#I'm going to go home and deep clean my house and probably cry

[duskier]

rosemary

price x reader .... dark content / noncon / kidnapping

Okay I love ex husband Price as much as the next person but also consider, slightly more fucked up: widower Price. He handles it really, really well, all things considered. His beautiful young wife, Rosemary, died in his arms from a terminal illness. They knew it was coming, had been for a long time. It was a good death, as good as one can be but it was still too soon and it broke something in Price.

He takes a few months off to grieve, to pack Rose's things away and clean their house. Goes to therapy, walks through every step that has been laid out for him that is meant to guide him to "getting better". It works.

...But then he sees you one day, only a week before he was supposed to return to work.

Relief floods his body as his knees nearly buckle beneath him when he sees you through the shop window. Price knew deep down you'd never leave him, his Rose. It must have all been one big, fucked up dream he'd had, or maybe he had gotten confused.

Look at you, his darling wife... since when did you start working at a coffee shop? Never mind, you probably picked it up while he was working, something to keep that pretty head of yours busy. You always have so much energy, and you love people, it made sense you'd take the job.

Where was your ring...? You probably took it off during shifts, knew you'd get better tips from male customers if you looked single. Price didn't worry, he knew you were a good girl- his good girl. You deserved all the tips.

He waited patiently for you in the corner of the store for your shift to end, you didn't seem to have time to stop by and say hi. His hard working beauty. He was so lucky to have you, his eyes following you the whole time, admiring your dilligence.

When you took a wrong turn driving the wrong way away from your shared home, Price frowned a little, but followed your car closely anyways. You must have worked too hard, maybe you were getting lost. Alarm bells were ringing in his ears- you needed his help.

He helped you into his car without any issue after you parked in an apartment complex. You protested a ton, but Price was stronger- you must have forgotten all those times he won when you play fought.

Silly girl, where did you think you were going? You needed to come home, to your nice suburban home you bought together a few years ago, remember? We can pick your car up in the morning, once you've had some rest. Price would make you dinner, run you a warm bath- you must not be feeling well after all.

Don't worry darling, Price would remind you that you didn't have to work if you don't want to, especially not if it was going to leave you so exhausted you couldn't get home safely. He vowed to never let anything bad happen to you, his lovely bride, and he was going to make certain of it.

And if he feels you crying when he fucks you that night- your body passive and yielding to him simply out of horror at the life you were suddenly being forced into- he kissed and licked those tears away. Holding you so tenderly, so lovingly, it confused the life out of you- you thought for sure he was planning to kill you but the longer you stayed the less you were so sure- he whispers into your hair, "Shh, it's okay my Rose, I'm here. I'll always be here to take care of my girl. I love you."

[bloodyknucklesforme]

No name (taking suggestions) for this yet but yeah @syoddeye got me into Nikolai so... here's this. It's way longer than I originally planned but here we are. There will be more at some point but my fingers were just itching to write this out rn so unedited as well...

cw: dark fic, dubcon/noncon, reader is being trafficked, human trafficking, cockwarming, body inspection, piv, Nikolai is evil but also kind i guess,

"Clothes off... all of them," A thick Russian accent said from the intercom. You looked up at the camera in the corner. He must of seen you hesitate, "I already paid. Don't waste my money."

It never got easier. It'd been almost a year now. As you dropped your coat to the floor your anger and shame hit the ceiling. You'd trusted your ex, he promised to help you when you lost your job, when you couldn't pay rent, when you needed to borrow money. You moved to London for better opportunities now you were in some stranger's house waiting to be used. You'd lost track of how deep in debt you were to him and his 'friends'. 10k? 20k? It made your stomach clench.

"Don't cry. You'll fuck up your makeup." is what those cunts back at the club would always say before you got in a car to a client's.

Marcus hammered it in that this was a very important client. Probably another criminal. A rich one at that. His house was more of a warehouse with an automatic front door.

"Turn around," he ordered when the last of your clothes hit the floor. Checking for a wire or weapons you guessed. Knowing you were being watched like this made your skin crawl but it was better than being groped immediately on entry.

The front room was more of a safe room with steel walls and thick doors. No windows, just the camera, an intercom panel and a white gift box.

"New clothes in the box. Put them on."

It was a too small lacy bra and matching too small panties. A washed baby blue, all mesh so you were fully exposed. The door inside clicked. You went inside.

It was nice. Expensive but not tacky like other homes you've been too. The kind of furniture you'd seen in interior design magazines and auctions, solid wood things made by designers with names you could never properly pronounce. There were soviet era antiques scattered about as decor. The first floor was open with a kitchen and dining area to the side and the rest of the room being a living area. There were stairs to the side leading up to where you guessed was the bedroom.

"You're prettier than the photo." You jumped at the voice. He was so quiet you didn't notice him on the couch. He was big, obviously tall but muscular with wide shoulders. Dark hair slicked back with a widow's peak. Stubble covered the bottom part of an aged face. He wasn't old, older yes but whatever business he was in had aged him around the eyes.

He snapped his fingers and motioned for you to walk over. He had a cigar in the other hand.

"Good. You follow instructions. More than I can say for the last one Arno sent me." He motioned for you to spin around again, giving your ass a light spank and laughing when you yelped. "You fuck anyone else today?"

"No," you shook your head. He blew cigar smoke at you, watching the silver bisect around your middle.

"Good. I'd hate to waste more time cleaning you out. They never do a good job at that." He put his cigar in the ash tray beside him. "On your knees."

"What's your name?" He asked, making space between his legs for you. You answered softly, a lie. Never give them anything was what another girl told you. He held your chin between two fingers, moving your head around like a doll. "Open your mouth."

He leaned forward, looking inside you. A thumb hooked over your bottom row of teeth. It tasted like tobacco and sweat. You'd learned to hold back gags long ago.

"I don't like girls with rotten teeth." He ran a finger over your teeth, top and bottom, occasionally pressing on one. He frowned, "Stop shaking. I'm not going to hurt you."

A lie, most likely. Men always said that before fucking you, like they could believe you were there willingly, like they didn't pick you out of a catalogue of girls. You clenched your fists in your lap and willed the fear out of your bones.

"I like girls who like you." He pulled his fingers out of your mouth and pushed your jaw shut. "I paid to have you all night. Make it worth it."

He leaned back, grabbing a remote and turning on the tv. A hockey game roared on the tv.

"Is there...uh...anything you want me to call you?"

He looked down at you, like he already forgot you were there.

"Sir, when you answer my questions. Kolya, when I fuck you." He undid his belt and spread his legs wider. You knew your job. He picked up his cigar again as you undid the zipper on his pants.

He laid a hand on the back of your head, pressing down your hair.

"Just keep me warm for now. Don't want to miss anything."

You took a deep breath before taking him into your mouth. He was thick and uncut. Intimidating even half hard. He didn't push as you worked your throat open, slowly bobbing your head. Sometimes men would ply you with liquor, help you to relax a bit more. You wish he had. The mix of salts from precum and skin filled your senses. A hesitant hand moved to rest on his thigh for leverage. He didn't shake you off.

"Good job, Kotenok." He rubbed his knuckles across your cheek. He let you rest against his thigh, nose tickled by his dark pubes. Cigar smoke, the drone of the tv and the blood rushing around your head started to calm your nerves. Maybe tonight wouldn't be as awful as you thought.

He thrusted lazily during every commercial break. Everything was in Russian so you couldn't follow the game beyond his angry or excited, more so angry, ad libs.

He finally sighed and turned off the tv. He tapped your cheek softly.

"Kotenok, I need you to make me feel better about my team losing."

He made you walk ahead of him, directing you towards his bedroom. His dark eyes dug into your spine.

His bedroom was dark. Wine colored walls with thick, velvet blackout curtains covering the windows. The bed was large with silk sheets and a down comforter.

You crawled onto the bed, swaying your hips as enticingly as you could manage. A hand wrapped around your ankle and pulled you to the edge of the bed. You yelped as his hips hit your ass, cock bouncing against your cheeks.

"Remember what I told you, Kotenok?" He pulled your panties down, calloused hands scrapping against your thighs. "What to call me?"

"Kolya."

"Good girl." Two fingers felt around your entrance. A shiver ran down your spine. You weren't wet enough, you knew that. You clung to the comforter, waiting for pain.

"I told you to stop shaking. I said I wouldn't hurt you." He rubbed a hand across your ass. He sounded annoyed. You closed your eyes and pressed your face against the silk. It smelled clean and floral.

The snap of plastic and cold fingers prodding at your cunt.

"Shhh...I don't break the things I buy." He didn't admonish you for hiding your face as he scissored you open. "There we go, Kotenok."

He pushed in slowly, groaning loudly as you whimpered and fidgeted. Despite the preparation it was a stretch and burn. He held you down by your hips.

"Good girl," he purred with one last push. The head of his cock bumped against your crevix , causing you to clench in pain. It only spurred him to start thrusting roughly. Your face dragged against the sheets.

"Close your eyes and let it happen. Most of them don't last long anyways," a girl said to you early on. You didn't remember her name.

You forced out moans every time his hips smacked against your ass. Arching your back so he could think he was pleasuring you. There was a modicum of pleasure, chasing it was too much effort, especially with unreceptive partners.

He wrapped an arm around your waist, hand dipping between your thighs. He pinched your clit till you cried out.

"I don't like liars, Kotenok." He rubbed harsh circles till you moaned, shuddering hard. "Cum on my cock or shut up."

His other hand grabbed your shoulder and pulled you up. Your back rested against his chest. Still rubbing your clit, he hooked an arm under yours and rested it between your breasts while holding your chin and forcing you to look upwards. There was a mirror on the ceiling.

"Say my name," He barked.

"Kolya...please...Kolya. I..."

"Want to come on my cock? Beg me for it."

"Kolya please...please Kolya. I want to come. Please. Kolyaaaaa!"

You watched yourself as he forced you up to your peak, clenching around his cock. He laughed harshly and smacked your pussy. He held you up as your legs failed to hold you up any longer. You came hard, grabbing at his arms, manicured nails digging into his muscles.

He growled something in Russian before biting down on your shoulder. He filled you to the hilt, his cock twitching inside your still clenching pussy. His cum was a familiar warm. He let go and you fell face forward against the bed.

"Catch your breath. I still want my money's worth."

You lost count of how many times he fucked you. You were pliant and submissive, following his lead as he bent you into whatever position he wanted. He was more virile than you expected.

You woke up sore, dried cum and bite marks covering your body.

"You shower before you leave. Scrub well." He slapped your ass before shutting the door and locking it from the outside.

It was a large shower but more importantly the water was hot. Not warm but hot. You could have cum just from feeling the jets against your skin. The body wash was luxurious - sweet and woody. You scrubbed well. These kind of men didn't want their DNA wandering all over the place.

There was towel left for you but no clothes and your lingerie from last night was missing as well. He did leave a cup of tea for you on the bedside table.

You kept the towel wrapped around yourself as you walked back downstairs. He was sitting at the dining table, typing on a laptop, cup of tea still steaming and full.

"Come here, Kotenok." He tugged your towel till it fell to the floor. He tapped the inside of your thigh till you spread them. "Don't start shaking again."

You bit your lip. He spread you open with two fingers, tilting his head as he inspected you. You yelped when he forced a dry finger inside you, moving it around and dragging it against your walls.

"Good girl." He pulled his hand and away and got a money clip from his pocket. "I like you. I'll ask for you again."

He handed you five hundred pounds. You stared at Charles in disbelief. You'd been tipped before but never this much.

"Thank you, sir."

"Did I ask you a question?" He didn't look away from his computer.

"No...umm...Thank you, Kolya."

The corner of his mouth twitched into a smile.

"If Arno takes that from you, tell me. That's your money. I paid him enough as is. Now go get dressed. Your car is here." He pointed back towards the front door.

You hurried off. For the first time more scared to leave than to stay.

[uinmyheart]

[♡] "Hey, stranger"

"Hello, youuuu" you instantly smile after hearing his voice.

"How's everything going over there?" you ask. You're sitting in your pajamas, skincare routine already finished and putting some lotion on your legs. it's been ages since the last time you were able to do this properly.

"Well, our dear Hanni has been acting like a brat all day just because she misses you. She's been acting like i'm the devil." you hear a certain echo of his voice as well as the knocks of pans and silverware which probably means he's wrapping up the night routine while your call stays on speakers.

"I'm guessing you had an eventful day." you smile.

"And that's to say the least." you both giggle. "I'm not sure about letting Hanni continue with her football lessons. She's starting to grow some muscles and now I'm scared of a pre-teen that just happens to be my only daughter."

"I don't think it's the football lessons, babe. It's that age." you giggle. You're so happy to hear them and your heart aches now that you're not with them.

As soon as your daughter started growing, it was time to get back on your feet and start working again, but every single time you had to pack your things for a quick work trip, it became even more difficult than the previous one. Maybe it's the constant fear of missing out on things that happen in your house, or not being able to be in control of everything that's happening over there, but being completely honest, you cannot really complain about the perks that came with work travelling. The suite your workplace had provided for your stay, and the clean bathtub in your bathroom wasn't so bad either.

"I mean, you should've seen me driving over here with a car full of annoying teens making fun of everything that I did or said. The way they made fun of my nose for more than 20 minutes almost made me cry, honestly." hearing you giggle out loud makes him lightly smirk even though deep inside he still feels hurt by the way his own blood had betrayed him like that in front of all of her friends. "And feeding those demons.. It's insane. I'm going have to squeeze in a quick run to the grocery store. We're out of.. oh, yeah. Everything. They even found those special cookies we keep hidden for our movie nights."

"Ooh, babe. It was time you found out. Hanni has been eating them non-stop. That place is not a secret anymore. I just stopped restocking those because she always checks right after coming back home. It's taking a toll on our sweet treat budget." you deliver the bad news with a pretty big smile on your face, already imagining the look of confusion on his.

"That's insane. She's insane." "I know, right? But at least she's cute, though."

"Yeah, she really is. You should see the way she scrunches her nose when she runs on the field. Totally cute." he gushes and you can only hum in response. "What about you, though? How's my management & sales senior doing?"

"It's pretty boring over here, I must say." you sigh. "Boring deals with boring people. Cannot complain though, not allowed." you both giggle. "You wanna guess what I did today?" he hums.

"I had a 20 minute shower." he groans in response. "No complaints and no banging on the door."

"You're killing me over here!"

"And when I got out, I asked for room service. Had some fried chicken, some pizza and now I'm even waiting for dessert!"

"Are you guys hiring? Maybe I can squeeze in my résumé and a couple of interviews."

"I'm not sure relationships between coworkers are allowed over here.."

"For a night like that I could leave my wife." all jokes aside, "Hey!" you instantly exclaim, feigned offense laced in your voice.

"I know, baby. I know. Just joking." you smile at him. "So... what are you wearing? Do you miss me?"

Before you could even think about a cheeky response. A big, loud, and clear. "EW!" is heard right on cue. There's your girl.

"Dad, you're so disgusting." you can hear your husband loud complaints as well as your daughter's perfectly clear light hearted insults to his father.

"So what? Is it a crime to love your mother? I'm not apologizing for that."

"You're both too old for this! At least don't do it in a common area on speaker!"

As you stay silent for a couple of seconds you get to hear the way they go back and forth as Hanni continues to emphasize how embarrassed she feels by your behaviour. Teens can be so intense, you cannot help but roll your eyes.

"Anyways... Mom? Are you there?" your girl asks.

"Yes, my lovely daughter. How are you? Do you miss me?"

"Incredibly much. Dad over here is embarrassing me at school and at practice as well." you smile at what she tells you. You miss this banter even though you get to have a taste just by the phone.

"I'm sure he is. I made sure to give him instructions on how to!" Hanni whines on the phone and you can hear Jungkook in the background making slight fun of her.

"So, mom..." "Yes?" "I've been thinking.. since you're already there.." You know exactly where this is going. "Can i send some stuff for you to buy? There's this new lip glo-"

"Jeon Hanni! You're in so much trouble. Why would you use your time to talk to your mom to ask her stuff?!" Hanni whines as Jungkook continues. "That is not how I raised you!"

"Dad, you're so annoying. For real."

To cut things short, you ended up compromising on bringing your daughter this new lip gloss everyone's talking about and a new water bottle she insists that will help her performance on football practice. Absolutely ridiculous, yet you agreed on buying it just to make her happy.

And at the end of the night, when you're unable to get some sleep as you shine in the glow the television gives you, you're awoken from your trance-like state by a message from your husband.

It's the best way to end a mostly perfect day. A pictured of him and your daughter cuddling on your big bed together, her hiding on his chest already sleeping with her mouth wide open and him being his usual cheeky self with his big doe eyes and sticking his tongue out.

"She always caves ❤️ we miss you, honey! Come back soon"

and you cannot wait.

[piratecaptainscaptainpirates]

One thing I most mourn about not getting a third season, and one of the things I love imagining and writing about, is figuring out how Ed and Stede will adjust to making a long-term relationship work. They've got such a strong foundation! But they have lingering issues to unpack.

I know they're going to be very successful, because mutual love and respect go such a long way! But every couple will need to communicate and compromise, and I think there are a few things they do that genuinely will annoy and hurt each other until they figure them out. Some unsorted thoughts:

Stede is so, so patient and good with Ed when Ed's panicking, but he can push what he's feeling aside to focus on Ed entirely. Take their little argument in s2e7 - Stede was very clearly hurt when Ed said "last night was a mistake," and though we know Ed was panicking and what he was trying to say was more like "I need something tangible to blame my feelings on right now because I'm scared you'll choose piracy over me," Stede doesn't know that. There's potential for Stede to let things said in the heat of the moment fester instead of just telling Ed that something hurt him.

Ed is often very direct and clear with communicating what he wants and needs to Stede, and Stede's very bad for giving mixed signals when he's feeling conflicted. Talking about running away to China is a prime example - Stede's body language was screaming "I don't think that's a good idea," but he said "yes" with his mouth. There's room for miscommunication.

On a similar note, Stede isn't always good at articulating his wants and needs, and I think Ed could very easily get frustrated by that when they have situations like Stede telling him that no, no, it's fine, they don't have to paint the living room blue, and then they get home and Stede starts moping about getting a different color of paint.

Ed is a very, very competent person. He's very used to things coming easily to him, and because of this, he's a one-plan kinda guy. He gives up very easily when things don't go to plan. He is going to have a full-on panic attack, crying breakdown when he tries to fix a section of roof and it caves in.

Ed strikes me as a stress-cleaner. Stede is absolutely the type of person who NEEDS to have quiet wind-down time after 9 p.m. Their worst arguments will be because Ed absolutely has to "deep-clean the entire fucking house at eleven at night with the world's loudest trash bin, Edward!"

Stede's self-esteem is so shitty that, while he loves compliments and affection, it's probably going to hurt Ed's feelings when he keeps saying mean things about his appearance, skills, and personality no matter how much Ed reassures him. Like, does he not believe Ed?

Ed's going to have this bit where every time Stede leaves him alone in the house for more than five minutes at a time he's going to pout and be all "I thought you left me again" in a bid to get extra cuddles and attention. Stede hates this bit

[starry-eyed-wild-child]

🌻 kappa x reader headcanons 🌻

. yikes, first off this man right here - I need him in my VEINS

. but swiftly moving on

. i'm not gonna sugarcoat anything, this relationship is probably toxic af - like you're both AWFUL for each other, it's like an obsessed kinda love that's probably really unhealthy

. but it's okay, we move

. probably met when he broke into your house or smth - but he'd probably been stalking you for weeks before, I don't make the rules we know it's true. but he'd 100% deny it to your face if you asked

. yes he would probably live in a VW samba. stereotypical? sure. but you can't tell me he doesn't - look me in the eyes and try I beg

. will get high with you every single night, if that's your vibe - and if it's not, he's still getting high with you every night cause he's such a gentleman

. kappa will swear on his life he hates animals, but the day you bring a cat home, bro is smitten

. will convince you to join the cult, let's not kid ourselves at all - whether you do so willingly is up to you, but either way, you're sleeping in that commune, babes

. would NEVER admit it aloud but he secretly wants small braids in his hair - tiny, tiny ones that go around. but you couldn't torture this information out of him

. try it, he'd probably get off on it

. i have said this before, and i stand by it - kappa listens to the zombies, it's a guilty pleasure that he'd rather die than admit

. y'know that red pendant he always wears? put it on for him, i beg. man will be on his knees

. is actually surprisingly a really good cook (i personally headcanon kappa as a veggie but that's just me, don't come at me pls)

. tries to be this heavy dominant man, but then probably smells like fucking fire and patchouli or some waffle

. putting the nsfw under the cut cause i don't wanna get scolded

. we, as a fandom, have collectively agreed that kappa is absolutely packing it down there

. he's a solid nine inches, and definitely has a few piercings - nipple bars are the ones that come to mind when I think of kappa, but probably had them in more intimate places 🤭

. is the kinkiest motherfucker you'll ever meet in your life - everything you knew? forget it, babes, kappa knows best

. if it's not messy and sloppy, kappa doesn't want it - you will be covered in scratches, bite marks, cum, blood, spit and sweat by the time this man is done with you

. he's so mean, man, oh my god

'c'mon, sugar, you can take it, you've fucking done it before'

'stop fucking crying or I'll give you something to cry about'

. aftercare? what's that? kappa will clean you up and maybe, maybe, if you're really, really good, he'll hold you

. loves, loves, loves fucking you outdoors - in 'mother nature' 🌿🍄

. hot take but kappa actually LOVES mutual masturbation (he's so gross, he just likes watching you touch yourself)

. his ego will be heightened when you can't finish by yourself

'awe, what's the matter, sugar? can't even cum without me anymore?'

. he's so fucking mean, I want him bad, man

. BREEDING KINK ( look me in the eyes and tell me no, i dare you)

. pushes his cum so deep inside you that it doesn't even drip out

'gotta make sure it stays nice and put, sugar, gonna fuck a baby into you, hm?'

. will praise you but in a really derogatory way? idk how to describe it

. when i tell you, you will never want another man again - kappa will make you feel things you didn't even know you could, man

. very, very good at what he does - kappa is very cocky, he knows he's good, and he loves when you tell him how good he is

. let this man eat you out, bro - you'll be in heaven. he's so disgusting with it - he's messy, sloppy and you can guarantee he will lap, lick, drool and dribble absolutely everywhere

. you have to beg this man to get away from between your legs - and even when you do, he still doesn't

. realistically, he's probably like a -2/10 BUT I'm gonna give him a solid 9/10 cause he's my man, and i'm delusional

. 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

[roosterforme]

A Love You Don't Find Everyday Part 14 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You are starting to stress over Bradley's upcoming deployment, but he's the one you can always count on to make you feel better. After you fulfill three wishes for him, your only wish is for him to return in time for the wedding.

Warnings: Smut, angst, fluff, and swearing

Length: 4200 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Check out my masterlist for more!

Bradley wasn't sure how you managed to pull off half of the shit that you did. He knew you were busy at work. He knew you were busy with the secret wedding plans. He knew you were trying to spend as much time with him as you could before he deployed again. But you still managed to put together a Halloween party that everyone was excited about. 

"Can't wait for tomorrow night!" Fanboy said, slapping Bradley on the back in the locker room. "I can't wait to show off my secret costume."

"You wear the same costume every year, man," Payback replied. "Darth Vader. Every single year."

Fanboy glared at him. "Yeah, because I spent a lot of money to have it specially made. If you try to wear that shitty looking impostor Vader costume again this year, I'll be so pissed at you."

Payback just rolled his eyes and headed for the showers. 

Bradley had already agreed to wear a couples costume with you. He'd agreed to it last year as well. He had worn tights for you after dating for less than a month. But every time he thought about dressing up as the Peter Pan to your Tinker Bell, he smiled. 

"Pussy whipped," he muttered to himself as he claimed a shower as well. He still loved it when you put on that tiny green dress for him. And you kept telling him that this year's costume came complete with three wishes that you would grant for him. So he wasn't about to complain about having to wear his dress whites around the house all evening. 

When Bradley got home, you were in the kitchen, already making food for the following night's party. "Hi, Roo," you called, running to wrap your arms around him. He was leaving for South Korea with Jake in five days, and he could tell you were getting anxious. He hated putting you through this over and over again, but he loved how you were holding onto him at every opportunity now.

"You need help with anything?" he asked. You looked up at him warily, probably scared to have him help too much in the kitchen. 

"Um, how about you fold laundry and clean the bathrooms for tomorrow night?"

"You know, it kind of hurts that you hardly ever let me help you in the kitchen," he whined, kissing the top of your head.

"But you're so good at cleaning, Roo," you told him as he walked down the hallway.

When he reemerged from his chores, you had made two delicious looking sandwiches, and you were drinking a beer while you decorated a cake. 

"Jesus, how do you manage to do all this?" he asked as you took a small bite out of one of the sandwiches. You looked at him like you were suddenly going to cry. "What's wrong?"

You just shook your head and closed your eyes. 

"Did I do something?" he asked softly as you took a step away from him.

You shook your head again, swiping away some tears from your eyes. 

"You're scaring me. What's wrong?"

When you tried to suck in a deep breath, you hiccupped and started crying instead. The way your face looked like you were in agony was killing him when you finally said, "I don't want you to go. I'm so scared." You paused to hiccup again, and Bradley felt his heart clench inside him. "You haven't been deployed since July. Since your accident." The last three words were spoken so quietly, you barely even said them out loud. 

He moved closer to you, and then you were immediately in his arms. But Bradley knew there was no way to really comfort you. This was something he thought about all the time, too. "It's just two weeks, tops. You know I'm always going to fight to get back to you if I need to. Every single time. You know that, Sweetheart."

"I know," you wailed against his chest. "But I'm still scared." 

Bradley guided you to the living room couch and let you sit in his lap and cry until your tears started to ease up. He ran his hand in small, soothing circles along your thigh and held back his own tears. 

You wiped your face on his shirt and looked up at him, running your hand along his scarred left arm. "I should be used to this by now."

He shook his head and kissed your nose. "I don't think this is the kind of thing anyone ever gets used to," he whispered as you sniffled at him. "I certainly am not. All I wanted was to have you in my life. To have you waiting for me when I come home. But it fucking destroys me to leave you here by yourself."

"Just don't leave me forever."

-------------------

Crying so hard and so suddenly had given you a headache. You didn't have a chance to try on your Halloween costume. You barely managed to eat your sandwich, and Bradley had to help you finish getting the party food ready. 

By nine o'clock, you were ready to give up for the night. You let him cover the cake you had made, and he offered to clean up the kitchen while you got ready for bed. 

It felt like you couldn't get your pulse under control. Your heart was racing. It was getting worse with each day as you got closer to his departure. You really just wanted to enjoy this Halloween party. All of your friends were coming, and Bradley had agreed to wear a matching costume again. Your head was just swirling. If you still felt this way tomorrow, you were going to have to cancel on everyone. 

Suddenly Bradley was in the bedroom doorway, holding Tramp and smiling. 

"What?" you asked, still swiping at your eyes behind your glasses as you sat up more in bed. 

"If I tell you, then you have to promise to stop crying," he said, still smiling as he made his way to the bed. 

You took a few deep breaths, finally feeling the ache in your chest loosen a bit. "Okay, I'm done crying," you promised in the steadiest voice you could manage. 

Bradley set Tramp down at the foot of the bed and slowly crawled up toward you, his expression changing to gleeful as he got closer. 

"What?" you asked, a laugh escaping as you felt yourself smile. "What is it?"

He crawled on top of you, playfully kissing your neck and face, nearly knocking your glasses onto the floor before you managed to toss them onto the night stand. 

"Bradley!" you giggled as he kissed your ear, his own deep laughter filling you up. His weight on you felt soothing as your legs tangled with his. "Tell me!"

But he just kept on kissing your lips so softly as you let your fingers thread through his hair. With a huge smile on his face, he let his forehead rest softly against yours. 

"What is it?" you asked, nipping at his lips.

"Baby Girl. We're getting married in thirty days." He pulled his face away a few inches, and he looked happier than a kid on Christmas morning. "Sweetheart! It's just one month away!"

You started laughing and threw your arms around his neck. "A month!"

"Mmhmm," he hummed against your neck. "One month. I get to be your husband in one month. How did I get this lucky?"

You took his face in both of your hands and kissed him hard. "I love you, Bradley."

Somehow, that declaration of thirty days was all it took to make you feel better. And after a few minutes of cuddling, you were sound asleep, draped halfway across his body. 

----------------------

"Are you almost dressed?" Bradley asked. You had shut yourself in the bathroom, which you never really did when you were getting ready. You always left the door open so he could check on you, or just look at you, or sneak up behind you and make you late for things.

"Um... almost!" you called. Everyone would start arriving shortly, and he was dying to have a few minutes with you in your costume. Alone. He hadn't even seen it on you yet. 

He adjusted his tie and looked over at Tramp who appeared to be dressed as some sort of fairy. But you had told Bradley it was part of the costume theme and divulged no further information. 

"Sweetheart, it's almost party time!" he called again, just as you opened the bathroom door. "Oh, shit."

You smiled and twirled for him. You were wearing a light blue slip dress that ended above your knees as well as a costume wig with a tiara. You even had some sort of glass slippers on your feet.

Bradley's mouth was hanging open as he shook his head. "You look hot."

You looked down at yourself and then back up at him. "I feel kind of silly. But you look delicious, Roo. Or should I say Prince Charming?" 

The skirt part of your dress was kind of gauzy and sheer, and the top was kind of tight, and that made him feel a little silly. "Do you have any idea what you are capable of?" he rasped, reaching for you.

"What do you mean?" you asked, tucking yourself into his arms.

"You could destroy me with one look, Baby Girl."

You smirked and rubbed yourself against him. "My name is Cinderella."

Bradley groaned so loudly, you started laughing again. 

"And my fairy godmother said I can grant you three wishes tonight," you added, biting your glossy lip. Tramp perked up and shook his fairy wings as if on cue. 

Bradley raised his eyebrows at you. "Anything I want?"

You nodded, still chewing on your lip. 

He pushed you back against the dresser and started bunching up your dress just as the doorbell rang. "Fuck!"

You ran out of the room, your laughter trailing behind you as he followed. When you had nearly reached the front door, Bradley scooped you up from behind. "This is going to be fun," he whispered in your ear. "Okay, my first wish: I want you to flash me your tits when nobody is looking."

You squealed with delight as he set you down. "You're naughty, Roo."

"I thought I was Prince Charming."

You put your hand on the doorknob and whispered, "Wish number one, coming right up." Then you opened the door and let Cam and Maria inside.

"You look ridiculous," you told them as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum entered the house. Cam pressed a six pack of beer into Bradley's hands and Maria kissed his cheek, and then they both made their way into the kitchen. 

Before you could even close the door, Fanboy Vader entered followed by Bob who was dressed as Where's Waldo. "Cute!" you said, making a fuss over both of them. Bradley watched Bob pointedly not look at your body while Fanboy pointedly looked at your body and then gave Bradley a fistbump. 

"Phoenix!" you squealed, tossing your arms around Bradley's best friend who was dressed as Wednesday Addams, complete with braided pigtails. 

"Cinderella, I dig it," Nat said with a laugh before looking at Bradley. "But that is the furthest thing I have ever seen from Prince Charming. Eww, wait... is this some sort of twisted roleplay fantasy?! You guys need to do this shit on your own time." But she was still smiling at Bradley as she made her way over to pet Tramp. 

You closed the door only to open it again as Mav and Penny entered dressed as Sonny and Cher. Within a minute, Mav had Bradley cornered. 

"I'm fully ordained," Maverick said, holding out his hand for Bradley to shake it, but Bradley wrapped his arms around him in a hug instead. 

"Thanks again, Mav. Almost everything is ready. Just need to submit our permits, and we are good to go. And don't you dare tell Penny or Amelia." 

Mav grinned and mimed zipping his lips before getting a beer.

"Oh my goodness, you look sexy!" Bradley froze. That was clearly your voice. You shouldn't be saying that to anyone except him. He peered through the house to the front door and caught sight of you running your fingers along Payback's Halloween costume, if you could even call it that. 

He was dressed as a firefighter. A firefighter stripper. Just yellow pants with red and yellow suspenders.

"Yeah, well, this was the only costume left in my size," he was saying to you, grinning as you snapped the suspenders against him. 

"Looking hot, Payback." 

When you caught Bradley's eye, you winked.

He headed over and wrapped his arms around you and whispered in your ear, "Stop flirting with Payback and give me my first wish."

"Now is not the appropriate time, Prince Charming," you squealed, wriggling out of his grasp as Jake arrived. 

"A Ken doll? Again?" Bradley asked as Jake descended upon you with a huge bouquet of orange flowers and kissed you on the cheek. Bradley knew better than to be jealous, but you were barely wearing any clothing, and the guys were all over you. 

"You look like you could be my Barbie," Jake told you with a wink, you responded by seductively untying his ascot before flicking his ear. 

"Your wife is mean," Jake said, rubbing his ear. The word wife made Bradley smile every time. And as he looked at you over Jake's shoulder you bit your lip and looked around. Everyone else had abandoned the living room, stairs and entryway for the kitchen. 

Bradley licked his lips and grinned, knowing you were about to go for it. He watched you yank down the top of your dress, and your tits bounced free for him. He could tell your nipples were hard from across the room, and he watched you struggle to get yourself covered up again. A look of slight panic crossed your features, but Bradley was having fun watching you grabbing at your own breasts. 

Until he noticed Jake was about to turn around to see what he was looking at. "Hey! Did you mention anything to Fanboy about keeping an eye on her while we're gone?" Bradley asked, regaining Jake's attention while you finally got yourself covered. 

Bradley and Jake both turned to watch you stroll into the kitchen like you hadn't a care in the world. "Yeah. Fanboy said he'd stop over if she needs anything. Of course Bob, Payback and Coyote all said the same thing too. She's going to be just fine."

Bradley frowned. "Where is Coyote?"

"Oh, he's in the kitchen," you called over your shoulder. "I didn't see him come in?"

When Bradley made his way into the kitchen, Coyote was looking at you with his hands on his hips. "I'm dressed as James Bond. I'm a spy. I crept in the back door when nobody was looking." 

You were smiling as he looked annoyed that nobody seemed to appreciate how he was fully in character.

"Do you want a martini?" you asked, straightening his bowtie. Then he smiled down at you.

"No, I don't want you to go to any trouble. I'll just grab a beer," Coyote told you, flashing a huge smile. 

Bradley watched with mild interest as you chatted with Coyote and Fanboy for a little bit. Your costume was extremely distracting, so he couldn't really blame the guys for sneaking some glances at your chest. At least they had the decency to look a little embarrassed anytime they caught Bradley's eye. And he was happy to see that Maria had managed to garner all of Payback's attention, what with his perfect abs fully exposed to everyone at large. 

When you went to grab some more of your orange sangria from the refrigerator, Bradley let you pour a glass and take a sip before he took it from you and finished it. "Hey!" you complained, but he just set the glass aside. 

Everyone was pretty distracted, dancing to your Halloween playlist and eating and drinking. Bradley ran his knuckles down along the soft skin between your breasts, and you instantly whimpered for him.

"Oh, fuck," he whispered, already getting hard, right in the middle of his kitchen. "Prince Charming wants to get his dick wet."

Your lips parted as his fingers trailed up to your neck and wrapped around your necklace chain, and your eyes went wide. "Is that your second wish?"

"No, that's a fucking order." 

Your moan was so loud, Bradley pressed his lips to yours to keep you quiet. When he released you, he murmured, "Meet me in the laundry room in ten minutes to fulfill my second wish."

You just nodded dumbly, and after a few minutes, Bradley watched you sneak down the hallway. 

He needed to time it just right so it didn't look too suspicious. He was so worked up. Usually he could last as long as you needed him to, always wanting to get you there before himself. But he was pretty sure he could get away with a quickie. No way he'd last long with you dressed like that and moaning. 

When he ducked inside the laundry room, you were there with the light on, immediately reaching for the front of his uniform pants. 

"That's a good girl," he crooned, watching you unzip and pull him free. "That's my sweet Princess."

You licked your lips and met his eyes. "How do you want it, your highness?" Your voice was soft and needy, and he was throbbing in your hand.

He kissed you gently one time before taking you by the hips and bending you over the washing machine. "I want to fuck you hard and fast and fill you with my cum," he grunted, yanking up the sheer material of your dress and running his hands along your ass. You weren't wearing any underwear, and he could see how wet you were. 

"Oh!" you moaned as he pushed himself deep inside your pussy without warning. 

"All the guys want to flirt with you? And look at you? That's fine," he said, squeezing your hips as you grasped the washing machine while he rocked into you. "I know you're mine. But you're gonna keep my cum in this little pussy all night. I wanna smell it on you later. Want them to smell it too."

He fucked you hard, nealy knocking over the jug of detergent as he railed you. Each of his thrusts was punctuated with a grunt from the back of your throat, and you were getting louder and louder.

"Don't get too loud. I didn't lock the door," Bradley growled, switching to shorter, harder thrusts that just left you moaning his name. "Fine, be loud. I don't fucking care if someone catches us."

That had you turning to look up over your shoulder at him, mouth hanging open, brows pinched. "Roo," you groaned, and he squeezed both of your ass cheeks as he came hard, clenching his jaw and keeping his eyes on yours.

He leaned down to kiss your cheek before withdrawing and watching his cum leak out of your pussy and down your thighs. "You're so fucking perfect," he whispered, kneeling down and kissing the backs of your legs before he pulled your dress down slowly over the masterpiece he had painted. 

"Bradley," you whispered, just staring up at him as he stood and running your fingers along his sensitive length. 

"Get back out there, Cinderella. Go chat with the guys all you want," he said, landing a soft smack to your rear end as you left the room. 

Bradley took a moment to tuck himself back into his dress whites, noting the streak of your wetness next to his zipper. He smiled as he buttoned his pants, already thinking about his third wish.

-------------------------

You could feel Bradley's cum as it seeped out of you with every movement. Your legs and dress were soaked from him, but you'd be lying if you said you weren't turned on for the rest of the night. 

He came from fucking you inside the laundry room, but you did not. And that was just fine with you. Getting his dick wet was one of his three wishes, and you were more than happy to give that to him. 

But now you were worked up. Everytime Bradley looked at you, every time your costume brushed against your nipples, you wanted to take him to bed. And you almost felt like everyone you talked to knew what you and Bradley had done. Which just made you even needier for him. 

You also couldn't wait to hear what his third wish was.

You were sitting on the piano bench with Cam and sharing a plate of snacks, looking around the room at everyone. Suddenly part of you realized that the way you and Bradley had planned your wedding was quite risky. There was the chance that some of these people wouldn't show up on your big day, because they wouldn't know that it was actually your wedding day. That thought made you sad. 

You had known Cam longer than anybody else here. He'd lived across the hallway from you in the Naval Academy dormitories. You became friends instantly. Well, after you recovered from your devastating crush on him. And right now he was rambling on about how you should be recruiting him for your lab, which was currently getting way more grant money than the one he was working in.

"Hey, Cam?" you asked, cutting him off.

"What?"

"Give me your phone. I need your calendar. I need you to make sure you're free the day after Thanksgiving."

He handed you his phone. "I'm flying back from Pittsburgh that morning. Why?"

"You'll be back in the afternoon?"

"Yeah, land around noon. Why?"

You entered a bogus event into his calendar and handed the phone back to him. "Don't make plans. I need you that day." You kissed his cheek and knocked his glasses crooked in the process.

He just shrugged and agreed with you. "Sure." Then he started rambling on again. 

When you went into the kitchen to refill your drink, you got cornered by Coyote and Fanboy. "You want some sangria?" you asked them both.

"Nah, just wanted to remind you that we're around 24/7 if you need anything while Rooster and Hangman are away," Fanboy told you with so much sincerity, it made your heart ache for this group of aviators that you called your friends.

"Seriously," Coyote added, "Like if something breaks, or something makes you uncomfortable, just call us, okay? And you can always eat lunch with us, too."

You nodded and smiled. "Got it. Thanks, guys."

You had similar conversations with Nat, Bob and Payback before the end of the night, and by the time Maverick told you to let him know if you needed anything, you threw your arms around him. "I'll let you know, Mav. Thank you. I appreciate your concern, and I know Bradley does, too."

Soon you were a little tipsy and dancing with Payback the stipper firefighter while Bradley played Monster Mash on the piano. And that led to everyone dancing around your dining room table. And then that led to everyone eating cake, including fairy godmother Tramp who devoured an entire slice that Bob dropped before anyone could pick it up. 

It was so late by the time everyone was leaving, you had lost your glass slippers somewhere, and the house was a mess. But everyone left with a smile on their face, and you'd honestly had the best time. And more importantly, Bradley looked like he'd had fun. 

"Tomorrow is actually Halloween," he remarked, closing the door behind Nat as she waved goodbye. "Is it sad that I'm really excited to give out candy to the kids?"

"No," you said, wrapping him up in a hug. "I'm excited, too. It's our first Halloween in the house."

"You're not wearing this to give out candy, are you?" he asked, eying your cleavage with some concern. 

You started laughing, gently removing your tiara and wig which had been itching you all night. "No! You and I are dressing as baseball players tomorrow."

He swallowed hard, running his fingers along your lower back. "But you're keeping this, right?"

"Mmhmm, I'm keeping it, Roo."

"Good," he said, scooping you up into his arms and carrying you to the bedroom. "And now I'm ready for my third wish."

You smirked up at him as he set you down on your feet next to the bed. "What'll it be, Prince Charming?"

But he just looked at your face, leaning down to kiss you one time. You felt his fingers trail up along both of your arms, but you couldn't look away from his intense brown eyes. He had one large hand at the back of your neck while he stroked your lips softly with his other thumb. 

His words were soft and sincere. "Baby Girl. I wish you would stay with me forever." Then he kissed you with such love and care, you never wanted to leave his embrace.

You reached up to wrap your arms around his neck and whispered next to his ear, "Wish granted."

-----------------------

Get ready for another deployment up next... Anyone have guesses about the wedding?

PART 15

@mak-32

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[themultifandomgal]

Tommy Shelby- Granddaughter Pt3

Pt1

I walk to the pub James frequents at. Nervously I scan around and see James with his girlfriend on his lap. I take a deep breath and walk over to him

"Jame can we speak, alone"

"Look at this boys. Told ya she'd be back, look love I've moved on time for you to as well" he laughs

"Actually James I don't want you back, but you deserve to know something. Have a choice, so can we..?" I motion to an empty table. He moves his girlfriend off his lap and they walk to the table and both sit down

"So?"

"I erm... I had a baby"

"Ok and?"

"She's yours, her names Eloise" James laughs

"Yeah sure. You've probably been whoring round. That's what you Shelby's do isn't it. Your a bastard as well aren't you? Your dad fucked a whore got her pregnant, your aunt fucked your dads best mate and got pregnant. Lest she fucking married the man, but did you think you'd be any different?"

"She's yours, I haven't..." James interrupts me from speaking further

"Whatever YN. Tell your dad I'm not marrying you or accepting that bastard as mine" James stands up leaving me to try and stop the tears in my eyes. I get up from the seat and leave the pub as quickly as I can and go home.

I arrive to Grace rocking Eloise in her bassinet that's downstairs

"Grace?" YN cries

"YN what happened?" YN runs to her step mum and crying in her arms

"I told him and he doesn't want to know her. Said we were both bastards and I'm a whore. And now he's probably going to tell everyone that I have a daughter and I probably slept with loads of people"

"Like hell he will" I hear dads voice, not knowing he was in the room when I poured my heart out to Grace "I'll deal with him"

"No dad just leave it. This is my mess"

"YN he did this to you. He bragged about it. No one messes with the Shelby's you got that. I'll be back later" dad takes his peaky hat and coat leaving the house

"What will he do?"

"Probably just scare him. Won't do more than punch him. Now why don't you go and have a bath, relax and I'll keep an eye on Eloise"

"Ok" I wipe my tears. Lean down in the bassinet and place a kiss on my daughters head before going to have a bath.

Later on in the evening dad comes home. I'm sat on the sofa holding Eloise whose awake and content. I notice blood on dads shirt

"Dad what did you do?" I ask watching him take his cap off

"James won't say shit now"

"What does that mean dad. What did you do?" I ask

"Arthur, John, Finn and I had a little word with him. When he started spewing shit I had to make him realises I wasn't joking. He's fine, just a bloody nose"

"Dad you can't just punch every one I have a problem with"

"No?m, but when they are saying lies about my daughter and granddaughter I have to let them know that they don't mess with the fucking peaky blinders. He said he won't marry you, well I don't want you to marry him. He's not good enough for my little girl. Until you meet the right person and I approve of him I will be by your side and help you. Promise"

"Thanks dad" I say giving him a little smile

"I'm going to get changed and when I come back down I'd like to have a cuddle with my granddaughter if that's ok?"

"Of course it is dad"

"Told you your dad would come around" Grace says smiling "and you are going to be just fine. One day you'll meet a nice man and he won't care that you had a baby out of wedlock. He will love you both"

"I hope so" I sigh. Dad walks back downstairs in clean clothes and takes Eloise from my arms

"You might not have a father right now, but you are very loved and you'll be spoilt rotten. You mummy loves you so does granny Grace and gandpa Tommy"

"Please don't call me granny. Nan will do" Grace chuckles making me laugh.

[mikobeautifulheart]

5 stages of grief, 3 Bargaining

Satoru Gojo x reader

Tw: Mentions of death and depression.

"Yuji, make sure she stays healthy, sometimes she forgets to eat." He manages to grunt out lying in rubble.

"Satoru please" You held is hand to your face, crying as he said his last words.

"She also needs to laugh alot. Doctors orders" He smiled before he set his eyes on you.

"But for god sake Yuji, don't steal my girl." He said before his eyes lightened and his chest stopped rising.

"SATORU!" You screamed as his arm fell limp and slipped out your grasp.

"Y/N YOU NEED TO LEAVE" Yuji said as he heard a building collaps.

"S-s-satoru no." You closed your eyes this can't be happening.

"He put up a good fight, just not good enough" Sukuna's deep voice said from behind you.

You didn't care if you lived of died anymore, Satoru, the love of your life, he was dead. You just sat there, tears falling onto his corpse.

Yuji turns around to look at Sukuna seeing his arms crossed looking down at you and Gojo.

"Be glad I gave him the joys of having last words." Sukuna said a smile spreading across his face.

Those next few days were a blur, you didn't know how long had passed since Satoru had died. All you knew was that you tried every ancient method and mix of techniques to bring him back. Being one of the only people left to use reversed cursed technique you worked tireless and continuously around the clock trying to bring him back.

"Y/n, I'm sorry." Shoko said putting her hand on your shoulder. "There's nothing we can do." She said.

"No...No he's not dead Shoko, he's waiting, waiting for us to find away to bring him back." You said frantically grabbing lose papers around you and scanning them for anything you haven't tried.

"Y/n you need to stop, you'll die if you don't sleep or eat something-"

"I don't care if I live or die Shoko, I care if I succeed or fail." You said not turning away from the papers.

You gave it your all but nothing worked.

"Go home." Shoko said to you as you silently cried over his body.

You don't even remember driving home, you opened the door to a clean house.

You stumbled inside looking at the floor, you couldn't bare looking at all the pictures of him hung up on the walls. You walked into your bed room and sat on your side of the shared bed. You sighed and let you body sink.

Suddenly something glistened catching your attention. Your eyes were draw to a small box on your bed side table with a gold bow on top. Next to it was a card. You hesitated before picking it up and opening the card.

Inside the card read:

'To all the precious things that slipped through my fingers'

There was something else to, a ring. It had a beautiful sparkling blue stone in it. Even though you knew it was probably the most expensive thing you owned, it wasn't because of the price tag but because of the day, the plan, the words.

The day Satoru died was on your 4th anniversary. He planned to surprise you when you got back home from the 'quick' mission. Even after being freed from the prison realm he still remembered the day.

You slid off the side of the bed and held your hand on your mouth, trying to muffle your cries.

"Mommy" A little boy stood at the door way, no older then 5.

"Are you okay?" He said before moving toward you.

"Yes, yes baby I'm fine, I just hurt my arm that's all" You say through sobs.

"Mommy, when's daddy coming home." He asked.

Your heart tensed making your whole body act in agony.

"He'll be home late" You said. You couldn't help but cry more as you were reminded that Satoru was never coming home, ever.

"He'll be home some time."

Life continued on and you found yourself watching your son leave for school from your front door. He grew to be a good kid to.

"Hey, mom."

"Yes."

"Dad's not coming home is he?"

The silence stabbed your heart.

"...No...He's just on a long job, he'll be back one day, were just not sure yet." You replied.

Your son wasn't a kid anymore, he grew and understood that his dad would never be back, but he also understood that you hadn't accepted that yet. He saw you every day muttering to yourself that if you tried some sort of tactic or method and even technique, he would be there today.

"Okay" He said before walking out the door.

"When are you going to tell him?" Satoru asked leaning at the end of the hall way behind you.

"I-I don't know. But you might come back to me, to us. I found this book under jujutsu high that might work on you." You said turning to him.

"Y/n, I'm gone, there's nothing you can do now." He said

"I can try" You said.

"Its been 10 years y/n, he know its and he accepted it, he's being strong for you." He said

"You need to stop trying, i'm sorry but i'm not coming back."

"No Satoru, don't say that" You turned and wrapped your arms around his figure.

"I can do something! I'm not useless, I won't let you die!" You said desperately digging your face into his chest.

"You need to" He said.

"Y/N I love you and our son, I might be dead but i'll always be yours and i'll be waiting for you. When the day comes i'll be here waiting with open arms."

"Satoru..." you cried.

"Don't let the precious things slip through your fingers." He said pulling away and gesturing toward the family photo with Him, you and your son.

"Good bey"

THANK YOU FOR READING ♡

AUTHOURS NOTE: AH NEXT IS DEPRESSION WITH NANAMI SO HOLD OUT FOR THAT. Anyways I cant believe the series is nearly over now. Feel free to request any of the stages for the same or different characters, have a good what ever time and reblogs r welcomed.

[spookytastemakercolor]

Overprotective dad Bob Velseb??? 💳💥💳💥💳💥

Dad knows best!

Dad!Bob velseb x Daughter/Son!Reader

Yesssssssss!!!!!!!!!! You have gotten my interest little Mothling! (And just at the perfect time!) I don't see anything about headcannons so for you I shall give a short story! And I know EXACTLY what to write about! TW this is very gorey and graphic.

Warnings: Blood, gore, cannibalism, nudity, mentions of cheating, Bob being overprotective as hell, dead body, killing, cursing, teeny bit of angst, tooth rotting fluff

The front door slams shut as you run upstairs to your room, tears streaming down your face. The sound of another door slamming in the house rings throughout the halls, Bob wasn't home yet. You were alone in the house, and you found that as a blessing as you cried into your pillow in your room. Bob was going to loose his shit if he found out.......

---- Time skip ----

It was late now, probably 2, before Bob came back home. He dragged a mutilated body with him and smiled crazily " Littl' lamb! I'm home! " his southern accent called out. He got worried and his smile went away when you didn't come and greet him, not even a reply from somewhere in the house! He dragged the body into the blood and guts covered kitchen, which desperately needed to be cleaned, and sighed in relief when he noticed you in the kitchen. " Littl' lamb! There ya' are! Ya' got me worried there when ya' didn't respond..... " he chuckled slightly as he threw the body onto a table that acted as a chopping board for y'all.

" So! Tell me my littl' killer, how'd your date go? " Bob knew you had been raving about a date your boyfriend set up for you two, he didn't approve of him at all but knew he had to accept him just for you. He was about to chop off a arm but stopped and looked over at you worried when you didn't say anything " Littl' lamb? " he asked concerned. You finally showed him your face, tears streamed and fell from your eyes. It looked like you had been crying all day.......

Bob quickly set down the butcher knife and quickly hugged you " Hey hey hey... It's alright littl' lamb. What happened? " he was concerned and also slightly angry, knowing your boyfriend had something to do with this. You hug him close and cry into his chest, not being able to talk without sobbing " H-he...... H-He cheated on me........ " " WHAT!?!?!?!? " Bob screamed, his voice was deep and sounded like a demon out of hell. Oh he was angry. . . . No. That's not the right word. . . . . . . . HE WAS ABSOLUTELY BEYOND WORDS FOR HIS ANGER.

Bob's voice was still deep and demonic as he held you closer than before " What. Did. He. Do. " he demanded a explanation before he went on a absolute murder spree. You sniffled, hugging him closer and starting to explain what happened between crying " H-He took me out to the park....... A-and once we reached the entrance I turned around to kiss him b-but he pushed me away......... " you started crying more as you continued " I-I tried asking h-him what was wrong......... B-but he laughed at me! " You started shaking slightly as Bob tried calming you down " H-He said I was pathetic...... T-that nobody would l-love the kid who's dad's a m-murderer........ H-He....... H-he....... "

Bob shushed you and started comforting you as you broke down, his grip was tight and his voice was comforting and strained " Ya' don't have to continue...... Just calm down littl' lamb.......... Dad's gotcha'........ " he held you close as you cried into him, he was holding himself back from going and killing that boy and hunt down every person related to him. But that could wait, you needed Bob right now.

Slowly Bob calmed you down, still holding you close as you started to feel better but not yet done crying. Bob was using whatever will he still had left not to just go after that boy already, his anger was rising the more he thought about it that he started to mumbled to himself about what he'd do once he got his hands on him. " I swear'. Once I get my hands' on him I'll- " he stopped rambling when he felt you shift in his hold, quickly turning his attention back to you with a soft expression on his face " I-It's fine dad........ Y-You don't need to waste your time like that.......... " your voice was hushed and small as you talked, voice slightly horse as well as you wiped away whatever tears came from your eyes.

Bob wasn't having it thought, he refused to, that boy deserved to be hunted for hurting his littl' lamb. That's when he had a idea. A smug and soft smile over takes his face as he looks at you, softly wiping your remaining tears away as he slowly started to calm down " Littl' lamb, hey, look at me. " you lift your head up towards him, the hug not as restricting as before as a look of curiosity is seen in your eyes. Bob's smile just seems to grow, not being able to restrain his pure excitement over his idea to cheer you up " Why don't I take ya' out for some killin'? Like old times'! " you slowly nodded in agreement, a small smile comes onto your face as the idea brings some joy to your gloomy mood.

" Sure! I just need to get ready! " Bob let's out a short laugh as you quickly leave his hug, running upstairs towards your room to most certainly change into something disposable. He had a soft smile on his face as he turned back to the body on the table, picking back up the butcher knife as he starts cutting up the body to put it in the freezer. As he cuts up the body a sickening smile grows on his face, his eyes going slightly insane as his pupils turn cyan. That BOY was going to suffer for what he did, and he'd make sure of it.

" Ya' messed with the wrong family ya' little bitch....... " He mumbled under his breath as he harshly chopped off the head, the sound of the cervical vertebra breaking instead of splitting only emphasising just how hard he slammed down the butcher knife. Blood sprayed onto him as he looked at the cracked vertebra blankly, his pupils a deep cyan and his smile wide with insanity. " Dad! Really! " the sound of you scolding him for getting blood on himself broke his blank stare, he turned his attention to you and chuckled nervously " I'll change! Don't ya' worry! "

---- Time skip ----

You both were outside of a all too familiar house, a look of pure confusion on your face as you looked over to Bob. " Dad, what are we doing here?????? " your voice was a whisper as you didn't want to get caught, or worse someone heard you and recorded your conversation. Bob had a soft and nervous smile on his face, looking over to you as he held his signature knife in one had and scratched at his neck with his other hand " I know ya' said you wanted me ta' leave it be, but I can't! He hurt my littl' devil and he needs to pay! So, I thought that if ya' kill him you'd no longer be so sad! "

You looked slightly perplexed at his confession, thinking about it as you tossed your own knife Bob hand made you between your hands. The more you thought about it, the more you wanted to indulge in the idea of killing your now ex more. It only solidified as you heard a door open from his house, and out walked a barbie blonde who waved bye to him from his window. You turn to Bob, adorning a insane smile on your face, as you gripped your knife handle hard in your dominate hand and let out a sinister chuckle " Well, I suppose getting rid of the source of my pain isn't so bad~...... "

Bob's own insane smile took his face, his pupils a nice cyan, and he let out a pleased chuckle when your voice mimicked it's own demonic tone " That's my girl/boy. " his own voice went demonic as you both had equally insane looks on your faces, oh tonight's bonding kill was gonna be F U N. You both made quick work of sneaking into the house and up the stairs towards his room, having to both contain yourselves from just running upstairs and getting to him already. The house was a complete mess which made it slightly difficult to sneak upstairs, various bottles were scattered everywhere and old takeout food or clothes were just strewn all over the place " No wonder he never let me over, it's a fucking mess in here...... " you mumbled with clear disgust, you may have a gory kitchen but it wasn't as bad as your ex's house.

When you made it upstairs his door was slightly cracked open, giving you a chance to hear his conversation he was having with someone over the phone. He let out a laugh as both you and Bob waited outside the door for the right time to strike, it seemed whoever he was talking to was a friend of his " Hahah! Yeah! You should have seen the look on her/his face! Like I'd ever date the literal definition of insane, she/he was absolutely obsessed with me! " that when you realize he was talking about you, more specifically how you had put your entire heart into the relationship and he viewed it as you being obsessed or insane. You didn't need to look over towards Bob to know he was SEETHING, the ever growing feeling of his death stare at the door told you all you needed to know.

" Anyway, I gotta go, Ashely is supposed to be coming over soon. " you almost felt revoltion and anger bubble in your stomach like acid, now having Bob stare at you in wait for if you'd break down the door or not. Ashely was his " ex ", but when he broke up with you she was there to rub in your face they'd been sleeping together since you two started dating. When he hanged up you waited a minute, hearing the light go off so he was in the dark and a twisted smirk came onto your face " Dad, do you think you can keep a eye out for her real quickly? " your voice was hushed as the unmistakable sound of the front door opening and closing is heard, Bob quickly catching on to what you were going to do and sneaking down stairs to " Greet " the new guest.

Slowly you opened the door to his room, your eyes giving you the advantage to see him laying face up on his bed. You had to suppress a scoff and gag as you notice him completely naked on the bed, his pathetic excuse of a manhood on display if the lights were on " Ashely! Why don't you come here~? " You had to control yourself as he called you Ashely, unaware it was you and not her. But you knew it wouldn't be long before he realized it's you, and your insane smile only grew as you made quick work of making your way towards him. You noticed cuffs attached to the headboard and quickly cuffed his wrists to the headboard, him chuckling as he was none the wiser to what was going to happen " Damn, really Ash- " " I'm not Ashely~.......... "

Almost immediately horror took over his face, he sorta freezes in place as he realizes it's you and that he was cuffed to his headboard. Bob ended up coming up the stairs holding something behind his back, giving a sinister and disgusted chuckle at the scene before him in the dark " Well then, shall we give him a gift before we begin? " You found a switch, causing the room to be flooded in red lighting which made you giggle, you moved towards Bob and looked behind his back which draws a excited gasp from you. " Oh yes! That's the perfect gift! " he ended up starting to struggle in the cuffs, causing Bob to get annoyed and quickly make his way over and stab one of his legs still to the bed. A bloodcurdling scream is ripped out of him, Bob's knife tearing through Muscle, tendons, nerves, veins, all the way to the bone which is split right where the knife was stabbed into.

A unmistakable crack was heard with the squelching of blood quickly rushing to the surface and spraying out the wound, no doubt to any of you that his Fibula and Tibia were possibly split from the middle through bone marrow and all. You let out a laugh and made your way over to him as well, making quick work to stab his other leg in the same spot and manner as his other leg, relishing in the scream that's drawn from him as you look to Bob with insanity almost plastered to your grin. " Let's give him his gift! I simply can't wait! " excitement oozed from your voice as your ex started to panic, his legs were most certainly useless and if he struggled he'd probably split the bones of his calves in half more than now. So in hopeless dispair he could only helplessly look between you two, eyes moving rapily between you two as his panic increased " S-Suprise? O-oh god. Please n-no. D-Don't tell m-me tha- "

Before he was able to say much more, Bob moved what he was holding behind his back to your ex's face, causing your ex to pale and almost vomit on the spot at the sight in front of him " Aww~, don't be like that with your G I R L F R I E N D. " in front of your ex was the mutilated head of Ashely, a permanent look of pure horror on her face in the form of a unreleased scream that never escaped her. At the base of her head, through the bloody mess that was there and dripped crimson red darker than a blood moon, her Cervical and part of her Thoracic spine hanged freely with a clean split right where Bob had cut her spine off. You clapped your hand's with glee as you looked at your ex's horrified face, grabbing at the exposed spine hanging from Ashley's cut off head and pulling at it.

The spine came out of her head and neck without much protest, causing the hole it left to pour a river of blood onto the bed with her tounge even falling out onto your ex's lap. Your ex threw up onto himself as Bob laughed and you wrapped the spine on your neck like a scarf, Bob throwing Ashley's head into your ex's lap and giving you a hug while putting pressure onto the knife in his left leg " That suits you so well littl' devil! " Bob said as he twisted the knife the right causing his Fibula and Tibia to actually split in half, a scream that was loud enough to cause you and Bob to cover your ears coming from him as crimson blood came from him like a water fountain. " Y-You're INSANE!!! B-BOTH OF YOU!!!! " you let out a laugh as you got out of Bob's hug and harshly grabbed your ex by the throat, causing him to slightly gasp for air as you were face to face with each other.

Bob leaned against a wall close to the bedroom door, having a smug smile on his face as he decided to let you have this kill for your outing. Your eyes were a deep cyan as you yanked the knife out of his left leg and held it against his chest, you truly looked like Bob's daughter/son in that moment as you adorned his famous smile and crazed eyes that everyone knew " I'm more than insane..... I'm the DEFINITION of insanity. Now. ⱠɆ₮'₴ ₲Ɇ₮ ₮Ø ₮ⱧɆ ₣Ʉ₦ ₱₳Ɽ₮.... "

---- Time skip ----

The walk back home was filled with laughter and maybe even a buzz of excitement? But it was very evident that both your bloodlust were satisfied and so was your satisfaction of revenge, if anyone needed more proof about that both you and Bob were covered head to toe in blood. Bob let out a content sigh as he wore a relaxed smile on his face as you both walked, looking downward behind you both to what little remained of your ex's body that he was dragging along (I'll spare the details about it.....).

" So my littl' lamb! Feelin' better? " Bob asked you while he looked at you with a small look of nervousness, he didn't want you to be sad after everything you just did to your mutilated and mangled ex's body. But when you gave Bob a relaxed and happy smile as you began to rant about how much fun you had and how you felt better, his nervousness went away as he felt absolutely pleased to know you were better now. He listened intently to your ranting and let out small laughs here and there when you'd reenact things you did, he especially laughed when you mimicked you're ex's crying and screaming finding it funny remembering how girlish it was.

When you finished your rant you were already home outside of the front door, Bob throwing your ex's body into a campfire near the house starting to pour gasoline on it, you let out a sigh and hugged bob from the side as he lit a match. " Thank you Dad....... I couldn't wish for anyone else to be my dad..... " Bob smiled as he handed the lit match to you so you could throw it on your ex, the final act to cut all ties with him, and hugged you back with a slightly tight grip on you. " Of course...... Anythin' for my littl' devil. " You couldn't help but feel absolutely important and loved when Bob said that, you already knew your dad loved you but it's always nice to hear him tell you that sometimes. You threw the match onto your ex's body lighting it ablaze as you and Bob hugged each other, the smell of burning flesh floating in the air but not bothering either of you as you simply enjoyed your father daughter/son moment. Bob wearing a bigger smile than the two of you as he knew that he'd never let another boy near you, he'd kill any boy who dared look you're way and dare speak or break your heart. It's like the old saying-

Father knows best!

So this definitely derailed from what I was originally gonna do (　；∀；). BUT it works and I have very little motivation to go back and rewrite everything..... So! I'm sorry this took so long but I've already explained what was going on in a different post so please don't expect a deadline from me, and I hope you enjoy what I have written! If you have requests you want to ask me to do check out my requests page (Pinned comment with all my rules and comfort level for writing) and for now BYYYYYYEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

[aromantyczno-liryczna]

I'm at the stage of pmdd where I feel awful and guilty because I've convinced myself my flatmates hate me I've been avoiding them and the kitchen like the plague except for sometimes when I pass them on the stairs so I'll say hi or when one of my flatmates visits my floor and I feel terrible they have gone out drinking 6 nights in a row and that got me pissed even tho it's none of my business and they did try to include me and ask if I'm going the first few days but then they stopped bc I literally have been staying in my room all day then I started leaving early and returning late to take away that stress and after went out with friends Friday i was so chill it was the two glasses of alcohol but I thought that maybe I could do this and could go down to the kitchen but it's so impossible and my mum calls me everyday what did you have for lunch and I've been saying so much rubbish like all that food I had bought hasn't been touched even tho I said I've been eating it because she told me earlier how when she left on Saturday she was so worried how would I fend for myself when I was literally pushed into the deep end but she said she felt so much better after I explained how I was doing because I just know it would be 100% worse if i told her the truth. Anyway as I was saying my bread went mouldy and the cheesecake I thought everyone finished went mouldy and I do think my flatmates are nice because this girl asked if forgot that I had some and tbh I want to make an effort but I'm just so damn tired on Saturday they did a pub crawl and I thought maybe that's the perfect time but no i messed that up because I just didn't text them and then today they had a movie night and again that'd be a good way to break the ice but no i messed that up again because I'm sill sitting in the library at 1:50 am. And I was going to go back to my room but there's people downstairs so what did I do I went back to the library and now they're all jsut wondering where I am all week because they haven't seen me in days I do know names but I can't match some of the faces because I struggle with that I don't like being teased like 3 days ago one kf them asked if I know their names this isn't primary school ITS ALL S FUCKING STUPID I haven't used to my voice often enough i was literally going to cry on Friday because that was the first time I had people around me that week and it was nice to hang out and I'm just sad because my best friend hasn't even talked with me that much and he lives opposite me so now I'm panicking that a friendship of 7 years has gone to waste even though it was perfectly fine before move in I've literally been talking to my other friends back home more than i have been talking to people here and I want to attend the daytime events even but then I end up changing my mind last second what if went to the other uni the friends I've made are so nice though I just wish I lived in their flat instead we ordered pizza and we played smash bros so it was fun they don't all live in the same building they're spread out I was worried i wouldn't have anyone to get a 2nd year house with but they probably will because they're in the same kind if situation as me and anyway I was going to throw out the food yesterday something is blocking me from going inside the kitchen I even was meant to do the laundry because I'm running out of clothes too wear on the daily but did I do that? No and at the start I did keep my room clean but now it's all messy again I have to psyche myself up to go to the bathroom even though it's right next to my door so yes it is getting bad again

[foxyarchive]

Glass in the Ocean[P2]

You reconcile about your near-death encounter and spend some quality time with those in your life-- New and old.

- I'm so happy that some of y'all are liking the story so far!! Any comments or general likes really help to boost my confidence for this and mood! I'm excited to bring you all the next chapter in a little over a week! Cross-Posted on AO3!

Warnings: None

Words: ~5.3k

Tags in the comments! Ask to be added to the taglist!

P1 | P2 | P3

When you had gotten back to the house, nobody was home still, thankfully. It was clear that some had come by to drop off a couple of things, or even pick some up, but besides that it was blissfully quiet. That was perfect for you. It gave you time to shut yourself in your room, sitting there on the chair at your desk as you tried to calm the erratic breaths. It felt like there just wasn't enough air, and you felt the presence of more hot tears slide down your face. A shuddering sob left your body as your mortality finally sank in; You had almost died. You could have died. That certainly could've been the end of your story, once and for all, and all because of your own stupidity. 

It made you sob even harder, putting your head in your hands as you curled in on yourself. Your ankle was stinging, and so were your eyes, but nothing hurt as bad as the ache in your chest at the staunch realization of how close you’d come to facing your own doom. With all the crying that tears from your mouth and throat, it’s a miracle you’re able to hear your alarm on your phone go off. It gives you a pause, your sniffling and weeps coming to a halt as you look over and spy what it’s for. Fuck. Dinner. That’s right. 

“Shit.” You whisper out, hastily wiping the tears off of your face. You need to be at the restaurant in an hour. There’s no way you’re going to make it on time. You shoot off a group text to your family, letting them know you were going to be late, and hastily tried to pull yourself together. You headed into the bathroom, splashing your face with water and taking the time to clean it, before you readied yourself. 

It was getting late, now, and cool air was finally gracing the beach. It gave you an excuse to pull on a pair of leggings, taking time beforehand to dress your ankle and wrap it in gauze. Examining the injury, you noticed that the claw marks actually weren’t too deep. They were little scratches more than anything, although where they had dug in did bleed. You also discovered that you didn’t feel woozy, or tired, or on the verge of passing out at any moment. You felt… Normal. He really hadn’t injected any venom into you. 

You can still hear his words echoing around your mind as you wrap the gauze after cleaning. I was just messing around. Your lips curl down, scowling as you bite back more tears. Well, if he was being honest about that, it was fucked up. It made you feel more angry than anything else. What kind of sick joke was that? Pretending like he was going to kill you? You began to tremble again as you finished and dressed yourself, but it wasn’t in fear this time. It was anger. Mers were sick and twisted. You could see why it was easy for someone to fall victim to them, though. After all… You almost had. 

Once you were finished getting yourself ready, you headed out, hopping on the electronic bike that you were going to be using for your stay here. Your grandmother had a car, of course, which you’d probably use on occasion. The bike was sturdy, though, faster than normal due to being electric. And with the maneuverability of an ocean town, even if it was a bit far from the home, biking would be better. It’d get you some exercise, too– Hard to do that when you’re stuck behind a computer screen all day, working. 

You head into the town, trying to shake off the earlier encounter. It was extremely difficult, though, as every little push of your leg downward on the bike petal, you were reminded of it. You couldn’t get the face of the mers out of your head, either– Twins! How sorry that other mer looked when he asked to explain, and how you’d just fled instead. You didn’t regret it, of course, you weren’t keen on being tricked again, but… To see the concern and guilt on his face. Almost like he was the one who did it instead of his brother. 

You give a shake of your head, trying to dismiss that notion. It was all just a game to them. Not even a game– Survival. After all, they wanted to kill you so they could eat. There were plenty of fish in the sea, but you were sure that humans probably had some very enticing nutrients compared to them, which is likely why they were hunted. After today’s encounter though… You were suddenly uncertain. Maybe they really were just cruel and hunted for sport. To think, the only reason you’re alive is because one of them had been kind enough to stop another. For what, though? Was it to lure you into a false sense of security so you’d be back? Hah. Fat chance. You weren’t going anywhere near those waters again. 

You took a moment to wonder if you should alert the local authorities of mer sightings. That would probably take care of them real quick, or at least spook them away. Then again… They were just trying to live their life. You had no reason to really go into the ocean again; You didn’t like swimming that much, after all. Other people could be endangered, though.

Your mind was a storm as you arrived at the restaurant, parking outside and locking the bike before you headed in. It was right on the boardwalk as well, and you enjoyed the cooling atmosphere and the breeze on your face as you sat outside with your family. Your grandmother had finally finished tying up loose ends for the day and joined you all. You got to enjoy some delicious food, sipping on your favorite drink as you enjoyed the evening with your family. They were staying at a local hotel, but you knew they’d leave early morning. You were going to have another day of rest and exploration around the town tomorrow, but then after that? It’d be time for work– Only for the glass shop, though. You still had another vacation day from your actual job. 

Full of good food and tired from today’s events, you suddenly wished that you hadn’t biked all the way out here. Thankfully, your grandmother offered to give you a ride back, and you hooked the bike onto the back of your car. You still had some time to digest, though, walking around the little beach city with your family for another hour, window shopping and sifting through any shops that were currently open. You bought yourself a cute little trinket, and finally parted ways with your family after some hugs, kisses and well wishes. 

You were grateful to finally be back at your home away from home, though. It was dark now, and although it was still relatively early, you figured you’d just go to bed and start the day early. Miraculously, when you’d been out, you’d managed to push all thoughts of the mers out of your mind. Getting out of the car, though, you glanced towards the ocean after you’d shut the door. In the gleaming moonlight above, you could’ve sworn that you spotted the flick of scales and a tail curl back down into the water. It was enough to make your heart speed faintly, which made you quickly take your bike down from the back of the car and hurry inside. 

“Is there anything else you need for your room, dearest?” Your grandmother’s voice draws you out of your thoughts, and you desperately try to lower your pounding heart rate. You know your grandmother is perceptive, but she doesn’t seem to catch on, thankfully, also appearing quite tired after the long day. 

“No, I’m– It’s perfect. Thank you.” You finally respond, forcing a small smile to creep across your face. You want to disappear into your room and sleep, but there’s this forlorn look on the elder woman’s face as she gazes towards the living room sofa. Your grandfather had died two weeks ago, cremated and ashes spread to sea today. Although this wouldn’t be her first night without him, you were certain everything felt more real, now. “Do you want to watch a show? I hear that a new baking one premiered tonight.” You offer a suggestion, quietly, coming forward to place a hand on her shoulder. It’s one of her favorite things to watch, and you’re quite partial to it, too. She startles a bit, as if not expecting you, but turns her head towards you and offers you a small smile. Her soft, cold hand comes to rest upon your own. 

“I… That would be lovely. Let me get us a drink while you set up.” She suggests, and the smile you offer this time is more relaxed as you nod. You settle on the couch, turning on the television and flick to the appropriate channel. She comes back with two wine glasses and a bottle of rose she had stocked away, and you pour each of you a glass after you’ve opened it. The show begins, and you take the time to watch with her. It’s a fairly typical baking competition program, but you still find yourself enjoying it, especially as your grandmother pipes up with various comments. 

“Oh, I wouldn’t bake that with such little time.” Was one remark, along with, “My, my, her technique is so strange… There’s a much simpler way of doing that.” There was even a bold comment from her, saying, “I could easily do that.” That brings a laugh and reassuring agreement from yourself. Two episodes air in a row, and you watch both of them together, the bottle a little over half gone. By the time it’s over, you’re both exhausted, and after a hug and kisses on the cheek, you put everything away and get some rest. You sink down into your bed after changing into nightclothes, shuffling around for your earbuds to listen to some music before heading to sleep. 

It’s with a grumble and start, though, that you realize they must’ve fallen earlier when you grabbed your towel. A groan leaves you at the thought, and you rub your eyes, looking out the window. You eye the moonlit sky, listening to the calming sound of waves from the opening in your window. Too lazy and tired to shut the blinds, you turn over, finally managing to fall asleep. 

It’s dreamless until the very end. You feel like you’re suspended in water, floating through a viscous liquid more closely resembling amber. Your movements are slow, and each push of your limbs are tedious. There’s clicking all around you. Unseen voices whispering with hints of laughter. Something brushes your ankle. You flinch, scarcely. There’s a tug at your hair. A nip at your thigh. You try to move, but the water is thick and suffocating. Hands grip your hips, and a head comes up, pressing sharp, tender kisses to the front of your neck. You try to move your head to view the culprit, but you’re just too slow, and they’re too fast. 

A tongue runs along the front of your throat, before there’s a searing, all encompassing pain as it bites down. It’s not a lovebite, either. You can feel your flesh tearing, skin breaking, and blood begins to billow around you as you scream out. Nothing comes out, though, and nobody is here to save you this time. 

You wake with a start, heart hammering so hard in your chest you think you’re going to pass right back out again. You sit up, drenched in sweat, and try to take slow, deep, calming breaths. You clutch at your shirt, closing your eyes to try and ground yourself with the sensations around you. The fabric of your shirt. The sound of mourning doves and the sea. The faint smell that comes from the kitchen, something cooking. Your mouth is clammy, the faint residual taste of rose left on it. You finally pry your eyes open, peering at your covers and the sunlight filtering through. You can see specks of dust floating in the air, and you take the time to follow various ones until they float to the ground. 

At some point, you’ve finally calmed down enough. Your heart isn’t pounding anymore, and your breathing isn’t erratic. A shaky sigh leaves you as you flop back down in bed, pushing hair out of your face. Yeah. You were probably never swimming again. Not in the ocean, at least. For a moment, you lay there, listening to the doves croon and the waves lap at the shore. It’s only when your stomach lets out a mighty growl do you finally decide to get up. After a lovely stretch, you’re on your feet, shuffling into the kitchen with a yawn. “Good morning, dear.” Your grandmother greets, pulling out a delicious looking waffle from the waffle maker. She’s also made some other sides, which you eye eagerly, especially the fruit salad. All of the fruit looks so fresh and vibrant. 

“Good morning. Thank you for breakfast!” You smile, sitting down as some comes to sit with you after bringing over the plate of waffles and syrup. 

“Of course. You’re going to have a long day today, out and about in the town. I hope it’s relaxing, and maybe you’ll even meet some new people you can befriend while you’re there.” She insists, causing you to chuckle at the thought. 

“Maybe. It’d be difficult to leave, though, if I made any good friends.” You muse, piling your plate on with various breakfast items. She just smiles, tutting and giving a small shake of her head. 

“With how the internet is nowadays, I’m certain you can keep in contact. You could always move here as well, if you were interested. I wouldn’t mind having a permanent roommate.” She suggests, and you hum contemplatively at the offer as you begin to stuff your face full. It’s certainly a thought… Plus, it may even be cheaper than your current place of residence. Even so, you like being around more city or suburban areas. It’s what you grew up with, and you couldn’t imagine anything else right now. 

“I’ll think about it. Quite the kind offer.” You reply after swallowing. The rest of breakfast goes by quietly, and after you’re finished eating as well as helping to clean dishes, you decide to head out. Your first order of business is going to get your earbuds. Although the thought of being anywhere down near that shore again makes an array of goosebumps flush over your skin, you decide that if your earbuds dropped anywhere, it would be far away enough from the shore. You’d be safe. Part of you wishes you could take someone with you, but that was a fruitless thought. Your grandmother couldn’t make that trip down there, so you had to put on the big pants and do it yourself. 

It was shaping up to be another warm day, so you decided to put on a flowy shirt and some shorts. You showered, re-dressed your wound, and got yourself ready. After pulling on another pair of flipflops, you were almost out of the house before you heard a gasp. Looking over, you saw your grandmother peer down at your ankle, and that’s when you remembered the gauze there. You’d forgotten about it, even if you had rewrapped it not even five minutes ago. “What happened to your ankle?” She fretted, walking over to you. You hesitated, taking a half step back, shifting from foot to foot. 

“I… Went down to the beach yesterday and… Accidentally scraped my foot against a rock.” You lied, and why did you lie? Were you embarrassed about it? Surely not, but… Well… Okay, perhaps a bit. After all, the only reason you almost did die was because you were dumb enough to waltz forward up to a mer. You realized that you were still keeping quiet about it, though, when you’d thought about reporting it to the authorities. You should just tell her the truth. Maybe she knew who to talk to about it. This could save lives. 

“Oh, you poor thing. Can I take a look at it? I have some cream that could help.” She offers, holding out a hand. Although this is the perfect opportunity, you find yourself stepping back again. Why aren’t you being honest?

“N-No, that’s fine! I’ve already cleaned it and dressed it for now. It will be okay. Thank you, though.” You smile, meekly, grabbing the bike key. She offers you another worried look, but doesn’t press. 

“If you’re certain. Have fun today, and call me if you need anything.” She says, and you thank her before taking your leave. You’re still trying to fathom why exactly you hadn’t been honest as you make your way back down the stairs, hesitating as you near the bottom. All you can see in the water right now is… Well, nothing. Just vast blue as far as the eye can see. Your steps are still hesitant as you touch down on the sand, and you decide to take your sandals off for easier walking. It’s still early out, the sand retaining the cool morning air, but it feels nice to squish between your toes as you head back down to where you were yesterday. 

In the distance, you can spy the alcove you had settled near, as well as your flipflops. Your sunhat is nowhere to be seen, though. Probably blew away again. Well, whatever… Probably for the best. You’re not sure you’d ever wear that thing again anyways. Now comes the fun task: Finding your earbuds. You grab your other shoes and set your current ones aside, settling on your knees as you sift through the sand. You manage to find one easily, but the other is giving you trouble. Focused in your task, you don’t see something rise out of the ocean in your peripheral vision. 

“Hey!” A voice calls out, and you gasp, nearly dropping your one bud. You look over, and it’s that same mer from yesterday. You instantly begin to feel your heart drum faster, and you get to your feet, ready to flee again despite him being over fifteen feet away and only half on the shore. “Don’t leave, please! I’d like to talk to you.” You notice that he sounds awfully more polite today, and when you take in the sight of what you can see from his tail, that’s when you realize; This isn’t the same mer. His blue is brighter. A little more vibrant, with seafoam green patterns that shimmer in the soft sunlight filtering through the clouds. 

Upon further inspection, you notice that he even seems a little nervous himself. He’s smiling, but it’s tepid; Uncertain. Where he holds himself up, you can see a finger tapping anxiously into the sand. He looks ready to dart, but not at you. Away from you. There’s a tension to his muscles that screams he’s not sure if he wants to be here, but more that, perhaps, he’s forcing himself to be. It doesn’t completely lower your guard, but it does give you a pause from immediately fleeing. Your own muscles are tense, though, and you slowly turn fully back towards him. You crouch once more, near where you had been. His muscles don’t relax, but you see his face soften more. Less concerned, now. 

He takes a moment, then, as if he’s suddenly unsure about what to say. You most certainly don’t speak up, wringing your hands together anxiously as you wait for something to happen. Anything. “I, um…” He starts, now suddenly seeming a lot more nervous as he takes you in. “My name is Connor. What’s yours?” He finally introduces himself. You just peer at him, wondering how a mer has such a common human name. It’s awfully strange. 

You finally offer your own name, quiet, but loud enough to carry over the breeze. He repeats it, smiling just a bit wider, and you find your heart picking up speed again for an entirely different reason this time. “Listen, I just wanted to apologize for my brother’s actions yesterday. It’s… Not often at all we get to interact with humans, and I think he just got a bit too excited.” The smile falls from his face, more into a grimness. “That doesn’t excuse what he did, of course, but I just want you to know that he truly didn’t mean any harm.” You’re not quite sure you believe him, and clearly that thought reflects on your face, because Connor’s face falls just a bit more. 

“We don’t kill humans. I swear on my life. We really, barely interact with any.” He promises, face serious, head bowed a bit, although his gaze still holds yours. There’s a lot of questions on your tongue that you have, but you’re trying to choose the most important one right now. After all, time may be limited. This could be a trap. What if one flew out of the ocean and dragged you in? 

It’s a glaringly preposterous thought, but there have been rumors that mer were able to shift and form legs. If that was true, one of them could creep up on you in the sand without you knowing. 

…What a silly idea. There’s no way. Right? 

If you’re feeling unnerved, so is Connor by the look you see on his face. He is apologizing… Mers will trick you. It comes floating back to your mind. Your hand grips your shorts. You finally ask at least one of the questions on your mind. 

“How do you know coast tongue so well?” You ask, and you can see his shoulders droop a bit in relief that you actually are talking to him. 

“We have a good human friend. He took care of us after we were… Left our home.” He looks like he’s choosing his words carefully, at the end. You squint. Was he lying? “He lives nearby. Has a home on the coast like yourself.” He glances over yonder, and you look that way also, up the cliff, but don’t spot anything. Must be more secluded and further out, then. Your eyes are drawn back to the water as you hear a hiss, and the telltale sound of clicking. You feel your blood pressure spike up as another figure emerges from the water, and boy is he imposing. 

You notice immediately that he looks also very similar to Connor, except his complexion is paler. He’s broader, with darker hair and cold, distrustful stormy blue eyes. His jaw is sharper, and the scales on his cheeks are darker as well, but you can’t see any of his tail as only his shoulders and above are not submerged. He doesn’t look mad, but he certainly doesn’t look friendly. You’re still a decent distance away, but even you can feel the icy glower he’s giving you. Connor looks down at him, looking a bit exasperated, and the figure disappears back into the water with a silent ripple. “...That’s my other brother.” He explains, and suddenly you’re on edge. How many more were they?

“...Are there more than just the three of you?” You ask, worried, and he shakes his head. 

“It’s just us. Other mers don’t like to come around here. Awhile back, sealife population was scarce, which meant for more difficult hunts. It’s repopulated since, but others still stay away.” He explains. Well, that would explain a few things… You could only hope that distant pods wouldn’t catch wind of it and come swarming back over. Three mers was enough, even if some of them seemed… Well tempered. You’re surprised to find that you’re a little more relaxed, now. Your heart has calmed since the other mer swam away, and ponder about what he had said to Connor. He seemed upset. What were you talking about? Oh, right. The human. You wonder if that had anything to do with it. 

“What’s the human’s name?” You ask, curious if he was known around town, or even if your grandmother knew him. “The one that takes– Or, took– Care of you.” Ah, that must have been it. You can see uncertainty crawl back onto the mer’s features, and he shifts a bit in the sand, curling his tail a little further up to reseat himself. Part of you wants to back off. You don’t want to pressure him if he doesn’t want to talk about it… Then again, the other part of you is petty with how you were scared half to death the other day. That, and you still don’t completely trust him. 

“How’s your injury?” He deflects, and you’re certain you see a deep blue fin crest just behind him before slinking back down into the water. That other mer is still around, then. “It’s not too bad, is it?”

“It’s fine.” You reply, a bit stiffly, glancing behind you where you kneel. You decide to adjust yourself as well, moving to sit on your bottom, now with your legs in front. His eyes catch onto the wrapped appendage, brow creasing a bit. “He… Didn’t inject me with any venom.” You admit, brushing the sand off of your knees and calves. 

“No. We only do that to prey.” He explains, as if trying to further convince you of his insistence that you weren’t going to be food. You can see a bit of color come to his cheeks. “And, um… For… Other things.” He admits, a little quietly, and you tilt your head to the side. 

“Like what?” You ask, curiosity piqued at how he seems to look a little squeamish now. You see his tail flick up out of the water, softly slapping back down in contemplation. 

“Well… I’m not entirely sure how to say it in coast tongue, but it’s… Potent for other mers, too. It also can be in humans, if injected in lower doses, and not the normal doses we would inflict for… Prey.” He grimaces a bit at the thought, but that doesn’t answer anything. You just stare at him, a little blankly, and he squirms again. “It can be used for, ah… Mating.” He finally decides on, and it takes you a moment to realize what he’s implying. 

“Like an aphrodisiac.” You conclude, and he looks a bit confused. 

“A what?” He asks. You try to put it eloquently, but instead it just comes out a little more blunt than you’d like it to be. 

“It’s something that makes you horny.” Your own cheeks heat up as you say this, but Connor is still looking bewildered. God, you’re putting your foot in your mouth. “It– That’s the feeling you get when you want to mate with someone. When you’re in heat. Kinda.” You explain, hoping he understands, and he seems to. Semblance of knowledge flashes across his face, and he nods his head. 

“Yes. Exactly like that.” Well, that would explain why humans always felt so drugged and tired when they were dosed ‘lethally’. You’d never experienced an aphrodisiac, but the descriptors felt similar. Before you could mull on it anymore, though, it suddenly occurred to you how strange this was. You were sitting here, talking with a mer about how their toxins could apparently be used for sex not even a full day after you’d nearly been drowned by one. Or, at least, caught by one… 

For a moment, you both just sat there in silence, unsure of what else to say. You weren’t keen on getting to know the mers, really, not after your encounter. It seems that Connor’s brother– The one who had harassed you– Must’ve felt the same, as he wasn’t here today. It was just the mer in front of you, and the other one skulking about in the water. You listened to the distant sounds of birds, faintly tickling your ears, and that’s when you remembered the whole reason you came down here. You looked over, beginning to sift through the sand once again for your missing technology. “What are you doing?” He spoke up, resting on his stomach now. He crossed his arms, chin coming to rest on them, and you couldn’t help but wonder if he had anything better to do than lay here and watch you. 

“Looking for my earbud.” You explained, and his head tilted to the side. It reminded you of his brother, with the way that curl drooped down his face. Gosh, he really was handsome… That thought certainly didn’t leave you. 

“What’s that?” His eyes flash in curiosity, and you turn your body a bit to look in a different area. 

“It’s something I use to listen to music.” You pause, glancing at him. “Do you know what that is?”

“I… Do.” He replies, perking up at first, before something seems to cross his mind that stops him from saying anything else. You search more in silence, before he breaks it again. “Do you have a favorite music?”

“Favorite song.” You correct, quietly, brows furrowing in frustration as you can’t find anything still. “I have a few favorites. I can’t choose just one.” You admit. You move your hand more, digging deep until finally you manage to grab hold of it. Must’ve gotten buried from your haste yesterday. 

“Can I listen to one of them?” He asks, lifting his head up, watching you brush and blow the sand out of the bud, trying to clean it out as best as you can. You glance over at him, unable to keep your face away from the curious look in his eyes. Genuine curiosity. It doesn’t look like something that could be faked. If you thought his brother had some boyish charm to him, Connor certainly blew him out of the water with his. 

“...Why me?” You suddenly find yourself asking, frowning as you turn your attention back to him. The look on his face instantly begins to melt away, and you keep firm from trying to backpedal and give in. Now he was certainly a sad, wet puppy. “It seems like… You all try to keep yourselves secret. Secluded. I understand why, but… If that’s the case, why would your brother risk it all by talking to me?” Connor seems to shrink down a bit from the question, curling in on himself a bit, a soft grimace overtaking his features. 

“I… Don’t know. You’d have to ask him.” He says, so quiet that it’s almost carried away by the ocean waves. “He wants to talk to you again, though. Maybe you could talk to him later.” He suggests, perking up a bit, only to flatten some as he sees the unenthusiastic look on your face. You’d have to see if curiosity would get the better of you. 

“...I should go.” You finally declare, getting to your feet. You brush the rest of the sand off, grabbing your two pairs of shoes, and tuck your earbuds away. 

“Will you come back?” Connor asks, and you can’t help but to feel a flare in your chest at the hopeful sound of his voice. You pause after you take a step, sparing a small glance back at him. He looks as hopeful as he sounds, and it makes you hesitate. Uncertainty prickles under your skin. 

“Maybe.” You finally reply, turning and plodding down the beach. You don’t get a response from him, but you can hear shuffling as he drags himself back into the water, disappearing from sight. You spare a glance back as the spot he was once in washes away, hiding any evidence of him.

[voidfxndoms]

can i request a stiles stilinski oneshot with angst prompt 15: "I don't want your help." (around when he k.lled donovan in self-defense) thank you in advance! ‹𝟹

Omg, I love this idea so much! Thanks so much, anon <3 I'm so terribly sorry for only posting this now, but I've had the filthiest migraine for the past two days, ugh

Can you keep a secret? // Stiles Stilinski

After an unfortunate event at the high school library, Stiles turns to a friend as a burden weighs heavier and heavier on his shoulders.

Warnings: none? except spoilers, if you haven't seen S5 of TW

W/C: 2,426

A/N: Since your request is quite specific about the timeframe, I've decided to follow the actual events of the show, only mentioning the characters that are part of that season :) I hope you like it!

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ:

The library was empty. Spotless. If Stiles hadn't known better, he'd think the entire thing had happened in his head. But a simple glimpse at his hands was enough to see the blood — Donovan's blood. His hands were covered in it. But how was the library cleared up so quickly? And not just Donovan's body being removed, but all of the blood, the bars… Everything. It was all gone. In disbelief, he made his way to where, just minutes ago, the lifeless body of the Wendigo was standing, impaled. As thorough as the clean-up had been, Stiles spotted a smear of something atop the scaffolding he had climbed upon in his frantic escape from Donovan's hold. The room was too dark for Stiles to make out exactly what smeared the steel beam, so he wiped some with his finger. The crimson blood on his fingertip glistened in the dim light of the moon. The same blood the rest of Stiles's hand was covered in.

The buzz of his phone brought him back to reality, startling him, though only slightly. It was a text from his father, asking him when he'd be home. To say that it was late was an understatement, and Stiles should have probably replied to the text. But the emotions were still too fresh, too strong, too raw for him to think straight. So, instead of answering his father, Stiles slowly backed out of the library, got in his car, and started driving. Not knowing where to go, he drove aimlessly. Or so he thought.

"Stiles? What the hell are you doing here, it's two in the morning!" Lydia shouted through the rolled-up window.

Stiles's head slowly turned towards her. His face was trembling, and the deep lines on it indicated he had been crying for a while. Lydia's face shifted from annoyed to confused and then, finally, to highly worried. He looked at her for a few seconds, his hands still gripping the steering wheel, the car still running.

Then his head turned to face the front again, his face scrunching up in confusion. Why was he at Lydia's house? Why was he in her driveway? How long had he been there?

A sudden, yet tender touch stopped his train of thought.

"Your knuckles are ghostly white, under all that blood." Lydia remarked, softly. Her hand was on top of his on the steering wheel.

A trembling "Hm?" was all Stiles's brain managed to produce at that moment.

"Loosen your grip, Stiles. It's okay, I've got you."

Soon after the amber-eyed hands were loosely hanging on the steering wheel, color quickly making its way back to them.

And then there was silence. Why was there silence?

"Did you turn off my car?" Stiles asked turning to Lydia, his voice still weak.

She nodded in response, dangling the keys of the Jeep in front of his eyes.

"I told you, I've got you. Now, why don't you get out of this old thing and come inside? Let's get you cleaned up." she smiled.

Taking him by his hand, Lydia walked him inside her house, where they made their way to the bathroom.

She opened a drawer under the wash basin and took out a small towel. She waited until the water was warm, then called Stiles over. First, she cleaned his face from all the dirt and the tears. Then she let him wash his hands as thoroughly and for as long as he wanted to. Finally, she sat him across from her, cleaned the wound on his shoulder and made sure to clean up all the remains of dirt and blood that had collected around and under his nails.

"Why are you doing this?" Stiles asked when she was done.

"Because I know that, whatever happened, there's a reason why it did." she answered.

"I killed Donovan." he blurted out.

Lydia didn't seem fazed, or shocked. But she didn't say anything. She finished tidying up the wash basin, washing away the mixture of blood and water that had collected on its walls. Then, after putting the towel in the laundry chest, she returned to where she was sitting, took Stiles's hands in hers, sighed, and said "Go on".

And he did. He told her everything, in the comfort of the small guest bathroom. When he was done his face was stained with tears all over again, he was sitting on the floor, shaking and gasping for air. But Lydia was right there with him, on the ground, cradling him and rocking them both back and forth.

They stayed like this until he calmed down. Despite her efforts to get him to stay the night, just so she could keep an eye on him, Stiles told Lydia he was okay to go home. She walked him out of the house and back to his Jeep.

"Text me when you get home." She said as he put his seatbelt on. He nodded in response.

There was a moment of silence.

"You're gonna have to tell Scott, you know?" she asked. Her voice was soft, even softer than when she had found him in the car.

This time she didn't get a nod, but a deep sigh as a response.

She reached out and placed her hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Stiles turned around, giving Lydia a weak smile, which she returned. Then he started the car, backed out of her driveway, and made his way home, where his murder board was waiting for him.

***

"Have you told him?" Lydia whispered, as Dr. Fenris buzzed the gate to the supernatural section of Eichen House open.

"Not yet." Stiles answered through gritted teeth.

"He's gonna get suspicious. Sooner or later he's also going to notice that you keep wincing whenever you move your shoulderblade." She shook her head.

"Yeah, well, he doesn't seem too forgiving of self-defense. Did you not hear what he said about five seconds ago, when I asked him if there's ever a time where killing in self-defense is alright?"

Lydia sighed, "What I'm trying to say is- don't wait too long."

"Yeah... I know." Stiles answered weakily.

He tried to calm down, but it was too late. Lydia set off the trigger to his paranoia, and Scott's words echoed in his head in an aggressive way. Shoving his hands in his pockets to avoid picking at the skin of his nails, Stiles came in contact, once again, with the pin of the scaffolding. A painful reminder of what had happened and, more importantly, what was at stake.

Glancing at the prisoners in the cell, he noticed one of them looked surprisingly familiar. As he and the prisoner locked eyes, a wave of pure panic hit Stiles. It was Donovan. In the flesh. Standing there, staring at him with those void, wendigo eyes. At first, Stiles averted his gaze but then took a step back to double-check that it was really him.

And it wasn't. Of course it wasn't, it couldn't have been. After all, Donovan was dead. And he had killed him.

***

The Beacon Hills Preserve, a place Stiles knew very well, had never seemed as unfamiliar as it did in that moment. Him and Lydia had been looking for the Nemeton for the majority of the morning, but it seemed they were going around in circles. They were trying to prove a point about Parrish, but without the Nemeton, the point seemed very unlikely to be proven.

Puzzled, Stiles sighed. "It's almost like this thing doesn't want to be found."

"Maybe it knows we're late for class. Because we've been here twice." Lydia observed, annoyance oozing off of her.

"Crap." Stiles stated, looking at the two big Xs on a tree Lydia marked with white chalk as they were passing by.

Emphasizing her annoyance with a loud sigh, Lydia asked if they could talk to Parrish. Stiles tried to convince her to keep looking by explaining that since the Nemeton was full of bodies Lydia, as a banshee, should be able to find it. Her reply was a dry and sarcastic remark about having an off day, and she proposed, once again, that they speak to Parrish instead.

"We can't." Stiles answered, slumping as his gaze fell.

"Why not?" Lydia asked, too irritated to think about the reason behind Stiles's hostility about talking to Parrish.

"You know why."

"Okay yeah but, come on Stiles, it was self-defense. Plus, I'll be there to back you up. And I'm sure so will Scott and your dad, who is the sheriff, by the way."

When Stiles didn't answer, Lydia's mouth fell open and she scoffed in disbelief.

"Jesus Stiles, you still haven't told him?"

"Them. Told them." Stiles whispered in response.

"Them? You're telling me neither Scott nor your father, the two people who would never leave your side, know about you defending yourself from a blood-thirsty chimera?!"

"Okay, can you keep it down a notch? It's-"

"We're in the middle of a forest, Stiles!" Lydia shouted, irritated.

"It's not that simple!" Stiles shouted back, before clearing his throat and composing himself. "It's not that simple. My dad is the sheriff, which is a double-edged sword. And Scott... I'm scared he won't look at me the same. I mean you heard what he said."

Seeing him fidgeting, Lydia made her way to him and took his hands in hers, a habit she only had around him.

"Look at me," she told him. His gaze met hers, his eyes glassy due to the tears that had welled up. "Noah is your dad first, and only after that is he the sheriff. I don't know him too well, but he doesn't seem the heartless kind. And Scott, well, you said it yourself. Scott is your brother. Brothers fight, that's what they do, but in the end, they always find their way back to each other."

Stiles shook his head, "I can't tell him."

"Why not? He's gonna find out, sooner or later."

Stiles's face went white with fear.

"Oh God Stiles, no. I didn't mean it like that. I'm not gonna tell on you."

"You won't..." he mumbled.

"What do you mean 'you won't'. Who else would? We are the only ones who know, right?"

Stiles's face was pale, but it lacked any trace of an expression.

"Stiles... you can't say anything."

"Right?" Lydia repeated her question, worry slowly creeping up on her.

"Please, don't say anything."

"Stiles?" Lydia grabbed him by the shoulders. His eyes were empty, his body stiff. He was looking at a random spot on the ground, but it didn't seem like he was actually looking at it. He seemed to be in a completely different world.

"Why not?"

"Because I never said anything about Donovan."

"He never said anything about Donovan." Stiles mumbled, a stray tear tumbling down his cheek.

Lydia froze, and Stiles finally looked up at her.

"He?" Lydia stuttered.

Stiles shoved her arms off him and made his way to the path that led out of the preserve.

"What do you mean he?" Lydia shouted after him. When she got no answer, she started running after him.

"Stiles," she breathed out when she caught up to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

He quickly removed it, turning around to face her.

"Leave it, Lydia, it's nothing." he said through gritted teeth.

Ignoring his remark, she asked, "Who is he?"

"I said, leave it." Stiles repeated, stressing every word.

But Lydia was determined to get a reply out of him; "Who else knows?"

And that's when anger got the best of him.

"Jesus, Lydia, will you just let it go? For once in your life, will you just stay out of it?" He shouted. Then, calmly, he added "I told you it's nothing. Now let me be."

He started to walk again, taking big steps to get as far as possible before Lydia could speak again. Because where he preferred avoiding confrontation, he knew that it was number one on Lydia's priority list.

And sure enough, she called after him, reprimand in her voice — "I'm just trying to help you."

Stiles stopped dead in his tracks.

"I don't want your help." he mumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What'd you say? I couldn't hear you from back here."

He'd had enough of her sarcasm for the day.

"I said," he started, turning back and making a beeline for her petite figure at the other end of the path. "I don't want your help. Did you hear me now, hm? Or should I say it louder? I. Don't. Want. Your. Help. As a matter of fact, I don't even need your help."

He was now standing in front of Lydia, his tall figure somehow still towering over hers, despite her heels. His gaze was firm, his eyebrows furrowed. The hand that was already holding the keys to his car was so tight around them, that his knuckles had turned the exact shade of white as the night he had pulled into her driveway. Only this time, it wasn't fear that he was feeling. It was pure, uncut anger.

"I don't need your reassurance. I don't need you to babysit me. I don't need you to guide me. This is not about you, it's about me, it's about Scott. You're irrelevant in this whole situation. So when I say let it go, you let it go. Because I don't want anything from you now, but to leave me alone."

His words cut like a dagger, but it was reassuring to know that he didn't mean any of it, that it was all coming from a place of immense fear. Or at least that's what Lydia wanted to believe.

By the time everything had sunk in, Stiles was already well ahead of her. Her understanding of the situation, however, wasn't a justification for the way he had spoken to her. So, in an attempt to trigger his rational side, she shouted one last question.

"If I'm so irrelevant, why did you come to me the night you killed Donovan?"

For just a moment, Stiles stopped walking, and Lydia thought he'd turn around, maybe to argue some more, maybe to apologize.

But he didn't. She saw his shoulders rise and fall, probably due to a deep sigh, and then he walked off, grip still tight around his car keys.

And in the silence of the preserve, they both knew that Lydia was right. And that Stiles hated himself for how he had treated her.

[delilahcalicocat]

♤{Never Leave Again..}♤

{Rating: "it's so Fluffy I'm gonna die!"}

【Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of Abandonment, Crying, short reunion of couple, Wrestling match injury, Blood, Kissing, Little smidge of smut before it stops.】

🚾: Around 1k

〔Pairing: Adam Cole & Rachelle White〕

《Summary: Adam Cole comes back after World's End to surprise his Girlfriend of 3 years, since he's been on the road for 4 months (I'm working on one of these with Will Ospreay) But she breaks down instead not expecting him to return until late March》

[Rachelle's POV:]

I was watching AEW replays on my TV, my apartment was a mess. I'd been hit with alot of sadness this week, I was missing my boyfriend Adam.. Roderick had come to pick him up from my apartment 4 months ago, and i had felt abandoned.. I was lying on my couch while the TV played the AEW sound, I almost fell asleep until I heard a knock at my door. I had quickly opened it to See Adam, my Boyfriend! He'd come back, without his friends too.

I hugged him and began to cry.. I couldn't control myself

"Dove... Calm down" He said

"I'm sorry, I've just been going through alot.." I sighed

"It's fine, I'll call Taven and Bennett, you go shower and I'll fix this place up." He said

"Ok." I hummed

I began to start the shower and began to shower, I had felt so much better than before.

MEANWHILE:

『Matt Taven's POV:』

Me and Mike were called over to Rachelle's Place by Adam, we've been there a couple times. But not really in a weird way, most of the time Adam just wanted to stream games with us.

But Adam needed our help this time, He got a bad injury 3 months ago and broke his Ankle, so it's still healing up. I had no problem with helping Adam, but Mike clearly did. He complained the entire drive there until Roderick Slapped his face.

We arrived at The house and walked inside, We had to Help Adam with a couple random dishes that were everywhere, I was lucky I had brought Adam that Blanket He'd gotten specifically for Rachelle, So I while I was busy with the dishes, Mike was Vacuuming the floor, and Roddy was busy scrubbing and deep cleaning the table.

<After Rachelle Gets out of the shower>

[Rachelle's POV:]

I got out of the Shower and went to my room, I grabbed one of Adam's old Tees and threw it on with a pair of shorts.

I went into the living and was shocked at what Adam accomplished with the boys, I felt so bad for Mike and Matt though, since they got cut a couple times and were now bleeding a smidge.

I sat down on the couch and Adam put on some random show, he then decided to jokingly grab my ass while everyone was looking.

"Adam!" I slapped his hand playfully

"What? They've heard us before." He smirked

"Why!" I blushed heavily "How could you?"

"What. Sometimes my match doesn't drain my adrenaline. You help." He chuckled

"They probably wish they could have you like me Dove~" Adam Whispered against my neck

I shivered in instinct.

"You two should kiss!" Mike joked

Adam Captured my lips and trapped me in a heated kiss

"Got anything to say boys?" Adam Joked

"Can We never leave again?" Roddy Joked

"I mean if it's Ok with my Rae-Rae." Adam Said

I nodded yes as I was still blushing from the kiss mere seconds ago

"Well, I guess welcome home guys" Adam joked again

They've been with us for awhile and are fine with the occasional no night of sleep or locker room being locked after a match. Heh.

Guess they are best friends after all..

「The End」

[littleboxcat]

Janine Had to have been the person to find Egon's body...

So I am not a superfan but I have been a fan of Ghostbusters for a very long time. Anyway, I have watched the first two movies so many times and I would race home after school to watch The Real Ghostbusters on TV. (partialy because I had a crush on Egon Spengler. Janine would honestly be like "Same gurl, same")

I have been re watching Ghostbusters Afterlife and something struck me but also kinda made me sad. Yes, seeing ghost Egon (Harold Ramis) and the og Ghostbusters together again made me cry like a baby but no, that wasn't what dampened my emotions.

In the scene where Cali and the kids meet Janine, She tells them She was the one to contact Them about Egon's death. She also goes on to say they were... Friends. There was a pause in that statement (this is important). Janine also states there was no money and that she had been there making sure Egon's bills were paid and take care of small things (also an important to my theory.)

I want to go back, to some cut scenes in Ghostbuster 1984, soft cannon as well as some non canonical but equaly important to character development moments in other GB media. Egon didn't sleep that much, (Apparently he could live on 14 Minutes,) and in a cut scene of GB1984 he is seen sleeping at his microscope (Janine found him there.) In the Extreem Ghostbuster cartoon, Egon didn't realy take care of himself too much (Janine had to get him to eat healthy) I'm fairly certian that when Egon is in a state of Hyperfocus, (Bc he is an autistic coded charachter, but that's a conversation for another thread) he forgets/neglects everything else. This is where Janine comes in.

I postulate that Janine still had feelings him. Hell they may have had feelings for each other but never labled it hence the pause she made when saying they were ...Friends. Janine obviously didn't live with Egon but had to have lived somewhere close because flying back and forth IN THIS ECONOMY, would have been expensive and Egon had no money. Maybe she received money from Winston but it didn't seem that way. Out of all the Crew she was the only one checking in on Egon regularly. Honestly I feel like this was a labor of love especially because he was already going over the deep end into the Gozer, end of the wold thing.

Janine was the only one of the crew who knew about Egon's secret love child, which means he shared personal information with her. I not so sure he shared his giant trap plans with her though. Egon had been living there for years. YEARS! And in all that time Janine was the only one coming to see him, taking care of his affairs/business (probably taking care of him.) Either they were super close friends or lovers. I'm leaning toward lovers. That's a lot to do for just a ... Friend.

In GB Afterlife, Phoebe mentions to Ray that Egon had only been dead for like a week. The movie takes place a week after Egons death. The town's folk said Dirt Farmer was a loner. Podcast eludes to no one ever going up to the house. This means the only person to have possibly found Egon was Janine.

Janine found Egon's limp body in the chair where he died. This is probably how she was able to contact Cali so fast. It would have taken a couple of days to pack up their life and move to Egons farmhouse...

Janine, who was most likely still in love with Egon, The only person checking in on him, making sure he ate and slept, the person handling his bills, probably making sure he cleaned up after himself, goes to his house to check on him only to find him dead. The coin she's holding in the after credit scene isn't the second coin she had (from GB 1984) but the coin she gave him for good luck because she thought he might die in the original Gozer attack. She was correct but it wasn;t the original Gozer attack that killed Egon. It was the final attack. This realization killed me inside.

Anyway what do you think? Am I overthinking this? Sorry for the long post.

[mageofseven]

Repressed Love: A DiaLuci Love Story

Chapter 11

Tag list: @astroseuss @zarakem @brielle043 @missloserqueen

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Lucifer walked his son back home to House of Lamentation. After what his son went through today, it just calmed the pride demon's nerves a bit to accompany him home.

When he later made it back home to the castle, Lucifer realized his daughter was asleep in the carrier. Asleep. And calm? For the first time in his little girl's short life, she wasn't crying in her sleep. It seemed like the combination of being strapped close to her daddy and the enchanted headphones canceling out noises for her really helped his daughter find some semblance of peace for the first time since her birth.

Lucifer was astounded and very grateful for this discovery, but also knew it probably wasn't comfort for his child to be in the carrier for too long.

Since the girl was fast asleep, Luce laid her down in her crib (her little body was already too big to safely use the bassinet) before heading to Diavolo's office.

His boyfriend raised an eyebrow as Luce stepped into his office. He dropped his pen on the desk immediately and rose from his desk.

"My Light?" He walked around the desk and towards his boyfriend, taking his hands in his. "Is everything okay? Where is Audriana?"

The pride demon understood why the prince was so concerned. Lucifer had made a firm point in not bothering his boyfriend as he worked and in truth, always had their daughter in his arms during the day for her own comfort.

"She's asleep." Lucifer said simply, taking his hands back before crossing his arms. "We need to talk."

The prince watched his boyfriend for a moment, taking in his serious but controlled manner. He knew Lucifer too well, that this meant he was incredibly upset about something.

The redhead nodded and led his boyfriend over to the sitting area and the two lowered themselves to the couch.

The father wasted no time in telling the other man what happened at the school, about what Abigor's son said about Satan and Audriana, only briefly mentioning what was said about himself because in truth, it mattered little at this point to the pride demon; that pathetic excuse of a man talked down about his his children, purposely aiming to make his son feel lower than him and less of a person than others.

Lucifer needed that man to pay and the prince had the most power to see that through.

"Lucifer." The redhead said carefully. "Your son nearly killed Viscount Abigor's son and you're asking me to punish them more."

"He harassed my son." Lucifer repeated. "He called Satan and our daughter mongrels, incomplete and insufferable beings! You cannot tell me you're condoning his actions?"

"I'm not condoning it. However, Satan has now caused a new issue I have to clean up within my court."

"He disrespected my children." Lucifer said incredulously. "Even if you don't care for my son, he spoke ill of our daughter. You can't seriously tell me you're going to let him get away with it."

Dia winced at the accusation.

"Lucifer..." He said his name softly. "You truly believe I don't care for Satan?"

The father went silent, guilt filling his heart. He didn't mean that, not exactly anyway.

"My Light." Dia laid a hand against Lucifer's cheek and leaned closer to him. "Satan is your son. Of course I care for him. How could I not? He's a good man, one so important to you."

"Yet you won't defend him? Or Audriana?" Lucifer said quietly.

He took a deep breath before lowering the other man's hand and rising from the couch.

"Lord Diavolo," He used the man's full title, trying to distance himself from the prince. "I'm going home. Audriana and I obviously aren't welcome here."

He turned to leave, but his boyfriend grabbed his arm.

"My Light, please." Dia pleaded with him.

Despite the complexity of it all, the prince has never been happier than when Lucifer moved in with him. The man and their daughter was his whole world.

The prince didn't want his boyfriend to leave, to take their daughter away from him. Who knows what was going through the pride demon's mind? How far he planned to go? Would this be the end of them? Would he no longer wish Dia to see their daughter? Would Lucifer just spiral back to complete self-loathing?

Lucifer stepping out that door now could cause so many unknowns the prince couldn't handle.

The pride demon shook his head, an action meant for himself only.

'Devil, what is wrong with me?' He thought to himself.

This...this wasn't him. Since he had his daughter, hell even before that, this man has been so emotional. He always prided himself on his rationality, but where had that side of himself gone in all of this?

He used to never let his emotions control him like this. He could look at a situation and be objective, know when best to strike and when best to buy his time or just simply let things go.

Of course Diavolo can't risk dealing with this in the way he wished. If the prince always punished those with bad words towards him or his family, he would have an insurrection on his hands and what good would that do for Satan or Audriana?

The pride demon let the other man gently pull him back to him. The two sat back down together, this time with Dia on the couch and Lucifer on his lap.

Luce hid his face in the crook of his boyfriend's neck and Dia held him close as he kissed his head.

"I love you so much." Dia told him. "Surely you know that? That I love and value you above all else in this world?"

Lucifer lightly nodded and the prince slipped a hand in his hair, giving the other demon a small, but loving head massage.

The two stayed that way for a while. Neither letting go of the other; neither wanted to. It was like all of the comfort is this dark, difficult world could only be found in each other's arms.

Eventually, Diavolo spoke.

"I'll send a message to Abigor."

Luce shook his head before angling his face to look up at him.

"You don't have to."

"But I do." He brushed some hair out of his boyfriend's face. "He provoked Satan and though he took it too far, it was still the viscount's son who started it. Their family needs to learn that I won't tolerate mine being attacked."

"Diavolo..."

The prince kissed his boyfriend's forehead.

"It's not just you and Audriana. Satan, your brothers...you are all my family now. And I will defend my family with my life, if need be."

Devil, this man was too perfect. The pride demon couldn't think of a single thing he could have done in his life to deserve such a man but...he wanted to hold on to him for dear life.

[your-divine-ribs]

Pure Part 4: Sanctuary

Words: 3.1k

Van reveals his true identity to Eve 💜

Pure Masterlist Main Masterlist

It's a clear night and the moon's a thin sliver of silver, the stars twinkling like gems on the inky backdrop of deep velvet sky. I'd probably pause to admire its beauty if I wasn't hellbent on fleeing the bar, the desire to get away so strong that I'm not even considering how I'm going to get home.

Freya and I had booked an Uber to get here, both of us keen to have a drink, and to be honest I don't think I'd have wanted to leave my car here unattended anyway. It's a rough area of the city, boarded up shops with dusty cracked windows nestled next to dilapidated run-down apartment buildings, their entry-ways strewn with the scattered belongings of rough-sleepers. Everywhere I look there's a dark corner where something dreadful might lurk, my fear piqued and my senses heightened so that everything seems like a threat.

I'm not made for this, drinking in dive bars, mixing with the underbelly of society, fending off the unwanted advances of lecherous men. I should be at home right now curled up under my duvet, head resting on my pillow whilst I slip into a peaceful sleep. I think of my parents no doubt tucked up in bed right now, blissfully unaware that I'm out here running scared. I want to cry but I hold back my tears, aware that I'll only draw more attention to myself if I do. I must already look a state, my palms and knees stinging where I'd taken a tumble, my breath coming in jagged gasps as my lungs burn from the exertion. I can feel the warm trickle of blood making its way down my leg in tiny rivulets. My heels feel blistered where my tight shoes are rubbing but I have no choice but to keep moving.

Don't stop Eve... don't you dare stop yet. Keep running... don't look back.

I've never felt or responded to my inner voice so readily and I just wish I'd been more compliant when it was telling me not to venture out tonight. The roads are getting darker now as the streetlights stretch further apart, the traffic becoming sparser as I navigate my way through the outskirts of the city centre. I should have stuck to the busier streets but I reasoned it would take me twice as long to get home and I'm unsure of the route. I know if I cut through the residential area it's far more direct even though it's quiet and secluded. The hustle and bustle of city nightlife gradually fades away as I stumble along in a shambling half-jog, half-run that I know I won't be able to maintain all the way, but despite being on the move for at least ten minutes I'm still too scared to stop or look over my shoulder. Just a little bit further and then I can rest. I can make out the spire of St Mary's church illuminated in the moonlight at the end of the road and the sight brings me comfort.

"Ahhh shit!" I cry out loud, my heel catching on a loose paving slab as I'm distracted by the familiar landmark. I keel to the side, my arms whirling clumsily in an attempt to right my balance. I manage to save myself from another fall but a sharp pain shoots through my ankle as it twists and I grudgingly come to a stop, my body folding over as I pant and gasp, trying to catch my breath. My left shoe's come clean away from my foot and I stoop to retrieve it.

That's when I first hear it. The sound of heavy footsteps slapping on the concrete. They sound unnervingly close the way they echo off the houses that line the street but when I straighten up and spin around there's no one there and silence falls. I peer into the night, eyes darting all around, trying to discern another figure but there's not a soul in sight. Was I imagining things? Maybe my brain's so overwrought that I'm conjuring up dangers that don't even exist. I'm not intending to wait around to find out.

I slip off my other shoe, quietly groaning with relief, and start in the direction of the church. I'm limping now, barely able to put any weight on my left foot, a sharp pain shooting up my ankle each time I gingerly place it on the ground. My house is still a ten minute walk from here, possibly even longer with a twisted ankle. I hear the footsteps start up again, they're steady and purposeful, not rushed, like whoever's following me doesn't feel like they need to hurry. Like they can just take their sweet time with me being as vulnerable and alone as I am. The thought makes my chest freeze over and I start to shiver uncontrollably. In my haste to leave I'd not only left my handbag behind but my jacket too, but it's not just the cool night air making me shudder. I'm more petrified now than ever and even though I try to tell myself that each lumbering step is taking me a little closer to safety I can't take any reassurance from that fact. I'm in real danger, I'm sure of it, and if I don't do something soon it's going to be too late.

I make the decision on a whim, it just feels like the right thing to do and once the thought has entered my head I feel like I'm committed to it. I  figure that if my stalker is still some way behind me then they won't notice me veering off the main road. I take a sharp turn, slipping through the wrought iron gates of the church that screech like they're trying to warn me away, bare feet sinking into the sharp gravel as I start towards the entrance.

My initial plan was to take refuge in the shadows of the imposing yew trees in the grounds but now I'm closer I feel drawn to the church itself. It's always been a safe space for me, a sanctuary, somewhere I can find solace and shelter when the turbulence of life threatens to knock me off the righteous path I try to follow. I figure it'll likely be locked up at this late hour, but I take a chance anyway, leaning against the heavy wooden door and giving it a hefty push.

To my surprise and relief the door starts opening inwards with a loud creak which echoes through the empty interior, bouncing off the stonework. I quickly step in, closing the door behind me and leaning back against it. Aside from midnight mass on Christmas Eve I've only ever been inside this church in the daytime and the atmosphere is very different at night when it's deserted. It seems strangely eerie and expectant, like it was waiting for me to arrive. Dim light from the ceaselessly burning votive candles casts flickering shadows on the walls and the wooden pews, their smooth, polished surfaces reflecting the glow. The silence is heavy, laden, broken only by the occasional crackle from the burning wicks.

"Hello?" I call uncertainly and I am only answered by the soft echo of my own voice.

I step forwards, the stone floor rough and unforgiving under my feet, my shuffling footsteps punctuating the quiet. The altar at the front of the church is bathed in a soft golden light which highlights the intricacies of the ornate carvings that flank it on either side. One is a statue of the Virgin Mary. My attention is drawn to her every time I enter the church, her serene expression always watchful but never judging. It makes me feel grounded. I finally begin to feel a sense of peace and calm washing over me, the horrors of the night shut away outside the door. For the first time that evening I actually start to feel like I might be safe.

Standing there in the hushed stillness I focus on my breathing, in and out, in and out, nice and slow, my chest rising and falling as my heart rate gradually returns to normal. Maybe I don't need to risk the rest of the journey home tonight after all. Maybe I can wait it out here, curl up on a wooden pew and rest my weary limbs until the sun comes up, wait for the early morning worshippers to filter in. With a bit of luck I can slip out unnoticed and sneak into my house before my parents even awaken. It'll be like none of this ever happened. I bow my head and close my eyes, a whispered prayer of thankfulness uttered silkily through my parted lips.

But the peace is shattered in an instant as an almighty crash rings through the air. It's the sound of wood on stone, harsh enough to splinter. A sound halfway between a sob and a whimper tears it's way up my throat as I quickly whirl around even though I'm fearful of what I might face. The church door has been pushed open with so much force that it's completely swung back on its hinges. There's no one on the threshold but it feels like the night itself is pressing in, dark figures cloaked in shadows. I dart forward quickly, almost pushed backwards by the ferocity of the wind which has whipped up outside. It blusters into the church, wildly whipping my hair and scattering leaves and debris across the floor, finding its way to the eaves of the building where it howls like a banshee.

It's the wind, that's all it is Eve, just the wind. Nothing else.

I'm obviously not as calm as I thought. I'm still jumpy as hell and I actually find myself chuckling under my breath as I reach for the door and heave it closed with all my body weight. As the heavy clunk of the latch engages and silence is restored once more I allow a sigh, my forehead pressed against the wood. I stay like that for a moment, palms flat on the door as I let the tension drain away again, my eyes closed.

"You left without saying goodbye."

The voice comes from directly behind me and I'd recognise that silky smooth tone anywhere even though I've only heard it for the first time tonight. Van. I feel like my heart's been clutched by an icy fist.

How did he get here? It's impossible. Surely I would have seen him come in? I'm terrified to turn around and face him but I do it anyway, more afraid to leave my back to him, hoping I might be able to anticipate his next move if I can keep a close eye on him. But what does he want with me? I'm too scared to think about that right now.

"I... I don't understand," I stammer, voice wavering as I meet his piercing gaze. "How are you here already?  Where the hell did you come from?"

His lips pull into a slow grin, amused. "Interesting choice of words."

He takes a step forward and I cry out, hands outstretched as if the action will somehow ward him away. "Don't! Don't come any closer! Stay back!"

I'm not expecting him to listen to my plea but he does, immediately coming to a stop. I'm loathe to leave the only exit I know for certain is open but I know I'll feel more comfortable if I put some distance between us. I take the chance to limp down the side of the pews and Van watches me go, a flicker of something that could be mistaken as concern flitting across his countenance as his gaze drops down to take in my bloody knees and my obviously injured ankle.

Of course he's not concerned Eve. He's probably weighing up his odds, assessing your weaknesses... deciding when to pounce.

That's what predators do isn't it? Look for the weak prey? The ones they can take down easily without a fight?

"I don't mean you any harm," he announces and again I have the unsettling feeling that he can read my thoughts, but I suppose I must be radiating panic. "You don't need to fear me, you're quite safe." His blue gaze bores into mine and my throat dries. Now we're not in the dim lighting of the bar I can see him more clearly, and he's breathtaking. He looks almost ethereal, his beauty even more apparent in the soft golden glow of the candlelight.

"Then what... do you... want? Why are you following me?"

He looks right at me, and the beat of my heart is a thud in my chest. Time seems to stretch on and I don't think he's going to answer me, but then he does...

"You should know the answer to that Eve... you did summon me after all."

I open my mouth but nothing comes out, my jaw slack and hanging open. The ridiculous ritual that Freya and I performed at my house before we went out plays in my mind over and over on a spool.

Blood flow warm, fire burn bright

I summon thee from hell tonight

Hear this promise that I make

A soul that's pure for you to take

A soul...

But it was only a joke, a silly game. Something that kids did in the secrecy of their bedrooms to frighten each other on those nights where ghost stories were exchanged and spooky urban legends were recounted. It wasn't supposed to actually work.

Of course it's not real Eve, get a grip. He must be a friend of Freya's and she's asked him to wind you up. That's why he knew what she was doing in the bar. That must be it... it's the only explanation. She's playing an elaborate prank on you.

I'm going to fucking kill her.

I place my hands on my hips, eyes narrowing in a challenge. "What are you talking about? Did Freya put you up to this? It's not funny you know."

His brows pull up into a small crease and he looks momentarily puzzled. "Freya? Oh, I've not come for her. I'm here for you."

The intensity of his stare and the way he says it makes my heart slam against my chest. I find myself backing up again until I feel something hit the back of my legs. I whimper out loud, glancing down to see that I've backed into the altar and my legs automatically fold. I shoot out my hands to steady myself, intending to push myself up and side step it but it's too late. Van's on the move again, striding purposefully down the aisle, covering the distance impossibly quickly even though he doesn't appear to rush. There's something... off... about him. It's like the usual rules of time and space don't apply to him, like he's somehow above all of that. Mystical. Otherworldly. Demonic.

"W... who are you? R... really?" My voice comes out broken, a high-pitched whine full of terror. He's right in front of me now, just inches away, looming over me. His expression is curious as he looks down on me, like he's tasting my fear, letting it wash over his palate like an exquisite wine. He doesn't appear to be savouring it though, he's not revelling in it or enjoying it. He's studying me, not just looking at me but looking into me. Even though we've only just met it feels like he's seeing me more intimately than anyone else ever has.

"We have many names," he finally says, his voice rich and deep, reverberating through me in a way that makes my whole body thrum at this proximity. "Some call us fallen angels... dark spirits... demons..."

"But demons don't exist... not really!" I shout out loud, cutting him off, ice cold horror drenching me at the mention of the word. Right now denial seems like my only option and I'm clinging to it with desperation even though I know without a shadow of a doubt that's he more than just a man. He's so much more than that.

His expression softens, but only for a fleeting moment. I watch on as his lips twitch, quirking up into a smirk, a dark chuckle that chills me through. He takes a small step back, arms spread out wide to indicate our surroundings. When he speaks his voice is loud and mocking, echoing off the stonework like a thunderclap.

"We don't exist? How can you say that in a house of God? Your own church? Where you come to pray every Sunday like the good little Christian girl you are?" He sneers at that and I wince. "If you believe in heavenly deities then surely you must believe in the underworld too and all those that inhabit it?"

"I... I..." I stutter, teeth clacking together in fear, my whole body quaking. This isn't happening. It can't be happening. Not to me. I feel like I'm submerged in a terrible nightmare that I can't wake up from, dragged under the current of a dark dreamworld.

"Please don't hurt me! Please!" I cry out, a wracking sob rising up from deep within. Begging seems futile now but I'm at my last ebb, stark terror engulfing me as I press myself back against the altar until my body is bent backwards over it, whimpering as I feel the warmth and weight of Van's body pressing against mine as he draws close once again. His eyes are sharp and intense, boring into my soul and sifting through my thoughts, every dream and hope and fear I've ever had laid bare for him to pick over. I can't move, I can't breathe, I can't even think, my mind starting to swim, fuzzy at the edges like I'm losing my grip on reality.

I screw my eyes shut and I feel pressure on my cheek, a cool touch, soft fingers gently caressing my face and I hear myself whimper again but it sounds distant and far away. I feel light, like I'm floating somewhere above my body. A soft breath tickles my ear, sending a shiver skittering over my skin as a voice permeates the haze, deep and soft and hypnotic, sending me spiralling even further.

"I have no intention of hurting you... in fact it's quite the opposite. You..." A pause, a soft sigh full of longing. "You are the most beautiful and precious thing I have ever seen."

Blackness claims me and I surrender myself to it.