#I worked from home earlier this week because of the snow

[randomthunk]

Every January I reach the point where I've been watching a constant stream of MST3K episodes since Thanksgiving, so I just have to draw something. Dr. Forrester is fun since he has such a strong look, including a ponytail in the early seasons because mullets.

[varpusvaras]

So Palpatine is found out to be the Sith and to having been playing the war on both sides.

The Senate is furious. They want to know how no one caught this earlier. They cannot admit that they didn't see anything, either, and were fully on board with almost everything Palpatine had said and done before. They cannot admit that they had been in the wrong.

They try to blame the Jedi. Some of it sticks, but not permanently, because the Jedi are like yo bro wtf we were on the battlefields for 99 percent of the time, we didn't have the time to stand there and stare at him, so they need to find even more scapegoats.

They turn to look at the Guard.

It's their job to protect the Republic! How did they not notice! They must've been in on it!

The Guard is like ????? okay sir first of all, we were too busy to be crawling around in the prisons and on the lower levels to ever even talk to the Chancellor during our entire lives, we weren't that important

But one of you has been reporting to the Chancellor. Doing his datawork for him. He must've noticed! How could he have not! Who was this one Guard!

It's Commander Fox.

The Senate wants to take Fox to the courts. But he is not there. The Guard goes Commander Fox who? Never heard of him. Are you sure that it's not just some ploy made by the Sith? Maybe he's someone who is just impersonating a Guard or something, we don't know. We have never had a Commander by that name in the Coruscant Guard

They interrogate the entire Guard for days, weeks. They all just say that there has never been a Commander Fox in the Guard. No one can find him. Commander Fox has never been seen without a helmet by anyone who is not a clone. They cannot verify who he is, if he is trying to hide among the other Guards

The Senate finds out that Commander Fox has brothers outside of the Guard. They bring them in. Cody and the others are just as confused by all of this as the rest of them. They know Fox exists. The Jedi keep reassuring them that everything will be okay if Fox comes forward, so they try to see if Fox is there. He is not. Cody goes to ask Thorn what is going on. Thorn looks him dead in the eyes and says he has never even heard of a Commander Fox before all of this. He just keeps staring at Cody with absolutely no expression when Cody tries to insist. No, never heard of Commander Fox before this. Are you sure you're okay Marshal Commander Sir? You've been in many close calls during the war. That scar looks rather nasty. Must've been quite a hit. Have you ever gone and checked it out? Could be a concussion.

Cody knows that Thorn knows that he got the scar on Kamino. Cody points this out. Thorn continues to look him in the eyes and flat out says no you didn't.

Cody looks at Thorn. Thorn looks at Cody.

Cody gives up.

All the other Guard Commanders say the same. To all of them. So do all the troopers, down to the newest shiny.

The Jedi try to go in and ask. It doesn't work. Their working theory is that being so close to the Sith has made them develope stronger mental shields. Maybe. Anyway no one is saying anything to them either. Yoda thinks this is hilarious. He keeps cackling behind his stick. Mace looks at him like bffr.

The Guard is firm in their stance. Commander Fox does not exist.

The Senate is still in an uproar about all of this. Bail looks at Padmé and Mon and goes you know what? I'm getting a headache from all of this. This is stupid. I'm going home. I suggest that all of you do the same. My wife said that we are renewing our vows and then taking another honeymoon. I'm going now goodbye.

Yeah, sure, Padmé and Mon say. They all pack up their things and go home the next day.

(The Organa family has a beautiful vacation home on the mountains. The sun is shining warmly but there is still snow at this time of the year. Some rare flowers are in the bloom amidst the ice on the rocky sides of the mountain. There's a view for a glacial lake from the front windows. The fire place is lit and the beds are warmed up and have thick blankets on them.

Fox sits in front of the fireplace, being sandwhiched between his wife and husband, and he looks out at the lake and takes a sip from the sugariest cup of hot chocolate that exists in the entire Galaxy.

Commander Fox does not exist.

Fox Organa does.

And he's on a vacation.

Please do not disturb)

[psformybss]

When It Happened to Me Pt. 2

pt. 1

pairing: drew starkey x exgf!reader

warnings: angst with a happy ending, exes to lovers, emotional repression, unresolved feelings

︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　

You don’t plan on seeing him again.

You tell yourself that seeing him the other day was enough—that it was brief and strange and bittersweet, like bumping into an old version of yourself. That it stirred up just enough memory to hurt, but not enough to mean anything.

You avoid downtown for the next few days, staying tucked inside your childhood home like you used to when storms rolled through. You throw yourself into client work from your makeshift studio in the attic. You repaint the guest bathroom just because it’s something to do. You walk the neighborhood loop with headphones in, pretending the wind doesn’t sound like his voice when it’s soft.

But then it’s the day before Thanksgiving, and Sage, your younger sister, bursts through the front door like a girl on fire.

“Hey, can you help me with something?” she calls up the stairs.

You close your laptop, already tired. “With what?”

She grins, bounding into your room with that younger-sister energy that never really faded. “The gallery downtown. The holiday walk-through. I promised Mrs. Tate I’d hang a few pieces tonight, and now she wants to rearrange the whole damn place. Please. I can’t do it alone.”

You sigh. “Why does this sound like a trap?”

“It’s not,” she says too fast. “Promise.”

But when you pull on your coat and follow her out the door, there’s something in her smile that feels like a secret.

Downtown Hickory is already starting to light up—storefronts glowing gold, windows painted with snowflakes and pine trees even though it won’t snow until January, if at all. You pass Canton Coffee on instinct, your feet slowing without meaning to. You look away before the memories can take root.

Sage’s little art gallery is nestled between the bookstore and the bakery. She opens the front door, arms already full of frames and wire hooks.

“I just need help hanging the big ones,” she says over her shoulder. “Shouldn’t take long.”

But the second you step inside, you stop short.

Because he’s there.

Drew.

Leaning against the back wall in an old flannel and jeans, his hair pushed back like it used to be when he was trying to concentrate. He straightens the second he sees you, like your name just slipped off his tongue.

“Sage,” you whisper, barely turning your head.

She shrugs, fake innocence written all over her face. “He stopped by earlier. Said he missed the gallery. I told him you’d be here.”

You exhale slowly, heart stuttering in your chest. “You ambushed me.”

“Call it a sibling favor,” she says, already halfway out the door. “I’ll be next door if you kill each other.”

Then she’s gone.

You turn to him slowly, pulse loud in your ears.

“You’re still good at sneaking up on people,” you say.

“I wasn’t trying to,” he says. “I just… didn’t want the coffee shop to be it.”

You fold your arms across your chest. “Why now?”

He steps toward you. Just enough to feel close, not enough to be dangerous. “Because I haven’t stopped thinking about it. About you. Not once since I left.”

You look down at the polished wood floors. You don’t want to cry. You swore you wouldn’t.

“You got out,” you whisper. “You got everything you wanted.”

“I didn’t think I could have you and the dream,” he says. “I thought I had to pick. And I picked wrong.”

You don’t say anything for a while. You just walk slowly through the gallery, fingers trailing the edge of a canvas Sage painted last winter. You hear him behind you, but he doesn’t push. He waits.

Finally, you stop in front of a photograph he doesn’t recognize.

You took it the week after he left—Orion stretched across the sky above the old drive-in. A quiet night with no one around. The caption at the bottom reads: the things we wish we said out loud.

His voice breaks the silence.

“Is that…?”

You nod.

“I never stopped looking for you in the stars,” he says.

You turn to face him.

“I waited,” you admit. “I waited until I couldn’t anymore. Until it felt pathetic. Until my mom stopped asking how you were doing. Until my hands stopped reaching for my phone when I had good news.”

His face crumples. Not fully. Just enough that you see the cracks.

“I didn’t stop loving you,” he says, stepping closer. “I thought letting you go was the right thing. I thought you’d move on.”

“I tried,” you say, voice breaking. “But no one else felt like you.”

He reaches for your hand then—just like he used to. Gentle, cautious, like he’s waiting for you to pull away.

But you don’t.

You let him take it.

And for the first time in years, it feels like something inside you exhales.

Later, when the gallery is quiet again and Sage has returned to lock the front door, he walks you home.

The town is still. The air smells like cold woodsmoke and pine. He doesn’t say much—just listens to the sound of your footsteps side by side, like he’s memorizing the rhythm.

When you reach your yard, the stars are already out.

He stops at the edge of the grass and tilts his head back, scanning the sky like he used to.

“There,” he says, lifting your hand. “Orion.”

You follow his gaze, your chest aching in that old, familiar way.

“I missed this,” he says quietly. “Missed you.”

You look over at him. He’s not polished here. Not perfectly lit or camera-ready. He’s just Drew. The boy who used to hold your hand like it was the only thing that made sense.

You nod.

“I missed you too,” you say.

And then he kisses you.

Not because it’s perfect. Not because everything is fixed.

But because for the first time in years, the stars don’t feel so far away.

And neither does he.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　

︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶

an:

im a sucker for happy endings so i couldn’t leave it as just one part 😭

[kyokutsu-sama]

Just passing through

Sanemi x f!reader

A/n: I was supposed to post this earlier but this past week I was too busy and many of my projects were postponed but now that I have more time I will try to work on them😅

Anyway, here's another fic about this wonderful man❤️

Tw: Nsfw

This was another one of those times when he arrived in the middle of the night, injured and tired after a long mission. Some Kakushis who saw him staggering and injured tried to offer help but he just push them away as he walked to the butterfly mansion, looking for the only person he trusted to treat him. And surprisingly, it wasn't Shinobu.

She already knew about his affair with one of her tsgukus. In fact, it wasn't really a little affair since it had been going on for a few years but she never wanted to question them directly about the matter, limiting herself to just listening to the rumors that ran through the halls. She began to suspect when he preferred to be treated by the tsuguko rather than her. Even Kanao who was with her that day found it strange but Shinobu quickly realized.

It definitely wasn't because she didn't know what she was doing, it was just because he probably had a crush on Y/n and that made him want to be close to her.

He entered the mansion, leaning against the wall and letting out a sigh. His other hand pressed the wound on his abdomen that stained his uniform with blood. Shinobu approached him from behind, he felt her presence and looked over his shoulder.

"Shinazugawa-san, are you hurt? Do you need help?" She asked

"I think so, go call her." He ordered and she then went to tell Y/n that he was there

"L/n, Shinazugawa-san is here and says he needs your help." Shinobu said, entering the office where she was and she turned to Shinobu, worried about the news

"Is he hurt?"

"He came in bleeding and asked to call you, anyway I'm going to let him in so you can see his condition better."

"Yes, please." She nodded, starting to prepare things to treat him

Shinobu approached him who was sitting on the floor leaning against the wall, with his hand covered in blood and looking at her.

"It's that door on the left." Shinobu pointed to where she was and he got up and went there without saying anything

He entered the office and closed the door, she looked at him when he suddenly entered and sighed when she saw his condition.

It was nothing new for her to see him in that state, since she had already treated him several times. If he happened to come back from a mission at night and she weren't at the mansion, he would went to her home. He always looked for her. Not only because she healed him with her medical skills but also with her love for him, which he also reciprocated.

She healed all the pain he had, inside and out.

Her eyes wandered all over his body, his sweaty and dirty skin, the wounds he carried that would later become more scars on his body adorned with dozens of them. Some blood also ran from his forehead and stained his white hair, looking like blood on snow. His breathing was labored and his face was slightly red, his uniform had tears and his haori was hanging over his shoulder.

He looked more... attractive than usual at that moment, even though he was dirty and bloody. That figure right in front of her undoubtedly spread a certain warmth throughout her body.

"Another long mission?" She asked but he remained silent, throwing the haori aside. "Sit on the stretcher, please." She ordered and he did so

She approached him and unbuttoned the only button on his uniform, near his belly button, and took it off. His gaze went from her hands to her eyes and she met his gaze for seconds that seemed endless.

He leaned forward so she could slide the cloth down his arms and toss him aside. And there it was, the wound Shinobu had mentioned before. It looked like a scratch caused by the demons' claws. It looked a little deep but not deep enough to have pierced any organs. Which made her feel more relieved.

"It doesn't look like the claw hurt any internal organs, but even so, you should be more careful. It could have been worse."She warned, sitting on a stool and analyzing the wound

"Tch! My blood is like poison to demons. While I could just heal myself with some help and time, they can't heal from death."He grumbled as she cleaned the open wound

"Even so, the last thing I want is to see you hurt yourself on purpose so you can use your blood to your advantage."

"You don't have to worry so much."

"How can I not worry about you? Don't forget that you are not like the other demon slayers." She looked up at his face."You are the wind pillar but your're also the person I love the most, so don't ask me not to worry." She turned her attention back to the wound and he looked away

He couldn't lie but whenever he heard her say that she loved him or showed her feelings for him, it made his heart beat faster and also a certain blush appear on his cheeks. And he hated that he couldn't hide it most of the time, but what could he do? He loved her.

"And how are things here? Are you working the night shift today?"He changed the subject

"Yes, but I'll be leaving at 7am. My day off finally." She announced with a sigh of relief that she finally had a day of peace

He looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was still 4:30am in the morning. What a hell of a time to be making visits.

"You should be the one resting instead of asking others to sleep and recover their strength." He said and she smiled

"You're right, but my job is to take care of others all the time and sometimes I forget about myself." She took the needle to stitch the wound. "You're like that too, aren't you? You want to save this world from these creatures but sometimes you end up like this."

"I can handle it."

"I know, you're not just some random salyer. You're strong, too strong in fact."She praised, carefully passing the needle through his skin and he looked at her doing her job

It was hard for her sometimes to concentrate on treating him when his body was so well sculpted. The first time she saw him undress so she could treat one of his wounds, she just gasped. The uniform itself already showed his broad chest but without that it seemed an even better sight.

She cut the thread and put the needle aside and got up from the stool, standing in front of him. He looked at her and she moved the bangs aside to find the other wound on his forehead. She wiped a wet cloth over the wound and over his face, cleaning not only the blood but also the sweat.

She prepared another needle and thread to stitch up the wound. He kept his head still and tilted to the side, giving her more access so she could work better while his eyes roamed over her body so close to his. Her chest right next to his face and the short skirt of her uniform were showing the legs he had grabbed so many times and that used to wrap around his waist.

She was almost done with the last stitch when she felt his hands on her waist, immediately creating butterflies in her stomach with the firmness of the touch

"Sanemi?" She looked to the side, meeting his eyes but he pretended not to understand

"What?" He said, his hands continuing to slide up and down her body

"I need to focus."

"Then focus." He brought his hands to her breasts, over her uniform and she gasped slightly. "Is it that hard?" He asked in the deep voice she couldn't resist

"With you doing this, it's not easy."

"Come on, focus."He ordered

"I'm trying."Her hands shook a little passing the needle

She couldn't deny that she was loving feeling those hands grabbing her breasts and waist every time they passed by. She already missed her boyfriend after having spent a few days without him after he went on a mission and had only returned at that moment.

She felt a certain heat build up between her legs and that was when one of his hands was going to the hem of her skirt, she finished the stitch and cut the thread.

"There you go!"

"See? It wasn't that hard."He straightened his head again and looked at her with his hands down to her waist again

"You're an idiot." She giggled."Just let me if you have any other wounds that need to be treated." She checked his arms and back but found nothing else, to her relief. "Nothing, it was just those two. Anyway, you just need to rest for a few days so the stitches don't come apart." She walked away, taking off her gloves and putting her things aside

"Rest... yeah." He said, getting up from the stretcher

"Yes, that's exactly what you heard. I know you like to train hard and get hurt on missions, but I'm telling you this for your own goo--"

Before she could finish her sentence, his strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her into a kiss. She grabbed onto his shoulders to stay upright as her knees weakened a little due to his sudden action. "You talk too much." He said, pulling her lip between his teeth

"Because you're stubborn."

"And you're annoying." He said, kissing her again

He deepened the kiss, holding the back of her neck with one hand and squeezing her waist with the other. She ran a hand down his arm, digging her nails into the hard muscle of his bicep, feeling the heat between her legs increase with just his kiss.

"Sanemi, not here..." She said as his lips distributed kisses on her neck

"Why not? We've done it here so many times, what's the problem now?" He asked, his lips sucking on the skin of her shoulder and neck, making her grip his arm tighter

"One day we'll get caught." She giggled

"Not if you're a good girl and don't make too much noise." His hoarse voice whispering in her ear made her shiver even more

One of her hands went down to hold on to the edge of the table behind her as she went back to kissing him sloppily. The Hashira ran his hands over the buttons of her uniform, taking it off and throwing it to the side and doing the same with her bra afterwards. He lifted her up and laid her down on the table, his hands on her waist and his lips sucking her breasts, making her back arched and the lips letting out soft moans as his tongue circled around the hard nipples. He left a few wet kisses on the valley of her breasts, going down and moving away a little to lift her skirt up to her waist, exposing her panties, already with the damp stain resulting from the pleasure he was giving her.

He moved the fabric to the side and ran his fingers up and down her throbbing slit, watching as her body writhed on top of the table and her hands gripped the edge behind her head. Her body responded so well to his touch and that excited him so much.

"So wet for me." He said before he put his fingers inside her and she let out a whimper that made him cover her mouth with his other hand. "What did I say?" He growled, widening his eyes at her and she grabbed his wrist

"Don't be loud, or we'll definitely get caught, got it?" She nodded and he took his hand away from her mouth

He slid her panties down her legs and knelt between her thighs, his thumb caressing her clit while his tongue explored her entrance, making her bite her lower lip hard to try to stifle the moans that threatened to escape her lips as he ate her out so well.

She spread her legs wider, holding his white hair and rolling her hips slightly against his tongue. His tongue replaced his thumb and sucked on the sensitive, swollen clit while his hands now went up to play with her breasts, thumbs teasing her nipples making she tilted her head back, releasing soft, low moans and whimpers that only he could hear.

Deep down her heart was racing, knowing that anyone could come in and see them in that embarrassing position, but on the other hand, his tongue was making her lose her shame and fear.

"Mmh~ Nemi, I'm g-gonna c-come..." She whimpered softly and he sucked her clit harder

A hand went down to use his fingers inside her, going in and out quickly, widening her entrance.

"Go ahead baby...cum. for. me." He punctuated the words between strong sucks

She brought a hand to her mouth to muffle her moans as she came, pouring her juicies all over his mouth and fingers.

Her hips lifted off the table and her body shivered as she felt the intensity of the orgasm she was experiencing. He pulled away and licked his lips and fingers, savoring every drop of her. She took her hands away from her lips, letting out a breath, revealing her flushed cheeks.

"The d-door...the door isn't locked." She warned, sitting on the edge of the table

"So what?" He asked with a nonchalant air, undoing his belt and pulling down his pants."Are you afraid someone will come in and find us like this?"

"It would be embarrassing, don't you think?"

"Remember that time against your bedroom window?You didn't seem very embarrassed, quite the opposite." He gave her a teasing smirk as he remembered the day they did it against her bedroom window

"Fuck you." She blushed even more at the memory

"That's not what you said that day." He held her thighs and squeezed them, the tip of his cock poking her sloppy hole

"Sanemi..."She moaned softly, holding on to his broad shoulders. "Please."Her hips rubbing against his tip as he held his hardness, brushing it against her folds

"Look at you, rubbing yourself against me so desperately. Tch!" He said looking down and watching her movements. "If you wanted this dick so much you could have told me before." He said through clenched teeth

"You're always away or busy, training."

"I'm never too busy when it's you...fuck!"He growled

"So please, please, indulge me and give me everything you have, make me yours again and again." She moaned, bringing her hands to his face and kissing him

He immediately filled her with a strong thrust, making her body rock and her lips open against his, letting out a moan that was probably heard by whoever was passing by.

"For the last time, shut your mouth." He cupped her cheeks tightly. "If you keep making those loud sounds, even I won't be able to hold myself back."

"I'm sorry." She apologized and he released his hand from her face, kissing her again, trying to silence the noises she was making once again

His tongue intertwined with hers, in an intense and heated kiss as he began by slowly rolling his hips against her. She would probably take a good nap today as soon as she got home after the end of her shift. After working all night, all she needed was rest, but since that man had crossed her path, rest could wait. He gave her energy, made her delirious and want him more, he always sought her because she was the one he loved and desired.

His hands ran up and down her waist, the lips parting sometimes when he went deeper or when he was short of air. She tilted her head back, biting her lip when he went faster, her fingers scratching his broad back and her legs hugging his waist, bringing him closer.

The feeling of being filled was making her roll her eyes in pleasure, he always managed to do that to her. Ever since the first time they were together in his mansion. She still remembers it, and so does he. It was probably one of the few times he took things slow. And the times he had to hold himself back from going faster because he wasn't alone.

That was why he wasn't really into quickies, he didn't have the freedom to do it as he liked. But even so, he almost never refused.

"I can't wait to go to your house in a few hours..." He murmured, thrusting deeper."It'll be just the two of us alone doing it all over the house."

"Won't you... Ahh~ won't you at least let me sleep for a moment?" She said with some difficulty, between whimpers."I've been working for hours."

"And you think I've been fucking around all night?"The words coming out between gritted teeth

"Ooh Nemi..." She ran a hand over his chest and he kissed her, muffling her noises. Tears of pleasure rolling from her eyes, wetting his cheeks

"I'll let you rest, but you better be recovered by the time I knock on your door."

He growled against her lips as he felt her wet walls tighten around him as he moved inside her, she felt so close once again. His hands were on her hips and that was when one of her hands grabbed one of his guiding it to the clit so he could touch it. He took the hint and his fingers rubbed around it making her tighten around him and arch towards his chest.

"Sane--" He covered his mouth when he heard footsteps in the hallway and stopped his movements making her heart beat fast, fearful

He looked at her as if his eyes were asking her to be quiet and then looked at the door.

"Kanao, what do you need from Y/n?" Shinobu asked seeing the girl by the door of her office

"I just needed to ask her something, is she in here?"

"She is but..." Shinobu smiled at the girl, trying to pretend she didn't know what was happening on the other side. "Dear, come with me first, I need you to help me with something and then you can talk to her, okay?" Shinobu held out her hand and she nodded

"Sure."The girl followed her and they both left

Sanemi realized that both of them had already left and sighed in relief.

"See? I warned you" She hit his chest and he thrust deeper making her moan

"It's your fault." He rested one hand on the table while the other made quick circular movements as he thrust

She held onto his shoulders and her nails traced red lines on his skin as she felt her orgasm taking over her and squirting on his still moving length. His movements became sloppier and gradually lost speed until he spilled all of his seed inside her, laying his head on her shoulder. She ran her hands through his hair as she caught her breath, her legs were weak and numb after that moment. He pulled away from her shoulder and kissed her but this time softer than before, it was as if it was his way of saying 'I love you'.

He pulled out of her and pushed the drops of the mess he had made inside her again, drawing a low whimper from her due to the overstimulation. He put her panties back on and kissed her forehead.

"That's right, now you can go home and rest."He said, cleaning himself and pulling up his pants

"There are still two hours left."

"And can you handle another two hours with your legs weak and my seed running down those beautiful thighs?" He came closer, taking her chin between his thumb and index finger

"I think so, or maybe I'll ask Shinobu to let me go home early."

"You should, you need to rest." He placed a peck on her lips

"And you too, your stitches will open." She said, watching him put on the belt and looking at the wound

"Don't worry, if it open, I'll come looking for you so you can treat it again."

"And if we end up like this every time you look for me, it won't be worth it."She lay down on the table, opening her legs a little and smirking at him

"Don't tease me, brat, or you won't go home on your own two feet."

"Okay, we'll leave it at that." She stood up slowly and he handed her the uniform. "I'm going to get dressed and go back to work. And where are you going now?"

"To the mansion, I'm going to sleep. I'm too tired." He picked up the haori he was wearing without the uniform since it was dirty and torn

"So what's the deal? Are you coming to my house later or would you prefer me to come and meet you?" She pulled her skirt down and looked at him

"I'll come to you. I always do." He held the back of her neck and kissed her once more

"Sleep well, love."She murmured and he kissed her nose

"You too." He left there and made his way back

She left the office still a little unsteady and buttoning the buttons of her uniform until she felt Shinobu's presence approaching her.

"Oh, Kocho-sama, you were there! I hadn't noticed." She said, nervously fixing her hair

"Is Shinazugawa-san better now?"

"Yeah, he only had two deep wounds, but they weren't that bad. I just had to stitch him up and clean the small wounds."She explained, and Shinobu nodded

"I see... I heard some noises coming from inside, did something happen?" Shinobu asked, and she choked a little

"W-what? No no, it's fine, really. I just dropped something, and that must have been what you heard." She tried to make up an excuse

"Yeah, maybe that was it." She smiled, maintaining eye contact with Tsuguko who realized that she hadn't swallowed that story very well. "Anyway, I'll let you go for now."

"Oh really? But do you think you can handle the rest of it? I can stay a little longer, there's still two hours left for that."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."Shinobu nodded and she smiled

"Thank you, Kocho-sama."Y/n headed towards the exit door

"And by the way..."Shinobu's voice made her stop once more

"What?" She turned around

"Don't take this the wrong way, but... be quieter next time. There are people resting here to recover, you know?"

She felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment and Shinobu smiled at her. She had actually heard everything in that room.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Go home and take care, okay?"

"Yes."She nodded and left

[puckinghischier]

I’m deprived from domestic/soft Nico thoughts. Please help me feed my delusions 💭💭💭

so due to the mountain of snow that’s still plaguing where i live, i have a very specific, basic, and lowkey mundane thought about nico being all soft and lovey

maybe it’s the fact i’ve had to walk up and down my half mile driveway the past week just to get to my car and go to work, but the thought of nico shoveling snow for you is making me warm n fuzzy rn

like, he’s so busy. he’s gone all the time, constantly at the rink, playing in games, at the gym, or doing events for the team. but to think about him getting up before you have to be at work, even after he got home from a roadie well into the early hours of the morning, is making me hyperfixate.

because he knows how cold you get and how much you hate getting out of your warm bed on a normal day, much less when you have to get up earlier to allot time for scraping and defrosting your car. so even if he only crawled into bed with you a couple of hours ago, he’s up and outside before your alarm—which he reset back to your normal time—goes off.

he bundles up and grabs the ‘snow broom’ that stays perched outside for occasions like this, and gets to work. first he shovels a small path to your car, making sure your feet stay warm and dry in the snow boots he bought you last christmas. then he starts brushing off every bit of snow he can off of your car, starting it and letting the inside warm up while he works.

after he gets every flake of snow he can off, he turns your seat warmer on high and heads back inside. he gets to work brewing your coffee—no matter how crazy he thinks you are for drinking it iced in this weather—and making a quick breakfast for you to eat on the run. he’s halfway through achieving the perfect fried egg to go on top of your bagel when he hears your shrieks, feet thumping towards him.

“nico! i’m gonna be late! my alarm didn’t go off on time m! i have to go clean my car off. oh my god i’m soooo gonna get in trouble!”

you come into view, covered in only a t-shirt (nico’s) and otherwise bare legs, stumbling as you try to slip a boot on one foot while balanced on the other.

“you gonna go outside like that, müsli?” he smirks, looking at you over his shoulder, not wanting to mess up his egg masterpiece.

you look down, almost like you’d forgotten you weren’t wearing pants, then back up at him.

“why are you awake?” you suddenly remember his late arrival, rolling over long enough to give him a kiss and snuggle into his warmth before slipping back into oblivion last night.

nico turns the stove off, slipping his perfect egg right on top of the plate on the counter next to him before turning to look at you.

“thought i’d be a nice boyfriend today and clean your car off before you got up. should be nice and warm for you by now,” he beams, loving how frazzled you look in his clothes. the toaster dings, throwing the bagel inside into view, stealing his attention. “oh, and i almost have your breakfast ready. your coffee, too.”

you watch him in awe as he walks over to grab the heated bread out of the toaster, spreading butter on both pieces before laying half of a perfectly cut avocado on one side. he grabs the plate with the most delicious looking fried egg on top of it and slides the egg right off onto the bagel, salt and peppering it before placing the other half of the bagel on top, completing the sandwich.

he turns to you with a smile, amused at the expression of surprise on your face.

“better hurry and go get dressed. don’t want you to be late, now, do we?” he winks, wrapping your breakfast sandwich in aluminum foil to conserve some of its heat.

once the sandwich is securely wrapped and set aside, he walks over to your frozen figure, placing a finger under your chin to tilt your face up to his as he looks down at you.

“i love you, you know that? every day. all the time. forever and ever,” he repeats the phrase you two share anytime he leaves to go out of town, placing a delicate, loving kiss to your lips.

you still haven’t spoken a word, too consumed with him and your shock at how you ended up with someone like him, when he places his hand on your shoulders, turning your body around to face the hallway you just came from. you don’t expect the smack to your ass that comes, jolting you forward slightly, forcing you to take a few steps paired with the small push from nico at the same time.

“go on now, woman. go get dressed. your coffee will be waiting when you get done.”

you turn around to give him a middle finger, but the moony, lovesick smile on your face as you retreat back to your bedroom, the fading sound of nico’s laughter ringing through your ears, reveals how you really feel about the god-send of a man standing in your kitchen.

[strangesuki]

first snow ❄️

pairing : idol!euijoo x non idol!reader, established relationship

genre : pure tooth-rotting fluff

summary : surprising your boyfriend at work on a cold winter evening turns extra special as the first snow of the season makes its appearance <3

w.c. : 1.1k

a/n : help i'm so downbad i can't stop writing him. korea having its first snow a couple of days ago and all the idols posting about it inspired me to write this lol

You wait eagerly, your insides buzzing with excitement as you wait for your boyfriend to get done with filming. You hate how busy you’ve both been all week, to the point that you barely got to see each other despite sharing an apartment – you’d leave early for work before Euijoo woke up and then he’d come home late at night after you were asleep. With how cold the weather has been getting lately, you wish you could’ve continued with your cozy evenings and cuddly mornings together but unfortunately work had had other plans.

But it’s finally over now - you and your team managed to wrap up the project you had been working on today and you got to leave early. Euijoo had left for work earlier than he usually did in the mornings, which meant that he’d be done for the day that much sooner as well. Which is why you thought it would be perfect to surprise him.

Even from where you are sitting a good distance away in the car, you can see that he’s freezing, and it’s no wonder because it’s colder than usual today. His breath fogs up the air when he speaks or exhales. You honestly don’t know why his company thought it would be a good idea to have them film outside in this temperature. While you feel bad that he has to do this while you watch from the warmth of the car, you can’t get over how impossibly adorable he looks with all his extremities gone a soft pink from the cold – his ears, his nose, the tips of his fingers. You have to physically stop yourself from squealing every now and then as you watch him because the group’s manager is in the car with you. Whenever Euijoo gets a short break where he doesn’t have to be on camera, he pulls on his huge puffer jacket and shoves his hands into the pockets to warm them up. It makes him look so smol and cuddly and you want so badly to run out to him and you would have if you were allowed. You grit your teeth and tell yourself it’s just for a little while longer.

When he’s finally done and ready to leave, you watch with barely contained delight as the staff point him to the car you’re seated in. He looks a little confused as to why he’s being told to take a different one (he can’t see inside the car owing to the tinted windows) from the rest of his group members. Nonetheless, he obliges, thinking that maybe he has some extra work left to do as the rest of them head back. He tries not to let his disappointment show. He’s the leader, after all. As he’s making his way towards the car, you ask the manager if he would mind stepping out for a bit if he doesn’t wish to be subjected to your PDA. He complies a little too eagerly, making you chuckle. He’s probably still scarred from the time he walked in on the both of you passionately making out. The manager flashes your bewildered boyfriend a knowing smile as he walks past him.

“SURPRISE!” you squeal when he opens the door to the backseat. His eyes widen and he freezes for just a second before breaking out into the biggest smile and immediately scooching in and closing the door behind him. He pulls you into a hug, his arms locking tight around you.

“What are you doing here?” he laughs, delighted. You pull back and enclose both his hands in yours. His fingers are ice-cold.

“Jeez baby, you’re freezing!” You exhale hot air on them and rub your hands against his, hoping the friction will add to the warmth. Euijoo doesn’t mention that he has hot packs he could use in his pocket – he likes this much better. He gazes at you, his heart feeling like it’s glowing. You look up at him, at the warm fondness in his smile and can’t help smiling too. You notice his nose is still pink from the cold and you have an idea.

“What am I doing here? Hmm, let’s see . . . I’m here . . .” You pause to pull him closer and place a kiss on his lips. “. . to . . .” A kiss on his nose. “ . . . warm . .” Lips. “ . . you . . .” Nose. “. . . up!” Lips lips lips.

And that is all it takes for him to melt into a puddle – the man is a blushing, giggling mess. He nuzzles up against you, burying his face in your jacket.

“What, don’t I get any in return?” you tease. He emerges from your jacket immediately and proceeds to smother your face in kisses with his ice-cold lips. “Gahh wait,” you giggle and hold out your hand to keep him from continuing. His brows furrow in confusion, lips still puckered in a half-pout. “Cold lips,” you explain.

“Well clearly they need some more warming up,”

You give him a look as if to say is that so? but wind your arms around his neck and lean in as he does. Your mouths glide against each other’s, warmth against cold, until both of your lips are the same temperature. You run your thumb over his lips. “There. Nice and warm now?”

“Mmm. Nice and warm.”

. ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆

You’re in the parking lot of Euijoo’s favourite cafe, waiting for the manager to return. Euijoo had wanted to get hot chocolate before heading back home, but he fell asleep on your shoulder on the way and you didn’t want to wake him just yet, so the manager offered to go instead.

And it’s as you’re sitting there staring out at the pretty lights outside, basking in the quiet comfort of his presence next to you that it happens – dazzling silver flakes slowly flutter down from above, softly coating everything in a layer of sparkling white – the first snow of the season. It’s beautiful.

As if he somehow sensed it unconsciously, Euijoo stirs awake and smiles sleepily at you.

“It’s snowing!” you whisper-exclaim, squeezing his hand in excitement.

The next minute you’re both out of the car, arms outstretched while trying to catch the falling crystals. Euijoo grabs you all of a sudden, making you squeal. He lifts you up and spins you around, his face beaming as you giggle.

The manager returns with your drinks just then, and Euijoo sheepishly puts you down – although the former doesn’t mind; the parking lot is fairly empty.

“I’ll wait inside, take your time,” he says, handing you both your drinks and getting into the car.

The two of you lean against the side of the car as you continue to watch the snow drift lazily to the ground. The world feels quieter all of a sudden, softer. Euijoo touches his cup to yours and raises a toast.

“To more first snows with you,”

You return the gesture, feeling a warmth spread inside your chest despite the chilly weather. “To more first snows with you,”

« you can read my other works here »

divider credits: @hayatoseyepatch @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

[onlyhereforthestories]

Sing, Well, Try To Sing For You (Mapi Leon and Ingrid Engen x Reader)

Day 14. This is the first time I have tried writing a three person relationship. I hope you enjoy, can't believe there only 10 days left of this!

The snow had started falling just after sunset, a steady drift of large, soft flakes that blanketed the street outside and made the night feel like a scene from the snow globe you knew was sitting on your windowsill in the other room. Inside the warmth of Mapi and Ingrid’s cozy apartment, the three of you were settled in for a festive, low-key evening. A string of Christmas lights cast a gentle glow around the living room, where the three of you had a small Christmas tree set up, already half-buried in gifts you’d been excited to exchange.

You had yet to move in with your lovers having been in a relationship with them for a little over a year now. The two of them taking a liking to you the instant you joined Barcelona two seasons ago but taking a little while to work out their feeling and the logistics of said feelings for you. They had finally brought it up with you just before Christmas last year at the club you and the team had gone to in order to celebrate the holidays. Mapi and Ingrid had saved you from a weird man trying to grind on you on the dance floor and had confessed that they were more than just protective of you because you were a teammate. Luckily for all of you, you had felt the same way about the women just didn’t know how to approach a conversation around it.

This all lead you to the here and now, where Ingrid set down three mugs of steaming hot cocoa, each one topped with a mountain of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. “I think that’s the last of the whipped cream,” she said, her cheeks pink from a combination of the heat and the sight of you and Mapi curled up together on the sofa.

“Perfect, just in time,” Mapi said, grabbing her mug and settling herself back on the couch, patting the space on the other side of her. A gesture that made you pout a little in protest to not have the Norwegian sandwiching you between them. “Can’t do karaoke without fuel.”

You raised your eyebrows, your mind shifting away from the thought of being sandwiched by your lovers. “Karaoke? We didn’t exactly decide on that yet,” you teased, knowing full well Mapi had been hinting at it since earlier in the day.

Mapi shot you a playful grin, tossing a pillow your way only to be scolded by Ingrid about the steaming mug of cocoa you had in your hand and how that could end up in your lap burning you. “Oh, come on! It’s Christmas. What else are we going to do? Go stand outside in the snow?”

Ingrid laughed, snuggling close to Mapi and pulling the fluffy blanket over all three of you. “You’re both lucky. My usual Christmas karaoke partners have been my family back home and trust me, my dad’s version of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ is something no one should have to hear.” There was a small grimace on her face as she spoke, a testament to how bad it really must be.

You snorted, imagining Ingrid’s typically reserved dad belting out the holiday classic, and leaned in to make your pitch. “Okay, okay, I’ll give it a try,” you said. “But don’t expect any Grammy-winning vocals. I am no Adele.”

Mapi grinned, eyes twinkling mischievously. “Oh, we’re definitely expecting something memorable.”

Grabbing her phone, she queued up a playlist of Christmas karaoke songs, and before you could change your mind, the familiar opening notes of All I Want for Christmas Is You began to play. Mapi shot up, hand outstretched in your direction like a microphone, her eyes daring you.

“You’re first,” she said, bouncing slightly with excitement. She had been waiting to rope you into her singing antics for the last week or so, knowing full well Ingrid would only get involved if you did. The Norwegian was powerless to saying no to the both of you together.

Giggling, you took an exaggerated breath and launched into the first verse, immediately straying off-key. You were painfully aware of how shaky your voice was, but a quick look at Mapi and Ingrid’s laughing faces only spurred you on. You poured your heart into each word, completely butchering the notes, throwing in an extra dramatic flair as you went. Your hands were thrown out left and right and you even tipped your head right back when you were trying, and failing, to hit the higher and longer notes.

Ingrid was beside herself with laughter, her face buried in her hands, while Mapi watched in wide-eyed delight. By the time you hit the chorus, you were practically yelling, arms outstretched as if you were performing for a sold-out arena.

Bagheera was sleeping peacefully on the arm next to Ingrid when you had all settled in, she was now sat up looking in your direction in as much disgust as a cat could display. As you started the chorus the cat had obviously had enough, meowing her distaste and jumping off the sofa before quickly heading for your open bedroom door. Mapi finally lost it, doubling over with laughter and clapping her hands. “I, dios mio, I can’t breathe,” she gasped, wiping tears from her eyes.

You shrugged, looking unbothered. “What? You were the one who asked for karaoke.”

Ingrid tried to contain herself, though she was still giggling. “I don’t think I’ve heard anyone commit that hard to singing a song that off-key before. You really went for it.”

“Oh, just you wait,” you warned, grabbing the imaginary mic and thrusting it toward her. “Now it’s your turn!”

She gave you a look of wide-eyed horror, shaking her head. “I don’t think I’m any better,” she protested, but with Mapi’s look of encouragement and pure eagerness, she finally took a breath and began singing along to Last Christmas.

To your surprise, Ingrid’s voice was soft and surprisingly melodic, though she was shy about hitting some of the higher notes. Mapi looked at her with a proud smile, nodding along to the beat, and you couldn’t help but join in, trying to match you tune with her, which was impossible for you. Eventually, you pulled Mapi in, and soon all three of you were singing at the top of your lungs, Ingrid’s occasional nervous giggles blending into her notes.

Mapi put her arm around both you and Ingrid as she danced and sang along, her loud and raspy voice making each note sound hilariously exaggerated. You watched her, laughing so hard you were practically doubled over, but she didn’t seem to mind. She was having a blast.

When the song ended, you were all out of breath and still chuckling. Mapi grabbed the imaginary microphone back and put on a low, dramatic voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, next up, I give you…” She made a drum roll with her hands, looking pointedly at you. “The Christmas Karaoke Champion!”

You groaned, already laughing again. “Mapi, I think you’re just saying that because I’m the worst singer here.”

“Not at all,” she replied, adopting a very serious expression. “In fact, you are by far the most memorable.”

She queued up Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and as soon as the song started, you began belting out the lyrics, sounding more like a drunk in a club than anything resembling the original tune. Mapi doubled over in laughter, thoroughly enjoying your enthusiasm, while Ingrid clapped along, nodding with an encouraging look directed your way.

When you finally reached the end of the song, you took and over the top bow, before thanking your fans like Elvis would have “Thank you, thank you very much!”

Ingrid was giggling as she took the “mic” from you, cueing up Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. She and Mapi singing surprisingly well together. Mapi threw an arm around Ingrid’s shoulder, swaying her slightly with the beat, while Ingrid’s eyes sparkled as she playfully matched Mapi’s energy, swaying just as much as the shorter woman.

“Look at you two!” you teased. “A match made in karaoke heaven.”

Mapi shot you a grin, twirling Ingrid around. “All part of the show, love,” she said, before she dipped Ingrid in dramatic fashion causing the tall brunette to break out into a fit of giggles.

After a few more songs, the karaoke session began to morph into a full-on dance party. The three of you decided to abandon any attempts at singing and instead began grooving along to the holiday tunes blasting from the speakers. Mapi grabbed your hands, spinning you around the living room as Jingle Bell Rock played. She was a surprisingly good dancer, her movements loose and fun, her infectious energy impossible to resist.

Meanwhile, Ingrid took over with some light hearted dance moves, waving her arms and bouncing around with an enthusiasm that sent you into another round of laughter. Watching her, you couldn’t help but join in, mimicking her movements and earning a playful shove.

The three of you kept dancing until you were all out of breath, collapsing in a heap on the couch. Ingrid was on one side of you and Mapi the other, a blanket had been pulled over all your laps and your mugs had been abandoned on the coffee table.

“That,” Ingrid said with a sigh, “was the best workout I’ve had all season.”

Mapi smirked, nudging her with her elbow. “You think the team would be on board if we pitched holiday karaoke as part of training?”

Ingrid raised her eyebrows, considering it. “Maybe we just don’t mention the off-key singing part?”

You chuckled, nestling deeper into the warmth of the moment. “I think that might be an essential part of the experience.”

Mapi nodded in agreement, pulling you and Ingrid closer. “Agreed. No real karaoke session is complete without a little, what should we call it, personal flair.”

[bellaxgiornata]

The Devil at Your Window |1: Snowed In|

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader Word count: 8k

Warnings/Tags: 18+; fluff, flirting, sexual tension, light angst, pining, eventual smut, identity reveal, and lots of black suit Matty

Series summary: In the middle of a New York City blizzard, the Devil of Hell's Kitchen accidentally lands himself on your fire escape–quite literally. When he accepts your invitation to warm up inside your apartment, you're surprised at how well the conversation flows all night with the curious and attractive masked vigilante. He's intriguing, though what you find even more intriguing is his unexpected returns to your window after that night–and his flirting. But when it seems like you're not the only one beginning to develop real feelings, he pulls back and you're left wondering two things: Why did he disappear and who really is the mysterious Devil that you've inevitably fallen for?

a/n: Just a short collection of one shots that I'll update whenever the ideas strike. It'll be told in a style like Falling for the Devil but it won't get nearly as long (unless y'all end up loving it, too). I just couldn't deny giving us all the fantasy of black suit Matt reappearing at your apartment window and all the flirting, sexual tension, feelings, and naughty things that might ensue... The installment list for this little series can be found here and feedback is always appreciated!

Tag list: @danzer8705 @darkened-writer

Picking up the steaming mug of tea you’d just finished making from off the kitchen counter, you cradled your other hand around the warmth of the ceramic and drew it towards your chest as you turned and headed back towards your living room. The small spot of heat against the front of your sweatshirt caused a shiver to run down your spine as your sock-clad feet padded along the cold hardwood floor and back towards your couch. 

It was freezing inside your apartment tonight and the blustering snow storm raging outside in Hell’s Kitchen wasn't helping. Thankfully your office had already announced its closure for tomorrow before you'd finished work earlier this evening. The snow had already started to dump from the sky before you’d even left the office, falling heavy and wild as it accumulated in a cover of white that blanketed everything in the city. It would have been beautiful if you hadn’t needed to walk home afterwards in the frigid mess–especially with the way the large clumps of snowflakes pelted and battered you in the face over and over, the cold stinging at your skin. 

The city was expected to get a whopping eighteen inches of snowfall minimum over the next twenty-four hours, so you were grateful that your boss wanted as little to do with making it into work tomorrow as you did, especially because you couldn’t afford to do anything but walk to the office. The last thing you wanted to do was trudge through all of that mess and slip on a patch of ice, inevitably falling in a massive pile of snow and leaving you stuck in damp dress clothes all day. 

No, you'd rather stay dry and cozy at home enjoying a lazy day off of work.

You were just hoping the power in your apartment building remained intact throughout the fury of the winter storm. You didn’t want to think about losing the heat in your building in the middle of all of this. Another shiver ran through you as you pushed the thought away–hopefully not something you’d need to worry about tonight. 

But since you didn’t have work first thing in the morning, you had every intention of enjoying your night. You’d immediately come home and thrown off your dress clothes before settling on something comfortable–soft sweatpants and a cozy sweatshirt sans bra underneath. Then you’d made dinner and cleaned it up fast before claiming your ‘spot’ for the evening on your couch. Which consisted of both of your blankets and the television remote while you binged a guilty pleasure show that you hadn’t had time to catch up on for the past few weeks. Tonight you were intending to stay up a bit late, cozy up beneath your blankets, drink some hot tea, and lose yourself in the plot and romance of the show before eventually dragging your tired ass to bed in the hopes of sleeping in tomorrow to make up for staying up late. 

Eyes focused on the paused television screen as you moved, you rounded the side of your couch while drawing your steaming mug up to your lips. You sipped at the warm liquid, reveling in it for a moment before you swallowed it down. You could feel it heat you from the inside out as a pleasant sensation washed over you. Your eyes closed briefly for a moment–it was the first time you’d actually felt warm today. 

Opening your eyes, you continued towards the couch and began to lower yourself down onto the cushions while trying not to spill any of your tea from the mug. Just as you were about to sit back down on the couch and cocoon yourself in both of your blankets, ready to settle in for more of your show, something outside the window to your right caught your attention. Your head spun in the direction just as a flash of black dashed past the window and a loud bang reverberated through your apartment. 

A frightened yelp slipped out of you at the sound and you clutched your mug tight to your chest, your heart thudding heavily in terror. Whatever had just literally dropped onto your fire escape had been large, especially with the sound of that impact. Sucking in a breath, you held it as you stared transfixed at the window, almost ridiculously terrified it would be some sort of wild animal–like a bear or a wolf–on your fire escape. 

Though, more realistically considering you were in New York City, you knew it was probably a burglar. Who else would be traversing fire escapes late at night? Especially dressed in all dark clothes? Except…that also seemed a little ridiculous, too. There was a literal blizzard happening outside, meaning everyone would be home. In their apartments. Making it impossible for a burglar to break into anyone’s place unseen. Plus, it was insane outside, what criminal would risk dealing with that right now?

So what the hell had just fallen onto your fire escape?

Another thought struck you soon after and your lips parted in shock at the idea as you blew out the breath you’d been holding. With trembling hands, you very slowly reached out, carefully placing your mug of tea onto the coffee table before you without taking your eyes off of your window. Gradually, almost nervously, you rose to your feet before taking hesitant step after hesitant step forward. Another sharp, surprised gasp flew out of you when you saw the dark figure sit upright on your fire escape, bent in half as if they were in pain. Which made sense, considering the fall they’d just taken.

But your body froze up instantly at the sight of the man dressed in all black bent in half and dusted in white patches of snow. He wasn’t a burglar at all. With the black cloth tied over his head and the form fitting shirt he was wearing, there was absolutely no mistaking who he was. You'd certainly seen enough images of him plastered across the media. 

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen had just fallen onto your fire escape.

Eyes widening in shock at the infamous vigilante attempting to pull himself up to his feet, one of his gloved hands holding onto the metal railing of your fire escape, you were suddenly overcome with the urge to check on him. To make sure he wasn’t seriously injured from that fall. 

Without thinking your actions through, you crossed the last few steps to the window and unlatched the locks before pushing it up. The masked figure immediately spun towards you at the sound as a bitter gust of wind burst its way into your apartment, chilling you instantly while those thick snowflakes once again assailed your face. For a moment you locked eyes with him–or at least, it seemed like you did despite the fabric covering half of his face–as your mouth hung open. You suddenly found yourself at a loss of what to say in the moment. And considering the way his lips thinned out along his face and the way he remained silent, he clearly wasn’t going to strike up a conversation with you, either.

Eyes darting down, you saw he had one gloved hand clutching at his right side as if it hurt him. His shoulders were hunched in on himself as his back faced the violent winds blowing snow relentlessly. Seeing him in person for the first time ever–something you’d never expected in your life considering how elusive the media made him out to be–you realized just how thin and unprotective his clothes really were. Especially tonight considering the cold weather. He had to be freezing.

An icy wind whistled loudly, another flurry of heavy snowflakes pelting you right in the face and breaking you from your thoughts. Blinking the snow from your lashes, you finally found your voice. 

“Are you alright?” you asked hesitantly, unsure how one should approach the masked man. “I just–just saw you fall. It looked like it hurt.”

He gave a curt shake of his head, wincing before he turned more towards the railing. “I’m fine, don’t worry about me,” he replied.

Something warm flooded your veins at the gravelly tone of his voice. It suited him somehow, even if it sounded fake. Like he was pitching his voice lower to sound like someone else in order to hide his identity. Not that you'd probably have recognized him anyway. 

With his back partially to you now, especially this close when there was barely a few feet of space between the pair of you, you could see just how incredibly muscular this man was. His black shirt clung to him like a second skin, the toned abdominal muscles on his upper body clearly visible even from just his profile. Even the pectoral muscles of his chest were well defined and visible beneath the sheen of black. His arms were thick–far too big for just one of your hands to wrap around. And as your gaze lingered lower, you fought back the thoughts that entered your mind at the sight of how large his thighs were in those tight pants–and how pleasant a profile his ass also had. You wondered briefly if he'd gained all that from working out or if it had more to do with his nightly activities.

Though when you saw him grab onto the metal railing of your fire escape with both of his gloved hands, the movement drawing your attention away from observing him as he attempted to swing himself over it, you nearly screamed as you lurched forward. You lived on the fifth floor, was this man really about to fling himself off of the fire escape from all the way up here? 

But the scream died in your throat the moment he cried out in pain, his feet slipping from off of the railing as he fell back onto your fire escape. He let out a hiss of pain as he clutched at his clearly injured side.

“Holy shit,” you breathed out, shoving the window open wider despite the cold and snow and leaning further forward. “You’re clearly not okay. Do you need something? An ambulance or something? Is there someone I can call? Or–or something I can do to help?”

The man rolled off his injured side and onto his back, gradually turning towards you as he lay on the fire escape. You hadn’t expected the amused and pained chuckle he emitted while the snow accumulated on the entire front of him, lightly covering the thin layer of his black shirt. Which you’d noticed had ridden up, revealing a small sliver of skin just above the dark, form fitting pants he was wearing. You tried hard to not keep glancing back at that patch of skin as it slowly rose higher and higher, unsure why you were so distracted by it.

The sound of his amusement soon drew you back to the moment and you cringed. Why the hell was he laughing?

“Are you alright? Did you…hit your head?” you asked him cautiously. “Maybe you have a concussion…”

Another amused sound slipped out of him, but that was quickly followed by a pained groan as he tried to once again rise up onto his feet. “I don’t have a concussion,” he assured you.

“You sure?” you asked, an eyebrow arching onto your forehead as you crossed your arms over your chest to stay warm when you began to shiver from the cold. “Because this doesn’t seem like a funny situation to me.”

“Well,” he grunted out, wincing as he drew back up to his full height, “normally I’m the one offering assistance, not the other way around. So yeah,” he continued with a faint shrug, your eyes once again catching the way he was holding his side, “it’s kind of amusing. In an…irritating sort of way.”

Your heart sank to your stomach at his words. “Oh, sorry,” you muttered, heat rushing up to your face instantly. “I didn’t mean to be annoying. I was just concerned–”

He took a half step forward, cutting you off as he waved a hand between the pair of you. He shook his head, letting out a slight huff of laughter. “No, I didn’t mean you were irritating. Just…this situation. The–the snow and the falling part.” In a quieter voice he added, “And having an audience for it.”

Chewing the inside of your cheek, you stood there studying him for a moment. He was injured and wearing barely anything at all in the middle of a blizzard. He looked like he needed help even if he seemed like the type not to ask for it.

“Do you want to come inside?” you blurted, unable to stop yourself. “I mean, to get warm and maybe sit down for a moment? I could call an ambulance or–or a taxi or something to bring you to a hospital.”

Another amused huff of laughter slipped out of him as he shook his head. “No hospitals, please. I’ll be alright. But…if you’re offering, I wouldn’t mind a moment to warm up.” His gloved hand lowered, pinching a bit of fabric from his shirt as he glanced down at it. “Admittedly this doesn’t offer much protection from the elements.”

You eyed the thin material between his gloves doubtfully. “Doesn’t look like it offers much protection from anything,” you told him.

A surprised bark of laughter peeled out of him, the sound drawing a smile onto your face. You’d made the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen laugh. Now that was something you weren’t going to forget anytime soon. He didn’t seem like the type to break character easily.

“You wouldn’t be wrong,” he agreed, his laughter subsiding.

Taking a step back from the window, you waved a hand towards him, gesturing for him to come inside. “How about you come in so I can close this window and we both can stop freezing?” you suggested, surprised at how bold you sounded considering who it was you were speaking with. “I’m shivering already so I can only imagine how cold you must be.”

You watched as his lips curled up into a charming grin at the corners, just beneath the black fabric of his mask. It was impossible to deny that he had a handsome face–at least, from what you could see of it. You imagined the rest of it to be just as attractive beneath that cloth and a sudden intense curiosity to know what the rest of it looked like overtook you as you watched him carefully climb through your opened window. He moved slowly, wincing in pain as he made his way inside. Despite his tough act, that fall must’ve really hurt his side and you frowned, wishing he’d accept your offer to help. There was no way he was as fine as he claimed to be, surely he needed medical attention.

“Takes a special kind of person to just invite me into their home so readily,” the Devil’s rough tone came out as he turned his back to you, shutting the window after himself. “Normally people prefer to avoid me.”

“You’re not dangerous,” you replied almost instantly.

The window closed with a sharp clack before his masked face turned over his snow-dusted shoulder, his attention fixed on you. “Oh?” he asked curiously, a smirk growing over his lips. “I’m not?”

Your eyes were drawn to his mouth, though it wasn’t like there was anywhere else to look when you spoke to him with that mask covering most of his face. The smirk appeared teasing, and for some reason that had the hair on the back of your neck bristling. You suddenly became very aware of the fact that you weren’t wearing a bra beneath your loose sweatshirt and it was now cold in your apartment. Quickly your arms wrapped over your chest, hugging yourself tight. His lips almost seemed to curl ever higher in response.

“I mean, you are ,” you amended, “but to, you know, criminals.” 

You swallowed hard when he remained still, gazing at you over his shoulder wordlessly.There was something almost predatory in the way he was studying you. It was easy to see how this lone man terrified the criminals on the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, striking fear into them. He certainly had a presence. Goosebumps rippled beneath the sleeves of your sweatshirt at his continued silent stare.

“Right?” you asked tentatively, voice softer.

His smirk vanished as the other corner of his mouth curled upwards into what felt like a warm smile despite you being unable to see if it reached his eyes. He nodded gently, turning slowly back towards you as he did. 

“That's correct,” he agreed, brushing the snow from his broad shoulders. “I’m only dangerous to criminals. So unless you’re hiding any dead bodies or have some outstanding charges…?”

You laughed, though abruptly you snatched your bottom lip between your teeth in an attempt to quiet the noise instantly. He was witty and funny. You weren’t anticipating that. Or the way your reaction to his quips seemed to please him, like he was trying to charm you. Which seemed even more curious, considering who he was and what he spent his nights doing. 

“Can't say that I do,” you said. “I'm probably the most boring person in Hell’s Kitchen.”

“Well now,” he replied teasingly, “don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you're not taking that title  all by yourself.” 

That charming smile was back on his face and it had your stomach fluttering. Tearing your eyes away from him, you noticed the television was still paused on your show. Paused on a scene where the two actors on screen were clearly about to kiss. Cheeks burning, you hurried over and grabbed the remote from the couch and turned it off. 

“You can make yourself comfortable if you want,” you told him, trying to keep the embarrassment out of your tone. “I've got a couple of blankets you can use to help warm you up.”

His heavy boots thudded with each of his steps as he crossed the room and made his way to the couch. You bent over, grabbing both blankets from your place on the couch where you'd previously been curled up as he passed behind you. The moment one of his cold gloves brushed against your back, you froze.

“Sorry,” he whispered. 

“No it's–it's fine,” you replied. 

He passed behind you before settling onto the opposite end of the couch from where you had clearly taken residence. You forced a smile onto your face as you turned and leaned over, holding out the blankets towards him. 

Pull yourself together , you internally chastised yourself. Just because it's been a while since you've had a man here doesn't mean you need to react to every little thing. That's not what this is, obviously. 

“Thank you,” he said, accepting the blankets from your outstretched hand. 

You nodded before sitting back down on the opposite end of the couch, keeping space between you and him. Curling your legs up under yourself, you watched as the Devil wasted no time throwing both blankets around himself, beginning to visibly shiver beneath them as he tried to warm up.

“Are you sure you don't want me to call anyone?” you asked him.

“No one to call,” he answered. “And a hospital would defeat the purpose of trying to remain anonymous.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” you muttered, glancing away and spotting the forgotten tea on your coffee table. “Would you like something to drink at least? Some water or some hot tea, maybe?”

His masked head tilted curiously to the side at your question, a grin returning to his plush lips. “Playing hostess?” he asked. 

“Well I'm sure you've got to be thirsty running around Hell’s Kitchen and fighting criminals all the time,” you explained. “I always sort of wondered if you stashed water bottles around the city or stopped for water breaks somewhere–not where you live, I imagine. Since you're trying to keep your identity hidden.” Your eyes narrowed as you added, “Or do you just let yourself get dehydrated every time you're out? Because that's not good for you, you know.”

The Devil's grin grew wider as he shifted on the couch, facing you even more from his place on the cushions. “Oh?” he asked, curiosity in his tone. “You've thought about me before, have you?”

Eyes dropping down to your lap, you smiled sheepishly as you shrugged. “I mean, I've had some theories circulating about you ever since you kept reappearing in the news,” you admitted awkwardly. “Sort of hard not to.”

“Well now you have to indulge me,” he teased. “Enlighten me on some of these theories of yours.”

Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, you continued to avoid his covered stare. “I mean, they're not that interesting…”

“Oh come on,” he tried again. “It's not like we don't have the time. And maybe I can confirm or deny some of them for you. Besides, I admit I’m curious to know what you think of me. Especially being so willing to offer help like you did.”

Chewing your bottom lip, you glanced up at him from beneath your lashes. He looked far less intimidating beneath your blush pink blanket now. What would it hurt if you told him a few of your ideas about the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen? Maybe he might laugh at them, but would hearing that sound again be all that bad? And it truly would be interesting to learn more about the mysterious vigilante, something you'd probably never have the opportunity to do again. 

“Okay,” you agreed with a nod. Straightening up on the couch, you turned to face him more fully. “So I've always thought with the way that you fight that you were trained by some sort of secret ninja assassin organization.”

A hearty chuckle filled your living room at your first theory. The pleasant and resonant noise left you grinning as your stomach fluttered in response. You briefly wondered how often the Devil actually laughed when he was out. 

“I cannot confirm nor deny that,” he responded. 

The playful smile that kept appearing on his face was beginning to further disarm you. You found yourself enjoying his company, soon becoming used to the way half his face was hidden from sight with that ridiculous fabric. And for some reason your unexplainable attraction to him was only growing. 

“Next theory,” he prodded, the smile on his face apparent even in his voice. 

“You're not wealthy,” you stated, leaning forward and grabbing your tea from the coffee table.

“Oh, ow,” he joked, playfully recoiling back from you on the couch. “What makes you say that?”

You waved a hand at him across from you as you settled back into the cushions, mug in hand. “Because you wear clothing that is obviously not meant to protect you very well in a fight,” you answered. “I imagine if you had money you'd have something…nicer. Meant for what you do. And,” you continued, pausing long enough to drink down some of your now barely warm tea, aware of him focused on you, “you protect Hell’s Kitchen. Only Hell’s Kitchen. This part of the city isn't exactly filled with the wealthiest people. And with how dedicated you are to everyone here, I assume it's because you probably grew up here yourself. Most likely still reside here, too.”

The Devil hummed appreciatively when you'd quieted, his masked gaze still on you. You swore you could feel it as you drank down more of your tea.

“You're observant,” he mused. “Maybe I need to watch myself around you.”

A surge of pride swelled in your chest; you hadn't expected his praise. Or the way it would make you feel. And apparently, you'd guessed something right about him. 

“You're also not married or in a serious relationship,” you blurted before you could help yourself, wondering what more you could learn about him.

“Poor and unlovable?” the Devil asked with a surprised laugh. “That's what you think of me?”

“No,” you disagreed, laughing a little with him as you shook your head. “No, but I mean, I imagine you don't have time for someone else. And I figure most people wouldn’t like their partner going out and doing what you do. Putting yourself in danger.”

“Mmm,” he hummed out, shifting on the couch and making himself more comfortable. “A partner would certainly be…a distraction. A liability. One I couldn't really afford to have. So no, you're not wrong, I don't have one.”

You glanced down at your lap, your fingers fidgeting with the mug in your hands. Half of you was hoping to hear that he wasn't with anyone–though you refused to admit to yourself why that mattered–but the other half of you had heard the way he'd said that a partner would be a distracting liability and you’d felt a sad pang hit you in the chest. Considering how much he seemed to be enjoying your company when he didn't even know you had you guessing that the Devil was a lonely man deep down. 

But that wasn't a theory you felt comfortable sharing. 

“Any others?” he asked, breaking through your thoughts.

Clearing your throat, you focused back on him across the couch from you. His smile had disappeared, his lips now downturned at the corners just a bit. His posture had changed in your silence, the same as his mood, as if he'd picked up on the subtle change in yours somehow. 

Strange.

“I imagine you're the kind of guy who's fridge is always empty,” you answered.

A ghost of a smile reappeared on his face as he huffed out an amused breath. You couldn't fight the smile returning to your own lips at the sight of his again. 

“Well hey now,” he countered lightly, “there's usually beer. Sometimes orange juice and eggs.”

You giggled, unable to stop yourself. “Who'd have guessed the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen is just your average bachelor?” 

“Average?” he repeated in mock offense, his head tilting to the side. “I'm just average now?”

Quirking a brow at him in a challenging manner, your own head cocked to the side. “Maybe tell me more about yourself and I could say otherwise,” you boldly teased back. 

“Well obviously,” he began, grinning at you in a way that had your body heating, “I can't exactly do that now can I? Defeats the purpose–

“Of remaining anonymous,” you finished for him. “I've picked up on the importance of that.” 

A silence soon settled between the pair of you, one that slowly began to cause your nerves to grow with the way he kept smiling at you. Once again you desperately found yourself wanting to see the rest of his face, curious to know just how handsome he really was under that black mask. Though you settled for studying what you could see, your eyes tracing the soft curves of his pink lips, noticing the way they very minutely twitched under your scrutiny. Eventually your gaze dropped down, following the hard lines of his stubbled jaw. As your eyes trailed further down, they lingered on the part of his neck that wasn't covered by the blankets he’d wrapped around himself for warmth. A heat burned in you as the urge to reach out and just touch him, just to see if he was real, suddenly grew within you. It didn't help that it almost felt like you could feel the weight of his own eyes fixed on you beneath the mask, once again making you very aware of your lack of bra beneath your sweatshirt.

Catching your lip between your teeth, you noticed the way his throat bobbed with a hard swallow. Had he been having similar thoughts? Observing you, too? 

Inhaling a sharp breath through your nose at the idea, you knew you needed to stop this line of thinking and stop it fast. There was absolutely no way the Devil would be interested in you. Certainly not like that. That was absurd.

“Would you like something to eat?” you asked, trying to calm your pulse. “If your fridge is empty all the time I'm guessing you could use something to eat.”

“I mean, I suppose if you’re–”

He stopped short the exact moment that the lights died, throwing the pair of you into almost complete darkness. You sucked in a breath, turning to look out the window just to your right. It was eerily dark outside, a sight that was rare in the city. Even the buildings across the street had been thrown into darkness. There was nothing but the howling wind and snow outside.

“Guess it was too much to hope the power wouldn’t go out in this mess,” you breathed out.

“I suppose so,” he replied, his tone just as soft.

Reaching blindly forward, you set your almost empty mug onto the coffee table before you. For a moment you reached around on the surface until your fingers brushed against your phone. You picked it up and unlocked the screen, grateful for the bit of light it shed in the dark as you turned on the flashlight function.

“So I can’t offer you a nice cooked meal without power,” you told him, rising to your feet, “but I can get you an apple and a couple of protein bars? If you’d…like?”

“You don’t have to, but I’d appreciate it,” he said.

“It’s the least I can do for the man who does so much for the rest of us,” you told him, maneuvering around the couch and navigating your way to the kitchen by the light of your phone. “I’d feel awful leaving you hungry and dehydrated.”

Wrapping one arm around your chest to try to fight the chill that had been steadily creeping into you, you headed towards a cabinet near the sink. Reaching up, you grabbed a glass from out of it before taking a moment to fill it beneath the faucet before setting it along the countertop. Then you plucked an apple out of a fruit bowl on your counter, taking a moment to rinse it off first. The moment you’d turned off the faucet you heard his voice from across the apartment.

“You’re cold.”

For a moment you found it odd how his words hadn’t come out as a question but more of an observation, though you quickly shrugged the strangeness of that aside. You set the apple down on the counter beside the glass of water before sliding a step to your right and opening up another cabinet.

“It’s alright, I’m fine,” you answered, trying to shine the light from your phone into the cabinet to read the labels on the boxes. “I wasn’t the one out in that snowstorm wearing barely anything at all.”

“You say that like I was out there naked.”

His voice had unexpectedly come from just behind you this time and it jolted your heart in your chest instantly. His sudden proximity mixed with his word choice had you startling on the spot. Your hand that had been about to pull the box of protein bars out of the cabinet accidentally bumped it instead, causing the entire box to slip off of the shelf. But before it could tumble to the floor and spill its contents, a black gloved hand darted out beside your face, catching it before it had barely fallen six inches. 

You stood there rooted to the spot, his hand just brushing your arm as his held the box of protein bars. The hair on the back of your neck had risen, aware that he was standing barely a foot behind you now. Slowly, you turned over your shoulder to look at him. Your pulse quickened further at how close his face was to yours. He was looking at you, too. Or at least, he was facing you. Eyes dropping down, you couldn’t help but notice that mouth of his again. 

“I apologize,” he said, your eyes watching as his lips moved. “I didn’t mean to startle you. Sometimes I forget how quiet I can be. I just wanted to give you one of the blankets. No sense in me using both when you’re cold.”

“Oh,” you whispered, unable to form any other response.

With his attention still on you, he reached up and slid the box back onto the shelf. Then he seemed to take a purposeful step back from you, his lips set in a straight line. You wondered what was going on in his mind right now, because you were sure there had to be something. Had he felt the tension you’d just felt? Or were you just ridiculous and overly hopeful?

And why did it even matter? You were never going to see this man again after tonight anyway.

Blinking a few times, you returned your attention to the shelf. Reaching up, you slid your hand into the box that had nearly taken a nosedive to your kitchen floor and pulled out two protein bars. Keeping your eyes actively focused away from the Devil nearby, you closed the cabinet and slid a step back to your left, grabbing the glass of water in your hand with your phone and the apple in the same hand as the bars. Though before you could turn around, you felt something gently drape over your shoulders. Looking down, you noticed it was the pink blanket he’d been wearing.

“Like I said,” he repeated, “there’s no sense in me using both.”

“Right,” you whispered, pulse pounding in your throat.

Turning on your heel, you stepped past him and made your way back to the living room by the light of your phone. This time you heard the heavy steps of him following after you. You assumed that was intentional.

“So why were you out in this blizzard tonight anyway?” you asked him, making your way around the couch. You hoped having something to talk about would distract you from whatever it was he kept stirring inside of you. “Surely there aren’t a lot of crimes being committed in this weather?”

The Devil let out a light laugh as he accepted the offered glass of water and food from you. One of your brows quirked curiously onto your forehead at his reaction as you sat back down in your original spot on the couch. Though you noticed as he took a large drink from the cup while lowering himself onto the cushions that he’d sat closer to you than before. You watched as he ripped open a protein bar and tore off a large bite next, but he didn't answer until a moment later when he’d swallowed the bite down. Internally you noted he must’ve been hungrier than he let on with the way he was devouring that bar and you’d wished you’d had more food to offer him with the power out.

“You’d be correct,” he told you. “And yet I still stupidly made my way out into this storm tonight in the hopes of catching a lead on something. Instead all I got was my ass frozen and my side bruised.” 

You watched as he took another large bite of the protein bar, chewing it almost contemplatively as his head canted to the side. You could still see him in the beam of light from your phone which you were still clutching in your hand. Somehow this lighting made him even more appealing as it cast sharp shadows along his jaw.

“Though I suppose unexpectedly meeting you was a highlight,” he added, causing your cheeks to flush. “But you know, you never did give me your name.”

“Well you never exactly gave me yours,” you immediately quipped back.

Those beautiful lips of his curved upwards yet again as he chewed the last bite of the first protein bar. What you wouldn’t give to see if that smile had reached his eyes.

“Alright, point taken,” he replied. 

Tearing your gaze away from him, you focused on your phone. If you kept the flashlight running the battery would die in no time. And who knew how long the power might be out for, you might need it later. You supposed you didn't need it on just for a conversation.

“I’m going to turn the flashlight off on my phone for now, if that's alright?” you told him, fingers darting across the screen to do just that. “Might need the battery on this later.”

“That’s alright,” he replied, sounding as if he was chewing another bite of food. “I don’t need it.”

He’d made the comment just as you’d leaned forward to set your phone back onto the coffee table, but you’d paused as the words processed in your mind. Your eyes narrowed again as your mind raced. Something about the way he’d said that sounded as if it had another meaning to it. But before you could put too much thought into it, he’d changed the topic.

“You’re still cold,” he pointed out. “That blanket alone isn't helping.”

Brows furrowing together as you slowly sat back, you wondered how he could possibly know that. The pair of you were in almost pitch black again with your phone flashlight off. It wasn't like he could see you and you hadn't been shivering, though there were definitely goosebumps dotting your skin. How could he possibly know? 

“I’m fine,” you said, pulling the blanket you had on tighter around yourself. “It’s bound to get colder here with the power out now.”

“And with how long you had your window open earlier,” he added. “The temperature is going to drop in here faster than it would have if you hadn’t helped me.”

You sighed, frowning in his general direction. “So much for being able to help you warm up,” you muttered. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” he assured you.

It felt as if he was shifting on the couch nearby. Your brows knitted further together as you tried to make out what he was doing through the dark. All you could see was a faint mass of black that seemed darker than the rest of the blackness. Then moments later you felt a blanket being draped over your lap. 

“No, uh uh,” you said, shaking your head and immediately grabbing the blanket. “There’s two blankets, we can clearly share.”

“You’re freezing,” he countered. 

“And you’re not cold?” you shot back.

“Doesn’t matter, you’ve already been far kinder than I deserved this evening,” he replied.

You grabbed the blanket in your hands and stubbornly tossed it back in his general direction. An audible sigh sounded through the darkness to your left.

“You know I can just leave, right?” he told you. “Which would leave you with no reason to not use both blankets.”

Your eyes narrowed in the direction of the sound of his voice. “But then you’d be allowing more cold air into my apartment, which would only make the temperature drop faster in here,” you argued back. “Then I'd really be cold.”

He breathed out a laugh and you imagined the smile on his lips at the sound. You smiled triumphantly back at the dark shape of him because you knew you had a good point. Even though really, you could just layer on more clothes.

“Okay,” he relented. “That’s true. So how about…we share?”

The smile on your face quickly disappeared at his suggestion. Mouth dropping open, you felt your heart skip a beat in your chest. It took you a few seconds to regain the ability to respond.

“Share?” you asked.

“Body heat would certainly keep us both warmer,” he answered. “So would sharing two blankets instead of using only one.”

“Oh, uh, well,” you stammered, your mind racing at the thought of your body pressed up against his. “I–I–”

His deep laugh rumbled towards you through the darkness, the sound causing your lips to clamp shut. 

“I’m not suggesting anything immoral,” he assured you. “Simply a possible solution to the very real problem of us freezing in here. Unless, of course, you’d prefer me to leave?”

“No!” you exclaimed.

Immediately your eyes widened in horror at how quickly you’d responded to that. And judging by his chuckle, he’d also noticed, too. Your face scrunched up as you mentally scolded yourself for sounding so eager to keep him here in your apartment.

“Well in that case, we could share the blankets and our body heat,” he suggested again. “Because the temperature has definitely dropped a few degrees already and it's only going to continue if the power stays out.”

Nervously your tongue slid out, licking your lips. You were trying hard to control the racing of your heart, positive he could hear it with how hard it was beating now. Of course you weren’t going to pass up a chance to basically cuddle the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen for warmth during a snowstorm. You just needed to find a way to not sound so eager to accept his offer first.

“I suppose you…have a point there,” you said slowly, trying to keep your voice even. “That’s–that’s usually what people do in survival situations. Use their body heat to keep warm.”

An amused huff came from him and you realized he’d scooted even closer to you on the couch. Your breath caught in your throat the moment you felt his thigh bump against yours.

“So are we in agreement with sharing both blankets, then?” he asked.

“That–that appears to be the most logical solution to the problem,” you answered. “So yeah, I guess we…share the blankets.”

Despite the lack of light, the Devil seemed to move with ease and fluidity through the darkness, something you were paying close attention to as he gently sidled his way up against the side of you, managing to wrap both blankets around the pair of you. All the while you’d sat pin straight on the couch, aware that he was flush to your side from your shoulder all the way down to your knee. You clasped your hands in your lap, unsure of where else to place them. Truthfully, you had to admit you were already much warmer like this, with his body heat enveloping you beneath both blankets.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” he asked, his tone far gentler than it had been all evening. “Because that's not my intention.”

“No,” you answered with a light shake of your head. “You're not.”

He chuckled softly, his body shaking yours slightly with the movement. Your head turned towards him and you wished you could see at least the part of his face that was visible right now.

“Then why are you so tense?” he questioned. 

“I'm not tense!” you lied.

He laughed again, this time louder. The movement jostled you somehow further into his side, though your hand flew out and landed flat on his very solid chest as you tried to stop yourself from falling further into him. Your eyes widened in horror yet again, but before you could push yourself away you felt his arm wrapping around your shoulders and allowing you to sink even more into him. Heat was very much creeping up your neck and reaching your cheeks now in embarrassment. 

“You're very tense actually,” he teased. “If you're uncomfortable I can move, but we aren't going to be sharing much body heat if you don't actually sit next to me.”

Slowly you removed your hand from his chest, lowering it to your lap. Though with the way you were sitting facing partially towards him now, your knuckles were brushing against his thigh. 

“I am not tense,” you grumbled. “And you aren't making me uncomfortable. This is just…awkward. I barely know you and you don't know me.”

“Okay,” he conceded. “How about since you've guessed a few things about me, I think it's only fair you tell me a few things about yourself now.”

“I told you I'm not very interesting,” you reminded him.

“Ah, well,” he replied with a shrug, “I think I'd like to decide that for myself.”

Biting your lip, you turned your burning face and buried it into his shoulder, glad he couldn't see how nervous he'd suddenly made you. It was hard to tell if he was flirting with you or if that was just his vigilante persona–when he wasn't beating people, of course. 

With your nose pressed against the fabric of his shirt, you noticed he smelled surprisingly good. There was the hint of his sweat, but there was also a faint clean detergent scent. You closed your eyes and tried to relax, inhaling a deep breath in. Even though he was still a stranger and a vigilante, he seemed kind and safe so far. And he also hadn't thrown you off of himself for getting even closer to him, either. Maybe you should just do what he seemed to be doing: relax and enjoy the unexpected cuddles tonight with an unexpected acquaintance. 

“Alright, what do you want to know?” you whispered, eyes still closed as you focused on his scent.

Eyes fluttering open, you felt yourself waking from a deep, comfortable sleep. Though your eyes instantly snapped closed against the bright light that immediately assaulted them. Slowly you blinked them back open, trying to adjust to the surprising sunshine pouring through your living room window. Gradually you began to push yourself upright, realizing you were laying with your head on a couch pillow, both of your blankets snuggly wrapped around you. For a moment your face twisted into a look of confusion as you hesitated, staring down at the two blankets. Why had you been asleep on your couch?

But then flashes of last night came back to you. The masked man falling onto your fire escape. The joking and constant banter between the pair of you. Darkness when the power went out and the feel of his warm, muscular body wrapped around yours as he tried to keep you warm. The scent of clean detergent and his sweat. The feel of his spandex shirt against your fingertips and your cheek as you rested your head against his shoulder.

Had that all really happened? Or had you just fallen asleep on your couch and dreamt it?

Your attention shifted towards your coffee table and your sluggish brain processed the sight of your almost empty mug of tea, left abandoned all night, and an empty glass of water. Pushing yourself the rest of the way upright on the couch, your head turned over your shoulder. The lock on your living room window was undone.

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen really had been in your apartment last night. Which meant the pair of you really had cuddled together for warmth when your power had gone out. And you really did meet him. At least, somewhat.

“Oh my God,” you breathed out in awe. “He was really here.”

But just as the rush of excitement at meeting someone you’d always secretly admired filled you, it quickly vanished. Because you must have fallen asleep on him sometime last night when the pair of you were talking, and then he must’ve slipped out of your apartment before the sun came up, probably when the power had come back on. Which made sense, considering he wouldn’t want to be seen sneaking back to his own apartment in such a conspicuous outfit. 

But what was upsetting you was the growing realization that it wasn’t just the first time you’d met him, but it would most likely be the last. And you’d gone and fallen asleep through part of that meeting.

Stupid stupid stupid.

[edb954]

Tragedy In Admits of Happiness(Coriolanus Snow x Fem!reader)

(Summary: Pregnancy supposed to be one of the most joyous moments in life, knowing you're going to be parents. Turns into Coriolanus's nightmare.)

Word Count: 1.3k

Masterlist : Request Info

(A/n: Working on Beauty & The Beast au rn!!)

(Warnings!: Rough pregnancy, talks of abortion, LOT OF angst but with a happy ending! Maybe slight ooc Coriolanus, he actually loves you!, cute moment with Tigris!)

~~~~

"I have something to show you." Coriolanus said taking your hand, you smile as he walked you towards a door. You stopped at the door eyebrows snitched together.

"Hey you okay?" He asked looking at her with slight concern. Y/n nodded smiling slightly. "Hmm morning sickness again?"

"Y-yeah I think- ah!" you shouted slightly as suddenly a sharp pain going through you your hand going to your stomach as you start to crumble to the floor in pain.

Coriolanus's eyes widened as he wrapped his arms around you. He held you as you gripped onto his shirt.

~~~

Coriolanus opened the door once you got home. His arm wrapped around you.

"I want to see the surprise." You blurted out. Moving his arms from around you and walked towards the room you were previously at before..

"You need to rest-" "I want to see it." You said sternly looking at him Coriolanus looked back at you his jaw clenched as you turned away from him going into the room eyes widening as you saw a nursery.

"I had the avoxes work on it all week..." Coriolanus said at the door way.

You walked over to the crib picking up a small onesie that said 'Moms the best.' You bring the onesie up to your chest. Tears filled your eyes.

"I just need a minute.." Y/n sniffed leaving the room. Coriolanus looked around banging his fist against the wall before going after her.

Coriolanus felt like he was losing control. His worst fear ever since losing his mother was now becoming a reality in a cruel twist of fate for him and his beautiful darling wife. And he'd be damned if he lost his girl to the same fate his mother had faced. He found her looking at a picture.

"We can take a day before we go back to the doctor." Coriolanus said. Leaning against the wall slightly. Y/n sat the picture down.

"For an abortion..." She whispered, looking off to the side. Coriolanus jaw clenched.

"That's not wh-" "That's what it is!" Coriolanus looked at her eyes widened a bit at her outburst. She turned around looking at him.

"If you want to say anything about it Coriolanus. Then call it what it is." She said sternly. He ran a hand through his hair.

"How did this happen?" He whispered. She looked away slightly guilt.

"I-I had some pain earlier in the pregnancy.." She admitted. Coriolanus eyes shot up face Turing into one she never wanted to face and looked at her.

"How could you not inform me of this?" He asked anger slowly rising.

"Because I went to the doctor and they said it was nothing.." She said as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"T-this isn't nothing!" Coriolanus said coming in front of you.

"M-maybe it is.." She whispered. Coriolanus eyed her in disbelief.

"What does that mean?" He asked she looked at him. "It means whatever happens.. Happens." Coriolanus backed away angrily.

"You have some nerve.." He spat. Her eyebrows stitched together "excuse me?"

"We are not continuing this pregnancy. I'm not going to lose you because of it." Y/n came up to him.

"It's not an it. Alright? You saw its heart beat and the little tiny fingers and its toes." "Stop!" "No im not gonna stop okay?!"

  Coriolanus looked at her eyes filling with tears whether it's from rage or what she's saying.

"T-this is our baby Corio. It's you and me." She said taking his hand. "Are we really going to let them place odds on us? After everything that we've been through? Kidnappings, District 12, peacekeeping, the games, my family?" She exclaimed. Coriolanus looked at her with sad angry eyes .

"I can't lose you.. not li-" Y/n cupped his cheeks "you're not going to lose me like your mother. We are going to be fine.." she said taking one of his hands and placing it in her bump. "All three of us."

"Plus if I go. I will haunt your ass to make sure you never slip." She joked.

"How the hell can you joke about this and be so calm?" He asked but more liked seethed at her. She took eyes off her bump and looked into his eyes.

"Cause I'm scared." Y/n said with tears slipping from her eyes. Coriolanus eyes softened before eloping her into an embrace.

"But I have to believe that the odds WILL be in our favor this is not where our story ends.." She whispered, forehead pressed against his.

~~~~

7 months later...

~~~~

You were now very heavily pregnant at a gala that the doctor okayed you to go to Coriolanus was by your side all night. Checking on you as you were both congratulated as people gushed over the two of you bringing a baby. Into the world.

Now, you had just gotten home and Corio was walking you to the bedroom. A peacekeeper came up to you bowing his head.

"Mister Snow sir, I'm sorry to interrupt but you have an important call." A peacekeeper said.

"What ever it is. Im sure it can wait." Coriolanus said coldly. The peacekeeper gulped before taking a deep breath and saying who it was. Coriolanus sighed as he gave you a hesitant look.

"Go, I'll be fine." Y/n said giving him a small smile. He gave you a kiss on the head.

"This won't take long." Coriolanus said you nodded as he walked off with the peacekeeper.

You continued your walk to the bedroom before you felt a sharp pain and felt something slip down your leg to see blood. Your breath hitched as your body crumbled to the ground not hearing her name being called in a series of panic.

Tigris rushed into the hospital wing seeing Coriolanus with his head in his hands. She gulped walking over to him placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked up with teary eyes.

"I can't lose her Tigris.. not like.." Tigris shushed him as she brought him into an embrace. It was the first time since before the 10th anual games that she saw the actual him.

"You're not going to lose her Corio, y/n is strong a lot stronger than we know." And she was right.

  The odds did it in fact fall in their favor a few moments later Elorie Rose Snow was born the both of you healthier than anyone could imagined. Coriolanus practically rushed into your room seeing you sat up holding the small baby in your arms looking as beautiful and alive more than ever. You smiled at him as he came closer looking at you then down at his.. daughter. He let the last tear slip as he embraced you kissing your forehead and wrapping his arm around you.

"Oh y/n she's beautiful.." Tigris cooed at the very healthy new born resting in you arms.

"Would you like to hold her?" She asked. Tigris froze for a moment before nodding her head.

"Ellie this is your godmother and best aunt Tigris." Y/n said as she handed Elorie over to her.

Tigris looked at Coriolanus surprised and he nodded. Tigris eyes welled up with tears as she held the baby looking down at her now goddaughter.

"Are you-" "I'm fine.. im more than fine Corio." Y/n said looking at him as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Taking a deep breath as she smiled looking at their daughter and Tigris. Coriolanus kiss her forehead as Tigris handed Elorie back to Y/n.

"I'll let you two have a moment." Tigris said as she left the room.

"She's perfect.." Y/n said looking down at the newborn with pure platinum blonde hair.

   Coriolanus looked at Y/n then to his daughter. She looked like the perfect mix of the two of you. His heart swelled looking at her. He knew then that he could never truest hate her even when he almost lost you but he didn't. Here you three were okay and safe.

[russilton]

Huh crocheter George... I can see him doing it and he seems like a person that would make stuff for his friends?

Someone gave Carlos a crochet chili? So something like that

Obviously first to like Alex and Lando etc and now I want Lewis to be a bit jealous and offended that everyone seems to be getting something self made from George from him (except of course, it's fine to give something with potential mistakes to your best friend and other friends but to someone like Lewis? It would have to be perfect which means improving a lot before you dare present something....)

(Anon I have been working on this for months now- since you sent it, but you can’t complain it’s late or that I made it knitting instead of crochet since you got what is in essence, fic) (un-edited because my wife is sick, there was no planning, just vibes)

word count: 4679

It started as a stupid way to prove to Alex he did in fact have artistic skills. Somewhere between grainy YouTube videos and detangling knots it became a way to decompress between sessions, it made for good practice with repetitive actions and not making mistakes, something in following stitch patterns that isn't that different from memorising turns and breaking points.

Incorporating new colours and designs teaches him to build patterns in his head that help with race planning. It's surprising how much the skills intersect. The only problem that arose was just how many scarves he ended up with.

So, George makes everyone scarves. Everyone gets a scarf. It’s a straight line and easy to follow. He has to get rid of the results of his labour somehow.

Aleix? Scarf. Bono? Scarf. Marcus’ scarf has extra fancy tassels. Riki’s has his first ever pole time embedded in it in little pixelated number shaped stitches. Mike’s scarf is almost as long as he is tall, George finally conceding it was long enough when he ran out of yarn at that weekends race. Shov’s scarf is connected in a loop, when asked, George teases ‘it’s because you’ve been here forever, Andrew.’ and has to duck out of the room and set off running before it gets pelted at his head. Shov does keep it though, along with one George manages to slyly pay Anthony to slip into his bag for Jenson. Toto gets sent home with scarves for Susie and each of his children. His is hidden at the bottom, so George doesn’t have to look him in the eyes when he finds it.

George only has to squint at Fred with red ears and nose, on a chilly Silverstone test day huddled up beside Mick in their boyband style white puffers, before he’s handed a black and silver scarf a week later. It doesn’t matter how much he protests being from a northern circle country, if Valtteri got a scarf so does Fred.

The fact Valtteri’s attempt was one of his earlier ones and has a finger sized hole in it is of no consequence. After all, Alex’s scarf has more holes than it has clean runs, but George just tells him it’s to get him used to the Williams style of living. If James Vowles' scarf is a lot neater, George challenges Alex to go and fight him for it.

Charles gets one in a red so vibrant it almost glows, though it’s not until after a summer break, George wouldn’t be caught dead working with Ferrari red in his garage, even now. Mick’s is a similar red, if paler, patterned with a grid of white stitches, and he looks surprised when George drops it in his lap, but it morphs into his wide bright smile when George just nods at him. Even Nicky receives a scarf in Williams blue with little wonky maple leaves patterned in white down the length of it mailed to him after a particularly stressful season opening. Nicky's girlfriend sends him a photo of him wearing it while they stand in snow up to their ankles. It feels good to know he's doing alright.

Eventually George’s scarves get more and more complicated, new patterns and shapes appearing as he pushes the boundary of his easy little plans, and finds new ways to occupy his mind during the hardest parts of the season. Eventually even drivers George knows a little less well find themselves with an unlabelled gift George gets snuck to them— Yuki and Guanyu both have the good sense to not question it too hard. Esteban texts him a middle finger, but he doesn’t get it back.

Even Roscoe gets a scarf, perfectly shrunk in size for his boxy head, rows interwoven with yellow and purple that he wears proudly as a bulldog can for a modelling photo in his home in LA alongside Angela who’d been more than excited to partake in George’s unspoken mission. The Bulldog looks stylish and comfortable despite it not being even close to the right season for it. He’s a professional after all.

—

Lewis gets nothing, which, y’know, he’s fine with. Roscoe got one so that kind of counts, and he’s been told he’s hard to buy for with his eccentric fashion sense, doubled by the fact he has enough money that even he doesn’t know what to do with it all sometimes. He’s worn more scarves than most people have ever owned, the majority of them handed to him by his stylists and then neatly returned that same week, their loan period from the brands vying for his attention ending without much fanfare.

He’s only kept one or two that particularly held his interest, and while Lewis doesn’t know their exact price, he knows that they probably cost more than one of the team's laptops. While Lewis has long been comfortable with his wealth, every now and then it still catches him, like a missed tag in a shirt, itchy and distracting.

This was one of those times.

When he’d first seen the scarves popping up around the garage, in the early part of that season when they’re still racing in deserts and countries close to the equator, he assumed its a new fashion trend he just isn’t aware of yet. It doesn’t make sense to him the way trends usually do; the heat of the climate combined with the way all of them are so varied and different. The only connecting factor is the handmade air to them, holes and sloppy loops peppered across the lengths. He even starts to wonder if one of the mechanics partners was sending them to races with gifts.

Lewis is used to purposefully distressed fabrics, so it takes him longer than he’d care to admit to realise what’s going on. He really should have noticed when Bono got one, as notoriously intolerant to modern trends as he usually is, but it isn’t until Valtteri of all people texts him a photo of himself with one tucked around his neck and newly trimmed mullet on a cycling trip between races that he finally cracks.

———

[VB sent an image]

LH: Where the hell did you get that thing, I keep seeing them everywhere

VB: This is a moustache Lewis, you should be familiar with the concept

LH: Har har

LH: wise ass.

LH: I meant the scarf

VB: Ask your boytoy

VB: it was him who threw it at my head in Spa last week

LH: George???

VB: who else

LH: don’t call him that- since when is he buying everyone scarves?

VB: but you knew who I meant didn’t you

LH: answer the question

VB: I’m pretty sure he made it, there’s a lot of holes

LH: Since when does George knit?????

VB: these sound like questions for YOUR teammate, I have pedalling to do

VB: 👋➡️🚴‍♂️

LH: what the hell man

LH: did you seriously just ghost me rather than answer

LH: fuck you

LH: and your secrets

LH: I hope tiff beats you

LH: 🖕🏾

[Valtteri BottASS liked a message]

——

The conversation with Valtteri leaves him even more confused than he was before. Despite the fact he now has even more questions swirling around his head, he does not ask George what’s going on. The last thing he wants to do is find out why he’s been excluded from the man himself. Lewis chooses not to question exactly why that is.

He’s also glad he hadn’t asked his stylist to find it for him like he’d planned to, containing his mild embarrassment down to just Valtteri, who he’s reasonably sure won’t tell George he asked about it. Valtteri may deeply enjoy fucking with Lewis, but not enough to have a conversation with George about it. If there’s one thing Valtteri objects to on all levels it’s being involved in… whatever is going on between Lewis and George.

Lewis isn’t quite sure what it is either. They’ve been dancing around each other for years now, Lewis isn’t quite sure when George turned from colleage to friend, and he really doesn’t know where they stand now they’re teammates who spend almost every week together in some form. The formality of clear labels was lost somewhere in the late night strategy sessions and food shared at different tables across the world at every hour of the day, from late breakfasts in Qatar to eyes-barely-open meals at 3am in Singapore. He wouldn’t call George his best friend… but he’s not sure he would call George just his teammate anymore either. He’s George. Whatever that means.

That lack of definition bites him in the ass sometimes, such as cases like this one where he has no idea what he is to George in return.

In his final year with Mercedes it had only gotten harder to figure out where they stood. In the years prior it had been a little easier at least, they'd had their ups and downs as they fought the car and worked hard not to fight with each other, but they'd always settled somewhere level. George's warmth toward him had felt unshakable.

Now it feels like they're both in some kind of pendulum motion, sliding from a desire to keep some distance, to make it hurt less, to an almost clingy need to soak up the time they have remaining together. It feels silly really, it's not like Lewis is retiring, he'll still be there, a couple doors down from George...but he can't escape the reality of knowing it'll be different.

Coupling that with his already complicated and grief heavy emotions about the entire team, and the fact their needs don't exactly line up most weekends, it's been a hard year. Lewis is pretty sure he's pulled George into more hugs this season than he has any other teammate before, but that didn't stop the sting of weeks where George seemed to catch a glance at him and turn tail and run for his drivers room. He doesn't feel particularly emotionally intelligent, but the slip of pain and something pinched in George's too clear eyes had been plain as day.

He knows there's nothing he can really do about it other than let George feel what he feels, but it still felt like a balm when George would grab his hand after a good race with that crazed joy in his eyes he always got, sweat practically flicking off every strand of his hair, and smile so bright it shone reserved just for Lewis, rubbing away any awkward moments from that weekend, like when George had winced when Lewis as squeezed his hand in greeting in Silverstone, mumbling something about sore fingers that Lewis hadn't understood.

Coming into their final races together as they do now, every movement feels amplified, every gesture and discussion hangs with the weight of being potentially his last with his team the team. Thoughts about George and scarves get lost in the heat of desert tracks and a cloying grief he finally has to face head on without the facade of getting through the year. He's not sure he's ever felt this emotional in his life. Leaving Mclaren had been a breath of fresh air and a weight lifted even if he'd loved what they had achieved together. Leaving Mercedes feels like moving away from England for the first time, unsure of what will be on the other side, or if he'll be able to make somewhere foreign and so different feel like his home again. Unsure if he wants to.

George seems to almost disappear behind that. Lewis figures he's giving him time to say goodbye to his team uninterrupted. Despite the fact George had been part of the Mercedes family in a way almost as long as Lewis has driven for them, they both know there's something different about it, and he's thankful for the space. He can press down the guilty, aching and confusing emotions he has about George into a box in the back of his mind to be handled late. He doesn't have time to unpack Georges furtive, almost nervous peeking at him between monitors when he's listening to Shov present their debrief for what might be the last time.

That's does however leave him ultimately unprepared for when George does finally demand his attention, by appearing on the doorstep of his drivers room after they're wrapped up for the evening, qualifying finished and preparations for the race day concluded, with what appears to be a colourfully wrapped lump in his arms.

Lewis is still blinking at the shiny obstacle between them, overhead lights glinting off the chrome coloured paper, when George speaks.

'Sorry mate, I hope I didn't interrupt anything did I?' His voice is oddly high pitched, sounding a little like when Lewis knows he's trying to lie to Toto about how much sleep he's had.

'No man I was just packing up for the night'

'Mind if I come in before you leave? It won't take long I promise,'

Lewis murmurs a quiet uh sure as he steps back, gesturing George inside and then shutting the door behind them as he see's curious eyes in the engineering bay start glancing over toward them. Even Bono, Mike, and Marcus, still clustered in the corner as normal poking away at their laptops seem to be looking over, trying and failing to seem subtle as if Lewis hasn't had over a decade to pick up on what Bono looks like when he's trying to listen to gossip.

In the privacy of Lewis' drivers room George spins around to face him and before he can even ask what's going on, George is pushing the thing he brought with him into Lewis' grasp

The parcel isn't too dense, but there's a weight to it that feels like it has to be good deal heavier than the wrapped scarves Lewis had watched George pass out in the past, and it looks at least three times the size them. Lewis barely has a second to try and figure out what it is before George’s fingers twitch toward him, like he’s itching to pull it from Lewis’ hands and unwrap it himself because Lewis is being too slow. Wordlessly, Lewis holds the package back out, gesturing for George to go ahead, and rather than steal it back out of his hands, George crowds up into his space to start unpicking the paper.

George’s wrapping handiwork has never been strong, but Lewis can’t really pay attention to that when George is this close, towering above him but seeming almost small in his nervousness. The moment feels strangely intimate as George slips those long fingers between his own crumpled tape job, tugging the attached parts free until he pulls back the final fold to reveal his signature woven handiwork.

George steps back then, leaving Lewis holding his presented gift in a cradle of paper. Out of the corner of his eye Lewis sees him twist and wring his fingers together as he watches, but Lewis can barely focus on how George might be feeling as a wave of... something hot and warm rushes over him.

The lump turns out to be a jumper. It's a bright mustard yellow, rich and bold. Or at least, part of it is, the arms and chest in one continuous colour that ends abruptly partway down the torso when one line stops and continues in a slightly paler shade. The difference is almost imperceptible, and likely would hidden entirely if the colours weren’t butted up against each other like this, juxtaposed the way they are. Towards the hem of the thing, the colour shifts again, one step lighter for the last handful of rows falling at the waistline, the changes creating a gradient down the body. When Lewis traces it with his eyes, he can spot small areas in the neck and wrists where the pattern falters, warped patches that correct quickly but don’t quite line up with those around them. Rather than make the whole item look bad, there’s an odd personality to it, a touch of handmade individuality compared to a lot of the pristine items Lewis gets handed by his stylist, not a spec of lint in sight despite the fact they aren’t headed to a closed catwalk, but a dusty paddock.

As his fingers lift the folded bulk of it he spots a little detail along the neckline, a tiny, almost unnoticeable LH in a dark gold colour that would settle in line with his ear. Surely enough on the right side, there's a tiny 44 in the same font, the pair crowning his shoulders. Twisting the woollen form again, he sees there are tiny stars stitched into the cuffed sleeves in the same colour. There's seven by his count, and an eighth peeking out from the inner band where it would press against his wrist.

He's not sure how long they've been stood together now, silent but for the rustling of paper and the jumper as Lewis studies George's work. As he finishes his inspection he becomes aware of the anxious energy practically radiating off George in the silence that the same man finally snaps and breaks.

'I know its uh, pretty hot where we are but I figured, when you get back home- I mean when you get back to England you can- I tried to finish it earlier but-' George stumbles, words sounding unsure and faux light before Lewis interrupts him

'Did you make this?' He breaths, fingers pressing into the stitches as if it might tell him instead.

'Yeah, I wanted to make something... bigger. I know it's not quite what you're used to with the fashion stuff but I thought...well I don't know what I thought' George explains, words trailing into a lilting mumble. When Lewis' eyes dart up to meet his face, George's cheeks are glowing even in the low light of the one lamp he'd left on, face twisted as if braced for a blow. Like he thinks Lewis is going to be mad at him for this, somehow.

'George...man...'

'Sorry- It's stupid I know, if you don't like it I'll take it back, I won't be mad, I swear-' George isn't looking at him anymore, eyes darting around at his feet and his hands that he shoves into his pockets only to yank them out and wring them together again, fidgeting so he doesn't have to meet Lewis' gaze. His uncertainty makes Lewis' stomach hurt.

'It's perfect'

'I can even save the yarn, it's not actually that hard to unravel- what?'

'It's perfect, George, I really like it' He repeats, grabbing Georges arm with the hand he isn't cradling the jumper with, forcing George to stop trying to climb the walls with his eyes and look at him properly.

'You do?'

'Of course? Did you think I wouldn't like it?'

'I dunno I just- I wanted to make something special.' George rasps, surprisingly wet looking eyes boring into his. That stumps Lewis, and he has to drop his eyes back down to the gorgeous golden knit work, so undeniably a labour of care. It must have taken months, When Lewis was so deep in his own head trying to figure out if George felt anything or was just waiting for him to leave, the man himself was working in secret on something just for Lewis.

'How long did this take you?' He whispers into the space between them, not sure he even wants to know the answer, fingers still wrapped almost too firmly around Georges arm, a little worried George might run for the gates of the paddock if he lets go.

'You don't want to know- since before Imola at least. I normally just do scarves cause uh, they're just straight lines y'know.' George starts tentatively, before the dam seems to burst and he begins rambling 'I had to unpick half of it in October cause I'd counted wrong and it was shaped like a pear- there's still some wrong bits I couldn't fix, sorry about that- and I hope its the right size I had to ask Angela for them and she said they're a couple years old and-'

He continues but now it's Lewis' turn to freeze up, puzzle pieces clicking together in his head as he realises George has been working on something just for him since at least May. For over 7 months while Lewis was absorbed in fighting the car and his own emotions George was working away at something specifically for him, without even being sure if he would like it.

George has started to go off into a tangent about getting knitting needles through airport security when Lewis finally stops him, squeezing his arm.

'Why... why'd you do all that just for me?' He grits out, voice scratching against his raw throat, trying to make eye contact with George so he might read it in his face why the hell George put more effort in for him than anyone else.

'Just for you- Blimey, Lewis, cause I had to say thank you somehow, didn't I?'

'Cause I'm leaving?'

'No! No- 'cause you stayed. 'Cause you made me feel like this is my home too. 'Cause you listened to me and never made me feel too young or not good enough when I made mistakes and you never treated me like the enemy or just some guy across the garage. I know I keep saying it but you probably saved my career-'

'George- you would have been fine without me, you've always been good-' Lewis tries to interject, but George just steamrolls past him.

'Yeah but- you didn't make me figure that out on my own. I learned more in a month with you than three years at Williams. You made me a better person'

'George-'

'Please, I know it's a bit much, maybe, but I just had to do something before you left, so you knew.' George's voice cracks a little over the last words, and Lewis doesn't feel much better, eyebrows furrowed and throat clogging as he tries to choke down the indescribable feeling climbing up his throat and threatening to suffocate him in response to George's frank honesty. He's always been better at being vulnerable than Lewis.

He doesn't know what to say anymore, how to tell George that it was never a hardship to be his teammate, that Lewis was the one who struggled to articulate what George meant to him. That he's going to miss this like breathing and he wasn't prepared for that.

Words have never been his strong suit though, so instead he turns slightly and gently throws the jumper onto the nearest couch, ensuring its landed safely and ignoring Georges noise of confusion before he turns and drags George into his arms.

It's become natural, to hug George, another thing that's evolved over the last couple seasons when Lewis would have sworn himself touch averse for the most part. His arms wrap tight around George, one clutching at the middle of his back as the other skates up to cup around the back of his head, fingers slipping on shower damp hair and George's shirt collar.

George's nose tucks into his neck like routine, cheek pressed hard into Lewis' as he winds a long arm around the shorter man's neck to clutch at his shoulder, the other tugging at Lewis' shirt, gripping like Lewis is going to pull away, as if he hadn't initiated it.

Lewis squeezes harder than he imagines is probably comfortable, but George just makes a wet noise into his neck and digs his head down harder, fingers clutching tighter as Lewis runs a thumb over his hairline. There's a damp feeling growing on Lewis' shoulder but he doesn't care, he's not sure how he isn't tearing up himself, maybe he would be if he wasn't trying to memorise the feeling of how George fits against him.

It crashes over him then, blunt as a hammer, that this is what he's afraid of losing. He's afraid of losing this closeness with George when he leaves, when he's no longer going to be the experienced, advising teammate but just another obstacle on the grid George needs to climb over. He might lose the George who crowds into his space looking for Lewis to celebrate with him this way. He might lose the joy and adrenaline of George flinging himself at Lewis with the confidence that he will be caught, when it might be strange if they aren't teammates.

'I'm sorry' he blurts out, words crawling from somewhere in his lungs, only for George to make a confused noise, trying to pull back and stopping when Lewis only grips harder.

'What're you sorry about' George gets out, words wet and quiet where they are muffled against Lewis' shoulder.

'About this, the hugging, I just-' Lewis starts, but George just laughs at him, damp and a little hysterical, face tilting till their noses are practically brushing so he can look at Lewis from within his embrace.

'The last thing you ever have to be sorry for, is hugging me. You can do it more if you want'

Lewis stares at him for a second, gaze darting over George's lax but wet eyes, and the way his cheek smushes into Lewis' shoulder at an angle that must be uncomfortable but yet he makes no attempt to move away from, and yet another thing clicks into place, very much the theme of the evening. He was clearly teasing, but even Lewis can hear the truth under his words.

He brushes a seeking thumb over the nape of George's neck, dragging across the hot skin there. George shivers, fingers flexing against Lewis back, and that's all the permission he needs to tip his mouth onto Georges, lips slotting together in a kiss he hadn't even realised he'd wanted.

It's hardly picture perfect. George's face is sticky from his own tears and Lewis can taste it on his lips, his own cheeks are hot and itchy, and the angle they're at makes the seal of their mouths messy at best, and yet its the best thing Lewis has ever tasted. The hand George had at his shoulder slips along to thumb Lewis' jaw, pressing over his beard, and Lewis wants to drown in it. All his experience flies out the window in the face of following his gut and holding George as close as he can manage.

The slide of their mouths should really be indecent, wet as it is, and he's starting to think a little about being too loud, when he shifts slightly and George makes a breathy whimpering noise that sends any worries about being overheard right out of his head.

Time melts a little, as they curl together, until Lewis' neck really can't tolerate the angle anymore, and he has to pull back, panting harshly just in time for something to go clattering the the floor outside in the engineering bay, making them both jump and reminding them abruptly that they are in fact still at work, in thrown up rooms with paper thin walls that the cleaning staff are going to want to vacuum soon, as thorough as they are.

'We probably shouldn't be- well- we probably should have figured this out before now' George muses, still sounding awful breathless for an athlete Lewis seen run several miles for fun. They'd pulled apart a little in shock at the noise outside, but he's still gripping Lewis' arm, and there's that bright, beautiful smile creeping across his face again.

Lewis glances just over his shoulder, where the jumper is still lying haphazardly on the sofa.

'I dunno, Man. Better late than never?'

[daenerysmacfarlane]

Friends Will Be Friends - Rupert Campbell-Black and Declan O'Hara

Rupert Campbell-Black x Bestie Reader, Rupert Campbell-Black x Taggie O'Hara, Declan O'Hara x fem reader 18+

Authors Note: Another Rivals fanfic from me?!!! What?!!! Told you the brainrot is real. Spoilers for Rivals, you’ve been warned. This one is not a full smut warning just a little bit of spice with our dear Irishman, Declan but also Rivals does not do Rupert as a bestie justice. The books go into great detail about how he can actually be an amazing friend, especially to Billy Lloyd-Foxe. Inspired by a shit week in my world that only didn't get to me because I'm moving in with my bestie soon. Readers nickname is Snow White which is what my nan used to call me because all animals love me hehe. Characters belong to Jilly Cooper. Enjoyyyy!!!!!

Rupert Campbell-Black was worried. It was a strange feeling, he was never worried. His time as a show-jumper taught him how to be calm and collected at all times. But the woman he called his little sister, his best friend since her birth, his Snow White on account of all animals wild and domestic loving her instantly, wasn’t “feeling great” and cancelled Friday family dinner. 

Something was wrong. She cancelled dinner. She always has Friday family dinner no matter what. If she was having a bad week, it was the thing that always healed her. Especially since Taggie had joined. She was the first one Rupert told about him and Taggie and she was over the moon, after all he loved her most besides Taggie and the animals. Rupert’s hands trembled dialling the O’Hara’s number. A sweet voice belonging to his other half answered the phone. 

“Rupert what is it?” Taggie’s voice calmed his thumping heart but only a little. 

“It’s Snow, she cancelled dinner.” His voice cracked. 

He heard Taggie call out over the phone. “Sorry Freddie, Caitlin and Daddy are watching the football. Maybe she just needs a night to herself. Daddy said it’s been rough at work and he caught her crying in her office.”

Rupert sighed, feeling guilty. He was the one who recommended Snow for Venturer. She was the perfect employee, insanely talented, hardworking and everyone adored her. Declan was more besotted with her than anyone and always singing her praises. Rupert suspected Declan’s feelings were always a little more than professional towards her.  

“I’m going over there. She wouldn’t leave any of us alone if we weren’t okay. You’re coming too, don’t bring any food I’ll grab a big greasy pizza on the way.” He said. 

Taggie hums. “You know she might be sick so the pizza might not be a good idea. And I have to start dinner for Daddy, Caitlin and Freddie. I assume that he’s staying, Valerie’s not much of a cook.”

“She’s not fucking sick, Tag. I know her! Fuck the dinner, bring them too. And Gertrude. Love you darling, see you in a bit.” Rupert put down the receiver. 

He winced. She wasn’t sick. She would’ve told him if she was, she’s told him about her bowel movements before for Christ’s sake. He thought back to the day she was born. Rupert was ten, waiting in the hall with his dad. Snow had been born around about three hours earlier. Her dad ushered them in and told his father to say hello to his new goddaughter. Rupert fell in love with Snow the minute he saw her. A real sibling love that he never felt with Adrian. Everyone joked that Snow was his favourite sibling and she was in many ways. All the girls Rupert ever brought home were insanely jealous of her, everyone except his Tag. 

He promised her dad to protect her when he passed six years ago but Rupert had been protecting her from the moment they met. 

But he couldn’t have protected her from this week. It was just a week that everyone gets, that makes them tilt their head to the sky and ask any deity ‘why?’ 

To begin the week off, it rained sideways whenever Snow went outside. Then she had to fire an assistant audio engineer. The little shit was incompetent and it was her job as Venturer’s head of Audio but she hated conflict. She then stayed at the studio and worked until the wee hours to fix up the mix on Declan’s interview with Princess Margaret. All in all, she was sure she’d only got around 8 hours sleep all week. After a tense meeting with the rest of the consortium, Rupert’s dearest Snow White fled to her office and just sat in her chair. It was only when Declan O’Hara, absolute angel he is, came to check on her after that everything just got far too much and she had enough. 

Declan sat there, brows furrowed at the bawling, snotty girl in front of him. He felt a bit guilty himself having been a bit of an ogre lately waiting for his and Maud’s divorce to go through. He felt a little selfish too as he’d actually come in to ask her out on a date… and a possible shag. He couldn’t stop thinking about the way she clung to him and moaned in his ear in their late night tryst last week. Fuck, Tag and Rupert were going to kill him if they found out about that.

He was brought back by her mentioning that his daughter and Rupert were due at her house that night for family dinner night. 

“I just… I can’t remember the last time I had a night all to myself. I don’t know if I’ll ever have one ever again!” She cried even harder than Declan thought a person could. 

“Cancel the dinner.” Declan said. 

“What?”

“You heard me. Fuck em, say you’re sick. Run a bubble bath and watch a movie.”

She sighed. “Wonderful idea, Declan but I’m a terrible liar.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll keep Taggie occupied. Football’s on tonight and Caitlin is home, I’ll just invite Freddie over. Take tomorrow off as well.” He smirked. 

“I could kiss you.” She sighed. 

“Could ya do more than that, darlin?” 

She did exactly what Declan said, hoping to all the gods above that Rupert believed her and took Tag out to Bar Sinister like she suggested. Snow snuggled up on the couch in her fluffiest dressing gown post bubble bath, having just put a tape of Young Frankenstein in the VCR. She’d order some takeout in an hour but she just wanted to destress and enjoy the silence. She knew she’d have to thank Declan later. 

Not ten minutes into the movie, there was knocking and doorbells going off. She had the latest VCR courtesy of Rupert which came with the game changing feature of pause. She paused the movie and went to the door. Snow was met with a chorus of her name for there were her friends. Rupert, Taggie, Caitlin, Freddie, Lizzie and Bas who were bored and tagged along once they found out where the group were headed. Behind them was Declan with a sheepish grin on his face. The bunch were holding all sorts of treats and drinks and Rupert gave her the biggest bear hug. 

“I’m sorry it’s been a shit week, Snow. You should’ve told me.” Rupert sighed. 

Her arms tighten around her best friend. “Would you have still shown up if I had?”

“Of course. You would done the same for us.” Taggie joined the hug and squeezed her. 

She moved aside and the others filed into her house. Lizzie noticed the movie first. 

“Ooh what are we watching?” Lizzie asked

“Young Frankenstein. I’ve only just started it. The remote is on the coffee table. Rewind it and I’ll get some of the snacks ready.” She smiled. 

Declan held up the popcorn and headed to the kitchen. Snow began to follow behind when she heard Bas in the living room. 

“Right how the fuck do you work this fucking thing?” Bas mutters. 

Freddie’s laughter ran through the house. “Oh giz it ‘ere. They don’t call me the King of Electronics for nuffink.” 

In the kitchen, Declan and Snow got the bowls out and put the popcorn in the microwave. Declan had a cigarette hanging precariously between his lips and was taking in Snow’s gown and fuzzy slippers. She looked back at the handsome man and frowned. He gave an apologetic shrug. 

“I tried darlin’, I really did.”

“Oh yes I’m sure you did.” She laughed. 

He smirked. “Ya got anything on under there?” 

She smiled and pulled the Irishman close to her. 

“Were you going to come by later to find out?”

“Nah, you needed tonight to rest. But tomorrow… you heard Maud and I are finally done?” He held the lovely girl close. 

She nodded. Tag had told her earlier, glad to finally be done with Maud and her mess. It had explained why Declan had been incredibly foul all week although she knew he’d make it up to her later and she was most definitely looking forward to that. He could do that while she was thanking him. She plucked the cigarette from his lips and took a puff, something she only did in times of stress and once every six months. 

“Christ, you’re magnificent.” He sighed. 

Declan leant down and captured her lips. She moaned instantly, her hands going straight to his curls. The pair pulled apart and rested their foreheads together. 

“Can I stay tonight, Snow?” He asked quietly. 

“What about Rupert and Tag?” She replied. 

He shrugged once more, not caring in the slightest. “They’ll have to find out sooner or later.” 

She sighed as his hands roamed her body, resolve crumbled by the second. She met his lips again as they waited for the popcorn to cook. However it’s not the ding of the microwave that pulls Snow White away from her Prince Charming, but rather Rupert’s anguished cry after what he’s just witnessed. 

“What the fuck is going on here?!” He seethed. 

Snow looked between her lover and her best friend. “Well shit, cat’s out of the bag now dearest.”

[spnfanficpond]

SPN Fanfic Pond: Secret Santa Exchange 2024 Masterlist

Heres our Masterlist of all the works done for the Secret Santa 2024!

The Wood Sprite by @crowleysmistress

Summary: "Patience has won more vengence than despair." That was the mystical knowledge the wood sprite had given Sam way back when he was at Stanford and hiking with his buddy Brady. It's time to find out if patience really is a virture, after all he's been in the cage decades now, enough patience, time for some vengence.

Handwritten Courage by @walkingaline

Summary: Following Adam's death, Dean needs a moment to unwind. But when Heaven and Hell are about to go to war, it's quite difficult to have a lonely moment. Still... could be worse.

Everything I wanted for Christmas by @0ccvltism

Chefs Rewards by @leatafandom

Summary: Gabriel drops in on Dean. 

An Alpha for Christmas by @xpurdyglambertx

Summary: Jensen has had a rough go at life this past year between his family falling apart and healing after the accident. This Christmas, his family's church is caroling for charity, and when Jensen is grouped with some bullies from school, his night goes from bad to worse. Well... that is until his college professor steps in and saves the day. ;-)

Worthy of your love by @heavenssexiestangel-blog

Summary: Dean's cooking for the family Christmas dinner, and the only thing keeping him sane (although very sappy) about having to deal with Gadreel's family and his own is the fact Gadreel is laughing and happy again. Perhaps, they are a bit too much like a Hallmark couple, but Dean is not going to complain about it.

Blizzard by @kazsrm67

Summary: You have been scared of blizzards for as long as you can remember. What will happen now that you and Dean are living in your own house and not the bunker?

Just a matter of time by @artificial-sleep

Summary: Sam abruptly finds himself in an alternate reality where no one knows him by the name Sam. He has to piece together clues to find his way home, but a hiccup by the name of Jensen sets him back.

Wrapped up in a bow by @ani-coolgirl

Summary: Between dodging Heaven and Hell and his increasingly fraught relationship with his brother, Dean decides to give Sam a Christmas gift. It's not a big deal.

Seasons change with the scenery by @ladylilithprime

Summary: Sam thought there should have been some warning when he stumbled through an archway in a graveyard in Massachusetts two weeks before Midsummer and stumbled out again through an archway in a graveyard in Scotland two weeks before Midwinter some three hundred years or so earlier.

Christmas Wish by @kickingitwithkirk

Strings by @autisticandroids

Summary: Pleasurable business and businesslike pleasure.

The Body by @dreamytfw

Summary: Meg possesses Sam to have sex with Castiel

Merry Christmas, Sam by @masoena

Summary: A wood nymph ended up being a dryad that hurt Sam badly. Things weren't looking good, will Dean find him in time as the snow kept falling faster and his sense's were dulling with blood loss?

Warmth by @the-nightbreaker

Summary: Not long after Sam's return from Hell, a hunt takes Sam and Dean deep into the woods, but an injury stirs up old demons--or archangels.

An A for effort by @samanddean76

Summary: Sam and Castiel make a gingerbread house. Then Castiel decides it needs to be inspected, from the inside. Sam can't help but love the hapless angel.

Making Spirits Bright by @samanddean76

Summary: Jared is trying his best to make Jensen happy. Jensen is cranky because his Cowboys lost... again. But Jared finds a way to put a smile on Jensen's face. And they have the happiest of nights as they embrace the spirit of the holidays.

Bunker Rules by @samanddean76

Summary: Sam tries to make a Christmas that Dean will never forget.

'Twas the night by @zepskies

Summary: Dean listens, sometimes when you least expect it. This year, Christmas begins to become something new for both of you.    

You Can't Leave Me by @evadne01

Summary: Dean is hurt. Sam takes care of his brother.

Just a note by @spnbabe67

Summary: When you start receiving little notes around the Bunker, you go on a hunt trying to find your secret admirer.

Strange Girl by @moosekateer13

Summary: Y/N is looking to start her career in bartending. She finds an ad for a local bar but gets the address wrong. Y/N ends up interviewing at Thirsty Arrow Provisions, a nightclub with a dark side. She catches the club's owners' attention. Once Jared and Jensen have you in their sights, there is no escaping. The thing is, does this ambivert wallflower want to?

Sweet Chaos by @burntsecretscrets

Summary: While staying in a cozy inn during a case, Sam surprises you with a gingerbread house kit he picked up at the local store.

Truth be told by @eldritchlibertine

Summary: Something is forcing brutal honesty on a small town, and you and TFW head out to investigate the chaos. Unfortunately, when the truth curse forcing out every secret thought, you, Dean and Castiel might finally have to deal with all the unspoken tension no one will admit to feeling - if you don't die of embarrassment first. Sam, meanwhile, is having the time of his life watching this mess unfold.

The Curious Christmas Curse by @nyxocity

Summary: Sam and Cas investigate a weird Christmas case and end up cursed with the spirit of the season. Dean suffers. Also, there's a time loop.

Living that life by @rubyvhs

Summary: sam & jess visit her parents for the weekend, it doesn’t go the way sam thought it would.

Unconventional Healing by @fandom-hoarder

Summary: When Sam’s post-Gadreel healing is going more slowly than they would like, Castiel has a suggestion the Winchesters aren’t expecting. The consequences are even more unexpected, but it may be just what they need.

Canon divergent from the bridge scene at the end of Road Trip.

Closure by @starrylanex

An Enchanted Christmas by @deadlydivergentgirl

Summary : As you discover Christmas for the first time, Dean make you discover human traditions through his eyes. Fascinated by the lights, the carols, festivities warmth, you'll be guided by Dean, who, despite his shell, reveals the magic of the season on a enchanted night.

A Car For Christmas by @legalmente-loca

Summary: Dean doesn't seem to want to be there for Christmas, but it seems that it was quite the opposite

Unwrap me for Christmas by @fangirlingfromdownunderdownunder

Meeting Under The Mistletoe by @jld71

Summary: After Jensen is abandoned at a holiday party where he knows no one, he meets someone unexpectedly under the mistletoe.

I will mar myself again by @cannibalmetaphor / codepend

Summary: "Tell me you're not doing it on purpose." Dean says. There's a tremor in his voice, and he trembles, with rage and with fear and with love, above all.

Sam doesn't reply.

(Or: After Sam's wall breaks, he starts getting hurt on cases. A lot.)

Snow Globe by @jessjad

Summary: A visit from Dean and Sam in the week around christmas is a nice surprise, but will it bring more than just presents?

Sleepless Night by @leatafandom

Summary: Dean has always had nightmares, but they've different ever since he's been back.

[suikung]

can i ask for yan!obito x reader where the reader is obsessed with obito as well but in a less twisted way...and they find each other but this also destroys them at the same time because they're both unable to love someone in a healthy way... <3?

| Tw. Unhealthy/manipulative relationship

Obito, Obito. He was hard not to love. Everywhere you turned he seemed to be there, the smile that further embellished his captivating face. It was laughable almost, the way you seemed to linger just a few seconds longer on him— commemorating his choice of outfit for the day. Walking just close enough for his smell to invade your personal space, a warm woody aroma lingering around from his prolonged missions. But obsessed? Never, not you. You just so happened to begin taking a “faster” route that passed in front of the village gates, hoping to see him return home. You just so happened to frequent his favorite dango spot. How you figured his favorites in life was beyond you, a little snooping here, following just from the right distance. But it was innocent. A school girl crush. Nights were spent imagining a future where he held onto you tightly, fingers dancing along your waist. Kisses shared with overwhelming passion, declarations of love made known to each other in the privacy of a shared home. “It won’t hurt anyone.” The comforting words you whispered to yourself every night— sure as day your actions held no weight, never would they come back to bite you.

So enthralled in your own fantasies, seeming to miss the way his eyes lingered as you turned away. The way he chose colors he knew you liked, how he seemed to line up his return times to when you’d pass right by the gates. Seeming to miss the figure that loomed behind as you practically skipped home for the day— mind conjuring up realities you hoped one day to be real. The way the window was cracked open when you could’ve sworn everything was closed when you left earlier that day. And random items along with clothes disappearing before laundry day. Was that a camera shutter? Maybe it was time for bed, your mind seemed to be playing tricks on you.

One meeting, that’s all it took for your world to become black and white— Obito being the only thing to add color to it.

Placed right in front of you, the last packet of sugar before the market closed for the day. A relieved sigh escaping at the thought you wouldn’t have to drink an unsweetened tea tonight. It was cliche, but somehow Obito appeared and grabbed the sugar just as you did. “Oh — sorry, but I think I got it first.” His voice was as polite as ever, a smile tugged at his lips from the current situation. He was right, your hand was practically atop his. How you wished the ground would swallow you whole. You could only pull your hand away and give a small bow as an apology. “I’m really sorry about that, I just didn’t see your hand. It’s almost like it appeared out of nowhere!” He chuckled at your last sentence, “Well silence does come with being an Uchiha.” You only smiled back, flustered at such a careless comment. But he didn’t mind, it was a complement actually. To him, it meant you never heard the other times he crept close. “Say, I’ll let you have it — but you’ll have to let me invite you to coffee tomorrow.”

It was natural the way conversations between the both of you flowed. Even the silence wasn’t awkward the first time you met for coffee. It had only taken about a week before it felt you had shared every detail with him just as he did with you. Every moment spent together solidified in him reasons as to why he came to like you so deeply in the first place. Fantasies started to become realities. The first stop when Obito returned was your place and vice versa when work ended for you. Nights were no longer spent in solitude, now his fingers did run up and down your skin at night. It was blossoming. It was new and it was pure. Purer than the white snow that fell the winter day he asked you to be his girlfriend. Practically freezing temperatures stood no chance at the warmth from joy that spread throughout your body.

Perfect, it was all perfect. Obito was dotting, he always expressed himself to you as you did to him. Reassurance came naturally to him. It helped tremendously when you began to see the way he was ogled in public, the way whispers made their way back to you as to how you could never amount to being what he really needed. The way his teammate seemed almost a little too touchy and flirtatious when she spotted you both in public. Or should you say just him. It took Obito prying her off and introducing her to you for a monotone, “Hello” to make its way out. He never judged when you came to him with tears welling in your eyes as thoughts ran rampant, afraid he might leave you. Arms wrapped around you bringing down your body to the bed. Comforting reassurances poured from his lips like honey, sweetening up your mood. “I’d never leave you, never.” His lips came down to yours after every sentence. Fingers brushing away strings of your hair as they clung to your tear-strewn face, eyes focused on yours. “Tell me if you want me to cut things off with her. Just say yes and I promise you’ll never see her around.” That should’ve been enough to ring any alarm in you, why did he say around and not around us? Was it selfish to say yes, to ensure you never had to see another woman throw herself at him. The man you loved with every ounce of your being. No, it wasn’t. It never would be when he proposed the question. You needed to be the only woman in his life.

Never did you see her again, or any other woman who had done the same. Your hand squeezed his ever more tightly when walking outside, kissing him out of the blue when you could feel eyes staring at you both. It was enough to let everyone know he was yours. He drowned in it all, all the attention, all the jealousy he could feel seething out of your body, every passionate night where he was left with marks he’d probably show off. Obito was ecstatic his days of watching you from afar taking small items that held your scent were gone. He had it all in front of him now to treasure, to worship, to adore.

Your lives entirely revolved around each other, most of your things now resided in Obito’s home — the last thing that offered you a sense of independence was your job. But it wouldn’t be too long before that was gone too, after all Obito had enough to provide for the both of you not just from missions but his status within the clan. “So what do you think? You’ll never work another day in your life, you’ll live the life of a goddess like you deserve. Stay here and keep our home maintained.” He was giving you all he had, how could he not. No hesitation in your acceptance of your new found life, never again did you have to leave his side for a miserable job — he stayed within your view at all times. “I’d love nothing more than that.” It was all taken care of before the night arrived, your apartment lease was broken and a resignation letter you didn’t write appeared before your old boss. Even if everything was picture perfect, Obito still had a duty to the village. Of course he asked for shorter missions, but that didn’t matter. He was sent out for a week, one long stagnant week. Time seemed to still from the moment you awoke and didn’t feel him next to you. Waking up and going to sleep with puffy eyes became normal, some days you didn’t move for hours. Some days were spent in the living room, sitting in view of the door hoping the mission was cut short and he’d walk through the door right now, taking you away from this despair. Friends stopped by after noticing your absence in daily life, bringing you something to eat seeing you’d only eat after hours of being awake. “You can’t live like this. What happened to being independent after you left your parent’s house? This isn’t you.” Their words rang true, this was never you. You had always wanted to make a life for yourself which is why you left your parents the moment you got a reliable job. Nonetheless you became a shell of your former self in such a short amount of time.

When he finally did come back, you clung to him — wailing over how much you needed him, hands wrapped around his waist, face buried in his shirt. The storm within him brewed, it sank his heart to see you so broken — it hurt even worse to know he was the reason for your current state. A silent promise was made at that moment. Obito would integrate himself into every part of your life, and become the only one you need.

It didn’t take long for your mental state to return to what became normal for you. Every night comforting arms held you still, Obito whispering everything he loved about you, promising over and over again he was the only one you needed. Praising you constantly over the smallest thing. It was routine — so the days he came home tired, body stiff as he walked past you to bed, hell broke loose. Sobs echoed through the house as realization washed over he would soon leave you, he stopped caring for you. What did you do? Did he meet someone new? The thought of that set every cell ablaze. Left with no choice, determined to know what was happening with him — you marched into the room. Eyes landed on his inclined body, staring blankly into nothing.

It wasn’t long before you threw every feeling and scenario you had conjured up with the smallest change in his person. Hiccups erupted mid ramble from the lack of proper air flow due to crying. “Why — why Obito! I did everything I could to be the only woman for you… and yet it wasn’t enough” Your voice trailed off, anger quickly replacing the feelings of betrayal. Bodies collided with each other, your legs closed in as you straddled him. A heated exchange of unhealthy feelings. From underneath Obito spilled quiet praises, hands and eyes taking in every inch of your beauty. From the way the skin of your thighs bounced as you came up and down, to the stubborn anger you held as your body engulfed him entirely. “I’ll do everything for you. You’ll never have to lift another finger with me!” His voice rose as he held you down by your hips letting his words spill in another way.

This was a happy house. After that night it seemed everything had finally aligned in the way you both wanted. Obito ended his missions for good, his days now entirely devoted to you. You, now able to ensure he stayed close by, never having to worry about his eyes wandering.

Sun broke through the curtains, his sign to get ready for the day. His first task was to pick out your outfit of the day. He loved to see you dressed in his favorite colors, so he pulled out the yellow sundress to embrace the arrival of spring. Obito loved the way yellow seemed to make you glow even brighter than you already did. Awake now from your sleep, he came over to help you undress and slip the dress on. Skillful hands made their way to your hair, leaning into his comforting hands. Breakfast was laid out, and the rest of the day was spent in the suffocating presence of each other. Clinging onto every word spoken to each other, each affirmation of the decisions taken spiraled you both further. There was no logic left between the both of you, that all this was just dragging you both further into hell. The day ended as it usually did, Obito drawing a bath for you both. Eyes scanning as he helped remove the dress and the embellishments in your hair. Wash cloth running up and down your body, gently so as to not hurt you but ensuring he left no spot dirty. You could never be filthy to him, but the dangers of the outside world clung to you. Seeing him so focused dispersed any doubt in your mind. You knew he would always be right here next to you.

Obito held you on a pedestal like a goddess, and from the top your keen eyes could ensure he spent his days devoutly to you.

| l love toxic relationships, sorry it took forever

[veryberry26]

Look Don't Touch–1

The bitter wind cut through your thick winter coat as you fiddled with your key fob to start your car. After a long work shift the only thing you could think about was your warm apartment and bed. God it was cold, it was December after all. Christmas was in a couple of weeks, and the thought of the major holiday made your heart hurt. There was unfortunately no way you’d make it home to spend it with your family. As much as you wished to be home with your mother and father for the holidays. There was a bitch of a blizzard heading their way and your parents asked (begged) you to not drive up in ten feet of snow. As you made the drive home, your mind briefly drifted to how you’d be spending the holiday, in your shoebox of an apartment eating a crappy frozen meal. Parking your car and making the run for the entrance through the biting cold, you finally made it to your apparent building. Making the long trek to the fourth floor made you breathless by the time you made it up to your floor. You unlocked the door to your apartment and flopped down on the couch. Home at last. 

You finally got the chance to check your phone, Jade had called you earlier but you couldn’t answer the phone while working. Your younger sister, only by a few months. Your parents couldn’t wait after your birth and Jade was born only ten months after you. You were super close with Jade, and that never changed even after you two had moved out. You decide to call her back, the phone rang twice before Jade answered.

“Finally! I thought you’d never call me back!” Jade’s tone was cheerful, her tone made you crack a smile.

“What’s up sis?” You begin to make your way to the fridge to find some sort of suitable dinner. Jade rambled into the phone and you half paid attention until she asked, “do you remember Sebastian?” This made you freeze. Sebastian? You racked your brain for a couple of minutes. Jade had no friends named Sebastian, not that you could remember anyway. Just then, your brain then conjured the right memory. Yes Sebastian, a boyfriend of Jade’s. You didn’t think they were still a thing, especially two months short of a year. Your sister didn’t exactly have the track for long term relationship.

“Yeah I think…tall, brown hair…” You trailed off trying to remember more about him but his image escaped you completely.

“You’ve only met once, your job keeps you busy, you’ve barely got time to meet up!” Jade chuckled making you scoff playfully back .

“What’ve you got to tell me?” Jade quickly gathered herself before getting excited again.

“Well since the weather by mom and dad’s area is bad that we can’t head up to them this year. Seb invited me to spend Christmas with him and his family!” You smiled at Jade’s excitement, you knew she’d probably already met her boyfriends parents but it was still a big step to spend a major holiday with them.

“That’s great Jade, you nervous?” You inquired while popping some cold leftover pizza into the toaster.

“Nah, his extended family won’t be there just his parents” this made you relax slightly, your sister would be comfortable. “There’s more!” Jade nearly shrieked making you jump a little, how else could there me more?

“What else?” You asked hesitantly and Jade couldn’t seem to hold in her news anymore.

“Seb invited you too!” Jade squealed in excitement but you just stood their dumbfounded. You? Go spend Christmas with Sebastian Price and his family? You hardly knew the guy! Worse, you’d hate to embarrass your sister in front of her possible in laws.

“Are you sure Jadey? I’ve hardy met the guy! Wouldn’t be…awkward?” You were trying to push your sister away from the idea of bringing you along. You’d hate to break Jade's heart because she seemed to be very set on the idea, but you'd also feel worse about intruding on the Price family, you hardly knew their son.

“Oh come on please? I really see myself marrying this guy!” You’d heard that one before. “And I’ve tasted his mother’s cooking and it’s really delicious! And it’d be better than those cheep frozen meals you eat everyday!” You flinched, she was right. Your stomach growled at the thought of a nice, warm, home cooked meal tempted you like nothing else would.

You sighed, “I’ll think about it sis…I’ll call you tomorrow” You begrudgingly humored you sister, Jade gave a few more excited rambles before you both said your goodbyes. Sure the idea was tempting, a nice family Christmas rather than it spent alone in your old empty apartment. The toaster dinged signaling your pizza was ready to eat. So you put off thinking about where’d you’d spend the holidays and turned on some trash tv to watch with dinner. 

As you lay in bed weighing your options, it became increasingly more tempting to take your sister up on the offer of joining the Price’s for Christmas. A warm meal? Probably a banging dessert…and you wouldn’t be alone, eating frozen chicken nuggets or pizza warmed in your toaster oven. Your sister had rambled about Sebastian’s mother’s cooking, she’d brought you left overs before. It was making you hungry the more you thought about it. They seemed like nice people, your sister rambled about how kind his mother was and how his father was a good man. The more and more you weighted both options, your wanted for a delicious Christmas dinner beat your social anxiety and you turned over and grabbed your phone. You didn’t expect to change your mind ever so quickly but the promise of homemade food and dessert over frozen dog shit once compared there wasn’t much of a competition. Using your temporary boost of confidence, you pulled up your sisters contract and typed out a message “Hey sis, I’ll take you up on that offer”

You’d ran to nearly every store in town trying to pick a gift for the Price family. Your mother had always taught you to never just show up at someone’s house with your two long hand. Nothing seemed to fit, you’d found Christmas candles and mugs and those read to you like you’d forgotten to even give them a gift and this was last minute. You ended up wondering into your favorite local bakery and purchased some Christmas cookies you’d like in the past. The scent of freshly baked cookies made your mouth water, but you squirreled the box away before you snapped and snacked on a few. Christmas Eve you wrapped the cookie box in some patterned transparent wrapping paper. You raided your closet and nearly threw everything onto your bed and floors. Nothing seemed like enough, you even started regretting even agree to go. You eventually chose an outfit that you thought looked rather nice but insecurity whispered in the back of your mind. Going to sleep was a whole another battle, both anxious and excited you didn’t get to sleep till late. 

That Christmas morning you called your parents wishing them a merry Christmas, when six o’clock rolled around you changed into the outside you’d picked out. You waited right outside your apartment complex, in the cold Christmas air clutching your wrapped cookie box. You weren’t ready, you honestly dreaded most social gathering as your social battery died out within two hours. Whenever you wondered why you’d agreed to this you remember the promise of good food and it sort of calmed your anxieties. Once your sister pulled up in her car she rolled her windows down.

“Come on in!” She unlocked the car allowing you to settle inside. You were stiff. So stiff. You were obviously nervous, you had to make a good impression. Sebastian’s parents probably hadn’t met any of your family, you’d be the first family member they met. You gulped at the thought, god what if you fucked this up? “Relax! This is a casual event?” Jade shouldered you playfully. Jade must’ve noticed your nerves because she looked over to you before she spoke again. “You remember the names of Sebastian’s parents right?”

You smirked at her “His mother is Mary, and his father John!” Jade feigned a look of shock.

“I didn’t expect you to memorize them so quickly!” Making you laugh, forgetting all about the nerves of meeting Sebastian’s family. Jade smiled before she seemed to remember something and turned to you. “OH! And don’t forget Mary and John are divorced. Arthur is the name of her new husband. Don’t forget it…the divorce is a sore subject…for everyone.” Jade got quiet, you remembered when she’d first shared this information over some tense coffee. The divorce made anyone in the family tense from what Jade told you. You reach out and squeeze her hand.

“Don’t worry sis, I’ll be on my best behavior.” Jade gave a soft smile before turning into a quiet looking neighborhood. “I know you will…just a little nervous!” The neighborhood was fairly wealthy looking, nice big houses decorated to the nines with Christmas lights and healthy wreaths hung on the doors. Jade pulled into a house with lights wrapped around the trees and bushes. Glowing candy canes lit the path up to the house with a beautiful wreath hung on the doorway. It made the house look so warm and inviting. You were so happy for Jade, she seemed to find a great guy and by her accounts his family was just as awesome. When would it be your turn? To find some who loved you and treated you right? Your dating history was shitty as well as spotty but you shook your head. Tonight wasn’t about you and your hopeless dating history, it was making the best impression on Sebastian’s family. Jade rung the doorbell causing your nerves to spike again. You hurried to join Jade by the front door while you clutched your wrapped cookie box. Sebastian opened the door and greeted his girlfriend with a deep kiss making cringe slighyl. Sebastian parted from Jade and finally noticed you and directed his attention to you.

“Oh! Welcome! Come on in! I’m so glad you accepted my invitation” He was dressed in festive sweater, holding a drink as he pulled Jade in and you followed. The house was quaint, properly decorated for Christmas with a beautiful tree, a few candles, and a small nativity scene over the fireplace.

“I umm brought some cookies?” You held the box of treats up as another pair of footsteps entered the foyer. An older woman who looked to be in her forties entered the room. She flashed a cheery smile and took the box.

“Thank you so much! You must be Jade’s sibling.” You guessed this was Mary, Sebastian's mother. Her expression was excited and very kind, you relaxed slightly in her presence. You nodded “yes ma’am.” You flashed a small smile and Mary scoffed. “None of that ma’am nonsense! Just Mary please!” You were stunned for a second but nodded in reply. Mary guided you inside while Sebastian and Jade followed. “We’ll eat in just a minute! John is making his way from base. They never let him rest, even when he’s not even deployed.” Mary sighed, the distant look in her eyes told you that she was used to John working so much and so late. You imagined the late nights on top of being deployed most of the time strained the marriage between the pair. Interrupting your thoughts a man around Mary’s age came up besides her and introduced himself as Mary’s husband Arthur. 

You introduced yourself and made an attempt at some awkward small talk. While Jade, ever the social butterfly, did most of the talking for you. In the next thirty minutes the whole table knew everything from your favorite food to your embarrassing phases from middle school. You shared a little of your job that kept you afloat but you were saved from the torturous small talk by the doorbell ringing. Must be John…John Price, Sebastians father. Sebastian got up to get the door for his father and you went back to sharing about your job. You poured yourself a glass of water, as you were the designated driver. Jade looked over her shoulder and her face let up. “Mr.Price!” Jade jumped to her feet and hurried over.

“Please, John is fine” that voice made you freeze. You turned and were faced with a man who looked to be in his forties with mutton chops…Fuck. Voice gruff yet smooth like honey as it sent shivers down your spine. He smiled and hugged your sister as you felt your mouth water when he removed his coat.You berated yourself for finding this man attractive. You absolutely cannot be attracted to your sister’s boyfriends father. Jade’s possible father in law. You can’t. Maybe the lack of dick was finally getting to your brain. Think straight, think straight, think— “Who might you be?” John’s voice made you want to turn to putty at his feet. You gulped and met his gaze, his stormy blue eyes reminded you of Sebastian. Your eyes met for longer than they should’ve and John cleared his throat. “Your name poppet?” He asked a little more gently and you damn near passed away. The look in his eyes was soft, warm.. You stuttered out your name and he chuckled. Which made everything worse and made you chug down your drink causing the cold water to shock your body. God you were screwed. John smiled down at you and began speaking with you. You did your best to appear cool and composed, but just his presence and overwhelming attractiveness made you realize this would be the longest night of your life. 

It was bad. This was so bad. You’d left multiple times to splash water on your face to calm yourself down. You stared at your reflection in mirror, you’d never been this turned on in your life. The feeling coiling in your gut as you splashed more water on your face. The throbbing heat between your legs pulsed as more dirty thoughts of John Price filled your senses. Throughout the night, he was very gentle with you. He called you “poppet” during most conversations making you squirm under his warm gaze. His boisterous laughter echoed through the warm lively Christmas gathering. God why in the hell were you this turned on? The temptation to run back to the bathroom and stick your hands down your pants and stroke the aching heat between your thighs was strong. But the thought of desecrating your sister’s possible in laws guest bathroom made you feel like a prevent, so you guzzled some cold sink water instead to clear your mind. This did not help in the slightest. You made sure to sit next to your sister during dinner but she all of ignored you while busy laughing at everything her boyfriend said. So you spent your Christmas dinner (which tasted amazing), stealing glances at John like you were a teenager staring at their crush across the school cafeteria. He was talking about his military job. You learned her was a captain of his own task force. He spoke about his men too, the warmth in his eyes spoke volumes about how much he cared about them.

While eating and chatting Sebastian looked up at his mother, “you and Arthur’s first anniversary is coming up right mom?” Sebastian’s smile was wide and John seemed to shrink into himself a bit. Mary shot him a glare before brighting up at the topic.

“Yes! We’re planning a nice couples getaway on a cruise. We leave we next week Tuesday” Jade oohed and aahed as Mary continued to gush about spending New Year’s on a cruise ship. The way John’s gaze darkened led you to deuce that he probably had some lingering feelings for Mary. I mean it would be hard for anyone listen to ex gush about spending time with their lover on a cruise. Sebastian seemed to notice how his father was beginning to disassociate from the conversation and his face hardened, you realized it must’ve been a point of contention for the family. At Sebastian gaze John stood and left the dinner table causing the atmosphere to shift. Mary then began asking Jade about her parents and the conversation shifted to your parents and the blizzard that prevented you both from returning for the holidays. Sebastian grumbled something incoherent when Jade kissed his cheek and gripped his hand to provide comfort. You excused yourself, but not the restroom, to find John you were slightly worried. 

You eventually located him outside smoking a cigar sitting on the porch. You open the backdoor and shyly approached, “you okay Mr.Price?” You hesitantly stood behind to him and John turned to gaze at you over his shoulder.

“It’s nothing poppet…just needed some time.” He put the cigar to his lips and inhaled the smoke, you looked over at him sighed at the storm brewing behind his eyes. Finally gathering the courage you sat at his side looking up at the cloud obscured sky. 

“I understand, I know you still really love her—” John interupted you with a huff, blowing out the smoke in his lungs. The scent of the cigar made you cough, Damn you asthma.

“Really is an understatement poppet, god I…” John hesitated before looking at you, like he deciding if he wanted to admit this to you. It then clicked for you, the divorce. A highly difficult topic for both John and Mary. He looked back at his feet, “I just…God” John groaned ran a hand over his face as if trying to clear his mind. You felt bad for him, yeah the divorce was years ago but John was clearly still grieving. You knew nothing about divorce, hell you hardly had any stable relationships but you wanted to offer advice.

“Well…I think you need someone to talk to, I’m a good listener I’d be happy to listen.” You met his gaze and noticed the unshed tears in his eyes. He dried them and looked at you before smiling.

“Thanks for trying to help poppet.” John put out the cigar and just looked up at the stars peaking out from the clouds as they cleared in the night sky. “You have anyone in your life?” He didn’t look at you when he asked but you shook your head and let out a quiet “no, to busy.” “Well you should put yourself out there, you’re beautiful.” John smiled down at you, the compliment making you blush. He got to his feet, “you made me feel a bit better, thanks darling.” John ruffled your hair before making his way back into the house through the backdoor. When John was back into the house you felt your heart hammering in your chest. His voice, his touch…his troubled gaze.You realized you were very much screwed. 

Taglist: @lay-z @luciferslastprettyboy @barcelonaaababe @gimme1margarita @multy-fandom-lover

dividers are by @/bbyg4rlhelps

Notes: I hope you all liked it! This is my first series and I'm super stoked! Can't wait to post more❤️

[k1ng-ej]

Do I Wanna Know?

Billy Hargrove X Reader

Just Billy playing with your heart.

You had never anticipated being snowed in with Billy on Christmas. The same Billy who had captured your heart since he first set foot in Hawkins. You were all too aware of the competition; half the school seemed infatuated with him. With his playboy demeanor, you believed your chances were slim. Yet, despite your efforts to suppress those feelings, every time his captivating light blue eyes met yours across the classroom, your emotions flooded back to the surface.

How did you find yourself in this predicament? This year, you were meant to host the Christmas party at your home since Steve's family would finally be back for the holiday season—something they hadn't been able to do in the past few years. However, Billy arrived much earlier than expected, and an unforeseen snowstorm swept in, making travel unsafe for now.

You hoped he wouldn’t catch on to your anxiety as you sat beside him on the couch, watching a movie. You couldn't ignore the way his leg brushed against yours, heightening your nerves. Taking a deep breath, you tried to steady your racing heart and direct your attention to the film instead of the closeness between you.

"Hey, are you okay? You're kind of pale." He suddenly spoke up, causing you to jump.

"Oh, yeah! Um, might be because I haven't eaten yet." You nervously chuckled, fidgeting with your hands in your lap.

Billy raised an eyebrow, puzzled by your unusual behavior around him. He recognized that you interacted differently with others, but it was clear that as soon as he approached, you became tense and... anxious? He simply nodded and returned his focus to the movie.

You exhaled softly, sinking deeper into the couch, reminding yourself that you were getting worked up over nothing. Billy would never see you in that light. After all, he was always out on multiple dates each week—there was no chance he’d ever cast a glance your way. In fact, he probably regretted coming to this party, feeling cornered with someone who couldn’t even seem to behave properly. Your fingers drummed anxiously on your thighs.

You realized that bottling up these feelings would only drive you to madness. You already anticipated his rejection, so why did the thought of confessing make you so anxious? Was it the potential humiliation that would follow? The sheer embarrassment?

It was all of the above. You knew you needed to just tell Billy how you felt instead of letting these feelings eat you from the inside out.

It felt like an eternity before you could finally summon the courage to gaze at him. He radiated perfection in everything he did. Whether he was simply sitting and watching a movie or engaged in conversation, he was stunning. Your eyes traced the contours of his sharp jawline to his lips, a lovely shade of pink, then to his perfectly curved nose, and finally to his light blue eyes, which sparkled brilliantly when the light caught them just right. A blush crept onto your cheeks the moment he glanced your way.

"U-um, can I tell you something?" You cleared your throat, averting your gaze to your lap. "You probably hear it a lot but…"

"What is it?"

"It's dumb, really, I mean you can probably tell what it is already- Jesus. Look, I, um, I like you, I have ever sense you moved here." You rambled, squeezing your eyes shut for a quick moment before finally looking at Billy. "You probably get that a lot- people confessing, I mean. I know you don't feel the same way it's okay, I mean… what was I expecting anyway?-"

Your breath caught in your throat as Billy edged closer, his arm settling on the back of the couch behind you. His expression was inscrutable as your gaze darted between his eyes, and you swallowed hard, questioning whether he could hear the frantic beating of your heart. What was he up to? The air felt thicker as he closed the distance, and you noticed his eyes briefly drifting down to your lips.

He paused mere inches from your face, his breath brushing against your skin. From this close, you couldn't help but notice the length of his lashes, a feature you found yourself envying. The delicate freckles scattered across his cheeks caught your attention too. You had braced yourself for his outright rejection, anticipating that he would tell you your feelings weren’t returned.

Instead, he gazed at your eyes before shifting his focus to your lips, silently seeking permission. You offered a small nod in response. Your eyelids fluttered shut as you awaited what felt like an eternity for him to make a move, but time passed and nothing happened.

As you opened your eyes, you noticed Billy moving back, raking his fingers through his curly hair with an exasperated sigh. The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness, and you released a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. Confusion washed over you, and you could feel a pang of heartbreak in your chest. What was that? Did you even want to know?

Before you could utter a word, he suddenly stood up and began rummaging for his keys in his pockets. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then fell silent and made his way toward the door. A part of you wanted to leap up and stop him, to demand an explanation for his abrupt behavior, but you held back. Instead, you remained on the couch, your heart heavy, watching as Billy exited through the front door. Moments later, you heard the sound of his car starting and driving away.

[mollywog]

Can we estimate how many days there were between the victory tour and Coach Peeta?

I’m not even sure I have a grip on when the Victory Tour even is?

It’s associated with the harvest festival - they decorate with colorful ears of corn (Oct/Nov) but it’s also almost midway between the games (Dec/Jan) and it’s snowing in District 12 in the unknown year that the book occurs so… ?

But I’ll take a crack at it *with the help of a friend @justafewberries* 😘

I did some scanning in the chapters following the Victory Tour and started listed some times (below the cut), but after all that, Katniss’s Prep team’s arrival popped out:

Winter has begun to withdraw by the time my foot is deemed usable. My mother gives me exercises to do and lets me walk on my own a bit. I go to sleep one night, determined to go into town the next morning, but I awake to find Venia, Octavia, and Flavius grinning down at me.

"Surprise!" they squeal. "We're here early!"

After I took that lash in the face, Haymitch got their visit pushed back several months so I could heal up. I wasn't expecting them for another three weeks

Katniss said ‘several’ (‘more than two but not many’) so I’ll suggest that means 3-4 months and that they are 3 weeks early means they arrive ~2/3 months and a about a week after the whipping or ~2/3 months and about two weeks after the Victory Tour.

The dresses air the next day along with the Quell announcement and Coach Peeta emerges the following day.

So I’m going with somewhere within 2.5 -3.5 months between the Victory and Coach Peeta.

I think it also makes sense that the Quell announcement is made ~ 3 months prior to the reaping/games (another ~ midway between point). ~April 4th could line up with the 3.5 months… depending on when you think the Victory Tour is of course…

Orrrrr (my new HC)

Thematically I put forward the idea that the Quell was announced March 19 and Coach Peeta emerged March 20 (the first day of Spring (adjusted to whatever year we think this is)) - Coach Peeta = Dandelion Peeta in his pesky weed era.

Shout out to @justafewberries for also pointing out:

I eat breakfast with my mother and Prim and head out in search of a confidant. The air's warm with hopeful hints of spring in it. Spring would be a good time for an uprising, I think. Everyone feels less vulnerable once winter passes. Peeta's not home.

Timeline Notes:

The Harvest Fest is the final day of the Victory tour. Then Katniss goes to the lake, leaving a trail for Gale to follow, presumably on the next possible Sunday(1-7 days later?). This is the same day that Gale is whipped.

From there, they’re snowed in for a few days (It takes two days for the storm to blow itself out, leaving us with drifts higher than my head.) before Katniss and Peeta’s stroll through town.

The mines are closed for two weeks (As the days pass, things go from bad to worse. The mines stay shut for two weeks, and by that time half of District 12 is starving.) then the miners return to work. Another parcel day elapses (The eagerly awaited food promised for Parcel Day arrives spoiled and defiled by ro-dents.)

After an unknown amount of time, the wedding dresses arrive and Katniss injures her heel. There’s a week of bedrest (I’m ordered to a week of bed rest and I don't object because I feel so lousy.)

And then after that, she wakes to Prep team who have arrived earlier than expected, yet still several months after her face injury (After I took that lash in the face, Haymitch got their visit pushed back several months so I could heal up. I wasn't expecting them for another three weeks.)

Additional notes:

Katniss says the reaping was nine months prior on the morning after the Quell announcement (Looking at Prim's face, it's hard to imagine she's the same frail little girl I left behind on reaping day nine months ago.) - I’m interpreting this as an estimation - not an exactly 9 months from today sort statement, so the late March date could still work

The Victory Tour is ‘Strategically placed almost midway between the annual Games, it is the Capitol's way of keeping the horror fresh and immediate.’

Katniss also still has a visible scar under the Prep team’s initial makeup that Cinna covers - if you consider that detail significant (I want to ask them more, but Cinna appears to give me a hug and check my makeup. His attention goes right to the scar on my cheek.)