don’t attack someone directly but you go after what’s most important to them. For Frank, his code. For me…” You rubbed the tattoo at the back of your neck. “It’s the same tactic Fisk used against me. It’s something I used for years. It works, clearly.”

“Frank seemed pretty sure back there.” Dinah countered.

“But it doesn’t feel right.”

“Besides, you know you can’t accuse Krista of aiding and abetting or collusion without proof.”

“You’re on a first name basis now?” You accused and she sighed slightly.

“What if I can get us in the morgue?” Karen offered. “To take a look at the bodies.”

Your brows furrowed for a second before you nodded quietly. She returned the gesture and you both looked to Dinah. Her eyes went between you two in confusion before she sighed and agreed with her own nod. After a moment, you all followed Karen.

She took you to the morgue and introduced you - as FBI Special Agent Y/L/N - to the man at the desk, Ed. You smiled politely and shook his hand, but you were distracted by the man’s lack of shoes. Karen began to convince the man but he was still hesitant.

Before you could work magic of your own, Karen agreed to some unspoken request. You quirked a brow at the man’s giddy response but opted to stay quiet, if only to ensure you didn’t ruin anything. She turned and offered you a tight, uncomfortable smile, and you found some relief in knowing that what she had agreed to was a last ditch effort. You nodded and Ed guided you three to the bodies.

He gave a quick rundown but you tuned his words out. Everything inside the small room seemed to buzz, filling your head with an expectancy that manifested as pressure. No taste, no tingle, no colored mist. Just suffocating, engulfing pressure that felt like it would break through your ribs if you breathed too deeply.

Karen’s voice cut through the buzzing but the words didn’t make it to your ears. You dared to lean in closer, gently prodding near the bullet wounds. Ed reached out to stop you but you batted his hands away. As you palpated the dead woman’s stomach, you felt a twist of nausea. This was still a person, after all. You shook your head slightly and willed yourself to focus, to see past the lost life and find the evidence you needed.

“Gun powder.” You muttered.

“Yes!” Ed’s voice came to you like the ringing of a church bell and you almost winced at the sudden clarity. “The grains of it on her skin means she was hit at close range. Any of these would’ve been fatal.”

“But Castle wasn’t…” You trailed off, gently pining your arms back to your side. “What about the trajectory?”

“Exit wound was straight out, parallel to the ground. Someone stood right in front of this girl and unloaded right into her.”

“And that’s the same with all three?” Dinah asked. Another voice too loud. This time your head cocked and you winced mildly.

“Yeah.”

You pressed your lips together into a tight line to keep the relieved laugh down. You nodded in thanks to Ed before gesturing for Dinah and Karen to cross the room with you.

“Those women were executed.” You said quietly. “Frank didn’t do this.”

“Well, is this enough to convince him?” Karen asked.

“It’d hold up in court.” You nodded. “It has to.”

You and your friends tried to leave but Ed blocked the doorway. He kept his eyes downward, at your feet. You rolled your eyes slightly and had to refrain from kicking him in the shin. He just might like it. He was rambling about some no-so-nice nickname but you simply shoved past him with a quiet apology. You assumed Dinah was quickly behind you but you didn’t look back to see if Karen was with you or holding up whatever bargain she struck with Ed.

You nodded to the few workers on the floor, but you passed the officer that had been posted at the door. He told you about the shift change and to show your Bar ID to the new guy. You didn’t show it, but that feeling of something out of place settled in your stomach. You moved a little faster but the shouts from Frank’s room drove you to a full-on sprint.

You brandished your switchblade as you came up to the door. You threw your shoulder against the man that had Amy pinned to the ground and you two tumbled a few feet before knocking into the wall. You heard Amy’s coughs as she scrambled to her feet, Dinah and Karen talking over each other, Frank shouting for the man to go back to him. You were stuck under the faux officer’s weight and he kept a firm grip of the wrist for the hand holding the switch. You winced as his finger dug into the scar but your free hand scratched at his throat.

Deep red lines followed the path of your nails and he cried out, jerking his head to get away from your reach. His other hand pushed down on your throat and for a second, you were hit with the memory of a fight that felt like a lifetime again. Pinned under a fake officer, hands at your throat, all for someone that was the game changer you needed. Only there was no Man in the Mask coming to your rescue.

You blinked away the memory and turned your head to find your small knife. You wiggled it around in your fingers until you were able to change the angle of your blade. You watched the tip press against his wrist and you jerked your hand, shoving the sharp metal through his skin and bone. The very tip poked out the other side and the man cried out wildly. You slammed a knee upward and connected with either his stomach or his groin but his position faltered and you were able to throw him off. You righted yourself quickly and grabbed his head, slamming him to the floor until he fell unconscious.

“Yeah, thanks for the help.” You wheezed, glaring at Dinah.

Amy kicked the unconscious man with a made up not-quite curse word and you laughed breathlessly. After that, she fell against you and you wrapped one arm around her shoulders while the other hand rubbed your throat.

“What was that, huh?” Amy stepped away and yelled. Your brows raised at the outburst but you said nothing. “You were just gonna let him kill you?”

“What the hell, Frank?” You added, a rasp still in your voice.

“Frank, you didn’t do it.” Karen explained quickly.

“What are you talking about?” He asked tightly, but you didn’t miss that underlying hope.

“They were dead before you got there.” Dinah added.

Frank turned to you for confirmation.

“Exit wounds were straight through. Gunpowder still on their skin.” You nodded.

“But I- We were…”

“I know.” You urged. “It was a setup. I can’t prove this but I know Billy killed them. I thought those ladies were being escorted out before I met with you but they were walked to their executions.”

“You sure about that?” Frank finally met your eyes and the suffocating grip deep in your chest loosened enough for a full breath.

“He wanted to break you. He wanted to take away what mattered most to you and he damn near did.”

“You’re not the monster, Frank.” Karen added gently. “You never were.”

“This is great and all but what is that gonna for us right now?” Amy asked tensely. “That was a cop that just tried to kill him! What’s next, a nurse?”

At that point, everyone began talking over each other. Frank wanted out of the cuffs to kill the cop. Dinah was calling him an idiot. Karen wanted a plan. Amy was looking between everyone like a deer in headlights.

“Just shut up!” You shouted. You saw the white wave roll out of your chest and hit everyone in the room and you immediately regretted the lapse of control. Your power took hold of all four people and settled them to an eerie level of calmness. “Sorry.” You muttered when the glassy look left their eyes and they were in control of themselves again.

“What the hell?” Amy mumbled.

“Give us the room.” You told Amy and Dinah. “Just a minute, okay?”

Hesitantly, they left so you and Karen were the only ones in the room.

“Does that Matt Murdock know you’re here?” Frank asked Karen.

She looked to you and you gave a small shake of your head. Of course Matt didn’t know where you were, just the vague idea that you were in town and stuck in the middle of a dangerous war.

“What does that have to do with this?” She answered. “Come on, Karen.” He sighed. “He’s good. Don’t throw that away for me, either of you.”

“Matt trusts me to make my own choices as to what fight I’m in.” You said sharply as Karen undid the cuffs. “I expected you to do the same.”

“And it killed you last time, didn’t it?” He spat back before focusing back on Karen. “Walk away, Karen.”

She said nothing.

“Look, I know you both.” He began and you rolled your eyes. “You’re brave. You’re strong. But you’re both so goddamned stubborn that you will throw everything away for me and I cannot let that happen.”

You took a step forward but Karen reached for your arm.

“So they can risk everything but not me?” She said then gestured to you. “Not her?”

“Don’t do that, okay? That kid needs me to stay alive. Madani, she’s as batshit and lost as I am. And Y/N?” He locked eyes with you. “Billy beat her so bad her heart stopped. He gets the chance again, no one’s gonna be able to restart it.”

“Да пошла ты.” You spat. (Fuck you.)

Karen continued trying to reason with him but you put your hands up in defeat, letting them fall back against your legs. You began pacing while they talked, registering their voices but not their words. You looked down and noticed she was barefoot, Was that what she agreed upon with Ed? Her shoes.

No wonder they called him Creepy Ed.

“I gotta walk outta here and you can’t do it with me.” Frank said quietly and when you looked back, he was standing a few inches from Karen.

You wanted to give both of them the push they needed, to admit that unspoken thing between them and finally break the tension, but it also felt wrong to do it to friends. You had no problem in college playing up on a new couple’s emotions. Back then it was like your special version of people watching, but it just felt like crossing a line to do it to them. Luckily, the door opened before your power could start reaching.

Karen left first, offering you one questioning look. All you could do was nod. You retrieved your switchblade and wiped it on the officer’s uniform before you tucked it back into your pocket, replacing your blazer to hide your gun. You helped Dinah get Frank to the stairwell while Amy played her role as a nurse to blend into the crowd. Dinah split from you at the base of the stairs and you kept with Frank.

He leaned heavily on you and you were just outside the hospital when Brett cut you off. You cursed quietly while he yelled instructions to drop your weapons. You released Frank so he could drop the cop’s belt and you put your hands up in surrender, slipping your fingers to pull two pins from your hair. The small pieces of metal dropped down either sleeve just before Brett snatched one of your wrists. As he pulled your arms down and behind your back, the pins slid out and landed in your palms. You slipped the thin metal into the latch for the cuffs so they didn’t quite lock while he was muttering about obstruction and how it was only a matter of time before he had to cuff you.

He locked Frank’s other cuff around one of the handrails in the back before he shoved you inside. Frank met your eyes with an apologetic expression but you smiled.

You hadn’t lost quite yet.

[imonthemoonitsmadeofcheese]

Belief

I'm still very sick. I offer you another Ikora-prominent story written during Season of the Witch.

Link to Ao3 if you prefer to read it there.

“Rayray!? All the stars in heaven! A miracle has occurred. To what do I owe the honour of someone so high and mighty as yourself here in my dingy hallway? Does Eris need something? I'm assuming not, since I just talked to her, but stranger things have happened. What's up?”

Ikora Rey’s boots crunched on the brown and red leaves scattered across the rubber mat at the threshold to the Annex. She held her hands behind her back in what she hoped was non-aggressive body language as she entered the Drifter’s notorious lair.

“Drifter, I was… just in the area and thought I'd stop by.”

The Drifter grasped the railing he was leaning against and laughed out loud as though she had told him the funniest joke he’d heard in a while. Perhaps she had.

The giant rusting metal hook in the winch over his work bench creaked and clanked as it shifted in the slight breeze.

“Ha! You have never stopped by here, Ikora, and your spot is just up those stairs so you're always in the area, but sure, take a load off. Want to watch some gambit? Or, better yet, play?”

Ikora eyed the metal bench near him next to the railing and then sat down gingerly on it, making a mental note to check her robes for grime after she left. She folded her hands politely in her lap, keeping her back straight to avoid brushing against the railing behind the bench.

“Perhaps another time.”

“Wait, what? Really?”

“Perhaps.”

“Oh, well, now I am interested. What can I do ya for?”

Ikora was surprised to see how many books there were in amongst the Drifter’s many… objects. Many of them looked downright ancient. Older than several in the Vanguard libraries. Or perhaps they were obtained from the Vanguard libraries. Had he always had so many books down here? Did he trade them for other oddities? Sell them? Or was this an attempt to impress someone? No. They’d been there a while judging from the amount of dust on several of them.

“You've been bringing food to Eris,” she began.

“I have.” His infamous coin flipped and plinked off of the floor, the table, the railing, and back to his hand. “That's not a problem is it? Cuz if it is, I ain't gonna stop.” He leaned back on the rail, crossing one leg over the other, and winked at her.

“No, it's not a problem at all. It's helping.” Ikora smoothed out her robe on her knees. “She's stronger because of it. And happier. I… wanted to thank you.”

“For bringing Moondust food? You don't need to thank me, I'd a done it regardless, but you're welcome. Even hive gods gotta eat… Actually, I don't know that. Maybe they don't… But Eris does. Eat, I mean… Although, she probably knows about hive gods eating too. She's a sharp one, that one.”

The coin flipped up into the air, tumbling end over end far above their heads. He caught it and began tumbling it across his knuckles.

“Yes she is.”

He waited, his eyes shining with amusement at her discomfort. A serpent in his lair, curious, waiting to hear her out before deciding whether or not to swallow her alive. Best to begin boldly, then.

“I have a question for you.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you… in love with Eris?”

The coin paused between two knuckles, balanced on its edge. His mouth opened in amused surprise. He wasn’t expecting that.

“Well…” He twisted his wrist and the coin vanished. He folded his hands across his waist, still leaning one elbow against the rail. “That's normally a question that'd fall under what you might call a need to know basis, but..” He looked her up and down. “...considering the history between you two and how close you are working together now, perhaps you do need to know.” He nodded. “If so, I'm fine with it, long as she is, and you ain't hurting her. I ain't the jealous type.”

Ikora blinked. “What? That's not at all what I was asking.”

His eyes were laughing. “Isn't it, though? Don’t see how it would be your business otherwise.” He winked.

Ikora stiffened. “I- Eris is right, you are insufferable, inappropriate, and crude.”

“I am nothing if not consistent. And yes, Eris is usually right. It's one of the things I like about her so damn much.”

The coin reappeared and he flipped it up into the air and caught it. “She's been sayin 'what needs bein said the entire time. It just ain't what people want to hear. And she don't back down. She is intense, that one.”

The coin bounced off of the grating an equal distance between their feet with a loud “Ding!” and ricocheted back into his hand.

Ikora nodded. “She always has been, even before…”

“Takes my breath away.” The affection in his voice sounded… genuine. Sideways answers, slanted, glancing off of the truth without actually uttering it. Layered.

The coin began its journey back and forth across his knuckles again.

“You trust her.” Ikora pushed further.

He met her eyes with his own. “Completely.”

Unexpectedly direct. A brief glimpse of the draconic underbelly. Proudly showing her the weak spot. Daring her to try something. Unafraid.

“And if she fails?”

“She won't.” He said it with the same matter-of-fact assertion that someone might say it was Tuesday.

“How do you know?”

“Look, Ikora.” The coin disappeared again. “I'm old. I've lived many many lives, lost way too much, been hurt way too bad, killed way, way too many people, and I've seen through every belief there is. If there is an expert in believing in nothing, it's me. And yet, here I am now, in this Annex, leaning on this here railing, telling you to your face, that I believe in Eris Morn.” He shrugged. “I don't know what else to tell ya.”

This was it. This was what she had come to determine with her own eyes. His speech was without artifice. His eyes held her gaze without looking away. If he was lying, she couldn’t tell.

The wind, the tiny clinks and creaks of various mechanisms in different stages of disrepair, echos down the hall from the Ada’s Synthweave loom, all became loud as they stared at each other.

“I believe in her too.” Ikora felt strangely humbled by what he had just told her, as though she needed to assert to him that her faith in Eris was just as strong as his.

“I know, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation.”

The coin reappeared as he smiled a disarming smile. This time he pinged it off of the winch, the pot on his desk and the railing before catching it again.

“She trusts you.” Ikora continued her interrogation of the wyrm in its lair.

“She does. Ain't that a peach for the Vanguard spymaster having her best agent trust the sketchiest guy in the tower? Although, I should point out, not that it needs to be, but she don't tell me nothin’ of your business, but I'm sure you already know that.”

“I do. My understanding is that any information from the Hidden that you have… obtained… has been on your own reconnaissance. And I’m only just recently discovering how extensive that reconnaissance has been.” Ikora willed herself not to grind her teeth at the thought of what her most recent security audits had revealed, or, rather what they had not revealed: the gaps which should not have existed, the missing logs, the bursts of static in both audio and video surveillance, the files which had no reason to have access date stamps this recent with no account affiliated with that access request…

“I ain't sayin' nothin' 'bout that, sister. But what I will say is that, if I did do such things, I’d try to avoid hurting anyone too much. Last city's people have lives that are hard enough as it is. Don't need anyone making things worse for them. A lot of people have bit the dust cuz of me. Been trying, lately, to avoid making that number any higher than it needs to be.”

“How long have you been infiltrating my Hidden, Drifter?”

He looked away and chuckled. “The thing about spies is they're always thinkin’ they're the only ones doin’ the spying.” The coin started to tumble across the knuckles of his right hand, followed by a second, and a third, and a fourth, only for all four of them to disappear.

“Then they find out someone's been keepin’ an eye on them and it gets their panties in a twist.” His left hand reached out and four more coins tumbled across the knuckles there, disappearing again.

“And that's not even starting on the paperwork. Now that's gotta be a nightmare and a half.” He raised both hands, palms out, fingers splayed and wiggling, twisting them to show her they were completely empty while grinning an absolutely infuriating shit-eating grin.

The display of legerdemain was nothing short of impressive. Ikora was grateful she had made the decision earlier to remove anything of value from her person before coming here.

“Your activities have indeed caused extensive reports. And now auditing, and more reports.” Ikora did not keep the annoyance out of her voice.

“Heh. I hope you make that trigger happy Praxic zealot Aunor do a bunch of ‘em. Keep her behind a desk where she can’t get any more regular people killed in collateral damage.”

Ikora sighed, questioning the words that were about to come out of her mouth. “I don't suppose there's any way you'd be willing to do some of it yourself.”

“Nope. I already told Eris no. Answer's still no.“

“She advised me you find the concept of following orders… problematic.”

“I don't do that shit, Rayray. I just don't. Favours though, that I can do. And like I told Moondust, if she's working for you and I'm helping her, what's the difference really? We can be friends. I help my friends. Doesn't have to be all formal-like. Friendship don't need a chain of command.”

“I will keep that in mind. And, because of Eris,” She nearly bit her tongue but forced out the words. “You are right, we should be…” Ikora swallowed. “Friends.”

He gave an exaggerated theatrical gasp, leaning back, his mouth open in mock surprise, both hands over his heart.

“Two miracles in one day. Damn! Can you believe that?”

Ikora closed her eyes in frustration. How did Eris put up with this?

“Awww Ikora, that was real hard for you to say and you still said it. Thank you for that. Want a drink?”

“No.”

[lipglossanon]

*chants* brain rot, brain rot, brain rot

dark stepdaddy leon and reader going halloween costume shopping after the Mom thing (maybe not but for plot we’ll say sure) they pick out respective costumes but then Leon sees a slutty red riding hood costume (a two piece perhaps?) and readers eyes light up just so excited to see the way Leon reacts to her in it and she convinces him to dress up as wolf, (can the wolf costume be a shitty wolf ear headband and RE4 remake Leon’s outfit?) i feel like he’s not ~super~ into the costume thing but is ~super~ into making you wet, ya know? so it’s halloween and he’s planned a little date, *aggressively whispers* corn maze 🤭, you get dressed up in the costume and thigh high fishnets with boots to match and he meets you in the living room and (like all of us) reader absolutely looses it over the harness and the gloves and tactical pants just all of it especially with the wolf ears because- he’s too old for this shit- but wants to make you happy and that outweighs everything,,,, so he’s ABSOLUTELY not restraining himself, no mom, no one who knows you’re his daughter or stepdaughter just Horny™️ all the time. to be safe he takes you to a little farm outside the city or town you live in and he buys you treats all that cutesy shit but i know we all want porn so-

he’s been feeling you up, cokwarming you on the hayride (because it’s dark and if i write it that no one noticed, then no one noticed 🤫) so you’re all hazy from arousal and just holding your stepdads hand following him like a lost puppy 🤭 when he sees the “free maze now until - idk pick a day” so he takes you over to the pumpkin patch next to the maze and stands behind you arms around your waist, dick ~not~ pressed into your lower back 😉 asking you if you wanted to play a little game, so you nod and he says “i’ll go in the maze after you and if you get out before i catch you we do it in the car, if i catch you i’m gonna take what’s mine” while he’s basically growling in your ear so you set off purposefully getting lost in a back corner of the maze and just sit and wait for him which he thinks is absolutely fucking adorable that you just want your stepdaddy’s dick so bad you’re just gonna wait in a public place for him rail you. he kicks your legs apart and you whisper “daddy” making him kneel between your legs and hold your chin asking you “what baby?” and all you can muster is a weak little “make it hurt”, and give him puppy dog eyes while touching the knife (everyone thought it was fake which is why no one thought to say anything because halloween, also plot and porn- mostly porn) his eyes light up when he realizes what you mean but he still asks “do you want me to cut you?” while dragging the knife across your jaw absolutely gnawing at the bars of what little self restraint he has when you nod and ask, “cut your name into my legs daddy so everybody knows i’m yours 🥺” and he just looses it. slams you face first into the dirt, hand on your lower back dragging the non sharp edge of blade against your slit through your panties making you wriggle but he just spanks you and tells you to behave and you do because the pleasure outweighs the pain of carving “daddy’s slut” on the back of your thighs (like a word per thigh) and he takes a picture to show you and you get all whiny because you wanted his name so you pull down the hem of your panties (or two piece costume and no panties? just spreading your pussy with a knife like he’s buttering toast?) and ask him to put in there right below your abdomen,,,,,, i need to be stopped this is too long already 🫣

- 💀

(okay fine, you’re all cut up he didn’t fuck you because you got ballsy and when he was done cutting you you bolted through the corn maze and he was right behind you, you got in trouble and he took you back to the car and drove into a little cemetery not far from the farm and he basically shoves you into the back of the car where the seats are already down so it’s like a little bed and he’s in between your legs and is holding a lighter to one of the rings he’s wearing and laughs while you scream from him branding your inner thigh, making you practically cum on the spot but instead you just have an orgasm but he can’t leave it at that so once he’s branded you in a few spots he’s shoving your fingers into your cunt making you while and hump your hand begging for it be him instead which he declines saying you’ve been ~so~ bad running from daddy and he just needs to teach you a lesson so he continues to fuck you with your own hand until you almost cum, pulling them out and sucking on them while holding your stare when feel rather than notice him pull the knife out and cut the top of your costume groping you and holding the knife to your throat while he humps you with his pants still on, making you stain his pants from how wet you are (my brain decided no panties with a two piece costume apparently lol) he finally gets his fill of groping and sucking on you before he’s bottoming out in your pussy, squelching noises filling the car while he coos “such a naughty little girl for daddy tonight, huh?” while you nod too overstimulated to know if it hurts anymore just wanting to make him feel good 🥵 i am stopping myself before this becomes a literal fic in your inbox lmao sorry it’s so much i just wanted to share <33333)

Never apologize 💀 anon! You can send a whole ass fic in my inbox 🤣

AGSJFL but I have no words 😩 this was so hot!! And Leon being ‘so here’s my costume🙄 is so on the money lmao. Ugh yes 👏 his RE4 outfit would have me on my knees in a heartbeat. Even better is he has the jacket cause it’s cold in the fall and at some point he takes it off and puts it over your shoulders 🤭

Aww no but I love that he’d buy cutesy stuff! 😌 and he totally would, especially since you’re practically wrapped around his bicep to lean on him while cooing about the stuff you like 🤭

And ugh yes having Leon chase you down just to rail your brains out 😵‍💫 😵‍💫

And the rest has me like 🫣 🫣

[fanficsiwillneverwrite]

posted this on ao3, idk maybe it’ll have better traction here ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dark clouds gather as he ventures forward out of the forest. A plant opens and Kratos throws his axe before it spits out the poison. Thunder rumbles in the distance and an all too familiar bickering echoes just around the corner. He pushes on with a reluctance in his step. The commotion ceases when he reveals himself, jumping from the ledge onto the dirt path where the children await his axe to lower the nearby bridge. A hard shove follows an ignorant scoff as the pair race forward when the bridge drops; twenty years since Ragnarök and war still rages within the most mundane moments.

A nest of Nightmares awakens at their hurried steps. Kratos summons his axe as the creatures charge. Gersemi hits a few with the fire from her hands while Býleistr, in a nervous panic, attempts to ready his bow. Kratos destroys the nest easily with one hard throw, and the Nightmares evaporate. But a lone Nightmare remains and spits poison at Býleistr, who remains distracted by his bow. Gersemi shoves him roughly to the ground, then kills the Nightmare with a small puff of fire. Long golden hair and eyes, one of mud and the other of the sea; only a girl of three and ten, she is, in its most simplistic form, destruction.

“You did that on purpose!” Býleistr, the youngest of their litter, yells out. His hair is curly and the color of coal with dark skin and a short stature, unlike his sisters.

Gersemi rolls her eyes. “You mean, save your life? Yeah, I can honestly say that’s a bad habit I’m looking to break.”

His bow now with arrow, Býleistr shoots at her. Kratos stops it midair, then throws it to the ground. “Enough.” He brings Býleistr easily to his feet. “Gersemi, do not be aggressive when assisting your brother.” At that, the boy sticks out his tongue to vocalize this small victory. And Kratos yanks the bow from his hand. Lightning strikes. A soft rain begins. “You must be more vigilant. If your bow is not at the ready”—he pauses—“if you are not ready, the enemy will have the upper hand.”

He releases the boy and returns his bow. Býleistr hesitates, then looks away. “I just… I don’t have an instinct like you guys do.”

Gersemi laughs. “That instinct is called being a God, meinfretr.”

Býleistr growls with clenched fists as thunder grumbles somewhere behind them. Kratos is quick to guide them back along the path. He jumps and begins his ascent up the cliff. “You do not need the power of a God to have good instincts.” His children follow, racing for second place with Gersemi earning the title. “You need only discipline.”

“And a brain,” mumbles Gersemi.

“Then how come you have it?”

Kratos hums at their sibling babble as his feet are planted once more on solid ground. A plant nearby expands but he hits it with his axe and it explodes prematurely. “You will learn in time, Býleistr,” he assures after a moment. After all, it is only recently that Freya allowed him to have the responsibility of owning his own bow and he is only a boy of one and ten; he still has much to learn.

The wind blows harder and the rain grows heavy, so they quicken their pace. Home is just past the closed gate locked by a magical palisade, but the Celestial Altar is on the other side.

Býleistr attempts to climb up the gate toward the small gap. He slips on the wet metal rail, then falls indelicately down onto the palisade.

“Working on your instincts, huh?” questions Gersemi with crossed arms and a mocking tone.

“Shut up.” He stumbles off it and falls to the ground. He stands after a moment, once again assuming a climbing stance. “Give me a boost? I’ll change it to night, so you can lift the gate.”

“I… do not think it wise,” says Kratos gently. The boy can not yet hold his own against a nest of Nightmares. He is not ready for such independence, especially with a locked gate separating them. “We will take the longer path.”

“Let’s just do it his way,” says Gersemi. And Kratos turns to her for clarification. “What? If he dies, we can get whatever kills him to use the altar in his place. The creatures here in Vanaheim aren’t as dumb as they are in Midgard.”

“Yeah—wait, no,” interjects Býleistr. “I’m… I’m not gonna die, okay?”

Kratos sighs. The storm grows heavier with each passing moment. The longer path may not be the safest option in this weather. He gives in, as there are no other options. He hands the boy the scepter and then lifts him up to squeeze through the gap in the gate. “Go straight to the altar,” he instructs, keeping a careful eye on the boy through the closed gate. “Do not delay, boy.”

“Yeah, yeah…”

He disappears into the heaviness of the storm. Even Gersemi looks worried at losing sight of him. “Býleistr, do you hear me?” Kratos grips his axe when there is no answer—he will freeze these metal bars and shatter the gate open, if he must; he awaits the scream.

To his relief, there is a howl and the palisade disappears as the sky darkens. And the boy’s voice echoes under the storm, “See, I told you I—”

A harsh pop silences him.

“Ouch!”

Thunder roars.

“Býleistr!” Kratos opens the gate and they hurry after him. He lays on the wet ground, clutching his arm. His clothes are ruined now with mud and plant guts. “What has happened?”

“It’s that stupid plant. I thought you killed this one yesterday.”

“They grow back, dumb-dumb,” says Gersemi, lifting him up off the ground. “Maybe it’s not the right time to bring this up, but having good instincts include knowing when you’re about to step on deadly plants.”

Býleistr sticks out his tongue in retaliation, but winces in pain once Kratos begins examining his injuries. Gooey, red bumps now mark his arm. Poison, in its most ugly form. “Come—we are nearly home.”

He calls to Freya when they reach the house: a creakywooden structure formed around a glorious old tree. She and Hnoss are at their side in an instant, guiding them inside. “What’s happened?”

“What’ya think?” says Býleistr frantically, clutching his injured arm. Hnoss forces him to sit—and he cries out in pain as her cold hands make contact with the poison.

“Is anything broken?” Freya asks Hnoss.

“No,” Kratos tells her.

Hnoss’s hands glow as she begins the healing process. The girl is the opposite of her twin sister in every way, despite looking identical: while Gersemi creates fire and represents destruction, Hnoss represents healing and soothes pain with water.

“Kratos, what happened?” Freya asks again in a sternness only meant for him.

“Those dumb plants! That’s what happened,” Býleistr tells her, his face red in rage and humiliation. The storm outside matches the boy’s own mixed feelings with its chaotic howls and rumbles.

Freya is at his side in an instant. She kisses his uninjured hand and lets him squeeze her own as a release.

“You must be more careful, vennen,” Hnoss tells him in her most gentle tone as she continues to work on clearing away the poison from his arm.

“Let it be known that I hate these poisonous plants. And I hate Vanaheim,” declares the boy, still blinded by his ailment. Tomorrow, Kratos is sure, the boy will be praising it. “I hate it!”

“All of this could have been avoided, I am certain,” claims Freya. She looks up at Kratos with eyes of rancor. It never truly goes away. “Where were you when this was happening?”

He sets his axe down on the wooden table between them. “Behind the gate.” And time feels suddenly slow as their silent battle begins.

Or, perhaps, it never truly stops…

He hears mumbling from the other side of the room—Mimir, trapped beneath a cloth probably thrown carelessly in the moment. Gersemi moves to uncover him, and he breathes out his thanks.

Býleistr is no longer enraged, no longer behaving like the storm outside. “It doesn’t hurt as much now,” he tells his mother. The poison is fleeing from his body, being sucked out by healing water.

“Good.” Still, she holds onto him lovingly, easing him through the transition of aching wounds to itchy blisters. He attempts a scratch: Hnoss smacks his hand away. “I still don’t understand why you were left alone.”

“The gate was blocked,” says Gersemi. “He was the only one who fit through the gap. It’s no big deal.”

“No big deal?” Her attention turns to Kratos. “You said you’d keep an eye on him. You promised me he’d be safe.”

“He is a boy. He will make mistakes.”

“Aye, brother,” agrees Mimir. “And we must allow him to make them.”

“Plus, he’s weaker than the rest of us,” adds Gersemi, “not being a God and all. It takes more time with him.”

Býleistr sticks out his tongue again. “I’m better than a God, you halftroll. I’m a Giant!”

“All I mean is—mistakes are bound to happen,” clarifies Mimir. “He is just a young lad, after all. He can learn something from this.”

“I know!” Freya says. Býleistr’s eyes go wide in shock at his mother’s aggressive tone. And she hurries away to retrieve bandages for his arm. Kratos moves with her, watching her carefully. The storm outside shakes with the house. Thunder growls. The winds moan. Baldur has been gone so many winters and yet the wound feels brand new. She stops to catch her breath, bandages tight in hand. He makes to comfort her, but hesitates. “Kratos… I know,” she tells him quietly, tears in her eyes. She rubs her face. The makeup smears. It is as if no time has passed.

Býleistr is the first to speak up: “I just need… what was it you said, Father?”

“Discipline,” Kratos says after a moment.

“Yeah, that’s it. Discipline. And then I can avoid poisonous plants with my good instincts.” He speaks it proudly, as if that is the reason his mother suddenly recoils.

Freya manages a gentle smile as she dutifully returns to her son and begins wrapping his arm. Kratos follows. And she works quietly as their children cautiously look on.

“Freya,” Kratos pushes. Her focus remains on the bandages, working delicately down the boy’s arm. “It is time.”

And she finally looks up.

“Time?” questions Hnoss.

“For what?” asks Gersemi.

Unable to answer, Freya flees. They all turn to Kratos expecting answers. He does not give them any, instead following Freya out into the storm. And Hnoss hits her brother’s hand when he attempts to sneak in another scratch, then takes over for her mother.

Mimir clears his throat to fill the sudden silence. “Er, time for a story, I suspect…”

The wind blows harsh, but they stay dry beneath the tarp dangling between the rooftop and a branch up high on the tree. Freya cradles herself for warmth as she looks on at the magnificent storm. Kratos cautiously steps forward. “You did not need to come after me,” she says, but makes no effort to shoo him away.

He hums, simply offering her the fur on his back as warmth. She nods her thanks, then looks back out into the storm. In the distance he spots the poisonous flowers shrivel in hiding as the hard rain punctures its opening. This will be a lesson for the boy; he will be more cautious next time he ventures out.

“I overreacted in there,” admits Freya. “I saw Býleistr’s pain tonight and thought only of Baldur. It’s selfish of me, I know…”

“No.” He places a comforting hand on her shoulder. She does not shrug it away. Lightning flashes, revealing the stain of tears on her cheek. “It is not.”

“I don’t want to repeat past mistakes, Kratos,” she says.

“Which is why we must tell them.” He shifts, finally turning to her. But Kratos is the one who snapped his neck and he is the one who robbed her of the right to choose. The responsibility is his. “Which is why I must tell them. It is my burden.”

“Our burden—more mine than yours, truthfully,” Freya says. She refuses to be corrected. It is an argument that is continuous between them. “We will tell them together.” Thunder rumbles behind them as if in agreement. “But… in the daylight. I don’t want this to be the last thing they hear before they close their eyes.”

He hums in agreement. The wound still cuts deep, despite everything. It will never go away.

The rain calms. And the distant flower from earlier opens again and spits its poison out onto a unsuspecting creature passing it. Freya turns to Kratos and kisses him. Despite their wounds, despite their past, they stand together, united.

They find the children gathered around Mimir when they return inside. He is distracting them with stories, as he so often does: “…and when we reached the village, we realized Váli’s men had already taken over. No survivors, except for two babes”—Hnoss and Gersemi look at each other and smile, for this is the tale of how they were found, all those years ago—“protected by their mother until her dying breath. She saved you two that day, she did. And she’d be mighty proud of the Godesses you two’ve become. I know I am.” He moves quickly on to Býleistr’s tale, so not to leave him out, only slightly reacting to Kratos and Freya joining them at the table, “And who could forget about you, little brother. The tiniest Giant my glowing eyes had ever seen, abandoned by your own kind—”

Býleistr scrunches his face. “Abandoned?”

And Mimir hesitates, suddenly realizing the density of his words. “Oh, did I say abandon? I meant… well, obviously I meant to say that you were, erm… forgotten? Is that a better choice of words?”

“No, Head, it is not,” Kratos says.

The girls both scatter up the wooden ladder to their room at their mother’s silent signal to leave, while Býleistr remains unmoving at the Head’s harsh words.

“Reverting back to calling me Head, are you, brother?” Mimir says. Kratos lifts him so they are eye level. And the head gulps. “I suppose I deserve it.”

“It is Atr—Loki’s story to tell,” Kratos argues, placing Mimir back onto the table to be near his son.

“Because he’s the one who found me?”

“He brought you to us,” offers Freya gently. A boy of only three with nothing to call his own. Atreus did not wish to leave him that way, so they took him in. Little is known about the Giants or his past, but the boy remains curious and hopeful Atreus will one day return with answers.

Freya guides him now to the ladder his sisters just climbed. “We will talk more in the morning, minn kæri. But, for now, bed time.”

“Don’t worry,” Býleistr says as he climbs up the wonky ladder, his bandaged arm leaning against the wall for balance. “I know I wasn’t actually abandoned. My kind are Giants. We see into the future. They knew you two would be looking after me. And there was obviously a reason they left.” He stops at the top bar, curious eyes gleaming down at the man he calls Father. “Right?”

Kratos glances at an unsure Freya beside him before nodding. “Right.” He hears his daughters in the room above them, arguing over their mother’s distress and who caused it. They will talk more of it in the morning.

[rebelscums]

Bad Guy (Tech x Bounty Hunter reader)

Ratings: Fluff

Summary: A deal between a group of pirates that needed to be made for Sid goes off the rails when your lover shows up.

“Boys and kid. Meet the best bounty hunter in the galaxy.” Sid introduced as she pointed to her bar.

“Quite the flatterer Sid.” I muttered not bothering to look behind me.

I was mindlessly shuffling through the credits I collected from my recent bounty, trying to figure out what I could use for my ship.

“She seems harmless.” Wrecker stated, squinting his eyes at my flowery dress and sandals.

“It’s the best disguise is it not?” I asked as I spun around on the stool.

The guy looked even bigger than I expected, but that wasn’t what caught my breath. No… It was the tall soldier to to the left of the big guy.

Right there stood someone I knew for sure was going to be the death of me.

“Are you strong?” The big guy continued, “How do you catch all those bounties?”

“Her specialties may lie elsewhere Wrecker. Just because someone may not hold physical strength doesn’t mean they can’t subdue their opponents by other means.” The handsome one with the goggles stated, “That doesn’t mean they are not strong.”

“Should I be flattered or offended?” I wondered with a raised brow.

“My apologies, I only meant to compliment your possible skills.” He said while adjusting his goggles, “Given your stature and height. It is clear that you are agile and clever minded, giving you an advantage against your opponent.”

“No offense taken.” I stood up, taking a few steps to meet him, “I think it’s fascinating how your mind works.”

His eyebrows raised as he watched me skeptically. I gently raised my hand in front of me waiting for him to grab it. He did so with uncertainty.

“My name is…” I offered my name along with the sweetest smile meant only for him.

“Tech.” He stuttered out his name.

“Well Tech, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I grinned, running my thumb across his battle worn hand.

“The pleasure is mine.” He replied, a pink dust sweeping across his face.

“So that’s how she gets them.” I heard one of the other men whisper to the guy in the red bandana.

The bandana man chuckled, “She’s going to eat him alive.”

Oh how wrong he was…

Music blared throughout the club, a sweet scent wafting through the air from the specialty Asmos cocktails being made. Yet I had no time for a drink if the group of pirate thugs in front of me had any say about it.

A chip containing information that Sid needed sat just out of reach while a case of credits sat out of theirs. You would think this would be a simple switch. Case closed, but pirates were greedy. Especially them.

I’m a bounty hunter not a dealer. I thought as I held back an eye roll. Of course Sid would make some do her dirty work.

“What is a little thing like you gonna do to us?” The pirate Zen sneered, his gold eyebrows glittering under the purple low light of the club.

“There’s ten of us and only one of you so why don’t you slide those credits over and call your serpent of a boss to double the credits for this priceless information.” He stated smugly, his read scarf doing nothing to hide the tattoos across his neck.

“I suggest you comply Zen.” I tried to give him one more chance at a civil exchange.

I watched as his gold earring swayed as he leaned back in his seat.

“Or what? You got some knight in shining armor at your beck and call?” He scoffed.

It was at this point that I sighed, completely bored with this interaction. The soft look on my face fell as I glared at the group.

“I don’t think you understand who’s in charge here.” I leaned my elbows onto the table, my gaze turned from impassive to a look that had the pirate looking between my and the table nervously.

I grinned, “You see… I’m the bad guy.”

“Hello Cyar’ika.”

Every ounce of aggression, any thought process that I had to intimidate these pirates left my body the moment his voice graced my ears.

I practically melted under his gaze as I turned my head to meet his brown eyes.

“You were saying?” The pirate crossed his arms, clearly disinterested in my scare tactic.

It would have worked too…

“I’m the…” I trailed off.

If it weren’t for his alluring presence…

Suddenly I felt lost in thought as I stared at a pair of glittering amber eyes gazing down at me.

It had been a few weeks since I had seen him, the only thing keeping us in contact with one another was the bracelets on our left wrists. Tech made it for us after our one month anniversary.

We had too many jobs given to us by Sid to see each other that often and so he made something that was only meant for us without any prying eyes. It was a bracelet that would buzz and light up on the others wrist each time either one of us would tap it.

To me each tap signified that I loved and missed him and so I tapped it… I tapped it a lot.

My heart leapt for joy even with the small smirk that graced his handsome face, the same face that looked tired and yet collected all the same after a tough mission.

I hope his mission wasn’t too tough… I will have to asked him about it later tonight. Maybe after we grab a bite to eat?

My thoughts suddenly disappeared as Tech leaned in close.

His left hand gripped the back of my chair as his breath fanned across my face and I couldn’t help the small noise that came out of my throat as he said, “You’re the what?”

“I’m the…” I barely remembered his question as my eyes flutter closed when Tech tilted my chin up towards him.

“What she means to say is you and your crew are going to cooperate or you have me to deal with her soldier not shining knight.” Tech stated, his demeanor unfazed.

“We’re not afraid of you.” Zen huffed without any truth showing in his eyes or the way he fidgeted in the booth.

It didn’t help the pirates menacing stance as they all suddenly began to toy with their weapons.

Of course Tech would have this effect on them. He was a highly skilled clone trooper after all. He’s seen more battle and bloodshed then all of them put together.

This had a smirk spreading across any face at the thought.

They are all dead meat.

“Your hands are shaking.” Tech glanced to the man, “By my calculations you have -1 chance in making it out of those doors alive if you don’t give her that chip.”

“And why is that?” Zen motioned to his group as if he still had the upper hand.

The group of pirates chuckled alongside their captain even if it was evident that fear laced their entire beings.

If only they knew.

“Because he’s not alone.” I spoke as the rest of the bad batch surrounded the pirates.

I couldn’t help the fluttering in my chest as Tech helped me out of my seat, reaching over to grab the case with chip.

“I suggest you take your credits and call it a night.” I recommended as I slid the case over to the pirates.

They didn’t even have a moment to blink before the rest of the Bad Batch were on them. A satisfied feeling filled my chest watching Hunter press a knife to Zen’s throat, finally wiping the arrogance from him.

Hunter waited silently for an answer with all the patience in the world. He knew how to deal with pirates and when Zen relented… Hunter casually released the scarf around his neck, at the same time removing the knife from his throat as well. The stony look on his face never left as he took as step back, sheathing his sharp blade.

Wrecker huffed at the lack of excitement, pushing the pirate with purple hair down into the booth. Echo remained quiet and composed as he stepped back from the woman, lowering his blaster.

“It was pleasure doing business with you.” I smiled before the boys and I walked away.

“I had it handled you know.” I stated the moment we were out the door.

The night was warm yet I still couldn’t help, but wrap my arms around his waist as we walked to their ship. It felt nice being able to hug him without feeling his muscles tense.

I remember the first month of us dating. I chuckled inwardly at the thought of how hesitant he was to touch me.

I knew it wasn’t his form of showing affection, but he also knew that it was mine and so with time we finally began to understand each other.

Now look at how much he has changed…

“I know you did. I just couldn’t help it… Plus, it’s fun make you blush mesh’la.” Tech teased.

“How did you know where I was?” I asked as we walked up the ramp.

“He asked Sid the moment we got back.” Wrecker slapped Tech’s shoulder as he walked by.

Tech huffed as he stumbled from his brother’s blow. A smile forming on my face as we steadied each other.

“You asked about me?” I wondered, “Why not call?”

“Sid said you were on a job and I didn’t want to interrupt you.” A soft laugh fell from his lips, “However, it seems I did just that by walking in on your deal.”

Echo didn’t help as he smirked at his brother, “To put it simply he missed you.”

My heart soared at the words, “You missed me?”

Throughout our time together, he’s never outwardly said that he missed me.

He was always composed after missions, meeting me when we set a time and place. He’s never crashed one of my deals like this before... All because he missed me?

A rare blush crossed his face and it made me squeeze onto him tighter, the smile never once leaving my face.

He was even cuter when he became all shy like this.

“I missed you more than I would like to admit.” Tech stuttered over his words, failing to look me in the eyes.

I giggled at his cute reaction, leaning up to place a gentle kiss on his lips. It was a kiss that made my heart melt and his eyes flutter close before looking at me again. This time his shoulders were more relaxed and a calm smile rested on his plush lips.

“Now that this love fest is over, get on board. I don’t know how long Sid can keep Omega settled before she starts trying to track us.” Hunter chuckled as he waved his hand to the two of us to follow him.

“I missed you too brown eyes.” I spoke softly as the two of us walked up the ramp, “More than i would like to admit.” I teased his words back to him.

His hand to wrap around my waist, pulling me into his side.

“I’m glad we’re on the same page then.” He smiled.

“Me too, my love.” I said as my heart filled with warmth.

I have never felt this way with anyone before I knew for a fact that…

I will never be able to let go of this sweet and gentle man.

[ufostaysfalling]

Asking the guards for help on exam studying

Edward ✨

“Of course!” Edward shouted from inside his armor making you jump. You could barely get done asking your favor before he was eagerly agreeing. “I didn’t even finish-“ You started before Edward let out a boastful laugh. His armor reverberating with its force. “No need! I’d be honored to help you out. Just make sure to stay focused on the study guide and not my chiseled features.” He smirked, flipping up his golden visor to reveal his beaming eyes.

Though, midway through he went on an angry rant about how long the flash cards were. “Even the answers are 2 paged essays!” He complained.

Launcelot 🍄

“I’d be delighted!” He said cheerfully, dropping his scepter carelessly and immediately taking the study guide and cards from your hands. “You seem pretty damn excited just to read some questions on something you know nothing about.” You chuckled, leaning on the railing behind him. “No. Just excited to read them to you.” He smiled brightly, even though you couldn’t see, but the warmth in his voice gave away his delight.

Proceeded to struggle to read the cards due to him not being able to wear his glasses under the helmet. “I can read them if yo-“ you started, reaching your hand out to him only to have it slapped away by his metal hand. He turned away and held the card closer to his face. “I-I got it. Just gimme a sec-“.

Alexander 🍔

“-if you could help me study for an upcoming exam??” You asked gently.

…

“Alex?” You tapped his armor making him jump up and hold his green sceptor above his head to strike but soon recognizing his target “Oh! Hey bud-“ he stopped abruptly to release an aggressive yawn “-whats going on?”

“I asked if you could help me study.” You repeated, holding the papers out to him. “Ah! Uh- You sure?” He hesitantly grabbed the papers and scanned over the text. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be sure?” You said while taking a seat on the bridge railing. “Everyone says I’m stupid. You’re better off asking Baj.” He tried to hand the papers back but you pushed them back into his arms. “You’re not stupid. And plus, I’d rather be here with you than with my table partner.”

Both of you took a break midway through to eat some snacks from his suit.

The chocolates were cold and solid and the honeybuns were warm.. Made you wonder if he had designated compartments for certain food.

Zalia 🏆

“You can’t ask anyone else? I’m on duty.” She said coldly, not moving a muscle even when speaking. “Zar, please! I trust you the most.” You pleaded, staring into the black abyss beyond her visor. Little did you know how she was slowly cracking at your puppy eyes. She sighed heavily and told you to come back when she’s off duty.

Later that night, on her way to the knights sleeping quarters, you stopped her just before she could turn the corner. She released a long sigh before closing the door behind of her and following you to the study hall.

Though, very reluctant at first, she was a big help. Super precise and strict about your answers. Yeah, it was hella annoying- but you passed your exam with flying colors.

You baked her cupcakes in baking class to thank herd to which she was once again- VERY RELUCTANT. Even though once she was alone in his room, she melted into her chair after the first bite

Vander🕷️

He stared at the papers for awhile before taking them and reading each question to himself. “Uhm.. is that a yes?” You leaned in closer, trying to peek through is eye covering. His head snapped up, handing the papers back to Y/N. “The answers are A, B, D, A, C, C, D-“

“You’re supposed to read them to me!” You explained, causing him to stop. “Ah. Apologizes for my misunderstanding.” He gently took the guides back and read the questions in his gravely voice. At some points he stopped and stared at the paper for what felt like an hour. “Is everything alright?”

“Your handwriting is very pretty.” He replied blandly before continuing with the questions like nothing.

Oliver 🌸

“-if you could help me out with it?” You asked, holding the papers and cards up into view. You could visibly see Oliver flinch at her request. “Me?” He muttered, pointing to himself with shaking hands. “I’d love to help.. you.. but d-dont you think there are better choices? Like u-uh.. tutors? Or.. Taj?”

You shook your head and smiled brightly “I want your help.”

He quietly hyped himself up as he placed his heart scepter onto the stone rail behind him. “O-Okay then..” Oliver mumbled, hesitantly taking the papers from you.

The study session went great! You learned all you needed and passed the exam perfectly. Besides telling him to speak up every now and then, Oliver was the best tutor you could ask for.

Philip⚔️

Without another word, Philip was already reading each question with a clear voice. It was like being read a bedtime story by a robot. He was so punctuated and effortlessly perfect with everything he did. Edward wishes.

“I’m sorry to say Miss Y/N but..” He gulped “You’re handwriting is difficult to read-“

He spoke as if you were gonna beat him and take his nose. “How? That’s my best work!” You stepped closer to peak at the papers.

“Maybe your just used to reading fine print. My work is authentic.” You crossed your arms and remarked with a smug face. Philip stopped and stared at your face. Playful confidence.

He was also orderly and strict, seeing you be so original made him admire you greatly. “U-Uh ahem. Back to uhm.. this.” He cleared his throat and his mind as he began to read through the papers again.

Hans ⚡️

“No.” Hans said coldly, not bothering to even look at Y/N. “Oh, come on. Nothings happened in weeks! No one would even care if you diverted your attention somewhere else for A FEW MINUTES.” She reasoned, dropping her hip and placing her hand upon it angrily. “I can assure you it’ll be more than ‘a few minutes’. Especially with you.” He insulted. Y/N gasped, gently hitting him over the head with the papers “I’m gonna fail if you dont help me!”.

“That’s my problem how?” Hans groaned, his grip on his sector tightening.

After what felt like an hour of begging, he let out a harsh sigh before snatching the papers. He rushed through each question and told you to quit bothering him. “Thanks, Hans.” You giggled, retreating to your dorm.

“Oh, Hanny~ Whatever shall I do without you~!” Nathaniel sung in his best Y/N impression. “Dont worry, sweetheart, I got this.” Alexander replied in his best Hans voice. The two laughed at Han’s growing anger before Zalia ordered them to stop.

Nathaniel 🧸

“Yes! I mean of course!” Nathaniel chirped. You smiled at this enthusiam and held out the papers for him. Nathaniel then gently pushed your hands back with his free hand “Nononoo please, meet me after school and we can study somewhere quieter.” He insisted. Skeptical, you followed his orders and went off back to the courtyard to finish up the school day. Maybe he was just buying himself time to escape- or replace himself with another student. Nathan wouldn’t do that..

Right?

That same afternoon, you waved a goodbye to Avery as you made your way down the stairs of Royal High. As you got closer to the main entrance you saw Nathaniel waiting causally. Seeing him without his armor was really a treat, especially when his dreamy eyes would be focused on souly you. Relief washed over you to see his cheery smile urging you towards him.

He took you out to drinks at Diamond Beach. His treat, thankfully. The two of you sat facing each other at a bar table and chatted the evening away. In all honesty…

Little studying got done. But having him be so forward and kind was more than enough motivation to pass that test.

Taj 📚

Before you could ever begin talking, Taj placed his sceptor on the ground and held out his hands eagerly for the study guide. You were taken aback by his excitement but you handed him the papers. Taj reader quickly through the words before already having an answer for every single one. “Ok so the variable is a lie on this equation! And to find the true ‘form’ you have to simplify and use the denominator-“ He explained rapidly before noticing your overwhelmed expression.

Taj cleared his throat and took a step back to let you calm down. “Apologizes, dear Y/N, let me try that again.”

For the next hour, he explained each question in great detail and made damn sure you understood every step. Sooner or later, you were passing that class well enough to skip a grade.

Avery 👑

“Morning Y/N! Going out for lunch?” Avery chirped as you approached the entrance. “Nope.” You replied with a turn of the head. “Need something from your car?”

“Noopeee.” You turned your head again, crinkling the paper in your hand gently to give her a slight hint. “Want to study by the dream fountain?”

“Ugh! I’m here for you, Ave!” You broke, holding out the paper. “Me?” She questioned, taking the paper and reading over the print. Her face lit up in realization but then darkened again. “I have this same study guide, Y/N..”

“You have this class? Then you can totally help me out!” You cheered before noticing her pained expression. Oh no..

Both of you spent the night in your dorm trying to figure out that the hell each question means. What does it mean by ‘Ratify the Denominator’?!??!!

Leon 🧿

“So can you help?” You asked. Leon stared at the paper and took a longggggggg sigh. He hesitantly reached out for the paper only to see the subject of the problems. “Oh hell yeah I can help you!” He gasped, immediately dragging you over to the fountain to sit and go over it. Leon wasn’t the brightest but he didn’t shine through on certain topics.

“And that’s how to destroy the maribeth of the grounding rules.” Leon huffed, finally taking a breath from all the talking he’s been doing. “I think I get it now! Thank you so much- Oh! Can you take a look at this for me? Can you help with this aswell?” You pulled another paper from your bag and handing it to his gloved hands.

Leon’s eyes scanned over the words before shoving the sheets back into your arms and scurrying back to his post.

Notes-

Ratify the Denominator is exactly how my teacher sounds to me 💀 I’m not even sure I’m doing math anymore.

[psalacanthea]

this is an old thing, a little during DAI Solas-perspective Solavellan for anyone needing something sweet this Saturday.  For all my ‘nah, they totally boned there’ Solavellans.  NSFW at the end.  2.8k.  (i might put in on AO3 later, unless I forget [i will forget])

...

Solas had a feeling that if he asked Ellana to stop, she would.  No, it was more than a feeling.  A certainty.  Whenever he paused, she pulled back, whenever he resisted, she stopped.  To the outside it might look as if she was aggressively pursuing him, but he knew she would cease in a split second if he asked her to.

And yet, he did not.

It was a surprisingly pleasant thing, to be hunted in this manner.  He knew she was skilled, but the talent extended to other areas besides her grace and the deadliness of her bow.  After the kiss in the fade - still a sweet, stomach-clenching memory – she had allowed him all the distance he desired without a word of complaint.

Then she started courting him.

It was merely small things at first; she would see Leliana and afterwards bring down the books he'd asked for from the library.  Cakes pilfered from the kitchen with an impish child's humor were presented to him proudly.  They would have given them to her if she'd asked, but she seemed to find endless delight in thievery.  

Her unflagging brightness, her sheer determination to find joy in her circumstances was admirable, and it amused him as well.

That alone was a revelation, the way she brought a smile to his lips even when she was absent.  He would find a small note she'd written him slipped between the pages of a book, generally biting, witty commentary about the tome itself.  She was sharper than the edges of her arrows, and he found it endlessly fascinating.  The way she'd laugh and charm the people they met and then turn around and make some sort of sly, dark comment about it all.  

There was no naivete in her humor, no denial; she saw her circumstances for the great and terrifying farce that they were.

Sometimes flashes of vulnerability would show through it all, depths of sorrow that she hid behind a smile.  He could see how much she hated it all, the titles, the worship of the Andrastians.  She flinched, every time someone called her Herald.

At first, in her posture, and then when she tempered that, he could still see it in her eyes.

Self-mockery and pain, and a bitter resignation.

He understood.

She kept it from him apart from the occasional dark and sarcastic joke, until the first note appeared anywhere but a book, left inside his bedroll as they camped at the outskirts of Crestwood.  It had been folded into a small bird, and he smiled and admired it for a moment before carefully unfolding it.  It almost seemed a shame to do so.

The words within were a shocking vulnerability, a heartbreaking confession.

Sometimes I wonder if they know how terrifying they are.  How horrifyingly cruel and brutal.  They say to me, 'You are the Herald of our greatest martyr', and they expect me, her victim, to be glad of it.  I should be honored to be raised so far above my people, to be allowed to murder for them instead of being murdered by them.  I laugh because it is easier than crying, or screaming.  I wonder if they will burn me, too, when they are done with me.

I hope they choke on my ashes.

That was the first night he wrote her a note in return.  He folded his into a star.  It seemed appropriate.  Not that the new vulnerability meant she had stopped pursuing him.  If anything, she grew all the more flirtatious.  

And indiscreet.

Solas became intensely aware that Dorian and Sera were very tired of her sighing about him over her drinks.  Gossip traveled, and quickly.  He struggled to hide his flushes as Dorian complained at him about it over the railing, reciting some of her more choice phrases with absolutely no shame whatsoever.  It seemed she was very fond of his legs and had waxed poetic about them.  At length.  And his jaw, apparently, and nose, freckles, eyes, lips...it was getting to be a bit much, but the second-hand flattery was undeniably pleasant to hear.  If embarrassing.

He did not ask her to stop, though Josephine did.  Repeatedly.

After a week of this new assault, the next letter appeared, on his pillow in his chamber.  

No one had seen her enter or leave, but his window had been open.

They say I should behave.  But I will not, until you tell me to.  Is it inappropriate?  I wonder. They need me, so I will keep doing as I like.  Dorian says that you smile, and so I think that you don't mind, even if you haven't said anything to me.  I wonder about a lot of things.  What your lips would taste like if I kissed you, what sort of sounds you would make if I snuck up behind you as you stand at your desk and slid my hands down the front of your pants.  Do you moan?  Would you say my name? You kiss as if you might.  You kiss as if you might suck all the air out of my lungs, and make me glad to die of suffocation.  I will remember it tonight, when I touch myself.  Sleep well.

That note, he kept in a book next to the bed.  

And then, for the next week, she had the oddest habit of popping up behind him while he was working.  Innocent, oh so innocent her expressions, asking curious questions, smiling winsomely.  There was absolutely no one who wasn't aware now that she was interested in him by then.  Of all people, Cassandra seemed utterly invested in it all.  She would ask the most prying questions, watch them with a hawk's gaze when they were in the field.  It was not a threatening gaze, if anything it seemed soft.

Hopeful.

All of her wicked machinations, all of this playful and overt courtship, and she had yet to even touch him.  If she was planning to drive him mad, she was doing a rather good job of it.  She chipped at the edges of his restraint, slowly whittling it away.  Eventually it was curiosity, more than anything else, that kept him from saying anything about it all.  What would she do next?

She, apparently, asked him to dance.

He did not know she would have handled the Winter Palace with such grace.  Knowing her fear and hatred, he was staggered at how flawlessly she had navigated it.  When she stopped to speak with him, he could feel the tension in her, the exhaustion and wariness that she let show in her eyes.  He wanted nothing more than to sweep her away to a quiet corner and let her relax, but they both knew he couldn't.  That such luxuries could not be afforded.  Instead they shared quiet, wry words about the artifice and intrigue, enjoyed what there was to be enjoyed.  She made some cutting remarks about a some particularly egregious gowns, just to make him chuckle.

He saw her shoulders relax as he laughed for her.

Later, leaning against the railing of the balcony outside, he watched her slump as Morrigan swept away, releasing it all.  It was then that he finally broke that distance between them, in the only way he could think of at that moment.  The first time they had touched, apart from accidental brushes in the heat of battle, or when he healed her wounds.  He gently placed a hand on her back, offering comfort in that moment when she let her vulnerability show in more than little hidden notes.

It was if that single touch, and then the dance that followed had broken some wall inside of her.

Suddenly her hands were everywhere, when she had been so careful not to intrude on his space before.  Pressing too close when she passed him in a cave, the curve of her hip nudging between his thighs, making his breath catch. She'd smile in the low light, and then move on before he could decide if he would reach for her.  She sat next to him around the fire, thighs touching, arm brushing against him when she leaned forward.  

Large things, small things.  Light touches on his arm when they spoke, a playful push against his shoulder when he offered a sly joke.  And then, one particularly pulse-pounding afternoon at the base of a circular stairwell, when she poured herself against his chest to whisper a message from Josephine in his ear.  Utterly ordinary, that little report, something that could have been sent with any servant in the fortress.  Instead, she lazily murmured the status of his book requisition in his ear, a hand to either side of his chest, voice a breathy little sigh.  

He nearly grabbed her by the thighs and pushed her up against the wall right then and there.

When it had turned to love, he didn't know, but he recognized it at some point when he was watching her, so serious and calm, lean over the war table with her braid spilling over her shoulder.  Or maybe it was when he'd caught her delaying their departure from Skyhold to indulge in a game of chase and catch with the small gaggle of children that belonged to the servants.  She looked so happy then, free, free of the weight of their titles and expectations, free of his mark that burned like a brand in her palm and poisoned her veins.

It made his heart ache, the knowledge of it, and then the acknowledgment of those feelings.  It was the most unwise thing he ever could have done, falling in love with her, but how could he avoid it?  She was...everything.

He hadn't known what he was going to say until they were on the balcony, but he knew he had to say something.  Something to express even a fraction of the change she had wrought in his life.  And again, she charmed him, until he almost found himself saying what he had decided halfway through their conversation not to.  He simply couldn't.  It wasn't right, it wasn't wise...

“Don't go.”

Her fingers caught in the curve of his elbow, a beckon that only asked, didn't demand. Never had she demanded anything of him in all this time, but nor had she stopped pursuing.  He hadn't stopped her.

He wouldn't stop her.

The inevitability washed over him, the weight and knowledge of it crashing down on him as he turned and drew her in to him.  He knew then, at last, how her lips tasted, how it felt for her to be as desperate as he had been all this time.  The crush of her body, the way she gasped in against his lips as he pulled at her, her hands against his back.  It was...

His body pulled back, but his heart stayed, escaping his lips in a confession of what she doubtless already knew.

He loved her.

Space.  Time.  He needed both, to try and decide what this all meant.  The kiss had roused something in him, young and impulsive, and it was nearly impossible to cross those few feet to the stairs, especially with her bed out of the corner of his vision, inviting.  A constant invitation, never withdrawn.  An offering of comfort and peace for both of them.  Even if only for a moment.

And then he made the greatest miscalculation in all of this, a mistake that would haunt him every night thereafter.

He looked back over his shoulder.

Ellana stood there, a hand on her hip, leaning against the door with the smuggest expression on her flushed face.  Hair tousled, lips swollen and ruddy, the feline satisfaction in the look she was giving him was unmistakable.

She'd won.

He'd made the first move.

How had she tricked him?  It left his mind blank for a moment, a laugh startled from the depths of his chest at being outmaneuvered by her, trapped into a corner until he had no choice but to react.  What could he do now? She hunted, and he had been caught.

The fragility, the melancholy of his feelings for her shattered, leaving behind a fierce and uninhibited affection.

What a horrible vixen she was.

It was as if a dam had burst, as he succumbed to it, to her.  She was so sweet under his lips, under his hands, and he took it all.  There would be time for tenderness later, for now there was only the frantic need she'd been forging for ages now, that she'd sharpened to a hunger so acute that he was starving for her.  

It was unwise to fill a starving belly too quickly, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

Somehow they found the bed, leaving tangled clothing behind, both of them tripping at one point or another.  They fell onto it in a tangle of limbs, her with her shirt still half on, him in his leggings, pulled partway down his hips.  They were laying the wrong way across the bed, but it was big enough not to matter, though his feet dangled down as he bit a line up her breastbone, making her back arch.  She whimpered, and he found it absolutely fascinating.

Suddenly, his own need wasn't so intense.  He heard say his name in protest, but breathy and moaning, token noises and not any desire for him to stop. His hands slid up the underside of her thighs, feeling the muscles shift under his palms, before he pushed her knees up, and then up again, letting them spread to either side of her chest, her stomach rolling in a smooth arch.

He knew she was flexible, he'd seen her fight.  It was hard not to gloat over her like this, his torturer, all red cheeks and hazy eyes.  Exposed, with her swollen, slick arousal so plain to see.

“You had to know...” he murmured to her, words breathed out between her thighs. “That you would eventually pay for all your wickedness, vhenan.”

And then, with tongue and lips, and his fingers firm around her knees, he found just what sorts of noises she could make.  It was very little surprise that he found them all as captivating as her whimpers, especially when they involved his name.

He loved the way it slid off of her tongue, sinuous and breathy, preceded by a quavering intake of air.  The way it became more and more frantic, until she lost the syllables in a cry of ecstasy, whole body shuddering.  The strength in her lithe frame was astounding, the spasm of her hips so dangerous that he was forced to pull back.

How could he resist it?  

She was so close, so exquisite, on his tongue and under his hands.  Her hands were pulling down his leggings as his own slid over the curves of her calves, moving for her ankles, encircling them.  He held her legs to his chest as he felt her fingers slide along the length of him, guiding him to her.

And then he took her, claimed what she'd been offering, sinking deep into her in triumph and surrender.  There would be regret, and he didn't care in that moment, she was too wet and warm and alive, her vitality setting his nerves afire.  She was all smooth, toned lines, but he could make her shiver and squirm, and so he did, watching the tumble of her hair, the bounce of her breasts.

It was over too quickly, greedy thrusts that made that fascinating rear end slap against his thighs, hunger that had settled too deep for anything but devouring satiation.  Her sweat-slicked, supple body folded under his as he pressed over her, hilting deep, his hands finding hers and pinning them against the bed as he shuddered and let his hips grind against her.

The satisfaction that followed had been worth it all, he decided, as he tried to catch his breath while she nuzzled against him.  He would have been content to hold her then, savor it all, try to understand just what was happening and what it meant...but he learned then, as he would learn in the weeks to come...

He had taken a step that there was no coming back from.  She only gave him fifteen minutes to kiss and caress her before she pushed him on his back and kissed down his stomach.  That night he learned a very sobering lesson, that he wished he had known before he'd looked over his shoulder that day in her chambers.

There was no escape now that he'd let her in.  She was irresistible.

And she was insatiable.

[plussizewritersworld]

Y/N sat in the great hall, she opened her Care For Magical Creatures book, studying for the upcoming exam involving Unicorns. It’s now her sixth year at Hogwarts and her goal was to master the class. She loved the creatures and loved being around them. As she was immersed in her book she didn’t realize the pair of eyes burning into her. Her first year when she was sorted into Hufflepuff she made her goal to excel in her studies and pass all her exams. If she wasn’t sorted into Hufflepuff she would have been sorted into Ravenclaw, that’s what her friends always tell her. She loves Hogwarts, she loved her friends, and she loved being in Hufflepuff. She loves love. She cared for everyone and always shows kindness and respect for anyone she meets even when the feelings aren’t mutual. That is why she was sorted into Hufflepuff, her warm heart.

Her kindness is also taken for granted. Ever since she was little. Y/N was raised by her Grandmother who is a muggle. Her parents were both killed by Death Eaters, her Grandmother took her in and taught her everything she needed to know about the wizardly world despit being a muggle. At the age of twelve she was given her letter from Hogwarts and ever since she has been following the footsteps of her parents who were both Hufflepuffs.

“Y/N…someone has had their eye on you.” It was Meri. Meri was the first friend she made at Hogwarts. The two girls were both scared little girls getting on the zhogwarts express. Y/N closed her book and turned around, she met the dark eyes of Marcus Flint. She turned back around and looked at her friend.

“He most likely wants me to do an assignment for him.” Y/N told her. At seventeen most girls her age were starting to take interest in boys. Y/N wasn’t an exception, she had her crushes, only the different between she and other girls were those crushes never shared the same feelings. She isn’t pretty, she isn’t small and petite like most girls her age. She was short, she was chubby, her hair was rarely ever done.

“I don’t think so. This look seems different.”

“And what look could he possibly giving me? We have never spoken to each other before, he’s pretty popular within his house, and also a year older.”

“Don’t forget to add rough around the edges…Slytherin, vile, rude…the list goes on.” Y/N looked down and smiled. “Well you must have done something to catch his attention.”

“I couldn’t imagine what I couldn’t have done…I do need to see Hagrid about my next exam.” Y/N stood up and picked up her book. “I will see you at the Quidditch match later?“ Y/N asked.

“I’ll save your seat.” Meri replied with a smile.

The Quidditch match was intense. Slytherin versus Hufflepuff. Normally Slytherin would easily be able to beat Hufflepuff, but not today. Marcus Flint wasn’t happy. He wasn’t understand why his teammate were letting these Hufflepuffs get past their every good play. He got angry, he started to get aggressive.

“Flint is ready to end this for good!“ Lee’s echoes throughout the field. Y/N wasn’t a fan of Quidditch, she didn’t like how violent and dangerous it got.

“We could win this!“ Meri shouted, y/N turned to her and nodded her head. The two girls were sitting in the front row, both being pushed against the railing as the crowd cheered. It was crazier than usual, usually their team would be losing,but because they are winning, it’s pure chaos. Y/N was being pushed forward, she started to get a little nervous, the thought of falling was something she wanted to think of but with everyone standing up and trying to fight for the front row. She looked out and saw that Flint was close to scoring, she was trying to back up but the more she tried, the worse she was getting pushed.

“Flint is about to score, can they block him?!” Was all she heard before s student behind her roughly nudged her, she lost her footing and fell forward. It happened so fast, she felt a hand try to reach for her, Meri. She felt her stomach drop as she began to fall. She closed her eyes and let out a scream. The impact to the ground never came, instead she landed in a pair of arms. She slowly opened her eyes, she was floating in the air. She instantly wrapped her arms around her rescuer's neck.

Marcus didn’t notice what was happening. He heard commotion but figured it was the crowd cheering. It wasn’t till he flew up and was about to score that he saw her dangling. He was close, he was close to scoring the winning point. He wasn’t going to lie, he thought about making the score. He shook his head, let out a growl, and quickly flew to her just in time.

The arena was silent.

“Bring her down Flint!“ It was the voice of Madam Hooch. Flint with one hand around her waist and the other on the broom, he flew down to the ground. She looked at him, tears in her eyes. He stared back at her, still holding her by the waist. Madam Hooch interrupted their moment by pulling Y/N off the broom and to her feet.

“T…thank you.” Y/N thanked Marcus, he didn’t reply.

“Good work Flint.” Madam Hooch added.

Y/N was embarrassed. She was scared to see anyone. Never bad that happened before and yet it happened to her. The whole school saw her almost fall to her death. She found herself most comfortable sitting in the courtyard. It was dinner time so there was no one there, or so she thought. She opened her book and began to read, continuing her studies of the Unicorns.

“That was quite a show.” A voice announced. She got startled and tossed her book in the air, thankfully the person caught it. “Very timid.” He joked. Marcus.

“I’m sorry…I…thank you for today…you saved my life.” She stood up to retrieve her book, when she went to reach for it, he placed it above his head. She looked up at him in confusion.

“I feel like I deserve more than just an apology.” He taunted. She didn’t like where this conversation was going.

“I…I am not sure what else-“

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“I need my book.” She replied. “Please.” She reached for the book which was in the air. He moved it away, causing her to fall into his chest. He looked down at her, he was attracted to her innocence, her naive thoughts on everything.

“I threw the match because of you.”

“It wasn’t my fault Marcus…I am grateful for you and yes you do deserve more than a simple thank you.” That’s what he wanted to hear, but that wasn’t what he was going to get. “I would love to treat you to a trip to Hogsmeade…write a paper for you-“ He knew he had to approach her differently, most girls would be giving in to him, she was going to be a challenge…Marcus never loses.

“Hogsmeade it is then, Saturday.” She nodded her head. He lowered the book and handed it out to her, she reached but he quickly grabbed her wrist. She looked at him, his grip was tight. He leaned his head down, his lips right beside her ear. “You are making the right choice.” He whispered.

It was Saturday and Y/N was dressed and ready to meet Marcus. She was nervous, she wasn’t sure what she had gotten herself into. She has heard many stories about Marcus, she never listened to any of them, never fed into the,, and never judged him for anything, she never talked to him before. She did believe one thing that what said, he can be cruel and vile. She has seen him in the act. He bullied other students, had a reputation for getting violent and physical. She didn’t mention to Meri or her other friends about the outing, so she decided to keep it to herself. She looked at herself in the long mirror. Her choice was a light blue plain dress, heavy stockings, brown small half length boots, and a dark brown trench coat. Her hair was down with loose curls and a beanie to keep her ears warm.

She was ready.

She loves Hogsmeade. All the shops, the people, the atmosphere, it was fun. She never imagined she would be here with Marcus, his hand holding hers while leading them through the crowds of people. She had to admit, holding his hand made her feel warm inside, it was larger than her own, and warm. He led her into Three broomsticks Inn. She has been there a couple times, she enjoys the shops more rather than the pubs. He took them to an empty table towards the back and the two sat down. Y/N looked around, she didn’t like that they were secluded, but she went along with it.

“What can I get you two?” It was an older woman, she eyed the two teens up. Y/N looked at Marcus.

“Two Butterbeers.” He told her, the woman nodded and left them alone. “Haven’t been here before?“ He asked Y/N.

“A couple times…a couple years ago.” She admitted. “I…I prefer the shops.” She answered.

“Hogs Head is better but uh…I don’t think that is your cup of tea.” She nodded her head agreeing. “I have been trying to figure out why I haven’t spoken to you before this.”

“I didn’t think you even knew I existed.” She admitted. Marcus knew she did, he knew exactly who she was, who her parents were. He knew he could control her, he knew he could be the one in control, which is what he liked, what he wanted.

“That’s a silly thing to think about love.” She looked down, it wasn’t silly. She knew it had nothing to do with her appearance. He wanted something. She doesn’t have any experience when it comes to dating but she wasn’t completely naive.

“I suppose so.” She looked at him and smiled. “I…no one has ever asked me to come here…other than my friends.” She explained.

“You mean as a date?” She nodded her head. “So I am your first.” The woman returned with two large glasses. Y/N slid hers close and took a sip.

After their drinks Marcus suggested walking around and looking at the shops. The one glass of Butterbeer was definitely enough to relax her. Marcus extended his arm out to her and she gently wrapped hers around. She had a smile plastered on her face, as they began their walk. She loved it, she loved seeing all the new items the stores had, the people, just the atmosphere. Marcus looked down at her. She was different then most of the girls he has dated. She was quiet, she didn’t cling, and she didn’t talk his ear off.

“Marcus look.” She took his hand and led him this time. Magical Menagerie, a pet shop for magical creatures. In the front display window we’re Kneazles, baby Kneazles. Y/N loves the creature and planned on buying one the moment she had enough money too. “Aren’t they adorable?” She looked up at him.

“Expensive.” Was his reply. She nodded her head agreeing.

“My grandma…she has been trying to save enough money for me to buy one…one day.” Y/N gently tapped the class. Marcus usually dated girls who were on an upper status, their families came from money like himself. Y/N was the opposite. She lives in the muggle world with just her grandmother.

“Come it’s getting late.” He ordered her, she nodded her head and the two made their way back to Hogwarts.

The two arrived back to the school, it was just about dark outside and starting to get cold.

“I had fun.” Y/N said. She meant it too, she thought today was going to go differently, but it was actually nice.

“I still think you owe something.” He smirked at her, she thought for a moment, what else could she possibly owe him? She went on the date and even paid.

“I…I am not sure what else I could do-“

“A date usually ends with a kiss.” He informed her.

“Oh…Marcus I had a great time , I really did but I don’t…I can’t.” She told him, she looked down, suddenly embarrassed.

“And why can’t you?” He was suddenly getting upset and she could sense that. That wasn't her intention.

“I just can’t…I really am sorry.” He suddenly snatched her wrist. She was taken back and tried to pull away but his grip was tight and pain full. She looked up at him, fear filled her eyes. Just what he wanted.

“You would be either severely injured or dead if it wasn’t for me…a simple kiss wouldn’t hurt you.” He growled.

“It’s not just a simple kiss…it’s my first kiss and I will not let just anyone take that away from me-“ She was cut off by his lips smashing into hers. He placed his hand on her waist to pull her closer into him. She tried to turn away but he released her wrist and cradled the one side of her face to keep her from facing away from him. His kiss deepened as she began to lose balance and fall into him. She closed her eyes, accepting what was happening, his warmth began to feel good against her, his cologne was intoxicating. He pulled away and looked down, her eyes still closed, like she was in a daze. This is what he liked to see, this is exactly what he wanted, and he wanted more. He wanted to see what else he could make her do, only he had to take his time, not be greedy.

“First kiss huh?” He teased. She opened her eyes, coming back to reality. “I would have never imagined.” She moved away from him and refused to look at him.

“Goodnight Marcus.” She wrapped her arms around herself and turned away.

“Good night.”

The next few days she made sure to avoid Marcus. She was angry with him, she was angry with herself. Once again she was taken advantage of and she allowed it to happen. She was sick of the treatment, she was sick of how vulnerable she could be. How vulnerable he made her. What was more upsetting was she couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. The way he held her, the way he didn’t tease her for the way she felt, feeling his arm wrapped fully around her body. The way his lips taste, the way he pulled her into him, the way he could have gone further and she wouldn’t have stopped him.

“Y/N…if you want to master this creature I need your full attention.” The voice of Professor Hagrid invaded her thoughts. She turned to Professor Hagrid. Today he was allowing her to attempt to ride BuckBeak, his Hippogriff. She wasn’t fond of the idea of being in the air, but it was part of her studies.

“I apologize…I am ready.” She told him. Professor Hagrid handed her a piece of dead rat, the offering. BuckBeak instantly smelled the dead rodent, he lifted his head and took interest. She carefully approached, slowly and carefully. She leaned her body down into a bow position and placed the rodent In the air. She heard the footsteps of the creature coming towards her. Her hand remained completely still.

“That’s it…go ahead BuckBeak.” The Hippogriff sniffed her hand and within seconds snatched the rat. Y/N carefully lifted her head, BuckBeak was mimicking her, his head leaned down, she earned his trust. Y/N turned to Professor Hagrid who was clapping his hands and smiling. “Let’s take the ride.” He lifted Y/N up onto the Hippogriff and before Y/N could say anything she was galloping, holding onto the creature's neck. She closed her eyes as she felt him begin to flap his wings and descend into the air.

She was flying.

It wasn’t till she was back in the courtyard catching up studying that she realized she had made a mistake, only she didn’t know this. She was so immersed in her book that she didn’t realize till the book was ripped from hands and thrown onto the ground. She looked up in shock when Marcus was hovering over her.

“Avoiding me?” He spat.

“N…no I-“ He pulled her to her feet by her arm. “That hurts!” She shouted.

“Don’t lie to me!” He shouted back. The truth was he wanted to see her, he needed to see her but couldn’t find her. Ever since he kissed her, he couldn’t get her off his mind. He instantly felt regret when he saw her eyes fill with tears. He released her arm and stepped away from her.

“What is wrong with you?” She asked in a whisper. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He didn’t have an answer. “I…I was avoiding you.” She admitted.

“W…why?”

“You took advantage of me…you stole something that might mean nothing to you or others but means a lot to me.” The tears slowly rolled down her rosy cheeks. “What is worse is…I…I liked the kiss.”

“Why is that worse?” He felt offended.

“I know the type of person you are Marcus, all the rumors, I’ve seen you…I don’t want that.” He felt angry again, he felt angry because she was right. His reputation wasn’t the best.

“You believe those rumors?”

“You proved to me that maybe they are really true. The way you yell at me, grab me…you are a cruel person Marcus.”

“Is that really what you think? What if I said you were a weak Witch born from two weaker ones that couldn’t even fight against He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named? Huh? Had to live like a Muggle and pretend everyday that the world is a bloody rain of sunshine!” She looked up at him, not saying a word, just taking in everything he was shouting to her. “Maybe I should have let you fall.”

“If that’s what you think Marcus…then that’s fine.” She walked over to where her book was and picked it up. He quickly moved so that he was in front of her.

“It’s not fine, you and I both know that.”

“What does it matter? You hardly know me and I hardly know you. Whatever intentions you had…you can forget about it.”

“Yeah I had intentions, I admit that. The other night when I kissed you…seeing you so…the effect I had on you…I want more of that.” She wasn’t sure what to say, how to react, how to feel. “I want more of you.”

“You are going to hurt me.” He moved closer to her. “No…I have to go.” He gently reached for her hand but she moved away. “I have to go.” She repeated.

Y/N didn’t sleep at all, she couldn’t. Constantly tossing and turning. What did Marcus mean? Did he have feelings for her? Real feelings? She couldn’t understand the sudden interest. She got out of bed, unable to handle the restlessness. She knew what would help her. She snuck out of the common room and outside of the castle, she needed air, fresh air. It wasn’t till reached the whomping willow that she noticed a figure. She wanted to turn around, scared of who it could be, but then she recognized who it really was. The tall figure.

“Marcus?” She announced herself.

“W…what are you doing here?” He asked, startled.

“I…I couldn’t sleep.” She told him.

“Find somewhere else to go.” He was still upset with her. She looked down, she was upset with him too, but still she had to yearn to be near him. Ever since we kissed her.

“Why did you take interest in me Marcus?” He looked away.

“I love control and I knew I could get it from you. Your control.” She felt her heart drop. “When I kissed you, the face you made, the moment of I could dominate you and you couldn’t do anything about it.”

“That’s all this was? For you to tell me what to do?” Marcus shook his head no.

“You got it all wrong, love-“

“Do I? Marcus, what you are saying sounds absolutely mad. You can’t have control over someone like they are your pet.”

“I don’t want just someone. I want you. I want you.” He quickly approached her and wrapped his arms around her waist, this time she didn’t pull away. “I want your curves, I want your lips against mine, I want all of you.” He whispered. She was taken back. Marcus Flint told her all these things and she didn’t know what to do. She gently laid her hands on his chest. Her gentle touch gave him goosebumps. He wasn’t used to soft touches.

“What you want…I can’t.” She looked up at him.

“Just let me. Let me have you…emotionally and physically.” She shook her head no. This isn’t what she wanted, this wasn’t normal. She never thought Marcus was this kind of person, did he treat other girls like this? He placed his forehead against hers. She felt something, being in his arms like this, being so close to him, her brain was shouting at her to leave, to push him off you and leave. Your heart was telling you to give him a chance, see where this could lead. What was she supposed to do?

“What will happen?” She asked him. He pulled away and looked down at her. “I…is this a relationship?”

“It can be if that’s what you want. You will be mine.”

“If I agree to this…to being with you…what will it really mean?” She wanted to know what she would be getting herself into, she wanted to know she would be safe. He cupped her face gently, forcing her to look at him.

“It will mean you will do as I say, you will be by my side, you will be loyal to only me.” She gulped a bit. She placed her hands gently on top of his. “Just…just let me have you.” He sounded so desperate, so needy. Was it really him who held the power or was it her? She nodded her head. He let out a small sigh of relief.

“I’ll do it.” She told him, he leaned down and placed his lips on hers, pulling her closer into him while wrapping his arms around her. She closed her eyes and kissed him back, his eagerness made her nervous but at the same time it felt right.

There will be multiple parts to this story, I have so many ideas and I feel like I can create so much more:)

[specialagentlokitty]

Castle x reader - just hold you

Sitting on the wooden fence, you held the apple in your hand as you watched the horse across the field staring at you.

“Well?” You called.

Slowly he began to walk over, and you smiled to yourself.

“Yeah, you stubborn horse, I know you can’t say no to apples.”

The horse stopped just in front of you, letting out a huff of air and you smiled.

“Well Rocky?”

He hooved the ground a little bit, but fully walked over, taking the apple gently from your hand to eat it and you rubbed the top of his head.

“Good job buddy.”

Hearing a car door close, you turned around, jumping down from the fence, walking over with a smile.

“Sheriff Blakk, hey.”

“Hey kiddo, this that woman you were telling me about?” He asked.

You looked at Beckett and smiled, walking over to give her a hug.

“Yeah it is, I hope you don’t mind but she’s really good at her job.”

“I don’t mind the help, I could do with it to be honest.”

You nodded your head.

“I’ll fill her in on the case, just make sure that moron don’t get booted by Rocky.”

The sheriff laughed and walked over to Castle who was approaching the horse in the field while you began to tell Beckett about why you had called over out here.

Castle reached his hand out.

“I wouldn’t.” The sheriff said.

Castle pulled his hand away, turning to the man.

“Why not? He looks friendly enough.”

“Rocky? Not a chance, that horse put three of my men in hospital just trynna round him up. Got a temper and a hate for humans.”

“Seriously?”

Castle slowly backed away.

Rocky watched castle, slowly walking up and down the fence.

“Don’t stare at him, he’ll clear that fence and trust me you don’t wanna be stood near him.”

“Okay…”

Castle turned back to you, and he grinned a little to himself, walking over.

“Didn’t put you down as cowboy type.” Castle said.

“Just cause I’m helping at my parents ranch that don’t make me a cowboy castle but thanks.” You laughed.

He grinned even more and Beckett pointed at him.

“No.” She scolded.

He pouted a little.

“Are you helping on the case?” He asked.

“Nah, I’m still on holiday so not a chance castle, but you and Beckett are more than welcome to stay here, my parents have some rooms available.”

“That’ll be a huge help thanks (Y/N).” Beckett smiled.

You grinned a little.

“No problem guys, make yourself at home. I need to go but I’ll be around, I’d not Sheriff Blakk or my parents can find me.”

“Wait can I stay?” Castle asked.

“You got work to do Castle.” You said.

With that, you waved at them and jogged away back towards the house.

Because of their case and you working on the ranch, they didn’t often see much of you, you were up before them and you came home after them.

Your parents were more than accommodating to them though, making sure they were well rested and well fed.

“Gotta admit it is a nice break.” Beckett said.

“Oh yeah, outside city life and everything, nobody recognises me out here.” Castle said.

“It’s a hard working country time castle, I doubt they have time to read your silly crime drama.”

“Ouch.”

Beckett grinned a little, resting her arms on the railing in front of her.

“What’re we waiting for anyway?” He asked.

“The Sheriff said they’re bringing a suspect in, wants us to handle the interrogation.”

Castle slowly nodded.

“So… the horse coming down the road?” He asked.

Beckett furrowed her brows and turned down the road where there was a horse coming closer and closer.

“Oh my god it’s that horse I was telling you about!” Castle whispered.

“The one you were told was aggressive?”

“Yeah!”

Castle hid behind Beckett.

“That thing was massive, I wouldn’t mistake it for anything else..” he whispered.

“Well why the hell are you handing behind me?!”

“I don’t know you have a gun!”

They watched as the horse came over, and they saw somebody sat on his back.

“Oh my god is that (Y/N)?” Beckett asked.

You gently pulled Rocky to a stop, gently patting the side of his neck.

“Atta boy, wait here.”

You swung your legs over and dropped done to the floor, walking over to the front of the police station.

“Hey guys, what’s up?”

“He’s yours?” Castle asked.

“Who Rocky? Yeah, trained him myself. I wouldn’t go near him though.”

You grinned, jogging inside and they carried on talking outside.

Neither of them paid much attention as other people came over on horses, not until you came rushing outside pointing to one of them.

“You lost your damn horses?” You asked.

“How the hell do you loose more than one horse?” Castle asked.

“I broke the lock to the field, please you gotta help me, my wife is gonna kill me if I don’t get em back.”

You laughed a little, pointing behind him.

“I think I know where they went.”

“Shit man, help me!”

They all ran back to their horses or trucks, however they got there and you laughed, grinning and Beckett and castle.

“So much for a holiday, later guys!”

Running over to Rocky who was laid down, you climbed on his back and he stood up, running after all the other horses.

Castle just watched in awe as you raced away, stood up, feet in the stirrups, catching a rope that was thrown at you.

“So cool…” he whispered.

“Castle do you have a little crush on (Y/N)?”

“Come on Beckett! That was so cool! They’re so cool!”

Beckett laughed a little, shaking her head as she walked back inside.

When it was time to go back he decided to stay, and he began to follow you around, seeing what it was like to really live and work on a ranch.

He was watching you throw some bales of hay down from a massive stack and he gestured to it.

“Can I help?”

“Dressed like that? Not a chance.”

“What’s wrong with how I’m dressed? I thought you liked how I dress?”

You laughed a little.

“I do, but for this kinda work it ain’t practical Castle, it can get dirty it rip.”

“I can get more.”

You shrugged, jumping down and holding your hand out to him.

“Come on then.”

Castle climbed back up with you, and you showed him what to do.

“First, roll your sleeves up, trust me you don’t want them getting stuck.”

“Right.”

He rolled up his sleeves and gripped the bale of hay like you did, and you tossed it down by the truck.

“Aren’t you supposed to throw it in?” He asked.

“If I wanna break the truck yeah, but one of the guys will sort it in a minute to take it out.”

“Can we stand on truck beds?!”

“You get hurt I ain’t taking responsibility.”

“Deal!” He grinned.

Castle loved doing ranch work, it was like a game for him, even if it was more hard work than he was used too.

You taught him what to do and then he’d do it, it was a good system.

Up until it came to taking a ride and he couldn’t figure out how to put a saddle on the horse.

“Castle, seriously? How have you put it on upside down?”

“I don’t know! I swear it was the right way!”

Laughing softly, you walked over to him, standing on the stool next to him.

“Just loosen the straps and turn it, like this.”

You showed him what to do.

“Then tighten them again and you’re all set.”

“So can I get on now?”

“Go for it.”

You jumped down, letting castle get on the horse, and the moment he was on his was in the floor.

Hands flying to your mouth you rushed over to him, crouching down in front of him.

“Are you okay?”

“Oh yeah, actually helped with my back pain.”

You laughed a little and he grinned.

You helped him sit up and you called for your horse who came over, standing behind you and castle stared up in slight fear.

“If you wanna go for a ride, I think we should just go on Rocky, that way I can make sure you don’t get thrown off again.”

You stood up, patting Rocky on the nose and he lowered himself down for you.

Climbing on, you gestured for castle to come over.

“He won’t eat me will he?”

“Relax he’s fine if you’re with me.”

Castle cautiously walked over, and he slowly got on the horse behind you, tightly wrapping his arms around you as Rocky stood up.

“I feel like a giant..” he whispered.

You laughed a little, shaking your head as you placed a hand on his arm.

“Just don’t panic and keep holding on to me.”

Castle grinned a little.

Of course Castle did actually know how to ride a horse, he just wanted an excuse to sit with his arms around you and this was as good as any.

He rested his chin on your head and you smiled a little bit patting his hand a few times, resting your back against his chest

[kattywonders]

Kikufuku- Chapter 3: New Starts

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Hi ! Sorry for such a long break. I got busy but, I am back ! I know this chapter may be boring but, I did want to introduce Geto and Shoko ! I hope that it's not too OOC as I tried my best ! Let me know what you think. <3

Thanks for supporting !

Love, Kat

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“Are you sure you can handle something this big, Satoru?” Suguru leaned against the doorway to Satoru's new apartment. Satoru, who was bent over a box of his belongings, glared over at his dark-haired friend through his sunglasses.

“Of course I can handle something like this.” Satoru turned his attention back to unpacking, though he could feel a shadow of doubt looming over him like a dark beast.

“What I am saying is Satoru... This is the child we are talking about. A child who needs attention and needs.” Suguru explained as he stepped closer to Satoru, who remained at his words. “Are you going to enroll her in school? How are you going to get money? What will she do when you are on missions? What if..” Suguru suddenly stops his lines of questioning when a sudden, dark thought crosses his mind—a reality sorcerers knew very well. Unable to finish, he squatted down next to Satoru, waiting.

“I will figure it out, but I can’t let her stay and rot. Please, Suguru. Just. I want to let her be a kid.” Satoru glanced up at his best friend, who sighed, shaking his hand as he stood up, hands tucked in his pockets. Suguru slipped out a laugh, causing Satoru to smirk, knowing he had won his friend over.

“Fine, I’ll help, but if it becomes too much, let her go back.” Suguru spoke firmly as Satoru nodded, returning to unboxing as Suguru joined in to help.

“Is that everything, Suki?” Satoru stood outside the entrance to the Gojo clan’s estate. A black man was a little down the street as Itsuki glanced up at her older brother holding his hand, grinning in excitement.

“Yup!” Itsuki replied gleefully, her hand on the handle of her tiger-themed suitcase filled with her toys and belongings. Satoru nodded, ruffling his sister’s hair and laughing at her protests, walking to the black car parked.

“Now, when we get here, I have a few friends I want you to meet, ok? Don’t get shy; they are all good people, mostly." Satoru teased, glancing over at Itsuki, whose face was pressed against the cool glass, admiring the ever-shifting landscape with a grin.

“You have friends?” Itsuki quips back with a playful grin at her brother as he glares at her, smirking and ruffling her hair aggressively. Itsuki giggles, trying to shove his hand away, kicking her legs in retaliation. Satoru softly gazed at his sister, glad he could finally tear her away from that place. Satoru glanced outside when the car eventually slowed to a nice apartment complex near Jujutsu High. Glad he pulled a few stings with cash to be allowed off campus.

Satoru could spot the familiar figure leaning against the staircase railing outside in uniform, a train of smoke floating into the surrounding air. Satoru grabbed Itsuki’s belongings as she raced out of the car, taking in the sights.

“This is where you will stay for a while, ok?” Satoru explained again to Itsuki as she nodded, giddy with excitement. Satoru chuckles gently, grabbing her hand and leading her up to their apartment, easily keeping up with her abundant energy.

“Satoru!” Suguru poked his head out of the apartment once Shoko alerted him as she smothered her cigarette. Itsuki paused, seeing the two strangers standing outside of the new apartment. A tiny hand tightened around Satoru's, stepping slightly behind him as the two strangers glanced at each other and then at Satoru, who laughed, pressing his hand behind Itsuki’s shoulder and pushing her out from behind.

“Itsuki, Meet Suguru and Shoko.” Satoru beams, introducing his friends, as Itsuki nods, unsure of what to say.

“You two are alike, huh? I thought you were joking." Shoko laughed at Satoru, who laughed along. Suguru bent down to Itsuki’s height, holding his hand out, his voice soft and gentle.

“It’s nice to meet you, Itsuki; Satoru always talks about you." Suguru teased as Itsuki grinned, taking his hand in response.

“Nice to meet you too,” she replied as Satoru yawned, scratching his neck. Itsuki glanced up at her brother as Sugurgu stood back up, hands tucked.

“I say we grab some dinner and finish.” Satoru offered to stroll in the tiger suitcase proudly into the new apartment. Itsuki trailed behind, soaking in the new home as Suguru stood behind her, smiling at her, a fondness holding over him.

“Sounds like a deal you're paying for?" Suguru teased his best friend, who rolled his eyes, sticking his tongue out back at Suguru, who mimicked back while Shoko rolled her eyes at the children, causing Itsuki to laugh.

“Of course, what about some KFC?” He offered, taking Itsuki’s hand in his and leading her in the middle between Suguru and Satoru while Shoko trailed behind.

[yandere-sins]

So I thought I’d give a little life-update as there’s a lot going on at the moment and I think it’s visible on my blog as well. Maybe the positives first:

I do really like my new work, I like that I have set hours (even if I do overtime here and there) and though it got incredible stressful the last few weeks, I think the four people that work in my office space are the coolest in the whole company and I love the support I am getting, it’s something I always wanted for my work-life tbh! My dog is also doing very fine, she’s really a total sweetheart and I wouldn’t know what to do without her, and at least I, myself, am doing pretty okay-ish physically, so nothing to complain there.

Now to the negatives.

Unfortunately, my mom’s cancer returned but is quite hard to pinpoint. She went back to an even more aggressive chemotherapy and we’re hoping for the best. Honestly, I don’t wish cancer on anyone, it’s such a tough battle and even just as the primary caretaker it’s been really hard to deal with for me, luckily I have grandparents and a brother who all deal with it and help and support, so that’s good! My mental health though is suffering. It’s biting my own butt now, but I cancelled therapy to focus on work at the beginning of this year and now my therapist is fully booked, so I will have to sit out this month probably. I am telling that because that’s the reason I am struggling with concentrating on one thing for a long time, which includes writing, which explains the fluctuation of posts you are seeing, since I try to get requests and drafts done on the weekend when there’s less stress. Sadly only works like 30% of the time...

Going forward I have decided to indefinitely pause commissions. I have noticed that they put too much pressure with the deadline and expectancy on me when I am already struggling and sometimes need a day to myself. I can’t say when they’ll come back, but thank you all so much for your interest and support, it’s always a pleasure to write your ideas and I never had a bad experience with commission ♥

Good news for Mermay: it’s still happening! ... buuuut I am shortening the story I came up with. I think I was too ambitious with the three routes I teased, so I am trying to figure out how to ensure that it won’t drag out as much as Atreo’s story last year. Unfortunately, the start will be delayed some more, but we were going to celebrate Mer-June anyway, so at this point it probably doesn’t make as much difference (’:

Because the question arose a few times already, I will not be playing Honkai Star Rail. It has a few reasons, but the main one is I don’t have the time. Sorry to everyone who asked about it, but it’s just not the right time for me at the moment! ): I’ll probably be miserable again later when everyone has moved on to it and I am stuck behind but I have to make cuts somewhere ;;

I actually have some commissions and requests that I haven’t released yet, so I will try to schedule some of these in the meantime while I work out how to go about stuff. If you’ve been around for a while you probably know I like routines that’s why it’s always important for me to build them and keep them up. Other than that, I’ll probably focus on Mermay and my own writing projects which will happen rather irregularly. No guarantees on posting, sadly ):

I do realize tho that it just isn’t always possible to keep up frequency of posts and interactions I had when I started this blog, as much as it saddens me. I have to prioritze my real life before my internet presence (and I really need to not feel guilty about taking breaks from everything ever so often ;;), so if you see me vanishing for a few days, it’s just that really.

Thank you everyone who stuck around and supports this blog ♥ There’s another big milestone coming up veeery soon and I am always in awe that so many people would stay to read my silly little stories!! If you have some time and don’t mind waiting for a response, I’m always happy to chat and answer questions, so please don’t hesitate to hit me up!

Thanks everyone ♥