#Part Eight

[justasnappin]

ALEXANDER JEFFERSON & GALE "BUCK" CLEVEN Masters of the Air – Part Eight (2024)

[ghostofwriting]

riding the edge (smau): eight

R.C x Reader

Synopsis: Rafe Cameron is a "bad boy" motorcycle creator known for his thrilling rides and shameless thirst traps, which attract a massive following. Y/N is a thoughtful and passionate Bookstagram influencer who thrives on sharing deep literary insights and reviewing the top trending books.

part nine

[iblameashley]

Ghost Falls Silent, Simon Stands

Civilian | Male | Gay

3,800~ words

Content: Hospitalization, recovery, cohabitation, use of 'lad' (gendered language?), nightmares, gay stuff, fluff, happy ending.

Follow up to Something to look forward to

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley | Male

!!!SFW!!!

When Simon "Ghost" Riley is injured protecting you, his recovery means a month confined to home - that is, after two weeks of sedation in the base medical wing. Captain Price requests you stay and assist. Through highs and lows, you stand steadfast by Ghost's side. As feelings begin to emerge, Ghost must confront what it means to open his heart some more and whether a future beyond warfare could truly be possible or if he'll continue fighting alone.

Tag List: @a-sleepy-dissapointment

(Thanks to @loneghostwolf for permission to use this image)

You had been sitting outside of Simon's room in the medical wing as Price came along to have a 'talk' with him. You weren't too far from the door, but were close enough to hear Price's deep, commanding voice as he scolded Simon like a father would to a child.

Simon had been protesting his medical leave recommended by the staff. There was rarely an opportunity for them to get the Ghost in for any type of examination, and now that he had been there for a little over two weeks, they were recommending a month of medical leave, and this did not go over well with Simon.

So Price had made a request of you first, asking if you'd be willing to continue to watch over Simon when Price sent him home for recovery. You of course agreed, you'd become rather fond of that lumbering, stoic idiot.

And now here you were, unintentionally eavesdropping on Price and Simon.

“Simon Riley, I swear to God if you fuck this friendship up, I will put a bullet in you myself, you damn muppet!” Price fired back.

“I'm good to go, Price. The wound is healed, I just need a little training to get back into proper form... it shouldn't take more than a couple days at most, sir.” Simon replied, clearly trying to charm his way back into work with his confident tone.

Price was having none of it.

“Absolutely not.” Price shot him down without question. “I can't spare this room much longer, I can't spare Soap or Gaz to watch over your ass for a whole month, and I can't trust you to sit down and relax on base for the next month.” He grumbled with annoyance. “My best option is that wonderful lad out there who, for some reason, has been here for you since you were brought in. No complaints and no problems. He wants to be here, he wants to be your friend, and he wants to watch over you for the next month!”

Price stopped his tongue-lashing long enough to catch his breath, and Simon sat silently for a moment as his brain processed everything.

You of course were sitting in the corridor with a shit-eating grin on your face. Price was likely the only person on Earth who could talk to Simon this way and live, and it tickled you to know that Simon would bend to Price's will if enough pressure was applied.

“Fine.” Simon finally huffed. He surrendered to Price's demand. “But...”

“No 'buts', Simon. He will be accompanying you back to your flat and staying with you for the next month.”

You didn't need to be in the room to know the look Simon had on his face.

“Fine.” He said again in a tempestuous tone.

An image of Simon sitting in the bed with his arms crossed came to mind and you let out a breathy chuckle.

“When will I be discharged into his care?” Simon asked, pulling you from you daydream.

“Seventeen hundred hours, when he's technically finished his work for the day. You'll be loaded into a vehicle together and driven home.” Price explained. “I've already gone ahead and had Soap and Gaz prepare your flat for the two of you, since they had a few hours to spare today. You'll have groceries stocked and beds turned down. Soap may have ate the chocolates meant for the pillows, though.” Price joked.

With nothing more to say, Simon was resigned to his fate.

“Good lad.” Price said before leaving Simon's room. He flashed you a look and smile, “He'll be your problem in a few hours.”

“He always was.” You joked, giving Price a nod as he continued on his way down the corridor.

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Day 4

Its been four days. Four.

You woke up to the smell of something burning and a voice cursing form the kitchen in a Manchester accent. Simon. You threw the blankets back and begrudgingly sat up from the small cot Gaz and Soap had placed in the den of Simon's flat for you. It took a moment to gather your thoughts and boot your brain up enough to wander out into the kitchen to see some charcoal – apparently eggs – in the frying pan on the stove. There were some sausages cooking in another pan as well. Simon was limping around the kitchen looking for a solution.

“Little early in the morning to be trying to kill us both, don't ya' think?” You yawn as you walked over to the stove and pulled the pan off, tossing the chunks of eggs into the sink.

“I didn't ask for a babysitter.” Simon grunted. You notice him wince as he reached for something on the top cupboard, and you shake your head.

You drop the burnt pan into the sink and grab a new one, not quite hiding your frustration.

“Then stop acting like a fucking baby.” You shot back with a bit more vitriol than intended. “Think you can manage a cup of coffee for me and some tea for yourself?” You shot a second time, flashing him a tired and irritable look.

“Think so.” He grunted before moving to grab a couple of mugs.

You grabbed a fresh pan and placed it on the burner, turning the heat down and waiting a few minutes before cracking some fresh eggs. This man could dismantle bombs and take on multiple men in hand-to-hand, but was seemingly lost in his own kitchen.

“How do you like your eggs?” You asked, already cooking some sunny-side up eggs for yourself.

“D'innit matter.” Simon said as he worked away to prepare some drinks.

You shrugged and cracked some more eggs into the pan. Sunny-side up all around.

“Why are you so damn stubborn, Si?” You asked, tying to mask the sadness in your voice. You knew why, it was easy to figure out with a man like Simon Riley, but a part of you wanted to hear it from him.

“Don't need anyone to take care of me. Been takin' care of myself long enough.” His voice betrayed his words and you were, of course, unconvinced of his statement.

“Well... I'm here to help while you recover. I already agreed to do the cooking and cleaning while you caught up on paperwork – which was generous of Price to allow – and getting yourself back in shape for deployment.” You remind him, aiming the spatula at him.

Simon took a seat at the kitchen table as the water boiled in the kettle and simply stared at you. You were right, but it would be a cold day in hell before he said it out loud.

By the time the food was ready, Simon had a steaming mug of coffee for you and a tea for himself. You plated the eggs and sausages, as well as some toast you had made.

“Eggs... without a kitchen fire or the fire department. Enjoy.” You winked at him while buttering some toast.

“Thanks.” He mumbled into his tea.

Despite the attitude Simon had been giving you, you knew his gratitude ran deeper than he let on. He did eventually give you a small smile while he ate, which helped lighten your own mood, though you still had twenty-six days to go.

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Day 10

You were sitting in the living room with Simon, tapping away at your laptop as you worked well into the evening. You'd fallen behind in your work and decided to spend some time today catching up – and you were almost done as the storm outside really began to rage.

There was a crash of thunder that startled you; Simon looked over and his chest heaved as he silently laughed at you.

“Control... S” You murmured to yourself as you saved your work. Lessons had been learned years ago about this very situation.

“Power's bound to go out soon.” Simon sighed as he closed his book – one you had bought him at the market.

No sooner had those words escaped his lips than the lights flickered.

Then again.

And then died, plunging you both into almost complete darkness, your face illuminated by the dimmed screen of your laptop. Without the sounds of appliances or the TV, you could hear the roar of wind and pattering of the rain on the windows.

“I'll get the candles.” Simon advised as he got up off the couch.

You closed the lid of your laptop and got out your phone, turning on the flashlight and following close behind him. “I'll help.” You volunteered, tossing your laptop aside and jumping from the chair.

Soon his living room was flickering with the warm light from the candles. You sat on the couch next to him silently as the storm continued outside; you'd kill for wi-fi right now.

You pulled the skull throw you had gifted Simon from the back of the couch and wrapped it around you. It wasn't particularly cold, but it was comforting. You didn't have the courage to tell Simon you had a minor, teeny fear of the dark.

“Y'know... this storm reminds me of a camping trip I took when I was a bit younger.” You said, breaking the silence.

Simon simply stared at you, waiting for you to continue.

“Well, I stupidly dropped my compass and broke it... that should have been the first sign of things to come.” You chuckled as you recalled the memory. “Then of course the storm moved in and drenched me. I ran to cover, totally forgetting that you aren't supposed to take shelter under trees. A bolt of lightening reminded me as it struck several trees nearby.” You exhaled loudly, a smile playing on your face as you remembered just how close a call that experience was. “But because I also happen to have an overactive imagination, and was full of adrenaline and fear already, I could have sworn I saw a pale figure staring at me from the trees. It shrieked like a banshee and I damn near pissed myself. I was a Goddamn mess when I finally made my way back to my friends.” You let out an awkward laugh and looked over to Simon.

“Sounds terrifying.” Simon replied in his usual flat tone, though his eyes did dance with interest as he stared you down. “You're a brave lad to have emerged from that and carried on.”

There was no undertone of sarcasm of teasing in his tone, catching you off guard.

“You have any 'scary' stories?” You asked him, making yourself more comfortable under the throw.

“Aye..." MacTavish's influence seeped through. "...got a real spine tingling one for ya.” Simon nodded.

He leaned in close and lowered his voice. His eyes narrowed and he stared intently at you. “I was once a child.” He deadpanned.

You desperately wanted to keep your composure, but you felt the twitching of your lips as you started to crack. You let out a shaky chuckle before breaking into a full on laughing.

As you wiped the tears from your eyes, you could see Simon sitting back slightly, a tiny smile tugging at his lips in the dim light of the candlelit room.

“You're such a cunt.” You tittered.

Shifting his tone, Simon cleared his throat. “Thank you.” He rumbled alongside the thunder. “...its not so terrible, having you around.” He confessed.

The earnestness of the words surprised you; an admission you could never have predicted Simon to make.

“...and no one will ever believe you if you tell them I said that.”

There is was. You rolled your eyes.

“You're tolerable.” You shurg.

Simon chuckled, enjoying the playful banter between you two in the darkness of his flat. Even if parts of him were screaming to stop opening up to you.

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Day 21

You woke up groggy and confused as something slammed hard against the floor. It was coming from Simon's room and you moved as quickly as your heavy body would allow to get out of bed.

Walking down the hallway, you could hear the terrified sounds of Simon's distress. Standing at the doorway, you hesitated; your hand hovering over the door knob. Should you really go in? Simon's room was a bit off-limits since you agreed to watch over him. You had wanted to ensure he had one space to himself.

CRASH!

Something else hit the floor. You sigh and grip the door knob, turning it slowly and pushing the door open cautiously.

“Simon?” You murmured through the crack in the door.

You could see Simon thrashing around in the darkness of his room, unable to wake up from the nightmare that was consuming him. He was murmuring someone's name and pleading. Pleading! Simon!

“Fuck it.” You declared, resigning yourself to whatever fate awaited you.

“Simon.” You say, giving him a firm shake. “Simon!” You say louder.

You opened the door a bit further – enough to walk through – and strode over to his bed. You leaned down close to him, and once again hesitated. You looked around to see his lamp and phone on the floor and a spilled glass of water.

Turning your attention back to Simon, you placed a hand over his damp shoulder.

Simon doesn't wake up, stuck in the depths of his terror.

You muster up the courage to do something you never thought you'd do; yell at Simon Riley.

“SIMON, WAKE THE FUCK UP!” You howl at him.

His eyes snap open and he shoots up in bed; his chest heaving and covered in a sheen of sweat, it take him a moment to orient himself.

As his eyes fall on you, and shame creeps into his eyes. You were never supposed to see this. You shouldn't be in here and he shouldn't be this weak in front of you.

You reach out and place your hand on his bicep, giving it a squeeze.

“Are you okay, Simon?” You ask in a soft, concerned voice.

He turns away from you, his chest still heaving but doesn't answer. A bit of ego, but mostly humiliation.

He shrugs your hand off of him and all you do is smile.

“Okay, okay... be that way.” You tease him as you turn to his end table. You pick up the lamp and place it back on the tabletop, then place his phone beside it. “You're safe now.” You speak tenderly to him.

You stand and give him a stare for a moment before leaving his room.

Returning a couple minutes later with a small towel, you kneel down and clean up the spilled water as Simon just sits on his bed.

“You seem calmer now.” You remark as you wad up the towel and toss it to his laundry basket.

“'M fine.” He grumbles.

Liar.

“Alright.” You nod, though he's still not looking at you.

You stand up and sit on his bed, your back to him. You take a deep breath before swivelling yourself around and laying down on the bed beside him.

“...and what are you doing?” Simon rumbles as he feels the weight of your body moving on the mattress.

“What I was asked to do. Take care of you for a month.” You reply bluntly.

You make yourself comfortable beside him, choosing a particularly plump and soft pillow to rest your head on.

“Don't need your help.” Simon protests.

“Sounds like a you problem, Si.” You fire back, pulling your phone from your PJ pocket and unlocking it. “I'm staying, as per Prices request.” You didn't explain that you'd text Price when you left and he'd given you 'orders'.

Simon sits there through seven rounds of solitaire, two crosswords, and a good twenty minutes of scrolling through socials before he finally concedes and lays down beside you. He drapes his arms over his stomach as he stretches out and relaxes; as much as Simon Riley relaxes.

“Don't wanna talk about it.”

You don't look away from your phone.

“Don't have to.” You reply.

“You don't need to know what goes on in my fucked up head because of my fucked up life and job.” He continues.

You like a particularly cute video of a puppy.

“Fair enough. We're all entitled to our secrets.” You nod.

“Did I... say anything?” Simon prods, curious and anxious.

You lower your phone a bit and look over at him. You purse your lips and think about how to respond. So far, you've never lied to Simon, and you don't exactly want to start now.

“Well?” He asks after you hesitate a little too long.

“Yes.” You reply, swallowing the lump in your throat.

“What did I say?” Simon inquires, a bit of horror framing his face.

“I thought you didn't want to talk about it?” The words come out a bit harsher than you intended, and you're already cursing yourself.

“What did I say?” He repeats with annoyance.

You let out a sigh and rest your phone on your chest.

“You were begging.” You reply. You roll your head to the side to look at him. “You were begging for forgiveness and to 'switch places' or something to that extent.” You confess to him, barely managing to choke out the words.

“Fuckin' hell...” Simon grumbles. He stares up at his ceiling. “I....”

“You have terrible taste in people.” He says in an almost teasing tone.

You don't let him finish, “You don't have to say any more, Simon. Not if you don't want to.” You explain. You reach over and tap his abdomen with the back of your hand. “I just want you to know that I don't think any less of you. Never could.”

That elicits a deep laugh from Simon as he shakes his head.

“So I'm told.” You reply, going back to your phone.

“You're really not going to leave, are you?” He asks suddenly.

“What do you mean? Here and now, or before the month is over? Or... ever?” You question him, resting the back of one hand on his body.

“All of the above, 'spose.” He shrugs.

“I'm not leaving. All of the above.” You reply earnestly.

You both fall into a comfortable silence as Simon considers what you've said.

After a half hour or more, Simon hears a thud. Turning to look at you, he notices you've dropped your phone on the floor and are fast asleep on his bed.

You roll over on your side and Simon lets out a low grunt, feigning annoyance – though he's not sure why – before he sighs and grabs the blanket and pulls it over you.

He rolls over so his back is to you and closes his eyes. Somehow your presence here relaxes him enough to let him get a couple hours of sleep.

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Day 30

Maybe domestic life was for you after all. It had been a full month since Price had made his request and here you were; In Simon's kitchen and cooking him one last breakfast before you packed up and returned to your own flat.

Simon had spent most of the early morning in his room just laying on his bed before eventually rolling out and jumping in the shower.

As you finished preparing the large, artery-clogging breakfast of sausages, eggs, hash browns, pancakes and bacon, Simon finally emerged in gym shorts and a tank top.

“Ready to kick my arse out?” You asked, suppressing the tinge of sadness that welled inside you. You really did like being here this last month, though it was difficult to tell if he felt the same way.

Simon huffed and made his way to the table where a tea – just the way he likes it – and took a seat, staring at the back of your head.

He took a sip and thought it over for a moment. “Y've been a goddamn nag.” He finally said, a smile on his face.

“All a part of the job!” You fired back, turning to give him a wide grin.

“Still no idea how Price talked you into it.” Simon mused, looking away.

You pate the mountain of food for the both of you and join Simon at the table. You lean back in your chair and pick up a piece of bacon, eyeing it before taking a bite.

“Didn't take much, to be honest.” You shrug.

Simon defaulted to his usual gruff grunt, “Guess if hasn't been entirely unpleasant to have you around.” He confessed. He couldn't help but fight his own happiness.

“Someone had to make sure you didn't burn the place down.” You tease. "And we nipped that in the bud on day four."

Simon digs into the breakfast you've made for him, silently chewing away and ignoring your joke.

You sipped at your coffee and ate your breakfast as well.

This was a moment that seemed to stretch on for a while, neither of you wanting to admit how the last month truly affected you.

“Y'know...” You say, breaking the silence. “We never did see that movie.” You remind him. Through everything that's happened since Simon was injured, neither of you actually ended up dragging the other to that stupid movie.

You give a shrug. There will be plenty of time for movies.

Simon simply looked up at you and continued to eat.

“It's good.” He said, holding up a forkful of food.

You could tell he was uncomfortable, but you couldn't figure out why. It couldn't have been about the movie.

Maybe it reminded him of being stabbed? Unlikely.

Or maybe he felt... disappointed? Like he let you down?

You could just ask, but that was too easy, and you were both too stubborn to talk about it outright.

“I'll be heading out just after noon, if that's fine with you? I just need to do some work before I leave.” You practically murmur.

“'S fine.” Simon nodded.

As you finished your breakfast and placed your plate in the sink, Simon surprised you with what he said.

“How about tonight?” He asked.

You turned to look at him with a confused look on your face.

He was still sitting at the table with his phone in hand.

“The movie. Its still playing... how about tonight?” He asked again.

You nodded. “Y-yeah. Tonight works for me. What time?”

“Eleven-hundred hours. You... can stay the night again. My flat is closer to the theatre than yours.”

You were too shocked to say anything, so you just nodded again.

Staying another night.

With Simon.

You were brimming with stupid amounts of joy.

[sweetprfct]

The Hate Formula

Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader

Summary: Living in the same building, across from each other shouldn't be much of a problem, right? But how come you and Joe tend to always push each other's buttons every day? Is it because you both truly just hated each other or is it because there was something more to it?

Author's Note: I'm not home for a while and will be super busy, so I apologize if this seems a little rush! I want to upload this chapter at least for you guys.

Disclaimer: 18+, smut

Wordcount: 3.4K

part one - part two - part three - part four - part five - part six - part seven - part eight - part nine - part ten

You walked down the bustling streets of New York, gazing up and saw the small raindrops already starting to fall from the gray skies that covered the city. You had a long day at work, but you were glad it was Friday. You have been so stressed at work because everything just kept hitting the fan, and you have been coming home with a headache almost everyday. You needed a break from your work environment. You couldn't seem to organize your thoughts lately. 

You felt your phone vibrate in your pocket, interrupting your thoughts and saw Sara’s caller ID. 

“Hello?” 

“Hey, where are you? Wes and I are on the way to the restaurant.” Sara said on the other side of the line.

“I just got off work. I’m on my way to take the subway right now.” You looked both sides before crossing the street. “I’ll meet you guys there as soon as I can. I just want to go home first and change.”

“Okay,” Sara replied. “Just be careful and let me know when you’re on your way here.”

“I will, thanks.”

Hanging up the phone, you sped walk down the stairs and immediately entered the subway before it closed its double doors. You sighed in relief, feeling lucky that you were just in time or else, you would have had to wait for the next subway. Pushing your way through the crowd, you murmured your excuse-mes and sat on one of the empty seats. 

You had promised Sara and Wes that you would join the two of them—including Joe— for dinner after work on a Friday night. Sara had noticed the change between you and Joe lately. Less arguments in the hall and less angry eyes that you two would give each other. 

If only she knew.

You still haven’t told her what was going on between you and Joe, and you sort of still were hesitating on it because you still haven’t gotten your answer. Besides, you and Joe weren't doing anything else but sex. 

Why should you overthink this, right?

When the subway had finally stopped, you exited out of it and paused in your tracks the moment you saw who was waiting for you at the station.

“Joe?” You called out. 

He turned around and a grin immediately appeared on his face. You weren't going to lie, you were starting to believe his words sometimes. Joe hasn’t been seeing anyone else but you these past few weeks, and you wondered if he has changed. You wondered if this thing between the both of you were something… exclusive. 

Did Joe think you two were exclusive?

“Hey,” He greeted you happily.

“Wh…What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Sara and Wes at the restaurant?” 

“Thought I could wait for you and we could go together.” Joe explained, his fingers intertwined with yours. 

You smirked at his small smooth move as you slipped your hand away from his. There was no way he was getting away with this.

“What?” Joe asked, his brows furrowing as he followed you out the station.

“You don’t get to hold my hand.” You stated, looking over your shoulder. 

You could see the hurt in Joe’s face as he continued to follow you down the sidewalk. He gently touched your forearm, making you stop in your tracks. You knew exactly what he was doing.

“This between us…” You gestured your hand between the both of you. “This is nothing but just sex, remember?”

Biting his lower lip, Joe continued to follow you all the way towards the apartment building. You could feel his eyes burning through the side of your head as he kept glancing at you. Taking your keys out of your pocket, you slid it in the doorknob and the moment you entered your apartment, Joe gently slid his hands in yours and turned you around. You gasped softly as you looked deep into his eyes and he cupped your cheek gently with his hand. 

“How much time do we have?” He whispered. 

Holding in your breath, you bit your lower lip as you held in your smile. 

“Why?” You asked, breathlessly.

Joe’s chocolate button eyes studied you, his fingers brushing your hair away from your shoulder. 

“Because if we do…” He leaned in, kissing the line of your jaw. 

You gasped softly, your hands sliding on his shoulders and gripping them gently. 

“I think Sara and Wes can wait a few more minutes.” You whispered, enjoying the feel of his tongue on your skin.

Joe let out a soft hum, his lips trailing down your neck. You bit your lower lip softly, your hand curling on the back of his head. Joe gently pushed you against the wall in the middle of the hall, sliding his hand under your thigh and hooking it on his hip. 

“I can’t stop thinking about you all day.” Joe whispered, making you smile as he cupped your face between his hands. 

Joe kissed you softly, his lips moving with yours like he had tasted something so sweet. He moaned softly as you smiled through the kiss, slipping your tongue inside his mouth. Both of your tongues played together as Joe slipped his hand under your skirt, rubbing your wet folds through your underwear. 

“Wet for me already?” Joe smirked, pulling away from the kiss. 

“Shut up.” You murmured, feeling your cheeks flushed. 

“I love that I make you feel this way.” He lifted you up in his arms, pinning you against the wall and both of your legs wrapping around his waist. 

Fumbling with his belt, Joe found your lips again as you moaned softly and unbuttoned his pants. Joe’s fingers pushed aside your underwear before slipping his member in, both of you gasping loudly. Closing your eyes, Joe kissed and sucked your neck, thrusting inside of you. Your fingers gripping his shoulder, you threw your head against the wall as Joe thrusted deeper. You could feel every bone in your body trembling and starving for him as he trailed kisses down your neck. 

Another moan slipped out of your lips as Joe thrusted faster and deeper inside of you. He couldn’t help but groan and let out a breathless gasp as your walls tightened around him, pleasure pooling in your stomach. 

“Come for me, love.” Joe whispered, looking deep into your eyes. 

You closed your eyes immediately as you moaned his name and gripped his shoulders tighter. Your toes curled, your legs trembling as Joe continued to pound inside of you. With a quick few more thrusts, pleasure crashed over the both of you, Joe burying his face in your neck to stifle his moans. Panting softly, Joe gently set you back on your feet, his arm never leaving your waist, so he was balancing you. 

“We made a mess.” You chuckled softly, pressing your forehead against his. “You made a mess of me.”

“It’s okay.” Joe kissed you softly. “You have no idea how much of a mess you have made of me.”

“I have to clean up before we go.” You slipped away from his arms. 

“Let me help.” Joe smiled. 

Raising your brow at him, you gave him a small smile as he followed you over to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, Joe grabbed a soft hand towel, letting the water run over it before ringing the excess water. You watched as Joe gazed down at you with a grin on his face before he lowered himself down and pulled your underwear down to your ankles and gently wiped you off. 

You didn’t know what it was, but Joe doing all of this for you, you didn’t know how much harder your heart could pound inside your chest. He left a soft kiss inside your thigh before smiling and getting up from the floor. Your eyes stared at him, your eyes full of tenderness as he leaned forward and kissed you softly. 

“Let me change, hm?” You pulled away from the kiss. “Then, we’ll go.”

Joe nodded his head, letting you go from his arms. He watched as you slipped your clothes off and changed into a nice blue dress. You could feel his eyes on you as he slowly walked up behind you, zipping the back of your dress before kissing your shoulder softly. 

“Gorgeous.” He smiled. 

“Ready?” You asked, turning around and fixing Joe’s shirt. 

Joe tried to hold your hand again as you walked over to the restaurant but just because you two had a small quickie at your apartment, it didn’t mean he had a permission. You were still sticking with your decision about the fact that he couldn't be touching you like this unless he had admitted what was going on between the both of you. 

You were just glad that the walk from the apartment and towards the restaurant was a short quick walk because by the time you both arrived, Sara and Wes were already on the table, waiting for the both of you. You and Joe exchanged smiles as you both sat across Wes and Sara. 

“Hey, sorry.” You smiled slightly. 

“Where were you guys?” Wes asked. 

“I…um…” Joe cleared his throat. “I got caught up at work because of the rain and by the time I arrived back at the apartment, we saw each other, and I decided to just wait for her to finish changing and just go together.”

You shifted your eyes at Sara as she gave you a look that indicated if Joe was telling the truth. You gave her a small smile before pulling up the menu in front of you to hide your face. You saw for a moment as Wes gave Joe the same look before Joe pulled up the menu in front of him too. 

“So, what’s delicious?” Joe asked, his eyes studying the menu.

Sara slightly knitted her brows and she watched the three of you interact. She had been trying to figure out the atmosphere between you and Joe and how it suddenly shifted. She kept wondering why and when all of this happened. She couldn’t pinpoint what it was because the last time you two talked, you and Joe had argued at Central Park. Though even if you two had made up, she still couldn’t believe she hasn’t heard any commotion in the hall lately. Not that she was complaining.

“So, how’s work?” Sara asked you that night as you ate your salad. 

You sighed, shaking your head. “Stressful. I’m tired of it. I need a vacation.”

“Why don’t you take one?” 

Joe tilted his head at you, curious as to why you were stressed. You both didn’t really talk about anything besides the constant sex lately and if you did, it wasn’t really anything personal. 

“Why are you stressed?” Joe asked.

You turned your head towards him and saw the worry lines that appeared on his face. You couldn’t help but feel your heart swell from the way he was looking at you. It was an affectionate and caring look that you have never seen before. 

“Um… Just a lot of things going on.” You replied, turning your attention back to Sara. “You know, just busy and a lot of things on my plate.”

Feeling Joe’s hand on yours under the table, he squeezed it lightly as you gave him a small smile and slipped it away from his touch. You kept trying to push away the sudden privileges that Joe kept throwing at you. He was making moves like he was your boyfriend. You weren’t about to just let him get away with that. 

The rest of the dinner was normal. All four of you catching up and telling stories about each other that made you all laugh. Some stories that would make your cheeks flush and have to give Sara a look to not continue because it was an embarrassing story, which made her giggle softly. 

“Do you guys want to go to the bar? It’s just about two blocks away.” Wes asked you all later that night. 

Slipping in your jacket, you could feel the summer New York air starting to cool down. The rain finally stopped and the soft breeze flowed through your hair. The city lights flickered around the four of you as you all exited out of the restaurant. 

“You know what, mate. I had a long day. I think I might just go home and rest.” Joe stated. 

You turned to Sara and said, “Me too. I still have paperworks to finish.”

“Are you sure?” Wes asked. 

Sara took your hand in hers and pulled you aside for a moment. You could see the wonderment in her eyes, and you hated how you kept lying to her. You have to tell her soon. You couldn’t keep doing this anymore. 

“Is there something going on?” Sara asked. 

“What?” You shook your head. “No, no.”

Sara blinked her eyes a few times, waiting for you to give her a real answer. 

“Everything’s fine. I promise.” You reassured her. 

“Okay but please, let me know if there's anything wrong.” You nodded your head as Sara smiled, rubbing your arm softly as the both of you walked back towards the two men. 

“Walk home safe, you two.” Wes smiled, squeezing Joe’s shoulder before taking Sara’s hand in his and walked towards the opposite direction. 

Coming back to the apartment, Joe gently slid his hand in yours and you immediately tried to slip your hand away. Joe, however, was quick to squeeze your hand softly and didn’t let you go.

“Wait,” Joe murmured as you both stopped in the middle of the hall. “How come you never told me you were stressed at work?”

“There wasn’t a time where it could be brought up.” You shrugged.

“You could talk to me, you know.” Joe grazed his fingers on your cheek softly, his brown doe eyed eyes looking at you like you were the only woman in the world for him. 

You blinked a few times, smiling softly before pulling him close to you and kissed him passionately on the lips. Joe’s arm wrapped around your waist as he pressed his body against yours, kissing you deeply. 

Parting from the kiss, you unlocked your front door and pulled him in, both of your grabby hands tugging on both of your clothes. You both stumbled through the hall and into your bedroom, Joe laying you gently on your bed and towering over you. His lips trailed down your neck, kissing and sucking the skin. 

“I love sneaking out with you.” You giggled happily.

Joe let out a soft moan, his lips kissing your chest. “I love this dress on you.”

His fingers slipped behind you, zipping it down and tugging on the straps as it fell off your shoulders. He kissed the blade of your shoulder before pressing his face on your neck, breathing you in. 

“I love this shirt on you but it needs to come off.” You let out a soft chuckle, pulling the shirt over his head and throwing it on the floor. 

Joe kissed you deeply on the lips as he murmured, “I love you.”

For a moment, both of you froze as you bit your lower lip. Your mind was running a thousand thoughts. You heard what he said. You weren’t dreaming, right?

He said it.

Those three little words. 

Your whole body was paralyzed, your heart pounding in your chest, and you didn’t know what to say. You felt the air shifted between the both of you, and you didn’t really know how to react or to reply because what the fuck you were supposed to say? 

First, this thing between the both of you was just sex for the last few weeks and now, Joe had literally jumped over the line and said something that made this whole situation ten times more complicated. Swallowing all the emotions that were coming up in your throat, you slowly gazed up at him. His chocolate button eyes staring deep into yours, affection and love flooding his whole expression.

You were so fucked.

“We… We should make this fast before Sara comes back home.” You murmured. 

Nodding his head, Joe kissed you deeply again and pulled down your dress, his lips trailing down your breasts and sucking on your nipples as you moaned softly. As Joe continued to show how every bone of his body was trembling for you, you could feel your hands shake as he slipped himself inside of you and thrusted deeply.

Those three little words still echoing in your brain as you closed your eyes and buried your face on his neck, his hard cock hitting you on the right spot. You kept pushing your overthinking thoughts away as you flipped both of you over and rode him faster, his fingers digging deep into your hips as it rolled with his.

“Fuck.” Joe groaned softly, his eyes closing.

You continued to ride him, leaning down to kiss him hungrily until both of your moans were echoing through the four walls of your bedroom. Panting heavily, Joe sucked on your breasts, your hands holding tight on your headboard.

“Holy shit.” Joe cursed under his breath. “You’re so tight, love.”

You bounced on his cock faster as you felt him deeper inside of you. You muffled your screams as you bit his bare shoulder, your whole body trembling when both of you finally let go of your orgasms at the same time. You collapsed on Joe’s chest, breathing heavily, while his fingers brushed the strands of your hair that were sticking on your sweaty forehead before dropping a soft kiss on it. 

You closed your eyes, pressing your face on his neck as he wrapped his arms around you. Your mind kept wondering if he blurted those three little words because he was in the moment, or he actually meant it. You tried to push the thought away, but how could you? 

He said I love you to you. 

How were you supposed to just let that go? 

“How come you decided to live here in New York instead of London?” You asked him later that night, hoping it would distract you from your thoughts. 

Joe caressed your arm softly as you laid your head on his chest. 

“Figured it's easier for my career if I lived in the States. Not that it wasn’t easy back in London. It’s just more opportunities.” Joe replied, his voice was soft and low. 

It was almost soothing. 

“How about you? Why New York?” He asked, glancing down at you. 

You shrugged your shoulders and gazed up at him. “It’s mine and Sara’s dream.” 

Joe smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. His soft touches kept sending shivers down your spine, and you didn’t know how you could take anymore of this. You didn’t know how long you could pretend that maybe—just maybe—you also felt the same. 

That maybe you did love him too. 

“You two are two peas in a pod, aren’t you?” Joe chuckled softly. 

“Yeah, I don’t know what I’d do without her.” You exhaled a sharp breath. “She’s the one person I can trust and rely on so much.”

Joe slightly sat up, leaning his back against your headboard. He cupped your cheek with his hand as you gave him a small smile. You couldn't help but feel safe in his arms by just the way he was looking at you, and you couldn't explain why. You just wanted him to stay here next to you forever.

“Is this… making you struggle?” Joe asked.

“No,” You shook your head. “I will tell her… soon. I.. I know I can’t keep lying to her.”

“I understand.” Joe gave you a reassuring smile, his fingers stroking your hair softly.

“Can you stay here tonight, please?”

Joe smiled, nodding his head as he laid back down and pulled you close next to him and wrapped his arms around you. 

“Of course, love.” Joe murmured, dropping a soft kiss on your hair. “About earlier… when I said you can talk to me about anything, I meant it.”

His soft voice was making you sleepy as you tried to fight your eyelids from closing. 

“I know.” You pressed your face on his neck. “Work is just… work.”

“What happened?” Joe softly caressed your arm as you closed your eyes.

Sighing, you said, “Just a lot of work and no one is really helping me.”

“I’m so sorry, love. Maybe Sara’s right. You need a vaca—” Joe glanced down at you, finding you slowly falling asleep in his arms.

Smiling happily, he stroked your hair softly before kissing your temple. He pulled you close in his arms as you hummed softly in your sleep, a small smile tugged on your lips.

Tonight, you got to be in his safe, warm arms and somehow, that was enough for now. 

********

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[viveela]

Raise your hand if you would pay tweek to sign your yaoi fanarts

Start | Next | Previous

[stardancerluv]

A Space Journey

Part Eight

Summary: Tyler is home. And some other characters make an appearance.

Notes/Warnings: Harsh language, angst. This is a long chapter! Thank you, for reading!

❤️s, reblogs, comments & feedback is always welcome.

“Maybe I should stay away longer.” He chuckled and you clung harder and his arms tightened.

“Don’t make jokes like that. These last few months were horrible. “ You glanced up at him from where you were nestled against his chest.

“I’m sorry.” He exhaled, against the top of your head. He kissed. “Space is cruel, when I don’t know when I’ll see you again.”

“Yes, it is.”

You flinched, as he went to cup your still bruised cheek.

“Baby?” He pulled his hand back.

“Sorry.”

“What’s the matter?”

“We can discuss it later.”

“Discuss what?”

You had desperately hoped somehow you could keep this from him for a few more hours. Your stomach churned.

He shifted under you.

“Tyler, please.”

“No, you have never flinched under my touch.”

He snapped on the light on the table by his bed. Grateful you had been keeping it on one of the lower settings.

“Oh!” His eyes grew. “What the fuck happened?”

You immediately tried to cover your cheek.

“Let me see.”

Gently, you let him move your hand aside.

“What the fuck happened to my girl?”

Tears sprang from your eyes and slid down your cheeks.

“I, I got jumped.”

“Fucking cowards.” He muttered.

“I was leaving work, they saw your dog tag I am assuming and jumped me.”

“How did they see my dog tags?”

Confusion finally softened the edge you had seen his face take.

You pressed your lips together. “I wore it to feel close to you.”

Wordlessly, he pulled you close once again. You felt at peace. You had been feeling so fractured, so lost despite the efforts Kay or Bjorn made.

*******

You managed to awaken, untangle from Tyler’s strong arms and make it to the bathroom. You were never one for make up, so you struggled on how to cover your bruise. Sighing in defeat, you dabbed a little powder on it. It lessened its vividness. Still not terribly happy with its appearance you grabbed his hat, pulling the brim down low. Hoping somehow that would miraculously make it disappear.

Finding, the food Kay made you put it into the warmer. Leaning against, counter you drummed your fingers.

A warm hand settled on your hip, you jumped and whirled around. Tyler held his hands up, “It’s just me.” You could see his face change as he finally saw how your face looked.

He tore his hat off. “It’s worse than I thought.”

“Ow!” You whimpered. Tears sprung from your eyes. He was stronger than you remember.

“I’ll fucking kill them.” He managed through gritted teeth

“No, no please don’t.”

You grabbed at his shirt, desperately looking into his eyes.

“It got resolved.”

He looked impassive.

“Tyler, please don’t. They’d take you away. And..I, I…”

“I am so fucking angry that I wasn’t here, that I left, the way I did.”

Wrapping your arms around him; you could see the turmoil of anger and regret in his eyes.

“Please.” You croaked out a whisper

Standing there feeling his warmth, you breathed in his unique scent that mixed with the crisp soap he used. You buried your face into his soft, very worn shirt. It felt like finally the last of your loneliness and desperation from the attack began to fade away.

“I’m here.” He mumbled.

“Hope we didn’t catch the two of you doing anything you shouldn’t!” Bjorn cackled as he was the first in the door, bringing in clouds of soot filled air with him.

Startled you both looked in the direction of the door. You looked away, as your cheeks flushed. As you were about to pull away Tyler pulled you closer, tighter before sharing a look before he went and clapped his cousin on his back.

“Bjorn!” He looked his cousin up and down “Still in one piece?”

Bjorn, smirked. “No thanks to your girl.”

You slumped against the counter. Bjorn, met your eye and winked at you from around his cousin. You grimaced.

Kay close on Bjorn’s heels soon gave her brother a tight hug, Navarro shared a wave and a nod.

“Someone tell me all of what fucking happened.” He went over and wrapped an arm around you.

You laid a hand on his chest. “I told you what happened, its really not important.”

“No, I want to know.” He squeezed your hand.

Looking confident; Bjorn leaned against the wall, he glanced at the others. “We had just gotten back from a good salvage. We were on our way to surprise your girl by picking her up at the mine.”

You chewed on your lip.

“We wanted to celebrate. I saw a commotion, at first to be honest we were just gonna keep on walking.”

Tyler nodded in agreement.

“Someone else’s business is not our business, but that’s when we heard a scream. Kay was convinced it was your girl.”

You glanced at Kay, she smiled. You had not heard that bit.

“By the time we got there, things looked bad.” He smirked at his cousin. “But I handled it, I even came back for that.” He pointed to his hat.

You pressed your lips together before sighing. “Thank you again Bjorn, with how they were talking I may not be here right now.” You looked down, saying it aloud made you feel ill.

You slid off the arm rest of chair you shared with Tyler. He caught your hand as you tried to walk past.

“Where are you going?”

“Your room. You all need to catch up. I need to get dressed. I might even sleep a little longer.” You smiled. “They also have a salvage they probably want to tell you about.”

“Alright. I’ll join you in a little bit.”

You nodded.

Once inside sitting down on the edge of his bed, you held your face in your hands. How could you be so comforted one moment and the next feel so ill, so out of place. You were tremendously grateful he was home and that they rescued you but anxiousness took a hold of you.

You had not had a chance to talk with him. Everything, felt really small, tight all of a sudden. You would go for a walk and feel better, maybe you’d grab a bite in the mess hall.

Quickly, you pulled on your heavy socks, then buttoned and fastened your pants. You did grab one of his heavy sweaters and pulled it over your tank top.

You came to lean against his chair. You had made the right decision, they had not even heard as you crept up.

“Tyler, I am going to go eat something in the mess hall. I’ll be back.” You placed a hand on his arm.

Bjorn cackled. “Are you not feeding your girl, cousin? Ow!” He stopped and hollered as Kay elbowed him. He shot her a look, his brows closely knit, before smiling broadly before bumping her chin playfully with his fist.

“I’ll come with.” Tyler attempted to stand, you stopped him.

“You guys need to talk. I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll bring you something.”

“Are you sure?”

You nodded.

You went and slid onto your coat, zipped it up, looped the buttons and pulled up your hood.

“Yes, maybe we can all go to the bar later. Celebrate your return.” You added cheerily as possible.

*******

You shivered after entering the mess hall, you couldn’t tell if it was because you had just fought against the frigid horizontal rain, or this truly was the last place you wanted to be alone, even if it had been your own choice to go there. The large space was a buzz with idle chatter, clanking plates and utensils.

Taking off your gloves, you shoved them into your pockets then you grabbed a tray. Mindlessly, you eyed the food and scooped onto your plate whatever looked somewhat appealing. Which was never much but it was something.

You eyed the coffee, looked like it had been siting for a bit. The warmer looked broken. You made a face. But still grabbed the pot to pour yourself a cup.

“Hey, did you know that coffee is really good at giving compliments?”

“Huh? What?” Confused, you glanced at the direction of the voice and was met by a soft, kind face. It was familiar but you couldn’t place it.

“They tell everyone that they are brewitful.”

“Oh? Oh!” You laughed. “You were telling me a joke,” You smiled. “I like it.”

He gave you a lopsided smile. “Would you like to join me and my sister Rain?”

Moved your head from side to side. “I wasn’t really looking for company.” You finished saying just as a girl, around your height came over. She also looked familiar for some reason. Maybe you both worked in the same quadrant.

“Andy? Did you invite her to our table?” She looked happily between the two of you.

“I, I did.”

She brightened. “So would you like to join us?”

“I wasn’t really looking for company.”

“Aw, come on it’s the least I could do after you rescued my brother the other day.”

Then it dawned on you who they were. “Oh it’s alright. Anyone would have done the same.” You shrugged.

You slid him a look, it always amazed you how an artificial person could look so close to us. The thought swirled in your mind.

“I was not very nice yesterday. I reacted with fear, let me thank you properly and Andy can ever snatch us extra corn bread.” She added with a smile.

The smile was welcoming and warm, something you had only gotten from Tyler and his band of misfits.

You finally nodded. “Sure. That could be nice. And extra corn bread? How could I say no.” You finally smiled.

*********

Leaning your cheek against your fist you giggled again, “Andy, these are painful.”

He gave you what could only be seen as a shy look. “From laughing and smiling too much?”

“Yes!” You agreed, laughed again.

“There you are.”

Your heart stirred at the familiar voice. You smiled even broader. Turning, you looked up at just as he leaned on the empty seat beside you. Wet strands fell into his eyes, as he gave Andy and Rain a passing glance before turning to look at you. He gave you a fleeting smile.

“Tyler, I have made friends. Allow me,”

His voice sliced through yours.

“I know who they are.”

A forced smile crossed his face, that you only saw come out when he dealt with people from the company. It wasn’t one you couldn’t read.

“Rain, Andy.” He shot them a look before looking back at you. He held his hand out to you. “I came to get you, we still need to talk.”

“Yes, we do.”

You had never seen him act like this. Your stomach twisted. How did he know them?

********

“It’s nice to see you, Tyler.” Rain spoke up, softly. “You, Bjorn and the others still playing at pirates with the Corbeleon.”

Annoyance churned inside of him. Of all the people for you to make friends with in the mess hall. She was the last person he wanted to see.

“What did the two oceans say to each other when they finally met, Tyler?”

Andy’s jokes, perfect to distract one. He shifted where he stood. “What Andy?”

“Nothing, they just waved.”

Tyler chuckled. “That’s good Andy.”

He glanced at the artificial person, he was looking better these days but would still never be the high level of droid he had been designed to be. He glanced back at Rain. “Little more than that.” He pressed his lips together.

Turning, she fully faced him. He could almost hear the insult before it came. “Oh? That’s possible on this stupid colony?”

He stood back. “Yes.”

Glancing back at you, he worried about what you were thinking. You knew he had dated a few times, that sometimes he had even had a shallow one night stand or two.

But nothing had been terribly serious. He had not had the heart to tell you in his teens, stupid and idealistic, for a moment he had thought it was serious with Rain, but he had been a kid then.

And in the end, you were the one he wanted a future with. That was why now the company had a dog tag attached to his ass or well around your throat.

“Tyler, why did nobody want to play cards with the pirate?

He shook his head. “I have no idea, Andy.”

Glad for the distraction. Andy always had a perfect knack to distract one from their worries.

“Because he was standing on the deck.”

“That’s good I will have to remember that one.”

“Don’t encourage him.” Rain replied

“I always will.” He grimaced.

******

You stood, the chair screeched against the worn floor. All of this was becoming even more uncomfortable. You originally had come here to get away from your discomfort.

He took your tray. “I’ll take care of this for you.”

“Thank you.” You buttoned your coat back up and slipped on your gloves on.

Rain grabbed your sleeve. “If you ever see us, you are more than welcome to join us. Don’t let Tyler scare you away from us.”

Your brows knit together, as you pressed your lips together. “Alright.”

You wondered what she meant by that. You walked over to where he returned your tray, placing a hand on his back. When he flinched, you snatched your hand away.

“I’m sorry.” He exhaled.

“I’m ready, we can leave.”

“Good.”

You mentally prepared to go outside. Stepping close to you, he took your hand in his.

********

“They are getting some supplies, we have more time for ourselves.”

“Good.”

You took your gloves off and hung up your coat.

*******

You tucked one of your legs under you, after he led you to where he usually sat. He chewed on his bottom lip.

“I, I am not really good at any of this.”

He went to the cabinet and took the bottle with the amber liquid that soften all the sharp edges that life had.

“It’s alright.”

“I’ll tell you why I left so abruptly, why I have a damn dog tag now.”

Looking over at you, he brought the glass to his lips. He exhaled, his breath heavy as the liquid coursed its way to his belly. You could practically taste it yourself.

“I needed that.”

The glass clanked against the counter when he put it down. Coming back over to you, he leaned against the console in front of you.

“A few short weeks before I left, I was called into Reid’s office. He made me an offer.”

“He always does.”

He nodded. “Yes. This time was different.”

“Oh?”

He grimaced and nodded.

“They have been watching me and the others. More me.” He smirked. “I was to help them retrieve one of their larger cargo ships.”

“That is why they gave you a dog tag?” It didn’t make sense. No salvage is ever that crucial.”

“Yes. But it wasn’t a simple salvage. I believe they already knew this when they recruited me.”

“What made it different?” Dread began to fill you, the company always had some motive none of them were ever good.

“The ship had came across some kind of creature. They tested on it and I believe it killed the entire crew.”

Getting up, you went over to him. As your worry grew. You took his hand. “And you’re ok?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I helped subdue it.”

“What was it?”

“I don’t even fucking know.” He shook his head, looking away. What you saw in his eyes you couldn’t read. “It was like something out nightmares.”

@luvscarlyle @qnxemz @h-kitty-world

[calissarowan]

Stella: Well, at least we know we’ve got one vote on our side! Right, Brandon?

Brandon: Um…

Stella: Brandon!

Brandon: Look, Stella, I’m sorry, but this is a court of law, and I know they’re guilty! I have to tell the truth!

Stella: Second Sun, what is it with people today and telling the truth?! Nobody wants to hear the truth! It’s depressing!

Brandon: Stella, Gantlos threw a car at me! With Sky and Riven on top of it!

Stella: Well, with Sky and Riven’s personalities, can you blame him? And besides, I’m sure he’s very sorry about that.

Gantlos: No.

Stella: Gantlos!

Gantlos: I apologise for trying to kill you, but not for using a highly creative and efficient method in my attempt.

Stella: Gantlos, for the last time, you gotta stop telling the truth! Lie! Lie like your life depends on it!

[spockvarietyhour]

Masters of the Air Part Eight

[artdivadej]

Survivor’s Remorse (VIII)

Part Eight

NSFW| 18+

Part 9 | Part 10

Peeta's hand just barely manages to catch my wrist, tugging with every ounce of strength he possessed as the claws on my ankles threaten to pull me down to the pits.

"It's ok.... just, let me go!" I smile up at him somberly

"Never!" he snarls through his teeth

Gale and Katniss are with him now, all tugging me up as they yell  not to give up. When my body flies through the lip of the cover, Peeta quickly tosses the Holo into the hole. It blows us all a good ten feet forward as guts and blood come flying out the sewer.

My head is in a million pieces. I push Peeta and the rest away from me.

"Go! Leave me here! I can hold them off. They want me! The mutt! Let them have me! I'm staying here where I belong! I'm their mutt!" I snarl unseeing to anything but my reflection in their disgusting eyeless faces as I yank at my hair wildly

Everything is crashing around me, atomic bombs going off in my head. It all burns. From head to toe the flames are swallowing me whole, just as they did to so many in 12.

Until I feel his lips on mine.

I feel whole with the sun overcoming any and all heat that tries to stand up against it, warming every atom of my being, swathing me in the scent of cinnamon and honey. His tongue slides between my lips as his searing kiss envelops me, drowning me with tenderness and passion. The flames are smothering. The bombs quieting. When I open my eyes, I see Peeta with a clarity I hadn't been able to after the Capitol had taken me. His honey toasted eyes hold mine with warmth and fear, the gold flecks pulsing and piercing through to a piece of me they’d attempted to tear from me.

"We promised" he gasps, his hand on my cheek, forehead against mine

"Stay with me" I breath against his lips

"Always"

Our promise. This I remember.

"Let's go" he nods before threading his fingers through mine and tugging me to my feet.

He sprints with me down the corridor. Gale and Pollux each have one of Finnick's arms over their shoulders as we dash forward, winding through the winding path that both Pollux and Cressida seem to have an internal map to.

The only thing keeping me anchored here was Peeta's hand in mine, his fingers squeezing every so often as he pulled me with him. Probably afraid I was still suicidal. Cressida checks the street and leads us to a safehouse as we wind down the intricate Capitol streets. It turns out to be a clothing store for fur and animal print clothing. The woman who opens the doors wears a large hood but, after some quick words about the rebellion and Plutarch from Cressida, she quickly ushers us inside.

When she removes her hood, I feel a deep compassion and kinship with her. So many body modifications to make her look like a tiger. She even had the stripes, eyes, teeth and metallic whiskers coming from both cheeks. This is what Snow wanted to do to me. This is what he could've done, had Haymitch and Cinna not interfered when and as often as they did. She looks me over with curiosity and I can't help but step up to her so we're barely 3 feet apart. Unlike everyone else that usually cowers at my proximity, she smiles. Peeta steps with me, still not trusting to let me go I suppose.

"I know you. You were a stylist for the games. Snow do this to you?"

"When he decided I wasn't committing to my name or pretty enough" she snarls, her pupils expanding with her rage

I tilt my head and smile widely at her, which she returns upon seeing my still bloody teeth.

"Me too. I'm on my way to kill him y'know"

"Sisters" she purrs

"Sisters" I purr back with a nod

She pats my cheek and then leads us to a trapdoor, handing Katniss a first aid duffle that she's thrown some cans of food into. I scrunch my nose at them but Tigress lets me know she understands my dietary needs and there's a few for me too. I give her a grateful smile and obediently let Peeta tug me down the stairs. When he finally releases my hand, we spur into action. Polluck and Finnick lay down a 12-foot by 6-foot mess of fur coats and throw rugs that Cressida dug out. Peeta lies Finnick down on it but he's fighting to keep his eyes open. I don't have much time.

"Take his top off. Every stitch of it" I order beginning to unsnap his vest

"What's wrong?" Gale asks as he and Peeta both start helping me, Pollux holding Finnick upright so we can do this more easily.

Shit. He's lost too much blood. When the shirt comes off, I see the bite has already turned a sickly purplish green.

I knew it.

"Please...don't shoot me. He'll die if you do" I sigh looking around the room "Pollux keep him up just like that"

They look baffled by my request not to be shot but nod their heads all the same. I climb onto Finnick's lap so I'm straddling him and gently tilt his head to the left so it rests against Gale's shoulder. It's hard to ignore the way Peeta's eyes darken, seeing me astride Finnick's hips, after the way he'd made me feel in that tunnel. Now his discomfort actually bothered me. 

Unhooking my jaw so I could fully cover the bite, I sink my teeth into the punctures trying to ignore the way everyone around me jumps and moves closer, fighting the urge to rip me off of Finnick. I suck hard and can taste when it starts to fill my mouth along with some of Finnick's blood. I suck until my cheeks are full up. My eyes find one of the empty cans by Peeta's knee and I pick it up, spitting the venom into it before going for the second round. They all gasp as it sizzles inside the can, smelling of rubbing alcohol and acid.

I have to empty my mouth 2 more times before I can taste that his blood is clean again. Finnick has been whimpering in pain and trying to wiggle from beneath me in his sleep, so I wrap my arms around him and grab his shoulders to keep myself anchored. I make sure I fill my mouth with my antivenom before I sink my teeth into his shoulder again. I push what's in my mouth onto the surface and with my teeth I push some straight to his bloodstream. There's an unfamiliar pulsing in my canines but it's not painful. I'm not sure how I know, I just do, that he's clean.

Once satisfied with my work, I let go of his shoulders with a huff of exhaustion, sitting back fully on his lap trying to focus my vision. Peeta looks as if he's swallowed everything that I just sucked out of Finnick. His brows are drawn tight, his plump bottom lip jutted out in distaste as he clenches his jaw.

Ok, I didn't know just how much that would take out of me. I'm not done yet though. The bite is now just an angry red. I know off some strange instinct to lick the wound to speed up the healing process. When I'm done, I gesture to Pollux that he can lay Finnick back down but I don't get off of him immediately. Peeta has been visibly uncomfortable the entire time and it was about to get weirder.

"Katniss, you're next" I huff wiping the sweat from my forehead, one trembling hand now resting on Finnick's chest to keep me upright.

"It's just a scratch, I'm fine. You've done enough" she shakes her head pulling her left forearm into her chest

"Don't worry, I don't have to bite you too. I just need to suck the venom out. Unless, you don't want to keep the arm" I explain with a playful chomp of my teeth that make them clack loudly

"Can it wait? You look like you're about to pass out" Cressida sighs putting her hand to my rapidly warming forehead

"It can't. They're imperfects. My venom and anti-venom trumps theirs. I'm the mutt 2.0. The perfect version. Only got the best of the best" I grin showing my bloody teeth again to accentuate my point

"You're not a mutt" Katniss shakes her head sitting beside Peeta and offering out her arm to me" And I trust you. It's like Cress said, it's just that you've done a lot tonight. Your body will give out soon. We're worried"

"Luckily for you, adrenaline and I are besties"

Cressida hands me a water. I use it to rinse my mouth before trying to turn to Katniss, only to find I'm still glued to Finnick's hips. I don't have the energy to get up and help Katniss.

Fuck.

I turn my face to Peeta's and somehow, he understands what I want without a word, eagerly pulling me off of Finnick. I'm now nestled between Peeta's bent knees, my back leaning against his right that's propped up firmly for support, both of his forearms resting on his knees. He's keeping his hands in my line of sight and I feel gratitude sweep through my frame. Was he always this attentive to my needs?

Katniss places her forearm into my reaching hands and I begin the suction method again. It's much faster since their claw venom is pretty low grade. As I lick her arm to slather the wound in my antivenom, I try my best not to think about how fuckin weird this must look. When I'm finished, I slump back against Peeta, working hard to get my vision to stop swimming.

He's so sturdy.

"Not so useless after all I guess" I snort with a weak smile

"I have no idea how we would have saved them if you weren't here" Gale breathes in awe

I was so dizzy. I'd only had to do that one time before and not half as much back then. I really hoped Peeta didn't let me fall onto my face. If I'd never been vulnerable around him before, I certainly had no choice but to be now. My heart was racing and I wasn't sure if I liked his heat warming me from the inside out right now. Honestly, trying to process the fact that I'm still here because he'd refused to let me go was enough to drain me. 

God I was so tired.

"Get some sleep kiddo" Cressida grins at me with a pat to my cheek

"Wait!"

Peeta looks down at me and I'm genuinely surprised his proximity doesn't bother me in the slightest as his jaw brushes my hair.

"Chain me back up first" I huff fighting my drooping lids as I gesture toward the beam at the bottom of the stairs.

"No"

It's only one word but everyone feels the command in it as his body hardens around me. I get that I just helped, but I still felt that programming to sink my teeth into something tickling the back of my consciousness. Yes, his warmth brought me comfort and security. Right now. But that could be just because I'm exhausted. What about when I had energy?

"Peeta please. I still feel that weird mutt animosity from back in the tunnel. I'm tired now but...I don't know about when I wake up" I plead as my voice cracks

Katniss and Cressida exchange a look before making another pallet big enough for the three of us over by the stairs. Peeta waits patiently for them to gesture him over, clearly intending to carry me since I had no strength left in my limbs. I'm practically asleep by that point, but him rising with me still in his arms, reminds me again just how strong he really is behind those deceptive boyish good looks. He lightly eases me down onto the soft furs and brushes my sweaty bang out of my face, leaving a tender kiss to my forehead that should have bothered me, as he just watches me for a moment. I can't help but offer a weak but grateful smile. 

I miss his warmth right away. 

Cressida sighs despondently but does as I ask and loops my restraint around the pole above my head.

"Get some rest. We'll be here"

"And I'll be right over there. Call for me if you need me" Peeta smiles trailing his fingers down my cheek

I nod and fall asleep the moment my eyes close.

I awake with a start 2 hours later, covered in sweat and panting fearfully. It's Katniss' hand I feel running through my hair as she faces me on the pallet, trying to soothe my night terrors. Primrose told me this was a specialty of hers and I instantly understand it. It calms my racing heart relatively quickly.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No. I'll talk about anything else though" I sigh pulling myself into a sitting position where Katniss happily undoes the restraints around the beam so I can sit with my hands in my lap.

My stomach grumbles and this is when Cressida sits up, handing me a can of pork cuts she'd apparently saved for me. I happily take it and start to pull the chunks out to scarf the can down. I was ravenous after the healing bites.

"So... since it's just us girls" Cressida starts with an uncharacteristically childlike mischief in her voice

I lower the can and peek over to the boy's pallet in a panic. They're all fast asleep, surrounding Finnick to keep him warm and stable so he doesn't agitate his wounds. When I meet her inquisitive gaze again, I quirk a brow at her, wondering what she'd want to possibly talk about with just the girls.

"I heard a little...rumor about one of your breakfasts"

My eyes dart to Katniss and I put my can down, despite how badly I want to finish it.

"About that. Katniss, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean what I said. I was," I juggle what the right word for it was. Her smoky grey meets my bright silver with interest. No point in lying now. To them or myself "Jealous. It wasn't fair to say those things to you. Especially in front of everyone"

I want to look away but I don't want to seem disingenuous so I hold her steady gaze. At first, she says nothing until she can't help the smirk on her lips as she tries not to flat out laugh. Well damn. Was it that pathetic?

"I get it. I was irritated at the time but I knew not to take it personal" She smiles "Jealous huh? Of what?"

Cressida scooches closer and cups her cheeks while grinning at us. I've never hung out with a group of girls so close to my age. Is...is this what a sleepover was like? Was this girl talk? Might as well enjoy it.

"How close you two were. I mean, I was scared of him but...I wanted him too. Does that make sense?"

"It does to me" she shrugs

"Me too" Cressida agrees opening a can of her own where the smell of peaches irritates me momentarily

"Was what you said about the train true?"

"I thought it was" I shrug picking up another piece of ham then freezing as I realize all of it wasn't a lie. "Well, some of it was"

"This was my question!" Cressida giggles wiggling her hips

"What was?" I ask with a raised brow

"Your guards. Flira is my cousin. She told me some of what you said. Is it true, about Peeta?" her voice lowers a little as she sneaks a peek over her shoulder to make sure the boys are still sleeping

"Is what true?" I chuckle downing the rest of the can and picking up a water as I tried to remember all the things I claimed he said or did.

Not exactly an easy chore since I was still trying to figure out what memories actually belonged to me. 

"Is he really hung?" she whispers

I can't help but choke on my water as I catch her and Katniss both inspecting my face inquisitively. Oh! They're both curious. I sneak another glimpse over at Peeta, grateful he's still asleep, or this would be mortifying. The steady rise and fall of his chest is strangely hypnotic and I watch it for a minute as I consider what to divulge. I tear my eyes away before I'm trapped and look back to the eager girls.

"Before I answer, I'd like to throw in that we've never done...it. I thought so, but that was Mean Peeta"

"What do you mean?"

"I have memories of Peeta and I...you know. But he helped me see a few days ago that it wasn't real. They were Capitol memories. What I do remember...he's sweet. Patient. Gentle. Kind. Affectionate" I explain further. I never really had to explain that there were two Peeta's constantly waging war in my mind this in-depth before. And I definitely wasn't going to talk to that moron shrink doctor in 13 about it. "I'm trying to learn to separate them. So, there's Sweet Peeta and Mean Peeta right now. Sweet Peeta is vocal. Calls me pretty, baby, sweetness. I like it" I’m looking down at my fingers as I explain this, wringing my hands out feeling flustered at the admission and the memories it sparked to talk about it.

Oh God stop talking!

"Mmm. Sounds nice" Cressida hums taking on a thoughtful look

"He's always been a gentle person. I just didn't think he'd be so....whoo" Katniss fans herself playfully while taking a swig of my water

Maybe I wasn't such an abomination to them after all? And honestly, this girl talk stuff was pretty fun.

"So...is it true?"

"Oh, it's true alright" I whisper with a giggle

"Long or thick?" Cressida whispers

"Both" I whisper back with a playful purr

The three of us break out in a fit of giggles and for the first time, since Johanna came running to tell me she was allowed topside for 2 hours a day, I feel good.

"What're you pretty ladies giggling about?" Finnick's groggy voice comes from the other pallet across the cellar

We all visibly jump and turn our heads to see him struggling to sit up. I'm about to head for him, but Peeta is up beside him, helping Finnick slide into a comfortable sitting position. I can see that they'd patched and bandaged up his shoulder while I slept. Peeta didn't look groggy like Finnick did as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Peeta was more or less alert. 

He'd been playing possum.

Shit. How much had he heard?

"Girl talk. None of your business Odair" Cressida teases poking her tongue out at him

"I bet it was about us. You've got the two hottest Victors asleep and at your mercy. I bet you felt me up, didn't you?" He teased with a wink, wincing a little when he tilts his head

"In your wildest dreams maybe" she snorts

"How are you feeling Finnick?" Katniss adds cutting her eyes to me, probably having noticed Peeta's alertness too. She was a natural hunter just like I was, there's no way she didn't notice.

"Like something bit the shit out of me" He laughs

"Yeah, that was me. Sorry about that Finn. Had to get the imperfects venom outta you" I explain feeling genuinely bad I had to hurt him further in order to help him

"Didn't know that, but thanks. Are you ok? Did the venom hurt you?"

Now everyone is looking at me and I realize I never really did explain anything about my enhancements to anyone before. I was still figuring them out myself, so I didn't talk about it much.

"It can't"

"Why not?" Katniss asks with a tilt of the head

"Beetee, Prim and Plutarch have been conducting some tests and they found some answers but not all of them. My file is sealed up tight in the Capitol's networks so I don't know a lot but, I can tell you what I know. Just as he did Tigress, Snow modified my genetic code with some kind of feline DNA. My eyes can see in the dark when I focus enough. They'd ripped my canines out and replaced them with their own, sharper and infused with some kind of reptile's that makes the ducts venomous when I have malicious intent. But, my saliva works as a natural anti-venom.

I noticed when I first got sent to this squad that my venom was purple. That wasn't normal. I was used to it being a dark red. There seems to be different kinds in my ducts that react off of my intent. I'm still puzzling that out though. I'm one of Snow's favorite trophies. His splicing doesn't always produce the best results as you've seen in Tigress. It's why he tortured me but made sure not to destroy the things that he took pride in" I explain no longer looking at them but at my nails.

Nails that used to be so normal but now resembled claws, unable to grow any way but sharp. What was I really? Not a mutt? But still a monster.

"That's what the meat thing is about" Gale hums popping his muscles as he stretches out beside Finnick

"Can't help it. I didn't understand why Snow had them giving me only fruits and vegetables. After my first week I got it. I was in pain all the time because I couldn't give my body the nourishment it needed. They found that shit funny. Watching me cry because of some fuckin carrots!" I snap

"Cruelty is a specialty of Snow's" Finnick snorts as he stands and makes his way over to our pallet

He plops down in front of me, wounded shoulder directly in front of me. Katniss turns too and begins to unwrap her bandaged arm.

"You mind checking it for me?"

"You promise to put a shirt on if I do?" I tease

"If the exam satisfies me" he shrugs

Cressida gingerly unwraps the bandage and I shift up onto my knees to inspect it. I'm struck with a wave of dizziness that rattles my equilibrium so much so, that I'm pitched forward, unable to control any of my limbs. Finnick's left arm comes around my waist and catches me before my head can hit his knee, landing against his damp chest instead. Damn, maybe I really did overdo it? I feel warm hands on my shoulders, knowing who it is without having to look, as they tug me back quickly.

"Maybe you should rest a little more" Peeta whispers in my ear

"I-I'm ok just doing this. I'll sleep right after. I swear" I explain shaking my head to try and clear the haze

"Ok" he acquiesces, his hands still on my shoulders

He'd been silent this entire time. My head on Finnick's bare chest must have been his breaking point. He eases down behind me, his arms on either side of me, hands about to rest on my thighs before he realizes what he's doing and drops them to the fur pelts. I shake my head and pull them back up, placing his heated palms atop my thighs so he's practically snuggling me from behind. I should be ready to fight but that kiss in the tunnel awoke something in me I couldn't smother back to sleep. I still felt an irrational anxiety around him but it was much easier to ignore now.

"Just don't let me go, in case I fall again" I mumble hoping that this eases some of his concerns

I just admitted seeing him with Katniss made me jealous, I can understand the feeling on his end now. Straddling Finnick and now my head on his sweaty chest? If he felt the way people told me he did about me, this had to be driving him insane.

"I've got you" he nods against my temple

I lean forward a little, his warm hands steadying me as my torso attempts to rock side to side, and place my hands on Finn's upper right arm. He lowers his shoulder since he's taller than me and when I take my perusal of it, I'm glad to see my saliva did the trick for the skin. The circle of punctures from the rows of sharp teeth were all healing and had a flesh layer of skin scabbed over them. Katniss' arm is the same. Her wounds look days old. Good. They wouldn't scar too badly.

I roll my tongue over both healing wounds and listen for the soft sizzle before it sinks into their skin. They both shiver for a second and I smirk happily. It worked! There's a euphoria that ensues from my antivenom, when I engage it, that tingles the muscles from head to toe to help ease the pain. When everyone peers down at their skin, the flesh is now a soft pink.

"Holy shit" Gale breaths

"I told you...Mutt 2.0" I chuckle heartily then instantly regret it when I'm hit with another wave of dizziness.

A choked sound leaves my throat as I fully crumple into Peeta, vision going dark as I clutch the front of his vest for dear life while I'm pulled under in terror.

[thedecayingapplefiles]

Part Eight

Great. Now there was an infected pony on the loose. Probably in the building.

Searching with Pinkie Pie rose... suspicion. The pink party pony was unusually quiet and irritable, and she kept rubbing at a specific part of one of her upper front legs.

"Hey, Pinkie?" Twilight asked cautiously.

"What?" The pink pony shot her a glare. Her eyes looked a bit bloodshot. Twilight could swear her colors weren't as vibrant as before...

"Can I take a look at that cut on your leg..?"

Pinkie froze, looking down. "Huh. I really *did* get scratched by something! I thought I was just imagining it." She shrugged.

Twilight was torn. Keeping Scootaloo in containment didn't work, she convinced Rainbow Dash to let her out and now she was loose somewhere. Maybe her safest bet was to kick out Pinkie.

"Hey, uh... You think you can run a little errand to Sugarcube Corner? I'm DYING for a cupcake..." Twilight forced a grin.

But Pinkie bought the lie. "Of course I can! Oh, I'll bring as many as I can! I'm sure Rainbow and Rarity and Fluttershy and Sweetie are in a cupcake mood too!" The pink pony hummed, bouncing off.

Twilight sighed. At least a possible future threat was gone for now... They just had to find Scootaloo now.

[doofusndeefus]

i was so excited when yoshikage was first mentioned in jojolion only to be absolutely mortified moments later

[tv-moments]

Ahsoka

Season 1, “Part Eight: The Jedi, the Witch and the Warlord”

Director: Rick Famuyiwa

DoP: Quyen Tran

[dorkwalf]

Subnautica Au 8

Knuckles POV

Warning: death, implied death and gore the chapters are labeled small mention of PTSD

I grumble as I follow the ping in Lulu suit. How did she end up way out here? I go up and gasp for air. I was right on top of her. how? I grumble and dive pausing when I see a cave entrance. Glowing pink mushrooms, I role my eyes knowing every well Lulu saw the shiny thing and went for it. I dive down and look into the cave spotting a brain coral. I smirk and swim to it fast. "The conditions in this cave support a microcosm of unique, possibly predatory lifeforms. Detecting an artificial structure somewhere in the region." I frown as the PDA goes off. I float over the brain coral watching my oxygen meter go up. I glance around only to gasp as a huge snake swim out of the mushrooms as lets out a hideous sound. I dive down close trying to stay hidden as the beast swims over me and into another mushroom.

I take a shaky breath before growling at myself and looking around again. I scan the area until I finally spot a White wolf tail with a blue under coat near a mushroom. I watch as Lulu's head pops out and I look for a way to signal them without alerting anyone thing else. I watch and she picks up a rock she had by head feet, and I feel dreed when I realize what it was. An Egg. An egg that had to same colors as the creatures swimming around us hunting. I felt like punching her. of course she would hoard the things eggs. I watched as she put it in her bag and put her bag on before she swam off.

I growl angrily. I was going to kill her. I follow her trying to catch up. I watch as she snuck around the snakelike creatures with ease. I follow close only to growl when she's no longer in sight. I look around for a moment only to pause, my breathe caught in my throat. A base. A man-made base. Hope fills my chest. there's other survives! Other people from the crash!!! Even though there's water in the base that means others had to at least be here.

I smile and look around it see Lulu swim by the window in the base. Shes already in there. I laugh and swim inside. gasping for air with every air bubble.

WARNING STARTS WARNING STARTS WARNING STARTS

I swim and pause see Lulu standing at the entrance shaking slightly. I swim up hesitantly before all hope withers away when I see the gruesome seen before me. The humans. One was on the bed. Half its body gone eye widens open. I reach forward turning lulu around and tucking her head into my chest. Her ears lowers and green eyes full of terror. I tuck her close to my body hiding her from the scene. I look up again another body in the whole in the wall melded in the metal almost. The humans mouth split open as if a creature snapped his jaw. It looked like a fresh kill, maybe a couple hours old. A strange sound comes from the walls, and I glance out the window beside me seeing the giant snake and I clutch Lulu close to my chest. I feel her breathing became uneven and I glance down taking my eyes off the creature. Her eyes were glossed over, I knew immediately what was happening because sonic does it to. She was in the middle of a PTSD flash back, her claws digging into my arms.

I swim her back up to and air bubble and try and gentle start to coax her out of it. I watch as she comes out of it and slowly curls into a ball in my arms. I sigh softly all earlier anger toward her gone. I lay her on some floating Debrees so she can rest and breathe, and I swim back down. I look around only to tense as the snakelike creature swam back down and took the rest of the body only leaving blood in the water. I watch as the creature retreats back into the glowing mushroom before exploring the room quickly. Finding food and data logs along with new crafting recipes.

I sigh and grab as much as I can before going to get lulu. I grab her and she mutters and quiet apology as she dives in and starts to head out.

WARNING OVER

I follow her out making sure to watch where we are going. We had just enough oxygen to get out of the cave system. We make in out and gasp for air as we break the surface. I look toward lulu, Her blue hair up in a soggy bun, her eyes full of fear. "it's...it's almost like that night...the way they were laying....it reminded me so much of when...."

Lulu's voice trailed off. "I know.... Sonic does it to...I'm sorry about the incident and that the scene brought it up." I swim over and hug her letting her curl up. "We should go, Amy was worrying about you and I bet she'd like to see herself your safe."

"She was worried? why?" I smile at Lulus question.

"I'll explain it on the way back it's a long story" I started to swim, and Lulu followed listen closely as I explain what happened.

[sweetprfct]

Is It Over Now?

Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader

Summary: Fake dating your flatmate, Joe, should be a simple thing. It meant you get to help get his ex back, and it meant you get to stop your parents' nagging about bringing someone home for once. But what happens when fake dating turns into something unexpected? Now, what?

Author's Note: Here we go! Part 8!! Enjoy! Comments are always welcome! :)

Disclaimer: 18+, smut

Wordcount: 4K

part one - part two - part three - part four - part five - part six - part seven - part eight - part nine - part ten

The sound of a squeaky toy and a sudden sharp pain that you felt on your face woke you up the next morning. You shot your eyes up and found Elena standing in front of you. Her small fingers playing together as she stared at you, acting like throwing one of her squeaky toys on your face was a normal thing. 

“Hey Elena.” You murmured, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. 

“I’m sorry.” Abby quickly picked up Elena in her arms. “Elena, we don’t throw toys at people’s faces.” Abby shook her head and walked away. 

You blinked your eyes, adjusting them from the light that was coming through the window. Your eyes shifted around the room and realized that you were laying on Sara and Abby’s sofa. The blur memory of you running out of the event last night and the thought of not knowing where you could go, you slowly remembered crashing at Sara and Abby’s place. 

Mascara stained tears on your face and your strappy heels in your hand as you knocked on their front door at midnight. You knew bothering them was the last thing you wanted to do, but you had nowhere else to go, and you definitely didn’t want to go back to your flat after what happened at the event. After a few knocks on their door, you figured they were asleep already, especially with having Elena now. So, you sat on their front steps and quietly sobbed. Your hands on your face as you tried to make sense of everything that happened.

Joe kissed you. 

You kissed Joe.

“I want this to be real.” Joe’s voice echoed in your mind. 

You gazed up at the starry night sky and asked the Universe as to why you were put into this situation. Why was it so difficult for you to accept someone good in your life? Why was it whenever you tried to let go, you kept moving a step back? Why were you so terrified? Usually, you’d blame your own mother for being so cold to you all your life and the fact that you grew up seeing her marriage fail miserably but as you thought about Joe, this wasn’t your mother’s fault anymore. 

This was your own doing. You were an adult now, and you have been blaming your mother for all the fears that you had, but you didn’t have to. You had your own choice, your own life, and your own decisions. You weren’t like your mother. Joe wasn’t like your father, who would pick fights. You were your own person, and you were the one who kept making these shitty decisions in your life.

Hearing quiet footsteps from the inside, you looked over your shoulder and saw the lights illuminated the house through the window. The front door was unlocked, and Sara stood in her silk robe with Abby standing right behind her.

“Hey.” 

As soon as you got up from the steps, Sara’s eyes widened from the image of you. You were barefoot, your dress was all wrinkled, and your mascara was basically melting on your face. Before she could say something, you immediately ran to your best friend’s arms in embrace. Sara was taken aback for a moment as Abby gave her a concerned look. This wasn’t like you. Sara knew there was something terrible that happened if you were the one who initiated the hug. Abby softly rubbed your back as they both comforted you, closing the front door and letting you inside the house. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Sara rubbed your back softly as you sobbed on her shoulder.

“I fucked up.” You whispered through your sobs. 

“Let me get you some tea.” Abby said, walking away from the both of you.

Sara led you into the living room and settled you on the sofa, wrapping a throw blanket around your shoulders. You set your high heels down on the floor and pulled the blanket close to your chest. Your body was trembling from the cold and all the emotions that you were feeling.

“Here.” Abby handed you the cup of tea before sitting next to Sara, rubbing her arm softly. 

“Thanks. I’m sorry I came here so late.” Another tear rolled down your cheek. “I… I just didn’t know where else to go.”

“What happened?” Sara asked. 

“Joe and I kissed.” You sniffed, wiping your nose with your hand. “I fucked up.” 

“Hey, come here.” Sara pulled you into her embrace as you wrapped your arms tightly around her. 

“We can talk about this tomorrow. You need to rest.” Sara murmured. 

“Yeah, you look so exhausted.” Abby pursed her lips, brushing your hair away from your face. 

“Okay.” You sniffed, pulling away from Sara’s arms. 

Abby gave you a small sad smile as she softly rubbed your back. Eventually, the two women handed you a pillow and a blanket. Leaving you alone on the sofa, you stared at the dark empty nothingness in front of you, repeating the events of the night in your mind. Brushing your lips softly with your fingers, you remembered Joe’s lips on yours and how soft they were. 

“Are you alright?” Sara asked, snapping you back in reality. 

You nodded your head, sitting up on the sofa and found Sara standing in front of you with two cups of tea in her hands. She handed you one and sat next to you, settling herself comfortably on the sofa. 

“Sorry about last night.” You took a sip of your tea. 

“Don’t worry about it. Abby and I were pretty worried about you. What happened?”

Letting out a sigh, you explained to Sara exactly what happened last night and all the emotions that you have been feeling towards Joe. Though, it wasn’t something you expected at all because why would Joe even waste his time on you since he has been trying to get Ivy’s attention this whole time? You explained to Sara how you have been telling yourself over and over again that it was all because you two had a few drinks and maybe, Joe was just tipsy and wasn’t thinking right. At the same time, the words he told you, you couldn’t get it out of your mind. 

“Have you ever thought that maybe Joe doesn’t feel that way about Ivy anymore?” Sara asked. 

“He’s so obsessed with her. There’s no way he just stopped feeling that way about her.” 

“What if he never felt that way about her this whole time? What if he finally realized that?” 

Abby walked back in the living room with Elena in her arms with a smile on her face. 

“See, I know he had feelings for you this whole time.” Abby chimed in. 

You watched as Elena reached her arms for you as you smiled and took her from Abby’s arms. You settled Elena on your lap, brushing her hair softly. 

“Babe, that doesn’t matter unless she also accepts the fact that she feels the same way.” Sara told Abby.

You watched as Abby sat behind Sara and wrapped her arms around her. You gave them both a small smile before gently playing with Elena’s tiny fingers. You watched as Elena tried to put your index finger on her mouth, while you pulled it away. The sound of all your laughter echoed in the living room as you continued to play with Elena on your lap. 

“You need to stop being so terrified of your feelings, my sweet.” Abby told you, making you gazed up at her with furrowed brows. “You need to accept the fact that you like Joe. That you actually feel something for him. You deserve to be happy too, you know?”

“As much as I didn’t like how this all started…” Sara rolled her eyes at the idea. “I want you to remember that you’re not like your mother nor your parents. Not all relationships will end in fire.”

“What if…” You sighed. “What if he only thinks he likes me because I’m the one who has been spending so much time with? What if he changes his mind then? I don’t want to be a rebound or his second choice just because it didn’t work out with her.” 

“Maybe you really should stop running and tell Joe that.” Abby suggested. “If all of this doesn’t work out, at least you could still save your friendship.”

“Yeh!” Elena exclaimed, holding up her toy in the air as the three of you laughed. 

“Even Elena agrees.” Sara laughed, poking Elena’s stomach softly, making the little girl giggle. 

“Yeah? Do you?” You tilted your head at Elena and planted repeated soft kisses on her cheek as she giggled loudly, kicking her feet. 

Going home later that afternoon, you were ready to try and face whatever was waiting for you back in your flat. However, as you walked down the hall, you saw the one person that you didn’t expect to see after what happened last night. Ivy exiting out of your flat and passing you by, her eyes giving you a death glare. Her hair was a mess, and she looked like she spent the night at your flat. 

Suddenly, the knot in your stomach started forming again as you unlocked the door and entered the quiet flat. You found Joe picking up the extra pillow and folding the throw blanket on the sofa that you guessed Ivy probably used last night. 

You couldn’t believe it. 

You were ready to let Joe know how you felt about him but here he was fucking Ivy on your sofa after kissing you last night. 

Was he trying to just play the both of you? Was he just lying to you last night about not being a second choice? 

You didn’t believe anything he said anymore because as far as you saw, his actions were speaking louder than his words. 

“Hey,” Joe said as soon as he saw you enter the flat. “Can we talk?”

Your eyes were focused on the pillows and blankets, and you didn’t know why but anger and frustration was washing over you. Joe told you all those things last night and yet, here he was with Ivy again. He just couldn’t let her go, and you didn’t want to be the collateral damage because Joe was being so indecisive about what he wanted.

“About last night…I’m not sure what happened.” 

Of course, all of a sudden, he sounded like he was regretting what happened. You should have known. You should have expected this already. Joe was just like everyone else. He was the same as your father. He was the same with the many many toxic men out there. You didn’t know why you fell for him anyway. You should have seen this coming. 

“No, it’s fine. I think I know what’s going on…” You cut him off, helping him out with his explanation that he was struggling to tell you. “You were caught up with everything, and you realized that it was a mistake, which is okay because I know how much you love Ivy.”

Joe knitted his brows, confused. He dropped the pillow and blanket on the sofa and walked around it. 

“No,” He murmured, walking closer to you. “I mean I’m not sure what happened. What did I do for you to run away? Did I do something wrong? I thought–”

“No, you didn’t.” You cut him off again. “I… It was inappropriate, Joe.” 

“How is it inappropriate if we both feel the same?”

Joe slowly took a few more steps as you felt your breath hitched, his eyes staring in yours. You were weak for him as he gently cupped your cheek with one hand. You couldn’t breathe. You felt the butterflies flutter in your stomach and Abby and Sara’s words echoed in your mind: You deserve to be happy too, you know.

But that was the problem, wasn't it? 

Joe told you something different last night and then you found him with Ivy the next morning. So, what made his words now any different? You were left to bleed last night as he enjoyed another night with Ivy. 

“I’m leaving, Joe.” You spat out the words. 

“What do you mean?”

You looked away, letting his hand slip from your face as he stood there in shock. He knew that you were trying to move out, but he didn’t think he was going to lose you this fast. 

“I found a new flat. I’m leaving.” You stated. 

You knew it was a lie. 

You haven’t even done one research for a new flat. If you had to live on the streets or crash into a hotel then so be it. You couldn’t stay in this flat any longer and face Joe. You couldn’t keep letting your emotions lead you and then get disappointed again. 

“Why? Why are you running away from this?” Joe asked. 

You walked around him and started making your way down the hall. “I’m not running away from anything. The plan worked and so, maybe it’s time for Ivy to move in here, and you both could finally be together.”

“Why can’t you see it?” Joe grabbed your hand, pausing you from your tracks in the middle of the hall. 

You looked over your shoulder and stared at your hand with Joe’s. Your eyes met his, and he could see the anger in your eyes, but he could also see how much you were holding back from him. He stepped forward, turning your body to face him. 

“Why can’t you see that I don’t want Ivy? That for a long time, I never wanted her anymore. That it’s you that I want.”

“Joe, this isn’t…” You shook your head. 

You felt Joe’s thumb softly caressing the back of your hand. His face was inches from yours. You found his other hand slowly caressing your cheek, and you were slowly becoming a sinking ship, and he was the ocean. 

How could he make you feel like this? 

How could one touch, one stare from those chocolate button eyes could immediately make you a puddle on the floor? 

“You’re never a second choice nor a rebound.” Joe murmured. “I want to be with you because I love you.”

Suddenly, your heartbeat was beating like there was a storm in your chest. Joe loves you, and you have forgotten how to breathe. You had to blink a few times to make sure you weren’t dreaming and to make sure that you actually heard that right. 

“Joe…” You whispered, looking through your lashes.

Your lips trembled as he softly brushed his nose against yours. His thumb softly tracing your pink lips. 

“I love you so much.” Joe added. “It consumes every bone of my body every day and knowing that I couldn’t hold you in my arms, it kills me.”

Your lungs couldn’t find air, and your eyes were starting to get hazy as you felt the fire between the both of you radiated. Your hands found his wrists, gripping it on tightly, and your eyes sparkled as you stared at him. It was almost like a permission that you were giving to Joe.

A permission that you were finally letting go. 

A sign that you wanted him. 

That if you were to stand here one more second without kissing him, you didn’t know what you would do. 

He studied the constellations in your eyes before pressing his lips against yours. This time, you couldn’t let yourself hold back. You kissed him back deeply, closing your eyes and letting every emotion that you held in for the last few months finally washed over you. His kiss sent electricity down your body and down to your toes.

This was real. 

You were kissing Joe for real this time, and no one was stopping you. 

Joe’s hands slowly ran down your back before finding your hips and pulled you close against him. A small moan escaped your lips as you wrapped your arms around his neck, kissing him deeply. You let his tongue slide inside your mouth, earning a moan from him. You both stayed like that in the middle of the hall, Joe’s back pressed against the wall and your body pressed against his.

The world was a blur around you both until you finally pulled away from the kiss breathlessly. Joe pressed his forehead against yours, a smile creeping up on his face that made your heart skip a beat. Your fingers tugged on his shirt before you pulled it over his head. You let your eyes study his bare skin, your fingers tracing every inch of him, wondering what secrets he kept in there. What scars did he also have in his skin for him to understand and love you this way.

He didn’t say anything as his eyes followed every move your fingers did. 

He was so beautiful. 

Joe’s skin was hot, and he stood tall in front of you with broad shoulders. Joe’s fingers had found the zipper of your dress, and he slowly unzipped it, letting the shoulder straps fall gently from your shoulders. Pulling you close, his soft lips kissed your bare shoulder as you gasped softly. Then, his lips traced the edge of your jawline and down your neck, letting his mouth suck on the skin softly. 

He was kissing away all your fears.

Kissing away all the insecurities that you have trapped inside of you.

Kissing it all away so gently. 

As Joe earned another soft moan from you, he let his hands slide down the back of your thighs before helping you up and let your legs clung around his body. He walked you into his bedroom, your eyes studying the four walls. You have never crossed his boundaries before and this was your first time inside his room. You were entering his private space that you have kept yourself distant for a long time. He was letting you inside his world, and you couldn’t help but study every detail of it as he gently laid you down on his bed. 

“You’re so beautiful.” Joe whispered, towering over you. 

Your eyes were staring in his chocolate button eyes, your hands reaching for his cheek as you gently let your fingers brush the soft stubble that was on his face. Your eyes followed your fingers as it danced across his skin, making Joe close his eyes and enjoy your soft touch. Then, your thumb found his lips, tracing it all so softly. 

He seemed so delicate, and you didn’t want to ruin him. 

“I’m terrified, Joe.” You whispered.

Opening his eyes, Joe gazed down at you. His stare was pulling your heartstrings as you felt the butterflies in your stomach flutter. You have never felt like this with anyone, and it was a terrifying feeling. 

You wanted this to be right. 

You wanted to trust Joe.

You wanted to leap as he caught you on the bottom of this cliff. 

But would he still accept you even if you were covered with past scars? Would he still love you then? Would he understand everything if you snapped yourself in half and let him see every dark corner inside of you? 

Taking your hand that was on his cheek, he leaned against it before planting a soft kiss on the palm of your hand.

“I know.” He murmured. “I know it’s scary, but I want to show you how much I love you. How much you deserved to be loved and cared for. I want to understand every corner of your mind.” 

He breathed heavily. A soft kiss pressed on your lips before his eyes found you again. 

You didn’t know where or who you were anymore. 

You were just now floating. 

“I want to be the one who makes you smile and forget all those fears that you have inside. I want to make you happy.” He added. 

A small smile tugged on your lips before letting your hand slip through his hair and onto the back of his head, pulling him down to you and kissing him passionately. Both of your lips moved together as you started unbuttoning Joe’s pants and slipped it off of him, throwing it on the floor along with your red silk dress. 

Joe’s lips trailed down your neck and down between your breasts as he used his hand to cup one of your breasts and squeezed it lightly. He earned a small gasp from you as he smiled through your skin and sucked one of your nipples, making you moan his name out loud.

“Joe…” 

You arched your back as Joe trailed his lips all the way down to your stomach and down to your inner thighs, planting soft kisses on them. He pushed both of your legs to open them wider, his finger finding your wet clit. 

“Oh, darling. You’re so wet for me already.” Joe chuckled softly, letting his fingers play with your clit, earning another moan from you.

“Joe.. I—”

Before you could finish your sentence, Joe’s mouth had found you, and your body was squirming from the way he licked and sucked you. Your hands had found the bedsheets, clutching it into a fist as you let Joe eat you out until you were breathless. Towering over you again, Joe kissed your lips, tasting yourself in his mouth as you wrapped your legs around his waist. 

“Mmm..” Joe moaned softly in your ear. 

You wanted him. 

You needed him. 

Now.

Taking his member in your hand, you let himself slip inside of you, both of you moaning together. Joe slowly moved inside of you, his lips finding yours again, his spare hand squeezing your breast and playing with your nipple. Your hazy eyes could barely open as Joe moved faster, your walls slowly tightening around him as he let out another moan.

Kissing you deeply, your nails dug on the skin of his back, your legs trembling as you felt yourself getting close. Breathlessly, you arched your body as Joe trailed his lips on your jawline and down your neck before burying his face there. 

“Ohmygod.” You whispered breathless. “Joe—!”

“Let go, darling. Come for me, love.” He whispered as he moved deeper inside of you, your walls tightening around him even more.

Not a minute later, both of your bodies trembled as orgasm washed over the both of you at the same time. Loud moans echoed around his room as you both tried to catch your breaths. Finally opening your eyes, you saw Joe gazing down at you with a small smile on his face. He gently brushed the strand of your hair that was sticking on your forehead before planting a soft kiss there. 

“I love you.” He murmured those three little words again.

They were only three little words but how come it always made you forget the world around you? It was like a switch that turns on inside of you, and you were just in your own little world with Joe. 

But you couldn’t say anything. There was still something that was holding you back, and it wouldn’t be fair to him. Although, Joe wasn’t in a hurry for you to say it back. He knew how much you struggled facing your real feelings, and he never wanted to press you on that. Laying next to you, Joe pulled his duvet covers over you and pulled you close next to him. As you laid your head on his bare chest, you closed your eyes and repeated those three little words again.

Joe loves you.

But the thought of Ivy being here with him last night was still making you struggle inside your mind. You wanted to believe him because you felt the same for him, but how could you? You just fucked your flatmate and the man that you have been pretending to be your boyfriend for months. He was telling you those three little words, and you couldn’t help but scold at yourself for having a hard time believing it. 

Joe loves you.

You love Joe.

So, what the fuck was the problem? 

Taglist:

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[ch4rryc0smos]

SAUDADE | 08

COME BACK AROUND!

synopsis ┊all the years that kept kenji sato and hazel vellichor apart, all the hours spent yearning, or not. all the time wasted, when they could be no more than a few metres apart. love didn't come to either of them naturally, but here they are, as life wrecks them, tests them, for everything they are, and need to be. hazel seemingly forgets him, and yet all he thinks about, is her. how would he feel if he was to know that his yearning is pointless? he doesn't know that it's not. that she's just trying to heal from the years she spent trying to figure out what's wrong with her. trying to heal, and she thinks it's even less possible when he walks back into her now perfectly created theatre play of a life. then he promises her love, healing, and kindness. all the lies she was used to. but a fool remains a fool, at least in her case. And she lets him back in.

genre ┊ childhood-friends-to-lovers, slight angst, tooth rotting & chaotic fluff, domestic fluff

pairing ┊ken sato x fem-self insert/oc, ken sato x public figure!self insert, ken sato x childhood-friend!self insert

warnings ┊ mild cursing, trauma, heavy topics (?), events in ultraman: rising take place alongside this story.

word count ┊1.4k.

author's note ┊last three parts of saudade, and we'll be done, then i'll work on my last series for a while, and occasionally put up oneshots <3 happy reading!

prev. | next.

Happy never after, Maple keeps on saying. Hazel calls her dramatic, nothing more. It’s a mess between her and Ken. She hasn’t contacted him once, but he invades all of her thoughts.  He’s in all of them. One thing after the other, and they all lead to him, for some reason. She thinks she’s the most pathetic she’s ever been, she just wants his arms around her, holding her. To have that comfort she did from him, as a child. It’s been two decades, and now she wants to go back? Stupid. 

She doesn’t know if he’s scared, but if he has; she wishes she could convince him to not be. That the media don’t matter (they do). Hazel thinks she might be able to do something, to finally get back in contact with him, but then he finds out she has connections with Mr. Sato. Well, he knew. Already, but when he finds out Hayao’s like a second father to Hazel, he doesn’t bring it up.

Hell, he doesn’t even contact Hazel. He’s petty, maybe, but if his father could be there for someone that wasn’t his own child then he won’t talk to them. Even if they’re his childhood best friend whom he wants to kiss on the lips sometimes. Just sometimes. 

And anyway, maybe those times are just little hoaxes his mind creates, because he’s not seen her enough anyway, it wouldn’t matter. Ken doesn’t want anyone interfering in his life anymore. First he loses his mom, then his childhood best friend walks into the picture, and she dares drag along his father. He wants to have a career, not mind games and nights spent wondering about all the possibilities that haven’t been explored. 

But he doesn’t want to explore them anyway. He doesn’t need to, he says. He thinks. He doesn’t care. Which he realises soon after, is a lie. He does care, too much. He’s too bothered about someone who doesn’t deserve any of his time. If he can’t convince his mind, he’s going to stop himself from doing anything stupid.

When he looks at her number, he feels the visceral urge to ring her up, seeking comfort in what meant the most to him for so many years, but he thinks he knows better than to do it. To fall for that. He doesn’t have enough courage to block her, to cut her out of his life, but he ignores her. Decides to distance himself from her, to not communicate, to not pick up any calls. Every time she messages, he feels his heart sink, but he also can’t bear to think of himself as the one in the wrong.

Hazel is so confused, and she thinks Ken’s the biggest arse ever. Like he was just leading her on. Why hasn’t he replied to anything she said? Is it about his father? Surely he’s not so immature as to not think about communicating. She doesn’t want to hate him, so she tries not to overthink.

Which for her, seems almost an impossible task. Because all she ever seems to do is think about the fact that he most definitely hasn’t blocked her, but he refuses to check anything she’s sent. Her messages grow less frequent over time, and when she realises, she feels shitty, but if he isn’t checking, it probably doesn’t matter to him anyway. So she stops, from one message a day, to once a week, to none. And somehow the absence of him in her life feels much louder now than it has ever been before, although it’s always existed, in some way, shape, or form. 

She might not hate him, but she doesn’t know if he hates her or not. 

She hopes he doesn’t. Even though it shouldn’t actually matter. She supposes that to her idiotic mind, it will. Even if she doesn’t want it to. 

Days grow bleak, colours blend together on her floor as sunlight dances on the tiles. She plants her feet on the cold surface, shivers as she stands up and carries herself to the balcony, sliding the door open. The wind blows towards her face, weaving through her hair, ever gentle as it brushes past, into her place, the curtains rustle at her ankles and she steps into the slightly warmer floor of the balcony, the sun having actually had an effect there. 

She inhales softly, letting the warm air find its way into her lungs and fill her up with what she’s been lacking for the past few days. Maple’s jokes don’t last long, and she hates it, but at least she’s still got nature. 

Well, that’s what she’s thinking, until there's a soft vibration in her pant pocket and she reaches in, pulling her phone out with a tired expression. But all signs of exhaustion are pumped out of her veins the second her eyes adjust to what’s displayed on her screen. 

It’s just a message, she tells herself, but that’s not the problem. The issue is the sender. She swallows thickly. His name is blinking in her face. Why is he suddenly getting back? Who does he think he is? The questions that pour into her tiny porcelain mind are never-ending and she thinks that if she thinks too hard cracks might start to form.

Yeah, he might have had a game today, but that shouldn’t warrant messages by any means. She thinks. Seems that she’s wrong, again. The contents of the message baffle her even more as her finger hovers over it. He’s asking her to come over…? She truly doesn’t get why, or what this means.

Most of her questions are whys, but she thinks she won’t be getting answers to them any time soon. Unless, she goes. Should she take that risk or let herself be, Let the questions ferment and then rot? Her heart says otherwise. It tells her to go, to take a risk that she doesn’t know will pay off. 

While she considers her heart, and everything that could go wrong in the lukewarm environment of her balcony, her phone vibrates, and this time it’s a call.

The caller ID makes her snort, ‘parasite m’ it reads. She picks up without a second thought. 

“Need something?” she asks.

Maple huffs. “You’re in a better mood,” she notes, ignoring her best friend’s question. 

Hazel hums. “Maybe.” The world from below her balcony looks tiny as she watches the ants (people) scurry away. She can barely make them out, considering the distance, but she watches anyway, cars speed past, and there’s the remnants of conversations that somehow can float up to her, although she of course can’t make anything out. 

She’s worried, but the world doesn’t stop for her, so why is she stopping? She brings up the message waiting to be replied to by her best friend. Maple says she needs to settle the scores instantly.

Well, as soon as possible. Hazel figures that her best friend probably doesn’t understand the brevity of the situation. Doesn’t understand that this text is from that best friend from the U.S that she kept on talking about when they were younger. 

She doesn’t explain to her, though. Something about Maple’s words waters the hope that’s been germinating in her heart. It blooms, and it’s like watching sproutlings bloom into flowers. Her best friend’s complaints fall to not deaf ears, but a distracted mind. She thinks that yes, she needs to settle scores. 

There’s uncertainty that follows her motions but she rolls her sleeves down, pulls her hair up into a bun and slings her purse over her shoulder, deciding that for once, she won’t need to check what’s inside. Because she won’t need half of it anyway. 

By the time she finally bids goodbye to her best friend, her foot is pressing into the gas and the car is reversing out of the parking lot. Japan’s streets greet her with billboards that can’t compare to the sun’s light and junctions with sullen-faced drivers waiting to reach their destinations. 

Hazel wants to curse herself out. She can’t believe the fact that she does remember the way to Ken’s place, even though she’s not been there that often. By this point, she’s already forgotten all about the message, she’s intent on talking to him in person. She misses his stupid face, even if she doesn't know whether he’d like to see hers.

The thought makes her stomach churn. Shit. What if he doesn’t want to see her? Maybe he just didn’t want bad blood, but maybe the rest truly doesn’t matter to him. 

With that thought replaying in her head, her speed still doesn’t go down as she drives through the streets to reach Kenji.

ch4rryc0smos © 2024 … do not repost, alter, translate, or steal my work.

[lambtotheslaughterr]

The Agenda Today

A Lloyd Hansen Mini Series

PART EIGHT

[THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN THEMES OF NON-CON/DUB-CON, MENTAL-EMOTIONAL-PHYSICAL ABUSE, ETC. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. 18+. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT]

WC: 4.7k

Dividers provided by @firefly-graphics

PART SEVEN | MASTERLIST | FINALE

7:14 AM

The quarter mile walk underground led by Doherty did nothing to settle your nerves. The first & last time you had been down here Lloyd had violently assaulted you, a means to punish Raj for his problematic behaviour. You still had no idea what Raj was being forced into doing, never entirely knowing what exactly he did for a living, but you feared what he could’ve done to piss of Lloyd enough to involve Gracie. Pressing your chapped lips together, you paused outside the same room with monitors that Lloyd had brought you to before.

Unlike last time however, there were far fewer people inside. Doherty pushed you gently forward into the room. You swallowed nervously, your eyes bouncing around in hopes of finding Gracie—unharmed. A quick perusal of the room gave no sign of Gracie, the nauseous feeling in your stomach remained. Where was she?

Much to your fear, Doherty led you to the same room that Lloyd held you in previously. You had less than two seconds to mentally, & emotionally, prepare yourself for what may be inside. Gracie, more so, Gracie hurt.

The inside of the room was empty. The chair that had been placed in the middle the first time was gone though, replaced by something you perceived as far worse. It was a table. With leather straps. You weren’t an idiot. You knew exactly where this was going.

“No.” You spoke silently to yourself, immediately halting in your footsteps. Doherty pushed you forward yet again. “Where’s Gracie?”

You could feel yourself beginning to panic. “Please.” You pleaded to Doherty but he only looked at you blankly. A puppet to a master.

“Get on the table, _____.”

“No!” You cried, attempting to push pass him but it was futile. Doherty easily overpowered you, wrapping his slender arms around your body & lifting you until you felt the cool metal of the table through your thin dress.

“Please! Not again, no!”

Your slapping, punching, biting, spitting did nothing. Doherty was unperturbed by your efforts. You had been so focused on using your upper body to try & fight him off that you forgot to use your legs, your best asset as a woman against a man. But it was too late. Doherty managed to strap an ankle down, the skin of the leather biting into your Achilles heel.

Doherty shoved you forwards until you were lying flat on your stomach, wrestling with your right arm to strap it down. Tears escaped, your muscles burned from fighting, your heart was beating against your ribcage. It was too much. You almost wished that you would pass out from the adrenaline. But it never came.

He finished strapping you in & you pulled on the straps. There was no give. You angled your head around to find Doherty as he left the room. The door clicked shut & you were left alone, only your soft cries filling the silent underground torture chamber.

Panic continued to ravish you. You were forced to rest your forehead against the table, focusing on controlling your breathing. You had to remind yourself that you were no good to Gracie dead. I’m also no good to her beaten to a pulp, you battled with yourself. But what could you do? There was nothing you could do.

Time passed & you found yourself breathing gently. The tears had stopped but your cheeks were, crusted from your crying. How long would you be here for? Was this the extent of it? But even you knew the answer the latter question.

More was coming.

Through the wall you could hear the faint sound of thundering footsteps. You broke out in a cold sweat. It was coming, he was coming.

Muffled voices sounded just outside the door, & you knew it was Lloyd speaking with Doherty. You bit your lip in fear, bracing for the worst that had yet to come.

Your heart stopped with the sound of the door opening. It was behind you. You struggled lifting your arm to glance under, to see Lloyd as he walked in. You could tell immediately that he was far from happy. But what scared you the most is what he carried. Hanging from his shoulder was a large black square bag, heavy duty, military grade you imagined.

Lloyd didn’t glance your direction once as he strolled by you. Your eyes fearfully followed his movements. Just ahead of you was a smaller table, no bigger than a nightstand, that you hadn’t noted before when Doherty brought you in. Lloyd placed the bag on the table before he began to pull out items from it. Unfortunately, his wide frame kept you from being able to see exactly what he was producing, but you knew it couldn’t be anything good.

But what you did manage to see left you feeling empty. Lloyd whipped out a stand, extending it until it was just below his chin. A tripod.

Fresh tears coated your vision. He was going to make a show of your torture.

Sure enough, he then pulled out a camera—a large one, like the ones you’d see behind the scenes of a television news report.

Lloyd began to whistle then, a tune you didn’t recognize. It only scared you more. He was going to enjoy this.

“Don’t think I enjoy this, _____.” Lloyd finally spoke, as if he had been reading your mind. His back was still turned to you but he continued, “What I really enjoy is people doing what they’re told, following the rules, not making things difficult.”

You said nothing. You knew was lying. Even if he was angry right now, you knew he was very much looking forward to causing you pain.

“But I was hired to do this job for a reason as well.” He placed the camera on the tripod, securing it, “And that is to remind the little people who is in charge.”

Once the camera was secured he returned to the bag. You watched with bated breath as he grabbed something then finally turned to face you, “To remind them what they stand to lose.”

Your eyes fell to what he held in his hands. His mustache rose slightly with the smug one-sided smirk he produced. A glistening pair of shears. You glanced warily from the sparkle in his eyes to the sparkle of the shears catching the artificial light.

“Where’s Gracie?”

Lloyd sighed, dropping his head. “Ya know,” he clicked his tongue, “you really should begin to worry about yourself, nanny. It’s always ‘where’s Gracie’, ‘don’t hurt Gracie’, ‘let me see Gracie’.”

He stepped forward until his crotch was aligned with your face, then he crouched resting his forearms on the edge of the table to peer at you with fake pity, “Do you value your well-being that little?”

“Just tell me she’s okay.”

Lloyd ignored your plea, instead tracing the pointed edge of the shears along your arm. It never pierced your skin but the sensation still caused you to wince. He hummed to himself contemplatively, watching with amused eyes as the shears dragged along your skin. You pressed your lips together, willing yourself to not cry as the shears grew closer & closer to your neck. A quick pinch. You bit your lip to keep from making a sound. Lloyd’s eyes glowed as he watching a small trail of blood flow from the apex of where your neck & shoulder met. Then he met your eyes.

“If I were you, nanny, I’d start worrying about yourself real soon.”

The blinking light on the camera mocked you as Lloyd circled the table, the shears never leaving your skin. He traced every inch of your body, making nicks here & there. But you never made a sound. When he rounded back to the front where you could see him, you refused to look at him, refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing you plead. There was nothing you could say or do that would change your current position. You were undeniably at this madman’s mercy.

You couldn’t help that your body was shaking, despite the leather straps holding you in place. Lloyd hummed quietly to himself as he observed your form. Spit slipped from between your tightly pressed lips, tears threatened to fall. The cold sweat had quickly transitioned into a hot one.

Lloyd remained standing before you but you still refused to look at him, especially because what you would be faced with is his clothed crotch. You knew he was getting off on this. The power. The least you could do is not let him see your face as he did what he was going to do.

The shears returned to cut on your shoulder. It stung but you refrained from making any noise of discomfort.

There was a gentle tug against your shoulder then a release. The strap of your dress had been cut. Then the other.

A shudder wracked your body.

No.

Lloyd centered the shears at the back of your dress, running the blades down to your waist. The freshly exposed skin of your back erupted with goosebumps.

“Lloyd.” You whispered, shaking your head, “Don’t. Please.”

But he said nothing as he left your line of sight. He continued to cut the dress down the center until it reached the very end. Your skin crawled at being nearly entirely naked in front of him. Again. All that you had left was your underwear.

Swiftly, Lloyd tugged the remnants of your dress out from under you, tossing the fabric to the side.

A gasp left your lips, panic once again consuming your body & mind.

“No!” You screamed, trying to loosen the straps around your limbs. Lloyd laughed jovially from behind you. You thrashed wildly. The straps never gave.

A warm yet hard pressure pressed itself over your shoulders until you felt hot air in your ear, “You’re not going anywhere, nanny, not till I’m finished with you.”

You bared your teeth, wanting to bite back but there would be no point. Nothing would come of it except more pain & the pain had yet to truly begin.

Lloyd returned to the table with his bag on it, reaching inside & pulling out another item. You watched with horror as he held what looked to be a wooden rod, only it had two metal prongs at the end of it & a strap for handling on the other. Lloyd whistled impressively to himself as he weighed the item in his hand, using the strap to swing it around & pat it against the open palm of his other hand.

His eyes met yours, the twinkle in them still shining bright, “You know what this is?”

No but you had an idea…

He approached you, placing the end of the rod with prongs on it against your skin, retracing his earlier touch with the shears, “This is what they call a picana. Before stun guns, these were used to keep cattle in check.”

The rod continued along the top of your spine, leaving tingles in its wake.

“A picana isn’t a popular choice when it comes to the art of torture. There are, after all, much more successful & creative tools. But me,” Lloyd sighed happily to himself. You could feel the prongs fall to between your thighs, making you shake more so, “I’ve always been intrigued by the unconventional.”

You sensed him behind you now, at the other end of the table. You held your breath waiting for it to start. But nothing came. You could barely even make out the sound of Lloyd’s breathing. The waiting was driving you mad. The room was incredibly still & quiet, except for the sound of your blood rushing to your ears. The tears had begun to fall at this point. You pressed your forehead into the table, gritting your teeth. Any moment, any moment, any moment…

A mixture of a scream & a gasp left you. A stinging shock climbed the nerves throughout your body, stealing your breath away. Your body trembled, the aftershocks of the picana rendering your body not yours. Lloyd produced another.

Tears couldn’t even burst from your eyes. You felt your muscles tense, your joints lock. The shocks were quick but their effect long. Finally, you stopped trembling, your body collapsing into the table. You could’ve passed out, it took that much energy from you.

“That was just the soles of your feet.” Lloyd’s voice sounded far.

There was no preparing yourself for the shocks. The prongs grazed the base of your spine.

Another. This one much, much worse.

A strained scream caught in your throat. Your body locking up entirely. You couldn’t see. It felt like you were beginning to choke on your tongue.

As soon as you could breathe again, you cried, screamed, begged.

“Please, Lloyd, no, no, no!” This wasn’t your fault, you knew that. It wasn’t even Raj’s fault, but whatever he had gotten himself into put you there. Right fucking there, at the hands of a violent sadist.

“That’s what I like to hear.” Lloyd cooed, the prongs of the rod reaching the base of your skull. You shuddered, practically banging your forehead into the table, not knowing the extent of damage the shocks could do from that source. But you considered it leading to death.

Would this be how you died? On a table, nude, underground in a jungle in India, a cruel madman tweaking the ends of his mustache as he watched you choke on your vomit? Is this really how you would die?

Lloyd watched in awe as he saw your body jerk & shake. His eyes were alight with fire. This is why he was hired. To cause irrevocable pain.

He had only shocked you three times, but already you were barely conscious. Your eyes were closed, your lips parted in desperation as your lungs clung to air. He didn’t want to stop. His directions were to push you to the brink of death. But to not kill you.

Raj had fucked up yet again. He was making things a lot more difficult then they needed to be. A beating would do nothing. Lloyd argued in using the little girl. Her pain would make him listen, force him to get the job done. But the men above Lloyd would not accept any harm coming to her. That’s what the nanny was for. Of course, if you were not Raj’s bedroom buddy, you wouldn’t even be alive. Fortunately for Lloyd’s team & the people he was hired by, Raj had a soft spot for you. Only your pain could be used in this operation.

You had completely passed out at this point. Lloyd’s eyes trailed the length of you. The soles of your feet & the curve on your lower back were red from the assault on them. Your skin glistened with a light coat of sweat. Your fingers twitched every few seconds.

Lloyd knew what he would have to do, knew he had many different options to hurt you with. But something was stopping him. It wasn’t that he liked you, he never liked anyone. He knew you likely wouldn’t make it out of this alive. Once Raj had completed what he had been taken for, the little brat & you would die. It was a guarantee.

But what Lloyd didn’t like was having death taken from him. Sure, torture was his talent. It’s where he thrived. But if he was told to push to the brink of death, it was almost impossible to stop. Death would eventually be the outcome. Why wait?

So, against the directions he had been given, Lloyd would make you suffer in other ways. You’d still be in unimaginable pain. You’d still fight him, hate him, dream about killing him. What would happen to you next would still force Raj to stop resisting orders. But Lloyd knew he had to make it bad, make it terrible, make it so he wouldn’t have to bring you down here again until it was time to take your life.

Lloyd returned to the table that held his bag. He stuck the rod inside it. There was only one method he was thinking of. He turned to face your unconscious body, watching the rise & fall of your back. Spit was coming from your mouth. It was… inspiring.

He only had one tool left to use.

A foreign pressure below your waist woke you, forcing a groan from you.

You had been dreaming.

You & Gracie were in the house, sitting at the table while Wanda made food. Shehu patrolled outside the windows. Raj was talking somewhere out of sight, on the phone. Gracie colored next to you, her hands moving rapidly as she did. You tried to peek over her shoulder to see what she was drawing but her long dark hair covered what you couldn’t see.

Wanda was at the stove, facing you in your peripheral. But you couldn’t turn your head to face her. You could feel her eyes on you though. You tried to say her name but nothing came out. You began to panic. Unable to move, unable to speak. In the corner of your eye, you saw a sudden glow come from Wanda. Then erratic movement. Tears sprang forth. It looked almost as if she was on fire. There was no screaming through, just the sound of Gracie’s scribbling as drew quickly, concerningly so.

You went to stand but your legs didn’t move. Your arms the same. Stuck facing Gracie, you could look down enough to see that your arms were strapped to the chair. You shifted roughly. Nothing gave.

Gracie kept drawing. Wanda kept burning. Shehu was nowhere to be seen outside the windows. Raj couldn’t be heard anymore.

The scribbling grew louder & louder until it was screeching against the hardwood of the table. Blood began to pour from Gracie’s hands until the entire table was coated in it.

You were crying, screaming but no sound ever came. The screeching grew louder & louder until Gracie began to cry & cry & cry

And then a loud explosion sounded & everything turned white.

A sharp pain erupted through you & your head was forced upwards.

A heavy weight pressed against your back, crushing your ribs & lungs. You took in the room bleary eyed, horrified to wake to another nightmare.

The weight shifted & you cried.

“Fuck.” A pant sounded in your ear. Lloyd.

Another shift & your fingers curled, digging into the edge of the table, desperate for release.

Tears sprang forth at what was occurring.

Unlike the first time Lloyd had raped you, where you felt full. Now he was raping you, sodomizing you, & it made you feel completely hollowed out.

Empty cries left you as he pushed further in. It was a pain you never knew possible. A warm sensation dripped from where he penetrated you, & you knew it was blood.

Lloyd’s hand fisted your hair, forcing your neck up so he could bite down on your skin, his teeth sinking into the cut he had made at your apex earlier.

“I see Raj has never been here,” he thrusted once more, “before.”

Much like your dream, you couldn’t scream, couldn’t move. Only lie there & watch as your world came tumbling down.

Lloyd groaned in your ear, a smile in his breathy pants.

Your vision blurred at the intrusion, your muscles tightening around his girthy length. The blood acted as a lubricant as Lloyd fucked your ass with languid movement. The tension on your scalp from his grip never lessened as he used the length of her hair as a mean to hold onto you.

“Oh, c’mon, nanny. I thought you liked this kind of play.”

You said nothing, could say nothing. You were trapped in an endless loop of his cock stroking the walls of your hole, sinking deeper & deeper. Every thrust forcing you to deal with the nightmarish reality you were in. You were sure he was going to rip you entirely in two.

Lloyd must’ve grown annoyed at your lack of responding. So, he took to taking you harder. Slamming your head into the table, something you were momentarily thankful for as it took from the pain burning between your cheeks, he placed both hands on your hips, his nails digging into the skin there, as he began to pound you mercilessly.

You could feel the blood pooling below your hips, could hear it squelching as Lloyd fucked you raw, could even smell the metallic scent as it seeped into your sense, making you dizzy & nauseous.

There was nothing more that you wished then to pass out. Or, to even die.

Lloyd was right. You hadn’t cared about your well-being.

This wasn’t Gracie’s fault, you would never think that. But this is the role you signed up for. To protect her at all costs. You would never wish this on anyone, not even your worse enemy. But you were depleted entirely of energy & fight. You couldn’t anymore. You wanted to simply fall asleep & never wake up.

Lloyd’s movements began to speed up, finally forcing you to react. You cried out, never letting go of the table as he jackhammered into you. The burn was excruciating, absolutely nothing pleasurable about it. The first time Lloyd raped you was a walk in the park compared to his assault the second time around.

His hips began to jerk & you knew what would be coming next. You braced yourself to have enough strength for the final stretch. His hips slapped against the skin of your ass as he pushed himself as deep as he could possibly reach.

Another hand fisted in your hair & you blindly reached back, feeling the roots of your hair tug & snap.

“Fuckin’ good little nanny.” Lloyd panted as he thrusted into you once more with finality. A deep, almost painful sounding groan, bursting from his chest.

Your asshole throbbed, feeling Lloyd’s cock pulse within you as he spilled himself.

The hand in your hair released you, letting your head thump soundly against the metal table. Above you, Lloyd rested his chest along the length of your back, his hands mirroring yours as they hung limply on the sides.

You both were breathing heavily, him more so then you.

You swallowed, trying to damped your mouth, finding it to be dry, but you could produce no saliva. Lloyd rested his forehead near yours, shaking his head.

You didn’t know why he was shaking his & you didn’t care. You just wanted to be left alone.

“You’ll have to give Raj a piece of that when you make it back.”

If you make it back, you thought to yourself. What life was there for you after this? If you did make it out, & you highly doubted you would, the first thing you’d do when returning to Albania is walk towards the ocean. Just keep walking until the ground disappeared beneath you & the waves carried you into the deep.

Tears sprang forth as Lloyd shifted, pulling himself out. Once he finally did, you finally felt your body relax. The pain was still there, throbbing & unforgettable. But for now, in that moment, you allowed yourself to let go. Hoping, praying for a sleep you never woke from.

But the sound of Lloyd getting dressed, his belt clinking, forced your eyes to stay open. He may have more in store for you.

It wasn’t the torture you were expecting from him. There could be more.

But for the first time in a long time, relief flooded you when you saw in the corner of your eye as Lloyd approached the camera, turning it off.

You allowed your eyes to close, licking your lips with a parched tongue.

The biting tightness around your wrists & ankles began to disappear one by one. You needn’t open your eyes to know Lloyd was removing your restraints. He knew you weren’t a threat if you ever were one. He had done irreparable damage. You were done fighting…

A finger grazed your forehead, & you blearily opened your eyes. You couldn’t look him in the eye, so you settled on simply staring at the ugly patterns of his shirt.

“You did so well, _____.” He sounded almost proud, “Took it like a champ.”

Then he crouched & you squeezed your eyes shut, unable to look him in the eye, “Bet you’re starting to wish you had protected yourself more now, aren’t you?”

Yes. No. You never regretted protected Gracie, it was your job. But Lloyd was right. Your well-being mattered too.

He sighed before standing. You kept your eyes closed, listening as he gathered up the items & returned them to the bag, followed by a zip. In your minds eye, you saw him stop near you again. A hand coasted over the skin of your ass. You bit your lip, anticipating a smack to the already used & abused area. But nothing came.

“Doherty will get you cleaned up. Tomorrow you go back to a regular schedule with the brat.”

You said nothing. You just wanted to sleep.

“What?” Lloyd questioned, “No more questions about Gracie?”

Tears slipped between your lids, a shudder passing through your body.

“Awh.” He faked sympathy, “Poor, little Gracie. Her nanny won’t be protecting her anymore, will she?”

He chuckled lowly to himself, his voice closer to you when he spoke next, “Should you tell her, or should I?”

When you said nothing, you could hear the smile in his voice, “I finally broke you, nanny.”

He was right. You were broken.

SOMETIME AFTER

The walk back to your hut had been much longer than the walk to the bunker. Every step you took sent a shock of pain up your spine. You paused many times to catch your breath, to feel between your legs for any more blood.

If you had any more fight in you, you would’ve been humiliated when Doherty came in to get you cleaned up & dressed. But you couldn’t feel anything.

Doherty brought you loose-fitting cotton pants & a white cropped tank top. There was no underwear.

 At one point in your walk to the hut, you were mildly surprised when Doherty reached out to catch you as you stumbled, the pain in your backside making a normal task beyond difficult. But you had shot him a mirthful glare.

Do not touch me.

He remained expressionless, as always.

You wished relief had flooded you upon sight of the hut, but nothing like it came. All you wanted was to sleep. Sleep for as long as you could.

A strained wince escaped you as you climbed the few steps up to the door. You let yourself in, not bothering to lock the door behind you, shuffling towards the single bed in the corner.

A patter of feet sounded from the back of the hut. Gracie appeared, racing around the corner until she saw you.

She was okay. She looked completely unharmed. Her bright smile that you loved so much breached her lips. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around your hips, pressing your face into your belly, “I thought I’d never see you again.”

You didn’t hug her back. Couldn’t.

You glanced down at your, taking in the top of her head. She held on to you tightly. The arms around your hips squeezed, forcing a sharp sting to shoot up your spine. You hissed.

Gently placing your hands on her arms, you unlatched her hold on you. Gracie looked up at you with confusion in her eyes. You inhaled sharply, “I’m tired, Gracie.”

Letting her go, you shuffled past her, the bed the only object you wanted to cling yourself to.

“_____?” Gracie said behind you, “are you okay?”

Your knees met the soft, plushiness of the mattress & you fell forward. A small gasp left your lips as you adjusted comfortable on the bed, sure to put no pressure on your backside.

Gracie’s small steps approached you. With the last bit of strength you had, you held out your hand, palm up.

“Don’t.” Your voice was hoarse, “Go read, Gracie.”

A sniffle sounded from where she stood & you knew she must’ve been crying. You couldn’t comfort her. You couldn’t.

After a few seconds of silence, Gracie finally walked away, returning to the back of the hut.

You sighed deeply, curling your legs into your chest until you felt only warmth.

Then you closed your eyes, letting sleep find you, & hoping it never let you go.

It has been quite a bit of time since I've updated on here. I would like to blame life but that simply isn't true.

As both a reader of other writers on here & now a writer on here myself, I have a big pet peeve when it comes to leaving any work unfnished. I lost inspiration for The Agenda Today & couldn't update When The Bough Breaks or anything until I updated The Agenda Today. My mind & body won't let me go out of order. I have to complete every single thing I start on here.

So, I apologize for the very late update.

This is a very dark chapter so I hope I've made up for my creative hiatus.

WTBB is next, which I have plenty of inspiration for!

As always, please share your thoughts with me. Likes are of course appreciated but asks, reblogs with your thoughts, & leaving comments are much preferred. Your genuine interaction with my work really motivates me.

Thank you for reading

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