#Sort of snaps you out of it because suddenly you claw at nothing and try to re-establish basic control over your body.

[blackwaxidol]

Head in hands. Or rather my hands are gripping the sink. The amount of anomalous voices in my head snapping "You're not trying hard enough" out of nowhere, I'd like for them to be at zero. Not really my favourite phenomenon...

[imaginedisish]

Liquid Smooth (Logan Howlett x Fem!Reader)

A/N: Started writing this last night...sooo happy you guys wanted a sex pollen fic! Hope it lives up to everyone's expectations! This one is (obviously) inspired by "Liquid Smooth," by Mitski. ENJOY!

Summary: A simple mission deep in a forest alone with Logan quickly gets out of hand when you just have to go and pick a flower...

Warnings: 18+ EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT MINORS DNI! Dry humping, Oral (f!receiving), Fingering, Unprotected PIV (wrap it up!), Sex Pollen (so dub!con just to be safe, but not really), Multiple orgasms, Porn Without Plot...literally, implied!age gap, cursing, friends to lovers, fem!reader/afab!reader, probably some grammatical errors, I think that's it.

Word Count: 3,797 muahaha

“I don’t need a goddamn babysitter,” you murmur as Logan thumbs through the controls of the X-Jet. “Could’ve done this by myself.” 

Logan scoffs. “I’m not your babysitter, princess.” You roll your eyes at the nickname Logan has specially reserved just for you. “Charles said we’d be safer going together. He knows you can handle yourself.”

The X-Jet cruises effortlessly through the clouds. The air is still today. Calm. You and Logan are on your way to get some sort of flower that Charles claims to have extensive healing properties. It’s an easy mission. No fighting. No violence. You’re unlikely to have to use your powers at all. And yet, you’ve been paired with Logan. 

It wouldn’t be a problem if you weren’t—admittedly—a little into him. Or rather, pining after him. There’s just something about the sarcasm that’s always thick in his voice; the way he squeezes himself into those thin beaters. How he’s always so self-assured, so thoroughly convinced he’s right. You just can’t help it. You want him. But he isn’t yours, and he probably never will be. He’s a little older—well, a lot, considering he’s been around forever. And you know it’s safer not to make attachments—not to fall in love.

Unfortunately, it’s a little too late for that. 

But having him here with you now, alone, with no buffers…it’s overwhelming. You can smell him—that mix of tobacco and pine and musk and him. He’s suddenly everywhere, and there’s nothing you can do about it. You watch as his long fingers press different buttons, his hands gripping the steering wheel, adjusting thrusters. You stare at those fingers for far too long, your thoughts drifting to what else he can do with them. You think about him curling them deep inside you, stretching you open and—

“Everything okay?” You snap your head to face Logan, swallowing harshly as his voice pulls you back to reality. 

You force a smile, nodding. “Yep!” You say, overcompensating just a bit. “All good,” you lie. You close your eyes, trying to push thoughts of Logan out of your head, denying the heat growing between your legs.

“Good, because we’re almost there,” Logan says, the X-Jet descending carefully. You look out the window to see the trees below. There’s a lake in the distance, but that’s it. No civilization, no houses—no one. It’s empty, peaceful. 

“We’re really in the middle of nowhere, huh?” You say, glancing at Logan. 

His eyes meet yours and he smiles. Warmth blooms in your heart at the sight. “My kind of place,” he says back. The X-Jet descends further as you approach a clear spread of grass to land on just ahead. 

This is, in fact, not your kind of place. The humidity creeps up your back and settles under your skin. The forest is overgrown and impossible to navigate. You let Logan slice through the plant life with his claws, swiping back and forth whenever something gets in your way.

You haven’t been walking for long, but you’re already done. Perhaps Charles was right; a partner is not the worst idea on a mission like this. 

You can see the flower just ahead—yellow petals and a long, green, viny stem. It glows brightly even under the dense forest canopy. “Semper in tenebris lux,” Charles had said; there is always light in darkness. And he was right. The flower illuminates everything in its path. Next to it, you can see a pretty, lavender-colored flower. You stop in your tracks, letting Logan wander ahead as you crouch down to stroke the purple petals. 

“Charles didn’t say anything about not taking other flowers too, right?” You call out, watching as Logan swipes carefully at the stem of the yellow flower. He holds the dainty stem in his large hands as he walks back over to you. 

“No, he didn’t. But you should be careful. It could be poisonous or—”

You ignore Logan, picking the flower anyway. You hold it up to your nose and breathe in. It’s sweet and fragrant. You twist the stem and realize the flower is sticky with sap and pollen. Your twist shakes some of the pollen up, and it lands all over your face. 

“Shit,” you mutter, wiping it away. A gust of wind sweeps through the forest, knocking the flower out of your hand and spreading more of its pollen in the air. You can feel it in your nostrils, getting caught in your throat.

Logan furrows his brows as the pollen falls to the ground. “What the fuck did you do?”

You roll your eyes. “All I did was pick a flower!” You lift your hands, feigning innocence. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” You stand up, glancing once at the yellow flower in Logan’s hands and then back at Logan. “It’s pretty.”

He parts his lips, his stare focused on you. “Yeah, it is.” There’s something else in that stare, in those words. Like maybe he isn’t only talking about the flower. You shove those thoughts down as you turn around and walk back to the jet.

Your steps are suddenly very heavy. You scratch at your shoulder. Heat blooms in your chest, your stomach, across your face. You’re irritated and overheated and itchy. Your breath grows heavier and rougher with every step. 

Logan notices immediately. He stops, grabbing your arm. You can’t control the way you lean into his touch, nor the way you’re craving more. “Hey,” he soothes, eyes searching your face. “Are you okay?” There’s a hint of panic in his voice. 

You swallow harshly, nodding. Your throat feels thick, your skin tight and oppressive. “’M’fine,” you mumble. 

“Quit lying. I can tell something’s wrong,” Logan demands. You open your mouth to persuade him otherwise, but he doesn’t give you the chance, his grip tightening around your arm. “Your skin is on fucking fire, princess. What did you do?” He cocks his head, sniffing as he furrows his brows. His voice is darker now, slower as his eyes widen. “What the fuck did you do?”

You take in a sharp breath. And that’s when you feel it, the ache between your thighs, the slick arousal soaking through your panties. The realization smacks you in the face. For a moment, you’re clear-headed, but still terrified. The pollen. That goddamn, fucking pollen. “Logan, look, I think that purple flower had some—"

He cuts you off as he yanks your arm, tugging you towards the ship. “We need to get you back to the jet, okay?”

“Oh, I am so fucked,” you cry. You know you only have a few seconds left before the effects really kick in. “L-Logan,” you stutter, almost moaning as your core burns stronger with need. “T-the pollen was everywhere. What if you got some too?” 

He ignores you, handing you the yellow flower you came here for in the first place. He sweeps one hand under your legs and keeps the other at your back as he lifts you in his arms—bridal style. You can feel his heart beating in his chest. You lean into him again, searching for relief. Wetness pools between your legs. You have never felt this needy before. Your desire hurts, burns, scorches you. You rut your hips, clenching down around nothing. 

“S-stop doing that,” Logan spits, restrained and quiet. 

“C-can’t,” you whine. “It hurts, Logan. It hurts so fucking bad. How come you aren’t like this too?”

He pulls you tighter to his chest. “I feel a little something, but that might just…”

You tilt your head up to look at him. He works his jaw, that perfect jaw. You want to bite it, to bury your face in the crook of his neck. “Might just be what?” You ask, tentatively brushing your lips against the hollow of his throat. 

“Nothing, just—fuck,” he groans as you press soft, open-mouthed kisses all around his neck now. “Don’t do that, princess. You don’t want this.”

“But I do, Logan,” you beg. The ramp to the jet lowers as you and Logan approach. “N-need you.” You bury your face into his shoulder, breathing him in. “Need y-you all the time.” The confession slips easily from your lips. 

Logan’s eyes widen as he walks up the ramp and into the ship. It lifts and seals shut behind him. “You don’t mean that, sweetheart. Let’s just get you back to the mansion as quickly as possible, yeah?”

He places you down on the seat next to him, taking the flower from your hands and putting it in the jar Charles had given you. The leather cold at your back almost feels good, almost relieving—until you realize Logan is no longer holding you, touching you. You reach out towards him, grabbing his arms, pulling him back in. “Don’t go,” you plead, nails digging into his biceps. Your body is on fire. Everything is unbearably painful. “Please,” you whimper. “Need you so fucking bad, just you.” 

“Fuck,” Logan curses. “I am not taking advantage of you. I am not doing this.” He stands, freeing himself from your grasp and walking over to the pilot’s chair. “I’m getting you back to the mansion and we’re going to fix this, okay?”

But that’s not good enough for you. You stand up and walk over to Logan. Your steps are shaky, your legs trembling. Your chest heaves, your heart beating rapidly. You climb into Logan’s lap, straddling him, one leg on either side. “Logan, I can’t fucking wait,” you cry, grinding down onto his lap. The pressure feels delicious.  He grabs your hips, stilling you, forcing you in place. And that’s when you feel it: his erection, hard underneath your core. “This isn’t you. You don’t really want this, don’t really want m—”

“It is me,” you protest, squirming against his hold. “Logan, I’ve wanted you for months. I-I was thinking about you t-touching me the whole way here.” You remember the way his fingers dexterously pushed all the right buttons. Need courses through you like a river, and as Logan’s hold on your hips softens, you grind down into his lap, against his erection. “S-so good,” you cry out. 

His hands are still on your hips, but now he’s guiding you, rocking you against his cock. “J-just this though, okay?” 

You hum, pressing your forehead to his, rolling your hips faster. The relief is like heaven. His arms wrap around your back, his fingers trailing up and down soothingly. Logan ruts into you, his erection straining against his jeans. You can feel yourself getting closer, but the pain, the need, it’s all still the same. 

“Logan, it’s not gonna be enough,” you whisper, his lips ghosting yours. “N-need more. Hurts so bad.”

He presses a chaste kiss to your lips, like he’s scared to truly touch you. But he wants to consume your pain, to take it away, to feel it for you. You can see it written across his face, in the way his cock throbs against your swollen clit, how he snaps his hips into yours. 

“I know, princess,” he coos, his hands like fire on your back. Your walls contract around nothing, begging for something to hold onto, to feel something sink deep inside. “Gonna take care of you.” He kisses you again, with more vigor this time, more passion. “I’ve got you, darlin’.”

You moan into his mouth. His composure is slipping, disintegrating with every roll, every rock of your hips against his. His cock notches against your clit, sending a jolt of pleasure up the base of your spine. He hikes your shirt up, the cold air hitting your overheated skin. “F-feels good,” you stammer. You’re almost there, almost hitting that peak. “S-so close.”

“I know, pretty girl,” he soothes. “Let go for me, know you can do it.” 

You moan his name, your orgasm crashing into you like a crescendo. You know you’re soaking through your clothes, and probably onto Logan’s too. He’s still rutting against you, giving you more. He knows it’s not going to be enough, and he’s right. Need builds back up just as quickly as you found your release. 

 “Lo…” you trail off, looking up at him under lust-filled eyes. You swallow harshly, squirming in his lap helplessly. “G-gotta have you.” 

He presses his forehead to yours. He works his jaw, parting his lips. “Y-you meant it when you said you wanted me before this?” But he already knows the answer. He knows you wouldn’t lie to him about that, not even now. 

“Yes,” you whine, pulling him closer. He tugs your shirt all the way over your head and picks you up, hands firmly gripping your ass. “Still gonna want you after this, too.”

He curses under his breath as he places you down in the pilot’s chair. He’s frenzied and frantic as he hooks his thumbs into your pants and panties, yanking them down your legs and casting them to the side. 

He spreads your legs with the palms of his hands, his thumbs brushing soft circles into your inner thighs. He’s kneeling, looking up at you. Your breath catches in your throat as his face settles between your legs. 

“Could smell you before, pretty girl,” he husks, his breath fanning over your clit. “Wanted this so fucking bad.” He doesn’t keep you waiting, licking a long stripe through your folds and up to your clit. “Knew you’d taste perfect. Pretty fucking pussy.” 

You throw your head back as his lips latch onto your clit, sucking harshly. He slips one hand across your back, keeping you close. His free hand climbs up your thigh, fingers exploring your folds as his tongue flits across your swollen bud. He spreads your arousal, prodding against your entrance before shoving two fingers deep inside you. “Logan!” You cry out, your walls clenching around him. He’s stretching you out, his fingers dragging inside you. He pulls out and plunges back in. He isn’t taking his time, isn’t teasing. He’s giving you what you need, pump after pump. 

You look down at him, his face buried in your cunt, consuming you, swallowing you whole like a starving man. He’s lost inside you, lapping at you with unwavering hunger and desire. His tongue swirls around your clit, his teeth grazing ever so slightly. You moan his name again, and he hums against you, the vibrations of his bassy voice rocking through your body. He’s wrecking you, but it feels so goddamn good. 

“That’s it, sweetheart,” he goads you along. He’s adding a third finger now, and you suck him in. You’d take anything he gives you, anything at all. “Doing so good for me, taking it so well.” 

He sucks roughly, your walls clenching around him at the feeling. “Yeah?” He grunts, sucking again. “You like that? Feels good?” 

“Y-yes,” you stammer, stumbling over that one simple word. “S-so fucking good.” 

“I know, beautiful,” he groans, nipping at your clit in between his rough sucks. “Gonna make that hurt go away, okay?” His voice is like honey, sugar; it’s sweet, addictive. “You just gotta come for me again, can you do that?” His tongue strokes your clit, his fingers pumping faster now. 

You nod your head emphatically, pleasure surging as you near your peak. “Yeah, I-I can,” you huff. 

Logan smiles against your cunt between rough laps. “I know you can, sweetheart.” His fingers scissor inside you, deeper than before. He takes your clit between his lips again, sucking hard. 

And that’s all it takes—you’re screaming his name, coming undone, unraveling underneath him. The release is even better than the first, more full, more complete. Logan thrusts in and out a few more times before slowly pulling his fingers from your cunt. He licks one more long stripe through your folds and looks up into your eyes. 

For a moment, the fire inside has been quenched. You feel clear, levelheaded. But it doesn’t last long. “Fuck,” you moan, your head hitting against the headrest of the chair. The fire is back, spreading across your stomach, your chest. “Logan,” you whimper. “I n-need more.”

“It’s okay, pretty girl,” he coos, taking you back up into his arms. He hoists you out of the seat, his hands finding your ass, squeezing softly. You wrap your legs around his waist as he carries you across the jet, setting you down on a storage container. 

You bring your hands up to his biceps. “Need you this time, Lo,” you choke, stroking up and down his arms as the heat builds painfully between your thighs. 

“Are you sure?” He asks, eyes searching yours. 

“Always wanted you, always sure,” you whisper, wrapping your legs tighter around his waist. 

His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. “Wanted you too,” he husks. “But I wanted it to be different, to—” You cut him off. “Just want you. It’s okay like this. I promise.” You grind against him, his erection still straining inside the denim of his jeans. 

He takes the hint, and quickly unbuckles his belt, casting the leather to the metal floor with a clunk. He’s unbuttoning and unzipping his jeans, shoving them down his legs, and lining himself up with your entrance. You push your hips forward, giving him better access. His other hand pushes your bra above your breasts, exposing you completely to him. 

With one hand on his cock and one squeezing your tits gently, he thrusts himself into you. He’s so deep—down to the hilt—stretching you out and working you open. He groans, flicking your nipple with his thumb, his lips at the shell of your ear. “So fucking beautiful,” he whispers, sending a chill down your spine, quenching that fire inside. “So warm, so tight.” He pulls out and plunges back in again, filling you up. 

“Lo,” you whine. “More.”

“I know,” he growls, his hips snapping into yours, bottoming out with every thrust. “Gonna take care of you, pretty girl.” He squeezes your tits once more before sliding his hand down your body and slipping between where the two of you connect. His fingers find your clit, drawing rough circles around the bud. “That feel good, beautiful?” 

“Y-yes, Logan, so fucking good,” you cry out as he rocks into you. His other hand grips your hip tightly, holding you in place. You hope there’s a bruise there later—proof that he touched you, proof that he fucked into you like the world was ending. 

His cock rubs against your walls, your muscles contracting around him, sucking him in deeper. “Squeezing me so good, sweetheart,” he praises, his lips crashing down onto yours, swallowing your moans. He’s taking all of you, hard and fast. You can feel him twitching inside you, throbbing with the same need you feel pulsing through your veins. 

Logan kisses your jaw, and then just underneath, biting down on your pulse point. You arch your back, your chest meeting his. The contact is delicious, the friction a necessity. He thrusts into you faster now, doing his all to satiate your every need. He’s getting you there, pump after pump, hitting that sweet spot inside you every time. 

It’s working. You can feel yourself slipping again, melting. “Logan,” you hum, too fucked out to say anything other than his name. That beautiful name, like a song in the air, a gentle prayer, a holy ghost. He’s all you need—all you’ve ever needed. 

Your walls contract, squeezing him tightly. “Fuck,” he mutters. You know he’s close too. He strokes your clit, circling roughly. “Come on, pretty girl. You can do it, let me get you there again.” 

“Lo,” you cry, your eyes fluttering open and shut as he fucks into you, rutting his hips, plunging deeper still. It’s all too much. You can feel the pleasure drumming inside you, coming to a head. 

Logan loosens his grip on your hip and slides his hand behind your back, pulling you into his chest. You rest your forehead against his. “Come on my cock, princess, let go.” And you do. You’d do anything for him. You moan as your orgasm tears through you. It’s all blinding white heat, liquid smooth, pleasure wracking your body. 

Logan curses under his breath, close behind. He pulses inside you once, and then he’s coming undone. Your arms wrap around his back, keeping him close, letting him know it’s okay to finish inside. He fills you up, whispering praises in your ear as you both come down from your high. Such a good fucking girl. Did so good for me. So fucking good. Perfect little pussy.

He’s still inside you, pumping slowly as you ride out your orgasm. His fingers let go of your clit, his hands running up your back and tugging you closer to him. He slowly pulls out, keeping you tight against his chest. 

“Are you okay?” He whispers against the shell of your ear. You take a deep breath, waiting for the heat to build again, waiting for that need to surge every cell of your being. But there’s nothing. Your nerves are suddenly quiet—silent. 

“I-I think it’s over,” you stutter, still nervous that maybe it’s not. He keeps you there, holding you tightly, ready to start again if necessary. 

After a few minutes, you let yourself relax. It’s not coming back. It’s over. 

Logan presses a chaste kiss to the side of your head. “I’ve still got you. Not going anywhere.” Your heart rate has finally slowed down. The heat is gone. You feel comfortable in your skin again. You take a deep breath. 

“I’m sorry,” you whisper into Logan’s chest. 

“Nothing to be sorry for, princess,” Logan reassures, his voice gentle and soft. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

You nod against him, but you still feel a sting in your heart. You need to make him know that you meant what you said—need him to know exactly how you feel. You swallow nervously, ready to bite the bullet. 

“Logan,” you breathe. “I-I meant everything I said. It wasn’t just the pollen.” You pull yourself from his chest, looking up at him. “I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted you…” you trail off. “S-still need you now. Nothing’s changed.” 

He smiles down at you, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “I know, darlin’,” he husks. “I wanted you before, and I still do, too.” 

“I know you wanted it to be different. I know it wasn’t—” But he cuts you off, his lips capturing yours, quieting your anxious rambles. “We’ll have other chances. Other times to do it the way I want.” He smirks, running his hands up and down your back. 

Other chances. Other times. More. More. More. “Yeah?” You ask. 

“Yeah, princess.”

tags: @wolviesgirl @dojacatswink @dilf420 @spiderset @pleasantlycrazyworld @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky @y-ns-things

[hanbinics]

!vampire matt thinks you taste divine..

warnings ⟶ 18+ MDNI. suggestive content, surprise attack (matt lures reader into a dark alley), violence (really just matt forcefully drinking from reader.)

a chill creeps up your spine as you walk along wet pavement, the only light coming from flickering lampposts above your head that do nothing to comfort you. you suddenly wish you’d taken your friend’s offer for a ride home, but your fear of being a burden had won out over safety and logic, unfortunately.

you tighten your arms over your chest, the thin fabric of your jacket not doing its job in keeping you warm tonight. all you want to do is crawl into your bed in your cozy apartment, maybe cuddle with your cat if he’s feeling particularly generous, but first you have to make it home safely.

you’re so caught up in your own thoughts that you barely register a peculiar noise not far from you until it suddenly hits you—a cat. at first, you think your mind is just playing tricks on you, that you must miss your own pet so much that the sound of his meows are suddenly echoing somewhere in the depths of your mind. but as you pause on the empty sidewalk, feet shuffling against concrete until you’re completely stopped, you strain your ears to listen for the soft meow again.

as soon as the noise is heard, your gaze snaps towards the place you think it’s coming from, only to freeze in place—it’s in an alley. and not just any alley, but one of those eerily dark, long ones just between two buildings that cast long shadows over the narrow passage. it reminds you of one of those frustrating moments in a scary movie where you’re yelling at the main character not to be an idiot and to keep walking, to go home and crawl into that warm bed you were just thinking about, but for some reason you can’t. maybe it’s because you can’t help but think of your own cat and if he was lost or stranded, hoping some kind stranger would do the right thing and help, or maybe it’s just because you’re an idiot—either way, you find yourself taking a hesitant step towards the opening, the shadows swallowing everything within the menacing alley.

“here, kitty...” you whisper into the darkness, teetering just on the edge of the shadows. you lean down slightly with the hope to see the animal better should it come to the sound of your beckoning, but you can’t help but feel incredibly vulnerable like this, and when the cat doesn’t come forward, anxiety prickles your skin.

your tongue clicks against your teeth as you take a few more hesitant steps into the narrow passage, trying to lure the cat with a new noise, but as darkness envelops you, your pulse quickens, and you have the sudden urge to turn and bolt for the poorly lit sidewalk again.

it’s at this point that you realize the quiet meows you’d been hearing this whole time have stopped. the realization that you’re standing in almost complete darkness dawns on you, a slow panic working its way from your toes all the way up to your throat as you finally make the decision to turn and head for safety, only to stop dead in your tracks at a familiar yet new noise.

“meow.” not a cat.

a human.

you’re frozen in place as your eyes flit around, trying to pinpoint where exactly the sound had come from, but you can’t make out anything substantial. the only thing you can hear is the sound of your shallow breathing, air leaving your mouth in short pants as you try to quell the panic clawing its way up your throat, begging you to scream or run—anything but just stand there.

it's only when you hear movement from somewhere behind you that your brain suddenly begins to work once again, giving the okay for your legs to carry you back to the sidewalk as quickly as possible. you’re just at the edge of the alley, sights set on the promise of some sort of light, when two strong hands suddenly wrap around your hips and pull you right back into the shadows, the darkness once again swallowing you whole. you’re about to scream, but one hand abandons your waist in favor of covering your mouth, and you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a pair of impossibly blue eyes staring back at you.

“where are you going, sweetheart? already giving up on the kitty so soon?” the stranger frowns as he looks at you, but it seems insincere, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he looks you over, drinking in every detail of your visage. you feel stupid for slipping into the alley in the first place, but fear heavily outweighs your disappointment in being so naïve.

you breathe harshly against his hand, chest rising and falling rapidly with the thumping of your heart. matt’s eyes widen the slightest bit like he’s just realized you can’t properly answer him with his palm over your pretty mouth.

“oh, sorry,” he chuckles quietly, hand slipping from your face, “i like to stop the screaming before it actually happens—gets me awfully excited,” he hums, gaze lighting up at the thought of your throat raw and ragged, pained from crying out for help from him.

your frozen with fear as he pins you against the brick wall pressing into your spine, tongue heavy in your mouth. you want to scream, but the look on his face when talking about just that has your stomach heavy with dread, and you fear that the only way out of whatever this is has to be something else—something smarter.

“i...” you trail off, captivated by the brunette’s features. the only light in the alley comes from the moon, but it’s enough to allow you the sight of his pale skin and dark pink mouth, his pretty blue eyes decorated with soft purple rings like he hasn’t slept in days. if he wasn’t currently scaring the shit out of you, you’d find him sort of... attractive.

you swallow thickly, snapping yourself out of a trance you hadn’t even realized you’d fallen into. “i—i have money,” you finally manage to stutter out, a shaky hand beginning to move towards your pocket, but matt is quick to snatch up your wrist and pin it to the wall too. “i’m serious, y-you can have whatever you want. take all of it.” you try to sound sincere and unbothered by the offer—anything to get you out of this fucking nightmare—but your heart sinks into your stomach when he sneers at you.

“money? you think i want your money?” he asks, raising an eyebrow as you look up at him with fear and confusion etched into your face. the sight makes him scoff.

“all you humans are the fucking same, i swear. you worry about nothing that isn’t materialistic, even when your life depends on it.�� his voice is thick with disbelief as he studies your face, shaking his head. “and here i thought you’d be more fun to toy with. an absolute disappointment,” he mutters, expression crumpling like it really is such a shame, but you can hardly focus on that when his words are ringing in your ears—all you humans.

he must sense the slight change in your demeanor, the fearful question lingering on the tip of your tongue, watching as his disgusted expression slowly shifts into something more smug. “why the long face, sweetheart? are you scared?” he coos mockingly, but your breath hitches in your throat when he grins, the soft moonlight gleaming off two sharp incisors protruding from his gums.

“p-please,” you whisper pleadingly, but matt immediately shushes you quietly, shaking his head.

“relax,” he soothes, one hand coming up to cup your jaw, his hand tilting your head upwards slightly while his thumb brushes over the corner of your mouth. “don’t want you to beg, pretty girl.. it gets me excited, and i don’t want to be rough,” he hums, intense gaze focused on the soft skin of your neck as his fingers trail downwards. you’re preparing yourself for him to lunge for the sensitive skin there, especially when the tip of his thumb presses into your pulse point, but you realize with paralyzing fear that his attention has seem to be caught elsewhere.

your eyes follow the downturned gaze of the vampire pinning you to the wall, realizing with a quickening pulse that he’s studying your exposed cleavage with an intensity that sends a shiver down your spine and a sharp pang in your abdomen. the digits that had been exploring the vulnerable skin of your neck now travel even further down until you can feel his fingertips caressing the inviting curve of your chest, leaving goosebumps in their wake. it doesn’t go unnoticed by matt, whose mouth curves into a smug smirk at the sight.

“looks like we’re thinking the same thing, huh? i think here would be a better place to feed from as well,” he insists thoughtfully, his voice distant like he’s already considering the pros and cons of both. your lips part to protest, to beg for your life despite his earlier insistence that it would only excite him, but without warning, the brunette is suddenly leaning down to sink his teeth into the supple skin of your right breast, a strangled cry leaving your mouth at both the pain and surprise.

the pain is quick and sharp, your muscles tensing when he initially breaks the soft barrier of skin, but soon enough your body begins to relax. your limbs feel heavy as if the life is draining right out of you, and you know he’s killing you—you can feel it, every pulse of your blood as he drinks from you with a chilling efficiency. your vision begins to blur, breath growing shallow, and with a hollow feeling, you realize you can’t even fight against him.

that is, until something shifts.

suddenly, matt pulls himself away from your chest, his breathing heavy and his grip on your body softening. through your hazy vision, you can see that his expression has changed, his brow furrowed and confusion dancing behind his icy blues as he looks you over for a moment.

“what are you doing?” he growls down at you, but you’re too weak to answer him, only making a soft noise in the back of your throat when he shakes you once. “answer me.” but when a reply doesn’t leave your mouth, the vampire hisses under his breath, and his face dives back into your chest where he begins to feed from you again—only this time it’s different.

matt drinks from you with a slower, deeper intensity, almost like he’s testing something out this time. this time, the pain of his bite shifts into something warm, a strange, heady sensation leaving you with this oddly light feeling and your heartbeat erratic. with every slow, deliberate pull, his grip softened on your hips, fingertips rubbing slow circles into your exposed skin. you no longer feel exceptionally weak from his feeding, recognizing instead a dull throbbing between your thighs through the thick fog in your brain. you’d felt like the life had been draining from your very being, but now you realize that you’re not only gaining some of that energy back, but the warm haze over your body is almost.. sensual.

suddenly, the vampire is ripping himself from you again, completely abandoning his hold on you. he takes a few quick steps back like he’s just been shocked, leaving you to lean against the cold brick wall for support, the only sound in the dark alley being the mixture of erratic breathing and your heartbeat in your ears. when you look up at him, fear doesn’t strike you the way it should when you realize there’s a bit of your blood pooling at the corner of his mouth, slowly making its way down his chin and to his jawline. instead, something desperate throbs in your cunt, and you find yourself frowning in confusion.

“why’d you stop?” it leaves your mouth before you even truly process it, but matt seems to receive the full blow of your loaded question, his brow furrowed and his gaze riddled with disbelief as he takes in your flustered state, the strong ache he can sense in your entire body. it does nothing for the growing erection in his own pants.

“you have no idea the kind of danger you’re in, do you?” he all but breathes out, but your expression doesn’t shift with fear the way he expects it to, the way it should. instead, you simply look conflicted, like you know you should be running as far away as possible right now, lungs burning and your throat raw from screaming—not pressing your thighs together to relieve the growing ache between them.

matt presses his mouth into a firm line, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he takes another step back, further away from you. “count your lucky stars, little human,” he growls, his voice deep with irritation and something more—desire? lust?

“don’t take this as me sparing you—i simply like to play with my food.”

and then he’s gone, slinking back into the shadows as you fight the desperate, shameful urge to go after him.

©hanbinics

: ̗̀➛ tag list: @blahbel668, @zayluvss, @whicked-hazlatwhore, @leviosatothestars, @adoreechxmpion, @r0s3luvr, @strnilolover.

[ceilidho]

prompt: pretty little witch who lives in a cottage in the forest who sometimes eats wayward travellers but Ghost has some kind of magic repulsion aura that doesn’t allow her to use her powers on him (part 2) (read part 1 here)

-

The masked man staring back at you tilts his head, the skin under his eyes crinkling with a smile that you cannot see. Suddenly eldritch, blood-curdling. 

“Now, what are you?” he asks with a rumbling voice, rough from disuse, and takes a step towards you.

You trip over your feet scrambling back. Branches from a nearby tree scoop towards you, catching you before you tumble down into the soft dirt. He advances quickly on you, big hand finding now the hatchet strapped to his side and pulling it out, the thing dwarfed in his massive paw. 

“Stay back—stay back—” you hiss, the branches listening to your fear and dragging you away from the man. “Leave—I don’t want to do this anymore.”

“Do what?” he asks, taunting. Just a twinge of it, as if he can’t help that he has a predilection to mock.

He catches up to you fast enough, the strides of his long legs enough to eat up the distance. When you whip the branches towards him, they stop mere inches from him, giving him ample time to bat them away. The ones that get close enough meet his hatchet, a single cleave enough to sever them from the tree. You don’t feel the tree’s pain, but where his blade meets your magic—a thin coating along the branches, like extended, ghost limbs of your own—it stings. 

“Stay back!” you shriek, heart pumping away ferociously. Your voice comes out like a caterwaul. He’s too close now though, towering over you, the bitter smell of old sweat and musk. Up close, he does not smell like anything you know. He smells sun bleached, the rust of old blood like the blades in your shed after a long season’s hunt. 

“What sort of girl—” he starts, hand fisting in your hair and wrenching your head back, “—ambushes strange men in forests? Do you have a death wish?”

To have him touch you is singularly terrifying. You haven’t been touched in a hundred years, certainly not by a human. His touch sends you skittering back, but he has you trapped in place. Your shoes dig into the dirt when you try to push yourself away, hands pressed against his chest much to your distress. 

“Men can’t kill me,” you hiss, fingers clawing at the hand holding you in place, scratching at him with the little nails that you never bothered to grow out. 

You can’t see the whole of his face, but his expression is undoubtedly unimpressed. “I could kill you easily, girl.”

“I’m not a girl—I’m a witch.”

“A witch is a girl.”

“I eat girls,” you snap, so angry now that spittle drips from your mouth. You shrink back when he wipes it away with a gloved hand. “I eat men like you too. If you are a man.” 

You say that because the way your magic curls away from him has you on edge. Humans may not scare you, but eldritch, ancient monsters do and they hunt little witches like you. Usually not in your own woods, but stranger things have happened. 

“‘Course I’m a man. Look at me.”

He presses the whole length of his body against yours, dragging you so close to him by your hair that you almost rise up onto your toes. He’s solid all the way through, only a bit of give around his middle. There’s something distinctly hard pressing against your low belly. It leaves you flustered, hot under your collar. An unfamiliar heat in your core, legs clenching on nothing. You give in to the instinctive urge to look down, but pressed so close to him, there’s little to see beyond the wideness of his chest, covered by a brown tunic laced up the front. 

“Means nothing. Plenty of things look like other things. I look like a girl but I am not,” you stutter. 

“Were you trying to eat me then, witch girl?” he breathes, amused. You yelp when he gives you a little shake by the hair. 

You flash your teeth at that, hoping he takes that as a threat. You have chewed off flesh far tougher than his. “Still might, human. If you don’t let me go.” 

He stares down at you, eyes giving nothing away. “It’s not every day that a little girl threatens to eat me. Not very nice, you know. I’ve cut down men twice your size for less.”

“You like bloodshed?”

“I trade in bounties; it’s part of the job. But, yes, girl. I like bloodshed.”

It’s not reassuring to hear that when his hands are fast on you. You wish now you hadn’t dreamed of this strange man immune to your magic and left him to his wandering. There are bears in these woods that could have dealt with him for you. 

“I’m—I’m not going to anymore,” you say, quieter now, hands falling back to his chest, trying to shove yourself just the slightest bit away. You don’t move an inch. “I’ll…I can find something else to eat. Just let me go.”

The man widens his stance, feet bracketing yours. In two hundred years, you haven’t felt small. You’ve felt tremendous, expansive, big as the whole forest; monstrous some days even. The most ferocious predator in the woods, the haunting lurching her way through the trees, belly hungry for iron blood and the ripe taste of fear. 

You feel that fear now in your mouth for the first time, sour.

He smiles behind the mask again. “Maybe later. Need to teach you a lesson.”

“A lesson?” Maybe the fear hasn’t sunk in all the way because you ask that when he lets go of his hold on your hair and drops his hands to your waist, getting a tight hold there. Twisting you around while he walks you back. 

“You all alone in the forest?” he asks instead of answering you. “Is there a house that I missed? Been here for months and haven’t seen one.”

“Of course, I—I live here.” You don’t want to say more than though, lest you reveal too much about yourself. You’re still wondering whether surviving this ordeal will be as simple as getting away. There’s something savage in his gaze now, the mealy taste in your mouth translating that look like the hunted looking upon the hunter. 

There’s a tree stump that he guides you to, shaded under the canopy. When he tips you over the stump, the breath rushes out of you. The edge is rough against your stomach. You don’t even notice him pulling up the back of your dress until a few seconds later. 

“Wait, hold on—that’s my indoor dress!” you cry out, the front of your dress scraping against the stump and sure to tear. “Let me go—stop it!”

Your drawers are next, slid down your hips while you squirm and wail, feet kicking out behind you. 

“Behave.” It’s punctuated by the sudden sting on your cheek, bottom flaming red by his hand. Pain is such a foreign concept to you that it initially leaves you speechless. 

He props you against the stump with little care for how your knees drag in the dirt and whether your underwear gets dirt on them. He keeps you pinned there with a big hand on the centre of your back. Your shimmying gets you nowhere, only planted farther into the dirt; it only scuffs up your knees and pulls wretched little noises from your throat. 

The terror comes when you’re bare to him and he draws his hand back. You gasp at the first smack, shocked; it’s a broken, stupid sound. At the next smack, you react properly, going into a frenzy, twisting left and right to get away, but helpless under just a fraction of his strength. Your magic does no good for once in your long life either. You feel it sit on the periphery, unsure of what to do because it cannot come close to this strange man for some reason. 

You yelp every time his hand comes down on your bottom. Red fills your vision. Tears do as well. 

“I am going to—” you break off on a yowl, back arching, “—I am going to eat the flesh off your bones for this! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!”

His chuckle is bone-chilling, ices you right over. “You oughta at least know the name of the man you’re going to eat. They call me Ghost.”

“I’ll call you—” The caustic name you were about to call him is ripped from your lips by another well-placed smack on your ass. 

You shriek so loud that the birds flee from their perches within the trees.

[andypantsx3]

something in the water | 2 | shouto x reader

pairing: Todoroki Shouto / Fem Reader

length: 5.2k | 2nd of 6 chapters

summary: As a future marine biologist, you’ve scored big on your final internship: a summer in the tropics, researching the waters off the coast of a lush, sunny island. But what you thought would be all beach days and piña coladas turns out to be the revelation of a lifetime when you haul in a handsome merprince, and discover not everything in these waters is quite as it seems.

tags/warnings: mermaid au, interspecies relationships, mating rituals/courting behavior, (sort of) case fic, aged up characters, eventual smut, fem pronouns/afab reader

series masterlist

You stared at the man in the water, your mouth falling open.

The snorkel mouthpiece dropped right out of it, leaving a wet streak down your chin. You quickly tore your goggles back off, convinced the glass was somehow distorting your vision.

The man in the water blinked back at you. His eyes darted over your body quickly, twin flashes of color, as if assessing a threat. You could see his left eye was the vibrant turquoise blue of the surrounding waters, the right a dark stormy gray, like the clouds of a tropical storm. His hair was as evenly-split as his eye color, snowy white on the right and a fiery red on the left, slicked back from his face with ocean water.

And his face. His face.

He was easily the most beautiful man you had ever seen, and you felt the breath punch out of your lungs just looking at him. His mouth was so soft and sensuous, his nose high-bridged and sweet, at complete odds with the strong, masculine sweep of his jawline. A pink scar circled his left eye, somehow intensifying its color.

Every single one of his features were so precise, so symmetrical that a shiver went up your spine, and something about the way they all fit together had all the lights in your brain flickering out, one by one.

And then his perfect, plush mouth moved, shifting suddenly into a vicious snarl. He let out a hiss, the likes of which you’d never heard before, and your vision seized on a set of very sharp canines set into the sides of his mouth. Incredibly, inhumanly sharp canines, that was.

“Holy shit,” you said, your focus snapping away from his mouth as a long-fingered hand came up to grasp the net over him—a hand tinted a deep crimson red, tipped with pointed claws. Your heartbeat kicked into your throat, and your gaze traveled under the water, down a powerful chest and across a long, sinuous, red-and-white flecked thing that was most assuredly not a pair of legs.

And that’s when you realized.

This man was not a man.

“Oh my god, oh my god,” you breathed, stumbling back from the edge of the boat. Your foot caught on the upturned plate, sending you sprawling over the back seat to land hard on your ass.

A snarling hiss sounded over the side of the boat, accompanied by a slapping sound, and another wave of water arced up over the side.

The slap of water to your face helped you return to your senses, and you realized he—or, it—the thing in the water with the human face was caught in your net, and you had no idea what that meant for him. Some species needed to swim to keep oxygen-rich water flowing over their gills.

And just because this guy–er, creature–had a human face and hands didn’t mean that’s where he breathed from. As you thought this, the sounds of his thrashing grew even more panicked.

You grabbed the seat you’d fallen over, hauling yourself upright, and crept to the edge of the boat, receiving another wave of water in the chest for your troubles.

You unhooked one of the emergency oars along the side, shoving it out to draw part of the net back towards you. The creature in the water hissed again, eyes snapping to the movement of your oar, and he seemed to try to retreat from it as far as the netting would allow.

“I’m not gonna hurt you, I’m not gonna hurt you,” you chanted in a squeaky, panicked tone that you were sure did nothing to calm him. “Oh my god please don’t hurt me back. I’m gonna get the net off you,” you promised him.

He thrashed harder, those blood-red claws swiping at the oar as you managed to hook it through one of the holes in the net, and quickly drew it back towards you.

“Oh my god, oh my god,” you moaned as a claw raked a deep gouge into the top of the oar.

You wondered for a wild moment, if you shouldn’t just leave him, run back to the wheel and start the boat as fast as you could. You wanted to be as far away from those claws as possible once this dude had been freed.

But another look at the panic in his eyes as he thrashed about told you you couldn’t. Not if it meant this creature would potentially drown. You carefully reached out a hand, grabbing the net off the end of the oar.

“Okay, I’m just gonna pull this up until it comes untangled,” you said, though it didn’t look like he was hearing you at all. He leveled another snarling hiss in your direction.

A lightning bolt of adrenaline shot through you, numbing your hands, tingling down your spine. “Oh my god come off of it, asshole,” you said, in a wild moment of insane bravery. “I’m just gonna let you out and then I’m gonna drive away and literally never, ever come back here.”

He cast a long look at you, blinking, seeming to calm for a second. Then he made a motion towards you, those claws reaching out again, and you bit off a scream.

“If you try to take my hand off, I will use this oar on you,” you promised him darkly. “I will knock all those sharp teeth right out of your mouth, do not try me.”

The creature paused, blinking again, those heterochromatic eyes flashing up to yours.

You watched him in mutual shock, your hands shaking on the net.

“Uh, okay yeah. Can you understand me? Probably not but, uh, good. Calm,” you said, trying to sound coaxing. “I’m not gonna hurt you, uh, unless you hurt me. Right? Totally no reason for anyone to do any hurting out here.”

The creature’s tail beat, but he made no other movements, even as you raised your hands again, drawing the net upwards so that it started to separate. It tipped him over a little bit, and he spun in the water like a burrito coming unrolled.

You had to stifle something between a horrified sob and a laugh. You kept up a stream of inane commentary in the lowest, calmest tone you could manage, which wasn’t very calm or low at all. “Okay, looking good. Just a little bit more. And we’re definitely not going to attack each other when this is over. I’m just some random biologist and you’re just some random, uh, sea guy…Which is very cool and normal…”

To your surprise, however, he let himself be rolled gently, until finally the net came free, and you quickly hauled it back over the side of the boat. He whipped back around to face you, and you took a startled step back, fumbling for your oar.

“No, do not come over here. Your face is very handsome and I would hate to break every single bone in it,” you said, waving the oar at him threateningly.

He just watched you, floating there in the water, staring weirdly.

You observed him, waiting for any sign of movement, the both of you entered in some strange marine standoff. But he made no further moves, and you thought if you booked it, you might just be able to get out of there without getting your eyes clawed out.

You hurriedly dropped your oar and clambered for the front of the boat, throwing yourself at the throttle and gunning the engine. The motor rumbled to life again, completely deafening, and you quickly steered the boat back the way you’d come from. Water sprayed out behind you, leaving a thick white bubbling trail, under which you lost sight of the man in the water.

He didn’t seem to follow you, however. You hightailed it all the way back to the main port, barely managing the appropriate docking knots with your shaking fingers. You threw yourself back onto the dock and raced ashore, your heartbeat only kicking back down once you’d made it safely onto the main street, where groups of tourists were poking through gift shops, queueing outside the various food and juice vendors, and chattering at the tables outside the open air restaurants.

You stumbled all the way back to the inn, a journey roughly fifteen minutes longer on foot than by jeep. Yu caught you on your way in, coming back from the office with a cup of iced coffee in hand, and she frowned as she looked you over.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, kid,” she said, pulling down her sunglasses. You watched her brow furrow in thought.

“No!” you said quickly, though why you rushed to deny it was beyond you. “No, nothing like that just—one of the nets was shredded and I didn’t think to bring a spare.”

Yu’s frown deepened. “Shredded?”

You nodded. “Yeah like something—uh, or someone—cut through it. It was totally done for.”

Her gaze sharpened over the tops of her lenses. “Someone?”

You swallowed, the memory of heterochromatic eyes and claw-tipped fingers flashing before your eyes. “Um. Yeah maybe. It didn’t look to be um, a shark or anything. It was torn too cleanly in too many places.”

For some reason Yu looked excited. “Like a diving knife? You think it could be Sunfish?”

After glimpsing those wicked claws yourself, you had absolutely no doubt what had been at work on that net. But after a moment’s hesitation you nodded, saying vaguely, “Uh, could be. Maybe.”

Yu hummed to herself, tossing a blonde lock over her shoulder as she gestured you back inside her bungalow. She drew you up your usual chair by the observation equipment, slurping loudly from her iced coffee. “We’ll have to keep an eye on them,” she said, a touch of relish in her voice that you did not like at all. You were learning that Takeyama Yu always enjoyed a good fight.

You gulped, settling down uneasily in the chair. You hoped she did not mean for you to go back to the reef too soon—though if that creature was smart he would have cleared out by now.

But you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything. You watched blankly as she clicked back into her monitoring windows, and nodded on auto-pilot as pointed out a couple things she’d noticed while you were gone. Your mind was elsewhere, back on the reef, replaying the events that had just occurred.

You couldn’t make sense of anything, didn’t know what to think.

All you could say was that you thought you might have, possibly, unbelievably, encountered a real life merman. You didn’t know what to make of that.

—

The next few days did not clear things up.

In fact, they seemed to make everything worse.

You went through your daily tasks, monitoring observation stations, maintaining equipment and carting things back and forth between all the professionals on your team. Yu loaned you out to Kamui for testing and you spent an afternoon hunched over a microscope, comparing slides of microbes, endlessly piping and staining. You prepped batches of slides to be mailed back to the main lab for more extensive testing, and learned more about water acidity than you ever had in any of your university lectures.

But over all of this activity loomed the shadow of the thing you’d seen in the water. Every time you took the boat out to rebait a station or resample the water, you couldn’t help but look over your shoulder. Even worse than the reef shark, you thought every shadow was the merman in waiting, every slash of red the merman’s clawed hands reaching towards you, every movement in the corner of your eye the last thing you might ever see. You eventually made it back to the reef and deployed a new net, and you thought your heart was going to punch straight through your chest, it was pounding so hard.

You never caught sight of the man in the water again, but somehow, some way, you felt like you were still being watched.

Although maybe that was just paranoia.

Almost worse than your daily heart attacks though, was the data you were gathering. The results of Kamui’s testing and Yu’s observations weren’t lining up with the initial reports that had prompted your presence in the first place. A sample sent with the report had showed incredibly high levels of chemical pollution, and though you were finding some thinning of expected populations and slight microbial unhealthiness, none of it was lining up with the expected levels given in the whistleblower report.

The report had been anonymous, so there was no telling where the sample had come from.

But you couldn’t help but wonder if somehow you were monitoring the wrong places.

Remembering Izuku’s friendly chatter from the day you arrived, you eventually dug out your phone again, clicking into the address for Kacchan that Izuku had provided. You wondered if, as a local gatherer, he might have a better read on where things were, and where you were going wrong.

A quick follow up conversation with Izuku in the main office revealed that Kacchan’s real name was Bakugou Katsuki, and that he had the day off today, to Izuku’s knowledge. Armed with that information, you followed directions back out of the dirt drive onto the main lane, following it for a few hundred feet until it pulled off again into another dirt path. You made your way down it through the thick tropical growth, until it spat you out into another cleared drive on which a jeep was parked.

There was a small, whitewashed house behind it, almost right up against the sand of the beach. A row boat was pulled up onto the sand, and further out into the water you could see a motorboat anchored. It had been painted a dark grey, at odds with the tropical surroundings, and you could just make out vibrant orange lettering spelling out the boat’s name—the Fuyumi.

You could see a man on the beach, padding across the sand to the rowboat, several waterproof bags and boxes in hand. He was blonde and just as well-muscled as Izuku had been, his skin littered with the same workman’s scars.

“Um, hello!” you called. The man whipped around, a red-eyed glare meeting your curious gaze.

“Who the fuck are you?” he demanded, his voice a low growl.

You blinked, slightly unnerved by this greeting. “I’m, um, Y/N. I’m a marine biologist.” The man’s glare didn’t waver. “Um, well, intern.”

“And?” he asked in the most impatient tones you’d ever heard.

You tried to push down a sudden annoyance. You needed details from this man. It wouldn’t do to flip on him straight away.

“Izuku said you work as a chef at the resort. He says you collect a lot of local ingredients?”

Bakugou scowled. “What of it.”

It wasn’t phrased as a question, but you answered anyway. “I’m with a team who’s looking into the possibilities of over-fishing and wastewater pollution in local waters. I was just curious where you collect plants, where you fish, and if you’ve noticed any particular changes over the past couple of months?”

For a brief second, you thought the harsh line of Bakugou’s mouth softened, and he blinked. But moments more and it was gone, replaced by a distrustful look. “Sunfish’re scum but I don’t have any info. All my plants and shit are fine. Fish too, if maybe thinned a little.”

You quickly drew out your phone again, clicking into the notes app. “You’ve noticed a population decline then? For any particular species?”

Bakugou let down his waterproof containers to cross those intimidating arms over his chest. “I fish for barramundi.”

You quickly noted that down. “Can you describe what you’ve noticed in terms of decline?”

Bakugou scowled again. “The fuck is there to describe? They’re harder to catch because there are less of them.”

You suppressed an eyeroll. “Okay. Anything else you can tell me?”

Bakugou’s mouth thinned. “No.”

You sighed, then tucked your phone away in your pocket again. “Alright. Last thing. Just—is there a particular spot you usually fish for them?”

Bakugou looked like the last thing he wanted to do was tell you, but he finally pronounced, “By the reef on the north side.”

Your skin prickled with the memory of the creature you’d encountered at the reef. You wondered, wildly, if that creature—that merman—had anything to do with the fish populations thinning. Maybe he was an invasive species—an over-hunter. Maybe it was nothing to do with Sunfish LLC at all…

That would explain why you were finding less significant microbial change than you had expected, even if the native species’ populations were declining.

You nodded in understanding. “Okay. Thanks for the details.”

Bakugou said nothing, seeming to wait for you to leave.

You cast another eye out over the beach, to the rowboat he’d been heading towards and back out to the motorboat anchored offshore. Even from this distance you could tell it was a much nicer model than the ones your team had rented out, and judging by the meticulous, clearly-custom paint job, it was well loved. Your gaze wandered over the vibrant orange script again.

“Who is Fuyumi?” you wondered.

Suddenly every fiber in Bakugou’s body went stiff—even more impossibly angry than before. “Get the fuck off of my property right the fuck now,” he said.

Your eyes darted back to his. His crimson gaze was somehow intensified even more, and you got the sense that if you did not find your own way out, he’d very well show you the hard way.

You gulped. “Right. Okay. Thanks for your time. I’ll, um, just be going.”

Bakugou grunted, his arms crossing tighter over his chest.

You turned on your heel, edging into a quick trot back up the dirt drive. Bakugou watched you the entire way, and you met his crimson glare as you looked over your shoulder just before you made it back into the dense tropical foliage. You followed the path back out onto the main road, ruminating on your encounter.

For the little help that he’d provided, you got the distinct sense that there was something Bakugou hadn’t told you, something he was deliberately withholding from you. But there was no telling what that might be, and there was no way you were going to be able to pry it out of a guy like that.

You sighed as you followed the driveway back to the inn, waving at Izuku at the front desk as you passed, and made your way back into Yu’s bungalow to report what you’d gotten out of Bakugou. She decided you’d take a trip back out to the reef tomorrow to have a more careful look around—a directive that sent a swarm of shivers down your spine. You really, really hoped that merman had moved on by now.

You spent the rest of the day re-reviewing old footage with particular focus on barramundi, trying to annotate where in the footage you’d seen some and how many members were in their school.

When work finally wrapped up you trekked back to the port to have dinner and drinks with the entire crew, catching the team up on the interview you’d had with Bakugou, and listening to their updates in turn. Kamui had apparently had no further luck in testing, Masaki had nothing conclusive in terms of counting yet, and Death Arms was still locked in some sort of political stalemate with Sunfish LLC over when you’d be able to get onto the premises to inspect the property itself.

Dinner wasn’t a total wash though. You managed a pina colada, pleased at the stereotypical tropicality of the choice, and spent most of the evening entertained, watching Kamui defend his plate from Yu’s wandering utensils and listening to Masaki recount previous field operations he’d taken part in. Before the internship, you’d sort of assumed you’d always work out of a lab, but you were growing enamored with the idea of field work, especially when it might take you to another place like Yuuei.

The team went their separate ways after dinner, retreating to your individual bungalows. The sun was still setting by the time you made it back inside, though—and still fuzzy with good food and your pina colada, you thought it was high time you spent some time on the beach, especially with a view like this one.

You made your way down onto the sand and plopped down at the edge of the water to watch the evening deepen. The beach’s view was mostly southern, but the color of the setting sun spilled generously across the horizon like watercolor, and you still appreciated the effect on the slice of sky you could see. The water was darker, a deep indigo in the oncoming twilight, and the waves lapped gently at the shore. It was so unbelievably beautiful, and you thought again that field work might be your calling.

You made a note to ask Masaki how he’d gotten into his line of work, and options for you to do the same.

You were absently tracing out a note to that effect in the soft sand when the sound of splashing roused you from your trance. You just managed to jerk your head up in time as something warm and wet closed around your ankle.

Before you could even scream, you were being dragged into the shallows. The water closed above your head, filling your mouth, gargling your panicked shout.

You struggled for a moment, kicking out, splashing water everywhere. Your eyes had closed instinctively, so you didn’t see whoever grabbed you, but suddenly you were being righted, your face guided back above the surface by a strong hand. The grip of another stayed clamped, vicelike, around your left ankle.

You spluttered and coughed, blinking your eyes open against the seawater. The water stung your eyes and at the back of your throat, and then the inside of your nose as you inhaled sharply at the sight of the handsome face peering back at you.

It was the merman from the reef.

He was poised over you, his handsome face only inches away from yours, his mouth a serious slash. Little droplets of water beaded on his skin and collected on the tips of his long lashes. You could see the careful tension in the line of one well-muscled arm, feel it in the clawed fingers that were still clamped around your chin, keeping your head above water.

You let out a weird gurgling noise, freezing in his hold.

“Holy shit don’t kill me,” you said.

Those heterochromatic eyes blinked, then traced over your features slowly, consideringly.

“I swear I did not say a thing about you,” you babbled, horrified. “Literally nothing. I was so quiet, like nuclear launch code levels of tight lipped, okay? I was so mum about everything so there’s no reason to get revenge, right?”

The man’s eyes dipped to your mouth as you spoke, as if mystified by your human babble. You instantly quieted, not wanting to irritate him further.

And then he opened his mouth. And out came an unnervingly human set of words.

“You let me go.”

He spoke in a low tone, smooth and soft, like the quiet rumble of waves at a distance. But there was something behind it too, something you felt like you could feel behind your teeth, a bioelectric hum somewhere in the depths of your brain. A shiver went down your spine.

Your mouth fell open against his claws. “You can talk?”

You watched his mouth shift minutely, pursing, like he was annoyed with the way you’d phrased this.

“As can you,” he said blandly.

Well of course you could talk! You were a person using person words!!! But he was—he was—

“But you’re a….sea….dude.”

His mouth quirked on one side, just barely perceptible. “A merman is the term, as far as I am aware.”

You didn’t dare ask how he was aware of anything people called him. But it certainly implied that you were not the first human this guy had come across.

But if other humans had come across this merman before, you didn’t doubt you would have heard about it by now. The existence of merpeople was not exactly a topic to keep quiet on. Which meant—which meant—

“Are you about to kill me?” you asked fearfully, becoming all-to-aware again of the prick of claws at your chin and ankle. Claws that had shredded the net at the reef like it was nothing, that had gouged deep welts in the oar you’d used to free him.

The merman looked perturbed. “Not if you answer my questions.”

You gulped. “Okay yes—yes I am an open book! Whatever you want to ask me, I will tell you! I am so open, you will not believe how open—”

A claw against your mouth silenced you, and that little shiver went up your spine again. Your eyes darted back up to the merman’s. Up close, you could see that he had a scar around his left eye, the skin a deep, dusky pink. It made the electric blue of his iris stand out that much more.

“Why did you let me go?” he asked, a white eyebrow raising.

You opened your mouth carefully, and he removed his fingers. “Is there…a reason I wouldn’t let you go?”

Those heterochromatic eyes narrowed on you. “Humans are dangerous.”

You couldn’t help the way your eyes trailed down to his claws again, then flicked back up to those sharp canines. You didn’t think you were the dangerous one in this scenario. Plus, you were a good person. What the hell were you supposed to do with a captured merman? Put him in a zoo?

“Yeah that’s why I grabbed you and pulled you out into the shallows,” you said, slightly offended by the implication.

Both his eyebrows went up, and he leaned a little further into you. You splashed backwards, as far as his grip on you would allow, which wasn’t much.

“You threw a net on me,” he said, his tone accusatory.

“Not on purpose,” you said. “I didn’t even know you were there. I was doing my job.”

“Which is?” he prompted.

“I’m a marine biologist. Uh, intern. We’re monitoring Yuuei coastal waters for adverse effects from, um, a cannery.”

“Sunfish,” he said.

You blinked, surprised. “Oh, you know it?”

A frown marred that perfect mouth. “Yes. They are not to be trusted.” As he said it, there was a scraping feeling behind your teeth, attached to that weird bioelectric tingle that his every word left curling in your brain. You could quite literally sense his dislike.

A strange feeling crept over you, and you remembered Bakugou implying something similar not hours ago. What exactly was it that everyone seemed to know except you? And how would a merman of all people know?

“Then, they are doing something bad out here?” you asked, curious.

“Their nets are dangerous for my kind, and they are growing ever more present,” the merman’s eyes flickered up and down your face again, like you might be at fault for the proliferation of nets instead.

“Hey, we’re just testing different environments,” you held your hands up. “We’re catching and releasing, we just want to take a look at a couple different species, count them, and see how they’re doing. We’ll be gone in just a few weeks.”

The merman looked you over for a long moment, as if assessing the veracity of this claim. His gaze slowly trailed down your body and you fought down a strange wave of embarrassment. His fingers flexed on your ankle, those claws rasping sweetly, dangerously over the thin skin there, and he pulled your leg out a little bit, like he was inspecting it.

“How strange,” he murmured, his tone going soft with the subject change.

You didn’t know what to think, just stared at him as his gaze roved over the bare skin of your leg in your sea-soaked shorts.

“I thought you–uh, have met people before,” you said, face flushing. “It’s just–that’s just my leg.”

Those heterochromatic eyes cut back to yours, startlingly intent. “I have. But Katsuki would sooner kick me than let me look closely, and Izuku finds it uncomfortable. And yours are…..more interesting…”

Well of course Izuku would find it uncomfortable! The swell of your embarrassment about your leg being more interesting momentarily choked off all thought—but then it hit you what this merman had just said.

“Katsuki like Bakugou Katsuki?” you demanded. “And Izuku like Midoriya Izuku?”

The merman hummed, staring at your leg again like he was uninterested in this conversation. “Yes. You’ve met them. I can smell them on you.”

You jerked back, startled by this assertion. He could smell that you’d been near them? What the fuck. You were floored. And had this been what Bakugou might have been hiding when he’d all but chased you off his property?

“But you—how can you—? Just who the hell are you?” you demanded, as the merman petted a careful finger across the hollow behind your ankle bone.

You shivered as he looked back at you, a little amused indent at the corner of his mouth.

“I am called Todoroki Shouto.”

He stared at you expectantly, as though he expected some reply, and you quickly scraped together your manners, though you never imagined you’d need to use them on a merman.

“I’m Y/N,” you offered, carefully reaching out a hand to shake, wondering if Shouto was as familiar with human customs as he was with words.

He accepted your hand carefully in his own clap-tipped fingers, eyes glittering. “So you are not here hunting my kind,” he said, sounding more like he was coming to a conclusion than asking a question.

You nodded hurriedly, aware of how small and fragile your own hand felt in his much larger one. “I didn’t even know you existed until I accidentally netted you. And we’re trying to stabilize this environment, not kill things in it,” you told him. “With any luck we’ll be getting rid of Sunfish and you won’t have to worry about them anymore either.”

Shouto’s claws pricked gently over your wrist as he released you, and he leaned in again, his handsome face serious. “Then we will be friends,” he said, with all the sober certainty of a child declaring the kid they’d just met five seconds ago was their new bestie.

With Shouto’s hard form looming close and his taloned fingers still clutched around one of your legs, you rather thought there was little room for disagreement. But you were fascinated by him nevertheless, and thought you might not have wanted to deny him anyway. Here would be the opportunity to observe and interact with a merman, something no outsider to these waters might ever get to do again.

You nodded, and a small smile tugged at the corner of Shouto’s mouth, clearly pleased. His fingers tightened where they still gripped your ankle, and your stomach fluttered with nerves.

And that’s when you knew there was so much more to these waters than you’d initially understood—and things were about to get even weirder.

[gallusrostromegalus]

AEIWAM - Some details about whats going on with Komamura. IIRC canon said he was a werewolf, are you doing anything with him?

Me: What IS Komamura's backstory? Me: *reads backstory and eventual canon fate of Komamura* Me: Hm. Me: That's thematically weird and depressing. Me: I'll just ignore that :)

---

So in An Elephant Is Warm And Mushy, there's ALL KINDS of animal-people and supernatural creatures of varying degrees of anthropomorphic states in the Soul Society! Wolf people! Yokai! Centaurs But Bad! Snake people (sneople)! Mothmen! Whatever the fuck The Philosopher Wax is! Hell, Zaraki Kenpachi was raised by eagles! More nonhuman persons than you can shake a stick at!

They just stay away from the humans because The Humans are TERRIBLE.

...Not as terrible as my immediate family though, The Young Wolf is willing to gamble. he has to leave his home suddenly, in the middle of the night, frightened and injured. Family feuds are bad enough, but a drought year for a large group of apex carnivores and great-grandmother dying and creating a power vacuum? I'm lucky I got out alive! He reasons, tightening the bandages and wincing.

It doesn't look so bad. he lies to himself, looking at his reflection in the where he had finally collapsed from exhaustion and blood loss the previous night and somehow woke up alive this morning. Great-Grandfather did me a favor, trying to bite me in half like that- a tail would just make it even harder to blend in with the humans!

...Clothes would help more though. He sighs.

One man's trash is another's treasure, and that has never been more true than in the case of wolves that want to live with humans. The Young Wolf nearly weeps with joy when he finds the dump- barely-rotted animal carcasses to eat! broken wood for a fire! and clothes! Big enough to fit him! Alright that's definitely a bloodstain with a big, sort of sword-slash-shaped hole in the middle, but nothing a dunk in the river won't solve!

...Or not. Well, at least being covered in mud is less suspicious than being covered in blood? How does this thing even go on anyway? The garment is so confusing, he almost doesn't hear the humans who came to dump something until they are nearly upon him, and realizing they'll panic if they see his face, he grabs a broken basket and jams it over his head.

"Hey!" one of the humans calls out, seeing the movement. "What're you?" An old man peers around the pile at him, curious.

The Young Wolf sputters- he's heard tales of humans before, but this is the first human he's ever actually seen- The stories tell of their strange dark eyes and flattened faces how their fur is so fine they're nearly bald all over, and this man fits the description perfectly. An old woman- he guesses this one is a Woman, because what little fur she has is longer- she appears behind him, equally curious, then smacks the man under the ear.

"You dummy!" She snaps. "That's a monk!"

"Big damn monk!" The man laughs- indeed, even though he's one of the smallest of his people and not even grown, The Young Wolf towers over him- but still, he extends his open hand. Like the stories say, his claws are blunt and pale and the pads of his paws are soft. "What's yer name, venerable?"

"He can't answer that, he's a monk!" the woman snaps, exasperated. "They got- whatchyamacallit- Vows of Silence!"

"Oh, right!" the old man laughs. "Well, wouldn't matter if you could talk anyhow- my Old Lady's deaf as a post and I'm dumb as a rock! Come on, this is no place for a holy man!" he waved.

"Our home is up this way- it isn't much, but it's better than sleeping in Garbage! You stay with us and I'll fix that ratty old robe right up!" She said, grabbing him by the hand-

-

Ba-San looks down at his hand- it feels strange in hers, but it's not the fine gray fur covering his fingers or the rough pads on his palm or the dark nails that taper to claws.

It's that the hand is bleeding, scraped and cut and one of his nails missing like it had been torn off in a fight.

Ba-San is so old that everyone has forgotten her name and they just call her Ba-San, even her husband (who is so old that everyone has forgotten his name and calls him Jii-san, even his wife), and she didn't get this ancient by being an idiot. She glances up at the broken basket she knows got thrown in here by her neighbor not a week ago and sees the large golden eyes inside, staring down at her.

She's also old enough to know what a frightened child looks like, no matter how tall or what species he is.

She makes a show of squinting at his hand. "Why, your nails are FILTHY! You can wash up at the well out back too." She pats his hand.

"Of course! That's right!" Jii-san laughs. "Like I said- I got gravel for brains! He can sleep in Sajin's bed- Sajin is our Boy, but he's long since left home. It'll be good to have a young person around again!" he says, taking the boy's other hand.

He follows, stumbling awkwardly in the badly-tied robe and like he's been injured, but if he leaves paw-prints behind him, they don't remark upon it. - After about a month, the boy has something to confess. And something to ask.

Ba-San and Jii-San have been kind to him- they let him into their home and fed him and Ba-San didn't fix his robe so much as make an entirely new one "appropriate for a Monk", and Jii-san found a pair of old work gloves for him "so you can do your Good Works without losing another nail". Ba-San always gives him her soup-bones "I don't have the teeth to chew them anymore" and Jii-san always moves over so they can both sleep in the sun-patch that appears in the middle of their home every afternoon.

He's tried to repay them how he can- he's tall enough to fix the holes in the roof of their one-room shack standing flat-footed on the floor, and he carries water from the well every day to wash the stone steps outside and re-painted the red gate out front and every morning he makes them breakfast to wake them up and every night he rubs their tired necks and shoulders.

"Mmm-rr." he tries at breakfast, and they both look up, but it's hard enough practicing human words in the woods behind the shack to the birds, let alone now, at the table with the two people he cares most about in the world.

"You say something, Venerable?" Jii-san asks. "Don't worry- I won't tattle to the abbot on you-" he teases.

"Shush!" Ba-san barks at him. "What is it?"

He sighs, and tries again, focusing on the sounds. "mMnoddamunk."

The two elders stare blankly at him.

"Ahm nodda munk." he tries again, enunciating better. "Ahm nodda yumn eethrr."

The two look at each other, then turn back to him and place a hand on each of his.

"...Sorta figur'd the first when you didn't recognize the shrine." Nods Jii-san. "-But that's alright. You take good care of us."

"...Sort of figured the second when I saw your hand on the day we met." Nods Ba-San. "-But that's alright. You're a good person, which is a very different thing than being a Good Human."

The Boy stares at them, stunned, then cringes, embarrassed. Of course! They're old, not stupid. "Aiyee- r-r-r MN! Aiyee LLied." he apologizes, stumbling over the difficult consonant in the middle, determined to conquer it.

"I didn't hear any lies, did you, Jii-san?" asks Ba-san.

"I didn't hear nothin' and my ears even work!" he grins, ears perking up.

The Boy sighs, still exasperated with their antics but mostly relieved.

...Then something Jii-san said caught up with him, and he frowns.

"Aiyee- Aye haffa..." Another tricky consonant. "Aye needa assk ssmmng." he changed tracks. L was enough of a battle for one day, Q and his frustrating wife U could wait.

"Whadday wanna know, Venerable?" Jii-san asked, and Ba-san frowned, turning her ear out behind their home, already suspecting his questions.

He held up two fingers and they nodded, waiting. He'd gotten very good at numbers and pointing already, and until today, that had carried the conversation. "sssHrrine?" he asked.

Jii-san frowned. "...what's your second question?"

"th-Therre'ss ah- Grrrave?" he pointed out behind the shrine, to where a stone stood, with what he now recognized as marks signifying a name carved into it. "wHo?"

Ba-San and Jii-san looked at each other, distraught for some time before Ba-San finally turned back to him, both hands on his.

"...Venerable," She finally spoke. "You had to run away from home in a hurry, didn't you?"

The boy nods.

"-And Jii-san and I were the first people you met that weren't you family, right?" She continues.

He nods again. She purses her lips, agitated.

"Jii-San." She finally speaks. "I think we ought to show him Sajin."

Jii-san sighs and nods, agreeing with her, and stands up. At the back of the house, there is a little cabinet with two boxes they never open, and something covered by a black cloth. Jii-san opens the cabinet and takes out the thing covered by the black cloth, pulling the cloth aside and bringing the thing to the table. It's a flat rectangle, and on it is a drawing of a very strange creature.

It's face is almost perfectly circular, and it's body covered in clothes, like how Humans dress, including a funny hat. What the boy can see of the creature is perfectly smooth and hairless and the same color as not-quite-ripe peaches. It has a long mane of straight dark gray hair growing from the top of its head, and a beard a bit like a billy-goat's

"This is Sajin," Says Jii-san, voice wavering a bit. "He wasn't our son- you can tell, we're not related by blood- but he was Our Boy. He took care of us, like you do now."

"He was Our Boy." nods Ba-San, on the verge of tears. "Then he was Our Man. And then he was Our Old Man, and then-" She stopped, and began to cry in earnest. "-And then he left home, and we buried his body out behind the shrine, and marked his grave, as Humans do."

The boy continued to stare at Sajin's portrait. "...Sajin." he whispered, and the name didn't fight him at all. "...Ihff- if Sajin iss Yumann-?" he looked up at his friends. "Whattrrre You?"

Ba-San beckons him and Jii-san back to the cabinet, and puts her hand on one of The Boxes They Never Open. Jii-San puts his hand on the other, and together, the open the lids just a tiny bit for The Boy to see inside.

He gasps and steps back in horror- the things in the boxes are very much like the skulls he's seen of his people before, but the noses are all smooshed like they didn't grow right, and the eyes are too large and- -And they're just the right size each to belong to Ba-San and Jii-San.

"We are Koma, Guardian Dogs, and this is our shrine." Says Jii-san, closing the lid on his box as Ba-san closed hers, and placing the drawing of Sajin back on the shelf above them. "We wear clothes and speak like humans because we once took Names, a very long time ago, and thus we are People and we act like People." He explained.

"Nnames?" the boy asks.

"A Name is... a sort of contract, that the humans made up." Says Ba-San, locking the cabinet back up. "Humans can live together in such huge packs and crowded cities because they have Rules- you're not allowed to kill other people except in self-defense. You're not allowed to take food someone else caught. Nobody is allowed to kill a child for any reason, things like that. If you take a Name, it's like saying- 'I am this Person! And I agree to abide by the rules of being a person!', and you have to follow the rules, but everyone else has to follow the rules for you too, because you have a Name. So Humans can live very close to each other, because they all have an understanding that nobody is going to violate those rules."

"It's not just humans that can take names- long ago, some wolves decided to take names, and those wolves became Dogs, that live with humans. They were our ancestors, and like our ancestors, we took Names, and we obeyed the rules, and for that, we were fed and allowed to sleep inside and given soup-bones and let to sleep in the sun-patch, but most of all, we were Loved." Said Jii-san.

"-And just the same, we Loved Sajin. He was Our Boy. And We were His Dogs." Said Ba-san, bursting into tears again. Jii-san held her, tears running down his face as well.

Ba-san cried into Jii-san's shoulder for a long time, and The Boy Who Was A Wolf That Wanted To Live Among The Humans sat in silence, thinking.

"...Cour-could Aye- take a nName?" He asks, slowly.

"You'd have to take two, and learn all the rules-" Nodded Jii-san. "But yes. Anyone who can talk can take a name. And you've been talking my tail off!" he wagged.

"Two?" the boy asked. He didn't need to use his fingers this time.

"Humans have two names- one is the name of that specific human, and one is the name of their family or the place they came from or what they did, as a sort of... Introduction. Humans are very big on introducing themselves and all their friends- though I suppose it makes sense, what with them having names to introduce themselves with."

"You can be a Komamura!" Jii-san said, wagging excitedly. "Ba-san and Jii-san are Koma, and we are your Ba-San and Jii-San, so you must be part of our family, so that makes you Mura, a relative- so you're a Koma-mura!" he nodded.

"Humans also give their children names of revered ancestors, to honor the ancestor, and protect the child." Added Ba-san. "You do Sajin's chores, you sleep in Sajin's bed, you take care of Sajin's Dogs... You must be Sajin!"

"That's your name, if you want it- Komamura Sajin!" Said Jii-san. The Boy stared at them for a long time, completely still, until they realized that, for the first time since they'd known him, the scarred nub on his backside was wagging too.

"Thank you." Said Sajin, tears streaming down his face too. --

Many months later, a Monk* leaves the little shrine to Ba-san and Jii-san at the edge of the dump. He leaves his home in no particular rush- if anything, he's lingering- in the middle of a bright morning, hale and with joy in his heart. He waves to his Ba-san and Jii-san as he heads down the road, promising to come back and visit.

"Look at that." says Ba-San. "Our Boy is leaving home again."

"I know," Says Jii-san. "-but this time it'll be alright."

--

[r0-boat]

Harpy!Larry anon again! I was so happy with the last ask I almost cried 🥹🥹🥹 You have no idea how many times Ive tried..!!!

Can I request a short drabble about Harpy!Larry protecting his s/o? Maybe his partner was out collecting berries where they suddenly get attacked or something, and bird man is NOT having it

👀

*heavy breathing*

The way I have the scene photographed in my mind.

Don't Touch Wife!

Cw: gendered nickname (Larry does not understand the concept of gendered nicknames he calls you wife because he thinks he is married to you him being the groom) But the reader is gender-neutral.

You wake up to an empty nest again—your 'husband,' probably off-gathering breakfast. Without your husband's warm, soft, feathery body, you are called alone. You try to snuggle in the blankets, protecting yourself from the chili morning air as it has yet to break the horizon, but it's not the same.

Your 'husband' will leave the nest for hours at a time leaving you nothing to do Sometimes bring back food sometimes not.

You sigh, laying your head back on the mass of blankets, pillows, and straws. You only lay there for 10 minutes before feeling restless. You can't do this. Before you became his 'stay-at-home wife,' You were a working adult working tirelessly as much as you loved not being able to work anymore; you have to admit being in the nest with nothing to do was driving you crazy.

You looked outside the cave opening and at the mountainous valley just below it. Surrounded by mountains, the ground is covered with dense trees.

A sense of curiosity flows through you... 'I would only be gone for a few minutes.' You thought to yourself. As you climbed down the rocky wall, you thanked Larry for choosing a nesting spot close to the ground. Losing your foot, and you still fell onto your ass.

It hurt. But it would have been much worse if you lived somewhere much higher.

The soft green grass on your bare feet, you wandered aimlessly till your eyes laid upon a splash of color in the endless green—a patch of beautiful flowers, all sorts of vibrant colors. Your eyes lit up at the thought of surprising your husband or perhaps decorating the nest the two of you share; whatever it was, you were gathering them, humming a tune to yourself with a smile on your face as you gathered a handful of these beautiful wildflowers.

That's when you felt a chill run through you. As if you are being watched. You look around in the dense woodlands.

Nothing but the shadows peering back.

Your heart pounding as you convince yourself it's just your anxiety before going back to picking. Until.

Snap.

You snap your head to the sound of foliage being trampled. That's when you see it peering into the golden eyes of a mountain lion. Peering into you, its body is low to the ground. Your eyes widen before you can react at lunges.

Everything was so quick as you felt yourself being buried into feathers. When you opened your eyes, you saw familiar black.

Larry! Your husband! His claws dug into the big cat. The mountain lion gets off of him, realizing you are not alone. It backs away, still keeping its eyes on your husband. Larry spreads his wings, blocking you from view. A sharp bird-like sound comes from his throat, a sound you definitely never heard of before. The mountain lion realizing that Larry was not worth the trouble runs away. Larry closes his wings as you realized the predator was gone. Before you could say anything Larry wraps his arms around you holding you close in case you want a tight hug his arms squeezing around you his face buried into your shoulder.

His voice was muffled against your skin, but you could still hear him. "I checked this morning, and you were gone; I thought as though you left me."

Your heart broke at your words, wrapping your arms around him. In return, your fingers grazed through his black hair.

"no no. I was coming right back."

There was a moment of silence before you felt your world spin and your back hitting all the flowers you were picking before. Larry pins you to the ground, and the petals go everywhere.

"You shouldn't have left. You were almost killed; I almost lost you."His eyebrows furrowed, and his teeth clenched, another side of him you've never seen. "Uses wings and clothes around the both of you. You could feel the world growing dim as you tried to defend yourself. "Larry, you leave for hours at a time. I have nothing to do at home."

He's silent, with a bit of light escaping through his feathers, and you can feel his hand caress your cheek. You can still see how his dark eyes scrape over every part of your face and body. He stays silent for a few agonizing minutes before lifting his wings.

"All right, my apologies. I did not realize you'd waited so long for my return. I will have to bring you with me."

Your eyes widen. "Wait- Larry that's not what I-"

Too late. He holds you in his arms, carrying you as his wings begin to lift you and himself off the ground, bringing you back home.

Oh well. Changing your husband's mind once he made it up was no use.

[weskipooo]

GHOSTFACE X NON READER

TW gore, harsh language, suggested content

This is my first post i really hope you like it, my best friend grammer checked me and helped me go check out their work they are amazing! @shotoyami

I ran as fast as my feet could carry me- my mouth dry, my legs sore; everyone was dead on hook beside me- and Ghostface is actively hot on my tail in a desperate pursuit. I wipe the blood off my lips, from his previous stab, as I run. My back aches in pain, but not too much because of the adrenaline. “Please, I’m almost there!” I mumble to myself in desperation, slamming a pallet between myself and the bloody killer, stunning him good. “Fucking bitch,” he cursed through his teeth, leaving me feeling prideful. 

I ran and jumped through the hatch, a great, big smile on my face. My team pats my back, giving me praises, though I winced, my back still in pain from the stab wound. Sable noticed my wound, helping me sit down on a fallen log near our camp, “Here, let me patch you up.” I gave Sable a weak smile, relaxing around the familiar presence, sort of laughing for some form of easing my mental stress, “Thank you, I took a rough hit out there today.” She laughed and lifted my shirt while grabbing a medkit. “I’m glad you’re alright. It was tough today, and Ghostface wasn’t too happy about losing you.” I raised a brow, glancing up at the night sky. “What? …why would he be angry?” She gave a soft, pensive sigh, rubbing alcohol on my wound. The action causing me to both wince and let out a huff. “Sorry,” she mutters, though I quickly reassure her. “It’s alright- why so upset?” She focused on my back while speaking, “No one knows. All we witnessed is him storming out of the challenge cursing and throwing things all while saying your name.” A shiver ran up my spine, though that was most likely due to Sable beginning to stitch up my back. “You might want to steer clear of him,” she warns with a worried face. The thoughtfulness makes me smile a bit. “Thank you, Sable. I appreciate the concern.” 

I slowly pull my shirt back over the rest of my body, so as not to hurt or put pressure on my back. I then walk further into the woods, where my tent resides, with a tinier campfire and a change of clothes and food to the side. I sigh out of relief, changing my blood-stained shirt and pants; the cold wind brushing against my skin makes me shiver. Once I was done, I rubbed my hands above the fire- huffing hot air into my hands. A sudden snap catches my attention, causing me to avert my eyes, scanning over every single tree, bush, and even to the sky, but… nothing. I calmed my breathing, mentally reassuring myself that it was simply the wind, which would be a reasonable thing to expect. 

However, before I could scream, my body is suddenly slammed against a tree near my camp, causing me to cry out in agonizing pain- feeling my stitches open up again. A hand comes to my throat, squeezing and cutting my airflow short. There’s a dark laugh that cuts through the air, “I got you now…I’ve been looking everywhere for you after your little getaway. What’s wrong, hm?” My face goes pale as a ghost- my brain racks as I try to grasp if he’s angry or enjoying this sick situation. “Fuck you” I rasped out, gasping and clawing at his hand. He quickly moved me back and forth, slamming me against the tree again- which earns him another agonizing scream. “Looks like my stab did a number on you…aww, poor thing. You gonna cry?” I felt like I was being humiliated, even with no one around. My eyes started to tear up, though all it seemed to do was rile him up more, “Don’t look so sad, I wouldn’t dare lay another hand on you…at least, not in a way you wouldn’t like.” My face suddenly feels hot, though I kicked at him for some sort of attempt at freedom. “Squirming gets you nowhere, sweetheart. You really hurt my feelings by slamming that pallet in my face back during the challenge. Shame on you.” By now, I could feel my blood running down my back. “Looks like Sable will have to patch you up again.” My eyes widened–‘he was watching?’ I thought to myself, searching his body language for some sort of further clues. “I just came for an apology.” I glared at him despite wincing “I won’t apol-“ My back is slammed again, earning yet another, even more painful, cry. My body goes weak, my vision seeping black into my line of sight. “Apologizing is fun, isn’t it? Come on, apologize to me.” He taunts, though I could tell, without even seeing under his mask, the immense joy in his voice. “I’m sorry..” I wheeze out, still grasping for air. He finally relents his grip on my throat, my lungs sucking in air greedily, then he crouches in front of me. “Let’s not make the same mistake next time, yeah?” I nod my head desperately. “Good. I’ll leave you alone, so go back to Sable to get patched up again. I’ll see you soon, sweetheart,” He left, my mind foggy. How did I end up in this situation…

[waterfire1848]

@mayfay I just created a new post just to make this a little easier

That "protect the pack" mode would kind of be like the Avatar state where Katara just becomes incredibly powerful and dangerous when her friends are in danger and gets a sort of adrenaline rush. Which, like you said, has some potential especially when Katara start looking at herself beyond the last wolf of the south pole and starts to have feelings for Azula in Ba Sing Se.

When Katara grows up as the sole wolf in the South Pole, she gets an isolated version of what a waterbender/wolf should be and assumes that she is exactly what a waterbender and wolf should be. She's as powerful as a wolf should be, as big as a wolf should be, as fast, as strong, etc, etc. When she goes into the Earth Kingdom, she doesn't expect the wolves to be the same as her. She doesn't love that they try to capture her or call her a monster, but she also doesn't really think much of it. Then she gets to the North Pole where she's still the odd one out. The largest wolf form there is 3 feet tall and she's much bigger than that. Everything in the North Pole is built for smaller wolves and Katara is completely removed from that. Sokka and Aang know she's feeling horrible but there isn't much they can do. On the plus side, when Zuko tries to put restraints on her, it's all too easy for her to stand up and brush them off or snap them in her jaw.

Zuko, looking at the broken chains on the ground: Oh, shi-

The mental image of the North Pole giving them the same house because they assume Katara has a handle on her wolf form only for her to almost bring the whole house down because she absolutely cannot fit in there. Poor Katara just wants somewhere to sleep but the North Pole has nothing for giant wolves. I feel like the necklace would change sizes with her. She has no idea why but it always changes with her and adjusts perfectly to her size. So when Pakku sees her in her wolf form, he's able to easily make out the blue necklace around her neck only now he can't take it and hold it because if he tries to grab it, Katara will bite his arm off. I feel like Pakku would ignore her because she assumes all her power is in her wolf form so he isn't prepared to fight her when they have a waterbending battle or something (which happens the very first time he refuses to teach her).

I can get what you're saying about her both choosing not to suppress her wolf form but also just not having the time (and being so much bigger than every other wolf makes it so much harder for her). I think a good middle of the road approach is Katara learning how to suppress her wolf form to the degree that she can spend the night almost as a human except she has a wolf tail, ears, claws, muzzle and strength because she didn't have to time or want to learn how to completely suppress her wolf side. At nights, she usually just goes as a full wolf if they aren't being chased but when they need to get on Appa it's a good trick that she can suddenly make herself as small as her human form is. (Azula 100% finds Katara's wolf ears adorable. Whenever she touches them, they flick and move and Azula finds it so cute).

------------------------ (Season 2)

Yeah, I think the first part would be pretty close to the show where they don't get very far but are trying to get through some character development moments. Sokka is still being a leader and Aang is coming into his role as the Avatar while Katara is trying to strengthen her bending (because I also imagine she felt kind of weak when Tui took control of her and felt like her wolf form was strong but also out of her control so she wants to learn waterbending which feels more in her control, especially since she really wants to learn that and becoming a better southern waterbender)

Of course the major season 1 upset that'll get things changing is the inclusion of Toph and appearance of Azula. Toph quite literally came in a vision, is a level of magnitude stronger than even Katara at this point, and comes in right when everyone's trying to figure out dynamics and purposes. Needless to say it shakes things up. On top of that Azulas first encounter with the Gaang happens right after, taking the place of Zuko and cranking the danger up to 11 (even if she's not as good at tracking them as he is).

👆👆👆

The Chase is the best chance for everything to go from the frying pan into the fryer. Sokka and Katara are strong enough to, at least, be on Azula's level, especially with Katara's wolf form. She's been trying to keep in under wraps at night for safety so she can easily get on Appa but it's a lot harder for her to do that when she is exhausted and fighting with everyone. (Despite Toph's strength, Katara has to constantly remind herself not to attack her as she could do real damage to a twelve year old as a ten foot tall wolf). Aang is trying to help her but also keep everyone safe and Toph is struggling with her first time on a team. Meanwhile, Azula, Mai and Ty Lee are shocked to see a waterbender with wolf characteristics because they were taught that waterbenders were either human or wolves. Azula isn't that shocked or scared because she still thinks Katara is a small wolf. When they fight in the little town, Azula gets to finally see Katara as a full wolf and she is shocked. She expected a small wolf, a regular wolf that she would see in the EK not one that, with a wack of her paw, could send her flying into one of the buildings. She flees but is injured because of Katara's attack and I feel like, after that, Azula isn't going to try and stick around to see what this giant predator is going to do. (I do really want Katara and Azula to talk more but I also think Katara views Azula as a pure enemy and wants to get rid of her). (But also I need Azutara 😢).

I do think Katara would stay because her healer and waterbender moment is overpowering her need to chase down Azula. It's a big shift for her to act instead on her waterbending side and not wolf side.

------------------(season 2 part 2)

I agree with you on Toph and Katara being pretty similar to their canon versions here. They’d still have moments where they just flat out don’t get along but that also is now coming from Katara seeing Toph as the most powerful bender on the team (minus Aang) who can bender 24/7 unlike her and isn’t stopped by a wolf form which would just further her feelings on her wolf self not always being what’s best for the situation. In the desert, Katara probably not only becomes the one keeping the group together, as we saw in the show, but the main method of transportation since Appa is gone. (Although she and Toph can rant about the sand. Toph can’t see in it and for Katara it gets all in her fur). Wolves are hunters but they are not suited for long runs, they’re endurance hunters, so Katara won’t be able to make a lot of progress especially with carrying three people. And her fur is meant for the cold weather of the South Pole not the desert (so….highly overheated and making water supply a big problem especially when their main waterbender is a wolf almost all night because she’s exhausted from walking in the desert all day). Katara helps them make up some distance for half the night and then she practically face plants into the sand and sleeps out of pure exhaustion the rest of the night. Actually, fun fact, in the world of ATLA the desert has sand sharks which are giant predators so…..Katara’s getting some sea eat food.

There’s such a good moment where to show Katara, as a wolf, struggling to take steps. She just keeps forcing herself to keep moving but every step is a battle. Sokka is the first one to notice this and notice that she’s struggling to stay conscience but he can’t stop her from walking. Aang helps get Toph and Sokka off of her but she still refuses to stop walking, believing that she has to keep going and has to keep moving. Finally, Aang and Sokka literally trip her up and she turns back as she falling to the ground. At this point it’s much easier for Sokka to stop her from walking and get her to finally fall asleep. She’s hungry, thirsty, tired and mentally exhausted from having to keep everyone together. Being out in the desert is a test for everyone, but that really is the moment when the three see how much Katara is struggling. Aang is still upset over Appa, of course, but he also doesn’t want Katara to literally collapse because she’s trying to do everything.

Sokka, honestly, would probably have a similar time as he does in canon. He’s clinging to trying to keep the group moving and keep them alive and struggling the entire time. The desert really would be when that’s highlighted and you can finally see both how much Katara does for the group and how they really don’t know what they’re doing without Sokka there to help them. They’re struggling to just keep moving by the end of the desert arc and make it out alive. No one ever speaks about the sunburns, loss of weight, almost collapses into the sand, etc that happened there.

Moving on to Zuko and man is yet again bound to canon. That being said I do see him with a bit more angst than expected (though that's pretty much the bread and butter of the changes these kids are getting so far). I mean on top of the canon issues hes been very thoroughly bested by a single novice water bender, Sokka showed how he can't lead for crap in comparison, Azula reminded him of his position in the FN and is doing about as well as he'd expect, hell even Zhao managed to come up with a plan and execute it, a pretty dumb plan that left him as dog chow but credit where credit is due the man did kill the moon and breach the northern walls. This is all of course a pretty bad comparison but it's Zuko, gods favorite chew toy who has literally never seen anything normal in his life before and would have an allergic reaction if he did. Most of his time is gonna be like canon and getting a taste of the world, though he's unlikely to actually notice how different normality is maybe he'll get some small seed planted deep in his mind. Probably not but you can't say Iroh didn't try. Speaking of, Iroh is probably gonna be a bit worse for wear here. See, even if Katara didn't go after Azula and immediately healed him, she's a pretty novice water bender so her healing's kinda garbage right now. It'll do the work, girl is literally gifted by the moon and might've been able to brute force it if healing was as uncomplicated as canon made it out to be (I refuse to believe a 6 year old with some healing water could fully fix a fried heart, no matter how magical it is. So I'm taking the liberty of poking atla's magic system with a stick and nerfing healing to require some degree of skill). Point is he might have survived and maybe even redirected some of it, but you can't give the heart some electricity and amateur healing and expect him to come out looking like he's 20. That's right, Iroh gets the heart problems he should've had from Zuko. Probably mostly translates to being weaker in a fight (not a big deal for him really) and not being able to push himself as hard as he used to (a slightly bigger deal when traveling on the road with no supplies). Also some extra Zuko angst over Iroh not only getting hurt by Azula and nearly dieing, but seeing the lasting consequences of it. Also likely slows down their travel time a bit but what else is new in this.

👆👆👆

(That being said, I do think that there’s also room for some humor with Zuko too because everyone assumes he stopped chasing Aang because of Azula or he was scared of Aang’s strength but that’s not the reason. The reason is because Team Avatar has a giant wolf on their team who literally bit through the restraints he brought. He’s not that stupid.)

I love the idea of Azula having a crush on Katara. Girl sees a pretty girl and is just like 😍 and then said pretty girl becomes a giant wolf capable to biting her in half without much effort and Azula’s like 😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩. I do think you could have some fun with Azula having a crush on Katara at the drill because the drill takes place during the day (so no wolf) and Azula and Katara could have a fight scene inside the drill. It’s just a bunch of witty banter back and forth but Azula finds herself wishing the fight would never end (Katara is also finding this Fire Nation girl kinda cute and wants to know more but forces herself to focus on the fight). The reason the fight does end is because Aang stops the drill and Katara flees when he does. Doesn’t stop her from winking in a smug way to Azula and Azula blushing or Katara blushing when she realized that she winked at the enemy.

———————————Season 2 Ba Sing Se

Toph 100% would completely renovate their house in Ba Sing Se so that Katara can fit when she’s a wolf. And it’s not like Joo Dee can say anything cause the other option is a giant wolf sleeping outside the house and freaking everyone else out. (Toph: It’s some renovations or facing the Karens of the city. Joo Dee: Have fun building).

Sokka also spends some time planning for the invasion as well. This is the perfect time for Sokka to feel like he is contributing to the team in terms of strategy and not just keeping them alive by making sure these incredibly powerful children don’t piss off a group of firebenders or forget to eat or something. Oh! I love this idea of Sokka learning from a Pai Sho game and getting the White Lotus’s attention. The White Lotus does have people everywhere so it makes sense that they would have someone in Ba Sing Se to monitor the last city safe from Fire Nation rule.

I kinda love the idea that Katara actually can’t transform into a wolf for the first few weeks in the city because she used it so much in the desert, so not only is she mandated by the Gaang to sleep but now she doesn’t have a wolf form for a while to keep herself busy at night. It’s not by choice but Katara does finally get some rest. And her going along with Toph and Aang on various missions is just her finally getting to spend some time as something other than the group’s primary protector. Katara is able to keep up with Aang easier with just her waterbending but she does still feel vulnerable without her full wolf form to back her up. She and Aang learn how to get through the city and avoid the Dai Li while she and Toph become closer and closer. Katara takes time to rest with Toph and Toph helps Katara by basically telling her that being a wolf is awesome but bending is also great and she can help the team all the same even without her wolf self. (She and Toph can still help stop crime and commit crime together though).

Toph spend most of her time with Katara, as mentioned above, but learning goes both ways. While she might be the best Earthbender in the world, Azula and the desert was a bit of a wake up call. Strong does not equal invincible, and if any one of them hadn't cooperated it would've ended up a lot worse than their battle with Azula (which looking back she might be able to see ways they could've properly cornered Azula and taken her hostage, had everyone worked together). So she's taking an effort to, uhg, be more "cooperative" and whatnot and keep Katara company. And from there she can see how despite being weaker, Katara has her own strengths and fun moments. I mean she even joins along in having some fun in the city, even if it's directed more towards blowing up labor mills and releasing animals than anything else. All in all a very good chance to start recognizing peoples differences, which will help with teaching Aang and figuring out why people are acting they way they are.

👆👆👆

Aang meanwhile gets his fair share of issues, namely the Appa search going nowhere fast. Hes tried everything he can think of, reached out to everyone possible, even tried using his position as the avatar to get something done, and yet nothing has happened. It's still posters being torn down in the night, fake smiles, and everyone acting like things are going great when Appa is gone. Tis a rough time for the boy, and without Sokka and Katara leading the way he's gotta do stuff independently this time around. It goes poorly. Very poorly. Break into houses, release a zoo, and wind up in jail poorly. At this point the guards hear it's another one of the Gaang and just pull out the keys, enter Long Feng. See hes heard about Aangs plight and he knows just how hard it can be to get anything done due to bureaucracy. But he's one of the Dai Lee, keepers of culture created by Kyoshi and as such loyal to the avatar and all they represent. So hes taken it upon himself to work behind the scenes to try and help (he could possibly bring it up to the Gaang, Joo Dee might report back to someone he stepped out of line). And what do you know, hes found Appa! Hes starved and half mad at this point though and only the avatar can possible calm him down enough for them to get him out. See it turns out Appa has cornered himself over by the lake (poor thing probably got loose and ran wild till it crashed) and while they have a tunnel there they can't restrain him without risking Appa hurting himself, so they need Aang to come along. Naturally there's no time to gather everyone up, Appa's scared and hurt and hungry and they didn't care enough to look every hour of every day like hes been trying to do (Sokka is so tired man, at this point they're safe in the city, just let the kid roam free till they get their audience with the king). And so Aang goes with the strange man into the tunnels without telling anyone.

I thought you were going to make Long Feng a good guy for a second 😂, but yeah he would trick Aang into going down into the tunnels.

If Iroh is still struggling with his health then I can see Zuko taking on the role of being the main tea maker. He feels a responsibility to help his uncle and provide for him while they’re in the city since Iroh can’t be on his feet as much. For now, he’s focused on Iroh and making sure they have the money to survive in the city. His days of trying to capture Aang or Katara have passed, especially since he assumes that he’ll never see them again. I LOVE the idea that the Gaang knows Zuko is in the upper ring and he’s the first person they suspect of kidnapping Aang (because…..of course he’s the obvious suspect). Katara is most likely seconds away from ripping out his throat if he doesn’t cooperate with them but Toph is able to tell if Zuko is lying and saves him just because Katara can make good on her threats.

Of course, Zuko wants to capture Aang again but he also knows in a little something called “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Aang is the only thing standing between him and his father’s wrath and he would rather take his chances with the Avatar, so he agrees to help them. Everyone meets up and tries to decide what they can do to find Aang, they do suspect the Dai Li (since Zuko is cleared as a suspect after a long, long interrogation process) but the problem is that they don’t know where he is. Thankfully, Zuko heard the Dai Li say something about a lake when they took Jet away. It’s as good a place as any to start looking.

They start looking through the tunnels to try and find Aang or Appa when they’re ambushed by the Dai Li. As we saw in the show, the Gaang can take on the Dai Li but the numbers are not in their favor and Iroh is weakened. They get captured and Long Feng tries to start his monologue but he, nor the rest of the group, realize that Katara’s wolf form came back. (Fangs to the throat is a horrible way to die). Toph breaks everyone free while the Dai Li are distracted and they flee, but not before finding Aang and Appa and getting them out. There’s a sweet little reunion on the beach where Iroh tells Aang that he needs to go and talk to the Earth King about what happened. Aang agrees with him and the group runs/flies off towards the palace. When they arrive it's similar to canon where they talk to him and prove that Lake Laogai exists which results in Long Feng being thrown in prison. The only difference is that now, when Katara is trying to head back home, she picks up on something and finds Azula, who then captures her. The last wolf of the South Pole is bound to be a worthy catch to send back to her father but she also knows that she can't exactly move a giant wolf out of the city without someone seeing her. Thus, a deal is made between Azula and Katara. After Long Feng's kidnapping, Aang is going to be anything but an easy target but that doesn't mean she can't get some damage in. Katara, desperate to keep Aang safe, agrees to go with Azula and back to the Fire Nation. (Azula knows she can't take down Ba Sing Se with just her, Mai and Ty Lee, even an assassination wouldn't guarantee her victory in the city, so she's decided to take down who she views as the most powerful person on Team Avatar and weak the team so that she can attack later). Everyone is celebrating and having fun while Katara has just been taken prisoner by Azula and is being transported out of Ba Sing Se.

I do think Azula needs a bit more attention maybe some behind the scenes stuff because of now it’s not very Azutara-y. Though I do agree with you that they don’t have many scenes together so I think so every time they encounter one another they need to have an interaction of some kind to build a connection.

#you have no idea how tempted I was to throw canon to the road to write early Wolf Azutara#where Azula goes with Katara after The Chase as a “prisoner” (she's just going along for reconnaissance. Yeah that's it)#(not cause feelings no)#(that'd be stupid and dumb and she'd obviously never stoop so low over a not a crush)#Honestly might still do it as a separate reblog chain at some point - How dare you leave this in the notes?!?!

No, but imagine Katara attacks Azula because she’s the enemy, of course she would attack her, and bites Azula’s leg (no this is not becoming a werewolf thing). Azula tries to run but her leg is heavily damaged and she can’t get far and Mai and Ty Lee aren’t around to help. She can try to firebend but her bending is considerably worse since she can’t properly stand up. Zuko and Iroh are a bit busy at the moment (Iroh is trying not to die and Zuko is mourning) so the Gaang decide to “take her hostage” (Read as: don’t leave her to bleed out in an abandoned town). Not only does this allow for a lot of cute Azutara moments but the opportunity is there to explore Azula’s connection with her bending and how she feels about it now compared to Katara and Toph who are also prodigy benders. (Sokka makes her a walking stick because she needs some kind of helper to walk).

[caffeineyum]

Muffins (Chapter 5)

@biomecharnotaurus little NSFW up top. Also I’m not sure how I feel about this one, but Alba gets nice things :)

Alba laid on her bed contemplating life. After lunch Johnson had tried to explain what he was asking. It sort of made sense and eventually he gave her a list of things to look up. Now Alba was even more confused and there was lots and lots of porn. She didn’t understand any of it and Alba thought most of it was very very weird. What the hell was the point of scissoring? Johnson had told her that he wasn’t the most knowledgeable on gay women but still, it was all so strange. Alba had never thought of doing anything like that with anyone. It was only recently that she had discovered she liked hugs. And now this?! 

Alba rolled over trying to sleep, finally decided that her confusion was ok for now. Until the same thought that had bothered her started to get to her again. How did Jane play into any of this? Alba’s eyes flew open. So far all she knew is that she liked Jane and she got the “warm and fuzzies,” as Johnson had called it when Jane hugged her. Avery had asked Alba ‘do you wanna kiss her?’ Alba thought that might be nice but that was extent of what she wanted. The rest was so damn new that Alba had no idea what to think. 

Regardless Alba knew she really liked Jane and that whatever this was she wanted it to continue. Jane was so wonderful and the woman made her feel human for the first time in her life. Alba determined that was the way to think about it. Nothing else was productive, she had no answers for the rest of it. 

The Spartan flopped over onto her back with a sigh and closed her eyes again. Regardless she needed sleep and Alba dared not to look at the clock. She already slept terribly and she anticipated feeling much worse than usual tomorrow because of this. 

Alba wondered what needed Jane’s attention during lunch and she hoped her shift had gone well. The Spartan had messaged her earlier, asking her if she was ok, the response was a ‘Thanks for asking!!! I’m all good Alba, they just needed more hands 😊😊😘’

Jane worked tomorrow morning, or should Alba say this morning. So she’s get to see her soon. Alba planned on taking the jacket with her and the two had some time at the gym planned later in the day. Alba hoped she would take the jacket. Even if the Spartan didn’t experience trouble with the cold she knew it was unpleasant and Alba wanted Jane to be comfortable. 

Finally the Spartan felt herself start to drift off and Alba let herself fall into a deep sleep….

Just as suddenly Alba jolted up awake, panting and dripping in sweat. The same nightmares, death everywhere, with Alba being helpless. She glanced over at the clock 4:07, Alba genuinely smiled through her panic. Muffin time. 

She got out of bed, pulled on her sweats and put the jacket on top of it. It had her name and stitched onto the chest with a zipper that went from bottom to top. Alba started her journey, hastily walking, still shaking. On nights like these she often had a harder time calming down. The less she slept the worse it was. 

Alba rounded the corner and ended up in the cafeteria. The Spartan looked around, no one was there and nothing smelled like muffins. 

“Jane?” Alba called out. No response, Alba walked over the counter, no Jane. This was weird, Alba stepped behind the counter now shaking even more. Where was she? 

Alba then heard something that sounded like a muffle scream. Immediately her heart rate shot up and she followed the noise into the kitchen. It was coming from a large metal door. Alba tried the handle, it was stuck. Was Jane stuck in here? Alba tried the handle again only for it snap off. 

Immediately her adrenaline kicked into overdrive, her breathing sped up and Alba felt her own heartbeat. Without any hesitation the Spartan stuck her hands in between the door and the frame. Then using the claws she had from her augmentations, dug them into the door and pulled. At first it didn’t budge, but then the whole thing gave way with a screeching cry. A wave of cold hit her as the door came loose. Alba retracted her claws and dropped the door. 

“A-alba?” Jane asked teeth chattering, standing in the doorframe. She was very pale and instantly the Spartan leaped over to her. 

“What happened? Are you alright?” Alba frantically questioned as she pulled off both of her jackets. Alba pulled them over the smaller woman then picked up Jane. She was cool to the touch.

“Frrr-eezer door got stuck on me,” Jane answer and wrapped her arms around Alba pulling herself close to the Spartan. “I’mmm ok, jjju-sst cold,”

“Hold on, let’s get you to the medics,” Alba started on her way out of the cafeteria. She was panicking, hypothermia was nothing Alba knew anything about and that only made her more nervous. 

“No itt’ss ok,” Jane spoke. “I jussst need to warm up, and if we don’t close that freezerr we’ll lose 25% of the ship’s food. Just get me a datapad, I can send a message to get someone to fixx ittt,” Jane pleaded. Alba looked down at Jane and their eyes met. 

“Ok,” Alba sighed. “Where is it?” 

“There,” Jane pointed next to the oven. Sure enough there it was. Alba walked over and bent over so Jane could grab it. Jane shakily grabbed the datapad and began typing. Alba turned on heels carefully so as not disturb Jane and started walking out of the kitchen. Alba wasn’t entirely sure where to go but medical still seemed like the best option. She passed the counter as Jane continued using the datapad. Alba continued on her trajectory towards the exit. 

“Where are we going?” Jane asked, her teeth had stopped chattering, but she was shivering. 

“Medical,” Alba answered. “I’m worried about how cold you are,” Alba’s voice wavered briefly, she was very worried. Jane reached up and touched Alba’s face, Alba stopped dead and jolted looking down at Jane. Her hand was cool. Alba wanted to reach up and cover Jane’s hand with her own to warm her red fingers.

“I promise I don’t need medical.” Jane smiled, looking Alba directly in the eyes. “I just need to warm up, plus you’re really warm so you’ve helped a lot,” Jane added. Alba stared down at her still concerned. “It’s not the first time I’ve been locked in a freezer Alba. I’m ok, really, just cold,” Jane chuckled and withdrew her hand from Alba’s face. 

“Ok,” Alba finally sighed realized that she had been holding her breath. “But I’m getting you a blanket,” she bargained. 

“Alright,” Jane laughed and rested her head against Alba’s chest. Alba continued with Jane in her arms making her way to her quarters. “Thank you,” Jane sighed, relaxing into Alba. 

“Of course,” Alba responded, as she rounded a corner. Walking directly towards her were two of her trainees. At first they froze then stared at the sight in front of them. Alba paid them no mind and simply walked past them. Taking another turn to her quarters. Alba opened the door and walked over to closet. She never used the blankets only the top sheet. Otherwise it far too hot for her to sleep. 

Alba opened the thing with her foot and using her teeth grabbed the blanket. She didn’t want to put Jane down, the smaller woman was still shivering. 

“I could have grabbed that,” Jane laughed as the blanket unfolded and flopped onto her face. Still laughing Jane reached up and grabbed the blanket wrapping it around herself. 

“But you were relaxing and you’re still cold,” Alba said genuinely. 

“It’s alright,” Jane began gently. “I’m not going to die,” 

“I-I know,” Alba stuttered turning a little red. Maybe her concern was a little overblown. Alba looked down at Jane her color was coming back. “You look better,” Alba observed. “Are you warming up?” Alba asked.

Jane nodded. “You make a good heater,” She smiled. 

“Thank you,” Alba felt a little heat rush to her face. “D-do you want to go back to the cafeteria?” Alba stuttered, looking down at Jane. She was buried under the much too large Spartan sized blanket as she looked up at Alba. Jane’s grey eye shone, as she smiled up at Alba. 

“You’re incredible,” Jane breathed. Alba’s face forced itself into a smile, and another wave of heat rushed to her face. The two women gazed at each other simply enjoying the other presence. Jane leaned closer to Alba pulling herself into the Spartan. 

DING! The datapad interrupted them. Jane pulled the thing from under the blankets and sighed checking it.

“Yeah we need to go back, the mechanics are there already,” Jane determined. 

“Ok,” Alba spoke and headed towards the door. Jane once again relaxed onto Alba as they walked. Alba walked out of her quarters and took one of the turns toward the cafeteria. 

“You got locked in a freezer before?” Alba finally asked thinking about it. Jane laughed.

“Yeah, those doors are terrible.” Jane chuckled. “They have the same one down on earth.” She added.

“How did you get out before?” Alba wondered, as they took another turn. 

“I forced my way out with a couple piece of metal shelving,” Jane explained. “Tried that here, didn’t work,” she frowned. “But again! Thank you! I wouldn’t have been able to get out without you,” Jane paused. “And thank you for the clothes and blankets,” She added.

“Always,” Alba nodded as they reached the cafeteria. 

Standing by the counter was a group of several people. Alba could hear vehement cursing coming from behind the counter. The rest of the morning was a bit of blur to Alba. Several angry mechanics questioned her about the importance of not folding a door in half to get someone out. And Jane had to do a lot of talking to superiors. During the majority of the morning, Alba didn’t let go of Jane. The smaller woman didn’t stop shivering until at least an hour and a half after the incident, which was when Alba finally put her down. No one questioned Alba but she noticed the many looks she got from people. 

Finally at around 6:00 the two of them got a break as the mechanics replaced the door and left. There was a little break room behind the kitchen and Alba finally sat down with Jane. She was still wrapped in the Spartan blanket and hadn’t unwrapped herself once. 

“Are you still cold?” Alba asked, wondering about the blanket. 

“Sort of,” Jane admitted curling into a small ball on the couch the two were sitting on. “It kind of feels like the freezer got to my bones,” Jane joked. 

“I-I can-,” Alba started, she opened her arms and Jane immediately took the invitation. Jane crawled on Alba’s lap, gently wrapped her arms around her neck and rested her head on Alba’s upper chest. Alba felt herself go bright red and was grateful Jane couldn’t see her face. Alba carefully pulled the blanket tighter around Jane and wrapped her arms around Jane embracing her fully. 

“Do u still want to go to the gym tonight?” Alba half blurted out.

“Of course,” Jane smiled. Alba unconsciously let out a Chuff. It was something that happened to her when she was happy. Her augmentations and DNA mixing with Siberian tiger were responsible. Jane stirred and Alba got redder than she thought possible. “What was that?” Jane asked looking up at Alba.

“Uuhh, I-I do that when I’m happy,” Alba explained. “It’s like the sounds big cats make,”

“Cool, I’m glad you’re happy,” Jane reached up and touched Alba’s face again. “I’m happy too,”

[petitelepus]

Starscream Reader is trying to fix her wings but getting frustrated doing it by herself? Until Tanjiro suggested one certain teacher that could help her! ÒwÓ Haganezuka is edging her to overload by how he’s treating her wings! And she trying very hard to remain quiet (bonus that Sanemi and Starscream bumps into each other when it’s done lol-)

Alright, here we go, enjoy everyone!

A/N: Tanjiro Kamado, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Hotaru Haganezuka, Fem!Reader, Techo-Organic Reader, Modern!AU

WARNING: Suggestive

PREVIOUS

When Tanjiro found you in an alley after you had stolen a stale old apple, you had told him you didn't fly because it attracted too much unwanted attention.

Well, it was partly true. You didn't want to attract law enforcement's attention, but the main reason was that you couldn't fly even if you wanted to.

Your wing, your beautiful dark metal wing was malfunctioning and there was no doctor nearby who could actually help you.

Surprise surprise, the doctors on Earth focused on organics only, such as humans or animals. There was nothing they could do for you and you didn't trust those humans with dirt under their nails who fixed cars and such.

Did you look like some four-wheeled vehicle!? You were a noble techno-organic and a flier even!

You were pouting in the small room that Tanjiro's mother had so kindly given you to use, pouting as you tried to remember how it felt to feel the wind against your face and look down on small humans…

When suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Star?" It was Tanjiro. You sighed and replied, "Come on in."

Tanjiro stepped into your room and looked at you lying on your stomach on the bed, "Is everything alright?"

"Fantastic," You rolled your crimson eyes, "My wing is busted and I can't fly…"

"Oh," The young man frowned, "Is there anyone who could repair your wing?"

"No… I don't trust those mechanics close to my gorgeous wings…"

"I see…" Tanjiro thought about it and then he had an idea, "There might be a person who might be able to help you!"

"Doubt it," You grunted but your host just smiled, "I mean it! Come to school with me tomorrow! There is a person who can help!"

"…Fine…"

And so you came to school with Tanjiro and he took you to an empty classroom where a masked man was sharpening knives.

"Haganezuka-sensei!" The young man called happily while you made sure to close the door behind you.

"Kamado," The masked man grunted, "What do you need?"

"My friend Star here broke her wing and we were hoping you could help us to repair it?"

"Wing?" The man looked up from the knife and looked at you.

"Yes!" Tanjiro looked at you, "Please show him your wings?"

"Fine…" You grumbled as you took off your cape and spread your beautiful metallic wings, or, one of them at least. The other one would barely open.

"Marvelous…!" You heard the masked man grumble as he put the knife down and walked up to you, "This is amazing…!"

"Do you think you can fix her wing?" Tanjiro asked and the man, Haganezuka nodded, "No doubt."

"Perfect!" The young man looked at you and smiled, "I have to go to the class, but Haganezuka here can help you! See you back at the bakery?"

"Alright…" You nodded and the cheerful boy left the room, leaving you and the masked man alone.

"Take a seat," He pulled you a chair and you grumbled as you sat on it, your stomach against the backrest.

"Listen, I don't have my hopes up since I'm a race-high above humans and I- AH!" You gasped as he grabbed your damaged wing and examined it.

"Yeah, I can see what the problem is," Haganezuka grumbled as he let go and you gasped for air.

"H- How can you know!?" You snapped, flustered, "You barely looked!"

"And yet, I know more than you do," He grunted as he grabbed some sort of tool from his desk and got back behind you, "Now stay still or I'll cut your wings!"

"My- AAH!" You cried out, your claws digging into the chair as he started to tinker and work on your wing, and you… You found yourself enjoying it.

This man might have appeared like a complete brute, but he had a feather-light gentle touch… And it was turning you on so much.

Your wings were sensitive, and so were every flier's… But this man was something else!

"Hold still…!" He grumbled and you wanted to retort but found yourself unable to do that because you knew that if you opened your mouth, you would have moaned out loud wantonly.

This went on for a minute or ten and with each passing minute, you grew more sensitive and turned on…! And this man didn't either notice or didn't pay any attention to you like that!

You were panting through your teeth, your whole body trembling as you tried to control yourself, but it grew harder and harder to do…!

"There, I think we are done," Haganezuka grunted as he pulled away from your wings, "You better try them out first before actually attempting to fly-!"

"Yeah, great, thanks!" You bolted up and rushed to the window, snapping it open.

"Oi, we are on 3rd floor-!" Haganezuka was saying but you were already halfway out of the window.

"I owe you!" You called and the man frowned, but then he watched how you spread your gorgeous wings fully open and took off, flying into the distance.

The teacher looked after you as you flew out of the school grounds and towards the city, students outside pointing at you as you flew.

There were steps coming towards his classroom and-!

"Oi, Haganezuka!" Sanemi snapped as he rushed into the Home Economics classroom, "What the fuck was that thing that flew out of your window!?"

"A patient…" Haganezuka grunted as he cleaned the tools he had used to fix your damaged wing, much to the Math teacher's confusion and frustration, "What!?"

[guineapigsandbooks]

- AI-less Whumptober -

day one: torture tuesday

prompt(s): public torture/public use (sort of), "if you cry, we'll go easy on you."

fandom: Wolverine Frogs (my debut novel ayy)

"You're not as strong as you think you are."

They're torturing her. Well, not literally. They haven't actually lay a hand on her. Their claws are much too sharp and she is much too delicate to even risk hurting, so Joey says they're not allowed to touch her. Joey also said that she was his little lamb, his little pet that he got to keep all to himself.

At first, she had thought he was...better than the others somehow. More human. More aware.

But it turns out, he's no better than the rest of them.

He's so much worse.

Before she knew his name, she used to call him Spike because his horns reminded her a little of the devil.

How fitting.

Lara is starving. Does starvation count as torture? It's not like they're actually trying to starve her. They give her food all the time. But Lycans eat humans, and Lara may have their blood in her veins, but she won't eat a person.

She can't. She won't.

"You don't really think you're strong, do you?"

"Do you ever stop talking?"

That one is back. Or maybe he never left. Lara called him Mercy because he was nicer than the others. Granted, being the nicest Lycan is a little like being the tallest dwarf.

"The others told me you haven't been eating," Mercy says, undeterred by the glare she's giving him.

"How would they know?" Lara snaps. "They're not even here."

"The others are always watching. The others are always here."

Lara says nothing.

"How long do you think this tough girl act is going to last, huh?" He leans down, breath hot on her face."You'll have to give it up eventually. You're going to cry, aren't you? I can see you want to cry."

Lara glowers at him. "Can you not?"

He hooks a clawed finger up under her chin, so suddenly it makes her flinch. "Don't worry," he tells her in a low voice. "I won't cut you. He says we're not allowed to touch you."

Lara wants to slap him. But she knows she won't win the fight that comes next.

"If you want to cry, it's okay. It might make the others feel sorry for you. They might go easy on you."

"I'm not going to cry," Lara grits out.

The claw is lowered, and Lara fails to hide the fact that she physically relaxes. "Fine," Mercy says, eyes darkening. "You know, I'm only trying to help you."

[honorhearted]

"Rebellious?" Benjamin echoed, smiling. "Believe me, sir: I don't think you'll ever have to worry about that. If Emma thinks something's for the greater good, she'll do it." Whether he liked it or not.

Despite the pain snagging throughout his heart like reckless, tiny little claws, he maintained his smile, if only because August was as well. It seemed both had become adept at grinning through Emma's exploits, regardless of whether or not they felt the joy they wished to express.

Quickly, that smile fell once August revealed to him what Benjamin already suspected: "You need to understand... what she did today, that's how she lives all the time. She may not have had a chance to do so here at your camp, she had to help in more ordinary ways, but back home... she will stay a few weeks at the castle and then she's out... battling."

"I imagined as much," Benjamin softly offered. "You can't have a heart like Emma's, and then just sit back and do nothing. Her goodness...it's far more than we deserve."

August spared him an admonishing look. "But be mad," he encouraged. "Let yourself be mad at her. Here, now, with me. So you are not mad at her in there later. Your anger would just make her cry, and no one wants that. I'll be mad."

Benjamin stiffened, his spine growing painfully straight. "I couldn't be mad at her now," he insisted. "Am I frustrated? Yes, absolutely. But how can I be mad when she nearly...? W-when I almost lost...?" Rolling his lips inward, he swallowed back the words and quickly looked away, his head shaking as if trying to cast out the very image. "August, the fact remains that she saved Sackett's life. He is a mentor and a friend, and I'd be an absolute arsehole, were I to tear into her for doing a good thing. I just...I wish she didn't have to keep hurting herself in the process."

A coldness suddenly took over, stark and simmering like the brush of cooling ash over a fire. "I know you two were sharing a bed," August snapped. "I wish I didn't, but she can't lie and it's obvious you two were in some sort of courting situation when we arrived."

Benjamin gaped at him, stunned by something so private suddenly being plastered all over a near-stranger's face. "But...sh-she and I..."

"Look, I'm not blind," he cut in. "And it's not as if I didn't see her struggling like a romantic heroine in a tragedy for the past few days, as dramatic as only a brokenhearted moron like her could be. I also have no doubt it's her fault, because I have seen the way you two are around each other, and she must have gotten scared and pushed you away, but let's not pretend she's not here for you and there is nothing platonic about it."

Stung, Benjamin was quick to look away again. "I asked her if she could ever feel something for me...and she said no," he insisted. "Or rather, she didn't seem to think she could. I may hold her in the highest of esteem, sir, but it would be a cruelty, were I to force what clearly makes her uncomfortable. I never wanted...I-I only wish..." Frustrated, he curled his hands at his sides. "I've always said that seeking affection in war is a fool's errand, and therefore I wouldn't do it, but you know Emma." He flashed a feeble smile. "To know her is to love her. I was helpless but to become ensnared."

August still seemed sympathetic. "She's afraid of commitment, but she still has feelings. As you do," he accused. "Every single time she rejected someone in her life she's given them a speech that pretty much goes: I don't love you, I'll never love you, you are not my type, nothing you can do will change that. Is that what she said to you?"

Benjamin's head snapped up, no longer able to pretend the other man's words held no meaning. "You dare to give me hope?" he asked. Voice weak, he shakily pressed on, "Sir, it is not a kindness to force me to review that day again...to force me to bare my heart and potentially have it shorn apart as before. Because no, she did not say those exact words -- she was unable to say much at all, in fact: only the simple refrain of 'I can't.'" His eyes grew wet. "I'd never seen her in so much pain in all my life, and I have no desire to put her through that again...so I won't. Because I swore I wouldn't. I may have feelings for her, sir, but it's that affection that's keeping me from dredging up what clearly served to wound rather than mollify."

"She...she only went there because I requested it.

August didn't know whether to laugh or cry, having heard the same sentiment when it came to Emma dozens of times, and having felt the same before. "Yes, you are right, Emma is well-known to stay out of trouble and to need a push before jumping into danger. And she definitely follows orders and requests against her own will and best judgment. I hope some day she'll grow a spine and become somewhat rebellious." There was a light smile on his lips, even as his eyes burned - affection for Emma, of course, and hatred for the fact that she must be in pain now. "She cares about Sackett, she'd have been there anyway, not your fault, and at least you knew where to look. We don't always get that lucky, as she unfortunately forgets to share her little missions with us."

Doesn't she know the people who love her are getting hurt with her reckless, senseless ambition?

"No." it was a very simple answer, but then he corrected himself, "She knows, more or less, but... the problem is... it's not ambition. If it were, she'd... push it down for us. I don't know if you've noticed this, if you had the chance, but I can promise you that even today, if she wakes and she's strong enough to get up, she'll try. And there will be no amount of telling her she needs to rest that will work, but... telling her that she's making us worry to the point we might not sleep at night, that'll put her back in bed. She'd do anything for us. But like I said, it's not ambition. It's pure instinct. It's her. She will be protecting, fighting, taking care... long before she needs to think about it. Must be hard for her too, to be all heart, no self-preservation. Harder for us, though." A lot harder, when they were so useless in the face of her wounds.

"You need to understand... what she did today, that's how she lives all the time. She may not have had a chance to do so here at your camp, she had to help in more ordinary ways, but back home... she will stay a few weeks at the castle and then she's out... battling. She only gets hurt when she's physically protecting someone who's there, ironically, she's terrible at preserving her life if there is another person to protect, But when off on her own she's unstoppable. I hope your war will end soon, but hers won't until she lets it. She's been at it since she was nineteen... I actually considered studying medicine, but if I went with her every time to be a medic, she'd have been killed long ago protecting me." Little crazy warrior, completely unable to control herself when she saw someone in danger. But it wasn't the case now, no, he knew damn well the kind of week she had been having, and how weak she must have been despite deciding it was a great idea to keep guard on Sackett all by herself.

"But be mad," he nodded, "Let yourself be mad at her. Here, now, with me. So you are not mad at her in there later. Your anger would just make her cry, and no one wants that. I'll be mad." Despite at times wanting to kill this man simply because once again he had to watch Emma's reddened, puffy eyes and pretend not to know she had been crying over him, he also felt his deepest sympathy for him.

Then Benjamin pointed out that she cared for everyone there and that was the reason she stayed, and that sympathy faded quite a bit. "I know you two were sharing a bed. I wish I didn't, but she can't lie and it's obvious you two were in some sort of courting situation when we arrived." He couldn't have sounded more judgy. "Look, I'm not blind. And it's not as if I didn't see her struggling like a romantic heroine in a tragedy for the past few days, as dramatic as only a brokenhearted moron like her could be. I also have no doubt it's her fault, because I have seen the way you two are around each other, and she must have gotten scared and pushed you away, but let's not pretend she's not here for you and there is nothing platonic about it. She's afraid of commitment, but she still has feelings. As you do. Every single time she rejected someone in her life she's given them a speech that pretty much goes: I don't love you, I'll never love you, you are not my type, nothing you can do will change that. Is that what she said to you?" Nothing in Benjamin's words now nor in his general behavior had pointed at such response from Emma, despite Emma having told him that 'she had ruined everything', whatever that meant, so for once, just once, August had all reasons to think she had finally found someone, which had promptly scared her to death. And now the other idiot in question was apparently also determined to refer to it as a friendship, more or less, and that meant Emma going home soon and going back to this exact sort of violent, bloody life, instead of finally finding some happiness to focus on. He'll be damned if he let it happen without trying to help her.

[rayshippouuchiha]

Ray I wanna write a Fic where Izuku has a Dragon quirk but it has some Odd Activation Requirements so it never awakens until like after he gets OFA. So I'm thinkin hes at UA struggling with this bone breaking quirk, All Might isnt being helpful at all and he keeps getting hurt. He starts getting resentful of All might pushing for more than he can give without shattering himself.

And then suddenly durring internships in Hosu with his Ilda, HIS friend, paralyzed and hurt behind him and The Hero killer in front. For the first time in his life he in the only thing standing between HIS FRIEND and certain death. He snaps, quirk lightning flaring, bones creaking from the strain, jaw clenched. And then all of a sudden hes gone, his brain taking the backseat to this pulsing Need to stand his ground, not a single thing will be allowed to get by him.

Second by trying second as he fights and struggles his desperation and determination kick up higher than theyve ever been. His teeth growing longer, scales pushing through skin in patches, claws and talons pushing out fingernails, horns spiraling out of his bushy hair.

Finally, finally, a new person appears, todoroki rounding the corner and seeing a Feral Izuku wreathed in lightning and changed in ways he cant understand but is steadfast in his path to help his new friend and the person who breathed life into him after so long.

Finally, Midoria Izuku, feels a completeness hes never felt before. A sort of euphoric thing, that empty cavity in his chest and throat fill to the brim and he cant help but scream out, overwhelmed and following nothing but his instincts. Bright green crackling lightning scorching the alley and giving him a reprieve from the hero killers relentless assault.

Anyhow, I wanna either write or read somethin like this

Oh you absolutely need to write it because now I want to read it

[cynettic]

hi, i hope i'm not bothering you, but i can order a Scaramouche × Kitsune reader, the two met before the vision hunt (and before he was a fatui if you want) the reader was always in the same place, sometimes having a conversation , the good old routine, but with the hunting of visions the reader disappeared not wanting to give up his own vision, and years later a reunion, SFW or NSFW is by your will, thank you, I really admire your work

Summary - Scaramouche met you as a child, growing up with the constant assurance that you would be right there, sitting at your spot where he could meet you with every visit. He isn't happy when you suddenly disappear.

Pairing - Kitsune!Reader x Yan!Scaramouche

Warning - Slight Yandere warnings?

Penpal - Ahhh- hope this is what you were looking for. I couldn't find a spot to put much nsfw unless I considered writing more for the series ( I could, just put a request in if thats what you’re looking for ). But I hope you liked it!! You're not bothering me at all and I'm glad you like my work!

A/N - Alright- so considering that with the 2.1 update with Scaramouche coming in, I just wanna state beforehand that I wrote this prior so I dont know if we learn about his backstory or anything!!

Link for Part 2

Stay With Me

Scaramouche was used to the routine he’d found himself going along with every visit to Inazuma. As a child he’d pass through the wild fields that stretched just beside his hometown, adventurous and curious with all the tenacity of a child.

And of course you, a kitsune that sat perched on the ground awaiting the Kitsune Saiguu, was bound to notice him. Unlike the other earth kitsune statues, you hadnt turned to stone during your wait. Instead, staying in the same place did you interact with travellers and the locals, which included Scaramouche.

“Fox person!” The little boy chanted, pulling at the hems of your clothing. Bright blue eyes bore into your own, and you slowly shifted your head to pay attention to the boy who was on the verge of bouncing on you.

Humming in reply to his excitement, the little boy paused, both of his small hands still tightly clasping the fabric of your clothes. Soft matted hair brushed past his face in a messy manner, calling out the boy for his boundless running and rebellious urge to keep his hair messy despite his parents wishes.

“Play with me!”

Staring at the boy only a moment longer, you simply chuckled at his antics. “I’m afraid I cannot move from the spot in which I dwell~ Perhaps I’ll be able to entertain you if you bring cards?”

But the young boy had made up his mind at the statement to which you couldn't move. A pitiful frown enfluged his face as he cast you the nastiest glare a five year old could muster. “Boring!” He shouted into the distance of the fields, dramatically turning on his heels and bouncing up into a sprint away. You watched his small figure fade away into the background, absentmindedly sighing and returning to your mindless thoughts.

As a child, Scaramouche would pass by you fairly often. Frequent when he asked you to play with him, and storming away with the same expression when you denied him. Nothing out of the ordinary, you’d lived for an exceptional amount of time, and even though grumpy children were not your specialty, you’d grown accustomed to their behaviour.

Growing up, Scaramouche got no better. You soon noticed his violent tendencies before they became an issue, the way the children shied away from him when playing Temari. Hiding in front of a tough exterior, he scared them away and laughed, approaching you later with tearful sob.

“Will you play with me?” He asked again, trying to hide the fact that he still wept when the other children pushed him away.

But your answer stayed the same, helping him wipe his tears and coaxing him into your arms. Not the first time you’d made contact with a human, but the first time you held them in such an affectionate manner.

It was clear Scaramouche was beginning to see you as some sort of pillar of reassurance when he began running away from home to simply ask to be held. You always welcomed him with open arms, urging him to head back to his household and sort things out. There was no harm in simply providing love and comfort for a child who received none was there?

“Now now, hurry back home little one. Your parents must be growing awfully worried if you’re out by this time at night.”

“My parents dont care about me!”

Darkness slowly pooled into the fields, an obscure shade covering the two of you from the tree you were under. Biting back form your normal emotionless statements, you pondered for something to soothe and convince the boy. Misunderstandings and hardships were normal from what youd seen with children, and you could only offer your hand on his shoulder, a promise. “Go back, I promise to stay here if anything further happens. But you shold give them another chance dont you think?”

And so he’d sprint back to his hometown, and you wouldnt hear from him again till he ran up right up to you a few days later. Begging you to play a game with him. The normal you supposed, and with a grin that seemed to stretch wider with every day, you told him the same thing you told him every single time.

“You cant move?!” Scaramouche nearly yelled one time, tiny fists curling at his side. “Thats… thats stupid!”

“It is isnt it?” You only smiled in response.

Unsatisfied with your response, he clawed your arm, pulling you with all his might. Strong, you realized with surprise that he was much stronger than most children his age. Easy enough to tug away from, but strong enough to take you off guard.

Snapping your hand back to your side, you narrowed your eyes. You weren't angry… no, you hadnt felt strong feelings like that after the disappearance of the Kitsune Saiguu. “Do not attempt to move me,” was your curt response, said in the most stern voice you’d used with the boy.

He’d looked at you only a few seconds longer before bursting into tears, turning away and running. You didn't feel regretful for defending yourself, only turning once more with a tired sigh to stare at the distance.

But just as you stayed ageless, Scaramouche grew older. Still, crossing each others pass was inevitable when you sat in the plains, just alongside the path that lead to his hometown.

With a permanent scowl that seemed to stain his face, he still seemed to have mature a tad bit. Maybe hadnt improved in the social department, because he now scared children and adults and alike, but more mature…

“Hm? Whats this?”

Once again, sitting criss cross under the large tree that provided the perfect shade on sunny days, you stared at the boy expectantly. His hands hesitated at your question, but he resumed shuffling. “Cards,” he simply said in response.

A small featherlike feeling flitted across your chest, making you feel lighter and… almost ticklish. A small smile crossed your face, and you recognized the emotion to be one of adoration. For him to have remembered words you’d spoken years ago, it gave you a warmth you’d sorely missed. A warmth akin to watching him and the other children grow up.

“Ew, dont smile like that, its creepy.”

Swatting at his head, he frowned further when you laughed. “You’re more mature,” you pointed out, lazily leaning back. “You need to work on your people skills though, as someone who hasnt moved in years, thats pitiful that I know more than you.”

“Shut it!”

But as he grew up, you hardly got to see much of him. He’d reached your height and then fully disappeared, leaving no goodbye. And much as you hated to admit it, you hardly noticed, not when days passed in a flurry. You were used to being by yourself, entertaining the kids and greeting the people that passed by.

Sometimes, there’d be the reminder of the warmth he’d given you. But it was quickly overshadowed by your duty to remain seated in wait for the Kitsune Saiguu. A dedication kept in its earnest, but beginning to dwindle.

Inazuma was beginning to change.

“The vision decree…” you repeated, staring at the traveller who’d mentioned it to you. “Care to elaborate?”

The new archon threatenening to take away visions from every inhabitant of Inazuma. It was preposterous, so much that you didnt move. Your vision meant the world to you, but so did the Kitsune Saiguu. You werent sure just how you weighed the two till you saw civilians passing by you, ones you recognized, ones that didnt recognize themselves.

It was snowing, cold snowflakes melting into your skin while your hair soaked in the water. Unflinching, you hummed to a little tune, awaiting someone to pass you so that you could attempt to strike a conversation of somesort. The unnatural weather distanced all who entered the field though, and you simply waited. For the Kitsune Saiguu, for someone, or for some form of entertainment, you didnt know. You Slowly closing your eyes, you decided not to care.

“Im gone for five years and you’re still sitting here like a dumbass.”

Eyes snapping open, you find yourself face to face with a complete stranger. Dark purple hair with dark blue eyes, piercing and dangerous in a way you dont recognize at all. Fancy clothing that you cant identify or put a name on.

The boy took a step towards you, crouching down to stare at you directly. His eyes scanned over your figure briefly, and he brushed the snow out of your hair and ears with one flick of his hand. In the next, he was offering a coat to you. “Take it, you’re probably getting cold.”

You leaned forward, ignoring the coat he offered you. Gently, you raised your hand to brush the hair from his eyes, centred on the way his pupils widened. Offering a small moment of surprise and one glimpse into the small childlike blue eyed wonder he was. “Kiddo,” you breathed, pulling your hand back and scanning him once again. “You’ve grown.”

“And you havent.”

Snickering at his comment, you took the coat. You didnt need it, but he looked like he didnt either. He was already wearing clothing that kept him warm, and with careful observation and an untouched coat, you settled on the fact that he’d brought it here. Brought the coat here for you.

“Still havent improved with those social skills of yours have you?”

He scoffed, letting himself fall back till he was sitting fully. “I dont want to hear it from someone who refuses to move an inch for years. Lazy ass.”

You open your mouth to retort, but instead laugh at his comment, shaking your head. “Gained some humour on your journeys have you? Bad words too it seems. Anyways...” He had sat down, which meant that he meant fully well to sit, chat, and catch up. That familiar warmth filled your chest, a contrast between the cold snow. “Welcome back.”

It wasnt often that Scaramouche visited Inazuma, but when he did, he was sure to visit you. The two of you would sit down for hours, talking about the most trivial topics. He never mentioned what he did in his time away, and you never asked.

But things began to go downhill when news of the vision decree finally took action.

“Its no joke anymore! The Raiden Shogun has taken custody of almost a hundred visions!”

In that moment you made your decision, weighing your vision over the Kitsune Saiguu. Awfully selfish you knew, but you’d spent decades sitting there in wait.

And for the first time you sat up from your position on the ground, clumsily stumbling upright but gaining balance. It takes a few steps until you’re back to normal, and you begin your journey in order to escape the Raiden Shogun’s vision hunt decree.

_-_-_-_

You didnt expect to see him again.

Long grass tickled at the skin of your legs, making you adjust your footing to no avail. Sun slowly descending past the mountains to mark the start of an evening and the soon approaching night. A normal day of exploring the mountains and islands of Inazuma, observing the constant changing situation, and running away from the vision decree like a favourite past-time.

With the exception of a firm grip on your wrist.

Dark purple like hair, same hate brimmed eyes and lavish clothing. You recognized Scaramouche the moment he had appeared, looking just as surprised as you were. That being before he snatched your wrist and snarled, “You.”

You wouldve considered it pure luck to find him, an unexpected reunion with someone you actually remembered. But no, his tone had some predatorial edge to it that had you cringing. Hard. “Yes, its me.” You answered back with a frown, trying to loosen his hold. “Nice to see you too, is something the matter?”

He only seemed confused at your words, pulling you closer.

“Something the matter?” He asked as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Well, to start, you’re not sitting at your damn spot.”

Taken aback for a moment, you wondered if that sole fact was what drove the boy to such lengths. Surely he couldn't be so troubled over the fact that you moved… “The vision hunt decree, I'm sure I mentioned that I was sticking around in wait for the Kitsune Saiguu. I decided to wander around and avoid the conflict until I could settle back.”

“You could’ve waited for me,” he stated almost instantly. “I could have protected you.”

You felt your brows furrow quizzically. “Wait for you? Why in the world would I-”

“Why wouldn't I?” He pushed you closer till he could fully grab both wrists, taking a step closer as if his words would resonate clearer in your head. “You took care of me as a child, it would only be fair for me to repay the favour.” But he only seemed to be looking for excuses. “And besides, you can't just up and leave… I didn't know.”

Before you could interject with the obvious answer that he didn't need to know, you stopped. You’d lived decades, nearly centuries if you’d kept count, and you had learned to read people's expressions even when you’d stayed away from them for so long. He didn't know. It hit you in the most unpleasant way that he wasn't aware that it was none of his concern. To him, you were just another thing he needed to keep track of, something he had control over. His face basically screamed, ‘I depended on you to stay in that place.’

Deep breath in and out. You’d lived long, longer than him, you could deal with a child throwing a tantrum.

“Don't worry,” you gestured to the vision ta your side. “I'm strong enough to protect myself, I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be back when the vision decree ends.”

Unconvinced, he pulled you closer, just until your faces were mere inches away from each other. “No,” he said in a stern voice. “I’d rather you by my side, where I can protect you. I hate to question what you’re capable of, but you’ve been sitting down for as long as I’ve known you for.”

“I’ve lived decades more than you,” a simple reply, hopefully enough to get by him. You snatched your hands back with ease, ears flinching slightly when a cold breeze swept past you. But you stayed firm, not wanting to look vulnerable against the imposing air he had around him.

Still unconvinced. “You’re coming with me.”

“No I’m not.”

You’d known him as a kid, watched him grow up along with all the other small ones in his hometown. And maybe you admit you cared a smudge bit about the warmth he gave you when settling down to play cards, but he was different. He had changed in the worst way and you weren't about to deal with it.

“So you’re not coming with me voluntarily?” He asked softly, taking a small step to which you responded by stepping back. He had his hands up, as if telling you he wouldn't hurt you. But the way he said voluntarily sent shivers up your spine.

“No.” Hand on your vision, you held your own hand up threateningly.

He took his time when tilting his head, taking a deep breath in, and then appearing in front of you in just a short stride. Too quick to react, you hesitated before you could attack him. You didn't want to hurt him, he was still a child in your eyes, and you paid the consequences for that. He slid his hand just along your neck, and a jolt of electricity seemed to thrum inside you just as you collapsed in his arms.

Scaramouche was quick to catch you, hoisting you up into his arms dearly. “I do hope you’ll come to understand,” he said softly, cradling your unconscious form in his arms. Making sure not to crush your tail when carrying your legs, he looked past the mountains, sigh resting on his lips.

Because Scaramouche liked to have control of the things he held dear. Like keeping all your valuables neat and tidy in a closet, he was happy knowing you were safe and stable in that spot you always sat on.

And he couldn't have you moving could he?

[aeferkssr]

- funky little self - insert voicelines ; xiao ver

pairing ; xiao x gn!reader

genre ; normal ig,,, but fluff at the end

warnings ; reader is basically being harassed at the beginning

a/n ; going back to my roots for may and adding ti the funky little self insert voicelines series BUT with my side hoe xiao😋🤞 but yes my acc was a bit inactive so might as well write for bae no. 2

hello ;

You take in a deep breath as you soak in your surroundings. It was late at night and you were walking home from visiting your grandparents in Quince Village. They tried to tell you to stay the night because it would be so dangerous on the road at these hours but you reassured them, saying that you knew a route that was safe from such threats.

Now, you were walking down Wuwang Hill. you weren't very superstitious so the tales about ghosts and other ghouls coming to haunt you really didn't make you uneasy. You found it childish at the very least. As you were musing about the stories of Wuwang Hill, you start to hear footsteps coming from behind you. When you turned around, you were met with a treasure hoarder smirking down at you, starting to get a little too close to you. 

“What's the matter, doll? Never seen someone of my stature before?”

He laughs to himself as you back up a little more, not to show fear, but disinterest. The treasure hoarder picks up on this and walks towards you, draping his arm around your shoulder.

“Oh I get it, you're shy. Don't worry cutie, you'll get to know me soon enough”

Now you were starting to get uncomfortable, you peeled his arm off of you as you started to walk down the hill with a little more alacrity. The treasure hoarder wasnt pleased as he caught up with you, holding you by your shoulder keeping you in place

“Look here, i was gonna talk real sweet to ya’, you know, guarantee you a safe trip down the mountain, but you have gone too far!”

He snaps his fingers as you see other treasure hoarders come out from their hiding place, oh so this was a robbery. And since you pissed off their big guy, they look like their gonna do a little more than just rob you. The big guy raises his hand, ready to strike you and you brace for impact. 

Before his hand collided you heard faint swishing sounds, sort of like a controlled gust of wind blowing against your skin. You open your eyes too try and figure out what the sound was when you saw the big guy fall to the ground. Frightened, you looked around only to see his other henchmen falling just as quick. They were dropping like flies. 

You were utterly confused, what kind of power could someone possess to knock down a whole group of men in nanoseconds… who had such power to knock down a whole group of men in nanoseconds. Your [c] eyes suddenly meet with amber as you stare at him. He looked so ethereal in the shaded moonlight, the fabric of his clothes swaying behind him from the use of an anemo vision (even if you couldn't see it at the time… it felt like the right option at the time). 

Xiao holds his mask in his hands as he surveys you: civilian clothes, no vision, no elemental energy, you were nothing special. But xiao couldn't shake off this feeling. He had no idea what it was, but it amplified tenfold when he nstands before you. You suddenly speak:

“Um, thank you! For saving my live!”

Xiao has heard many thank yous in his millennials of living, at this point the phrase starts to annoy him. He brushes aside your gratitude and speaks:

“If you awake to a knife at your throat, if monsters dig their claws into you, if death comes knocking at your door, call out my name. Adeptus Xiao. I will be here when you call.”

about baizhu ;

“Bye-bye Baizhu!” 

you say as you descend the stairs, waving behind you to bid farewell to the pharmacist. You leave Bubu Pharmacy with a brown paper bag in your hand, filled with a special type of medicine for a special person. Even since Xiao has opened up to you about his karmic depth and his eternal struggle you couldn't help but empathize with the yaksha, he's gone through so much over his hundreds of years, he deserves some sort of relief at the very least!

When you returned to Wangshu Inn, you are, met with a very distressed looking Verr Goldet who looks like she's looking for someone. When he spots you, she hurriedly walks over to you, calling your name in the process, 

“Please, it's xiao! He says he's in horrible pain right now. The karma he has accumulated is growing stronger by the hour!”

She cries as she takes your hand into hers, slightly bouncing on her toes to show restlessness. You thank Verr for the information before you hastily ascend the Wangshu Inn stairs to look for your friend. 

When you got to the door of his room, screams of agony and pain could be heard. You could even hear them slightly from the way up. Knocking at his door a few times, you whisper-shout into the crack of his slightly open door, acknowledging your presence and asking if you could enter. 

As Xiao hears your voice, the pain diminishes ever so slightly. He immediately knew you were coming, he could hear it from the way you came up the stairs to his private room. You walk into the yaksha’s room with worry in your eyes, Xiao’s face is stained with tears and slight claw marks. His eyes are red and puffy, most likely from him crying so hard. He's currently sitting on the floor, his feet neatly tucked beneath him, as he looks away from you. 

You walk towards the yaksha, stooping down to him and giving him a few head pats. You apologize for him having to go through this, how only a few individuals know of just how many sacrifices he made for Liyue, and how proud of him you are for enduring all of this. Xiao is silent, he's never heard such things told to him, as you hold his face he feels safe. Like a warm blanket of reassurance and love covered his body and his shoulders visibly lighten, to which you slightly giggle. 

Moving your hands slightly to examine the marks on his face, you see that the cuts are starting to swell. You place him on his bed and tell him to wait for you since you're going to get medicine for his cuts. As you come back, you can see Xiao looking at the brown paper bag you brought into the room. Taking out one of the pills, he looks at you confused. You start to explain how you and Dr Baizhu have been working together for a couple of months, the first few mainly being you learning about medicine, to make a sort of reliever for his karmic debt. He sighs he responds;

“You want... Baizhu to make a medicine to take away my pain? I understand your intentions, but mortal medicine has no effect on adepti.”

You pout as you tell him to try the medicine at least once! It couldn't hurt to at least attempt at it. Xiao sighs as he reluctantly agrees to it.

more about xiao : v ;

On the rooftop of Wangshuu in, waiting for the Lantern Rite fireworks to start, you and xiao could be seen in each other's embrace. You felt safe within his arms but you couldn't shake off the nervousness that he didn't reciprocate your feelings towards him since this was the thing that lovers did.

Realizing you had romantic feelings for the Adeptus was an out of body experience. You could feel your body racing, your heart beating frantically out of your chest, as the wind blows violently on your face – well, the wind part maybe because of the fact that Xiao was carrying you. He supported your back and your under knees as he leapt from mountain peak to mountain peak. You couldn't help but look up at his face while he was traversing, the way how his hair looked unkept from the wind blowing around and the focused look on his face made butterflies violently buzz in your core.

Now here you are, after introducing a hug to the yaksha a few weeks ago, you two have evolved to cuddling. You asked Xiao if you were moving too fast with this but he had no objections to the close physical contact. In fact, he said he liked it, with much hesitation and an ample amount of stuttering between each syllable of course.

Little did you know, Xiao was experiencing similar feelings. He couldn't help but feel a little off every time he sees you – not in a bad way, of course, but in a way in which he didn't know about it. It was foreign to him. He's never felt so warm before, he's never been perfectly calm one second and then the next he’s trying to hide his beet-red face, he's never felt his heart race so fast since the archon war more than 2000 years ago.

As he holds you, his body is constantly fluctuating between giddy joy and skittish anxiety. His brain constantly going from ‘Oh rex lapis, thank you so much. I do not deserve this must joy in my life’ to ‘Am I holding them right? Are they comfortable? Oh, I know nothing about these mortal concepts!’ he snaps out of his thoughts when he hears the first firework of the night pop, to which you tug on his arm slightly telling him to look at the pretty fireworks.

While watching the fireworks, you two broke out into small conversation, talking about Liyue and its festivals and cultures and then somehow transitioning about travelling to other countries. The fact that you have thought about migrating to Mondstadt came up as his face had a small flash of worry.

It's too late. The connection between us is too strong. Even if you wanted to, it's too late to sever it. Hm? You've never thought to sever it?*sigh* This eternal dance of demon subjugation... My fight goes on. But I would like to know more about you.

Your eyes light up as a huge firework bursts behind you, Xiao’s mouth falls as he soaks in the view in front of him. The colour of the firework compliments you in every way possible and gives you this wonderful glow. The world seems to be moving in slow motion. Xiao can only look in silence as he tries to memorise every single point of the images in front of him. Suddenly words slip from his ajar lips that the both of you are shocked by:

pretty.