#I'm speechless I'm overcome I'm!!!!

[ddarker-dreams]

I'm clutching on the bars rn pls give us more bf blade content before I explode

I GOTCHU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm joining you in rattling the bars of my enclosure .... bf blade is making me feel Things ... .

warnings: fem reader, not sfw implications

While changing into a new shirt, a deep voice drawls your name. 

Your heart jumps in your chest. If it weren’t for the recognizable timbre, you may have shrieked. It’s a small blessing that you’ve been spared this indignation. Huffing, you turn on your heels, pulling down the bunched-up fabric to cover yourself. 

“I thought you promised to stop jumpscaring me,” you chastise. 

The jumpscare in question — Blade — fixates on your previously exposed midriff. You note how his eyebrows pinch together, though you’re unsure what to make of it. He doesn’t acknowledge your comment. Not even with what Silver Wolf’s decreed his ‘limited NPC dialogue’ (a grunt, hum, nose exhale, or the occasional chuckle, solely procured by your antics). 

“Lift your shirt,” Blade requests. 

“Eh?” You stare at him like he has three heads. “Sorry, I’m waiting until marriage for that.” 

He gives you an unimpressed look. 

“Fine, fine, whatever,” you grumble, acquiescing to the strange demand, “And they said romance is dead…” 

Blade kneels onto one knee. Before you can reiterate the marriage comment was a joke, his gloved fingers hover over the sides of your hips. The leather is cool against your rapidly warming skin. Once you overcome your initial confusion, you consider his countenance. He’s frowning, his eyes playing host to emotions you can’t quite place. His thumb rubs circles into the skin, softly enough to be mistaken for a ghost’s kiss. He appears to be in deep thought. 

You’re rendered speechless — a most commendable feat. 

“These bruises,” Blade murmurs, his voice hollow and haunted, “Did I…?” 

Realization crashes into you like a meteorite. 

You yank the fabric down. “Well, uh, yes, but—” 

(He goes pale as a sheet, further increasing the urgency behind your words). 

“—It’s okay! You didn’t— it wasn’t— I didn’t mind,” you reassure. Clearing your throat, you continue, fighting against the embarrassment scorching you alive. “If anything, I… was into it, so…” 

You watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows thickly. His arms fall limp to his side as he mulls over what you’ve said, clearly unwilling to accept it at face value. Uncertain of what else to do, you join him on the ground, sitting on your shins. You take his face in your hands, brushing aside his bangs that’d obscured his eyes. His hair’s silky smooth, thanks to your products and insistence on combing through the knots. 

“Hey, old man,” you hum. “All that frowning’s gonna make you look your prehistoric age. You don’t want some young, dashing whippersnapper to steal me away, do ya?” 

Blade scowls. Smiling softly, you boop him on the nose, to which he scrunches it up. 

Your voice takes on a more serious cadence. “You didn’t hurt me. You could never hurt me. I trust you, so… trust me on this, okay? Just this once?” 

It’s gradual. He relaxes his shoulders, then the taut muscles of his face, basking in your closeness. He leans into your touch, reminding you of a stray cat that’s steadily being domesticated. You let the silence linger for as long as he sees fit. Eventually, his gaze meets yours. 

“... It’s a dangerous game you play, girl.”

I’m dangerous, the insatiable hunger in his eyes screams. I long to devour you, mind and soul. 

To this, you grin. 

“It’s a good thing I’ve already won, then.” 

[alexetbishop]

WISHING IT WAS ME

Pairing: Kate Bishop x reader

You see Kate kiss a boy. This will lead to confess your feelings for eachother.

Word count: 1.9K

————————————————————————

"Oh, come on," your hands fumbled with your tie, trying to get it right around your neck. "Stupid fucking tie." You mumble under your breath as your most expensive shoes were squeaking on the shiny floor of the lobby of a 5 star hotel.

Kate has invited you to one of the famous Bishop parties her mother organized. Well, she didn't actually invite you, she begged you to come, and you could never say no to those puppy blue eyes.

You didn't belong at all in these kinds of events, in the middle of spoiled rich people who only care about themselves and their million dollar cars.

Kate was an exception. When you met her two years ago, on the first day of college, you wouldn't have thought in a million years that she was one of those people.

She was hands down the kindest and most thoughtful person you've ever met. Even though sometimes she did act bratty and stubborn, thinking that she could do anything in the whole entire world, you still cared about her and wouldn't stop being her friend. If anything you wanted to be more than that.

You straighten your suit and take a big breath before opening the glass door that was separating you from the fake laughter and expensive champagne.

You looked around, searching for Kate. You immediately spot a black ponytail between a couple of people. You walked towards her, also recognising the long dark green dress she was wearing, having seen her try it a couple of days prior to the party. It seemed like she was talking to someone.

You quickened your pace. "Hey." You said before walking to her side.

Right there your heart shattered in million pieces.

She wasn't talking to someone. She was kissing someone.

The guy had his hand on her waist, pushing forward with his head as he just kept kissing her.

Kate stepped back from him when she heard your voice. She looked at you and the at the guy. "Y/N." She seemed surprised. "Hey, you came."

You're speechless. The sounds of all the chatter, the clinking glasses and the silky piano music fade away, a range of emotions going through your body, jealousy and hurt overpowering all the others.

"I promise you this is not what it looks like." She stepped towards you, reaching out an arm but you avoid it.

"What do you mean, babe?" The guy asked confused. "This is exactly what it looks like."

"Not now Henry." Kate snaps at him and looks back at you.

You look down, feeling the need to cry. "I- I'm sorry I have to go." You turn around and start to walk as fast as you can towards the exit.

You hear Kate shouting after you but you don't stop. Once you're in the lobby you start to run, trying to loosen the tie to not let the choking feeling bubbling up overcome you.

You just run, eventually losing your tie somewhere on the sidewalk. You run to nowhere in particular. At some point it even starts to rain and you get completely soaked.

Why did you even react like that? You and Kate were just friends. Yet, you felt like someone had punched you in the gut. Apparently your little innocent crush had become something much more bigger.

At one point your lungs were burning, so you stopped, crouching down to catch your breath. You looked up. Funny enough you were right in front of Kate's mum penthouse. In all New York you found yourself right where you didn't want to be.

Then you heard a voice calling your name.

You turned around, seeing Kate running towards you, her hair soaked, her dress sticking to her form, her shoes in one hand and your tie in the other.

"Hey, damn..." Once she approached you she placed one hand on her hip, panting. "You're very fast..." She chokes a laugh and takes a couple of deep breaths.

You stand in front of her, blinking away the drops falling from the dark sky.

"Why'd you run off like that?"

You stay silent. A lighting stroke, brightening the surroundings for a millisecond. A second later, a thunder rumbled. You flinched.

"We better get inside." She took you by the wrist, as you didn't seem to move from your spot, and dragged you inside. She greeted the door man and went straight to the elevator.

Once you entered the huge penthouse Kate brought you to her old room. She went to her wardrobe and took out some old sweatpants and what you figured was her high school archery team sweater, its back covered in faded letters that spelled out her surname and the front with the logo of her high school. "Here." She handed them to you.

"Thanks." You took the clothes. "I'll go to the bathroom for a second." You walked out of the room.

You splashed cold water on your face, even if it was still wet from the rain. You changed into the clothes Kate has given you, immediately feeling like you could fall asleep at any moment with how comfortable they felt. You take a big breath, looking yourself in the mirror, your eyes a bit red: you did cry after all.

You walked back to Kate's room, but she wasn't there.

"Kate?" You shouted, your voice echoing on the walls of the penthouse.

"In the kitchen!" She shouted from downstairs. You followed her voice and found her searching through some cupboards. She had changed into a loose T-shirt and some sweatpants. Some water was already rumbling in a kettle and two mugs were on the kitchen island.

"What kind of tea would you like?" She takes out a box full of different kind of tea bags.

"I'm okay with a simple black tea, thanks." You lean on the kitchen island. Kate placed a black tea bag in a mug along with three spoons of sugar. "Three spoons right?" She asked you.

You nodded. A warm feeling creeping up your stomach thinking about how she remembered a stupid little thing like how many sugar spoons you want in your tea.

"You're such a sweet tooth." She chuckles. You playfully slap her on the shoulder. And she nudges you with her hip as a payback.

She grabbed some chocolate, cookies and other sweets to go along with the tea. She waited for the water to boil, leaning on the counter next to you.

"He's not my boyfriend, you know." Kate speaks up after a moment of silence. "He-" She pauses, taking a deep breath. "My mum, she- she is constantly throwing these rich boys at me. So that when I finish college I'd be already settled and ready to start a family." She sighs and takes a piece of chocolate in her mouth.

"But you don't want that."

She shakes her head. "Nope. So thanks for running away. Like that I got an excuse to get away from that stupid party." She laughs, looking up at you.

"You're welcome, I guess." You crack a laugh too. At that point the kettle whistles and Kate goes to grab it, pouring it in the two mugs. "Thanks."

Kate took her mug, taking a sip of the hot tea. Silence fell between the two of you, the only sound being the heavy rain tapping violently on the windows.

She knew you were avoiding to talk about what happened at the party, since you were looking down, analysing the mug with a lot of interest.

So she took the matter in her own hands. "That kiss didn't mean anything to me."

Your eyes lifted up from your mug. "It didn't?"

Kate chuckled amused. "Of course it didn't. I don't want that douche bag. Or any other douche bag my mum made me go out with." She places the mug back down, turning her feet to stand in front of you.

She stares at you, opening her mouth and closing it immediately a couple of times, trying to understand how she should put her words. Then she takes your hands in hers.

"Y/N, you have to know that you're more than a friend to me." A beat passes. "And I think that it's the same for you given that dramatic exit you did earlier, am I right?" She lets out a single chuckle and squeezes your hands, gazing expectantly in your eyes.

You look up and only now realise how close Kate has gotten to you. The little freckle under her right eye that you daydreamed kissing first thing in the morning catching your attention. Your eyes traveled down, the gaze stopping at a little cut above her jaw, probably caused by too much archery practice.

You were so focused in analysing every little pore of her beautiful face when Kate snapped you back to reality. "Hey! You okay?"

"Oh. Y-Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." You nod.

"So what do you have to say about that Cinderella style exit?" You feel like she's teasing you now, mostly from her little smirk forming on her lips.

"Well-" You exhale deeply, preparing for the inevitable. "I was jealous." You mumble so quietly it would've been hard for Kate to hear even if she was inches away from you.

"What was that?" Okay, now she's definitely teasing you.

"I was jealous, okay?" You snap. Then you clear your throat, collecting your emotions. "I was jealous of you kissing that guy wanting it to be..." you trail off.

"You." Kate finishes your sentence. "You wanted to be in his place."

"Yeah."

"Then we should fix that, shouldn't we?" Kate's right hand travels up your side, stopping to cup your cheek. She waits for your ok before doing anything. And once you nod, her lips press softly against yours.

"That better?" She grins once she pulls back from the kiss.

You feel your whole body burn into flames. And after a second of composing yourself you decide that it's your turn to play with her. "No."

"Oh you want more?" She raises both her eyebrows, her hand still caressing your cheek.

You nod and with a dumb smile she leans forward again.

You're not sure if it has been minutes or an hour when you pull back. The only thing you know is that you're out of breath and in heaven.

Kate speaks up softly "That was..."

Before you could finish her sentence a loud thunder roars through the sky, making you jump and squeeze her hand hard.

Kate's eyebrows furrowed. "Are you scared of thunderstorms?" She's biting the inside of her cheek to not smile even more wider than she already is. She's not teasing you, well, maybe just a tiny bit.

"What? No. I'm not scared of-" another thunder and you jump again.

"Oh my god, you are." She laughs.

"Shut up." You lean your head on Kate's shoulder to hide the red growing on your cheeks.

"Make me." She lifts your head up by your chin.

So you make her shut up, by kissing her again. You still flinch when yet another thunder rumbles even more louder than the other, and break the kiss.

"Okay, okay." Her arms wrap around you, keeping your body safe and flushed against hers. "Wanna go snuggle under a blanket and watch a movie?"

"Yeah, that'd be very nice." She looks behind you, where the cups of tea, stay on the counter cold and forgotten. "We should make some more tea too." But before she detaches from you she can't help but connect her lips with yours for the fourth time. She already can't get enough.

And she will never get enough of you. Ever.

[pinchinschlimbah]

Flower imagery in Kyo's lyrics - a comprehensive list

mostly taken from the DEG Wiki translations, if there's anything important I've missed or could be translated better please let me know!

--- "Together with the flower of illusion Inside the flower of illusion" Masquerade - Genkaku no Hana (1995) ""Cross"　"You"　The roses that gave light crumble." La:Sadie's - Kakou to Genjitsu… (1996) "Our encounter turns to flowers Our encounter and ironic parting…" La:Sadie's - Kuroi Namida (1996)

"The bouquet of flowers is blooming... The heart is rotten, the middle of an ugly tragedy... Atonement is a flower" La:Sadie's - Zetsudan (1996) "At the end that stings with poison, the flowers wither and the body ... A transparent future, a false world ..." La:Sadie's - Objectxxx (1996) "The prettiest flowers will be the poisonous ones (Those eyes I loved so, became abusive ones)" La:Sadie's - Shoukei Hatan Sekai (1996) "The flowers we grew together back then Now bloom in profusion beautifully by your side" Dir en Grey - Kiri To Mayu (Missa version) (1997) "I sprout my seeds into your garden, But the red, wet bud shall not bloom." Dir en Grey - Kiri To Mayu (If...trans version) (1997) "Those days that seemed so lovely, the poisonous flower garden" Dir en Grey - Erode (1997) "Always standing still in that garden, looking lonely You were watching only the falling flowers" "GARDEN I wished that one day I could meet you Always GARDEN In this season that will pass, forever… You… The sad flowers that are going to wither have seen thousands of nights, Your figure reflected in sepia" Dir en Grey - Garden (1997) "Like a poisonous flower I will show you how I bloom And I'll become a flower that will bloom once again" "And as our love crumbles I bloom with the flowers in a riot of colors" Dir en Grey - Jealous (1998) "An unreality was born within a flower OUTSIDE HUMAN VOICE" Dir en Grey - Unknown…Despair…a Lost (1998) "The bouquet of love that you gave me was a bouquet shaped from poison" Dir en Grey - I'll (1998) "From the window, I can see the cherry blossoms blown by the wind as usual. They are falling slowly, slowly, slowly, slowly, just like dancing." "I know my life will end here alone in this room. Flowers nobody can find… The flowers hurry to fall, shaken by the spring wind. The wind is also blowing into the white room of the hospital." "I'll become ash and return to the dust tomorrow. I see cherry blossoms from the window, I want to rest beneath the tree. I'm in your arms holding me with your love. I'm quietly taken from room 304. To never forget about you. I'll remember you shaking with the cherry blossoms when the wind blows." Dir en Grey - 304 Goushitsu, Hakushi No Sakura (1999) "Put together the days of pain in asphalt. "bury" If you pray by crossing yourself, the asphalt will be filled with poisonous flowers." Dir en Grey - Mask (1999) "I'm a dying flower, but I want to be in bloom just one more time, just like before." Dir en Grey - Akuro No Oka (1999) "The divine wind turns into wind And disappears into the dark Blooming in the night of our reunion The shape of the lilies The divine wind turns into wind Blooming in the night of our reunion The light of the fireflies and the lily flowers" Dir en Grey - Hotarubi (1999)

"Sucking the honey, you who loved the flowers Don't notice me as my beak comes at You blooming all over with foie gras and escargot" Dir en Grey - Macabre (2000) "Turn into a flower, turn into a butterfly and prick me with your poisonous thorns" Dir en Grey - Audrey (2000) "Getting hurt, hurting each other People hide their wounds But I will overcome mine　 And my wounds will turn into beautiful flowers" Dir en Grey - Taiyo No Ao (2000)

"In your room I put one of the flowers you used to love so, now…The light silently dyes the center of the city white The last seasonal color that you saw I shed tears　Reality is a cruel thing, isn't it?" Dir en Grey - Ain't Afraid to Die (2001)

"I am speechless as the sorrow sinks in The flowers die away I am alone" Dir en Grey - Embryo (2002)

"This is the garden of suicide. Are you having fun? Will my dreams come true at that garden?" Dir en Grey - Audience Killer Loop (2003)

"It's a garden with no pulse." Dir en Grey - Shukubeni (2003)

"Flowers bloom and flowers fall, but a flower is as it is a flower." Dir en Grey - Sajou No Uta (2003)

"In the room, on the red wall hang Rosalyn, and the scent from the petals of the flowers fills the room but you are not here." Dir en Grey - Red...[em] (2003)

"I reminisce under the late afternoon sky of the pressed flowers I miss so dearly." "One cold evening I saw her as she stood under the Cherry blossom tree, with petals that bloomed too early." "She couldn't do anything but cry as her tears bloomed like the petals." -Dir en Grey - Drain Away (2003) "The snake makes way through the sheets and goes inside the uterus. It can seem like a Yoshino cherry tree; a cherry blossom petal, that dances sadly." Dir en Grey - Obscure (2003) "And it blooms and blooms, the flower that bloomed The crazy bloomed blood makeup" Dir en Grey - Fukai (2003) "Again you reach out and ants gather around the lily under the sun" Dir en Grey - Saku (2004) "The ashes are like flower petals that rise up to the sky" Dir en Grey - Itoshisa Wa (2005)

"I hate the song game of counting petals" Dir en Grey - Garbage (2005) "Even loved ones scatter like petals from flowers in my hand So even if I engraved the meaning that I lived in my hand, it will only be known as flowers of vanity" "Let's bloom flowers of attempted suicide…………………." Dir en Grey - The Final (2005) "When the seasons come and winter sleeps, I will come visit with flowers" Dir en Grey - Higeki Wa (2005)

"Welcome to the garden of destruction" Dir en Grey - Clever Sleazoid (2007) "I carve into my heart the sins And I live on dying The sakura blossoms on my wrist" Dir en Grey - Red Soil (2008) "Spring blossoms and the petals fall, giving life to the river Swaying from side to side, where will you go?" Dir en Grey - Glass Skin (2008)

Dir en Grey - The Blossoming Beelzebub (2011) [no floral references in the lyrics but listing here for the title]

"A mistake won't change one's way of life Be proud and let the pure white lotus blossom" Dir en Grey - Lotus (2011)

"Feel it? The breeze in the field The water reaches the heart and it gives life But the bud that sprouts… is trampled on again" Dir en Grey - Diabolos (2011) "So, let us swear for ourselves tomorrow, go on No More No Goodbye, from the death of the blossoming flower" Dir en Grey - Akatsuki (2011) "The ant lion searching for the light The lost heart always looks to the future as the flowers of lycoris sway" Dir en Grey - Vanitas (2011) "Joining hands with the flower that's lost its' way Don't want to forget the vagrant past" Dir en Grey - Ruten No Tou (2011)

"Using legs as stems in this flower arrangement" "A moment of joy is like a single flower's life" Dir en Grey - Kiri To Mayu (Rinkaku single version) (2012)

"Those are the kiku flowers placed for the accident, that we're suppose to forget in a timely manner" Dir en Grey - Hydra -666- (2012) "Falling in love with a flower, you suck and suck on the sweet honey You don't even notice me Fangs out I bloom ablaze with love towards the escargot and foie gras that you are" Dir en Grey - Macabre (Unraveling version) (2013)

"You're gone The world without you The lily is not worth it" Dir en Grey - Soshaku (2014)

"Let the flag of our home country blossom" Dir en Grey - Midwife (2014)

"Counting the flower petals that burst out from this unstoppable way of life If it's going to break then … you understand right?" Dir en Grey - Magayasou (2014)

"You'll get used to it Are you used to it? The bouquet placed by the road laughs" "Prayers pile up If it scatters it means it's precious The bouquet no one tries to see taught me I stared at the future" Dir en Grey - Behind a Vacant Image (2014) "there is no evidence behind those righteous words the blood-hungry beast hides inside the wide-opened mouth for whom is this garden for?" "to the garden beyond reach where you sleep" Sukekiyo - Elisabeth Addict (2014) "let the fear take over and get out of control the garden blooms in the color of flesh come here, come here" Sukekiyo - Latour (2014) "it dances tranquility comes when i see the fluttering flower with you" Sukekiyo - Aftermath (2014) "i hate you more than anyone else hydrangea for whom will you get wet for?" Sukekiyo - Scars Like Velvet (2014) "To the garden of love If you want to be heard, let's see you start crying now" Sukekiyo - Foster Mother (2015) "Repeating the words like a favorite phrase Words bloom" Sukekiyo - Maniera (2015) "Having a guilty conscience is like a pretty garden at the end of happiness" Sukekiyo - Mimi Zozo (2017)

"Spring, let me go. Every time it blooms Even I am able to forgive by having at least one thing beautiful" Dir en Grey - Aka (2018)

Dir en Grey - Ranunculus (2018) [floral reference is the title, which is repeated throughout the song]

"The clown danced like crazy and made it bloom The flower was indeed very very beautiful" Dir en Grey - The World of Mercy (2019) "Welcome to the flower garden that's now turning into the bed for evil spirits of mountains and rivers Repeat the process, insert then pull" Sukekiyo - Guuzou Moratorium (2019)

"The reserved flower garden, D.T.C.T" Sukekiyo - Kou mo Chigau Mono Nano ka, Yousuru ni (2019) "The flowers seen thru the lens See the dream without hesitation Stripping as the world opens wide" Sukekiyo - Sesshoku (2020) "You say that everyone goes through it But I don't know enough about love to compare The scar will turn into a beautiful flower" Sukekiyo - Candis (2021)

"The heart grows the lotus The infinite expansion of heaven is righteous" Dir en Grey - Schadenfreude (2022) "If you look down the 13 flight of stairs, the flowers bloom I change To whose intention?" Dir en Grey - 13 (2022) "An empty room The flower garden blooms in the field Let's make the sound of love as I think of you" Sukekiyo - Scarlet (2022) "Even though it started With a small bud The more the wish overwhelmed, the more it made me feel empty Only the love　Yes, only the love Changes me And it makes the Margaret bloom The color fades and turns into tears The wish to lose my words Sings in the spring Swaying back and forth Making the petals scatter" Sukekiyo - Margaret (2023) "The withering flower, wanting to bloom beautifully like back in the day, just one more time" Dir en Grey - Akuro No Oka (19990120 version) (2024)

[amikaelsonstory]

Not the end, but a new beginning - I

Chapter one.

“All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” Lev Tostoy, Anna Karenina

As the brothers stood up, eyes full of tears, racing hearts with fear and gratitude, a breathless, loud scream cut the silent moment

- "DAD DON'T!! WE FOUND A WAY, STOP!"

Hope was running fast followed by Freya, hugged Klaus back, almost following on her knees, gasping with tears running down her face.

Klaus and Elijah turned fast, lowering their pieces of white oak daggers as they approached.

- " What do you mean, darling? I need to go, please understand"   Klaus whispered, lifting Hope face up, whipping tears from his daughter's face.

 Elijah remained speechless, his lips slightly parted in surprise, as Freya reached out and hugged him tightly, making him close his eyes and take a deep breath in some sort of relief.

- It's true brother, I found a way, the Old Gods... they finally gave me an answer. I will explain everything, but please, let's go home"

As they found their way into the compound, Rebekah, Marcel and Kol stood apprehensively up from their seats, relieved to see the girls were able to reach them on time to avoid the tragedy. 

- It seems it's not gonna be tonight you're gonna get rid of the almighty Klaus Mikaelson!  Klaus orotund, opening his arms with his crooked smile, trying to mask his remaining fears and doubts.

- Nik! Rebekah cheered running to hug her brother tightly, while Marcel and Kol tapped his shoulders, welcoming him and Elijah back.

- Let me show you what I found out.  - Freya commanded, guiding the family to follow her to the study room. 

The room was dark, as they entered and approach the table Freya showed them. It had some runes symbols written in blood on a old manuscript, a dead white bird, some herbs and a pendulum spinning fast over a bowl on fire. The air around was thick, heavy, with a slight purple mist around them.  

- Since this whole thing started I've been searching for a way to overcome the hollow power, it had to have another way, she is not the biggest power in the universe. Freya pleaded. "So I had no choice but to reach the Old Gods, from motherland, where our family comes from"

- Norway? - Elijah whispered, lifting his eyes from the runes to meet Freya's, who slowly nodded. She closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath before opening them again.

- Odin heard my prayer but the spell hasn't been fully revealed yet. For now I can suppress the hollow effects in Klaus, but until the full moon we must find The Undead whose sunlight cannot harm. 

- A vampire that doesn't burn in the sun? With no magic, no ring? Kol bawled in disbelief, crossing his arms against his chest - That should be easy - he taunted ironically.

- It doesn't matter, we will find it - Rebekah assured, touching Marcel's shoulder - Can you ask your people to track it and bring it to us?

I'm on it, I'm gonna make some calls and my guys will bring it to us. - Marcel stated, picking up his phone and walking out of the room - Dead or alive, or it doesn't matter?

- ALIVE - Freya's voice sounded louder than she expected - Please, we still don't know what we will need to do next, for now, you can go rest. Klaus you stay, I need to make the ritual to hold the hollow until the next full moon.

___________________________________________________________

As the days passed, the Mikaleson's basically turned the whole vampire world upside down, reaching all the possible sources in order to find this so-called "sunlight proof vampire", but they were running out of time and all they had was a whole bunch of nothing. 

Okay, not nothing. They knew there was a woman, but nothing sounded like the real deal, more like gossip if much.

Elijah, Klaus and Hope were at the study room, digging deep into all they could find.

- Alright, I managed to filter all we have, names, places, stories and got into 3 possible names. - Hope shared with them, without taking her eyes out of her laptop screen. - Natalya Fyodorova, a ballerina from Bolshoi ballet, last seen circa 1970, in Moscow. Sister Ionescu, the oldest register, seen in Romania in the beginning of 20th century and - she folded her index fingers quoting- the most "recently" - we got Minna Murray, 2007, UK. No job, no city info, just a name.

Klaus paced side by side in the room, placing his hands on his hips, looking down as he was hearing his daughter.

- Most likely it's the same person - he paused - But how do we find this bloody woman? It's not possible that nobody knows her whereabouts!!  - Klaus exploded while pouring himself a glass of bourbon 

Elijah placed his papers down on the desk, paying attention to the names Hope said. His eyes wandered away, frowning his eyebrows.  - Niklaus... weren't we in Moscow in 72?

But before Klaus could answer, Freya stormed into the room.

 - We have visitors, they found something.

[aurumacadicus]

Unfortunately, Pepper and Tony have been in each other's lives long enough to rub off on each other.

--

Steve didn't think that Tony and Pepper should be looking so morose after Natasha had helpfully pulled Pepper's shirt back down. Everyone was being very polite about having gotten an eyeful of Pepper's lacy red bra after her undershirt had gotten caught in the sweater she was taking off. Sometimes embarrassing things happened! They'd all forget about it in a few days. A few hours, maybe, for some of them.

"I don't understand," Steve heard Tony moaning, which seemed very strange, considering he had been blathering on about the clinging power of fabric as Pepper blinked, stunned, while Natasha walked away. "It's the Red Bra of Justice. Natasha should have been knocked out instantly."

"HUH," Steve bellowed, spinning on his heel. He didn't even try to pretend he hadn't been listening.

Tony and Pepper blinked at him, stunned. Finally, Tony put his hands on his hips, shoulders straight as he earnestly answered, "The bra. Natasha should have been overcome with lust and finally ask Pepper out."

"HUH," Steve bellowed again, and only then did Pepper start to blush, mortification flooding over her face. "WAS THAT A NORMAL THOUGHT FOR YOU."

"...Sexy and helpless has always worked before," Tony offered helplessly.

Steve didn't know what to do in response. No words came. A lot of feelings did, though. He let out what Clint had once called "an emotional outlet of speechlessness not unlike a pterodactyl screech."

"Oh my god I can't believe I flashed the whole team trying to get Natasha to ask me out," Pepper gasped, burying her face in her hands. "Why did that seem like a good idea. Tony, I'm resigning immediately and moving to Alaska."

"I will get plastic surgery and disappear forever if you make me CEO again," Tony said, in a way that made it clear he meant it. "Also it worked on me, and I'm not even a spy who makes a living reading emotions." He eyed Pepper skeptically. "Maybe red is just too much my color. We should put you in black. More lace, too. This time we'll manufacture a more intimate setting. Natasha will definitely jump your bones then."

Steve's brain finally caught up with him. "This was all to get Natasha to ask Pepper out?"

"Well she hasn't picked up on any of our other hints!" Tony snapped, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm dying here, Steve. Pepper's bad at asking people out."

"SO ARE YOU," Steve bellowed furiously.

Tony gasped, offended. "Excuse me? I asked Pepper out all the time. I got her a martini with seven olives."

Pepper swiveled to stare up at him, aghast. "You thought getting me a martini with seven olives was asking me out?"

"You only asked for five," Tony explained, offense fading to confusion. "I was proving I could go above and beyond."

Tony had once come up with a dozen new flavors of Super Serum-specific protein smoothie when Steve had just asked for one. Steve let out another screech. Had that also been flirting?! He was going to throw Natasha off the roof. She'd said Tony was just friendly. Then again, Pepper had been (badly) trying to seduce her and she hadn't noticed, so.

"JARVIS, tell Natasha to meet me on the roof," Steve said, turning to head for the elevator. Maybe he'd cool down by the time he got there. Maybe he'd actually try to chuck her. In any case, he was going to have words. He'd been pining for Tony for months and apparently he'd been giving off fuck-me vibes in his own special, Tony Stark way, and neither of them had noticed.

Worst case scenario, he could always throw himself off the roof, too.

[mcflymemes]

ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT PROMPTS *  assorted inspiring dialogue, adjust as necessary

you cannot live your life to please others. the choice must be yours.

you're doing your best. that's all i can ask.

today is a new day.

you are more than enough.

everything's going to be all right.

take your time with this. it's okay.

i can help you with that!

you make me smile.

did you do that all by yourself?

i'm so proud of you!

don't give up now.

you deserve respect.

you can do anything.

i know this is difficult right now, but you can get through it.

you have faced tougher moments than this.

you're in my thoughts today.

be strong.

i'm sorry this is happening to you. i'm here for you.

i hope today is a good one.

this is tough, but you're tougher.

it's what you do right now that makes a difference.

i know you can do this.

don't quit! you're almost there!

if you fall down, you have to get back up again.

our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.

if we didn't do what we loved, we wouldn't exist.

no matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.

if you give up now, you'll never forgive yourself.

you're more than that.

this is a big step in the right direction.

when you decide to be something, you can be it.

you're stronger than you think.

i believed in you from day one.

i've seen greatness in you.

you're unlike anyone i've ever met.

you make me speechless.

i didn't know you could do that.

if you need a hand, i'm here.

reach for me. i've got you.

you make me want to be a better person.

you don't have to go through this alone.

stay right there. i'll be over in a minute. i'll help.

stop overthinking this. you can do it.

it's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.

some people can't believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first.

thank you for staying with me.

i believe in you.

you deserve a good day.

everyone here believes in you.

you'll get it next time.

you're absolutely incredible.

do you need me to be there for you?

i'll stay right here. i won't leave your side.

you're an absolutely incredible person.

i'm glad you're still here.

without you, i don't know what i'd do.

keep pushing!

you can overcome anything.

i appreciate your help with that.

[lloydfrontera]

i'm about to be a bitch about alloyd so like. skip ahead if you're not into that ig.

the thing thats grinds me the most about alloyd is that,, we've seen lloyd plan out living the rest of his life at someone's side. we've seen him actively wish to spend the rest of eternity with someone. we've seen him think what sounds suspiciously like marriage vows about someone.

i am not joking or exaggerating here are the quotes:

That’s why, you bastard. I’m going to take care of you until the very end. Once I, your wise and older friend, solve the restoration of destiny problem, you’re going to enjoy the rest of your life by my side in peace. [...] He smiled at Javier and thought to himself. You’re my only friend, Javier. I couldn’t have overcome all the obstacles in front of me without your help. So, my trustworthy and reliable comrade, stick with me until I become a lazy lord and you become my personal guard. I hope we will be able to grow old together… -ch 327

Lloyd felt reassured by Javier's presence as he gazed at him. He could not have gotten this far without the knight. Therefore, he did not want to lose Javier and hoped they would keep bickering with each other for eternity. -ch 361

He thought he'd always be with Javier for the rest of his life. Just like now, he thought they'd spend all their time together moving forward. And like they always did, they'd be by each other's side during hard times. Happy moments. Relaxed days. They'd share all these moments as they exchanged insults and corny jokes, growing old as a lazy lord of a fiefdom and his knight. Lloyd always thought so. The thought just came naturally, without much effort from him, much like breathing. Lloyd believed that Javier would always remain by his side as that was how it had been until now. -ch 222

and at no point in any of those occasions has he ever sounded remotely afraid, threatened or uncomfortable with the idea.

so how come he is all of that when it comes to the idea of marrying what is supposed to be his canon love interest? like???

This is bad. Really bad. Terrible feelings struck his gut. Lloyd's lifelong wish was to find a rather ordinary woman to fall in love with, before getting married and having kids with her to lead an unremarkable family life. This was the extent of the luxury he had always dreamed of, not the frantic romance with the mightiest queen in the entire continent. I can see and feel it. I can sense it. This isn't good. Lloyd could see himself in the queen's pockets, like a scaredy cat in the presence of a ferocious lioness. -ch 390

Lloyd became speechless, even though he desperately wanted to call it an absolute abuse of power, tyranny, and dictatorship. But I'm kind of excited and glad... except what kind of marriage proposal is this threatening...?! But Lloyd couldn't bring it out in words, as his queen had already taken him by his hand. It was rough, yet warm. He could feel every heartbeat that was clearly pounding faster than usual. Ugh. There goes my dream of ordinary living. Lloyd quickly wiped off the tear that was about to fall from his eyes at the thought of the frightening romance. -ch 393

does this sound like someone in love???? like?? genuinely?? is this really what the main character should feel about his love interest???

i'm not even saying that the way lloyd feels about javier is inherently romantic, him feeling perfectly comfortable and hopeful about spending the rest of their life together is perfectly explicable by their close friendship.

but why make your protagonist sound so terrified of the idea of marrying what is supposed to be the love of his life?? when you never did that when writing about his other close relationship??

it's just. it's frustrating. to me lmao

[ambers-archive]

Gold Rush

In which Spencer Reid believes meeting you could only be explained by something bigger under the works. pairing: spencer reid x fem!eader

From the moment he met you Spencer just knew. He was suddenly overcome with a deep certainty that transcended his skepticism about love at first sight. For him, it was more than just a fleeting moment; it was an incandescent passionate resonance that developed when he first saw you. Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin can only explain so much of his feelings. 

He can't sleep on plane ride, looking at the sunset as the clouds fold onto each other he finds himself reminiscing about you. 

There was much said, yet so much unsaid. 

"Do you believe in fate?" you had asked, looking up at him. 

Just breathing and staring into each other's eyes, you two were curled up together in bed. Spencer likes making eye contact with you, even though he's never been good at it. Furthermore, he doesn't even enjoy shaking hands, so he's not sure how on earth he's managed to intertwine himself with you.

Spencer chuckled skeptically, "Fate? I'm inclined to attribute this meeting to statistical probability and our friends' matchmaking skills." 

You smiled back at him, his skepticism didn't seem to bother you, instead you seemed to intertwine your emotions so easily with your beliefs. 

He studies you and realizes you don't mind your different perspectives. "People just need something to anchor them Doctor Reid."

He's come to the realization that he needed more of what you called him, Doctor Reid.

You continue, "Since there is so much evil in the world, I find myself wanting to cling to something greater. I'm sure you see a lot of incomprehensible things."  

He pauses for a second then says

"Randomness exists because it is impossible to foresee anything with 100% accuracy, at least not in the way we see the world. Yes, although there is randomness at the level of human cognition. I don't think there is any kind of "mover" or "fate." Have you heard of the theory absurdism? It's the idea held by philosophers that there is no purpose or reason in the universe. It claims that people go into conflict with the outside world when they search for significance."

You smile at him again, the same shy smile that has been making Spencer weak all day. 

“I get what you mean, but I like to believe that the universe has a purpose for me. It's as though every moment unfolds with meaning. But, recently, I've found that it’s boring to attribute everything to fate. There's a certain beauty in meeting someone and deliberately choosing them with all your intention."

This time Spencer smiles back at you, it doesn't miss him that you don't interrupt his ramblings. You're so easy to talk to he thinks. He can just get lost in your conversations. 

He pushes a piece of hair out of your face “Would you say our meeting was fate?"

You paused for a second. 

Spencer can't seem to read you as much, but he can infer that you didn't know, he smiles to himself as you're the one speechless this time.  

Spencer likes to think the universe is devoid of meaning he doesn't give much thought to the meaning behind things, but after meeting you he finds himself questioning things. 

Despite the strangeness you feel familiar to him, and your perfume still lingers in his car on the way home. He's racking his brain trying to remember what your laugh sounds like.

He likes to be in the present, but with you, you linger like a tattoo kiss. He closes his eyes and there you are again with your smile. 

The lines between fate and reason began to melt in his head, as there are very few moments he's found himself dumbfounded by the nature of things.

[hoonieyun]

Do you still write for Riize? Can you write a Riize as love through song lyrics?

thank you for this request ohmygosh i was putting this off because i was waiting until i got back home but with seunghan coming back i needed to write it nowwww also sorry its fairly short

warnings: not really but as always 18+

copyright 2024 - present © hoonieyun all rights reserved

all writing here is fiction & not in any association with characters mentioned.

all credits go to the songwriters and owners of the songs used.

shotaro:

bending my rules - flo

00:23 —●───── 03:44

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"i’ve been fiending for you, yeah i’m talking about you. but i’m nervous, i don’t do this with just anyone, but you’re bending my rules. cause i'm nervous. so, so nervous. i don’t want nobody, nobody like i want you."

when you’re afraid to fall in love or scared to try something new, shotaro is the type to be there every step of the way and to help you unlearn and overcome your fears. making you bend your rules so that you can feel the love you deserve. 

eunseok:

a new kind of love - frou frou, imogen heap, guy sigsworth

01:49 —●───── 04:19

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"are you falling in love? i’ve a feeling you are. are you falling in love with a feeling? are you falling in love or only feeling you are? cause if you’re falling in love, let me feel it. "

eunseok, one to keep to himself and not one for big grand gestures. he shows his love through emotional connection, all he needs is you by his side and even though at first you weren’t sure, he will let you know that he loves you. 

sungchan: 

motive - ariana grande

00:06 —●───── 02:47

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"tell me why i get this feeling, that you really wanna turn me on. tell me why i get this feeling, that you really wanna make me yours. "

his love feels like fire. sungchan is the type of love that feels like a cat and mouse game, a push and pull, and playing hard to get and teasing him only makes his love grow fonder. you love that he wants you and he loves how much you love it. 

wonbin:

celine - gallant

01:21 —●───── 03:25

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"i usually say what i want, but in this particular moment my mouth can’t find the words to say i love you like i do. and i’ll admit, i’ve tried so hard to quit you once or twice. yeah, i’ll admit. i couldn’t quit you even if i tried, baby. "

wonbin will leave you speechless in a way that leaves you wanting more. his love will have you questioning if you deserve all the good things he’s given you but he will make sure that you know how much you deserve it and that he has so much more to give. 

seunghan:

obsessed - thủy

00:48 —●───── 03:05

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"you know why i’m so obsessed with you, cause when i’m next to you i’m at my best with you. in my eyes, boy, you can do no wrong. hear your voice, it’s like my favorite song."

you’re obsession and love towards seunghan will sometimes make you feel like it’s not right, but seunghan will comfort you and let you know that his feelings are mutual, maybe even more intense. the two of you are so obsessed with each other that being apart for a little amount of time feels like eternity. (we’re so happy you’re back seunghan!!!!)

sohee:

headaches - raveena

00:00 —●───── 05:11

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"i wasn’t in the mood for love but you’re quite funny. i see that you want me, i guess i could do this. it was kinda like a summer love, oj and soda. so sweet it could kill ya."

the type of love that feels like a warm hug, like the sun is shining onto your skin. he comes at the most inopportune time but shows you that you deserve to be loved even if you may not think so. a love so sweet that it’s tooth rotting but he’ll make sure to care for you no matter what.

anton:

i want you around - snoh alegra

00:28 —●───── 03:32

⇆ㅤ ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ↻

"we can get away. palm trees, beach views, ordinary days. all i wanna hear is innervisions on replay and sit right next to you, you. i try not to show how i feel about you, thinking we should wait, but we don’t really want to. i just wanna get away and sit right next to you, you."

proximity and time. anton loves in a way that feels like the two of you are tied together with the red string of fate. pulling towards each other no matter where you are. a love that feels like you’re always by each other’s side. so patient and so loving.

[lowkeyren]

Hii I hope I'm not intruding, but I was overcome with the urge to rant after I read your alhaitham childhood sweetheart fic. Truly amazing piece of work. Genuinely, my jaw is hanging. I had to clutch my heart in fear it would grow legs and leap out of my chest. Was absolutely swooning.

Anyways. I just wanted to say how Fanfiction is one of the best things to ever exist in this world. It has the potential to ruin and destroy but also heal and fulfill. And I can't appreciate artists enough in this regard because they bring to life, life. If that makes sense. They color a black and white world. They fill the heart with so much imagination and instill so much hope. Love exists because of their creative liberty. And the way writers incorporate all these seemingly minor details to a character just builds them in a light we either yearn for or relate to. I'm rambling this off to you solely because of how much I love alhaitham and how much your fic truly brought me to life. It was insanely well written in my eyes. I loved alhaithams portrayal. I loved the idea.

You captured it so well that i could taste the sweetness of a sweet on my tongue. Oooh and that little moment with alhaitham, cyno, nari and kaveh left me grinning so hard. LIKE I LOVE THE DIALOGUE. nothing too wow or dramatic but it fits and flows o well together with the characters and the story. oh lord and when alhaitham meets us at the end. I'm in love with the way he loves us. [without waiting for an answer, you decide to indulge him, linking your pinky with his. as your thumbs briefly touch, you catch the look in his eyes —serious, yet with a softness that makes your heart skip. “a promise that i’ll be by your side as long as sugar tastes sweet,” he says, his voice low and sincere.] This needs to be framed and hung on my wall. AS LONG AS SUGAR TASTES SWEET? GET OUT OF HERE. adorable. Heart twisting, gut wrenching. I'm rolling on the dirt floor crying. And then u have him say ["so come back with me"]

I'm in a romantic mood. I'll go cry about this. Not getting over it ever. You're amazing. Thank you

YOU😭🥺💧Eu💧💧E E😭😭 E EUE🥺🥺😭UUUUE😭🥺💧🥺😭 ue 💧ee😭🥺💧ue 🥺e e e😭e💧🥺😭Uueuuue💧💧you😭🥺ee e🥺🥺😭eUEE 💧🥺💧EEE 💧💧😭U E 🥺😭EE H💧🥺😭E EUU💧🥺😭yo u🥺💧😭EUEH🥺😭💧💧ue e😭😭eeeeee💧💧💧uu🥺😭 euuuee😭🥺YOUUU🥺😭💧

HEYA NO URE NOT INTRUDING AT ALL!!!! u actually made my made my whole week. no joke :') TYSM FOR READING THE FIC IM SO GLAD PPL LIKED IT AHHHHHH

your ask legit left me speechless for like 3 days straight. to hear that my fic had that kind of impact on you, esp on alhaitham's characterization, is beyond rewarding. genuinely, thank you for taking the time to share your comments with me —it seriously means the world to me!!!! (GOD URE SO SWEET URE SO SWEET URE SO S— cavities.)

AND YOU LOVING THE DIALOGUE? THANK YOU, I STRUGGLED WITH THAT SO MUCH ARRUGHHH (cus i was like dang this is such a perfect chance to include a 4ggravate scene but i was so worried i wld mischaracterize them LMAO)

dw i lowkey giggled at alhaitham's last few lines too (so come back w me / as long as sugar tastes sweet) i tried out other lines, but i ended up sticking with these ones because it felt the most impactful to me SO IM THRILLED TO HEAR THAT OTHERS THINK SO TOO (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

you, you're amazing, dear reader. thank you for your kind words, you lovely wonderful sweet soul <3

[cheynovak]

Echoes and Shadows - Part 10  

Soldier Boy x F/Reader Y/N              

Warnings: sexual tension, anger/angst, hurt,  jealousy, ...

Words: 2340    

*Does not follow the boys storyline * 

--  

In the 1950, Soldier Boy had to train a train a young girl supe named Y/N, she had a "nice girl next door" persona. Soldier Boy hated it at first, until they started to work together, he seemed to start to like this kid.      

But will they overcome all the secrets and pain they had collected over the years?  

-- 

Y/N still felt the weight of the fight with Ben hanging over her. The tension between them had made it difficult to focus, which made her on edge every day. She found herself in a conversation with Homelander, trying to distract herself from the turmoil inside. 

Homelander's need for attention didn't help her mood, but at least it gave her something else to think about for a moment. Ben spotted them in the conference room, his eyes narrowing with concern.  

Y/N looked exhausted, and he wondered if she had slept as poorly as he had since their fight a couple of weeks ago. When Homelander finally walked out, giving Ben a nod, Ben took a deep breath and walked into the room. 

Y/N noticed him immediately but turned to look out the window, her back stiff with tension. The city sprawled out below her, but her mind was miles away, tangled in thoughts of their argument and the unresolved feelings between them.  

"Are you going to keep ignoring me?" Ben asked, his voice quiet but firm. Y/N didn't respond, her silence cutting through the room like a knife. She kept her gaze fixed on the cityscape, her hands clenched at her sides.  

Ben sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I know things got out of hand. I said things I shouldn't have, we need to talk about this." Still, she remained silent, her shoulders tense.  

Ben continued, his voice softening. "I can't stand this... distance between us. But I'm not sorry for caring for you. We were partners long before any of this complicated stuff got in the way. "  

She finally turned to face him, her eyes filled with a mix of anger, hurt," Complicated stuff? Do you mean my kid or your fucking jealousy toward a dead man!" He took a step closer, his gaze steady.  

"Your kid? He is a grown ass man! You didn’t even rais...” But Ben knew he had to keep his mouth shut, taking a deep breath before he continued. “Listen you said some fucked up thing too." Y/N sighed, some of the fight leaving her.  

"It's not just about the things you said, Ben. It's about everything. The way you see me, the way I see you. It's all fucked up." She looked down, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt.  

"I realised I was nothing but a game to you." she said quietly before turning and leaving Ben standing alone in the room. He watched her go, a sinking feeling in his chest. He knew he had to make things right, but it seemed he had dug himself into a deeper hole than he realized.  

Later that night, they had to attend a high-end event introducing the new team, The new Seven. Y/N had promised John that she would be there. Despite the turmoil inside her, she decided to put on her most beautiful dress for the red carpet.  

The event was important for him, and she wouldn't let her personal issues overshadow her commitment to her family. As she walked toward the car, she was the last to arrive. Ben, A-Train, and The Deep were already there, waiting.  

When they saw her, their reactions were blown away. She was breathtaking. Y/N wore a stunning, floor-length gown that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress shimmered under the lights, accentuating her every move.  

Her hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup highlighted her natural beauty, with a touch of boldness in her eyes and lips. A-Train was the first to find his voice. "Damn, Y/N. You look incredible."  

The Deep nodded in agreement, his eyes wide. "Yeah, seriously. You’re hot!" Ben, however didn’t say a thing, speechless. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her and for a moment, he forgot everything else.  

The fight, the harsh words, all of it faded as he took in the sight of her. Y/N caught his gaze and held it for a moment before looking away, her expression unreadable. She walked past them and got into the car, her confidence a stark contrast to the vulnerability she had shown earlier.  

Ben snapped out of his daze and followed her, his mind racing. He knew he had to fix things between them, but tonight wasn’t the right time for that conversation. The ride to the event was filled with a charged silence.  

The others chatted excitedly about the night ahead, but Ben and Y/N remained quiet, the tension between them palpable. When they arrived at the venue, the red carpet was a sea of flashing lights and eager reporters.  

As they stepped out of the car, the cameras immediately turned to Homelander as he landed with Ryan by his side. Y/N's face lit up with a proud smile at the sight of them, a warmth in her expression that Ben couldn't help but notice.  

He felt a pang of jealousy and regret but quickly pushed it aside. He wanted to offer her his arm to walk onto the carpet, but before he could, Black Noir stepped in.  

"Will you do me the honour?" Noir whispered, his tone gentle. Y/N's face softened as she gladly took Noir's arm. They posed for the cameras, looking every bit the elegant pair. Ben watched them, a mix of emotions swirling inside him.  

Homelander noticed Y/N posing with Noir and decided to intervene. He called out, "Soldier Boy! Come over here." Ben approached Homelander, who greeted him with a firm handshake and a smile for the cameras.  

"Everyone, Soldier Boy, my father and the new co-captain of The Seven!" Homelander announced, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd. Y/N looked over at them, Ben chose to listen to her advise.

She had told him to leave his suit and go for the velvet green jacket and turtleneck the designers made for him weeks ago, right before their fight he had a fitting, mumbling how it was hot and uncomfortable. 

But boy oh boy did he look good. Then she saw John leaning in and whisper something in Ben's ear. 

Homelander then called out to her, "Y/N, could you join us for a moment?" She looked up, slightly surprised but complied, gently releasing Noir's arm. As she walked over, the photographers' flashes intensified, capturing every moment. "Let’s take a family picture," Homelander said, his voice warm but authoritative.  

Y/N stepped into the frame, standing between Homelander and Ben. Ryan stood in front of them, looking both excited and a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. The cameras loved it. The flashes went off in rapid succession, capturing the perfect image of a powerful, united team.  

They all smiled for the cameras, the perfect picture of unity and strength. As the photographers continued to snap away, reporters yelling for pictures with just Ben and Y/N, 'the original heroes.'  Homelander moved away but didn't seem to like the shared attention.

Ben's hand moved from her back over her ass back up to hold her hip, pulling her harshly closer. Her hand landed on his chest to steady herself, and she whispered through a forced smile, "Enjoy it, this is the last time you ever lay a hand on me."  

Ben leaned in, his voice low and teasing. "Don't be like that, we both know you won't be able to stay away forever. You love my hands over your naked body... before you know it you walk in the room with nothing but a towel asking me to fuck you."  

She looked in shock up at his face, her eyes wide and hurt. “That’s not what happ...” But before she could finish her sentence, he seized the moment, Ben leaned down and pressed his forcefully against her lips, while his hand held the back of her neck, capturing her in a sudden, intense kiss.  

The cameras went wild, flashes blinding them both as the photographers captured the unexpected moment. Y/N's initial shock gave way to a flurry of emotions—anger, confusion, and a surge of something she couldn’t quite name.  

For a split second, she felt herself responding to the kiss, her body betraying her while Ben’s fingers kneaded her flesh, knowing it would leave a mark the next day. But the reality of their situation crashed down on her, and she pushed him away softly.  

Tears filled her eyes while she tried to pose for the camera, she felt Ben’s warm breath against her neck. “I don’t care what you do or how pissed you are at me. You’re still mine, kid.” He whispered, the nickname shot a thrill through her body. She turned her back towards the photographers and pulled Ben closer by his neck.  

She bit his lower lip while she hissed. “You just proved you’re the asshole I thought you were.” She turned and walked inside, but Ben followed closely, his footsteps heavy with determination. "Don't act like you didn't feel anything," he said, pushing her into a corner. 

Y/N’s eyes narrowed, her anger giving her strength. "How dare you," she hissed, her voice low but filled with venom. "You have no right to make me feel this bad! Hell, you don't get to decide how I feel, period!" she snapped, her voice sharp.  

"And you certainly don’t get to kiss me like that without my consent." Ben's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "You think you can just walk away from this? From us? Posing with fucking Noir?" His voice was a mix of frustration and something deeper, something vulnerable that he barely acknowledged himself. 

She met his gaze head-on, her resolve unwavering. "There is no 'us,' Ben" Before he could respond, Homelander appeared, his presence commanding as always. "Is everything alright here?" he asked, his sharp eyes flicking between Y/N and Ben.  

Y/N nodded, her composure quickly returning. "Yes, everything's fine," she replied, though the tension in the air was palpable. Homelander turned his attention to Ben. "I need you for the conference. They're waiting." Ben looked at Y/N one last time, a silent promise in his eyes.  

He then stepped back, nodding to Homelander. Ryan had seen the entire exchange from a distance. With a mixture of concern and determination on his young face, he walked up to Y/N, his eyes filled with innocence and understanding. "Do you want to come to the buffet with me?" he asked, his voice gentle.  

A soft smile appeared on Y/N's face. She nodded, grateful for the distraction and the kindness. "Sure, Ryan. That sounds nice." They grabbed plates from the buffet, piling them high with a variety of delicious foods, and then slipped away from the bustling crowd, heading up to the rooftop.  

The cool night air was a welcome relief, and the city lights sparkled below them, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere. They found a quiet spot and sat down, enjoying their food in comfortable silence. After a while, Ryan looked at her with his big, earnest eyes.  

"I want to see you happy." She looked at him, her heart swelling with affection. "Thank you, Honey. That means a lot to me." Ryan hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I know things are tough with Ben. But I can tell he cares about you. I just want you both to be okay."  

Y/N sighed, looking out over the city. "I want that too, Ryan. It's just...complicated." He nodded, his expression wise beyond his years. "Sometimes grown-ups make things too complicated." She reached out and ruffled his hair, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "You're too smart for your own good. But I'm proud of you."  

Out of nowhere, Butcher appeared on the rooftop, his rugged demeanour and piercing gaze immediately catching Y/N's attention. She was shocked by his sudden presence, but before she could react, Ryan ran up to him, throwing his arms around Butcher in a tight hug.  

"Mind if I join, love?" Butcher asked, his tone surprisingly gentle. Y/N nodded slowly, still processing his sudden appearance. Butcher looked down at Ryan and gently patted his shoulder. "Give us a minute, mate." Ryan hesitated, glancing between Y/N and Butcher, but then nodded and stepped back, giving them space. 

Y/N folded her arms, her stance defensive. "What do you want, Butcher?" He took a deep breath, his expression turning grim. "I want Ryan. He’s not safe here. You need to know the truth about Homelander and how he became his father."  

Butcher laid out the whole story, sparing no details. He spoke about Becca, Homelander's heinous actions, and the tragic outcome. Y/N listened in stunned silence, her emotions a whirlwind of disbelief, horror, and confusion.  

When Butcher finished, she shook her head, trying to process everything. "I had no idea... " Butcher's eyes were intense, filled with a mix of anger and determination. "That's why I need your help to get Ryan out of here. To keep him safe from that monster."  

Y/N stood up abruptly, her emotions boiling over. "You need to leave, Butcher. Now." Butcher frowned, taking a step closer. "Y/N, you don't understand. Ryan's in danger as long as he's with Homelander. He needs to be with people who can protect him."  

She shook her head, her voice trembling with anger and fear. "I get that you're trying to protect him, but you're asking me to betray my own son." Butcher's eyes softened, and he stepped even closer, lowering his voice. "No, love. I'm asking you to protect your grandson." Y/N froze, the weight of his words sinking in. 

“Let me, just... I don’t know think about it.” Butcher nodded, “You have my number love, Call me when you agree.” Butcher walked passed her, shoulders almost touching. Y/N turned around “Wait!” Butcher looked up. “D-does Ben know?”  

Butcher sighed and gave a short nod. Tears formed in her eyes, realising that is why Ben acts so strange around John. With teary eyes she shakes her head.  

“Thank you, Billy.”  

------

Please like, share or comment when you liked the story. If you liked this, please check out my masterlist for other stories.

Tag list:-> If you want to be added let me know what you like to read! If anyone feels like you're tagged too much, also let me know please. :)

@suckitands33 @mostlymarvelgirl @globetrotter28 @jackles010378 @hobby27

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@cevansbaby-dove @n-o-p-e-never @demodemo909

[coco-santos]

I Do

The day has finally arrived the day Y/N and Rúben would be finally unite as one they will become Mr and Mrs Dias.

For Y/N she was excited a little bit nervous but she knew all those nerves would go away when she sees the love of her life by the altar . She's happy to be surrounded by her close friends as she got ready for the big day. Her makeup was done she just had to put on her gorgeous dress. "I just want to say a few words " Y/N sister who is also her maid of honour started. "Today is a very special day for a very special person and I know you dreamt of this day for almost most of your life I remember when we were little we use to make mood boards of our dream weddings and after I got married I never thought it would happen for Y/N because she was the true definition of a Bachelorette that was untill she met Rúben and he made her believe in true love and the rest is history now we here today trying to get you to the alter .... I'm gonna make a toast to Y/N and Rúben " she ended as everyone made the toast. Y/N finally got in her dress and the dress hugged every curve on her body the right way . Tears was threatening to come out . "No no don't cry we don't want to ruin your make-up "her best friend said. She gave them all a hug and thanked them for being here to share this special day with her .

Rúben was busy fixing his 4 year olds bow tie then his son Rauw asked what's marriage. "Well Marriage is when two people love each other very very much and they want to be together forever it's not just that but they bring two families together"Rúben tried explaining to his son that's from a previous relationship but he had full custody of him because his mother just left one day. "So that means you love Y/N very very much" Rauw asked. "Yes that means I love Y/N to the moon and back more then words can describe little one"Rúben patted his shoulder.

Rúben couldn't wait to see Y/N he was counting down the seconds for her arrival. He stand in front of the altar with his best man John Stones and a few of his other friends. All the guests was seated and everything went quiet when the music started to play and Y/N arrived....Rúben was speechless...the dress was beautiful but Y/N was a million times more beautiful. Before handing Y/N over to Rúben Y/N dad shared some words with his almost son in law. "Please take care of her in all her days and if one day you don't feel the same towards her don't break her down , cheat on her or just leave her bring her back to me so we can kill you together " he said making Rúben chuckle "I don't see that ever happening you have nothing to worry about I'll take care of her I promise " he said. Y/N father then gave her of to Rúben. "Wow you look beautiful I can't believe you all mine "Rúben said crying a little. "Aww you crying I would have walked back if you didn't " Y/N made a joke making everyone laugh. "Well we can't have that happening " Rúben said. "Family and Friends today we are brought together to celebrate the love between Y/N and Rúben most of you have been witnessing the special bond they have and how happy they make eachother and today they are here to make there promise to eachother so let's here them make there vows" the pastor said. "Y/N the first time I saw you I knew you were the one for me and I thank God everyday for letting our paths cross because I truly don't know where I would have been now without you I just can't imagine my life without you and also the way you were ready to step in and take on a role as a mom for Rauw is amazing and we both love and adore you very much and I know marriage isn't all sun shine and roses but as long as we have our love for eachother we can overcome everything I love you and I'll never make you doubt it " Rúben said taking her hand and placing a kiss on it . "You gonna make me cry"Y/N said wiping her tears. "Well I'm truly blessed to be standing here Infront of everyone today with you and I won't make any promises because we know life is not easy but I'll try to be with you every step of the way ,on your sad days I'll listen to what you have to say and comfort you and also on your happy days I'll overwhelm your heart with joy Rúben since the day I met you I couldn't picture myself with anyone else I knew that it's you or no one the day you and Rauw became a part of my life I became the luckiest person alive and if we aren't together forever just love me till whenever because I don't know about you but I pinky promise I'll love you forever"Y/N said connecting her pinky with his . "Can we have the rings " the pastor said. Rauw walked up giving the rings "Y/N I just want to say that I'm very happy to have a mommy like you and I love you very much " Rauw said hugging your leg. "Aww Rauwi I love you too" you said. Then you guys repeated everything the pastor said and you placed the rings on each others fingers. "Well if anyone is against these two being together come forward or forever hold your piece" Ruben then made a joke of him having a gun by his waist and turned around to look at everyone... everyone laughed. "Well then I'm not holding you guys back Rúben Dias and Y/N Y/L/N I now pronounce you husband and wife you maybe kiss the bride " And Rúben didn't waist any time to kiss Y/N...

RubénDias

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Rubéndias Forever and ever @yourusername

Yourusername

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Yourusername Mr and Mrs Dias 💕

[shiut]

Waiting For Yuma Chapter 1 : Preview

Some english translation for the Rain Code novel, Waiting for Yuma. This is how many pages are provided in the trial reader preview, but it's still rather long, so I've put most of it under the cut.

I've also put it into an online document if you want to click here instead.

Chapter 01

The Silence of the Dolls

Morning arrives early for the trainee detective.

However, though belonging to the 【World Detective Organization】, he/she has not yet completed the training course. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. A piece of paper will never reach the moon unless it is folded forty-two times. There is much work to be done in order to become a 【Master Detective】.

Working hard to develop and refine special abilities. Acquiring basic detective skills. Sharpening a keen eye for detail. Not only that, but there are many other challenges to worry about too. I suppose you could say that the days have been filled with more hardship than joy. However, you can't call yourself a 【Master Detective】 if you can't overcome all of that. It might be a different story for people who have exceptional supernatural abilities. However, for those who don't, they must continue to keep improving in order to reach the stars.

For one such trainee, Yuka Kisaragi, this day ought to be a momentous milestone. Her efforts were recognized, and so she was allowed to accompany a real 【Master Detective】 to the crime scene. As soon as Yuka heard this, she hugged and danced with everyone she saw, which almost got her reported in the process. That’s to say, she was putting out more energy than usual for such an important day.

Or at least it should be...... no, could that be why?

Let's go over that one more time. 

Morning arrives early for a trainee detective.

That should be the case, but Yuka was in fact remarkably late.

***

"Why, why, why, why, why!?"

Yuka asked herself repeatedly as she roared down the street. Under the clear blue sky, she trampled across the well-maintained cobblestone pavement. Though, she didn't have to bother questioning herself when she already knew the cause of the problem a while ago. 

First of all, the toast was burnt. 

Secondly, the hair iron went missing.

Third, she forgot to cut the tag off her new coat that was bought for today.

That sums up why she was late today.

It was entirely a bed of her own making. But still, Yuka thought, there must be a reason for all this bad luck. It could be the alignment of the stars, or like the flow of fate, or something.

Could it be the influence of the 【Master Detective】 that I'm about to meet? 

It may be due to something like sound waves or telepathy caused by the person in question. Though, I'd rather those predictions to not be true. Yuka kept running, hoping at the very least that a kind person would be waiting for her. 

Then when she rounded a sharp corner —— she burst into a stylish cafe that had a strikingly chic dark-toned exterior wall. The interior was also uniformly monochrome, with bright light streaming through the large glass windows. The clientele had a somewhat intellectual and relaxed atmosphere. Yuka immediately felt nervous. She looked around as she listened to the classical music that was playing. The meeting place was at the far end of the window. Right, she repeatedly mouthed these words to herself while she walked over... she was suddenly rendered speechless.

Therein, was a beautiful person.

A hard leather sofa, and white painted wooden table. 

There sat a person dressed in gray. The way in which they tipped their coffee was picturesque. Their pale hair and glasses suited their sagacious profile and air of intelligence. 

While admiring the sight, Yuka had to wonder. There's an ambiguity to the person before her. Their gender is indiscernible. No matter how you look at it, it's impossible to tell if it's a he or she. They could pass as a beautiful man, or even as a ruggedly dignified woman perhaps. Yuka stared intently in order to ascertain the truth the best she could.

"......Three million"

"Eh-?"

What did they say? Yuka let out a dumb sound as she thought. Caught off-guard, she simply blinked. The beautiful person took another sip of coffee before her.

Gracefully setting down the cup, the other person continued.

"It's one hundred thousand per minute. My time is not cheap...... More importantly, you wasted precious time before the investigation as a 【trainee detective】, of course you're prepared to pay that much, right?"

Smoothly —— he, no, maybe she —— the 【Master Detective】 spoke. 

Confused, Yuka twisted her head like an owl. However, after a few seconds, she realized that what this 【Master Detective】 was referring to were 'late fees'. Yuka choked with a hissing noise. How ruthless. Is this person a demon? That's what her immediate thought was.

Flustered, Yuka tried to explain herself. He/she opened their mouth to interrupt.

"I'll have you know, burnt toast, a misplaced hair iron, and a coat tag are no excuse for being late."

"Huh-? How did you know?"

"Bread crumbs"

They pointed to Yuka's chest. If you look —— peeking out from a crimson coat ——was a cream-colored sweater dotted in black specks. Pointing at it, the 【Master Detective】 continued.

"It's a notably charred color. Also, although some of your hair is disheveled, only the ends are straightened out. A sign of a frantically used hair iron. Did you simply not spend enough time on it? No, it looks like you intended to use it properly, but were forced to use it in such an errant way. You could naturally assume that it's a result of stubbornly searching for the hair iron that consumed most of your time. Also, there are threads sticking out unnaturally from the collar of your coat. This could be the trace of a tag that was yanked out in a hurry. That's all."

He/she lifted their cup with a clink. And with that, they swallowed the pitch black liquid. The coolness of their profile showed no signs of even the faintest hint of bitterness.

Once again, Yuka looked down at herself. She was wearing a crimson coat that was bought specially for today, and paired with it was a cream sweater with a rounded collar plus a black skirt. On her feet, she wore leather shoes. Her shoulder-length amacha sweet tea colored hair was partially frizzy, though she still managed to take care of the ends.

And then there were the bread crumbs that were left sticking to her.

Yuka was taken aback by all the things they had pointed out.

But soon after, her face lit up.

As an aspiring detective, she's yearned for this kind of precise deduction skill.

"Tha-..... That's amazing! Just as expected of a 【Master Detective】!"

"Praising people so carelessly will result in brain rot."

"Ough-"

"Something like this is not even the ability of a 【Master Detective】. These are the most basic fundamentals that even an amateur should be able to do...... right from the start. To my knowledge, it's not standard for a detective to bring along bread crumbs to a crime scene now is it?"

"I-, I'm sorry."

Yuka patted off her sweater, and the black food particles were brushed from her cream-colored top. She moved her leather shoes to sweep the fallen crumbs to the edge of the wall.

She once again turned her attention to the person in front of her. They were still so young, but they certainly seem like a 【Master Detective】. Even though he/she says that even an amateur can do it, his/her observational skill is beyond that of an ordinary person.

Yuka was so excited. She bowed her head in greeting.

"Once again nice to meet you, I'm Yuka Kisaragi."

"Halara Nightmare"

Yuka acknowledged the name with a nod.

I was given very minimal information about the 【Master Detective】  I'd been scheduled to accompany today. The 'Jeweler Campanella Murder Case' that took place the other day at the only public casino in the area —— the genius who led to its solution was Halara. He/she was one of the shining stars in the sky. They're a detective for Yuka to look up to. 

Yuka stared at Halara with admiration. Without a response, Halara got up from their seat. Then, in one fluid motion, they handed a slip to Yuka who accepted it without a thought. 

Yuka’s head tilted as she found herself caught by a ruthless follow-up.

"Three million, plus the coffee bill. That is your payment."

"Huh-?"

"It'd be in your best interest to pay up before you forget."

"Wait, what, weren't you kidding before?"

"Does talking about a debt with someone you've just met sound like a joke according to your trite standards? That's quite nonsensical."

"Sure it's a strange joke to make but... even so, eh-?"

"Rest assured that you won't be charged any interest. Just make sure you've set up a payment plan."

Halara walked off, leaving a confused Yuka in their wake. Their back held a beautiful and dignified posture. However, it seemed like they had no intention of looking back. With the check in hand, Yuka felt her head spinning.

"Eh-...... Ehh-"

One thing is for certain.

Yuka has been haunted by bad luck ever since this morning.

But the worst part of all was, without a doubt, the presence of this detective.

As her head sank in disappointment, Yuka couldn't help but think.

Halara Nightmare must be some sort of demon.

***

"W-, Well then, let's change the mood shall we!"

"............"

"Halara-san please say something too!"

"Anything in particular?"

"...... I can't even think of anything I had in mind."

At any rate, the two arrived at the manor where the scene of the crime took place.

Diverting her attention from the debt of three million, Yuka looked up at the old-fashioned building.

The walls were constructed with dull red clay brick tiles and lines formed with white granite. Placed atop that was a massive black roof. The exterior was reminiscent of an antique dollhouse. Additionally, the property was encompassed by a magnificent rose garden. The vibrant dew-covered petals almost looked artificial. Everything was so breathtakingly beautiful that it looked like something straight out of a vintage masterpiece. 

Yuka couldn't help but let out a sigh of awe.

"How atmospheric~. Ah-, hey, please don't leave me behind!"

Halara had begun to walk off while I was immersed in the building's peculiar and chilling atmosphere.

Yuka rushed to follow behind their slender back. It was as if they were swimming in a sea of roses as they made their way along the path.

Eventually, the two arrived in front of an arched doorway.

Waiting there was a gentleman dressed in a brand-name suit. His eyes were amber. His hair black. His physique appeared portly. Twisting his magnificent mustache, he raised his booming voice.

"Hey there, Halara-san! I haven't seen you since the 'Jeweler Campanella Murder Case'! I'm glad you could make it! It was worth the trouble of going through the Unified Government to make a request with the 【World Detective Organization】!"

"...... As I suspected, this was no mere coincidence, but rather a request on your behalf, wasn't it?"

"Eh-, do you know each other!? And what's more...... through the Unified Government no less...... Could it be that he's that big of a deal?"

"Hahaha, oh, you could say the Unified Government tends to be a bit involved when it comes to matters of international trade. I can't get into any details, as much as I'd love to talk about it.  Anyways, when it comes to securing the food supply in this district it is I, Richard Thomson, who's your go-to guy! Also, what's there to hide between Halara-san and me? We've solved a case together after all!"

"H-...... He's a real talker."

Suddenly, Richard moved in closer. Feeling pushed by the pressure of his prattling words and moundish belly, Yuka took a step back. Meanwhile, Halara narrowed their eyes in displeasure. 

Gracefully, he/she crossed their arms. Letting out a small breath, Halara continued.

"If you'd mind refraining from distorting the facts. We did not solve it together. The case had indeed been solved....... however, it was all by my ability alone of course."

"Eh-, if that's the case, then what about Richard-san?"

"He was merely the first person to discover the incident. Rather than finding a solution, he challenged my theory based on his own faulty recollection, and thanks to this I had to explain  【Postcognition】 at the request of the police."

"【Postcognition】?"

Yuka found herself tilting her head. She was unfamiliar with the term.

In order to prevent further questions for the time being, Halara spoke up.

"It's my ability as a 【Master Detective】 ..... we'll be needing it for this crime scene as well. I'll discuss it later. So then...... since you're aware of these abilities, you should already understand right?"

"Yes, of course! I am fully knowledgeable about all of it! Just as expected of me. All pro~per preparations have been made accordingly, of course!"

Richard puffed out his chest. From a pocket on the inside of his coat, he pulled out a photograph and presented it to Halara. Yuka took a peek at the picture from behind him/her.

Similar to a portrait, the upper half of a lady was shown. She was a slender and petite woman. However, she had a firm and straight posture, staring at the camera with a steely gaze—— Strangely, her eyes seemed somewhat out of focus—— Her hair was tied up in a golden bun, and her eyes were a deep blue. She was beautiful, yet had a somehow frighteningly icy air about her. It was a perilous sheet of ice over a deep lake that could crack at any moment.

Nervously, Yuka asked.

"...... Is this?"

"The victim in this case. It's my wife. She was quite a cold woman. To be honest, our whole relationship was cold, but I never expected something like this. Whether I'm sad or not, I'm still not sure. I'll worry about that a bit later. Incidentally, I had a business meeting that day, so I have a flawless alibi, ahem. If you ask me, my wife would complain to the chef about the taste of the soup. It seems pretty suspicious to me, so I hope you'll be able to help me out here."

"H- he really is a chatty guy."

Yet again, Richard moved forward. Yuka slowly backed away. Halara took a long thorough look at the picture that they had received before returning it. Nodding, Richard opened the door.

"Here, go right on ahead. We'll go over the details on the way to the crime scene. Why, I couldn't even tell you how glad I am that you came, Halara-san. Ever since the 'Jeweler Campanella Murder Case' I just haven't been able to contain myself from telling my family all about your story, Halara-san. Hahaha. Ah-, as for a full-scale police investigation, I have all the power and resources needed to keep them out of it, so feel free to......"

"Eh-, why would you want to hold back the police?" Yuka voiced her surprise.

Rumor has it—— now was it Kanata Ward, or Kanaya Ward—— that some places have been under lockdown and the police haven't exactly been operating properly. However, places such as that are the exception. The legal organization should be operating in proper accordance here. But even so, is there any sense to purposefully suppressing them? In response to Yuka's question, Richard softly curved the flesh bordering his mouth. 

He spoke while displaying a clownish grin.

"Because, having a 【Master Detective】 solve it would be more fun, wouldn't it?"

There was a childishness in his eyes, 

and a warped sense of delight began to surface.

***

"...... Is that guy alright?"

It seemed that Richard had the intention of sticking around the crime scene. However, it appeared that there was a problem with his cargo ship, so he left while grumbling something about just getting started. 'Please don't solve the case until I return' he added, but I'm not really concerned about something like that. 

After making sure that he had gone down to the first floor, Yuka then went to inquire Halara.

Located on the second floor —— in front of his wife's bedroom, he/she answered with indifference.

"Probably not. However, as long as 【Master Detectives】 exist, so too will there be people who hold an excessive admiration for them, or even an addiction...... There’s no telling what type of bad precedent it could set if it were a person in power."

Yuka reflexively shifted her gaze downwards.

That admiration of 【Master Detectives】 is something she could understand. To some people, those who possess supernatural abilities and eliminate unsolved mysteries are like that of stars shining in the sky. There are some who may wish to bask in the radiance of that light up close. However, despite the murder of a family member, it was nothing short of abnormal to request a 【Master Detective】 while shutting down the possibility of a quick solution.

Yuka's skin crawled with disgust as she asked.

"Are you going to accept this request?"

"Five million."

"Eh?"

"It was mentioned to me a short while ago. This is the amount he said he had set as a reward for my success...... I have no obligation to help others, but I work sincerely according to the payment I receive...... That is my pride as a detective."

"So that’s the only reason."

"It's reason enough, among other things."

Yuka almost raised her voice. However, in response to this Halara spoke calmly. 

He/she emotionlessly included more reasons.

"The police have had no involvement in this case. Hence, the situation where the more time passes, the more evidence is lost...... Given the circumstances, there is no detective better suited for this case than me. Still, even if I decline this request, he would probably just vet another 【Master Detective】 to appoint anyway. It's a waste of time."

"Surely......"

"The quickest and most rational decision would be for me to continue with the investigation."

Yuka gave a deep nod. To reject a request based on emotion would also be an unethical decision. Once she came to an understanding, Halara then placed their hand on the door. 

Nevertheless, without pressing the matter further, she continued to ask questions.

"Then let's move on with the investigation. It'd be foolish for a 【Master Detective】 and trainee to continue to stand around talking to each other...... Before going any further, I'm sure you've already been properly briefed with a sufficient overview regarding the case thus far before arriving here, right? Mister Richard did speak rather quickly."

"If that's the case then please leave it to me! Uhh let's see now...."

Yuka twiddled her thumbs around in the air. 

She then began to explain the overview of the murder case as told by Mister Richard.

***

To recap, the story goes like this.

Mister Richard has a family of five—— however, his second born daughter is staying in a dormitory—— Therefore, at the time of the incident, there were seven people in the mansion: him, his wife, his eldest daughter and his eldest son, a cook, a maid, and a gardener.

It was there that Mister Richard's wife, Beatrice Thompson, was murdered. 

No one had seen her after she ate dinner and went to her room at 8 p.m.—— This has so far been confirmed by the initial police report —— The estimated time of death was between 9 and 10 o'clock p.m. The cause of death was stabbing. The murder weapon, a knife, was left lodged in her chest. There were no fingerprints. Also, a water pitcher—— which she loved to use when she went to bed —— was confirmed to have been laced with stolen sleeping pills. 

Because of this, it's been concluded that the crime must have been premeditated by an insider. 

The first to discover the scene were the gardener and the eldest daughter. The gardener would visit the victim every night at 10 o'clock to consult with her about remodeling the garden, and when she did not respond he then approached her eldest daughter —— Afterwards, both parties felt uneasy about there being no response, and so as a result of breaking down the door, the dead body was discovered —— This was at about half past 10 o'clock. Additionally, there were signs of intentional destruction within the room at the time. The eldest daughter then immediately called out to the eldest son, who was in the garden, and asked him to report the incident.

And then there's the key detail.

The room was a locked room.

"The crime scene was a closed room with both the windows and doors locked at the point which it was first discovered when the door was opened. Furthermore, the victim was leaning against the door, and there were no signs of it having been opened directly beforehand."

"Well done. Seems like nothing has been misremembered." Halara gave a brief nod, their pale hair swaying with the motion.

Naturally, Yuka puffed her chest proudly. She had also been honing her memory as a part of her training to become a 【Master Detective】. She also had a bit of a talent for picking up on fast-talkers, which was something she was prepared with at the very least.

Halara stared at the door with the knob still in hand. 

Gazing at the floral reliefs carved across its surface, he/she continued. 

"Wherever there's a locked room, there is an explanation behind it. It's the detective's job to uncover it."

Halara opened the door with a click.

Stepping through and, suddenly, looking to the side —— Yuka took a sharp breath.

***

It looked as though there were many girls standing there. 

Dolls were lined up in front of a mainly yellow floral-patterned wallpaper. 

The smallest one was a baby, while the largest figure looked to be around 10 years old. Everything looked to be things belonging to girls of various sizes. But oddly enough, there was also a strange sense of uniformity. 

Lovely beings clad in a luxurious and solemn aura. Their eyes were made of deep blue glass, and their heads were covered in gold thread. Their shrewd features somehow had an uncanny resemblance to the victim's wife. Moreover, there were other bizarre details as well.

All of their heads had been torn off. Some were set up to be holding dolls, while others were lying on the floor. Many of them were grouped together and placed against the wall.

It was as though the dolls had also been murdered.

"Wh-, what is this--. How disturbing...... So it was the dolls that they were referring to when they said some of the rooms showed signs of intentional destruction. But still, why is it like this?"

"......On the other side of the doll...... there is a fireplace to the right hand side when you enter through the door." 

Halara muttered under their breath as they covered their mouth. He/she stepped forward to approach the mantlepiece of the elegant fireplace. Halara crouched down to peer inside before looking up. 

Yuka followed their lead and crouched down beside them, copying their actions. Before them was a grimy chimney that extended from their field of view. The distant opening was tightly sealed with a fine mesh. She nodded with a hum. 

"It seems unlikely that the killer could have escaped by climbing up here."

"However, it doesn't seem irrelevant."

"Eh?"

"Look here, there are traces of soot on the floor."

Yuka lept back at the mention of it. That was a close one. She almost stepped on a piece of evidence. 

Seeing her panic, Halara adjusted their glasses. 

"I thought you were conscientiously avoiding it...... Seems I overestimated. Are you really so dense as to have not noticed?"

"Th-, that's not it! I noticed! Of course I noticed!" 

Despite her insistence, she of course did not notice. Halara's gaze was truly cold. 

Yuka was quick to redirect it by changing the subject.

"Uhmm, well...... Let's see, the victim was lying in front of the door, and the eldest daughter thought about the possibility that someone could have broken in, so she went to check the window...... but found that it was locked."

"So, she found the eldest son in the garden and called out to him...... I see, it is visible from here perhaps. There don't appear to be any contradictions evident in those facts themselves at the moment."

Halara and Yuka moved over to the window to look out over the garden. 

The rose garden could clearly be seen from the wife's bedroom window. Though it was now daytime, we confirmed that there was a haze from floodlights scattered about for illumination. That meant that the eldest son could have been seen without any problem even at night.

Touching the golden crescent lock, Halara nodded with a hum. 

"The locks on the windows are rather standard...... so I can't say for sure that there's no possibility of tampering. However, there are no scratches. I don't see any evidence of thread or any other such material being used."

Halara turned while muttering to themself. 

Once again, he/she looked over to the door the victim was leaning against.

"...... There isn't much blood. In other words, the criminal did not pull out the knife after dealing the blow."

"That is true, isn't it."

The two discussed their thoughts about the bloodstains on the carpet, though the body has already been removed. The crime scene was not preserved exactly as it was in its original state. The family must've had some sort of hand in it. At this point, there may be some things that an investigation won't be able to uncover.

Yuka spoke up without thinking. 

"Hmm, I guess there's nothing more to see here other than the information that's already been given so far. There's got to be things that we're missing. That's the problem with being a detective who's always asked to do things after the fact. Ahhh, if only we could see the crime scene right at the time of the body's discovery."

"You wish to see it?"

"Eh?"

"Who...... do you think I am?"

"Who?"

"I'm Halara Nightmare."

The phrase rolled off Halara's tongue in the most natural way. Yuka cocked her head. 

Well, I've already gone through introductions. Regardless of if it's impossible to tell whether they’re a man or a woman, there was no doubt that the person standing before me was Halara Nightmare. Isn't that so?

But he/she continued on. 

"The 【Postcognition Detective】, Halara Nightmare."

***

What exactly is this 【Postcognition】.

Halara began to explain.

"My 【Forensic Forte】 is 【Postcognition】 ...... It quite literally is the power to see a snapshot of the past. However, it can only be used at murder scenes. To be precise, it's the ability to see how a crime scene 【appeared at the time it was first discovered】 with one's own eyes. Another way to describe it would be 【crime scene-limited psychometry】, if that's easier to understand."

Yuka couldn't help but gawk in surprise. 

She knew that the 【Master Detectives】 who work in the field had special abilities. Yuka herself had something that could be considered as such. Halara's was outstanding, however.

It's almost too convenient.

As far as a detective's supernatural ability goes, it could be considered among the best.

Halara continued in the wake of Yuka's astonishment.

"My power allows me to see the 【moment the first witness saw the crime scene】. In other words, not the culprit, not the victim, but how it appeared when a third party first entered. The memory or perception of the witness does not affect my 【Postcognition】. What I see is what actually was there. When it comes to my power, the witness is not a camera or a recording device, but rather a trigger...... Perhaps the best way to think of it is like a bookmark stuck between the pages of when the body was found. It's not a power that can be taken advantage of unconditionally, however.”

Perhaps it was something akin to envy and jealousy that swirled in Yuka's eyes like heated candy. Halara continued to explain the activation conditions and limitations of their power.

"First, I must be standing at the crime scene...... this condition is absolutely required. I must also know the victim's name and face. That's why prior research is crucial. Lastly, 【Postcognition】 is only effective in a 10-meter radius around the body. At the moment, I can only see the crime scene and the victim. I can't see any living things that were at the scene.” 

Yuka's eyes flickered with a blink. So even if the culprit was hiding at the crime scene—— it wouldn't be possible to immediately identify them. Her face must've been brimming with the question as to why. Halara promptly gave an answer.

"...... I’m not so good at looking at people."

"B- but still, I think this is a more than capable ability! This is a 【Forensic Forte】!  I'm so envious! I absolutely admire you!"

"Sorry, but I'm tired of hearing compliments."

"Actually, maybe I did go a little too far with the praise......"

"Time is of the essence. Let's take a look for now, shall we?" 

With that said, Halara raised their left hand to cover their left eye. 

That was the moment Yuka put down her favorite crimson bag she'd been carrying on her back—— which could be used in three different ways by adjusting the belt. She undid the metal clasps and opened the leather flap. She pulled out a sketchbook and a box of colored pencils. She readied the black one first. 

Halara gave an expression as if to say 'what is that'. 

Yuka turned to puff out her chest toward him/her.

"Ehehe, if that's what your ability can do, Halara-san, I think I could be of some help to you, even if just a little."

"...... What do you mean?"

"As a matter of fact, my 【Forensic Forte】 is 【Sketching】!"

Halara's eyebrow slightly twitched at such a cheerful declaration. Perhaps that ability would've been self-explanatory enough. Yuka continued regardless for the sake of explanation. 

"Ah, I may be a trainee detective, but I have fully mastered my forte. If I can keep it up like this, I should be on track to receive my detective deed! Heeheehee-...... Well, uh so, with this ability, by just listening to what someone says, I can faithfully depict 【a person's description of a scene】 without error, completely unaffected by the influence of my subjectivity or imagination! Though, there's no way for me to be sure whether or not the 【person's description】 is an 【imaginary scene】 or a 【real scene】......"

"Does that mean that you can be influenced by the imagination of another person?"

"Yes. A lie is a lie and will be recorded exactly as it is. But in your case, Halara-san, if you describe the scene exactly as you see it, I think I'll be able to get a picture perfect replication of what it looks like!" Yuka explained.

Her power was the exceptional ability to discern the vague image within a witness's mind. Even if the image in itself is false, she wouldn't be able to disclose the nature of its authenticity. That's why Yuka was so envious of Halara's ability to remain unaffected by the subjectivity of another person's perspective. Still, her ability to take only a vague testimony from the witness themselves—— including the image of the culprit that they witnessed and the scene at the time of the crime—— and be able to properly materialize it, was very useful. It might also be useful in this circumstance as well.

Halara hummed with a brief nod. 

"I see...... While it may be possible to reproduce an image as seen by an eyewitness that would otherwise be difficult to convey clearly, there is a possibility of being manipulated by a deliberately false testimony, or an ability perhaps."

"Exactly!"

"......It's quite half-baked for a detective."

"Ngh-"

"Honestly it could be quite convenient for this particular instance. It's exhausting to explain things only I can see."

"Really?"

"People do not believe what they cannot see. I have often been called a liar...... It was thanks to this that when I worked with Mister Richard on the 'Jeweler Campanella Murder Case'...... not only did I have to explain my forte, but I also had to go through the arduous task of proving it through drawing an explanation of the circumstances at the time and comparing them with the physical evidence."

Yuka nodded in response to Halara's words. His/her ability is nothing more than a 【vision】 of the past. Perhaps there will always be skeptics and those who continue to insist that it's flawed. As a trainee, she could only imagine the troubles that they deal with. 

But there's no need to worry this time. Yuka spoke with conviction. 

"It'll be alright! Because I believe in Halara-san's 【Postcognition】 and my 【Sketching】 from the bottom of my heart, without a doubt!"

"......Your own 【Sketching】 as well, huh?"

"Ah-, sorry."

"I don't mind. You should have confidence in your 【Forensic Forte】. The most important quality for a detective is the ability to suspect others...... but perhaps I've spoken too much. Let's continue."

With one eye closed, Halara began to concentrate. 

Yuka was momentarily captivated by their serious and beautiful profile. But the instant his/her mouth began to move, she shook her head and picked her colored pencil back up to begin moving it with blinding speed.

A drawing etched into a sketchbook.

Along with Halara's words.

Through combining the two, the findings that were revealed are as follows.

***

The first witness of the scene had broken through the locked door. It was at this time that the victim's body, which had been leaning against the door, appeared to have moved. There were traces of bloody finger marks on the knife and the surrounding area of the clothes on the victim, who had fallen to the side—— though this was confirmed in the initial police investigation, no fingerprints were reported to be found—— and so it was theorized to have been caused not by the culprit, but by the victim. 

In other words, the victim's death was not instant.

Furthermore, traces of water stains were found trailing from the victim's mouth to their throat. 

Also the head of one of the dolls—— which had apparently not fallen off, yet seemed as if it had been placed with the rest of the heads in the real life scene —— was lying in a position where it could easily be seen from the open door.

And the biggest difference of all—— there were no traces of soot in front of the chimney.

After drawing the description above, Yuka put down her colored pencil with a sudden flick. The fresh corpse of the victim was vividly recreated on paper. The sight was brutal, although I hadn't given it much thought at the time my colored pencils were in motion. She closed her eyes to offer a moment of silence. She then asked Halara.

"I understand things for the most part...... but what could be the meaning behind these differences?"

"............"

"Halara-san?"

"I understand, but......if that's the case...... no...... It's far too simple...... namely, "

"Halara-saaan?"

"I've got a hypothesis in mind. All that's left is to substantiate the evidence."

With that said, Halara began walking to leave the room. Yuka hurriedly stowed her sketchbook and colored pencils into her bag. Brown, light orange, red—— disregarding the order that they were placed in—— they were tossed directly into the bottom of the box. She slammed the lid shut and ran after Halara.

"Please wait, Halara-san. Where are you going?"

"An investigation is built upon two fundamental factors. First of all, check the crime scene, next is?"

"Next, is it...... um, perhaps"

"Yes, I'm sure you know what I'm referring to." 

Halara came to a halt in a corridor with beautiful stucco walls. He/she turned to Yuka and, with a quick motion, held up two fingers. He/she curled their fingers from two to one as they gave their answer.

"It's collecting testimony."

***

"You're the detective appointed by the Master, is that right?...... Haa, quite the beautiful person...... Ah-, no, what happened at the time of the Madam's death, was it?"

"To be more precise, it's about the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body and how you were spending your time that night. I’d appreciate your cooperation."

The gardener narrowed his puffy eyes at Halara's statement. 

He was at a loss for words within the garden that was filled with the suffocating fragrance of roses. 

The gardener was a man in his fifties. He was dressed in a pair of trousers, shirt, and rubber apron suitable for tilling the soil, and the look on his face portrayed a gentle personality. At the same time, it seemed to reveal an innately timid nature. He carefully tucked the pruning shears he was using into his apron pocket. He then anxiously asked Halara.

"Does that mean, as in an alibi? Am I being accused of something?"

"We're going around and asking everyone! Thank you in advance for your cooperation!" 

Perhaps it would be better to keep him calm by speaking to him herself.

Yuka spoke cheerfully so. Halara said nothing. The gardener nodded upon hearing this. He still seemed nervous, but he opened his mouth. 

"Haa...... Well, I don't have anything to hide or be ashamed of, so I'll answer you. Please hurry and clear up any of the Madam's lingering regrets."

"Right! ...... oouugh, I'm moved to tears by those words. I guess your Madam must've surely held a great deal of care and compassion for her employees!"

"No, not at all."

"Eh-"

Yuka froze in her tracks at this.

Isn't the memory of the deceased something that everyone glorifies? Especially if they were killed. However, the gardener's deep wrinkles distorted, like scars chiseled into rock. With a firm voice, he continued.

"The only time the Madam was kind was when she dealt with her youngest daughter, who is now living in a dormitory...... She was strict with everyone else, and our nickname for her was the 'Empress of Ice'...... There was no such thing as kindness."

Halara narrowed their eyes at his words. He/she folded their arms thoughtfully. 

Halara asked with a hardened voice.

"So everyone could have a motive?"

"......Well I never said that. I dread to think who in the house might have stabbed her. Even if I had found her 'murdered'...... Honestly, I didn't think about why."

"...... By the sounds of it, you were the first one to discover the body?"

"Oh, that's right." The gardener nodded simply.

Yuka reflexively held her breath.

This is important information. As you know, Halara's power recreates the crime scene found by the 'first witness'. Not the 'culprit', not the 'victim' —— but that of the 'first witness'.

 In other words, the 'first witness' is excluded as the culprit. 

It's imperative to determine whether or not the vision seen by Halara really belongs to the gardener. But the ability to rule out one person from being a potential culprit altogether is incredibly valuable.

"I see, in that case......" 

Halara tried to ask the question, and Yuka immediately took out her sketchbook. This is where her 【Forte】 comes into play. Halara nodded upon seeing this. 

"That's a good call."

"Halara-san praised my judgment!?"

"So, when you opened the door......"

"Ignored without a beat!?"

"Was the victim leaning against it?"

"Yes...... I had a bad feeling, so the young lady and I kicked down the upstairs door...... I thought it was strangely heavy, but soon after I was shocked when I caught a glimpse of the corpse."

According to the gardener's report—— the moment he opened the door, the impact had apparently caused the Madam's corpse to fall over. Since he was sure that he heard the sound of something hitting the floor, they believed that nobody had opened the door before then. 

A doll's head had fallen on the other side of the corpse, so he went on to look at the Madam's bisque doll collection. Seeing such a disastrous scene was as horrifying —— if not worse —— as when he found the Madam's body. The eldest daughter then went over to the window and checked the lock. As she did so, she noticed the eldest son in the yard, unlocked it —— which the gardener was certain that he saw that it had been closed until just before —— and called out to him. 

Meanwhile the gardener had checked the Madam's pulse and was once again confronted by death.

"I don't have an alibi for the night. I spent the day organizing a plan for remodeling the garden in accommodation to the Madam's ever-increasing wishes. Goodness, it was a tremendous amount of diagrams to do...... But I didn't even go upstairs until 10 o'clock when we were scheduled to have a meeting."

"What is the proof of that?"

"Unfortunately, there is none."

"But, Halara-san. He doesn't seem like a culprit, does he?" 

Yuka remarked and showed a sketch she drew based on the gardener's testimony.

Halara narrowed their eyes. Etched on the drawing paper was the scene that the gardener saw when he opened the door. There, a picture nearly identical to the one Halara saw with 【Postcognition】 was sprawled out. Judging by the angle at which the door was opened, there was no doubt that he was the person from the 【Postcognition】—— the 'first witness'. 

Yuka's ability does not negate the possibility of false testimony, but it seemed like it would be impossible to match something like the angle of the door just by guessing. That much can almost certainly be said for sure.

Halara nodded. Facing the gardener, he/she said. 

"That is all. Much appreciated."

"Yes...... Well then, I best be going. However, I wonder what's to become this rose garden after the the Madam's passing? After having come this far in making it so magnificent, it may simply be left to wither away. Ahh, it's a shame...... Truly, it's such a shame."

If that’s the case, might as well just light it on fire I suppose.

The gardener muttered under his breath.

Yuka felt all the hairs on her body stand on end in fear. 

In the depths beneath the gardener's words lurked thick and murky darkness—— a profoundly dark glow —— swirling within. There was no limit to the depravity of these thoughts.

 Yuka pulled at Halara's sleeves, wondering if he could be the culprit. Halara ignored her and began walking. She'll be left behind at this rate. Yuka rushed to follow the figure as it moved away from the rose garden. Yuka cast a slight glance over her shoulder as she made her way towards the mansion.

The gardener stood as if buried among the roses. 

He opened and closed the gardening shears with a 'shing'.

***

In a luxurious study lined with glass bookshelves, 

a sharp and rigid clacking sound rang out.

"The circumstances at the time of discovery, and alibi, right?" 

The eldest daughter murmured while moving the chess pieces. 

This woman...... is ok, right? Yuka couldn't help but worry.

The eldest daughter was a beautiful figure, with glossy black hair and becoming amber eyes. You could say that she probably resembled her father before he became obese, considering the matching colors of their features. She was a beauty dressed in men's attire with short, boyishly styled hair. Yet unlike Halara, whose gender was completely neutral, her ample breasts filled out the front of her white button-up shirt.

She continued to stroke the pawn pieces with her fingers as she sat in a multifunctional armchair. 

"Do you really you suspect me, the Amnea Thompson?"

"......That board."

"Ahh, this? I was just doing a bit of solo play."

"It seems like you are not even aware of the proper way to move the chess pieces. Can you not play chess, by chance?"

"Don't go and call me an idiot already!"

"I didn't say that?"

Halara crossed their arms coldly.

The eldest daughter —— Amnea —— burst into tears in front of them. Apparently, Yuka thought, it seemed the only reason she was in front of the chessboard was simply to try and impress strangers. 

Amnea smashed the chess board with force, the pieces making a rattling sound as they flew away.

Then, Amnea proclaimed in an exaggeratedly tearful voice. 

"Damn it, you guys are trying to bully me too!"

"I-intense victim mentality."

"Whatever, I am an idiot anyway! I'm so empty-headed that there's not enough to go around! But I leave that kind of thing to the owner of this room, my brother Dalmatia. And yet, you say things like this and that...... Hmm, unforgivable! I'll beat you!"

"Stop it! I'll hit back!"

"I'mb sowwy!"

"So quick to repent!?" 

Yuka's eyes widened. Amnea held her head and trembled at the threat, crying softly. Halara murmured out a hum in response to the child-like reaction. 

"......Well, it would be ridiculous to try and go up against me with brute force."

"Did you say something, Halara-san?"

"Don't worry about it...... So, about our conversation." 

At that, Halara's eyes opened wide before soon narrowing them down. Hm? Yuka tilted her head. What might it be? It felt like Halara's expression had an added childishness to it that I'd never seen before. Following their gaze, Yuka noticed. 

"............ Ah-, a cat?"

Yuka quickly approached the fireplace, and Halara also came along without reproach.

 Yuka craned her neck, and when she looked into a wicker basket she saw a kitten wriggling and cooing. It looked just like a white furball. The kitten rolled over without a hint of grumpiness. An adorable pink paw was pointed at Halara, but without touching it, his/her expression softened faintly.

Yuka absent-mindedly asked. 

"Halara-san, do you like cats?"

"............ It's nothing we need to be talking about."

"No no no, I absolutely love it! After all, it is Halara-san you know? That sense of peacefulness that lights up in your eyes, isn't it?"

"What do you take me for?"

"What, that you're a cat lover? Why don't we talk about it!" 

Amnea exclaimed, her footsteps were loud as she got next to Halara. 

Amnea reached out her pale hand, to which the cat rubbed their face to be pampered. Amnea gave a sweet smile as her eyes narrowed with affection. She whispered through clenched teeth. 

"Since she's finally dead, I took in an unfortunate cat thinking I could care for it."

"Eh...... Your mother died and it hasn't even been resolved yet."

"Is that bad? I've always dreamed of having a cat since foooorever. I wasn't even allowed to talk about it out loud, ya know. It'd be the last thing I'd say. It was really hard for me to even leave the house...... so regardless of whether or not it's out of line, just leave me alone." 

Amnea whispered, her profile drooping like that of a wilted flower. Her eyes were moist with a profound sadness that was difficult to put into words. Yuka went silent, unsure of what to say.

Halara observed Amnea's expression before opening his/her mouth. 

"...... So then, would you mind telling us your story again?"

"Ahh, sure thing man. I've got nothin to be guilty about. I'll tell ya anything you wanna know." 

Amnea puffed out her chest as she spoke.

There was hardly any disparity between the story of the eldest daughter, Amnea, and the gardener's testimony. She only added more details about the situation when she called out to the eldest son. Yuka's sketchbook depicted a young man looking up toward the second floor from a rose garden. He's slender and quite handsome. His black hair and amber eyes resembled that of Amnea and their father. Yuka stared at it, pondering the possibility.

"Are you and your brother twins?"

"Yep, you nailed it. Technically, I'm supposed to be the older sister, but we are twins. I'm on good terms with Dalmatia...... who, unlike me, has the lion's share of smarts." 

Amnea laughed frankly at saying that. The carefree expression on her face invokes a genuine feeling of familiarity. Yuka thought of how nice it would be to have a twin. 

At that, Halara wordlessly raised an arm, and Amnea snapped to attention with her back straightened.

"Yii-!"

"Why"

"......I've got most of it. Let's get going." 

Halara said and began walking. What the hellll, that guy was a bastard to the end, Amnea said to the kitten. The white furball responded with a mewmew. It had heart shaped ears. The pointed tip of its heart-shaped nose twitched with a snort. The sound made Halara stop in their tracks.

With his/her back to Amnea, they inquired. 

"Just to be sure, I'd like to ask you something...... If something were to happen to you, do you have any guarantee of where the little one will go?"

"Don't be stupid! As a cat lover, of course I've decided on it! If something happens to me, my friend will take good care of it."

"......I see, alright then."

A sense of relief.

With that said, Halara exited the room. He/she also spoke to the chef and the maid. However, it resulted in nothing noteworthy there. Both men claimed to have been working at the time of the incident, had no alibis, and had not even seen the body. Mister Richard had spoken about his suspicion about the chef, but there did not seem to be any particular pieces of evidence to support this. 

Hearing all they needed to, Halara nodded and returned to the crime scene. Inside the room, the headless dolls were silent like statues of death. At the center of their blue-eyed gaze, Halara said.

"I’ve figured out the method behind the creation of the locked room."

***

"Well, saying that I figured it out isn't quite accurate...... because we already had the answer as soon as we checked the crime scene."

"A-amazing! Is that even possible!?"

"Of course it is. The person before you is Halara Nightmare. Something such as this is not even a problem." 

Halara answered smoothly. Their eyes held no hint of a bluff, but rather a sharp confidence that gleamed like a sword's edge. It was a star-like light, befitting of a detective. 

Yuka clenched her fist. Sure enough, just as expected of Halara-san.

He/she tilted their head in turn. 

"Or rather. I think we're in the foundational basics at this point. Did you really not even notice?"

"Ngh-, I- I'm a trainee detective, so"

"Even as a trainee, you need to realize that above all else you still wear the title of detective."

"U-oughh...... I didn't notice at all, so please explain it to me." 

Yuka folded easily. She knew that she wouldn't get anywhere even if she wracked her brain about it. Halara let out a sigh and shook their head before he/she opened their mouth to speak.

"Haa...... First, let's discuss the matter of 'why were the dolls destroyed?'. There must be a reason for why the culprit would destroy them. There is also a reason behind the fact that the head of one of the dolls had rolled into a position that was immediately visible upon opening the door."

"Why is that?" 

Yuka asked while looking at the heads that were now pressed against the wall. The reflections in their glass eyes gave the impression of being wet. That chilling glow seemed to evoke hatred for the murdered. Yuka wondered, why had the dolls' heads been ripped off and rolled away? 

Halara offered an explanation.

"It's 'to draw attention to the dolls'."

"To the dolls."

"This will also answer the 'traces of soot marks on the floor after opening the locked room' question. The room was indeed a locked room at the time of the crime. If that's the case, then how did the killer escape?"

"Yeah, that's the issue......"

"They didn't escape. They were hiding halfway up the chimney leading from the fireplace."

Yuka's mouth suddenly opened.

So that's it. The far end of the chimney was blocked off with a net. The room cannot be entered or exited from there. However, it is possible to hide halfway up. 

The rest is simple.

The eyewitnesses who found the doll's head were partly compelled to pay attention to the destruction caused to the bisque doll collection. While their attention was focused on that, the killer was able to slip out of the fireplace and escape. They would then nonchalantly join up later as if nothing happened.

In that case, Yuka declared.

"I- I see! That would mean that the eldest daughter Amnea-san, who was with the gardener during the initial discovery, and the eldest son Dalmatia-san, who was in the garden, can be ruled out from the list of possible suspects!"

"...... I'd hoped that you wouldn't say something so boring."

"Eh-!?"

"Behind the creation of every locked room is a purpose for its existence. It is those who are not deemed potential culprits that raise suspicion here. It's safe to say that the maid and the cook can be ruled out." 

Halara explained calmly. Uughh, Yuka thought, feeling as if she wanted to cry. 

At the same time, an image came to mind of the gardener murmuring ominously, his shears moving with a 'shing, shing'. Shifting in and out of view, treacherous thoughts were obscured by the parallax within his thicket of words.

Impulsively, Yuka raised her voice. 

"Understood! It was the gardener then."

"Didn't you believe in my 【postcognition】 and your 【sketch】 from the bottom of your heart?"

"Oh- oh yeah...... so then, who?" 

Yuka asked, on the verge of tears. Halara once again let out a sigh. However, they detached their sagacious gaze from Yuka to cast it into space. Halara muttered in contemplation.

"Since they were in the fireplace when the door was opened by the first witness, the culprit was excluded from being with the first person to discover it.... along with the eldest daughter Amnea."

"In that case then, the eldest son, Dalmatia-san? Huh...... but, Amnea-san saw Dalmatia-san in the garden......"

"It's only logical to assume that couldn't possibly be true. Given that Amnea is not the first witness...... it is plausible that she could be a perpetrator. In short, the murderer is Dalmatia, and Amnea is involved as an accomplice through giving false testimony."

I see, Yuka energetically bounced up and down in excitement.

Now the mystery was all but solved.

That should be it.

That is, until Halara opened their mouth to continue.

It was then that the door swung open. A low, beautiful voice began to flow through.

"Oh my, have I been noticed?"

"Y- you're......" 

Yuka's voice couldn't help but tremble.

A slender human bowed gracefully before them, announcing their name with grandeur.

"Salutations, I am Dalmatia Thomson. My father's favorite 【Master Detective】 had finally arrived, and when I came to extend my greetings...... it seems I was exposed before the reconnaissance." 

Murmured a man styled in a distinctive black and white suit. He had black hair and amber-colored eyes. A beautiful young man, just as Yuka depicted in her sketch. His sophisticated and intellectual impression was even stronger when I saw it in person. Shaking his head, the eldest son —— Dalmatia —— forced out in a strained voice.

"Nothing that can be done once it's been found out. Just as you've deduced......I am the one who killed my mother. It's too late to be making any excuses now, I......"

"Why"

"That's what I'll be trying to tell you right now." Dalmatia shrugged off Halara's question as if in inconvenience and shook his head in exasperation. Halara did not care for these theatrical gestures, however. Indifferent, he/she continued questioning.

"Why, are you telling such lies?"

***

"Eh?"

"Huh?"

The two voices overlapped.

The voices of Yuka and Dalmatia.

What are they talking about, Yuka wondered. Wasn't it none other than Halara themself who presented this deduction just a moment ago! Yet at the same time, Yuka began to realize.

It was clear that Halara was trying to go somewhere with this.

He/she spoke in a dry tone. 

"As I just told you before. This stuff is way too basic. It's not even a question. That being the case, there must also be a purpose behind creating a 'locked room meant to be breached'."

"Is...... is it"

"In other words, the problem itself is a trick that assumes the presence of my 【postcognition】." 

Halara asserted.

And so the mystery continues.

Yuka suddenly found herself in a daydream —— standing on a stage where the spotlights focused solely on Halara Nightmare —— only on the person whose beautifully pale complexion was brilliantly illuminated.

Halara continued to seize control of the scene with overwhelming charisma.

As the leading role (detective), he/she told the supporting cast. 

"As told by the client. 'I used to tell my family all about Halara-san', in addition to his habit of running his mouth too fast and blurting everything out. The family had plenty of opportunities to learn the details about my 【postcognition】 if that's the case."

"Which, I'm sure probably happened......"

"Therefore, the task was carried out with the anticipation that the traces of soot would be revealed during the use of 【postcognition】...... There's a lot of strange things going on otherwise."

"Wh- what's so strange?" 

Dalmatia asked with a trembling voice. He glared at Halara with a glint. However, the spotlight remained fixed, continuing to shine only above Halara's head.

He/she responded smoothly.

"First of all, there'd normally be no point in making the victim take sleeping pills. She was —— as one could surmise from the way she was staring at the camera and her lack of focus —— a petite woman with poor eyesight."

"Ah-"

"Anything could've been done to exploit her weaknesses. It would be much more sensible to kill her that way and make it look like the work of a burglar rather than going through the trouble of a locked room. And yet, it was by putting the sleeping pills in the pitcher that the culprit was quickly narrowed down to those involved."

I-indeed, Yuka nodded. That's certainly true. 

Even the initial police investigation limited the culprit to those involved because of that water pitcher. There was no point in setting such a thing up since the victim was a delicate woman who could easily be killed.

Furthermore, Halara continued. 

"Also, although I was promptly called in at the request of the victim's family in this case, police analysis should have originally confirmed that the soot on the floor was from the fireplace. Moreover, it's highly likely that subsequent investigations would reveal the false testimony. And the reason I took the time and effort was because I knew from the beginning that the client would let me solve the mystery —— thus." 

Halara fixed their gaze on Dalmatia. He flinched and clutched his chest while being pierced by their sharp gaze. It was as if he'd been stabbed through the heart. It was there that Halara pushed their verbal blade even further in.

"To become officially identified as the culprit by a Master Detective certified by the World Detective Organization. That was precisely your goal. Once the Master Detective identifies the culprit, the investigation will be closed at that point."

In other words, there’s another culprit.

Halara asserted definitively. Yuka was speechless. What kind of criminal would try to use 【Master Detectives】 for such a purpose? Still, though, Yuka thought. Despite her worry, she opened her mouth.

"But, Halara-san...... isn't it strange?"

"What part?"

—————————————————————

Notes:

There's a part that's describing the gardener's words as 見え隠れ(miegakure), which is a gardening technique that keeps parts of a garden hidden depending on where you're standing, and only becomes visible as you walk through. Closest thing I could compare it to was parallax, but in order to fit the gardening pun I added 'thicket' as a descriptor to try to reflect that.

While I tried to add honorifics, Halara and Yuka sometimes use a -shi honorific for Richard. I don’t know if people are generally familiar with it, so I just replaced it with Mister

Amnea speaks in a very masculine manner, so when I put stuff like ‘man’ and ‘guy’, it’s in a non-gendered dudebro kind of way.

[mimisempai]

A blessing in disguise

Summary

Crowley has a surprise for Aziraphale and takes him to dinner at the Ritz. The evening is incredibly romantic, but the angel can't quite give in to the romance. Did Crowley forget what day it was?

Notes

Where "a blessing in disguise" takes on its full meaning

On Ao3

Rating G -  1191 words

Aziraphale felt completely lost when he should have been ecstatic.

Crowley had surprised him with a romantic evening.

That night, just after Muriel had gone home, he'd told the angel to get ready because he was taking him to the Ritz.

The evening had been truly delightful, almost like a dream, with Crowley not even hesitating to show affection, not shying away from holding his hand or even kissing him lightly several times.

It had been almost perfect, and now the sweet, romantic atmosphere continued as they lay entwined on the sofa.

He should have been overjoyed, but Aziraphale pulled away to look at Crowley. He met his warm eyes, which looked at him gently as he brought Aziraphale's hand to his lips and planted a light kiss on his wrist.

Aziraphale was lost.

This was not a day for celebration.

Today was exactly one year since Aziraphale had almost left with Metatron.

A year since the demon had been deeply wounded by the angel.

Crowley, oblivious to the turmoil of his thoughts, leaned forward and pressed another kiss to his forehead.

"Angel," Crowley said softly, bringing his hand to the angel's cheek, "I can feel you're somewhere else. What's wrong with you?"

Aziraphale shook his head and said in a confused voice, "I don't understand the reason for this celebration, considering..."

The angel paused, too overcome with emotion to continue.

His voice shaking, he asked the demon, "Crowley, do you not know what day it is?" 

Crowley still had his hand on the angel's cheek, stroking it gently with his thumb, and replied in a calm voice, "Angel, I'm perfectly aware of what day it is."

"Then why?"

Crowley continued to smile and asked quietly, "Why celebrate it?"

Aziraphale exclaimed, "Why celebrate the day when... when..."

The angel couldn't go on, the words caught in his throat, clenched with emotion.

Crowley finished the sentence for him, "The day we truly became an 'us'?"

Aziraphale gasped slightly because those were not the words he had expected to hear.

Crowley, seeing his surprise, said softly, "Oh, Angel, did you think the only thing I would remember today would be the memory of my trampled declaration, your almost leaving with Metatron, the way we parted, our kiss, your words?"

The angel nodded vehemently, because that was exactly what he had thought, and he would have found it right, "I thought you'd be upset!"

The demon shook his head and continued, his voice as soft as ever, "But Angel, our reconciliation and us finally becoming who we are to each other today is a memory so much more beautiful and so much more important to celebrate. "

Crowley's hand left his cheek and rested on the angel's heart as he murmured in a slightly harsher voice, "I curse the heavens that imprinted this feeling of guilt in you. Was I hurt that day? Yes, I won't deny it. But Angel, how could I not celebrate the first day of what is probably the best year of my entire angelic and demonic existence? I've never been happier than this year with you, and it was only because of that day."

To say that Aziraphale was speechless would have been an understatement.

After a few seconds of silence, he sighed and whispered, "I'm an idiot."

He dropped his forehead onto Crowley's shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist before continuing, "I'm sorry I ruined your sur--"

He didn't have time to finish before the demon grabbed him by the shoulders and pushed him back, looking him in the eye and saying in a firm voice, "This is exactly what I mean when I say I curse the heavens. Stop apologizing for everything and for nothing. You didn't ruin anything, and I should have realized that what you'll remember from that day is the damage you think you did to me, not the good that came out of it. You don't have to apologize for that, Angel."

Aziraphale replied with a small smile, "Well, I did spoil the mood of the evening a bit."

Crowley replied with a raised eyebrow, "Who says the evening's over, Angel?"

The angel chuckled softly as the demon pulled him closer while he said, "We just took a little break to clear the air and there's nothing stopping us from picking up where we left off."

Aziraphale nodded against Crowley's shoulder and hummed before replying, "I'd like that very much."

Crowley retorted, his mouth in the angel's hair, "There's just one problem, Angel..."

"What's that?"

The demon replied playfully, "I can't remember where we left off."

Aziraphale straightened up and replied in an equally playful voice, "I think I can show you, my dear."

Imitating the demon earlier in the evening, he grabbed his hand and pressed a light kiss to his wrist, then a more lingering one to the demon's palm. As he released the hand, he looked up at the demon, and seeing the adoration with which Crowley gazed at him, Aziraphale couldn't hold back the confession that fell from his lips.

His voice was soft and firm as he said, "I love you."

Crowley's smile widened as he replied, "See, that alone makes this a day worth celebrating. So forget everything that isn't us, just us, and kiss me, Angel."

Aziraphale brought his face close to the demon and cheekily replied, "How could I refuse such a sweet request?"

"Angel, stop teasing and just do it."

The angel lingered for a few moments, his face barely inches from the demon's, and suddenly the memory of another kiss a few feet away came back to him.

"You idiot. We could have been... us."

What?

Crowley was walking away.

Not wanting to see him go, not wanting to face reality, Aziraphale turned away, but he didn't have time to move when he was suddenly pulled back by two hands that had grabbed the lapel of his jacket.

He didn't have time to realize what was happening before Crowley's lips pressed against his and suddenly Aziraphale knew nothing.

He didn't know what was happening.

He didn't know where he was.

He didn't know how to react. 

He wanted to push the demon away and hold him tighter at the same time.

Finally, for a split second, he gave in and pressed his hand against his back, holding him tighter to himself.

And then he felt nothing but emptiness between them as the demon backed away. 

As Aziraphale tried to catch his breath, Crowley fixed him with a blank expression.

"Think only of us, only of what we are now, Angel. Let bygones be bygones."

Crowley's soft voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and instead of the sad face of his memory, all he saw was his smile reflected in the demon's warm eyes as he repeated, "just us."

So the angel smiled back, and closed the distance between them before pressing his lips to the demon's smile.

As their lips touched, as their breaths mingled, he let the fragments of his memories vanish in this kiss filled only with them and the love they shared.

A kiss that celebrated their "us".

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Growing Love series : (After season 2) 

Part 1 Story 1-99

Part 2 Story 100-?

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here (Before season 2)

[herzzgeist]

Draw Me Like One Of Your Grand Line Boys

A/N: My face is AGLOW - should I ramble on the part where he shows . . anatomy? I am . . tempted . . eep - Emi over and out

Art by me @lunar-3scap3 :3

„Darling, could you hold still for a moment?“

„Mhm? Wha- What are you- are you drawing me (Y/n)-ya?“

Sitting by side your Captain on a wooden bench, you partake in the joys of art - sketching everything you see and deem worthy to capture for practice.

Hence, seeing your doctor you love oh so dearly practically striking a pose, which screams for you to be kept in your notebook, your eyes quickly switch between Law and the paper in your hands.

The pencil dances over the white, leaving long strokes and lines of black and dark greyish shades behind. Nervous, the Surgeon utters:

„Did I give you the permission to do just that? I have enough wanted posters hanging around!“

„Oh hush, who said I‘ll be showing this to anyone?“

A mild blush spreads over your cheeks as you smile in fluster to yourself, drawing the good-looking man seated next to you.

Law groans in protest, jaw tensing up to your audacious yet adorable statement. As if contagious, red tint crawls over him as well, awfully irritating the white hatted one. The contrast between him and his accessory becoming much more evident to Trafalgar's mishap, assuming the heat on his face is more than noticable.

„Sweetheart, could you-“

With a hint of sarcasm lingering in his tone, he rolls your pet name off his tongue, teasingly yet lovingly. However, you interrupt him instantaneously, for his unwanted movements displease you without question.

„No! Don‘t move, I‘m almost finished!“

Soft sounds of led fluttering over paper has a somewhat calming effect on Law, given the fact he himself does it for hours on end, working through nights, taking notes to still his hunger for knowledge.

Through the corner of his eye, he watches how concentration marks your expression, tongue slightly sticking out and brows furrowed in complete fixation.

Law can't help but give off a small huff to that display, amused by the desirable woman sketching him with sheer determination.

A gentle touch to his cheek takes him aback, ripping him out of trance, as you trace your digits along his austere jaw line.

„You . . stop that! Are you done?“

„Oh yes.“

„Then why are you fondling me? It's unheard of!“

With your palm resting on his side, you lean in and gift him a small peck onto his now agape in surprise lips.

„Just wanted to check if I drew your handsome features correctly.“

Frozen, Law only musters to grunt at you in annoyance, though you can detect a tinge of mellow in his storm grey eyes. It tickles you everytime how stoic and profound he holds his demeanor, attempting to keep himself together, even before you.

Not dwelling on it too long, you proudly present your sketch.

„What do you think?“

His eyes widen, out of speechlessness he only manages to shake his head.

„Did you have to give my face a blush? I clearly wasn't!“

„Sure, whatever my flustered supernova says.“

You purr at Law sheepishly, opting him to debate about taking an unannounced leave or face you with an ever spreading glow in his try hard serious expression. He goes for the latter with an exasperated sigh:

„I'm not very apt in art, but I think it looks alright . . at least I can recognise that shady figure.“

Enhancing 'shady' with a dash of jest in his voice, a subtle smile enframes his mouth and a cozy feeling overcomes you by that sight. You backtalk with sass in your tone:

„Oi, be nice! It's just a quick sketch.“

Getting off from his seat, he towers before you and lets adoration guide his hand towards your chin, lifting it to meet your gaze:

„Just keep on practising and you'll be a wonderful artist in no time, (Y/n). Come on, lets get going.“

And now it's you who has to fight with the inner coil of heat, abashment written all over you, as you lean into his touch. What a needy woman you are, Law thinks to himself, enjoying how easily he can turn the tables on you. To top it all off, he adds:

„Oh and if you need a refrence for anatomy studies, feel free to ask me, I'll gladly show you how male bodies function.“

That dirty little-

[maxipad032]

Can I please request a fic smut where dom!shuri and reader been dating for a while and the reader is very much a sub so she’s usually very vanilla when it comes to pleasing shuri but one day maybe on their anniversary she decides to go full Dom on Shuri and surprises her she’s all about pleasing her and even uses a strap on shuri in every position and just leaves shuri shocked and speechless afterwards. Sorry if it’s a lot I’m just so tired of the reader alway being a pillow princess in the shuri fics, our bae needs love and attention too❤️❤️😘😘😘

yes just yes, this is what we all need THANK YOUUUU💕

i'm the one in charge tonight (18+)

synopsis: it's you and shuri's second year anniversary in less than 24 hours, and you've completely accepted the fact you're totally a sub during sex while she's mainly the dominate one, but you want a change, you want to show her what you're capable of and what she's been missing out on.

contains: dom! reader x sub!shuri, shuri x black reader, smutty, filth, dirty talk, some fluff, cunnilingus, fingering, strap-on, riding, vibranium!strap, just super unholy content fr.

usana- baby, ivakala imnandi kakhulu- it feels so good

a/n- i fell asleep whilst proofreading this, so don’t mind if there are any mistakes :) enjoy the read sinners x

grab your popcorn, it’s a long one 🙀

"shit, was that good?" shuri asked in a breathless manner, chasing her breath that had been taken away by your vehement scissoring session. you were pinned under her, one leg hoist up on her shoulder whilst the other was settled by her hip.

"yes, so good." you exhaled, chest rising and lowering quickly as your body tried its hardest to overcome the intense orgasm it'd just experienced. shuri laughed quietly at how fucked out you looked and leaned down to give you a kiss. sensing her soft lips on yours, you lifted up your arms to put your palms on either side of shuri’s head and kissed back, fully satisfied with your swift but explosive quickie. shuri broke away from the kiss, gently pecking your forehead as she let your leg down slowly from her shoulder and pulled her soaked heat way from yours. your leg dropped back down on the bed with a faint thud, and you turned around to the side, closing your eyes briefly.

you and shuri had been dating for quite a while now and you’re second anniversary was coming up, tomorrow in fact. you two weren’t the most conventional couple around; you came from a poorer background and your parents were farmers that helped the royal family grow fresh produce. shuri had seen you around one day and found you’re visuals so outstanding, she made conversation with you. since that day, you’d both just fell more and more in love with each other every day physically and emotionally, so you just made it official. she was your ride or die and literally saved you and your family from a life of poverty and enslavement; you couldn’t thank her enough everyday.

on the other hand, sex with shuri was always the same, it was very vanilla and passionate which you loved but it was quite predictable, she touched you, you came; she was never really keen on the idea of you touching her or being in total control and you thoroughly accpeted it as bottoming was more up your ally anyway.

however lately, you’d been craving a change, you needed something to spice up your sex life with shuri and what better way to do that than finally show her your skills. i mean sure, you’d never really topped anyone before as she barely let you, but how hard could it really be. shuri did it to you all the time and you’d picked up on her little tricks, from her pressing down onto your stomach to make you squirt, to her curling her fingers correctly to reach the spot that drove you crazy. little did she know, your pillow princess days were coming to an end and tomorrow was the perfect day for you to show her how dominant you could be.

you opened your eyes again and looked over to the digital clock by the beside table, “8:36am”, it read and you mentally questioned as to why shuri got so horny and pent up this early in the morning. speaking of her, she was already out of bed, dressing up and changing in her lab wear.

“leaving already are we?” you queried with a fake pout, turning around to watch her get ready whilst you tucked yourself back under the warm sheets.

“yes sorry, i just need to finish a project quickly, but love, can you be ready by 1pm later today so we can go shopping for our anniversary date tomorrow?” shuri asked, brightly smiling at you as she dragged her black jumper down across her torso and grabbed her lab keys from the drawer.

you grinned at her, thanking god she remembered and also feeling very excited because you knew she was going to spoil you, “of course baby.” you cooed, wiggling your toes under your covers, “but why does it feel like we just had a one night stand?” you asked in a joking manner, raising your eyebrow at her.

shuri laughed at your comment, “i’m experienced what can i say.” she left the room before the pillow you threw managed to hit her. you scoffed and laid back down onto the bed, staring at the white ceiling that seemed to move in zigzags after you looked for too long. suddenly, an idea flew into your head from nowhere. you had a sly grin slapped on your face, and you’re the type of person where if you’re set on doing something, oh boy, best believe it’s going to get done. you sat up, shaking your head and went to get up out of the bed, but as soon as your legs touched the floor, they seemed to remember what you’d done with shuri more than you did and completely gave out under you in which you cursed as you fell, “damn, she got me good.” you sat down and rubbed your knees that made painful contact with the floor. you finally found the energy to stand and pulled yourself up so you could walk to the semi-large bathroom situated in the corner of your shared bedrooom. you were getting ready to do something- no, make something that would most likely help in your plans tomorrow.

~~~

you walked into your personal lab located in an isolate part of the palace. shuri had commanded the lab team to build it for you five months prior to you moving in because you were super intelligent and quite gifted, but you were not financial stable and so couldn’t afford to finish your education, so shuri had been tutoring you to fill in the gaps in your knowledge and you swear, you’re almost smarter than her. you absorb knowledge like a sponge and shuri admires your talents, knowing you have great potential and will possibly help in wakanda’s evolvement of technology.

you flicked on a light switch and watched how it activated all the systems, seeing all of it whir to life, “welcome y/n.” the voice of your ai, briot, echoed in the room, greeting you nicely as you walked further in, “thank you bri, can i ask if my design from my ipad is available to be printed now?” you asked, switching buttons to download the image of your special design from your phone and upload it so she could sense it.

“yes y/n.” she affirmed.

“print it for me.” you commanded, moving over the place where’d you’d be able to see it print in 3D.

“printing.”

you smiled proudly as you saw it, the printer moving in rapid motions as it drew all of the details you’d wished for, and you couldn’t be happier.

can you guess what it is?

yes, it was a custom made-strap on.

i know, very original. you tapped the intercom and the protective glass shifted to the side. you reached in to grab your design, admiring its perfect length and girth, not to mention how veiny it was and the light tinge of purple from the hint of vibranium you used in it against its jet black exterior. prior to this, you’d sat in the living room on you’re advanced pc and ipad where you made it, touching it up and even measuring you’re thighs and waist so it fit you perfectly. sure, you had many that you and shuri kept but all of them were used for you and you’d rather make an entirely new one that was just catered to shuri’s needs. satisfied, you closed the glass case and turned around to leave, but your heart nearly skipped a beat when you saw shuri walk in face down with a ton of paperwork.

as quickly as you could, you closed the designing tab that displayed the strap design, and hid the physical one behind you as you leaned on the intercom, trying to act like you weren’t just doing something devious.

“oh babe, what are you doing here.” shuri asked as she looked up, slightly confused as you avoided her eye contact.

“it’s my lab ain’t it.” you said smiling freakishly wide as you slowly put the strap-on in your lab coat pocket.

“yeah, but you didn’t mention you’d be here..” shuri replied, tilting her head to the side to see what you were hiding behind your back,

“what’s that.”

you panicked, shoving it fully into your pocket subtly so it wouldn’t be seen, “what? i’m just working on a new version of the kimoyo earrings.” you said, acting clueless as you shifted to the side to show her the project you abandoned over a week ago, lying down on your desk. shuri looked at you with a “are you serious.” facial expression, but she didn’t say it and just turned around, “alrightie, well, i’ll just borrow your spare pens if you don’t mind and don’t forget to be ready in an hour.” she perked up, grabbing a handful of your new pens and waltzing out of the door.

you let out the large breath that had been stuck in your throat and held your chest, “god that was close.” you muttered, “briot, why didn’t you tell me she was coming back.” you asked slightly irritated, stuffing the strap into a bag you were going to hide in your room.

“you commanded me to not let anyone disturb you.” briot replied in her monotonous robot voice. ah yeah, she’s right, you forgot that the last time you were in here, you told her to put the rest of the world on hold whilst you worked.

“oh yeah, sorry you can turn that off now and shut down the lab for me.” you said as you turned away and headed to the door.

“turning off do not disturb mode and shutting down lab, bye y/n.” she replied as the lights went dim and everything went to sleep again. your lab doors shut automatically and you rushed to the bedroom, hoping and praying that you didn’t bump into anyone, especially you’re girlfriend.

~~~

you waited for shuri in the palace lobby as you were ready to go shopping with her. you wore a long grey jumper dress and some black naked wolf boots with your golden purse by your side. your leg was on top of the other, bopping up and down as you looked around for shuri as well as replying to instagram comments. you recently got your natural hair silk pressed as it was winter season, and it was in a messy bun, edges slayed to the gods.

“sorry to keep you waiting dear.” you heard from the side of you as shuri stood by the black chair you were sitting on. you studied her fit, a black lakers jumper with grey jogging bottoms and jordan shoes with her infamous black glasses. she put her hand out towards you and you took it, lifting yourself up from the chair with your help, “you look hot.” you complimented, kissing her cheek as you grabbed your hand and lead her to the door.

the market wasn’t very far and so a car was not needed to get there. shuri told no security to come as it ruined the authenticity of your outing and no one would try and harm her anyway; she went to the market all the time where the wakanda community treated her like any old citizen there and it really made her feel like she belonged. for you, the market was an escape from your shitty reality, and in the past, you went here not only to get food for your family, but to contribute in the local activities that took place occasionally and make friends.

after about ten mins, you reached the market area but shuri led you down a different path that you hadn’t been before. confused, you held her arm, “the local shops are down there.” you pointed to where you thoght you both were going.

“i know.” she replied, flashing you a smirk.

you two kept on walking for what felt like forever until you ended up on a street that looked like it came out of new york magazine cover. there were so many famous designer shops like dior, chanel, yves saint laurent, pandora and so many more. you gasped and started to squeal as you saw them in all their glory, lined up poshly against each other on the two streets. of course you were a big fan of fashion and never knew these franchises existed within the planes of wakanda. you looked at shuri, back at the shops and then shuri again before hugging her tightly, “oh my god! shuri stop, i can’t buy from here.” you watched in awe as rich ass people went from shop to shop with their bags overflowing with expensive bags, clothes, everything.

shuri chuckled and took out a card from her wallet in her joggers pocket, a black card; you knew shuri was rich but this? oh nah.

“shuri no, i can’t take that, i have my own money.” you said taking out your wallet from your golden purse but she stopped you and put a hand on yours, “my treat, consider it an early anniversary present.” she said in such an alluring way, putting your wallet back in your purse and gesturing for you to take the card from her. in shock, you slowly take the card away from her clutch and she then hugged you, “thank you for being such an amazing girlfriend.” she breathed in your lovely perfume and kissed your cheek. people noticed her presence and were staring at the public display of affection; she didn’t care though, your relationship deserved to be shown off.

you nearly cried, what the hell, shuri was so amazing, “oh god, thank you,” you squealed, jumping and prancing around her. it didn’t take long for you rush inside the shops like a child, taking it in all at once. your first stop was givenchi and you just looked at everything, the prices made you hurl though, $2000 wakandan dollars for a piece of awkwardly cut clothing!? shuri was behind you the whole time, even checking out things herself whilst the shop keepers disturbed her about what she was here for.

anyways, you didn’t find anything you liked there so you visited many shops after that until you were at chsirtian dior and was instantly attracted to a piece they displayed:

it wasn’t too much and there was something about it that just screamed confidence and you fucking loved it. shuri caught you looking at it intently, “you would look so motherfucking fine in that.” she confessed, encouraging you to get it as she was undoubtedly tired of endlessly roaming around so many shops.

you agreed, and called an employee to see if they had the grey two piece in stock, and thank bast they did, so you tried it on first to really make sure it was a good fit for you..“is it nice?” you asked shuri as you walked out of the changing room after you put it on, twirling around in the mirror and looking at how it hugged your body nicely. shuri didn’t wanna admit it, but you looked like such top material in that moment like damn, she wouldn’t mind being dicked down by you in that moment; little did she know…

a good $3500 fled from shuri’s pockets after you purchased it, but she thankfully didn’t mind. you walked out, letting the cool air wash over your face as you happily linked arms with shuri, “are you not gonna get anything?” you asked her as you walked happily down the road, “nah, i already have my outfit planned at home, but i might go check out some rolex watches.” she replied as she mainly just came out for you to shop and enjoy yourself.

“mkay.”

the both of you crossed down the busy road and walked into the rolex shop that just smelt of dollar bills i mean, you’d never stepped in here before until now, but it just made you feel poor. the large array of golden and silver watches were on display as shuri walked along the footpath, expecting every single one of them. you admired shuri’s special sense of value and her actions were so calculated, you could trust that whatever she did was for the right reason, and that was one of the many reasons why you loved her so much. she called over a shopping assistant that seemed to fan girl over her as she asked for a specific type of watch. they had it in the shop and brought it out for shuri who smiled, “thank you, i’ll take that one.” the shopping assistant nodded and brought it to the paying counter. you were going to hand shuri’s black card back but she already had another one out and ready to pay; you wondered how much bread this woman had, but she’d never tell you.

she successfully paid for the expensive rolex watch and thanked the lady as she handed the bag over to her. shuri turnt to you and nodded at the door as a signal that you should leave first and you left it open so shuri could walk out, “so…can i see the receipt?” you asked, very curious about the price as you both walked down the stone steps.

shuri chortled, “ ‘course not.” she said in some tacky british accent, and held your hand as you both walked back down the street you came back from, to the wakandan palace. shuri had a habit of switching in and out of accents as she travelled a lot, so she just adapted them, but it was so out of the blue and it made you laugh.

you got some questioning and nosy stares but you both ignored them and fully enjoyed the rest of your day, visiting cafes and arcades to have fun, like a pre-anniversary date.

~~~

you sat on your shared bed, tapping away at your phone. you took a picture of the christian dior bag and sent it to your friend, nora who sent you a long voice note being jealous and threatening to come and steal shuri from you. you laughed and replied in another voice note, “i wish you’d come and try, girl i’d slap the shit out of you.” you sent it, laughing at yourself doing the fake american accent you’d learnt from shuri. nora gave you swearing emojis and you shook your head, liking her messages and then switching your phone off to lay it on the side of the bed. friends was playing on the tv, shuri was watching it before she’d left to take another shower since you’d accidentally sprinkled her in oil as you both cooked some jollof rice for your dinner.

“fuck, haha i’m so sorry baby.” you were cackling so much as you held the oil bottle, and your stomach as you stared at shuri covered in the olive oil, from head to toe. she was play fighting to get it from you and you accidentally threw the contents at her, not realizing the lid wasn’t on properly.

“god y/n.” she wasn’t even mad, she laughed along with you as she wiped it from her face and arms, but she continued to help you cook as she was starving.

you laughed again at the memory but took the remote to change the channel. you switched it to some true crime channel and settled the remote on the bedside table, opening a packet of sour gummies to fulfill your sweet tooth. before long, shuri exited out the steamy bathroom, a tower around her waist and another one around her neck covering her chest. you tried your hardest not to look but bast, it was hard; she looked so good and that towel was slipping dangerously low, showing off her v line and toned stomach as result of her working out as black panther, being the protector and all. you dragged your mind out the gutter and shifted your attention back to the tv.

“like what you see?” she called out, noticing your prying eyes on her as she moved to get the lotion.

“mhm.” you replied shamelessly, not bothering to hide how hard you were staring. shuri laughed at your directness and turned to face the wardrobe as she removed the towel around her neck, revealing her broad and strong back. you liked how it tensed and flexed as she moved around with light scars of nail marks that were definitely your fault. shuri poured the cocoa butter lotion onto her hands and rubbed them into her palms before she worked it into her skin to give it moisture and avoid ashiness.

“do you need help?” you asked, feeling quite bold.

“that would be amazing, i can’t reach my back.” shuri replied, nodding her head and sitting on the edge of the bed with her bare back facing you. excitedly, you crawled your way directly behind her and took the bottle of lotion and squirted some on your hand. you rubbed it until it grew warm in your hands and then you took a careful swipe along shuri’s back. with elegance, you rubbed it into her beautiful melanin skin and made sure it was all spread evenly before you massaged her shoulders. it was quiet, but you could hear the low moans of shuri as the massaging probably felt good and relieved her of muscle aches. her head leaned back into the middle of your chest as you leaned up on your knees to rub the top her chest, getting dangerously close to her boobs, “mm, you sure you wanna go there baby?” she looked at you with a look of lust and you ignored her, pretending like you were just innocently helping her cream her skin. after, you lifted her head off your chest and rubbed her back again but went down the sides of her petite waist, under her arms as you took in her shape. shuri was surprisingly letting you do all of it and her being vulnerable was getting you worked up so you stopped before it progressed into something else.

“why’d you stop?” shuri fake pouted as she got up, finishing off her legs before she slipped on a white tank top on from the closet, not bothering to wear a bra.

“cuz.” is all you said before you were indulging in your gummies again and watching tv. shuri soon joined you and stuck her hands in your gummies, stuffing some in her mouth as she tried to decipher exactly what you were watching.

“is this murder and stuff.” she asked muffledly, as her mouth was full with the sweets she'd just stolen from you.

you giggled at how stupid but cute she sounded and nodded as you both began to properly watch it with your eyes glued to the screen until you were eventually dead asleep, your arm hanging over the bed as shuri hugged your waist and snuggled herself besides your breast; you could definitely get used to this.

~~~

you woke up from your deep slumber in utter panic as your alarm went off besides your head, blaring into your poor ears. annoyed, you angrily slammed it quiet and huffed to yourself as you rubbed the sleep from your aching eyes. the digital clock displayed 9:30am and you sighed, knowing it was definitely shuri that set it at this time to wake you up. you looked around to find her, but she was nowhere to be seen, which wasn’t surprising at all in the least. you managed to raise yourself up, stretching your arms and legs with a drawn out yawn. you lazily scratched the side of your head and adjusted your silk bonnet before you jumped off the bed and made it up again, like you never slept in it. you were making your way to the door when something caught the corner of your eye. when you fully turned to it, you gasped. it was a note on top of a large bouquet of diverse flowers. cheesing already, you picked it up and read the note, “happy second anniversary, my one and only love,” you took a deep inhale of the sweet smelling flowers before you carried on, “i’m so glad to have you in my life, thank you for handling my shit, from your sexy lover, shuri.” you giggled and smiled to yourself like an idiot as you read it like three more times after that. you danced around your room like a child; it was only shuri that was able to make you giddy like that. ready to hug her to death, you unlatched the lock of your bedroom door and looked in the hall left and right before you quietly closed it behind you and tiptoed to shuri’s lab.

however, when you looked inside, it was empty and she was no where to be seen. confused, you wondered where she could possibly be, but the distant sound of soft afrobeats, and the sweet aroma of pancakes gave you your answer. your mouth watered and stomach grumbled as you realized how hungry you were. you made your way over to the kitchen and without a doubt, she was there, over the stove and tossing pancakes like a pro. she was wearing a blue striped apron whilst softly humming to the song, pull up by koffee, her favorite one right now. once she noticed your presence, she smiled sweetly and made her way over to you, inviting you to dance with her. confused at how different she was acting, you gladly complied and bopped along to the beat. she twirled you around and your back was to her, moving side to side and slightly whining on her. one of her hand was on your waist guiding your movements, whilst the other had a spatula in it. getting shy, you clapped whilst laughing and broke away from her as she hurried over to the stove to turn it off before the pancakes got burnt.

“what?” she let out a hearty laugh and flipped the pancake pan onto a large white plate.

“who are you and what have you done with shuri.” you jokingly ask her, as you pulled her into your embrace, arms around her neck, “i’m right here usana.” she replied, softly kissing you and rubbing your sides.

“mmm, i like this shuri, keep her out more.” you said as shuri held your hand and guided you to sit down onto the royal dining table. she’d told everyone not to disturb you today since it was your special day and her demands were met as it was mad quiet and peaceful, no sign of anyone. you looked down at the large plates of breakfast food presented before you and watched as shuri settled the pancakes lastly and sat down, taking off her apron and flinging it somewhere.

“damn, you worked hard.” you admired how nicely it was set out, fruits, your favorite mocha coffee, eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, whipped cream and juice.

“well, you deserve it.” shuri said, slipping a grape into her mouth before cutting herself a slice of pancake to see if it tasted right before you did. she immediately nodded in approval and encouraged you to taste some. you took a knife and cut into the stack of them, using your fork to stab it before placing it in your mouth. it was so beautifully sweet like not too much and not too little, but just enough. the drizzled maple syrup was the cherry on top and you held your thumbs up in approval.

“she can cook!” you said with your hand over your mouth as you chewed it thoroughly, “i always could!” shuri retorted defensively, as she made a sandwhich. you shook your head and she jokingly flipped you off in which you laughed and pushed her chair, nearly causing her to fall down and spill the food everywhere. she looked at you wide eyed and you looked back on the verge of bursting out of laughter.

“fine.” she walked up to you and started to tickle you like crazy in which you screamed and jokingly slapped her off of you; tickling was the bane of your existence and you hated it, which shuri knew so she was doing it on purpose.

“stopp!” you yelled, as she tickled you harder until tears were coming out of your eyes. finally she stopped and looked satisfied with her revenge before she finally ate her little sandwhich. you looked at her menacingly and finished your pancakes, taking a piece of watermelon from the fruit bowl, “this is war.”

“yeah okay.” she said, sticking her tongue out in a childish manner.

this was one of the best mornings you’d ever had and you were so happy to share it with the one you loved.

~~~

you were both riding along the wakandan streets in a long limousine made of pure vibranium that shuri had designed herself, on your way to the most expensive restaurants in all of wakanda owned by kwamaye ramsey, a notorious chef that is seen in a lot of tv shows. there were two body guards seated at the far end of the vehicle so it was awkward, but shuri’s hand was on your thigh and you two were talking about random things to ease the tension.

“okay but she should’ve died in season two.” you argued and shuri interjected, “no! she was my favorite character how dare you.” you sneered at her and she did it back before you both laughed at yourselves. you wore the expensive two piece you had bought the day before with your black hair down and freshly straightened, large golden hoop earrings with heels that were on a mission to make you fall tonight. by your side was shuri in a oversized black blazer with a unique wakandan design and some black suit pants with dark shades on, and her hair braided back:

she looked sexy as always, but those damn grills that glinted when she smiled were telling you to take her right here and now. she looked out the window, “yeah we’re nearly there.” she said to you as the pointed and you looked, seeing the crazy line of people lining up and the bright lights of the place; damn it was famous, she was right.

“oh my, are we going to have to wait?” you asked, as the car swerved into a parking space.

“oh course not.” she said, pulling two vip tickets from your pocket that flashed a lovely gold, “these guarantee a quick way in.” she said as the car came to a final halt. you sighed in relief but wondered how she even got those. i mean she was the fucking princess of wakanda….it made sense.

“thank you boss.” she said as she gave a nod to the driver who gave a nod back and opened the car door. the bodyguards left the vehicle and she got out first before standing to the side and letting you get out. the air was warm, like a bit humid and the environment was just to clean, no pollution, no corruption, just wakanda. the car drove off and you two were immediately greeted with the sharp looks and long stares from ongoing pedestrians and people in line for the restaurant. shuri took your hand in hers and you squeezed it as you two began to walk towards the entrance of the restaurant with the two bodyguards by your side.

you would never get used to the flashing white lights of paparazzi cameras, but it made you feel quite famous to be honest. your relationship was not new news to wakanda, but you’d both never come out to say it, you’d just left the public to think what they want whilst doing what you want. you covered your face slightly and waved at some people as they excitedly waved back. the bodyguards pushed away some crazy paparazzi, but you just stayed close to shuri as she showed the men at the door your vip tickets in which you were swiftly let in. the inside was breathtaking, the whole restaurant wasn’t too busy but clean, and the whole place was covered by dim purple lights with gold shimmers and wakandan designs on the walls. a friendly waiter guided you both to the tables shuri booked and it was upstairs, away from everyone else and in a private dinner room. there were candles set up and it just looked so boules and prestine, it was surreal. you gasped under your breath and you went to sit down with shuri on the opposite side.

“i’ll come to take your orders soon.” the waiter said and bowed, exiting the room. you both nodded and thanked him before taking in the coolness of this place.

“bro, shuri i feel like i’m walking on pure diamond right now.” you say, taking a cheeky sip of wine already on the table. she laughs and also drinks some of her red wine, “i know it’s crazy rich in here.” she replies, like she’s not some billionaire.

“honestly, thank you, this such such an honour my queen.” you bowed in your seat in which she scrunched her face and shook her head, “you don’t call me, you call me…” she thinks, “daddy?” she winked at you but none of this was going to move you tonight, “no, you call me that.” you replied challengingly, raising your eyebrow and mentally laughing at the surprise on her face.

“haha, i like your jokes funny guy.” she said raising her wine glass up again to take another sip whilst you read through the menu.

she was going to be calling you that tonight, she can just wait.

after a short while, the waiter came back and took your order and you ordered wagyu beef with salad and some oysters whilst shuri just ordered the same thing you ordered, just with some medium rare steak on the side. the waiter went to gather your food and you just sat there looking around, avoiding shuri’s longing stare at you.

“y/n..you’re so pretty you know.” she complimented as you felt her foot rub yours from below the table.

“i know.” you replied with full confidence and a hint of dominance, which shuri seemed to notice as she took a small gulp; she was justifiably down bad for you.

you and her played two player mini games on your phone whilst waiting because that’s just how you bonded, “fuck! i had it!” shuri yelled as you stole her cards and came first place. at that point, the waiter came in with one other, holding plates of your food and refilling your wine glasses. shuri looks down awkwardly and puts her phone on the table whilst you chuckle under your breath and thank the waiters for their service. you’re the first to tuck in and the first bite of that meat is heavenly, it literally just melted im your mouth like butter.

“nice?” shuri asked as she poked at her food, putting your needs before her own, “yes! try yours.” you replied as she cut a piece of the meat and ate it to, “oh my god.” she leaned back into the chair and played dead because it tastes so good, whilst chewing thoroughly.

“i know!” soon after, you both devoured your plates and didn’t leave a single speck of food or any sauce left; you’d practically cleaned it up for them again. you leaned back holding your stomach as you were so full. shuri did the same and quietly burped into the palm of her hand before she sipped some whine.

“hey..i have something for you.” you said, shuffling in your handbag to find a surprise for shuri.

“oh?” she asked, wiping her mouth with the cloth and looking at your bag.

“yep.” you pulled it out and it was a small white box with a bow tie on it. you shuffled it closer to her and she looked at it suspiciously, but accepted it anyway. you studied her face to see her reaction to your anniversary gift; you had to provide for her as well because she was treating you way too much. her mouth twisted into a smile and she looked at you, “you didn’t have to.” she said and she was cheesing as she stood up to come and hug you. you’d bought her these 24 karat gold stud earrings that she’d been contemplating on buying for the last year.

“ehh, it’s the least i could do.” you said, feeling very proud of yourself for being able to afford that and treating her back, even though you’d be doing it much more later. tonight will be about her this time, whether she likes it or not.

“fuck, i love you.” she studied them and closed the box again, putting it in her blazer pockets as she blew you kisses.

“come on, let’s go enjoy our night fully, just the two of us.” she said, as you smiled and got up with her, taking the bill so you both could pay at the counter downstairs. once that was done, you went outside where the bodyguards were and the long limousine, you previously arrived, in was stationed outside waiting for you. you both got in with the two bodyguards pushing away crowds and you two comfortably settled in the back whilst they closed the doors. slightly tipsy, you used your hand to pull shuri’s face to meet yours and kissed her, not caring about the right men in front of you. she kissed you back harder until it was getting too intense in which she pulled away and squeezed your thigh, “let’s wait ‘till we get home baby.”

you nodded and leaned on her shoulder, excited for her to see your second surprise.

~~~

it was messy, hungry and needy. your hands were on each other as soon as you got inside, in a state of frenzy as selfishness for the other grew, but you quickly made your way into your shared bedrooom for more privacy. as always, shuri pushed you down onto the soft bed and started to steal kisses all over, starting from your exposed neck down to the top of your breast peaking out from your cropped blazer jacket. you allowed her for now so she didn’t expect anything.

you wrapped your arms around her neck to deepen your passionate kiss further, bucking up your hips to grind against her to give her the notion that she was in control. she held your hips down and swiftly undid your buttons, taking the blazer off to reveal your lacey black bra. she then kissed a trail from the skin of your breast to your neck again and nibbled on the skin, relishing in the sounds of your soft moans.

as if a switch went off, you found strength to completely to push her down and switch your positions so you were now stationed on top of shuri with her wrists held down by your hands. she looked so confused but surprised at where that random surge of strength came from. you licked your plump lips and connected your lips with hers once again in which she eagerly welcomed. you kissed down along her neck in which graceful moans spilled out from her mouth as you bit down gently on the brown skin before you went to work on unbuttoning her large blazer. your hands were no longer pinning shuri’s so she got up, interrupting you and attempting to flip you over again, “y/n-” but you snapped and gripped her chin with your hand, “i’m the one in charge tonight princess, you understand?” you said in such a domineering manner, she simply nodded and accepted her fate. you smiled sweetly, “good girl.” you praised, as you took the blazer off of her small frame, exposing her calvin klein sports bra and broad shoulders. you leaned besides her ear, dragging your hands down her body slowly as she shuddered under your touch.

you were so glad she wasn’t denying you like she used to, and seemed to give you what you wanted.

“take this off for me.” you demanded, tapping her bra in which she complied and gripped the underband of it, raising it up and over her head. you did the same and removed your lacey bra, discarding it to the side of the bedroom so you both were topless. shuri leaned down so her back was against the bed below and watched as you climbed over her, you’re silver necklace hung down into her face, so she dragged it and pulled you down to kiss her some more and as her hands were free, she roamed down to grip your ass in which you grunted disapprovingly and slapped them away, “you don’t touch me.” you ordered, taking her wrists and pinning them back above her head once again. she bit her lip and gave a sort of whining sound that made your core throb in anticipation.

“you better not move, stay in that fucking position.” you demanded with a deeper tone in your voice. shuri mentally gasped at your sudden change in demeanor but fuck, it turned her on so much more then she imagined. you let go of her hands and went lower, unbuttoning her pant buttons and pulling them down to remove it completely from her, tossing it across the room like the other articles of clothing. shuri didn’t know how to feel right now, you’d never gone full dom like this and she was unsure on how to act but for once, she was going to entertain it and let you do what you want because that’s what you deserve. you enticingly kissed your way down shuri’s body, tracing her shape as you stopped at her boxers. you looked at her for approval to take it off and she nodded, biting her bottom lip as you slid them off of her. she used her foot to discard them r to the side but by the time she could process what was happening, you were already roughly pushing her thighs apart and lifting them up so they were beside your head.

in the two eventful years you both were together, you’d only ate her out..once? maybe twice? but that was way too low compared to the amount of times she was in-between your legs, at least twice a week, and that’s if she’s busy.

you spread her thighs out more and shuri shifted herself down so you were closer; she’d missed receiving head as she was so focused on you, she forgot about herself but tonight, she was going to feel every fucking thing you gave her. the room was dimly lit, but you could clearly see what you were working with. shuri’s pussy was slim and tidy, her lips tucked in and her clit peaking out from the hood like a pearl from its shell. you appreciated the neatly trimmed curly hair but you couldn’t care less about it. your kissing from before had undoubtedly got her wet as her entrance glistened with slick, begging for you to taste it.

without wasting any more time, you dove straight in, tongue up in every crevice you could reach as you greedily tasted every single bit of her, holding her thighs tightly. shuri’s petite frame flinched and her backed arch, lifting off the bed as her arms slammed down onto the bed, “oh my fucking god y/n, yes!” her moan was so erotic, it sounded like it came right out of a porn video. you used that as fuel to keep on going, using your tongue to glide in and out of her, licking up and down her slit and grazing her clit a bit. this caused her to buck her hips up instinctively and grab at your straight hair, “shit shit! ivakala imnandi kakhulu.” she cried out, spewing out expletives like they were rap lyrics.

“mmm.” you couldn’t help but smile at how good you were making her feel. you hummed against her clit on purpose and continued to pry and lick at it to get her closer. shuri’s knuckles were started to whiten at how hard she was gripping your hair but you didn’t care, you couldn’t feel that shit, all you could feel was shuri’s wet pussy slapping against your tongue and cheeks.

“fuck yes!” shuri was up in heaven right now, her head was swung back against the pillows as her hips moved on her own, grinding up into your mouth as you stuck your tongue out, “mm i bet you like this, rubbing your cunt on my tongue like a whore.” you said as her jaw clenched after your wards and eyes rolled back into her sockets, just stuck in her own little world of pleasure. feeling satisfied, you turned your head to the side as you licked to watch her reaction; you swear she started to vibrate underneath you as her visible abs flexed with every breath and her now-sweaty legs tensed with every thrust of her hips upwards. feeling so turned on, you felt yourself underneath your tights and panties, rubbing up on your own pussy, aching due to the absence of it’s usual attention as your nipple grazed against the coolness of the sheets; you could honestly cum right now but no, shuri came first.

you stopped touching yourself and reached up shuri’s toned torso with the other hand, grabbing her tits on the way and lightly squeezing as you continued to make out with her heat. you reached her mouth and stuck your index and middle finger into it in which she willingly sucked, getting it all ready and coated with her saliva.

“so fucking good for me, aren’t you.” you said, bobbing your head up and down as you sucked on her clit, “baby, i’m gonna cum..” she breathlessly moaned as her tongue still swirled around and in between your fingers whilst still moving her hips with the pace of your tongue, “you better not.” you warned, feeling further into her throat warm, nearly making her gag.

soon after, shuri was definitely close and you didn’t want her to cum just yet so you lifted your head up briefly and took your fingers out from her pretty little mouth. shuri gulped and looked at you with such a needy expression, you wanted to make her finish for hours on end. you stuck the fingers in your own mouth because you were just so dirty like that and went back down to her mound, feeling up and down her pussy with the pads of your fingers. you don’t think you’d ever fingered shuri, but she’d done it to you countless of times, you could pick it up. you went back to licking her pretty pussy, but your fingers joined this time and with the help of them being wet from shuri and her self lubricated entrance, they slid right in as you pushed inside and shuri’s body tensed, hissing at the weird sensation. you realise she probably didn’t penetrate herself often, so you slowed it down a bit to allow her to adjust.

“move.” she directed, her dark gaze landing upon you and you could see finally see her gorgeous brown eyes, pupils blown out. not needing for her to tell you twice, you used both of your fingers to move in and out, curling them slightly like she always does. your tongue is also at work and plays with her clit in circle motions. shuri was so high on you right now, her teeth gritted and toes curled as her body calmly convulses, trying to cope with too much at once, “god, fuck yes y/n ugh-”

you slapped her harshly thigh, “i want you to call me daddy.” you smirked while saying it and shuri didn’t look at you but she went quieter which is a sign that she was contemplating on doing it. you moved your fingers at an ungodly speed to force some sound out of her and your wish was granted, “mmm, ah fucking hell…y-yes daddy.” she said the last bit quietly but it made you happy

“ha, you’re so good for me shuri.” you praise approvingly and disconnected your mouth from her throbbing core. you lean yourself up and shuffled to shuri, putting an arm around the top of her head. she hurriedly grabbed your face and pulled you down to kiss you sloppily so she can taste herself, your fingers stil buried deep inside of her as she greedily took them, rocking her hips back and forth. you slowed because of your aching wrists, but you sped up again and she abruptly stopped kissing you, struggling to find your lips again as your fingers drilled the absolute shit out of her.

“yea, just like that.” shuri’s grabbed onto your neck like you were the last person on earth and you let her, enjoying her submissive side that she’d kept hidden for so long. your palm slapped down on her clit and she jerked, “bast, i’m gonna cum all your fingers.”

“yeah? i bet you want to do that shit? fucking hungry for it aren’t you?” you replied fiercely, taking shuri’s hands off of you and leaning back down again as you missed her earthy taste. she whined as you went back down to eat her out again; she was so stimulated, she wanted to cry and you weren’t helping. she played with your hair, putting it in a ponytail and lifting it up and down to guide your head further down into her core. once again, shuri was really close and her body was drenched in sweat at this point, and she wanted nothing more than sweet release, which you weren’t going to adhere to just yet. as you saw she was on the edge, you stopped your actions once again and she then tried to use her own hand to finish herself off, but you weren’t having it and you pulled them away forcefully, “no touching yourself either.”

shuri’s face scrunched in annoyance as her body writhed like a worm under you, but she obeyed nonetheless and kept her mouth shut, rubbing her legs together. you got up from the bed and her eyes shot open from its original squinted state, wondering why you were leaving you like that, “fuck..y/n where are you-”

“that’s not my name.” you said as you removed your skirt and opaque tights, stepping out of it and putting it in the mess of your other clothes. you shuffled around your closet for the bag you’d put the strap in earlier and once you finally found it, you pulled it out and showed shuri your creation proudly.

shuri stared at you then at the strap and then at you again in disbelief, “you’re not thinking of using that on me are you?” she studied the details of the veins and unique design, noticing it wasn’t one of hers.

“duh, why else would i bring it out.” you replied, beginning to put it on yourself and adjust the straps. shuri shifted back in her position and stared at it; something about you wearing made fireworks go off in her lower half, and somehow she ended up splayed out on the bed, legs spread wide open while you were in between her. she used to be so against you using it on her and even went far as to hiding them from you, but you made your own this time and there was no escaping from your grasp.

“don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” you reassured shuri who looked evidently nervous for the large toy dangling in between your legs. you stroked her face and kissed her cheeks, pecking her collarbones and rubbing her thighs soothingly. this helped her relax and she slowly sighed, grabbing your waist and pulling you closer. happy as fuck, you took the base of the black strap on and rubbed the tip against her entrance, that was still wet from your saliva and her slick. she looked away and shut her eyes, ready for it and you thought she looked so flipping cute.

quite impatiently, you started to guide it slowly inside her in which her legs immediately tensed up and she pulled back away from you, causing it to fall out. realizing this will probably take a while, you tried again, rubbing the sides of her waist to calm her down. if worked this time and it went in further before she tensed up again but she held your waist tighter, “it’s okay, just put it all in.” she blurted out, not wanting to wait anymore. you wanted to ask if she was very sure but you couldn’t help yourself and before you knew it, you were slamming into her at full force. she jolted and her hands left your waist, touching your abdomen instead and slowly looking up at you with her mouth in an ‘o’ shape as she let out a silent scream, and you grinning cockingly at her. the stretch from its girth was slightly painful, but nothing she couldn’t take. once she was okay with that, you pulled out again and slammed back in, enjoying her body language as her hands scrambled for something to hold on to, eventually covering her face as you began to mercilessly fuck her, “mhm, take.every.last.bit.of.this.” you thrusted into her after each word and noisy lewd moans spewed out from her like a broken record. her eyes were squeezed shut as her body jerked with your sharp and calculated thrusts, making her whole body shake from the shooting pleasure that skyrocketed from her toes to her fingers as you easily found her g-spot, “fucking hell…daddy ah, ah, ah.” she hesitated but she said it and that’s all that mattered.

the stimulating sound of skin slapping and moaning filled the room, the air thick with hotness and the smell of sex wafting from your bodies. you leaned down to kiss down her neck as your hips relentlessly rammed the strap on into her, hitting places shuri didn’t even know existed within her. shuri watched as your tits moved in a hypnotizing manner, and fought the urge to take them in her mouth.

“oh fuck, you’re so deep.” shuri admitted as she firmly gripped your hips, head turned to the side as all she could do was take it and moan as her body shook uncontrollably, not used to this burning sensation unfolding from within her. she couldn’t even think straight at this point, and the pounding between her legs was the only thing she could feel. suddenly, you pulled out and wiped a bead of sweat from your forehead, “on your knees for me baby girl.”

shuri obeyed and found the little energy she had to turn herself over onto her knees and lie down like that. you gripped her hips and pulled her ass up more before you leaned over her and put the strap on at her entrance again. you kissed along her shoulder blade and sculpted, smooth back that was beautifully arched for you. it was already coated with shuri’s wetness so it slipped right in again and you began to ram into her, “fuck fuck!” is all shuri could say as she felt you grab her shoulders to make her lean up. your boobs were flat against her back as you fucked her, and the skin to skin connection between you two felt so good; the strap-on slightly touching your clit was close to pushing you over the edge in fact. fucking into her was so addicted, no wonder she struggled to stop when she was strapping you down. you saw shuri was touching herself as you were moved inside her her but it was okay, you just didn’t approve of her cumming without your permission. you let go of her shoulders and watched as she fell back down, limp, like she had no control over herself. you chuckled in a sadistic manner and pushed her head down into the pillow, drilling into her little hole, just begging to take all of your dick.

after her moans got higher pitched and her body threatened to give in, you pulled out again and leaned down onto your knees, catching your breath before moving to the next position. shuri was so fucked out from the constant stimulation, and the hadn’t even cum yet; you were purposefully edging her and she didn’t know how much longer she could deal with it, it was starting to become more painful to hold back.

you sat down in bed next to her and tapped your thigh, “can you ride me lastly?” you asked in a polite manner, very different from your strict attitude earlier. shuri barely made eye contact with you but she moved herself, climbing over your frame and positioning herself on top of the strap. you’re so excited, it’s not even funny.

“go easy, please.” she croaked weakly as she looped her arms around your neck and leaned her head onto your shoulder. you nodded knowing damn well you weren’t going to do that. she was already sliding down onto the strap and bouncing her hips up down, kissing you fervently as she held onto you for support. you loved how she was getting into it but nah, you wanted to make sure she felt it all so you did what you had to do. you grabbed her hips and slammed them down unexpectedly, using your own hips to thrust back up. shuri yelped and held your chest, “shit! ngh!” you did it again and continued until she accepted it and rode you at a similar pace.

“you can touch yourself now baby.” you finally say, watching at how she excitedly reached down her body to rub on her engorged clit. her eyes flutter shut and her head swung back again, as you gripped her her ass and to guide her movements. mesmerized but how sexy she looked like this, you leaned forward and took one of her deliciously brown nipples into your mouth, sucking and licking the small nub skillfully. her moans got more strained as you did this, all three sensations she was feeling clouding her senses as the time went by. you didn’t stop and wanted her to cum so fucking hard, she’d feel it for the next few weeks.

“mhm yeah, cum for your daddy, all over my fucking dick.” you sensually whispered into her ear. you didn’t know where all this language was coming from but you’d probably heard shuri say it enough times to you so it was just automatic.

your goal was soon coming as shuri’s whole body tensed, breathing short and ragged as she spasmed repeatedly as a result of her orgasm washing over her in crests of mini waves all hitting her at the same time. “fuuuuuuuck.” her moan dragged out as she gripped your shoulders, her fingernails digging into your shoulder blades. you winced slightly, but enjoying the painful feeling. shuri pulled you away from her boob with a wet pop, pulling you into hungry kiss as she rode out her high that never seemed to end. it felt 100x more intense as she’d been chasing it for the past hour or so due to your cruel edging game.

“ahh, shit y/n, that felt amazing.” her head was heavy on your shoulder and you just smiled to yourself, feeling tired but so horny at the same time. you kissed her forehead and wiped a tear that had found it’s way down her cheek. she was cockwarming the strap until now and slowly but surely, she got off of it to lay down beside you, absolutely blissed out.

you sat at the edge of the bed to slip the strap off your waist and thighs, nodding your head in agreement, “you were amazing, i didn’t know you were capable of that.” shuri said with a genuine surprised look on her face as she clapped for you, still in the process of catching her breath.

“me too to be honest.” you said, laughing and covering your face in embarrassment from the reality of what you’d just done as you lay back down next to her.

“that was another awesome anniversary gift.” shuri whispered to you, coming closer and peppering your cheeks with kisses as she ran her hands along your body.

“yeah…” you looked at her deeply, licking your lips as you she used a finger to wipe away some hair that was stuck to your face, “don’t you want to get off though?” shuri asked with a smirk, her dominant self already coming back after you thought you’d fucked it out of her.

you looked at her blankly, “nah, let’s sleep.” you turned around swiftly, giving her a taste of her own medicine but honestly wanting it so bad.

“sleep? come on, let’s go shower, i’m so sweaty.” she said, pulling your shoulder back to face her before she stood up in which she quickly held the bed for support as her legs felt like pure jello. you hurriedly stood up to hold her before she fell, “oh my, don’t die.” you both laughed as you put her arm along the back of her neck and walked to the bathroom, entering the hot shower together after all that long lovemaking. did it initiate a round two? i guess we’ll never know.

sheeshh, that was a long one.

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ty you guysss x