#SENT SHIVERS DOWN THE EARTH CORE

[keferon]

I can’t. I just. I JUST FUCKING. I CANT WITH THIS ANYMORE I GIVE THE FUCK UP WHERE IS MY FIC IM GONNA POST IT IF I KEEP SEEING SPELLBOUND AU STUFF WITHOUT DOING SPELLBOUND STUFF MYSELF MY BRAIN IS GONNA SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THIS LEVEL OF CREATIVE ENERGY IS JUST TO MUCH I CANNOT RESIST

*sounds of epilepsy and dying coughing while digging coffin* This is not canon I just desperately needed them to be happy for one day, Spellbound au by Keferon The Bengsons - Hundred days

[mystra-midnight]

The Devil and I

summary: logan might have looked like an ordinary man, but the weight of his metal-laced bones pressing against your back was intoxicating—deliciously so. and he knew this with the same certainty with which he knew the earth revolved around the sun.

warnings: 18+ only. dom!logan. rough sex. messy sex. spanking. tiny hint of anal play.

words: 1.8k.

notes: i am not even sorry. not one bit. this was inspired entirely by this post by @i-spit-on-your-garage and dedicated to her also. thank you for sharing your horny thoughts with me.

"That's it, baby, taking me so well."

Logan's voice was a gruff growl against your ear, crawling up his throat and over your skin like whiskey, full-bodied. His breath, warm and tinged with a hint of smoke, sent shivers down your spine. His large hands kneaded the flesh of your hips as he dragged you against his pelvis again, the sound of skin hitting skin loud, leaving your arse stinging from the impact.

You'd never given much thought to his body until now. What had started as harmless flirting—a dirty fantasy about fucking the mutant called Wolverine—had taken a turn. It wasn't that he wasn't attractive; in fact, Logan was the epitome of a woman's wildest dreams. He was tall and impossibly strong, his muscles rippling under your fingertips. But what surprised you most was his weight, the heaviness that came from the adamantium skeleton beneath his warm flesh.

Logan might have looked like an ordinary man, but the weight of his metal-laced bones pressing against your back was intoxicating—deliciously so. And he knew this with the same certainty with which he knew the Earth revolved around the Sun. 

That's why he kept you in this position: on your knees, face pressed into the mattress, hips raised, your slick folds stretched around his girth. Logan relished seeing his women like this—whiny and cock-drunk, the perfect plaything for his pleasure. Your voice was muffled, fingers digging into the sheets so tightly they hurt. You could barely make a sound as he thrust into you, each powerful stroke forcing gasps from your lungs. He didn't mind.

Your entire body trembled when his hand moved up your sweaty back, each fingertip tracing the delicate curve of your spine with deliberate tenderness. The sensation was electric, a shiver-inducing journey that left your skin prickling with goosebumps. He paused at each vertebra, applying just enough pressure to make you arch before continuing his path upward. When his fingers finally reached the nape of your neck, they didn't simply rest there—they curled possessively, his grip firm and unyielding, as if he was claiming ownership of your very being.

He pinned you against the mattress with effortless dominance, his weight pressing you down, keeping you exactly where he wanted you. The warmth of his breath ghosted over your ear, a tantalising promise of what was to come. His presence was overwhelming, a dark force looming over you like a stalking shadow, enveloping you in his warmth.

Somehow, you managed to suck in a shaky breath, a soft whine escaping your lips as he turned your face towards his, and then his lips crashed into yours with a fierce hunger. The kiss was made entirely of tongue, teeth, and saliva. His tongue invaded your mouth, exploring every corner with a desperation that matched your own. His teeth grazed and nipped, a blend of pleasure and pain that sent jolts of heat straight to your core. Saliva mixed and smeared, creating a mess neither of you cared to clean.

As he slowed the piston of his hips, switching to a slow deep grind that had the crown of his cock abusing that sweet spot inside your pussy, your eyes rolled so far into your skull that, for a fleeting moment, you thought you saw your own brain. It was like he was carving his way into your guts and hitting the back of your throat. "Lo-gan!" You gasped as a sob welled in your chest, your tears finally falling, leaving streaks of mascara and eyeliner down your cheeks. "M-more, faster, please," you begged.

He tutted mockingly behind you, each sound dripping with condescension and the unmistakable arrogance of pure male dominance. Before you could react, his open palm came down hard on your arse, the sudden, stinging impact tearing a surprised shriek from your lips. The sharp zing of pain cut through your already-burning skin, sending a fresh wave of moisture surging through your core. The sensation caused your inner muscles to tighten around the length of his shaft, gripping him firmly as he bottomed out inside you, his cock buried to the hilt.

He stilled for a moment, savouring the feeling of being completely enveloped by your slick heat. Without warning, he spanked you again, the loud crack of his hand against your flesh echoing through the room. You hissed at the sharp sting, your pussy clenching around him. He growled in response, the sensation of your tight walls driving him wild.

"Greedy girl," he grunted against your ear. His hand came down again, delivering another hard spank that resonated through your body, the sting of it sending a jolt of pleasurable pain straight to your clit. His hand lingered there, palming the globe of your arse as he admired the perfect handprint he'd left, the outline of his fingers vivid against your flushed skin. He could feel the slickness coating your inner thighs, the evidence of your arousal mixing with the sweat on your skin, dripping from his balls as he thrust hard into you.

The air was thick with the sounds of your shared pleasure, the wet slap of skin against skin as he thrust into you, driving deep, setting a fast pace. "Fuck," he groaned, his voice a rough, guttural sound that sent shivers down your spine. "Keep squeezing me like that, and I'm gonna blow right fucking now."

Logan's gaze remained fixed on your arse, his cock twitching inside you at the thought of what it would be like to actually fuck you there. The idea consumed him, driving him to act on his desires. With a growl, he slipped his thumb into his mouth, wetting it thoroughly before bringing it down to your tight hole. He smeared his spit around your sensitive entrance, groaning deeply as your pussy tightened around him in response.

"Logan!" you cried out, his name slipping from your lips in a breathless plea.

His grin widened at the sound, his expression smug, and he tightened his grip on the nape of your neck, pulling you up onto your hands and knees. “You gonna let me fuck you back here next, bub?” he asked, already knowing what your answer would be.

You moaned wantonly, nodding as you pushed back against him, meeting his powerful thrusts halfway and impaling yourself on his thick cock. “Gods, please, I want it so bad,�� you begged, sounding like a common whore.

“Atta girl.”

This was all he said, his voice so arrogant and condescending, before grabbing both your hips tightly, steadying you, his fingers leaving bruises on your skin. The force of his thrusts was maddening, driving you to claw at the sheets, your body teetering on the brink of orgasm embarrassingly quickly. Your walls clamped tightly around him, each movement sending you closer to the edge. It felt like a thunderstorm was tearing through your head, igniting every one of your nerves.

You could hear him grunting, feel the droplets of sweat dripping from his hair onto your back and how his fingers bruised harder into your hips, holding so tightly that your bones were sure to bend and break. But none of this registered in your mind the way it should have. You were lost in the moment, drowning in the overwhelming pleasure about to ruin you.

"Gonna cum—right there, right there—please, please, Logan. I need to cum. Fuck me—ah, harder, fuck, fuck—Logan!"

He was wild and feral—an animal.

Without warning, the air was punched out of your lungs as the orgasm struck you like a bolt of lightning, turning your blood into electricity and your limbs into live wires. You came hard, crying out a pretty symphony of his name as pleasure wracked your body. At the same time, he bottomed out, burying himself balls deep and filling you completely, shooting thick, ivory ropes of cum deep inside you, coating your walls.

Fisting a hand in your hair, he wound the silken strands around his fingers, using the grip to force your face back down against the mattress. His hips ground against your arse, rocking gently back and forth, his movements sending waves of pleasure through your trembling body. And as he came with a guttural growl, his release surged into you, hot and overwhelming, flooding your still-fluttering walls.

The fullness was almost too much, his cum filling you completely until it had nowhere else to go. It began to seep out, slick and warm, trailing down the seam of your pussy where your tight grip on his cock created a barrier. Warmth spread through your body like fire racing through your veins, an intoxicating heat that intensified as he filled, fucked, and possessed you entirely.

His teeth sank into your shoulder in a savage bite as you panted his name in sweet nymphomania, wriggling beneath him, his weight comforting—like a heavy blanket. Logan's tongue followed, laving over your flushed flesh, soothing the sting left by his canines. He growled deeply, savouring the taste of you as his abdominal muscles flexed and his cock ached, twitching inside you with every pulse of your body.

When he finally began to pull out, you couldn't suppress the whine that escaped your lips, the sound filled with a sense of loss. The feeling of emptiness was stark, save for where the head of his cock remained nestled just inside your snug walls, a final intimate connection.

Logan sat back on his haunches, taking a moment to admire the view before him. Your arse was flushed the most beautiful shade of pink, marked by his handprints and the forceful impact of his hips. Thick ribbons of cum dripped from your swollen folds, which were slick with the evidence of your release. The mixture of your arousal and his seed connected you to his cock in a vivid tapestry of desire, each drop falling to the mattress below.

He watched as the thick fluid dripped from both of you, creating a small, glistening pool beneath your bodies. With a rough but affectionate touch, Logan patted your arse, the force making it jiggle and your hips twitch involuntarily. His satisfaction was evident in the low, gravelly tone of his voice. "That felt like a good one," he remarked, a hint of pride lacing his words as he continued to drink in the sight of you, thoroughly used and utterly beautiful.

He snapped his hips forward, rutting into you with surprising vigour, filling you again and relishing in the wet squelching that echoed through the room. Each thrust forced his cum to leak from your well-used pussy, the slick evidence of your coupling escaping with every movement. You gasped, the sensation almost too much to bear, your hips wriggling as though to escape the overwhelming pleasure that teetered on the edge of overstimulation. But Logan only laughed as he thoroughly enjoyed how your body remained so tightly wound, so damn sensitive and ready to take him.

His stamina, just like the weight of his skeleton, was a marvel. It shouldn't have been surprising, given his mutation. His body was in a constant state of peak performance, always regenerating and healing. Logan 'Wolverine' Howlett had never been a one-and-done type of man; he was relentless and insatiable.

"Hope you don't think we're done, bub," he murmured, his voice a low, gravelly promise against your ear. "'Cause we've got all night."

[anyasathenaeum]

Lover (Nanami x Reader smut)

A/N:This is my first ever writing for Nanami/JJK as a whole. Please be nice about it. I felt like the Nanami lovers deserved some goodness. Do I know what I'm doing? No. Did I at least enjoy it? Yeah. Anyways, please have this... whatever this piece is. Warnings: MINORS DNI, AFAB!reader, female terms are used, mentions of penetrative sex, oral (f receiving), unprotected sex (WRAP IT BEFORE YOU TAP IT, FOLKS).

Nanami is a quiet lover.

His expressions of love are never glorified or big, never flashy or particularly grandiose. He shows how much he loves you through the little, quiet things.

The attention to detail with each and every lunch that's sent with you to your place of work. A hand on your lower back, guiding you through crowded spaces. A moment of remembrance, bringing you a treat or a gift you'd briefly mentioned in passing. A gentle kiss to your knuckles when it's nobody but the two of you, with no prying eyes around to witness the small gesture of love intended just for you. The way his hazel eyes lock onto you and soften oh-so-slightly the second you enter his field of vision. The small ghost of a smile that plays on his lips when he sees you.

Nanami refuses to let the world intrude on the refuge that your love offers. His love is meant for you and you alone. Nobody else would or should be privy to the love he shares with and feels for you. And so, his declarations of love are quiet; little secrets that only the two of you know about and would ever be able to recognize. It takes time, but eventually, you realize that all these little actions scream those three little words that Nanami refuses to say except for in the privacy and safety of your shared home.

"I love you."

Nanami is a gentle lover.

He's seen so much sadness, horror and suffering in this world, and despite his blunt and cold exterior, Nanami does every possible thing to protect you from all the wickedness in the world. It may have claimed others, it may have torn some of his friends from him, but it will not take you from him so long as he draws breath on this earth and he would be damned if he would ever do something that hurt you.

His touch is so, so gentle for somebody so big and so strong, his fingers tracing the softest of patterns over your delicate skin with the lightest touch, taking in every bit of you. His grip, while firm, never tightens to the point of risking hurting you, such as when his large hands hold your hips down and your thighs apart as he uses his tongue to draw the most beautiful sounds from your lips.

"K-Kento, I-... I'm gonna cum.."

You mewl and whine as Nanami continues to use his tongue to drive you closer and closer to your orgasm, his nose rubbing oh-so-gently against your clit with every movement and a hint of a smirk on his lips as his tongue delves deep into your pussy, relishing your taste and the feeling of you squirming from the pleasure he's giving you.

"That's it, my love. Cum for me."

His low voice sends shivers down your back every time, causing your grip on his blonde hair to tighten as he pulls yet another orgasm from you, the overwhelming waves of pleasure coursing through you. His hazel eyes never leave you as he continues to lick your pussy and suck gently on your clit, prolonging your orgasm for as long as possible until your body finally relaxes. Once you've recovered, Nanami's kissing you with as much love and care as he can muster, the taste of your slick on his tongue making you wet all over again and the seemingly endless ache for him in your core returns immediately, making you squeeze your thighs together. Of course, nothing escapes Nanami's notice, a rumble of a chuckle escaping him at the sight of your neediness.

"That's my girl."

Nanami is a tender lover.

With every thrust to the hilt inside you, through the haze of his pleasure, Nanami still ensures to treasure you for every moment he spends with you, inside you. You're carefully encased in his arms, tucked almost protectively beneath him as he presses his lips against yours, his cock filling you and stretching you deliciously with each and every stroke.

Soft grunts and growls slip from his lips as he fucks you with surprising tenderness, his gaze often drifting to where the two of you are joined so he can watch himself sink his cock into you over and over again, claiming your body in ways nobody else ever would. His fingers often intertwine with yours against the mattress or pull your hips ever closer to his own, allowing him to thrust into you even deeper.

The sudden, loud moan that escapes you as he angles your hips lets Nanami know that his cock has found the perfect spongy spot inside you, making you see stars as his thrusts increase in speed and intensity.

"K-Kento! Lo-love you! Love you, Kento! Kento, please!"

You can't control the words slipping from your lips as Nanami continues to sink his cock deep into you, never once failing to hit that spot deep inside you. The pleasure you feel is too overwhelming, your words escaping you without a thought and without hesitation as yet another orgasm washes over you, your cunt fluttering and spasming around him. The feeling is so intense that he needs to stop his thrusts in order not to fill you up then and there.

You whine when Nanami suddenly pulls out, a frown on your lips as you gaze up at him hazily.

"You didn't cum, Kento. Why'd you stop?"

The smile he gives you in return makes your heart flip in your chest - his expression is one of pure peace and adoration, the tenderness and affection he feels for you evident in his eyes as he takes everything about you in as you lay beneath him. He doesn't answer you, instead just leaning down and pressing his lips against yours. However, unlike before, this kiss isn't hungry or desperate, but rather gentle and soft and oh-so loving, and you faintly realize that Nanami is cherishing you, your body, your very existence in this moment.

He holds you close to him for a little while, giving you some time to recover before slipping his cock back inside you and beginning his thrusts once more, pulling more beautiful sounds from your lips and more soft moans escaping him as he works you towards yet another orgasm. This time, however, he doesn't slow as you cum once again, your pleasure driving him over the edge with you. A low groan escapes Nanami as he buries himself inside you to the hilt, his cock pulsing as he spills himself deep inside you, his seed coating your walls.

'Where it's meant to be,' Nanami thinks to himself, never saying the words aloud.

As he collapses next to you in the bed, Nanami doesn't hesitate to pull you into his arms, both of you panting from your exertions. He holds you close once again, saying nothing for a while and instead just watching you as you curl up against him, his heart aching for love of you as you press your cheek against his bare chest and wrap your arms around his much larger form. This time, before you can so much as begin to form any words, Nanami leans his head down, his lips by your ear as he whispers those three little words to you softly.

"I love you, (Y/N). Never doubt that."

Nanami is a lover. And his love belongs solely to you.

[cheeseatlantic]

MINORS DEFINITELY DNI

i dont even know but its smut!

The dim light of the barracks cast flickering shadows against the walls, the scent of whiskey and damp earth lingering in the air. You shouldn’t have been there. Not like this. Not with him. Price leaned against the edge of his desk, arms crossed, his sharp blue eyes locked on you like he was daring you to leave. “You know what you’re doing,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down your spine.

You swallowed hard, fingers twitching at your sides. You did know. Every time you crossed the line with him, you told yourself it would be the last. The unspoken rules of command, the weight of his position, it didn’t matter in the heat of the moment. The thrill of secrecy and danger always brought you back to him.

“I can’t stay away,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Price’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening for a moment before it softened. He reached for you, his hand brushing the bare skin of your arm, his calloused fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake. “Neither can I,” he admitted, his words soft but laced with a kind of desperation that made your knees weak.

Before you could reply, he pulled you to him, his lips capturing yours in a kiss that was as hungry as it was forbidden. His beard scraped against your skin, a reminder of the rawness, the realness of him. You pressed yourself against him, your fingers tangling in the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer, needing more.

“God help me,” he groaned against your lips, his hands gripping your waist like you were the only thing keeping him grounded. “This is wrong. But I don’t give a damn anymore.”

You gasped as he lifted you onto the desk, his hands trailing up your thighs, his touch possessive, like he was staking his claim on you. You bit your lip, the sharp edge of the wooden desk digging into your skin as his lips moved to your neck, leaving a trail of bruises that would be impossible to hide. Marks of your sin.

“Promise me,” he whispered, his voice rough and low, his breath hot against your ear. “No one else can know.”

You nodded, your nails digging into his shoulders as his hands worked their way under your clothes. “It’ll be our little secret.”

The desk creaked beneath you as Price’s hands tightened on your thighs, spreading them wider, his broad frame pressing against you. The air in the room felt electric, thick with the weight of everything unspoken. His lips claimed yours again, rougher this time, his beard scratching deliciously against your skin as his tongue swept over yours.

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?” he rasped, his voice like gravel as he broke the kiss, his lips trailing down your neck. His hands slid under your shirt, calloused palms skimming over your ribs before pulling it over your head and tossing it aside.

“Maybe I do,” you whispered, breath hitching as his mouth found the curve of your collarbone, teeth grazing against your skin before he sucked hard, leaving a bruise you wouldn’t bother to hide.

Price pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his blue eyes dark and heavy with desire. “You’re playing a dangerous game, love.”

You smirked, tilting your chin defiantly. “And you’re not stopping me.”

A low growl escaped him, and in an instant, his hands were on your hips, dragging you forward until your core was pressed against his. You could feel how hard he was, the thick, unyielding length of him straining against his pants. A gasp slipped from your lips as he rocked his hips into yours, his hands gripping your ass to keep you in place.

“Tell me to stop,” he murmured against your ear, his voice rough and laced with restraint. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”

You shook your head, your fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. “I don’t want you to stop.”

His resolve snapped. Price yanked you off the desk and spun you around, pressing you against the wall. His hands roamed your body, rough and possessive, as he kissed you deeply, swallowing the moan that escaped you. His lips trailed down your chest, his fingers undoing the clasp of your bra before tossing it aside. His mouth found your nipple, sucking and teasing until your knees nearly gave out beneath you.

“Fuck,” he muttered, pulling back just enough to lift you off your feet. You wrapped your legs around his waist, your back pressing against the wall as he ground against you, the friction sending sparks through your veins.

“Captain,” you gasped, your nails digging into his shoulders as he reached between you, undoing the button of your pants and sliding them down.

“Impatient little thing,” he murmured, his voice dark with amusement as his hand dipped between your thighs, sliding against the wetness he found there. “You’re soaking for me already.”

You bit your lip, your head falling back against the wall as his fingers circled your clit, slow and deliberate. “John, please,” you breathed, the need in your voice making him smirk.

“Please what?” he teased, his voice low and dangerous as he pushed a finger inside you, curling it just right.

“Don’t make me beg,” you managed, your voice breaking on a moan as he added another finger, his thumb pressing against your clit in time with his thrusts.

Price’s lips found yours again, his kiss rough and claiming as he worked you closer to the edge. “You’re beautiful when you’re desperate,” he murmured against your lips, his free hand gripping your hip hard enough to leave bruises.

Your release hit you like a tidal wave, your body shaking against his as he coaxed you through it, his fingers never faltering. When you finally caught your breath, he pulled his hand away, his fingers glistening as he brought them to his lips, his eyes locked on yours.

“Sweet as sin,” he muttered, his voice dark with satisfaction.

Before you could recover, he was lowering you onto the desk again, his hands making quick work of his belt and the zipper of his pants. The sound of his clothes hitting the floor sent another thrill through you, and when he stepped between your legs, you felt the full weight of what you’d gotten yourself into.

“You ready for me, love?” he asked, his voice softer now, but no less commanding.

You nodded, breathless, your legs wrapping around his waist as he lined himself up. The stretch of him as he pressed into you stole the air from your lungs, and when he bottomed out, his forehead rested against yours, his breathing heavy.

“God help me,” he groaned, his hands gripping your hips as he began to move, slow and deliberate at first, then faster, harder, each thrust sending sparks of pleasure through your body.

You clung to him, your fingers digging into his back as he drove you higher, the sound of your bodies moving together filling the room. It was messy, raw, and so, so wrong. But neither of you cared.

“Say my name,” he demanded, his voice a low growl as he thrust harder, his grip on you tightening.

“John,” you gasped, your voice breaking as he pushed you closer and closer to the edge again. “John, I-”

He swallowed your words with a kiss, his pace relentless as he chased his own release. When he finally came, his head fell to your shoulder, his breath hot against your skin as his body shuddered against yours.

The room was silent except for the sound of your breathing, the weight of what you’d just done settling over you both. But when Price pulled back, his eyes met yours, and for a moment, neither of you said a word.

You knew this wasn’t the last time. And so did he.

ok freak. i see you’ve read the whole thing? 🤨

[billsbabydoll]

I ABSOLUTELY NEED A 2011 BILL SMUT WHERE HE TEASES (female) reader so bad to the point that 1 she gets mad and pulls his hair talking dirty into his ear and two cries to him because he's just so good at eating her out

𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

-contains:SMUT!

-summary:request!!!

-WARNINGS:reader and bill are just freaky asf, thank you and goodnight.

-notes:whoever sent this request, im so sorry it took me so long to post it (in exchange for my forgiveness ill gladly do the honors of slutting you out till the neighbors know my name bby<3)

—————————————————————————

his hands tangle around your waist, fingers fumbling with the hems of your underwear—his lips desperately moving against yours; both caught in a feverish frenzy…

he leans back slightly, his lips momentarily leave yours causing you to let out a needy whine,

“shh i know what you want darlin’..” he coos in response, he removes his hands away from your waist, his fingers teasingly playing with your bottom lip before making his way down to the floor.

bill settles in a kneeling position; placing both his palms on your knees, then gently beginning to slowly spread your legs apart.

“schon so nass <already so wet>?”

“cmonn, please..”

he couldn’t help but let out a deep chuckle, finding your wretched eagerness quite amusing. nonetheless he continued his tormenting…

bill lifted up from his position, peppering open mouth kisses from your legs all the way up to your clothed cunt. he stopped for a few seconds, staring deeply into your soul before latching his teeth onto your lace panties, sliding them effortlessly all the wayyy downnn.

your slick sex now on full display.

“i wonder if you taste as sweet as you look engel <angel>.”

tears suddenly began swelling up in your eyes, he hasn’t even started yet and your already a complete mess—impatient little slut are you?

“p-please bill i need you!” you loudly whimpered, making his eyes instantly dart up to meet yours again.

“need what huh,

need this?”

you open your mouth up again to argue back but were then shushed by a flick of his tongue on your clit, a groan of relief leaving out of your mouth. as soon as you received, you were then again left flustered; he suddenly moved his mouth away.

“nghh! baby please im begging you!”

“good, i love it when you beg..”

he centered his mouth back onto your pussy, sprinkling kisses around your wetness ever so softly, making you shiver at just the delicate sensation. his lips lightly graced all over your cunt; from side to side, up and down, edging you even further.

you angrily sigh and aggressively place your hands on both sides of his head, shoving him all the way into your walls, the tip of his nose bumping into your clit,

“gimme what i want,

you’ve had enough, you couldn’t bear the torture anymore, you simply snapped—

now.”

he quickly hums in obedience, the vibration of his voice sending immediate sparks straight into your core. his tongue began lapping and swirling around your entrance, occasionally sticking his tongue inside.

you throw you head backwards, letting yourself fall into the mattress, your hips now bucking into him seeking even further pleasure.

his saliva and your juices pooled on his chin, the sides of his mouth equally covered in the mixed liquids. you tasted ravishing, your taste so distinct and exotic it was the perfect combination of not too sweet not too salty; but just right.

you hands remain attached to his head, using thick strands of his hair as personal handles, fingers harshly tugging and pulling his hair any chance you could possibly get.

along with a collection of moans and groans, your tears from earlier finally fell down your face, a certain shock of ecstasy washing over your entire being.

he devoured you like a starved man, treating you as if your his last meal on earth, the biggest feast a man could ever ask for…

“ughh right there!”

“right there?”

“right there.”

—————————————————————————

bill please come back home the kids and i miss you, babe.

[mdsbabygirl]

FOREPLAY WITH HIM...

Pairing: bllk/TR/jjk men x fem!reader

Genre: fluff/Smut

Cw: cutesy, lovey-dovey shit, the characters will be mentioned below the fic, fingering, clit play, penetrative $ëx, etc..

Note: this fic is heavily inspired by another ff that was ab geto, and this "foreplay" thing YK... Anyway, I don't remember who is the original creator of the fic, so if you know, tell me so I can tag them or link the og work. Thnx

Fore play w isn't just your usual oral or fingering before fucking, it's much more than that. It starts in the morning, when he tightly hugs your body, and caresses your sides, gently grazing over your curves, as he pressed light kisses on your sleeping form to wake u up. "Good morning angel! Did you sleep well?" He asks, his voice still hoarse and deep.

Fore play with him isn't just your usual prep before doing the deed, it continues throughout the day in many forms. Whether it's the little kisses he peppers on your neck when you're making coffee accompanied by his usual back hugs or the spontaneous kiss he'd press on your knuckles while looking in your eyes ever so lovingly, just because.. that was his reasoning, you're a goddess descended on this mortal earth, and all he wants to do is worship you, make you feel loved and cherished.. that was his reasoning, his mission in this ephemeral life.

Foreplay w him, would also take place when y'all would be all cuddled up, your arms embracing each other, legs tangled up together, to form a cocoon of trust and safety, one of love and affection, where the both of you can relax and enjoy each other's company. He'd press gentle kisses on your forehead, his big hands softly massaging your back, he might also him a little tune for you, his voice feeling ever so sweet, the melodies erupting from his throat, a soothing balm for your ears.

Foreplay w him is also when his hands would slip inside your shirt, caressing your soft skin. His long fingers would slide all the way to your chest, gently squeezing the soft mounds of your boobs. A few breathy whimpers would erupt from you, which make him smile lovingly. He'd press a kiss on the corner of your mouth, whispering so sweetly to you "I'm here sweetheart! Don't worry, I'll make you feel good baby", his tender gaze mixed with his deep voice, sent shivers down your spine, your core starting to feel warmer than usual.

"Kiss me honey!" He'd gently tell you, his gaze softening upon seeing the way your breath hitched. As you leaned in, your breaths tangled in the air between you, the softest, most delicate of sighs escaping your lips. And then, in a slow, sensual dance of tongues and lips, your mouths met. It began as a feather-light press, a light brushing of lips, before the contact deepened. Your mouths opened to each other, your tongues tracing gentle circles and swirling in a tender, erotic dance, the slow, languid kiss drawing out the anticipation and desire between you.

Foreplay ofc didn't stop here, not when you were both hot and bothered, way too needy for each other. "Baby.. can we?" He'd gently ask, his eyes still keeping that same loving and tender gaze, even if they were full of lust. Oh..how lovely! Ig that's what it means to be truly loved.. one puts their needs after their loved ones'.. "how sweet!" You'd coo, your hands cupping his cheeks, pulling him in for another slow kiss, "ofc love! I'll make love to you!" You said, your voice ever so sweet, sent jolts of excitement to his cock, making it even harder than it already was... How sweet!

Now, that's where the traditional foreplay would start ig.. he'd undress you in a languid, tender way, making the air between you thicken with intangible longing. He'd kiss his way down your body, leaving a trail of reddish marks on your tender skin, his digits would trail over your tits, his thumbs gently rolling your hardened nipples. "You're so perfect..kiss.. so pretty..kiss.. my lovely y/n.. I love you!" He'd mutter in between kisses, the combo of his huffed voice and his hand's ministrations reducing you into putty in his hands.

He lowered his head, his eyes never leaving yours, your back arched, a soft, breathy moan escaping your lips, as he finally reached the source of your most powerful yearning. His tongue flicked delicately at your clit, and you felt a shiver race down your spine. The rhythm of his lapping grew purposeful, the sensation building within you with each deft, loving stroke.

Simultaneously, his fingers, coated in your wetness, slipped between your legs, finding the slick entrance to your most intimate space. Slowly, he eased first one, then two fingers inside, his movements gentle and unhurried, arousing you with each languid thrust.

Once, he's made you cum and still on his knees, he'd move up until his swollen, pulsating length was right at the entrance of your dripping wetness. You could see the love and tenderness in his eyes as he began to ease inside you, slowly and deliberately.

You both gasped as the tip breached your barrier, and his entire shaft slowly filled you. The sensation was a mixture of exquisite pleasure and tender intimacy. Your cunny gripped and quivered around him, inviting him in even deeper.

Your lovemaking was now slow, unhurried, and languid, as if you had all the time in the world. Each gentle thrust elicited soft, breathy moans from both of you. Him, being the attentive lover he was, would pause and wait for you to adjust before he would continue his slow, deliberate pace.

As his hips ground against yours, an all-consuming sensation coursed through both of your bodies. The world outside your love cocoon faded, leaving only the intense, white-hot core of your connection. A guttural cry tore from his throat as he unleashed a torrent of hot, thick cum into your quivering depths. In that final, blissful moment, he looked at you, with his tender and adoring gaze, he caressed your face, "I love you sweetheart! You're amazing!" He'd whisper before collapsing into your arms, your intense lovemaking had tired him, and so it did to you.

How wonderful it is to love and be loved...

Isagi, Kunigami, Chigiri, Yukimiya, Chifuyu, Hakkai, Takemichi, Mitsuya, Pahchin, Nanami, Geto, ur favs

© mdsbabygirl do not copy or translate my work without my permission.

[joonsy2k]

★ pairings - Jungkook x Fem!Reader

★ genre - smut, fluff if you squint.

★ summary - Your best friend Jimin invites you to see his band, painted duck, perform at your local bar. You didn't expect to end up backstage with the bands lead bassist.

★ warnings - Dom!Jk, Sub!Reader, Jk being cocky, fingering, oral (F recieving), reader is pretty innocent, cussing, dirty talk, biting, public, p in v, creampie, unprotected sex ( wrap it before you tap it), degrading, breeding kink kinda, pet names, use of y/n ( not a lot i promise ), praise, just pure filth, not proof read, lots of spelling mistakes ( im dyslexic ).

This wasn't you, you weren't the type to be pressed up against a wall backstage at your friends gig but here you were, skirt pushed up past your thighs as some sweaty stage manager stuck his tongue down your throat. His hands gripping at the soft flesh of your thighs.

You can't deny that this guy was good looking and you certainly couldn't deny that he was a fucking phenominal kisser. His lips moved quickly against yours, he sported a lip ring and the cold metal pressed against your lips sent a shiver down your body.

"Last call till showtime!" You heard from somewhere to the left of you and the mystery guy pulled away, leaving your lips feeling awfully cold and wet.

"Too bad -" His lips curled into a smirk "You tasted good." His tongue darted out to fiddle with the metal embedded in his skin and you swear you felt your legs falter and turn to jelly.

Without uttering another symbol, your mystery man had gone, probably to set up the stage for your friends band, and you - taking a few minutes to regain yourself - you pushed yourself off the wall to go and find your friends.

"What kind of name is painted duck anyway?" Your best friend Minji complained from beside you, nose scrunched in disgust.

You could only laugh. You had met Minji in college, you became fast friends with her and introduced her to Jimin and one drunken hook up later the two of them were dating.

You didn't like it at first. Your two best friends sneaking off together made you feel awkward but after a while, you learnt to be happy for the both of them.

That's why you and her were here tonight to see your best friend, her boyfriend, perform with his new band. It was their first gig and the place was pretty packed, you didn't understand why. Their colourful name didn't create an exciting atmosphere and you thought the name sounded more like an improv group name rather than a band name.

But you had heard Jimin sing, and he was good.

"Oh look, look!" Minji grabbed ahold of your arm, pointing towards the stage where you now saw Jimin. His hands grasped around the microphone. He was smiling his signiture smile, eyes creased.

Tapping the mic once, he spoke "Thanks for coming out tonight, we're painted duck," He spotted Minji giving her wink that made her grip your arm as her legs failed "We hope you enjoy our music."

And with that end statement, painted duck's lead bassist strummed an opening note on his guitar. It grabbed your attention and as you looked over, your shoulders tensed.

Tattooed hands strummed the guitar, dark hair pushed back into a man bun with his fringe almost shielding his eyes from the crowd, but not from you, his eyes found you in the crowd, he was smirking. That oh so familiar lip ring glinting in the stage lights.

Your mystery guy wasn't a stage manager, he was Jimin's lead guitarist.

"You were amazing, baby!" Minji applauded when you both entered the boys dressing room, jumping straight into her boyfriends arms.

But you weren't concerned with your two best friends now exchanging salivia. Instead, your eyes were trained on the boy whose wet shirt was slung over his shoulder, toned stomach glistening after his hyper performance.

You watched as he chugged down a bottle of water, his jaw contorting. It made your core ache, it was just a bottle of water but oh god how you wished to be it.

"Hello! earth to E.T." a hand waved in front of your face and you jumped back into reality, being met with Jimin's bright face in front of you, a brow raised and a knowing look etched on his face.

"What did you think of the show?" He asked, you - being distracted - had assumed that you had already been asked this question so, you mustered up a supportive smile and tried to ignore the fact that you had been quite distracted by a certain guitarist during the whole of painted ducks show.

"You guys were great." You mused

Jimin was clearly happy with your answer because he pulled you into a hug, ruffling your hair with a large smile.

You were at a loss for words when a pair of strong arms pulled Jimin away from you, you looked up. You spotted a mass of brown and a boxy grin, you recognised the man. It was painted duck's drummer. You didn't know his name but you being you, you were too scared to speak up and ask.

Instead Jimin was the one to tell you his name "Oh girls, this is our very own drummer, Taehyung."

"Glad to hear that you enjoyed the show.." The tall man offered you a warm smile, sticking out his hand for you to shake, eyebrow raised as if to ask for your name.

"Y/N." you replied with a polite smile, returning his handshake.

Jimin interrupted the two of you by pointing over to a sleeping figure on the couch, mint blue hair falling over his sleeping eyes "Yoongi, our keyboard player," his finger switched to pointing towards a shorter brown haired male who waved as a nicety and went back to his laptop "our back up vocals, jin," his finger landed on one more person and you wanted to cower behind Minji "And Jungkook, our lead guitarist."

Jungkook sauntered over, he brought over a confidence with him. His eyes trained sorely on you.

You turned to Minji but Jimin was already dragging her off and out of the dressing room, no doubt the two of them were heading to the band's van for some alone time. You were left without any protection from the serpent slithering his way towards you.

"Didn't know you were friends with Jimin." He still had that arragont tone in his voice and those eyes, he was still undressing you with them.

"Didn't know you were in Jimin's band." You countered back,

and he smirked.

That's how you ended up back here, back pressed against the stone wall in some abandoned space backstage, skirt pushed up past your thighs with the guitarist of your best friend's band face pressed against your dripping cunt. His tongue darting at your sensitive bud.

Your hands wove into his dark locks, tugging at the strands as your body quivered under him.

Jungkook pushed back. He held your thighs apart and gripped the soft flesh, taking in the sight of your dripping cunt "Look at that," he mused, fingers gliding across your folds "So wet, just for me, yeah?"

He popped a finger into his mouth, tasting you "Knew you'd taste good."

Somehow he got off on the way he felt you tense, the way he could tell your walls clenched just at his words. Jungkook got off on the fact that he was the one making you this nervous, making you this desperate to be touched.

You watched him, watched the ways his eyes glazed over with lust as he rose to his feet, cock springing free from it's protective cage people call boxers.

The tip of his cock nudged your hole and before he pushed it in, he gave you a questioning look. You, simply nodded, utterring a small 'please'..

And that, was all that Jungkook needed before he pushed himself inside you with a groan.

Your head hit the wall behind you with a small thud but the pain didn't register, too focused on the way Jungkook's hips snapped into yours in a rhythmatic pace, his hand wrapping one your legs around his waist and gripping the flesh as if to stabilise you.

"Fuck, let me hear you." He muttered. His hot breath hit your ear, teeth nipping at the shell of your ear and moving down to the delicate skin on your neck, sucking and biting. That was sure to bruise.

"Kook," You didn't deny him of his request to hear you. You filled the abandoned space with sweet moans and heavy breaths "S'good." You muttered.

His forehead collided with yours, resting there as his hand cupped your jaw "Look so pretty for me." Jungkook's lips hovered against yours, nipping at your bottom lip before his lips crashed against yours. With a pinch of your ass, your mouth was open to let his tongue glide in.

"Taking me - so fucking well," You gripped onto his shoulders when his hips snapped harshly making you cry out his name, his hips rutting faster at the motivation "Good little slut taking my cock."

Your nails sunk into the skin of his shoulders, sure to leave marks that he'd be proud of, and your walls clenched around his cock.

"m' so close, kook," head falling into the crook of his neck he let out a groan at your words, your body went limp against his "gonna cum on your cock."

Hands grabbed your hair into a fist, pulling your head back to look at him, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead whilst he gave your ass another harsh squeeze.

"Look at me, baby," with his hand leaving your ass he was free to draw a pattern on circles on your clit, making your walls clench around him "I want you to look at me as i fill this pretty cunt up with my kids."

It didn't take long for that oh so familiar knot in your stomach to reach it's end before you felt a dizzying high wash over.

"Fuck yeah, that's such a good girl," it did not take long for Jungkook to follow suit and soon his warm cum was filling you up "taking my cum like a good slut." As he pulled out his cum spilt from inside your warm cunt.

His cocky smirk was back, lip ring glinting like his eyes "we should get you cleaned up" he chuckled, fixing his pants and your skirt before he took your hand to lead you away but before you left the abandoned space, he stopped, turning to you with that same smirk,

"You should come to our gigs more often."

oh, you definitely would.

[talesfromawannabewriter]

Demon in Disguise

Here it is @kittenfangirl20, hope you enjoy part 1

Adam sighed as he waited for Lilith to make her appearance in the embassy. Adam was summoned by a letter from the Queen herself requesting an audience with the first man himself. Though Sera, the woman he looked at as a mother as she looked at him as her son, warned him against this meeting. However, Adam's will be strong, and he wishes to know what the snake wants. It didn't help that tensions were rising what with the sinners starting to rise. Adam's knee slightly bounced from underneath the table as he crossed his arms over his chest. Though he'd never admit it to anyone other than himself it always sent a shiver down his side whenever it was only just the two of them. Suddenly the doors opened and in walked Lilith all with the grace of a queen, and the slithering motions of a serpent. Her amethyst pierced Adam's soul as they locked onto him.

Lilith: Ah Adam just the man, or first man, I've been meaning to see, how are you? Doing good? Heaven sure does seem to be treating you good.

Lilith stated while her gaze turned directly on Adam's chubby belly. Adam scowled already wanting this meeting to end.

Adam: Cut the crap and just say what you want Lilith

Lilith: Very well, I've come here for a proposal. I understand that Heaven is getting quite antsy as of late due to my people beginning to rise up. I also understand that they are looking for solutions, well I have one that will solve everything.

Adam: And that is?

Lilith: I remove myself from my title as queen, Hell's military, leave Hell, and be given a spot in Heaven.

Adam was silent for a moment until he laughed out loud even banging his fist against the table.

Adam: Ok, and what makes you think that anyone in their right mind would allow you to stay? Not to mention me ever giving you free range of upstairs.

Lilith: You are still close with Sera, correct? Then she can help forward this deal. I also have something that you want more than anything

Adam: And what might that be?

Lilith: Lucifer's child

Adam: ...what?

Lilith: I'm sure that your little...birth defect is still present even as an angel, yes?

Adam glared at her wording but slowly nodded. Not long after Adam's creation his creator, God helped shift his body so that he then had both parts of a man and a woman. Though he didn't know why he did it, he didn't hate his body in any way, despite Lilith doing her hardest to make him back in the garden.

Lilith: I'll collect Lucifer's seed and have it implanted in your womb then you'll finally have the precious baby that you always wanted with your dear guardian angel.

Adam: ...Lucifer is alright with all of, this? You leaving him and me being impregnated with his sperm?

Lilith: But of course, after all, he does want what's best for our subjects, not to mention that if there is less interaction in Heaven ten the less, he'll have to see you. Plus, with you not only in Heaven but also supported by

Adam didn't know what to say, on the one hand, he'd finally get his dream of being a mother. He loved all his children when they were on Earth and loved being their father even when...the incident occurred and afterward. However, ever since Eden, he wanted to be with Lucifer, his Luci, his sweet angel, and have a family with him. On the other hand, it hurt him to his core that this was the only way. But...the pros outweighed the cons and on the plus side not only would he get his dream, but he'd also finally be putting a stop to any uprising from the denizens of Hell since the fire was only filled with Lilith there leading the charge.

It seemed Lilith could tell what his decision was and smirked.

Adam: alright Lilith, I accept your deal.

[wh3nturtlesfly]

CW: Suggestive

“You’re late.” The lamp beside the couch flickered on, and with it Villain’s displeased expression emerged.

“You’re trespassing.” Hero shrugged off their coat and made the rest of the way inside, trying to ignore the glare trained on their every movement. Hero grimaced at the charred fabric of their uniform, a setback that had nearly gotten them hurt tonight.

“You didn’t answer my calls. All six times.”

“I was busy,” Hero rubbed their tired eyes. Muscles sore from the fight, they were hardly in the mood for Villain’s attitude. Their nemesis clearly had other ideas.

It only took a beat for Villain to cross the room, slinking through the shadows with a feline grace. Hero hadn’t caught the movement until Villain was close, eyes dark as they pulled the closet door shut.

“I thought we'd discussed this before,” Villain’s voice had dropped dangerously low. They inched closer, forcing Hero back. “You know I don’t like it when you’re out for so long.”

“It was an emergency,” Hero caught Villain’s wrists before they could fully pin them against the wall. Their partner only scoffed, eyes alight with something dangerous.

Villain leaned close, their lips brushing lightly over Hero’s jaw. Hero shuddered. “I highly doubt it was pressing enough,” Villain edged closer, “Especially not to deprive me of our precious time together.”

The corners of their lips turned up and through half-lidded eyes Villain gazed upon Hero. Their Hero. “Since you decided to be gone for so long-,” they trailed a teasing finger down the Hero’s torso, thumbing at the hem of their shirt and earning a lovely shiver in return, “I’ll show you how much I missed you.”

Villain lunged forward, pressing their lips to the Hero’s throat.

A gasp escaped the crimefighter, words completely forgotten the moment Villain trailed down farther. They worked across the Hero’s collarbone, gentle where their previous battle had left scrapes and burns. Still, when it came to the rest of Hero, they were anything but careful.

With a hand on either side of their waist, Villain bracketed Hero’s form. They pressed closer, a devilish smile gracing their face each time they paused to catch a breath. Hero bit hard on the inside of their cheek if only to keep from falling apart. The feeling of Villain’s lips across their skin was intoxicating and soon they had threaded a hand through the Villain’s hair to pull them closer.

Villain finally managed to meet them at the lips and Hero melted. It was exactly what their nemesis had wanted. A grin overtook their features before they surged forward, taking the Hero all for their own. Villain’s cool fingers managed to wander their way under their shirt and a shiver sent its way up the Hero’s spine. They gasped into the Villain’s mouth, and received a low chuckle in return.

Just as fast as it had begun, Villain broke away, smirking when Hero chased after them. They stopped them with a finger to their lips, “So eager,” Villain hummed and trailed the same finger down the Hero’s jaw, descending further to dip just under the collar of their shirt, “I warned you what happens when you cross me.”

They leaned forward again, just enough to press a chaste kiss to the Hero’s cheek. A sultry smile emerged on Villain’s face. “So now love, have you learned your lesson?”

It took a moment for the Hero to process it, caught up on the pure bliss that filled their core. Slowly their eyes met that of their partners and they managed to get out a small nod.

Villain chuckled, “That’s good.” They held the Hero close, carding a hand gently through their hair. “No other Villain deserves you. You are mine, and I am yours.” Villain’s eyes slid shut, overcome with delight as they trailed their fingers across their Hero’s skin. “Believe me when I say I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth.”

Hero sighed, overcome with delight. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

[mulberrysilk]

play date

Shunsui Kyoraku x f!Reader

synopsis : You and Shunsui have a little thing going on under the wraps. He invites you to his office to discuss work...or so he says. 

author’s note : Just a little something because Shunsui is one fine ass man. He’s so hot like I cannot. I am in my Bleach era and will write more fics for keyboard. 

cw: oral sex (female receiving), slight angst? , Shunsui teases you to no end, unestablished relationship, there’s feelings but reader isn’t sure and Shunsui isn’t saying anything but he’s in love with her too, Ukitake makes an appearance, Special Extra at the end of the fic, just for laughs :> 

 also if you’re feeling generous, you can tip me on ko-fi!

How on earth did you get into this predicament?

Well, you knew how. You just didn’t expect it to go this way. When you answered your fellow Captain's call to come to his office to discuss matters on the special ops squad being sent to investigate the world of the living, you believed it was just that.

Not this.

“Oh, dear. Have you finally run out of things to say?” His baritone voice teased as you squirmed on his desk, your thighs over his broad shoulders with his arms locked around each leg to keep you in the position you were. Anybody could walk in. You knew the 13th division Captain was on his way too.

“S-shunsui.” You glared at him, breathless and painfully aching with arousal. He only pouted his full lips in mock pity and rubbed gentle circles with his thumbs on your skin.

“Don’t look at me like that, sweetheart. It’s only going to egg me on.” He smirked devilishly and if only you weren’t in his secure hold, you would’ve kicked him away. Now was not the right time nor place to be doing this. It was a hidden fact that you and the Captain had been warming each other's beds for months now with no strings attached, and were undoubtedly physically attracted to each other. The other captains assumed that you were just a victim to his harmless flirting and that was it.

“You know I like it when you play hard to get,” he kissed your inner thigh, stubble tickling your skin. “I like it even more when you make those cute lewd faces though.” He hummed with a smile, keeping his eyes on you as he leaned closer to lick a strip along your slit, from your aching core to your sensitive clit. Your thighs shook, feeding his ego at how he had one of the most revered Captains putty in his hands.

“Shunsui, someone could walk in. S-sto—ah!” Your attempt at protest was feeble and your restraint staggered when he kissed your sensitive nub and had begun to suckle on it. Pleasure shot through your body, your core tightening and shaking from the warmth of his tongue and the way he moved his head to provide the friction and pressure that he knew had you whimpering and panting in seconds.

Shunshui moaned against your mound when he felt your fingers thread through his hair and began to tug and grip it in the way that sent shivers of pleasure down his spine. He kept his gaze on you. His view provided him with the debauched state you were in. Shihakuso undone, it revealed the smooth skin of your stomach and the soft peaks of your breasts, that bounced and jerked with every movement of your body.  But his favorite of all was his view of your face. Your pretty lips that would purse and speak threats at him, were parted in sweet bliss and moaning his name.  Your eyes that would glare at him with a heat that excited him, were shut in bliss, struggling to flutter open with the pleasure he made you feel.  Ah, this must be what a goddess looks like. Shunsui thought.

He halted his ministrations eliciting a whimper of disappointment from you.

"For someone afraid to get caught, you are being rather loud, my dear. Not that I'm complaining." He smirked up at you and before you could snap at him, he continued his assault on your aching pussy that had only continued to drip with more and more slick.

Your mind was hazy with need. His hot tongue swirled sinfully good, you cursed at how good he was at pleasuring you with his mouth. And those lips, those stupidly plump lips, wrapped around and sucked at your clit sinfully good. You’d never admit it out loud but despite his affinity to chase women, he was irresistibly charming when you looked past it. He was strong, and muscular and had such broad shoulders that your legs hung perfectly over. You hated how much you liked him. How good he made you feel. How he truly made your heart skip a beat so many times when he gets doting and sweet on you.

You didn’t want to give in so easily and the arrangement between the two of you as time went on, made your heart grow fonder of him.

Meanwhile, the man who believed heaven was between your thighs, was drunk on the sweet musky taste of the honey that dripped from your pussy. He couldn’t get enough of you, can you blame him? You were cuter than you let on and when it was just you and him in the privacy of his Captain's quarters, you were sweet, shy even. In your shared colleagues' eyes, you were his beautiful and revered Captain who could take down her enemies without a scratch.

But only he knew you. Really knew you.

He made mental notes of the things you liked, things that made you smile or made you scrunch your nose up in disgust, and most importantly what he does that makes you blush, what made you feel good and would have you glowing from pleasure.

Keeping his lips on your clit, he teased the dripping hole of your entrance. It was easy to collect your slick and slowly push in his two fingers. He felt his cock throb at how warm and soft your walls were, and how it squeezed him.

You moaned out his name so sweetly again and the further he plunged his digits and played with your clit, the more he could feel your velvety walls pulse around him. He curled his fingers. Your back arched. Your thighs trembled on his shoulders and the grip you had on his hair tightened.

“S-shun…” you tried your best to speak, propping yourself up on your elbows to have a good look at him. You shouldn’t have been so turned on at the sight of him like this, and yet when he curled those fingers again, your head threw back in bliss. God. He was going to kill you.

He detached from your pink heat briefly. “I can tell you’re close, darling. Let me make you feel good, yeah?”

Without hesitation or a look of stubbornness, you nodded. Your eyes were soft yet pleading. Your pretty lips were caught between your teeth, Shunsui unaware of how consumed you were with the idea of kissing him.

Before he could latch on again, he felt your soft delicate fingers touching his bigger, rougher ones. He raised his gaze to you, brows arched in question. He paused and curiously let you do what you wanted. Your fingers moved to intertwine with his and once both your hands held his, you shyly looked away. Shunsui felt as if he could die right there. You were just so— he couldn’t even find the right words to encompass the entirety of you that has bewitched him. He gave your little hands a gentle squeeze, the action being something so intimately different between the two of you before he delved his tongue into your walls, nose bridge pressed against your sensitive pearl. Your melodious whimpers and moans commenced once more.

Tethering on the edge of your climax, your stomach coiled and your hips visibly shook. It was getting all too much. There was no way you were going to be able to hold back from cumming. The vibration from his ravenous groans and the pressure of his nose against your clit, moving with the way his tongue tensed and swirled inside of you, tipped you over.

Your hands clenched his tightly as your back arched and convulsed with the orgasm that shot through your body. Shunsui didn’t stop kissing and lapping at your folds, wanting to taste the honey that spilled from your climax. Not wanting to overstimulate you further, his lips left your pulsing core and he swiped his tongue over them to not let it go to waste. He opted to lean his head on your tummy, watching your chest rise and fall. He held your hands still, softly playing with your twined fingers, lazily looking up at you with a satisfied grin on his face.

“That’s my pretty girl.“ He cooed, pressing a kiss on your hip bone.

When you were able to catch your breath, your legs still dangled over his shoulders. You slid them off, letting them fall to the side, and slipped one of your hands from his to prop yourself up on his desk. Your body still tingled with the waves of pleasure that bounced within your body and he lifted his head off your tummy, to let you sit up fully.

“Hey.” Half-lidded, deep-set eyes met yours. Your left hand was still intertwined with his and you scooted closer, tugging at his collar so that he could sit properly on his captain’s chair and that his face was leveled with yours which lined up perfectly due to how tall he was. “Am I going to get a good review—

You cut off his deep smooth baritone voice with your lips. Shunsui’s brows raised slightly with surprise but immediately melted into the kiss. You could taste yourself on them. When he felt your little tongue swipe on his bottom lip, he parted his lips to let you have a better taste. He hummed deeply at your sweet kiss, your arms draped over his shoulders and he couldn’t help but pull you from the edge of the desk, and into his lap. Your lips parted in a gasp when your sensitive heat was pressed right against his closed erection, his hakama confining him. He took that opportunity to slot his tongue into your cute little mouth, finding so much bliss in kissing you. It was different, this kiss. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was that made it different other than you were the one who initiated it.

Breaking apart to get air, he was met with this hazy look in your eyes that made him melt. His hand came to your cheek and he was taken aback when, like a cat, you leaned into his touch.

"Oh, dear..." he drawled out with a teasing smile that softened the more he stared at you, all flushed and glowing from pleasure. "When did you get so sweet like this? Hm? Have I finally made you fall for me?"

You batted your lashes at him, silent. He was trying to goad you. Just when you were being all nice and affectionate. He waited for your response while you gave him a chance to say something, anything, that wasn't teasing or goading.

He stroked your cheek with his knuckles, his thumb tracing your plump lower lips. His own lips parted and your heart sped up a little. You didn't know what you wanted to hear from the brunette before you but you wanted something more, and you hoped he knew what that was.

"Will you..." his voice lowered as he leaned close as if to kiss you again. "Return the favor?"

The atmosphere the two of you had created, cracked.  Sighing, you pulled away from his touch and slipped from his lap, the man left speechless at the sudden absence of your warmth.

"Y/N-channnn." He whined, brows furrowing as he watched you bend over to slip your underwear on, followed by your hakama. "Come back, sweetheart. Did I say something wrong?"

You rolled your eyes, fastening your shihakusho to conceal any exposed skin and with every movement the fabric made to cover your skin, the man was getting more and more desperate. Fixing your hair, you went to grab your zanpakuto that was leaning against the wall.

"You're leaving? Y/N-chan, you can't just leave." You turned to face him, to see pleading confused brown eyes. "Not like this." He gestured to his lap, to his hard-on that was begging for your touch and that had ached with every moan that slipped from your lips earlier.

"Yes, I can." You huffed. You would have relieved him if he wasn't just...just...ugh. You didn't even know. It's not like the sex was terrible. Far from it. Maybe...just maybe you were tired of playing this game you two started. You wanted more and you didn't feel safe enough to admit it to him out loud yet when he's not showing any signs of wanting more too.

A knock on the door was your cue to leave.

"Oh, hello, Y/N!" Ukitake's gentle, handsome voice sounded and you politely smiled at his greeting on your way out.

"Aren't you going to stay for the discussion?" His brows furrowed, confused as to why you were leaving already, glancing at Shunsui who shifted in his seat and had his gaze set on you. Did you two fight again?

"I'm all caught up, Ukitake-taichou. Kyoraku-taichou, will inform you of the preparations and shinigami who will be in the special ops squad. I have some other important matters to deal with." You replied, bowing your head slightly with respect.

"Y/N-chan." Shunsui's voice called out, masking his need and disappointment. It was as if he was telling you with his eyes that he wanted to speak with you after. You can't promise him that.

"I'll see you when I see you." You huffed with a cute pout that was foreign to Ukitake and a little familiar to Shunsui. It was the cute almost heart-fluttering, kind of pout women made when they're upset over their significant other or the kind of pout an annoyed child makes when someone steals their toy.

"Perverted old man." You narrowed your eyes at him, the outspoken aura of your being a Captain cracked, your head hot with annoyance and your body still all fuzzy and soft from the orgasm Shunsui's stupid, stupid, stupid, mouth gave you. You stomped away, the sight a little adorable to the two captains as very rarely do you act so endearingly and far from the repose you had as their fellow captain.

Shunsui sighed as you disappeared down the hall in a quick flash step and Ukitake clicked his tongue. With hands on his hips, he shook his head and looked at his friend.

"What did you do now, Shunsui?"

Special Extra

“Reporting live in the Seireitei! I am Matsumoto Rangiku, your gorgeous host! Just this week, Captain L/N was spotted in Captain Kyouraku’s office TWICE!”

She holds out the mic to her first victim, flinching as it was shoved towards his face.

“What are your thoughts on THAT Captain Ukitake seeing that its YOUR best friend?”

Ukitake, trying his best to defend shunsui but being a bad liar, “I’m…….. not sure”

*cue comical sparkly segue *

Nanao: he’s just being a pervert. I’m sure someone as strong, smart and beautiful as  Captain L/N has a different type

Yachiru, smelling mischief: but yesterday, I saw Y/N head to Captain Kyouraku’s quarters at night

Kenpachi: Who’s [beep]ing who?

Rangiku: AH, please censor yourself for the sake of this interview, we stream to under 18 users too

Kenpachi: Oh *censored* sorry, my bad, *censored* *censored*, but yeah they’re definitely *censored*

Hisagi : Kyoraku did smell like Captain L/N’s  perfume

Rangiku, Kira, Ikkaku, Yumichika: 😐 how do u know what she smells like

Hisagi : 👁️👄👁️

Captain Komamura: hes right though

Rangiku: *gasps*

Hisagi, the hole he dug getting bigger: y-yeah

Rangiku; what about you Captain Unohana?

Unohana: oh? I guess if the rumours are true. I’ll think they’ll have very cute children 🥰

Rangiku: Captain Komamura how would you like to put your abilities to use and do some detective work with us????

Tosen, imagines Komamura sniffing around like a dog: no, don’t

Byakuya: It is unprofessional to fornicate in the workplace.

Cut to the 6th division barracks. Members of the squad are seen cleaning floors and every surface meticulously.

Byakuya, a couple of feet away from them and in range of the camera shot : You can never be too careful.

Nemu, on the side: But according to the data we collected recently from our security footage regarding pigeon flight patterns, we also collected the common paths that the Captains of the Gotei 13 undertake and concluded that Captain L/N and Captain Kyouraku do spend an inordinate amount of time together

Rangiku: why….why are you collecting that data

Gin: oh? You guys only found out about this now? I’ve been spotting them go at it like rabbits for a while now

Rangiku: !?!??!?!?!!?

Gin: Im kidding

Everyone else: ……

Aizen, trying to be a pacifist and hide his taylor swift reputation era mode: They do make a lovely couple

Rangiku: As part of the onmitsukido, surely you might have seen something

Soi fong ,turning red: the lives of other captains matter not to me

Yoruichi: come on soi fong drop the tea

Soi fong: i-i-i m-may have seen them…………

Urahara: Captain L/N? No way *gasps then lights up* Did you know she was my first?

Rangiku: First??????

Urahara : 😌✨ it’s up for interpretation ✨.

Turns to the camera. Backdrop changed to a crayon coloured art piece, advertising candy.

Urahara: If you wanna spy more efficiently on the captains, might i suggest my latest invention, Mars-hollows!

Rangiku: Seeing as how youre the subject of all this gossip and that Captain L/N refuses to make a comment, what say you Captain Kyouraku??

Shunsui: Oh? Yeah, we’re fucking.

Captain Y/N : please take not that Captain Kyouraku has been demoted from fuck buddy to no buddy

Hitsugaya : Rangiku this is what youve been doing instead of your job????!???

fin

[what-the-dark-has-foretold]

A New Moon will shine upon us

Dainsleif x fem!reader

Navi.

Warnings: reader is a princess from Kaenri´ah, smut, mdni

Autumn Event 2023

Wordcount ~900

The ballroom was illuminated with translucent blue lights. Kaenhri´ah, albeit under earth, was beautiful. The floor was marble as you stepped through the great gate, your personal guard a haunting shadow behind you, making shivers run down your spine.

The smile you wore on your lips was dazzling and lights reflected in your eyes as you looked through the room. The diadem laying gracefully atop your head was barely any weight as you stepped down the stairs. Someone awaited you at the bottom, offering his arm, yet you refused with a polite nod.

An orchestra played in an obscured corner to let music float through the room as if it were a secret breeze. Gently, you swayed, humming to yourself, but a rough hand on your shoulder stopped you. Breath got caught in your throat at the touch. You turned your head to flash your guard a sweet smile, before bringing your attention to another suitor walking up to you. The rough hand lingered for but a second, slowly moving downwards and then off your shoulder - though not without hovering over the exposed part of your back.

After already a few moments of pleasing exchange, the suitor bowed his head and left, his expression painted in disappointment.

Quietly singing, you crossed the room, sending the guests smiles and nods. Then, you disappeared behind a crowd.

A grin graced your lips as you rushed over the patio and through the gardens.

Then again, you should have expected him to await you in the empty hallway leading from the kitchen, his arms crossed. You pouted at him, but he only sighed and shook his head. Before you could even think of running again, he stepped forward and caged you against the wall.

“What do you think you are doing, Your Highness.” You shivered at his quiet voice and his breath fanning over your skin.

“Mmh…nothing,” you whispered, body threatening to fall in on itself. But his reflexes were quick. He held you tightly around your waist, his right hand brushing over your cheek.

“You are supposed to be at the ball, entertaining guests and electing a husband.”

You scrunched up your nose.

“Already chose someone,” you murmured, looking anywhere but him.

“Hm?” his right hand ran down your cheek and lifted up your face by the chin. “Is that so.”

Your eyes flitted over at him, a glare in them. However, before a quick retort could leave your lips, his leg gently ground up against your core. Your back arched and a desperate mewl escaped your lips at the sensation.

“Dainsleif, please.”

The huffed laugh that escaped his lips brushed against your skin. You could swear you could hear the muffled music from the ballroom ringing through the hallways. But all you could truly feel and see and hear was him, clouding and overtaking all of your senses.

He grunted, seemingly having lost his patience, and pulled up your skirts. His hands found purchase on your waist as he lifted you up, before immediately pressing your back against the stone wall behind you, effectively caging you in.

“What do you want, Your Highness?” His low voice sent shivers down your spine. The clanking of metal drew a desperate whine from your lips and when you felt him pull his cock out of his pants, you couldn´t help but mewl, body awaiting him impatiently.

Soon, he pushed inside, gentle yet determined to fill you up in one fluid motion. You gasped when he finally bottomed out inside you. Only a shaky breath escaped him at the sensation, yet, as he started moving he kept quiet. You knew him well enough, however, to recognise the crease in between his eyebrows and realise that the way he held you was a little bit too tight to be of a man in utter control. He was fighting not to let a sound escape as he eased himself out of you, only to plunge back into your depths as he settled for slow yet deep and forceful strokes. If you had been more composed, you would have cooed at him for trying so hard to be strong and not lose himself in your body, but the way he thrust inside of you had your head falling back against the wall behind you, mouth opening to let out tiny cries of pleasure and silent screams.

He grunted when he felt you clench around him more, long fingers finding your clit and his pace getting harder to help you fall over the edge.

And fall you did. As you came, your entire body tensed up before falling limp into his embrace, but undeterred he still moved inside of you, though his movements grew sluggish and then erratic before he drove himself deep into your pussy and came with quiet grunts.

He did not stop as he came, small movements of his hips ensuring his cum stayed deep within you before he finally, slowly, pulled out of you.

A boyish grin threatened to break out on his lips as he took in your dishevelled state. He pressed a loving kiss to your temple and held you close for a moment, before finally setting you down.

His thumb brushed over your cheek and his lips hovered over yours when he started speaking again.

“My apologies, Your Highness, it seems I´ve gotten carried away. Let me escort you to your room and draw us a bath.”

Your eyes fluttered close in content as his hands gently ran up and down your sides.

Yes, us.

[selfcestmovies]

In the dimly lit basement of the Avengers compound, Wanda Maximoff paced eagerly back and forth across the cold stone floor, her fingers tracing the spine of a weathered tome. The book was massive, its pages yellowed with age, the ink slightly faded but still legible. A single candle flickered beside her, casting dancing shadows on the walls as she carefully turned each page. This was one of the many books she'd been given access to since joining Earth's Mightiest Heroes — a relic from a time long past, full of knowledge she barely understood but was desperate to learn.

Her heart raced as she stumbled upon a section titled "Astral Projection." The illustrations showed figures leaving their bodies, floating in ethereal forms, translucent but powerful. Wanda's eyes widened with fascination. She had heard of this technique, seen glimpses of it in her nightmares, but had never attempted it herself.

"This… this could be it," she whispered to herself, her Sokovian accent thick with excitement. The idea of separating her consciousness from her body intrigued her. What better way to explore the limits of her power?

Wanda scanned the text. Surprisingly, the spell felt intuitive, almost as if it had been waiting for her all along. With a deep breath, Wanda began to channel her energy, her hands glowing a faint red as she focused on the incantation. The words slipped from her lips effortlessly, the ancient language twisting through the air like a soft melody.

As she chanted, she felt a strange tug within her, like something was being gently pulled from her core. She kept her eyes closed, feeling the sensation intensify until, suddenly, it stopped. Opening her eyes, Wanda gasped softly. Standing before her was a figure, identical in every way to herself. The clone was fully formed, a perfect replica, right down to the fiery intensity in her eyes.

The clone tilted her head, examining Wanda with the same curious expression. "This is… unexpected," the clone said, her voice matching Wanda’s own.

"I didn't think you could speak—" Wanda mused.

The astral double then extended a hand towards Wanda's own. Her fingers felt warm and solid against Wanda’s skin.

"And," Wanda held back her gasp. "I definitely didn't think we could touch."

"I didn’t either," the double replied, her gaze flickering with the same intensity that Wanda felt building in her own chest. The spell wasn't supposed to have conjured a corporeal twin — but Wanda had learned by now that magic often didn't behave itself. Not around her.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, neither spoke. The air around them seemed to crackle with energy, a silent understanding passing between them. Wanda’s lips parted, a thought crossing her mind—an idea that, for all its absurdity, made perfect sense in the heat of the moment.

"You’re thinking it too, aren’t you?" the clone whispered, her voice low and sultry, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips.

Wanda couldn’t suppress a grin as she nodded. "We’re the same person, after all."

Without another word, the double closed the distance between them, her lips crashing into Wanda’s with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. Wanda responded immediately, her hands threading through her double’s hair, pulling her closer as they lost themselves in the kiss. It was electric, a mix of passion and curiosity, as if they were discovering each other for the first time.

Their movements were synchronized, perfectly in tune with one another, every touch, every sigh, mirroring the other’s desires. Wanda marveled at the sensation of her own skin, her own warmth, but experienced from the outside and within. It was intoxicating, a loop of endless pleasure as they explored the boundaries of this newfound connection.

When they finally broke apart, both Wanda and her clone were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other as they caught their breath. Wanda smiled, a sense of exhilaration washing over her. "I think I’m going to like this new spell."

The clone chuckled, her breath warm against Wanda’s lips. "So am I."

[piedpiperart]

Phantom of Gotham 13

Chapter 12

Meanwhile, Jason and Tim met up in the cave after Danny had gone to bed early. “How come you weren’t at dinner?” Tim asked casually. Jason sent him a look. 

“Wanted to look over the newest case,”Jason grunted. “Goldie and the old man took down Mr. Freeze trying to bring that blizzard to Gotham. So, the snow should be letting up soon.”

Tim nodded absently.”And that means Danny’ll be leaving soon.” 

“Bingo,”Jason grunted. “We know the kid is involved with Phantom somehow, and most likely has some kind of meta abilities. There’s no telling exactly what he can do, but it’s possible that he could be one of the Halfas that Phantom’s been protecting.”

Tim groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “We could ask Phantom? If we come out and ask him about Danny he might help us help the kid. Or at least keep him off the streets. You said there’s more than the Fentons hunting them?”

“The GIW and the Fentons are hunting ghosts like Phantom. Apparently they don’t know about Halfas, but that could change. We don’t know why Danny left Amity Park, and if any of it is because of Phantom,”Jason said. The two of them thought for a moment before Jason spoke up. “I think we should talk to Phantom.”

“Yeah,”Tim sighed. “We’ve already determined that he’s an ally, so it’s a good chance that he’ll let us help now that we know most of the details. It might help segue to the whole treaty between the Infinite Realms and Earth thing that I’ve been working on.”

“Alright. Suit up then and we can try to find Phantom. Maybe we should get him a phone now so we can get ahold of him,”Jason grumbled. 

“Anyone else coming?” Tim asked, glancing around. He wasn’t sure if Burce even knew about their plans or much about Danny in general. 

“I hope not,”Jason grumbled, steering Tim toward the cave locker rooms. “B’s got his hands full with some stupid Gala in a few days anyway. So have fun going to that later,” Jason joked. 

Tim groaned. “Maybe I can use Danny as an excuse to miss it. We have a lot of information to go over and plan for. I doubt Bruce would care if I came anyway as long as Damian joins him.”

Jason snorted. “He’ll have his hands full with the demon brat, you’re probably safe.”

“We can only hope,”Tim sighed. 

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

Three hours later, Danny woke up refreshed and ready to blow off some energy. Looking at the time, he was happy to note that it was only 10, just in time for the Gotham vigilantes to start their patrols. If he was fast he could probably catch up to them, he thought. 

Danny pulled the covers back and stood up to stretch, relishing in the sickening pops coming from his back. Jazz had always shuddered and gave him a look of horror whenever he did it in front of her. He bit back a smile just picturing her face. Then he frowned at the thought. It’d been so long since he’d seen Jazz. 

Shaking his head, he put the thoughts behind him as he transformed and flew out of the manor invisibly. Danny distracted himself with loops and twirls until he spotted a speck of red on the roof of a building. Still invisible, he glided down and saw Red Robin and Red Hood quietly discussing something on the rooftop. Feeling mischievous, Danny hovered right next to Red Robin and phased a hand through his shoulder. 

Red Robin gave a full body shiver, grimacing at the sudden chill. “Phantom?” He called. Red Hood seemed to perk up at this. Danny hummed, the noise sounding like an echo. 

“Uh, we need to talk to you,”Red Robin hedged, and Danny made a questioning noise. At this point he trusted the vigilantes to not turn him in to the GIW or hunt him down. Not so much Batman, but Red Hood he especially trusted.. 

“It’s about Danny Fenton,”Red Hood cut in impatiently. Danny froze, his core thrummed with chills at the name. 

Abruptly, Phantom dropped his invisibility, floating closer to the two startled vigilantes.”How do you know that name?” He demanded. Were they looking into him? Why? Did the GIW come to Gotham? “Is he in danger?” 

“No, no, he’s fine. He’s safe,”Red Robin reassured. “We’ve just.. Noticed a few worrisome things about him and uh,”Red Robin trailed off. Phantom narrowed his eyes at him.

“Is he the Halfa you’ve been protecting here?” Red Hood asked. Danny pursed his lips, nodding hesitatingly. “Okay, thank you for telling us. We’re trying to protect him, but some things about his behavior is a bit worrisome.”

They were watching him? Danny thought abruptly. He was pretty sure he’d only met Red Hood as Danny. The only people who really had the chance to observe him were the Waynes. Did they tell on him to the vigilantes? Did they know? Danny floated around them cautiously. “What do you mean?” 

“How does being a halfa affect his health? He doesn’t eat much, he barely sleeps but he looks tired the time, and he has a slower than normal heart rate and body temperature,”Red Robin listed, much to Danny’s surprise. “Is that normal for a halfa? Can he get sick? Does medication work on him?” He continued to ramble. 

Oh. Danny’s eyes widened. They were worried about him. That was… something he was admittedly not used to, but also made his core thrum with warmth. If anything they sounded like the Wayne’s when they were trying to get him to eat. He took a breath of relief and straightened. “He’s okay, promise,”Danny reassured, holding his hands out with his palms towards them. “Halfas are more or less an unfamiliar species, so we don’t know exactly what his baseline is supposed to be. From what the medical ghosts in the Realms observed-” Or what Frostbite had-” he normally has a lower body temperature, heart rate, and doesn’t need to sleep or breathe as often as a regular human. It affects his appetite to where he doesn’t really feel hungry anymore, so we aren’t sure if he still needs to eat human food or just absorb ectoplasm or emotions, but we have been keeping an eye on it.” Danny explained. He was definitely lying about keeping an eye on it though. Absently, he thought maybe he should go see Frostbite for a checkup. He’d only been there a few times when he’d been really sick, like with his core developing. Other than that though, he’s never been sick with things he used to before he turned ghost.

“Okay, that… makes sense. Half ghost would probably mean lessened functions of his body,”Red Robin rambled, typing on his computer. Danny being not only half dead but also a different species is definitely going to make medical treatment difficult, Tim thought absently. Though some of the symptoms were reminiscent of Jason’s back when he still had the pit rage inside him. Though there were a lot of differences, like that Jason had a higher body temperature than normal instead. “Making sure he eats enough is probably the most important concern..”He trailed off and continued typing. 

“What would we do if he gets hurt, or sick?” Red Hood cut in. He kind of reminded Danny of Jason for a moment. Very direct, but still concerned. 

“He heals a bit faster than usual humans, and uh. His blood is a bit… ghostly? Radioactive maybe? His molecules sort of got rearranged during the.. When he became a halfa,”Danny said, rubbing the back of his neck. He was not doing a great job of explaining this. To be fair though, he’d only found out most of these things by trial and error. Once he’d gotten blood on his jeans once and it burned a hole through the fabric after a few hours. “So don’t touch his blood directly just in case. Medication doesn’t really work on him unless it’s from the Infinite Realms, but we haven’t really been able to test it on anything stronger in the human realm. And uh, I guess stitches don’t work well on him either. They dissolve,”Phantom concluded, and the two vigilantes looked mildly concerned at the information. 

“Alright, so possibility of meta-level medication working on him, radioactive blood, and no stitches. Got it,”Red Robin noted. The other two could tell he was thinking through a bunch of options in his head. 

“You said he became a halfa?” Red Hood asked lowly. Danny bit his lip, fangs poking his lip harder than usual. 

“Halfas are… rare,”Danny started hesitantly. He wasn’t sure how much he should share, but they seemed to have good intentions. “You have to understand that if the GIW know how a halfa is made they’ll just try to create more, right? It’s not a painless process and halfas can be dangerous. I don’t want this information out and have more portals to the Zone showing up.”

“A portal?” Red Robin’s attention snapped back to Phantom at the mention. “Don’t the Fenton’s have a portal?”

“Listen,” Hood cut in. “This information won’t get out, and we’ll respect any boundaries you have with Danny. We only asked in case Danny had any specific traumas related to it. I know dying isn’t pleasant, so I can’t imagine what it took to become half dead all the time.”

“Ah,”Phantom grimaced. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Should he tell them? They’re helping him so far, but what if they just want to know for bad reasons? Danny shook his head, dispelling the thoughts. No, they were worried about Danny’s health and well-being, and haven’t pressed about anything else. His core hummed and he felt like he could trust them. “Yeah. He uh… The Fenton’s portal… it didn’t work until Danny tried fixing it, and it… turned on with him inside,” He said quietly. Red Robin and Hood were silent, but he could see Red Robin’s lips turn into a thin line. Hood on the other hand had clenched his fists together so hard his gloves made a slight creaking sound. “But uh, the other halfas happened more slowly. With Danny it was instant.” 

Red Hood was silent for a moment while Red Robin peppered Phantom with more questions. “So his parents- the Fentons- they didn’t know he was a halfa? And they hunted ghosts. Is that why he left?”

“Yep,”Phantom said, trying not to think too much about it. “M- Maddie and Jack found out and long story short he’s hanging in Gotham until… well until things calm down or he finishes school.”

“About the GIW,”Red Hood cut in. “They know about Danny right? Since the Fenton’s have been working with them? We read that the Fenton’s think you kidnapped Danny.”

Phantom barked out a laugh,”Nah, I didn’t kidnap him. He and his sister, and two of his friends had a plan in case his parents or the GIW ever caught him.”

Red Hood exhaled harshly, “That’s fucked up,” He commented dryly. To be living with people you were terrified of for so long, Jason thought. He might have to pay a visit to the Fentons after they take down the GIW. 

“And its exactly why we’re trying to take down the GIW and establish a treaty between the Infinite Realms and the Human world,”Red Robin added. At this, Phantom’s pointed ears perked up and he stood straighter. “Would you be willing to introduce the rest of the bats to some ghosts? You mentioned there was a Ghost King, do you think he’d be interested in a treaty?” 

Phantom’s eyes were wide and he suddenly stopped floating, his bright white boots landing softly on the rooftop. “You’re serious?”

The two vigilantes nodded. “They’re already going to be in trouble when the Lantern Corps hears about this from the league. The GIW is basically committing inter dimensional genocide with no one else knowing. That’s a crime. If we could start by meeting with people from your realm to talk about how to form an alliance it would be great.” 

Phantom nodded enthusiastically. “I can arrange a meeting between the ghosts. If you’re serious about this that is.” Phantom paused, looking pensive. “I just… don’t want to involve the Halfas just yet. If the GIW or the Fentons know how a halfa is created…” he trailed off but the two vigilantes grimaced in understanding. They didn’t need more people being experimented on. 

After a half hour of back and forth about the potential alliance of the Human World and the Infinite Realms, the two vigilantes went back to the cave, while Danny continued to fly around invisibly throughout the city. He was thrumming with energy, mostly excitement and dread about what this meant for ghosts. With the alliance, they’ll be able to come to earth with no threats of being torn apart molecule but molecule. The ghosts acting out in the human realm would be punished by the ghost king and handled by a team of experts appointed by said king rather than a mysterious government agency.

Not only that, but the portals would be restricted and only a few allowed access through. Humans wouldn’t be able to come and go either, but Danny thought it might be okay for scientists- actual scientists- to study the realm safely. He knew a lot of lost artifacts, worldly treasures and sometimes places ended up in the realms. Time moved differently there and so Ancient Greece and Egypt still existed and thrived. 

Phantom flew around towards the manor and thought about their next meeting. It was going to be a few more bats at a warehouse tomorrow night. Danny just needed to think about which ghosts to bring. Frostbite obviously, but maybe Dora too. Clockwork he knew was hit or miss, but that was a lot of the ghosts too. Wulf or Cujo might be helpful to open a portal too. He’d have to think on it. 

Surprisingly though, was that the two vigilantes actually listened to him. They trusted him to bring unknown beings to meet with them, and that the ghosts really wanted peace with the humans. Danny conceded that he was also giving them a lot of trust in telling them about himself, or halfas. They already knew about the Fentons weapons, and despite being one phone call away, the bats still didn’t put Phantom or Danny in danger. He liked that they waited til they had all the information before making a decision. 

Red Robin in particular was focused on gaining any little bit of information he could on Danny's health. It was a bit endearing, and reminded Danny of Tim. Hood on the other hand was quick to think of ways to protect Danny, which was nice. He’d only ever had Jazz and Sam and Tucker to do that for him. Hence the whole moving to Gotham plan. 

Eventually after Danny finished catastrophising and coming up with a plan of action, he headed back to the manor. It was only 3am, so he floated to the library to grab another book. He’d finished the last one and had started on a series with demigods. It amazed him to think that he’d never read books like this ever since his accident. Danny’d always been too busy with school and ghosts to read for fun.  He took the book invisibly back to his room and for the next few hours he read. It was easy to get sucked into the book and forget about everything that was about to happen. 

Somehow, Danny had fallen asleep in the midst of reading, and had slept through breakfast. The residents of the manor had all come to check on him, but once peering into his room to see the boy laying face down on a book, they decided he needed more sleep. 

Tim on the other hand noted that maybe Danny had trouble sleeping and read until he felt tired. Jason did that a lot when he couldn’t sleep. Thinking back to everything Phantom told them, Tim couldn’t help but think that Danny really didn’t know how his sleep schedule was supposed to change. He thought maybe Danny finally felt relaxed or safe, and that’s why he’s able to sleep more, but it was just a theory. The same went for his appetite, and Phantom had said Danny literally didn’t feel hungry anymore. He was glad Danny hadn’t outright stopped eating, but it was still worrisome since Danny looked like skin and bones. 

He’d have to keep an eye on Danny’s eating habits and sleeping patterns in order to gather data, Tim thought. Maybe he could rope Alfred into helping him. Either way, Danny sleeping the morning away allowed Tim to brief the rest of the household on Danny and Phantom. Jason in particular was sticking around, probably out of worry for Danny, but he didn’t contribute a whole lot to the conversation. 

“Do we know what kind of powers Danny has?” Bruce asked, and Jason scoffed. 

“Not really,” Tim pondered. “Phantom only told us the medical stuff, which wasn’t much. Danny might have more ghostly attributes too, since we know Phantom has invisibility, intangibility, flight, and super strength.”

“Doesn’t really matter if the kid has powers,”Jason said, “He still needs help. The kid basically got turned into a different species with no instruction manual. If he does have powers, he might have trouble controlling them.”

Damian clicked his tongue. “Folson has shown me that he has the ability to manipulate ice during our snowball fight,”He reported, only for the cave to go silent as everyone stared at him. 

“And you didn’t inform us of this before?” Bruce narrowed his eyes, and Damian bristled. 

“I highly doubt making snowballs is worth reporting,”Damian scoffed. “Danny had told me in confidence because he trusts me,”Damian preened, before sneering at the others. “I am only telling you as a courtesy. He is unaffected by the cold temperatures but from what I observed unable to create or stop something like the blizzard. He is secretive about his powers and used them minimally, but he could be hiding others.”

“Aw, you two are getting along so well!” Dick cooed, moving to wrap Damian in a hug, but was dodged by the scowling kid. They stepped further from the group as Dick attempted to cajole Damian into talking about his feelings.

“We won’t mention his powers, Damian,”Tim reassured, looking sternly to Bruce. “I’m not sure how ice ties into ghosts, but it might come up later. We can ask Phantom tonight.”

“He’ll be bringing a representative from his dimension?” Bruce clarified, and Tim nodded, bringing up the notes he shared with everyone. 

“Phantom said he was going to contact one of the Ghost King’s regents. They’re choosing to trust us here, with their people’s existence and Danny’s safety, so we can assume they’re not going to ambush us,”Tim reported, and Jason gave a stern look to Bruce.

“Think of it like a diplomatic Justice League meeting, but in a dingy warehouse in Gotham,”Jason snorted. Then he stretched, making to leave. 

“Where are you going?” Dick called, looking a bit sad. Jason waved him off. 

“Chill out, I’m going to find Alfred and see if the kid’s awake yet,”Jason said, heading to the stairs. 

“He’s really gotten attached to the kid,”Dick mused with a small smile. 

“I heard that!” Jason called, voice echoing in the cave. 

“Danny and Jason did sort of die,”Tim muttered, turning to his tablet. 

“Danny and Phantom seem close,”Bruce commented, and Tim rolled his eyes at the lack of communication. 

“From what Jason and I gathered, Phantom is only in Gotham to keep an eye on Danny and look out for the GIW or Fentons,”Tim said.” We don’t have a way to track Phantom, but he didn’t seem to know who Jason or I was under the mask. He might be keeping track of Danny through other means though.”

Bruce just grunted. 

“Hold on,”Dick interrupted, and Tim turned to see Damian sulking behind Bruce while Dick was messing with Tim’s tablet. “He has radioactive blood? Like acid blood?”

“Not.. exactly?” Tim groaned. “I’d really have to test it but Phantom made it seem like their blood had more of a lazarus pit consistency. It’s better not to risk contamination though.”

“I am more worried to how Danny was in danger enough to know stitches wouldn’t work on him,”Damian scowled. Tim made a thoughtful face at that, and Bruce’s mouth stretched to a thin line. 

“Well,”Dick sighed,”He is on the run for a reason. We just have to protect him from now on so it doesn’t happen again.”

“Clearly,”Damian crossed his arms,”Those buffoons in the white suits will not be coming anywhere near Danny while I am around.” 

Bruce cleared his throat.”There’s been no sign of the GIW in Gotham, but a tech company in the same area seems to have their sights here.”

“A tech company? Which one?” Tim perked up, head swiveling to Bruce. He had his computer out and ready to type. 

“DALV Co.,”Bruce grumbled. “Specializes in equipment commonly supplied to the GIW and FentonWorks. Run by Vlad Masters, who has invited himself to the WayneTech gala next week.” 

“That can’t be a coincidence,”Dick muttered. “You think he knows Danny? Or Phantom?” 

Bruce just grunted again, which Tim translated into ‘we’ll keep an eye on it either way’. Tim turned back to his computer, eager to run more searches on Masters when Dick grabbed his swively chair and steered him towards the elevator. “Dick-” Tim started, only to be cut off.

“Nope,”Dick cheered, hauling Tim out of the chair with Damian trailing behind. “Danny is your friend and you guys should be hanging out more! I bet he’s already up and Jason’s the only one up there right now.”

“But-” 

“B can handle Masters, but I bet your friend is missing you,”Dick said sternly. 

“Tt. Obviously Danny would prefer my company over Tim’s anyway,”Damian tutted. Tim shot him a look. “He was my friend first, brat,”Tim pointed out. 

“The keyword there is ‘was’,” Damian sneered. “Unlike you, Danny has already shown me his secret powers.” 

Tim frowned at that. “I thought you said he told you not to tell anyone.” 

Damian shuffled guiltily. “I.. It was important to the mission to disclose his wellbeing.”

Tim smirked,”Right, well, I won’t tell him you told unless you distract Alfred so I can make coffee.”

Damian scowled at him. “Fine. But your petty addiction will only worsen and Pennyworth will not be happy.”

“I can live with that.”

Chapter 14

[kiliinstinct]

Chapter 26:

Rating: R Pairing: Nalu FF.Net || AO3 [Ch: 1] ||| [Prev] | [Next]

Next update is Upon us! Thanks to @phoenix-before-the-flame for their awesome Beta work, as usual. Next Update: February 12th February Post Dates: 26th March Post Dates: 15th and the 28th (Yes, my Birthday!) Warning: The beginning of this chapter contains sensitive material in violence, blood and gruesome visuals. You've been warned.

---

Dark fire consumed the world.  Its raging swirl lifted off Natsu’s scaled skin, twisted from his claws and burned the smokey air around him.  Dirt encrusted his gaping wounds as he stood before Kage. The  man staggered on his feet as ash covered him from head to toe. 

Their battle was intense. Lucy had disappeared into the forest at the Draconis’ command. Her safety was top priority (the only priority his mind hissed furiously-). Those thoughts governed his frame of thought as he weaved in and out of the scorched landscape, cutting the shadow users' attempts to flee at every turn. 

He had threatened Lucy: a mistake he would soon regret.

The fight spread with fire devouring trees as their blood soaked the ground with streaks of red. Howls of anger left the pair to be swallowed in the empty sky. The only source of light came from an orange moon that mirrored the heat of Natsu’s magic. A part of Natsu knew something wasn't right, but there was no time to question it. No time to stop and look.

There was only his prey who whimpered as he was cornered  and lifting a shaking arm in a desperate try to defend himself. His control over shadows sputtered out to reveal the frightened man he truly was. Natsu purred, pleased by the scent of fear and stepped forward. An all-consuming need pulled at the core of his being, demanding to rip out the throat of his prey and to feel the final screams of Kage’s life cut out as teeth and flames tasted his wretched flesh. 

He wanted - no, needed - to leave him as nothing but a rotting, burnt corpse on the dying forest floor. The thought sent a shiver of pleasure down his spine.

There was no one else to fight, no one to defend Lucy and keep her from harm. Natsu had no choice.  He HAD to do this.

To himself, he chanted this reasoning like a mantra as he grasped Kage’s neck with a taloned hand. Kage’s desperate scratching and pulling against his forearm meant nothing as the Draconis’ eyes bled to gold, staring coldly into the Shadow users streaming eyes.  Natsu had already made peace with what came next, before he had a second to think about it.

His vision tunneled and the world faded away,  there was nothing left but the slowly dying struggles of the body beneath him. For it was no longer a body full of life and an unknown future. It was a corpse. It was always fated to be a corpse.

Corpses don’t deserve pity.

He finally had him.

Tongue lashed out over rows of sharp teeth, tasting the tang of his own blood as a triumphant grin twisted his lips. Bordering on the edge of madness, he watched as Kage’s shadows peeled from Natsu’s skin in burnt husks, crawling off his wounded flesh. Whimpering, the corpse’s skin cracked and broke under the onslaught of the mighty flame Natsu wielded and his grip tightened, marveling at the sight. 

A rumble of satisfaction ran through him as the smell tainted the air. His fire ate away at the one before him with each pulse of magic in his palm, a slow, excruciating death. He wanted it to be quick at first, but no, this mongrel deserved no mercy and he gleefully watched as even Kage’s blood over heated, sizzling away to nothing. 

His body hung limp in Natsu’s steady grasp and the Draconis wondered if he’d succumbed to the slow death too soon. Or had his crushing grip choked the life from him? He flexed his fingers, feeling the bones shift beneath him: broken. A hoarse, mad laugh burst through his chest as he felt more splinter in his grip. 

The body became nothing. Just the dust in the wind. The ash in the air. The crushed earth beneath his feet.  His lips curled into a sneer and he felt triumph. This is what he deserved! This was the power he held for those who wronged him this-

He blinked and the mangled body beneath him twisted. The edges of his vision swam in and out of focus. The broken bones and murky shadows faded to a mangled body, scorched nearly beyond recognition and lumped over the ground in a familiar pose that brought memories of a golden girl back to the surface. 

Blinking again, screwing his eyes shut tight, Natsu reopened them and realized this wasn’t Kage. 

It was the unnamed man he'd followed into the forest all those months ago.  A man who imprisoned a golden haired girl and forced himself upon her.

Another despicable wretch that deserved the fate given to them. He dropped into a crouch to peer into the burnt out sockets. This was a man whose face he never knew and whose death tasted sweet on Natsu’s tongue. He threw his head back in a laugh so loud it broke through the haze, manic and crazed. 

There was no remorse, no guilt, no horror.

 “It's what you deserve!” He cackled, forked tongue swiping against his teeth. The fangs gleamed in the moonlight, it's orange glow fading to cold white light, “It's what you ALL deserve, disgusting pieces of -“

A whimper- quiet, pained and wracked with sobs pierced the air. It blew through the smoke and fire and sent a chill of ice water through his veins. 

The once wicked laugh cut off as pupils grew wide. Natsu jumped to his feet as a creeping, dismal fear coiled around his heart. It gripped so tight he lost his breath. Looking away from the carnage, his glory, his reality came crashing down in sharp, jagged pieces. 

He met his gaze with Lucy who stood at the edge of the clearing, hands clasped over her mouth. 

She was ragged. Clutching the tree for purchase, Lucy gasped for air making his heart sink at the sight. A rotted arrow stayed buried in her knee as blood dribbled down her leg. Her clothes were torn, burnt at the edges and crusted in mud. Whimpering again, his attention turned back to her face as she grimaced in pain, paling to match the white of the moon above.

The smoke was gone- blown away with a sudden wind as the moonlight illuminated the world around them. He no longer smelled the stench of one or two corpses. Instead, the scent of many crashed into him like a raging avalanche.

There were dozens. Bodies broken and contorted, all staring at him with the glassy, empty eyes of the long dead.  Lucy quivered as she beheld the massacre and retched at the sight. His throat swelled shut, eyes stinging with hot, horrified tears that threatened to spill down his heated cheeks. 

What had he done? He didn’t- He couldn’t remember. 

”Wait.- Lucy, I didn't- “ He reached for her, voice turning to the hoarse whisper of a man whose wounds were catching up with him; Blood welled in his throat. Stepping towards her, he tripped over a dismembered arm, ”I was protecting you-“

She didn't see him. Not really. Her gaze looked around them, through Natsu. The horror and disgust that distinguished her features was palpable. She whispered words that struck him as sharp as the arrow that pierced her skin. 

She stepped back. Away from him. Closer to the shadows of the trees.

“You're a monster... you killed them. You...”

“Lucy please-”

Her shriek pinned him to the ground heavier than stone:

“G-GET AWAY FROM ME!”

She took off through the underbrush, her golden light swallowed quickly by the shadows. Natsu struggled to follow, but he couldn’t stand, his legs wouldn’t move.

He was tired. Everything hurt. Where did this pain come from? His body quivered as he attempted to stand, but he slipped against the bodies, eviscerated beyond recognition. The stench rose to greet him, making him dizzy with nausea.  

He choked on his own bile, reaching out in vain,  “I didn't want... I'm -”

Blood welled in his mouth and he spat it out, only for it to refill in an instant. His neck felt sticky as red dripped down his neck and heaving chest. His wounds were fatal. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe - 

“Wait!” He struggled to scream, “No, come back! Don’t leave me! I'm sor-“

He needed to get to her. He had to. He needed-

 “Lucy!”

The world tilted on its axis as her name echoed through the air as his final breath took him under the weight of all his sins.

Natsu crashed to the floor of his bedroom, gasping for air as tears flowed down his cheeks.  Everything hurt, his body sang from nerves firing along the scars of his back and he winced as he bit his cheeks in a poor attempt to silence himself.

His head pounded behind his eyelids. Whining pathetically, his sobs wracked through Natsu's frame, unbidden and unwanted.  Pain flared in his chest, reigniting the raw feeling in his throat, but  he didn’t dare move himself to the comfort of his bed. Instead he curled in on himself, quivering against the floor as it chilled his heated skin.

The clear floors that remained from Lucy’s insistent cleaning provided a strange solace and he sought to ground himself through it. He almost wished he could sink into it and be swallowed to get away from the emotions welling in his chest. But there was no escaping into the night to sleep in another's bed, no checking on the safety of someone else. There was just pain tearing through his healing body and stabbing into his bottom lip as he struggled to contain himself.

Lucy... that look in her eye, he tried to blot the visual from his mind; to think of anything else that would ease the frantic pounding of his heart. But that expression morphed from its former horror, to the pained smile she gave in a different dream he tried to bury in his memories: The sad understanding as he'd run her through with his own hands.

Did they mean something? Natsu wiped his eyes and groaned, not wanting to know the answer. If anything, he'd rather not think about any of it. 

He didn't know how long he laid there, but as time passed and he gained control of his breathing, he grew aware of the chirping birds and bugs outside his window, almost drowned out by the loud snores of his current watchguard. Right...It was Elfman’s turn. The draconis felt a twinge of relief at the larger man’s deep sleep. Him resting through Natsu’s night terrors was a blessing.  

But these were clear signs of daylight. Had he slept all night, or napped during the day? He wasn't altogether sure, feeling disoriented and unaware of the passage of time. He could shamble to his door and ask, but that required energy he didn’t have.

Not now, when the floor felt so nice. Sucking in air, he blindly reached for the blankets on his bed and tugged them over his body. This would be his bed for now. 

Somehow, the hard surface felt more comforting than anything else. 

It would be hours more before Mirajane came with his lunch, confused by his position on the floor, but having the mind not to press him for details when he peeked tiredly from his blanket nest with red rimmed eyes. Instead, she opened the door for Wendy to follow after and left a warm-cooked meal upon the table.

“We think it's time to start using those muscles!“ She excitedly explained, smiling gently as Wendy observed him from the floor, the concern obvious on her young face. ”We can't let those limbs stiffen too much after all.“

”... am I free to leave then?“ He rasped, barely registering Wendy's light touch along his bandages, soft magic poking and prodding along his body for any sign of issues.

”Aunt Porly wants to see you first before deciding,“ The Air Draconis whispered, leaning close to check his temperature. She gripped his jaw gently and tilted his head to press a finger against the bandage wrapped around his neck. He shuddered as the healing magic flowed from her fingertip, sinking into the one wound that refused to close properly.

Natsu opened his mouth and Wendy peered at the sides, squeaking at the sight. The bits of flesh he’d bitten when he woke revealed more than he wanted to admit. She pressed her full hand to the side of his neck and sent out another wave, stronger this time, to hook and close whatever he had reopened internally. He fought the urge to shy away, beginning to really hate having anything close to his neck.

Wendy sighed and pulled away, lips pursed tight together, “But Makarov at least wants you to go on walks now.“

”... what am I, a cat?“

”Yes/Cats Don't go on walks!“ Mirajane and Wendy spoke at once, one all smiles and the other quite bewildered. 

“Huh...” Natsu drawled distractedly, biting his raw lip in thought, “... what did I mean then."

Mirajane, ushered him to his feet, brows knitted together as she looked him over. She answered with a helpful smile that didn't meet her eyes. “I think a dog, dear.” 

“Are you……okay?” Wendy asked once he sat down, hovering from side to side as she continued to check his vitals, “Everything looks to be healing fine despite a few small issues. And your aura's getting stronger each day, but you... you feel off?”

“Nah, m'fine.” The lie fell from him with practiced ease as he eyed the meal placed before him. Mirajane's cooking never failed to impress and today's lunch did not disappoint just from looks alone. The smell was heavenly and almost washed all his concerns away in an instant, giving Natsu the perfect excuse to dodge the rest of Wendy's questions, “Just hungry!”

Diving into a hot meal rather than talk about his woes was as simple as breathing and he dutifully ignored the shared looks passed between the two over his shoulder. 

But if Natsu wasn't willing to talk, they knew better than to press him. Instead, Mirajane remade his bed, ruffled his pillows and tittered about cleaning his dishes while Wendy continued her check up. Something about the domesticity of the scene settled in Natsu's bones like a heavy weight. What was once a source of comfort among his family felt strangely off, as if he was missing something.

A flash of golden hair appeared in his mind's eye and he spoke with a mouth full of soup, swallowing the hot liquid when he only managed garbled words.

”Is Lucy coming today?” She did say she would join the rotation, but it had been days since he'd last seen her. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was starting to wonder if their last encounter had scared her off.

Then again…

He felt the ghost of soft lips feather against his cheek. She was so close then, barely any space between them as her scent surrounded him, calming his racing heart. His fingers tangled with hers, so small in his grasp as he tugged her close. And yet he felt the inexplicable urge to have her closer still-

He choked on nothing and began to eat in earnest. Nope. Nothing was happening or happened. Best not to think about it.

“Uhm.. maybe?“ Wendy hedged, pursing her lips together in thought, ”I wasn't told who was decided today, erm...”

Mirajane's following laughter made a sense of danger crawl up Natsu's spine. “It's so cute how often you think about her.” And her following giggle had him choking all over again.

“I think about a lot of people!” His protests went ignored as Mirajane's giggles grew in volume. As he waited in consternation for an answer, he drank the rest of the soup without further prompting and frowned. At the same time, the taller woman finished her cleaning, placing a now dried mug back on its shelf.

“She spent time with Levy and Cana yesterday,” She finally answered, eyes sliding along the walls of the room before landing on Natsu's scowl. Without further prompting, she grabbed a rag and moved to wipe his face, ignoring his protests. She hummed quietly, “but I think she mentioned something about taking a shift this evening with you.”

Natsu didn't have a chance to respond as Wendy interrupted with a poke to his ribs that sent his nerves firing a jolt of magic through his body. A streak of fire flashed atop his skin in a brief instant, forcing the pair to step back when he yelped. She retracted her hand and ran soothing air across his heated skin instead, allowing the waves of healing magic to soothe him from head to toe.

“Sorry!” She explained through her bottom lip quivering, ”I just wanted to test how sensitive it still was. If it's still like this tomorrow, Aunt Porly might not let you walk like we've planned.“

That was news the draconis didn't like, as he snorted a puff of smoke and flame through his nose to show his disdain. So what if his body wasn't still up to snuff? His magic was responding to him instinctively again and the two healer draconis weren't so amateurish with their abilities. Despite the need to still recuperate, he doubted a walk along the paths would over extend him that much.

“If she doesn't want me burning down my own hut,” He threatened darkly. Annoyance made him curl his lip. “she better let me out.”

“None of that,” Mirajane chided with a light smack to the back of his head. It wasn't enough to hurt, but his head rang all the same, “you're too old for tantrums and none of us have space for you anymore.”

“I can sleep outside!”

”Please don't,“ Wendy pleaded, ”besides, how can Lucy visit if she doesn't have a place to go?“ They both fixed him with pointed, knowing stares.

He didn't quite like the way the two of them were using Lucy as a way to calm him. And he especially didn't like it when he realized it was working. Not only had his shoulders dropped, his breathing had gone back to normal. The realization was enough to make him pout as he crossed his arms.

”I don't really know how, but you two are being unfair,“ he accused, perplexed when they laughed, “And I don't like it.”

Despite the claim, Natsu realized the teasing barbs served a purpose aside from raising his ire. Not only did his mind settle from his errant thoughts, but his mood rose to positive levels that made it easier to think. Despite the chill of his nightmare hovering behind him, he didn't feel the grip of his sharp claws, nor did it distract him for the rest of the afternoon. 

Wendy made quick work checking his vitals and testing his flexibility, muscle tension and reflexes. By the time he was ready to throw a pillow or two at her and Mirajane for their teasing, she finished her tedious work, doused him in another wave of healing magic that settled over his eyes like sleeping sand and exited with a promise to see him in the morning. She'd bring Porlyusica along then, and just the reminder of finally being allowed out of his house invigorated him. 

Mirajane, however, stayed longer, ensuring he rested as the healing worked its magic. He managed to sleep in his bed, listening to Mirajane lull him to rest with a song on her tongue. It reminded him of simpler times when he was younger, ill or frightened by the new world around him.

A simple comfort. One that was the safety of his own home. He fell into a-thankfully- dreamless sleep and woke when dinner was brought along and Mirajane switched off for the day.  

His body felt like a stone when he awoke, still under the influence of Wendy's magic, but he caught Mirajane on her way out, promising with a nod of his head to finish the meal she'd left him once he was able to move. He was surprised to catch the scent of Laxus in the air when she opened his door, her voice rose an octave in surprise as she greeted her partner on the street. He strained his ears to catch their conversation and frowned when it was too jumbled by village chatter to make sense.

However, that distraction led him to miss something and the moment Lucy's scent hit his nose he froze, realizing too late who Mirajane's replacement was. 

”You must really be out of it to have missed me coming in.“ His friend chided when she closed the door behind her. Her voice carried a soft, amused lilt, ”did you sleep well?“

Tongue-tied, he reworked his jaw to jostle the sleep from his bones, body heating at the sight of her.

”You're here.“ He lamely said, voice a confused monotone. 

”I was able to make time today.“ Her eyes softened as she nudged his shoulder, ”Come on, you need to eat, I could hear your stomach rumbling while you napped.”

He wanted to call her out for an obvious lie. No way that had happened after all, but the smell of the food, Lucy's warm grin and the way she fluidly moved through his room left him far too comfortable to argue. In a matter of minutes he'd shuffled from his bed and returned to his earlier seat, feeling like his life had shrunk to doing the same two things since he was injured.

Unfortunately, though his stomach rumbled at the bowl before him, another part of him was mildly annoyed; it was the exact same dish he’d had before. With his throat damaged as it was, he was placed on a diet of liquids only; the current dishes of thicker stews being a step up from where he’d started as Wendy’s healing magic patched his damaged vocal cords a little more each day. He should be thankful, he knew, but the dish choices were beginning to be too repetitive for his taste. 

And even as he dutifully ate his fill each day he was still gnawed by hunger after each meal. How he longed for a thick cut of meat or a fresh caught fish roasted by his own hand….

Which led him to his current actions as he reached across the table to grab the parchment he’d written on days ago, carefully stacked together in case he needed to write yet again. He swept the blank ones aside, and eyed the old ones with a curious glance before his gaze settled on the nearby candle Mirajane had left lit on the table.

Perfect.

Lucy hardly paid him mind as she sat across from him, instead rummaging through her bag to find whatever it was that she needed. Another inkwell perhaps, the one she had left with him was near empty after their last encounter.

She didn’t notice when his fingers wrapped around the waxy pillar, staring intently- hungrily- at the little flame that flickered atop it. Natsu smirked, pushing it over with a single finger.

He intently watched the little fire as it grew, slowly eating through the messily scrawled pages, curling in on themselves as they fed the heat that licked across them. His mouth watered at the sight and his stomach rumbled.

When the crackle of burning parchment met her ears, Lucy squealed in surprise, flying to her feet. Her bag clunked to the floor as ink splattered from a half opened bottle, leaking out against the floor. Whoops. Guess she’d have to bring another replacement for that one, too.  

Lucy paid it no mind, hurried rushing to his small kitchenette to frantically fill a glass with water, “Are you TRYING to set your house on fire?!”

He didn’t bother telling her of his earlier conversation with Wendy and Mira, but chuckled at the reminder. Letting the fire travel higher still, he licked his lips and held a hand out to Lucy before she could douse the parchment with the cup she’d filled. His mouth opened wide, fangs glinting sharply as his tongue reached out to taste the lingering ash and embers of the paper before he stuffed the flames, stack and all, into his mouth and swallowed it down. 

The effect was instant, his body humming from the addition to his magic as his chest rumbled in appreciation. “That hit the spot! Way better than boring soup anyway-”

Water splashed against him as Lucy slammed the mug on the table, frantically grabbing at his jaw as she pried his mouth open, “Oi- Usshie ,stawp-!”

“What is wrong with you?!” She cried out, panicking, she searched the inside of his mouth for any signs of burns and grimaced as ashy breath blew in her face, “ugh, I can’t believe you’d just… are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Natsu wrenched himself from her grasp, rubbing at his jaw in pain as he watched her in consternation, “What's wrong with me?” He repeated, coughing lightly despite the warmth that flooded his limbs, “What’s wrong with you? I do that all the -”

He paused, eyes widening in realization, “Oh shit, I’ve never eaten fire in front ya’ before have I?”

Lucy gawked, “That’s normal?” 

“Oops,” He muttered, laughing sheepishly, “Uh yeah. Draconis thing. Can eat the element we’re attuned with: tastes pretty good actually. Even Wendy and Porly can do it.”

He couldn’t help it. The look on Lucy’s face as it changed from aggravated panic to frustrated relief was too good. He hadn’t meant to freak her out over something as simple as having a snack, but his laughter shook his shoulders as he wheezed, tasting the remnants of burnt parchment in the process. “Don’t laugh at me for not WARNING me you could do that!” She snapped, but after a few more seconds of catching her breath, she began to laugh as well, muttering under her breath.  Through the laughter, he finally resumed his actual meal, promising he’d give her ample warning next time he chose to eat fire out of nowhere. “Like it matters now,” She muttered bitterly, swatting his shoulder, “I already know you can do it!”

While he accepted the point, he still couldn’t resist the cheeky smile he gave her, spooning his soup into his mouth as she resumed her earlier wanderings around his room. Apart from the new ink stain on his floor ( and a bag that Lucy bemoaned the loss of) Mirajane had kept it spic and span already, but it was clear she was looking for something to do as he continued to stuff his face. However, it gave them both the time needed to stifle their laughter as it continued to sprout between them at random intervals. It was when he was halfway through his dish that his mind wandered back to earlier musings and he looked to Lucy curiously from the lip of his bowl in consideration as she flitted about still, rearranging his vests by color.

”If I asked you to let me out, would you?”

The question fell from his mouth, voice hush and almost hesitant, already fearing her refusal. He knew he could force his way out. He’d tried once and almost succeeded. He had half a mind to just waltz right out the door, shambling with his new bowl of soup in hand, but the lull of sleep still pulled at his eyes. But Natsu didn’t want that, not when it was Lucy watching over him. 

Briefly he wondered if Lucy would ring that damn bell if he attempted. He didn't see it on hand, but that didn't mean it wasn't outside waiting to be used at a moment’s notice. He had a brief thought of hunting Freed down later when he was free. That man was the first atop Natsu’s very long list of petty revenge that he wanted to enact. He’d regret the day he suggested they use a bell to keep a Draconis in line.

”Hmm, asking nicely?“ He was surprised when Lucy considered his question. She left the vests in a rustle of fabrics to take a seat across from him, turned her gaze upwards as if in deep thought. She tapped a nail softly on the tabletop, ”If I agree to let you stargaze with me later, will that suffice?“

That... was better than expected and his eyebrows shot into the fringe of his hair in surprise. ”Seriously?! That’s all I had to do? Ask you?“

”Yup! But this is a one time offer.” She smiled, but then he realized it didn't quite reach her eyes as she looked away again, ”That is.. if you still want to after...“

Her voice trailed off and she rubbed her shoulders, appearing almost as uncomfortable as she'd been during her first weeks sharing a space with him months ago. The expression pulled at Natsu and he scowled, nose scrunching at the sight.

”After what?“ He prodded, clearing his throat as he willed it to behave. He can have trouble speaking later, damnit!

Silence spread between them, and rather than wait awkwardly, he gulped down the rest of his soup. The sleep had fallen from him the moment he'd noticed something was wrong and now he couldn't stop himself from noticing every little thing that was off about the romni before him.

Her eyes were dulled, almost somber and her complexion seemed paler than usual. The way she pulled in on herself, looked as if she was attempting to become smaller by the second and her gaze couldn't stay in one place for longer than a few seconds. It was strange to witness, knowing her focus was far better than his own and not knowing what caused her look so solemn was beginning to tear down his nerves, brick by brick.

'Who upset Lucy?' He wondered, 'And how am I gonna get out of here to punch 'em for it?' 

Attempting another bite of his meal, he was surprised to meet nothing but air on his spoon, frowning as he realized he'd unknowingly finished it. All that hard work Mirajane had done just for him to not enjoy it! 

Deciding Lucy was more important than an unenjoyed meal, he shoved the bowl aside and continued to wait, trailing his tongue across his teeth as he considered how to pull her from her thoughts. 

He didn't have to think for long, as she finally shook herself with resolve and fixed him with a guilty stare. “I want to ask you something, but I'm afraid it's going to upset you. I'm pretty sure it's a sensitive topic, but... should I not ask?”

Ask what? How was he supposed to know the answer to that if he didn't even know what she wanted to say? Natsu couldn’t help the incredulous look as he leaned back in his seat, eyeing her in obvious confusion.

He muttered under his breath and growled, agitated, “No offense, but that's the weirdest thing I've heard ya' say in months. If it upsets me, I can just change the subject and not answer, yeah?  That's my business. If it's bothering you, that's yours. So just ask.”

Honestly, what was it with her and everyone else always making things more difficult than they had to be?

Lucy's laugh was like music to his ears, even when subdued. She wiped her eyes and sighed, “that... somehow makes me feel better. You're good at that.”

He ignored how her words made his chest feel lighter, not resisting the smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Just saying what I think, that's all.”

She nodded, looking more relaxed than she had, ”All right, then, if you don't want to answer: don't. And then I can be the one to sneak you out for a bit this time, deal?“

That was more like it. His grin was all teeth, enjoying the idea of her breaking the rules for once. 

”... can you tell me who Igneel is?“

The crack of splintering wood shot through the air, silencing Lucy with a flinch as she ducked her head away shamefully. The grin froze into place and he felt his entire world drop out from under him. His fingers dug into the grain, nails gouging scars into the small table.

”How...” He started, voice dry and cracking, “how do you know that name?”

Her gaze was back on the ceiling, looking far too guilty for his liking, but he couldn't manage another sentence to console her. Not now with that name ringing in his ears. His body felt hollowed out, too hot and cold all at once, and the corners of his eyes began to sting with a familiar wetness he refused to acknowledge.

”You... said it... when you were being operated on." She admitted, explaining what others had said when she posed the question to them.

Realizing what his ailing body had done against his say was embarrassing enough, but everyone else was aware too?  

Splinters dug into his skin beneath his clawed fingertips and Natsu fought back the urge to snap. The air inside his house grew stifling from rising waves of heat lifting off him. It was his first sign of emotional overload and he fought to contain it. To breathe and back away. 

Isn't that what he always did?

”You don't have to answer-!“ Lucy began but he held a hand up, quivering with too many emotions to separate from himself. He inhaled deeply, fighting back the warmth that pricked the corners of his eyes. He couldn’t cry. Not after only hearing just a name. The seconds trickled  by as he willed the sweltering heat in the room to disperse to normal room temperatures. 

”My Dad.“ He said, voice wavering with every breath, ”... I was calling for my Dad.“

In just one breath, the world and ocean itself crashed in on itself in his heart and Lucy hid behind her hands. He could hear the apology before it fell from her lips and fought through the lump in his throat to stop her.

”... don't.” He interjected, not recognizing his own voice for the first time in years, tired and weak., “Just, don't. Please. Can we just go see the stars now?”

Natsu reached across the table to pull her hands from her face, desperately searching her eyes as he asked, “Please?”

They said yes louder than her voice ever could.

They waited in tense silence for the sun to sink well below the horizon before they attempted to enact Natsu’s escape. At first, the two wondered where they could go that would keep him hidden enough, but every idea was struck from their minds the second they thought of them. 

The beach?

“Everyone could see us and you're in no condition to walk through the sand.” Lucy pointed out.

The forest clearing?

“... that's even farther out! Plus there’s barely anything nice left after what happened!” Natsu barked non quizzically, eyebrows raised in judgment at Lucy's flushed face, “besides do ya' really wanna go back to where that asshole attacked us?”

“Uh, no... not really,” She winced, “That was stupid, huh?”

“No,” He muttered, scratching the back of his neck and awkwardly looking at a speck on the wall, “Just ... being your weird self.”

Other suggestions came and went with Natsu's voice progressively becoming hoarse until Lucy demanded he merely nod or shake his head in response to her ideas. 'I'm not becoming the reason you can't talk tomorrow!' She had said.

He grumpily agreed, crossing his arms as he fell quiet, mouth practically burning with the want to say his piece. More ideas came and went and just when the two thought they would never find the perfect place, Natsu struck gold. The perfect location.

That he couldn't explain without Lucy cutting him off with a hand to his mouth, hissing angrily at his inability to not cause further damage to his vocal chords. He recalled her last visit where she did the same, and her outcry of disgusted horror when he licked her palm, running to his kitchen to clean her hand while he almost popped a stitch with laughter at her reaction. The temptation to see her reaction again was irresistible.

As if sensing his train of thought Lucy pulled back just in time to witness his tongue peeking between his lips. Her face burned red and she held her hand tightly to her chest. A weird reaction, but he chalked that up to Lucy being Lucy.

”Were you going to lick me? Again?!“

He went to answer, but she snapped, ”Shake yes or no!“

Gods, was this his fate until he was fully healed? Seriously? Not bothering to hide his disdain, Natsu shrugged and rose to his feet instead. If that was how she was going to be, then he wasn't going to answer. Instead, he stopped by the front door and mimed the motions of her following him.

'I'll show you the way, you keep me hidden,' He tried to emphasize, hoping she'd piece it together on her own.

But Lucy was smart. Smarter than him on a good day, he'd wager. Not a second later, she was opening the door and muttering a quiet word under her breath that caused a swirl of magic to burst through the unseen barrier of Freed's runes. Natsu stared, mystified and grunted when he realized the words felt foreign on his tongue and he couldn't put together what she'd said to repeat it himself.

”A passcode Freed gave.“ She explained, winking proudly at him, ”and it only works for the one he gave it to, so good luck trying it yourself! Once we get back, I'll have to put it back up for him.“

Damn them. They really thought of everything, didn't they? Another reason to smack Freed with a pillow, right along with Makarov later when he was recovered. He'd have fun bombing them with feather attacks, he was certain.

But he hadn't much time to consider that thought further as Lucy grasped his hand and gently tugged him out the door, passed the barrier that had been the bane of his existence for nearly a full week and the sense of freedom brought a smile to his face.  

He’d foregone his shoes, not bothering to waste time searching for them and after a week of smooth wooden boards beneath his soles. The quiet crunch of gravel beneath each step was a welcome change. 

This was so much better. He was almost giddy, were he fit he’d dart off down streets like a child. The air outside tasted so much better than he remembered. He didn't think about it when his fingers curled around hers and he began their slow trek along the path, keeping close to the shadows as they made their way up to the decrepit keep. 

If they were going to stargaze as he enjoyed the fresh air, then why not do it from the top of an abandoned watch tower that still basked in the last vestiges of sunlight as the stars began to blot the sky one by one? 

This wasn't the first time Natsu climbed this particular watch tower. Like the clearing in the woods, he had many places he liked to go when he just wanted to exist and nothing more and this was the best view of the entire village without any obstructions from the landscape below.

Today felt as good a day as any to stop existing, especially with the thoughts now tugging at his mind left and right. Teetering on the edges of his perception, Natsu could feel the hints of his nightmare slowly creeping in on him, but over-shadowed was the echoing of a name he'd tried to keep to himself for years.

Igneel was a name he wanted to forget. (It was a lie, but maybe one day he'd believe it.) The fact Lucy now joined the ranks of those who knew of it left him feeling off-kilter. Others knew from when he was a child and unable to control the words spewing from his mouth when he'd wake cold and alone in his home, desperately for any source of comfort, but the name so rarely left him now that hearing it again brought back every negative emotion he fought desperately to hide.

Lucy's grip on his fingers served to ground him, but the moment they began to climb the tower, each thought came rushing in as if a dam had burst. He wanted her to go first, to ensure her leg could handle the ladder up, but she refused. ”Let me take care of you this time.“

Despite the cold chill that ran through him when his hand slipped from hers, her order warmed him from the inside out and became the only barrier he had against the errant thoughts still igniting in his mind.

He stood to the side when he clambered to the top, making room for Lucy to join him. The dwindling light of the sun caresses the edges of his hair while the wind whipped it about in the cool breeze.  Distantly, he realized a few of his bandages had come loose as they fluttered in the air current, but he paid no mind to fixing them. The sunset was far too hypnotizing.

But as it sank away beneath the horizon, he felt a distant pang in his chest that tightened with an unknown emotion. It was nostalgic, in a way, but effervescent, just beyond his reach of understanding. He tore his gaze away, the dull sensation fading as he watched Lucy make it up the final rung.

The wind caused the temperature to drop, but his magic had already begun to replenish itself, faster than his body could heal. It kept him warm, but he caught the sounds of Lucy's teeth chattering. He frowned, irritated. He’d led her up here, how fair was it to let her freeze from his own suggestion?

Lucy wasn't prepared for the way he grabbed her, hands snapping out like a viper to drag her into his hold where his body heat could warm her better than the thin fabric of her dress ever could. 

”H-hey! Natsu, you're injured, you can't be-'' She squeaked as he pulled them to the floor, keeping her seated between his outstretched legs. Wrapping his arms securely around her middle, rested his chin on her shoulder and closed his eyes. He felt Lucy stiffen, too scared to move, afraid she might knock against a wound and-

Colour crept up her neck as he inhaled against her. The slow expansion of his chest was close, it felt as if it were merging with her own. It wasn’t an uncomfortable feeling, but her mind stretched in too many directions, threatening to overwhelm her. She sputtered, tumbling over her words.

“Natsu- what are you, you really can’t-!” She fell silent when his annoyed breath fanned over her cheek and sharp teeth nipped the edge of her ear in reprimand. His action cut her off  and he rumbled softly at his quiet victory. It was a no win with her if he tried to verbally answer. 

This was quicker, and it got the response out of her he wanted. 

That was better. He pointed out to the sky where there was more night than sunset and spoke an octave lower than usual, just enough to get his point across.

”You take care of me, and I keep you warm,“ He muttered, ”Fair enough?“

”....... I can't believe you bit me.“ Her reply was breathless and for a second, he thought he caught a rasp in her tone. 

”... you're not getting sick, right?“ He asked.

“No!“ Her elbow nudged him just enough to serve as a warning and she stubbornly looked to the sky. If not for the way she sat stiff as a statue, he would have laughed at the way her face had turned tomato red. 

He'd take her word on it….. for now.

What more could he do to chase the errant thoughts plaguing his mind away? Pulling her close worked better than their held hands and he found himself distracted by the golden gleam in her hair rather than the stars sparkling above them. 

A comforting silence fell between them, one that Natsu reveled in. He wasn't certain what thoughts rampaged through Lucy's mind, or what she did during the times he couldn't see her, but in that moment, it was just the two of them. Much as it had been in the forests after the landslide. He could properly ascertain her safety for himself and the restlessness that was ever present shrank to non existence. 

Almost too comforting, in fact, as his eyes began to drift shut as the sun finally set and the glow of the waning moon shone above them. He struggled to stay awake, annoyed at his body for becoming exhausted so quickly. 

Luckily, for him, Lucy provided the perfect distraction, fiddling with the loose bandages. “You really shouldn’t have done that.”

“Do what?” He mumbled.

“Bite me,” She muttered, ears so red he could feel the heat coming off her in waves, “It’s not something you should do to just- ugh, never mind. Would you like to see more constellations?”

Although confused by the sudden change in topic, Natsu smiled into her hair, eyes shining as he watched her point to the stars above, “... are they different from last time we were on the beach together?”

“Of course they are,” She lectured, voice warm with recollection, “the stars move and change just as we do. You just have to know where to look.” 

His eyes widened in curiosity, feeling a strange familiarity with the words. “That makes sense.”

They fell into a companionable embrace, with Lucy pointing to different constellations, naming each one she recognized. Natsu watched, eyes blinking from weariness as he rested against her shoulder. It melted away their myriad of thoughts that tangled their emotions and mired them in emotions they weren’t ready to traverse. This was a comfort, a moment of peace. A little world just for them. It was perfect. 

Lucy squirmed in her spot from time to time, biting her lip as she struggled to remember each cluster of stars. The memories of her childhood faded away in the fog of her mind; She looked above as if they were family, but the names were shadows of their former selves and she constantly questioned the accuracy of her words. 

But Natsu sat and listened with quiet hums of encouragement, surprisingly patient as she considered each star. Despite her earlier embarrassment of his lack of personal space, Lucy found herself sinking further against him, basking in the heat his body presented. 

Spring still kept a chill in the air, despite the warning of summer already looming close and while she probably didn't need Natsu acting as her blanket, she quietly appreciated it. Their moment of peace as she pointed out her next favorite constellation served as the distraction they both needed from errant thoughts. 

“There's Centaurus,” She mumbled, pleased to finally remember the name, “One of the larger ones you can see this time of year and the smallest... Oh! There he is!“ She changed direction, pointing a little further away, eyes gleaming, ”Old Man Crux!“ 

Natsu snickered into her shoulder, voice a low rumble in his amusement, “Old man, huh? He got a beard like the geezer too?”

Her pout was unmistakable, feeling embarrassed, ”Don't make fun of me. I was taught these when I was little, and seeing them as actual beings was how I remembered them.“

Another rumble followed, “Not makin’ fun, just.. noticing... that's all.“

”Keep that up and I won't share Corvus or Musica with you,“ she snipped without any heat. When Natsu's reply was to nuzzle against her shoulder as he chuckled, she decided to turn her attention back to the stars, eyes already scanning for the mentioned constellations.

But something, just under her inner voice, quietly tugged at her. A gentle pull that led her gaze to an altogether different cluster. A familiarity she couldn't name warmed her soul and a soft spoken voice seemed to call out to her. 

'You can introduce us, can't you?' The voice urged and Lucy was pointing it out before she could consider it further, ”And that one... the maiden, Virgo. I haven't seen her in awhile.”

When did she last take the time to study the stars she once knew so well?

She could hardly remember, but the pull faded with her acknowledgment and Lucy felt a little more brave than she had moments ago.

“There ya' go again,” Natsu mumbled, sounding half asleep, nuzzling his face into the side of her neck. She was almost offended. His wounds needed all the rest he could get and the fact he was relaxed so much filled Lucy with pride, but... there was something else, something the star above seemed to share strength with her to do.

“I'm so sorry,” Her voice came out in a half-breath, chest heaving as tears stung the corner of her eyes. She didn't wait for Natsu to respond. A part of her hoped he had fallen to sleep and would miss it entirely, but the need to get it out into the air was too strong to deny herself, “for bringing up bad memories.”

The look upon his face when she'd said that name, she knew it well.

The broken emptiness that came from a loss you couldn't stop and still wrestled to accept. Her clan was gone, but even he held a loss so deep inside that his silent need for comfort couldn't be contained even in sleep. It was all too easy to feel that guilt rise up, threatening to strangle her with its many tendrils.

A part of her knew the apology was more to make herself feel better, but she hoped, if Natsu heard it, he'd take it for what it was and not mistake her apology as a way to bring the topic up again. The way his gaze broke when she asked was more than enough for Lucy and she didn't wish to witness a repeat of it. 

Lowering her hand, eyes still watching the Virgo constellation above them, she listened to Natsu's breathing even out behind her. The way his breath ghosted the back of her neck and his arms loosened their hold around her waist. All signs of rest, but the fact didn't calm her nerves. Everything felt jittery, both inside and out and Lucy struggled to name the cause of it.

“Sometimes... I wonder why you or anyone else put up with me,” She admitted quietly, allowing the freedom of Natsu's sleep to say the words she kept hidden, “but I suppose Porly was right.. It's unfair if I decide to leave just because I feel guilty over how kind all of you are. So, I'll think on it a little longer, okay?” Natsu snorted quietly behind her, his head lolling slightly in his slumber.

Maybe she wasn't half as brave as she felt.

Maybe it's better this way, She thought, sighing as she curled in on herself, holding her legs tight against her chest. 'But... how long until I have to wake him?' 

They had to go back eventually, if only to keep her replacement from knowing what she'd done. Perhaps allowing him to walk out before Porlyusica had given the go ahead wasn't the greatest of plans, but Lucy couldn't bring herself to regret the decision.  He had done the same for her, after all. 

For now, she'd let him rest, and enjoy the stars above in silence. The stars of Virgo blinked back, as if agreeing with the idea and she peered upon each constellation through her lashes, turning her focus inward to the depths of the magic that curled around her soul. 

She still couldn't use it properly, not yet, but the ability to access it was a comfort. One she hadn't properly thanked Natsu for yet. Vowing to thank him when the time came, she visualized the golden glow of her abilities spreading out to envelope her, fingers curling to play with its energy. 

Once upon a time, Makarov asked if she had learned to speak with the stars as her clan did and she had to deny it. Now, she wondered... if she focused harder, could she hear them again? She knew now what the voices were that gave whispered warnings in the back of her mind, but could she bring them out herself?

“Tell me how to hear you.” She pleaded quietly, urging her magic to spread further out like a beacon, “Please... Virgo, you spoke once, didn't you? I actually heard that? Let me hear you again.”

Silence ticked by with crickets chirping a chorus beneath them, but the constellations above merely blinked in answer. If there was something to say, it wasn't now.  Lucy drew the magic back in, panting from the exertion and sighed.

“... next time, then.” She hoped. 

Natsu didn't know when he'd fallen asleep, but he remembered Lucy's quiet voice, and what he thought was an apology. The words had slurred on the tip of his tongue and when he had meant to reply, had turned into a soft snore. The position wasn't the most comfortable, but the shared heat, fresh air and listening to a voice that wasn't lecturing him had soothed his bones in more ways than one.

And while he still felt the bitterness of past memories on his tongue, he wanted nothing more than to shove it back into the depths of his mind to stay buried. His sleep was both restful and an attempt to run away from exhausting memories.  Thinking too much was always tiring and Lucy's voice served as a lullaby for the Draconis.

Unfortunately, his sleep wasn't long, as a familiar scent traversed the wind and knocked against his nose, forcing his eyes to open. Lucy was still in his arms,a pleasant surprise despite her being stiffer than she had been before, but wide awake. She'd stopped talking at some point. (To give him more rest, he figured.) And the natural smell that came from her was unchanged.

So why did he smell blood? And Erza? (It took him a couple, nose scrunching moments to realize it wasn't hers, but the fact he couldn't pinpoint whose it belonged to was just as frustrating.) It called for him to awaken as he swung his head, swiveling to and fro to judge distance and location.

The front gate and coming up fast. Relief at Erza's safety was short lived as he caught more scents on the wind, pulling a low growl from his throat that startled Lucy from her reverie.

“What is it? Did you have a nightmare?” She asked, but he didn't have the attention to answer, pushing her aside gently to drag himself to his feet. 

He wobbled at first, tightening his hold on the old railing as he trusted it to support his weight. He was still disoriented from his inopportune nap, but while this watchtower was not in use, it still had a good view of the main gate and as the scent grew stronger, he knew he had to see for himself what was happening.

The current warriors on duty already leapt into action, opening the gate and casting orders. Their voices echoed in the distance, but Natsu caught the words with relative ease. Informing Makarov was paramount, of course, but that wasn't the news he wanted. His hackles raised as he tried to spy Kage in her entourage, his old anger refueling from his failures.

Lucy said something, but he didn't catch the words, too attuned to the group below them, but he was aware of her hand on his shoulder. It was gentle enough, but sent a shudder down his nerves regardless: the wounds still too sensitive. Her hasty apology was felt rather than heard and he grunted his acceptance.

“Erza's back.” He said, unsure if Lucy had even asked, but she moved by his side quickly enough, attempting to see the commotion down below as well. 

He doubted her ears could catch what he did, however. 

“Is she okay?”

“Smells like it.” He said, nose wrinkling in disdain as Kage's scent finally struck his nose. “She got the bastard!”

While he assumed Lucy would be happy with the knowledge, her silence spoke volumes. His own mood had dampened as rage began to fuel the fire in his mind. Kage was wounded, he could tell that much, but Erza had brought him back alive: something the Draconis wanted to rectify as soon as possible.

What reason could there be to leave the asshole alive after his attempts on their lives? 

But as much as he wanted to dart off, the aches of his body refused to allow it and Lucy grasping his wrist grounded him enough to reality. He wasn't supposed to be out yet. (As if he'd care about that.) But Lucy stuck her neck out for him. He didn’t dare risk getting her in trouble. Still growling, he pulled her and himself down just enough to hide from view and still keep an eye on the events down below.

He didn't care if he was caught but Lucy... something told him she needed a win and this was the best way to get her one. “Stay down.“ He rasped.

”You don't need to tell me that!“ She hissed in return, ”we shouldn't even be here. Maybe we should head back...“

”No. Their path is right under us,“ He shook his head, knowing Lucy could piece it together faster than he could. Ignoring her as she began to ramble concerns under her breath, he stretched his neck as far as his wounds could allow and tried to piece together what was happening.

It was definitely Erza, with Kage bound on a makeshift sled of wood and vines trailing behind her. But the blood came from two sources and while he could care less the extent of Kage's injuries, he didn't recognize the other man limping beside her with a brown hood draped over his face. One who smelt eerily of starlight beneath the stench of blood.

First she left Kage alive and now she was bringing strangers into the village? What was Erza thinking?

Gooseflesh prickled atop his skin as the wind picked up, Lucy pressing herself closer to his side to escape the chill but it was something else that made him shiver.

There was a  fourth scent just  behind the three, one that Natsu hoped for once in his life was his nose playing tricks. But the taste of iron- sharp as a blade- cut through the muddled scents of the forest standing on the edge of woods just outside in wait. 

The metallic tint that struck him sent signals flaring in his mind as his fingers dug sharp indentations into the watchtower rails. 

It was familiar, dredging up  memories of his youth and yet he couldn’t place a name to the scent that made his stomach churn. It didn’t matter though. No matter who it was, the troubles this held in store for him almost made his magic flare out of control.  The urge to ignite the forest was rising, roaring to be followed. 

What Natsu wasn't aware of, was that familiar scent had caught his own, holding a steady gaze up over the gate to the unused watchtower, a studded brow drawn close in confusion. The tall man's red eyes widened as memories of a childhood long gone flickered in his mind. 

Now this was interesting. The one left on the edge of the forest, outside of the village, couldn't stop the smirk that split across his face.

‘Looks like we're gonna have a change of plans,’ Gajeel thought.

[thelastdiamondpiratealchemist]

Bang, Brave Bang Bravern

Bravern & Female Ex-S/O.

"BETRAYAL! The truth is revealed. "

Rated T for swearing.

“Arial….!” Bravern exclaimed, shutting off his communication as he realized Arial standing in the corner of his optics; he stood up from his chair, the force from his sudden jolt sending it crashing to the ground.

“You’re a part of this…?” Arial whispered, her voice breaking softly, “Your actual friends are responsible for destroying Tokyo and the other world capitals…?”

“Arial…” Bravern struggled with his words; Arial took another step back from him, and he sighed, rubbing his metallic hand across his face, “I knew the truth would come out eventually. So, yes…I am a part of the invasion of Earth.”

Arial felt her heart beating faster and faster in her chest; she had trusted Bravern.

She befriended him.

Agreed to be his pilot!

But…Everything was a lie from the beginning….

“Tell me, what the actual hell is going on?!” Arial demanded, her anger overpowering her gear.

“Fine…Fine…” Bravern grumbled, gesturing to his computer, “It’s a television show for everyone back home on my world….”

“I get it now,” Arial realized, “While your friends invade and kill innocent humans, you come along and play the damn hero…”

Bravern’s face twisted in pain as he listened to Arial’s words. He hated himself for deceiving her, for betraying the trust she had placed in him.

“Arial, it’s okay…After it’s all over, you’ll survive. I can keep you.” He coaxed. Arial grimaced at his words as they sent disgusting shivers down her spine.

“No…I’m not your pet!” Arial spat, her eyes filled with hatred and regret.

Arial’s words struck Bravern like a thunderbolt. He had never considered Arial a pet, but her accusation cut him deeply. He knew he had done wrong and was ashamed of his actions.

“Arial, I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to protect you.”

Arial shook her head.

“You didn’t protect me,” she said. “You put me in danger. You used me. Like a prop...”

Bravern hung his head in shame. He knew that she was right. He had used her, and he had betrayed her trust.

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “I don’t know what else to say….Arial-”

Deep down, Bravern had developed caring feelings for Arial; he wanted to protect her from the dangers of the invasion by keeping her inside his chest cavity.

“Save it, Bravern,” Arial turns around, her back facing her now former friend, “Next time we meet…I will kill you…”

“Arial…!” Bravern reached out desperately, pleading with Arial to understand. But she was already walking away, her words hanging heavy in the air. The weight of his betrayal seeped into his core, fueling his own self-hatred.

He couldn’t blame Arial for her rage. He had deceived her, manipulated her emotions, and drawn her into a dangerous situation. All for the sake of a television show from his world. The reality of his actions hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Arial, I'm sorry...." he whispered, his voice turing into heavy sobs, knowing she would never forgive him.

End of Part.1:

[cardinalhq]

PLOT DROP 02; 09/28/1990

It began as a whisper on the breeze, a subtle shift in the air that sent shivers down the spines of the townsfolk in Cardinal Hill. The skies, once clear and inviting, darkened ominously as frightening clouds gathered in the distance, but no storm followed - only fierce and unrelenting winds howled through the streets like a wild beast unleashed. The air pulsed with tension as the gusts intensified, sending debris spiralling and rattling signs with an unsettling clang.

Dust and debris swirled in wild spirals, creating a tempestuous ballet that engulfed homes and businesses alike. Windows rattled and creaked under the onslaught, sending glimmering shards across the pavement like broken stars scattered across the earth. Quaint establishments such as Evergreen Bistro and the Maplewood Inn struggled against the gale, their signs swinging wildly, protesting the chaos unfolding around them.

Inside The Ceramic Cup, the comforting scents of coffee and baked goods mingled with the rising tension in the air. Patrons glanced nervously at the windows as the wind howled, a deep, mournful sound echoing their unease. At a back table, a group of witches shared worried glances, feeling a familiar, sickening sensation creeping into their cores - a deep-rooted dread that recalled a recent incident suspected to be tied to dark magic. It hung thick in the air, as if the very essence of the wind was whispering secrets of dread and despair. This wasn’t merely a gust; it felt like a herald of something far more sinister.

Outside, the wind swept through the town square, uprooting flowerpots and sending loose papers fluttering like startled birds. The old clock tower, a beloved symbol of Cardinal Hill, stood defiantly, yet even it shuddered under the onslaught. Inside the diner across the street, patrons clung to their mugs of coffee, eyes wide with a mix of fear and curiosity, sensing an inexplicable unease settle in their bones, a shared anticipation that something darker was lurking just beyond their sight. The wind carried a promise of disarray, whispering of impending doom that heightened their anxiety.

As the day wore on, the winds gradually began to die down, retreating to a low, haunting whisper that left the town in a heavy silence. The streets lay strewn with debris, remnants of the mayhem that had unfolded. Yet, despite the calm, an unsettling tension lingered in the air, a palpable weight that pressed upon the shoulders of every resident.

For the witches, the familiar sickening sensation intensified, confirming their fears that the dark magic they had sensed before was not a mere figment of imagination. The storm days prior was not just a bad day; it was a warning. They exchanged worried looks, knowing that something serious was at play once more.

The non-magical humans of Cardinal Hill felt it too. As they ventured out into the battered streets, they encountered neighbors with furrowed brows and tight-lipped expressions. Conversations were hushed, and eyes darted around as if expecting another gust to arise. The unease was infectious, spreading through the town like wildfire. This was the second time in recent memory that strange weather had invaded their lives, and it was beginning to feel too deliberate, too calculated.

In the aftermath of the winds, the air hung thick with unspoken fears. Whispers of dark magic circulated among the knowing residents, and every shadow seemed to carry a hint of menace. The winds may have calmed, but the sense of impending doom remained, a constant reminder that something dark was lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for its moment to strike. Cardinal Hill stood on the precipice of an unknown danger, and the townsfolk were more determined than ever to uncover the truth before it either consumed them all, or revealed their deepest darkest secrets to one another.