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dropsnectar · 2 months ago

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Pollen and Potions: Bee-men x afab!reader

PART THREE

This is a longer part than the rest, but its all necessary dialogue so it should be fine. More fluffy and romance than smut, BUT!! Their will be smut in the next section! I know I said this will only be 4 parts, but it may actually be more like 5 or 6. Anyway, hope you like!

So. You were starting to learn that using large batches of magic back to back weren't ideal for a young witch's health. It seemed like you might have overdone it, as when you woke you found you had been asleep for TWO WHOLE DAYS. So. If you were going to do magic, it looked like you were going to have to pace yourself, or perhaps use LESS magic.

You put yourself to learning more about witchcraft. The thing was, your grandmother's books didn't really go into the basics, and as witches were so rare, information was hard to find. Of course, the internet was full of supposed witch spells, or frameworks, but it was like throwing dice. Some spells didn't work. Some spells took up WAY too much energy. Some were just… fine? But not what you needed.

Next you checked out forum sites. Maybe you could find a community through that way? But all you found were psychics and tarot readers. Nice people, but not what you needed.

Whelp. Maybe you needed to look at the issue differently. The environment used to be a beautiful, thriving area. What had changed between now and then? In order to understand a magic ecosystem, you had to understand ecosystems. So, for the rest of the week you busied yourself with ecology study. It was turning out that this project you had adopted on a whim would need a lot more time and breadth of knowledge then you originally thought.

***

When you met with Rena, under Lyith’s friendly gaze, you found that the magic you had cast hadn't waned at all. The flowers had grown beautifully and continued to give magic nectar that created the best honey. Rena was beside herself. “The elders of the hive say they haven't had honey of this quality since they were children! You are really onto something here, little one.”

Rena had now gotten in the habit of calling you little one. Sure, as a Bee-man she was slightly taller than you, but not by much. Also the constant fluttering and floating didn't help.

“You've been given permission to test your magic on our other gardens as well. As long as we are careful and continue with caution!” Rena babbled. You gave her a small smile and felt Lyiths arm on your shoulder. He laid his head on your other shoulder, leaning his fuzzy head against yours.

“Whats wrong?”

You wiggled a little. “I'm just having a hard time brainstorming how to do this. I know I said I'd help you guys, but I might not be able to use as much magic as last time. To be honest, I don't really know much about my mana and my limits…” you explained your situation. Expecting there to be disappointment, you were surprised to find none.

“I can’t help but think… How long will this last? One spell isn’t going to cut it for that long. I want to create something that will last for you guys, but that might take a while… and doing just this took all the mana I had. I want to do better. But I don’t want to hurt myself either, especially when I don’t know how this could affect my health in the long run…” The bee-men seemed to be catching on.

“Of course, little one. We wouldn't want you to harm yourself.”

Lyith also popped up, his voice almost in your ear.

“Us Bee-men also have something like mana. Our magic is not never ending. We would have fixed this situation ourselves if it was.”

Rena reached forward and grabbed your hand, giving it a reassuring pat. “We don't have to do anything today. We can commence whenever you'd like. Our flowers have spread out beautifully and even this is enough.”

You frowned.

“I may have to do this every spring. Or even redo it in the summer…”

“You don’t owe us anything. You are trying your best to do us a kindness. And our hive knows and sees that. We are beyond grateful to you… Its… We’ve needed…We are truly grateful.” His expression fell at the mention of his hive, his antennas drooping. Rena moved forward and held Lyith, a sad expression on her own face.

There was a pause in conversation that grew somewhat awkward.

How do I make this better? You tried to brainstorm, but only one thing came to mind.

You went over and gave the both of them a big bear hug. It was a tense one, but you tried to adjust your emotions, instead concentrating on how fond you had grown of the two. You tried to shout it as loud as you could through your brain at them.

This seemed to break the spell, as Rena started to laugh. Lyith looked at you affectionately.

“I know we haven't known each other long, but I just want to say, you can count on me. If you ever need to talk about anything let me know. I'll listen.”

Rena and Lyith hummed in response, returning your group hug with a long squeeze.

Long hugs. The favorite actions of a Bee-men.

After some quiet reassurances, the two of you decided to idle while the two foraged on the edge of the Wood. You walked with them and asked them as many questions you could think of. How old were they? Were they able to do other magics? You had thought Bee-men to be isolated. How come they knew so much about human culture?

Lyith was the one who answered you most of the time. It seemed that bee-man typically lived double the life of a human, with Rena and Lyith being about 45, and 51, Lyith being the oldest. They were in the same season of life as you though!

Bee-man could do some other magics(they didn't go much into what), but they specialized in making their magical honey, which fortified the health and wellbeing of a Bee-men.

They didn’t say it outright but it seemed like the dip in magic had affected the nutrition of their food source. They kept their own bees and shared honey, but it still wasn't enough, so they had ventured out into human society to buy fruit when it was necessary. They also did trade with neighboring beast-men, the Wolfmen being happy to share their fruit for their Bee’s wax waste. I

“What exactly do you guys do for fun though?” You asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Lyith smiled. “Late night flying is fun.”

Rena snorted. “You mean late night spying. Lyith has a habit of looking through people's windows.”

Lyith wrinkled his nose at Rena. “If they did not want to be seen they would have drawn the curtains. It's not strange, I am just curious about human life is all.”

Rena reached forward and pinched Lyiths nose. “Poor thing. So bored he must make mischief.”

You looked at Lyith with surprise. His big eyes grew in concern and he pouted at you.

“You are not going to tease me too are you? I promise, I never see anything scandalous. I'm a good little bee.” He fluttered his eyes at you.

You giggled and pushed his shoulder.

“As long as you're not spying on me I guess it's harmless.”

Lyiths expression shifted to one of his dopey smiles. It always surprised you how innocent he could look despite his size. Was it maybe…

“So… I may have read that you guys are telepathic right?”

Renas face changed into a smirk.

“Yes, and?”

“ Well, have you guys ever… used your powers on me?”

Rena snorted. Lyith gave you an unreadable expression. “We Bee-man are very particular about sharing our heads outside of our hives. But no. We haven't done anything to you if that's what you meant…”

Oh. He was pouting now.

“No! Thats not what I meant! I just… i feel so comfortable around you guys it's almost supernatural. I just. Idk. Wanted to know. Please I didn't mean anything by it!”

Lyith wrinkled his nose at you and Rena continued to seem amused. You felt helpless and got a bit upset with yourself. You did your best to calm yourself down but you were upset. You had so few friends here and you were afraid you blew it. A wave of loneliness swept through you.

Lyith was watching you the whole time, before sighing. “All will be forgiven if you give us some of those fruit tarts you made yesterday.”

You looked at him, shocked.

“I thought you said you didn't spy on me!”

“I wasn't spying, I just happened to be foraging by the window, and smelled something amazing. It was all incidental.”

“There's sugar in the crust. Won’t your tummy get upset?”

He just smiled. Rena laughed. “He named his price. For offending us, we must get fruit tarts.”

Finally feeling better, the three of you walked(they let you walk!!!) Back to your home. You served them up your tarts, when finally the questions started coming about you. Why did you move here? Do you have any siblings? What were you like as a child?

This went on until dinner time, at which point you decided to shoo your new friends away. “ I'll be back to do the flowers tomorrow. We… we will see what I can do.” You admitted. The two of them smiled at you, hugging you tight for a good three minutes. They always lingered, nuzzling your face and hair, as if they were getting a whiff of you. You could smell their own perfume and tried not to think too much. Their goodbyes always felt so intimate.

Rena decided to pepper your face in kisses before they left. Lyith just rolled his eyes at her. When they drew apart you felt empty, like some piece of you was going with them.

***

As always, Lyith picked you up that morning. This time, you made sure to bring a scarf and hat, alongside emergency snacks in your bag. Where he was taking you next was a little longer of a trip, a whole ten minutes to the usual six. That was a long time when you were hurtling through the air.

You were surprised to drop into a small crowd. There were ten Bee-men present besides Rena, who seemed to be communicating silently with them. The air was full of bee noises; humming, purring, the fluttering of wings. The air smelled amazingly fresh, floral and syrupy. It was an odd smell, but it seemed to put you at ease somehow. And maybe a bit peckish.

A Beeman a whole foot and a half taller then Rena fluttered towards you. They bowed, of which you awkwardly returned before they reached forward and took your hand gently. Lyith started,

“This is Elder Bisou. He is the eldest of our hive. He is showing you respect.”

Elder Bisou smiled at you. “Little Witch, I welcome you to our territory. My human is a bit… unused. Please receive our thanks for your efforts.” He took your hand and leaned down so that it met his temple. You could feel the rush of his magic, like your mind was a fish bowl and he was putting a gentle hand on the glass. You could feel his warmth, his deep gratitude through it.

Your back straightened and you felt water prick your eyelids. You gave him a slow nod, becoming acutely aware just how serious this whole situation actually was. Rena and Lyith had been dancing around it, but the Bee-men must be slowly starving to death. That was the only explanation for the depths of what you had felt.

“I will do my best.” Was all you could reply.

Lyith, acting as your translator, took you to each Bee-men he could and introduced you. It seemed that some of the elders, as well as some of those who had free time had come to watch the “little witch” work. Most took your hand gently, and sent you a ghost of what their emotions were. There was a sort of film around the emotions, a barrier of sorts. Whether this was on purpose so you wouldn’t be overwhelmed, or just how their telepathy worked, you couldn't tell.

You did your best to not let your nerves get to you as you dissected the sections of the field where you would be doing your experiments. You didn’t know how these particular flowers would take to your spell, so it was still best to be cautious. The bee-men looked on with interest.

You did your chants in a loud booming fashion, and channeled in as elegant a fashion as you could. Like always, the magic came, and the spell did its work. These flowers were different, like rainbow colored lavender. Rather than letting the magic gush through you, you let it gently trickle out, pacing yourself. When the deeds were done, you still felt sore, and you still held a headache in your temple, but there was no nausea, so growth!

Once you were done with your work, there was a large excited buzzing throughout the forest. There was clapping, dancing, stomping of feet, pumping of many hands, whoops from Rena and Lyith. One Bee, a worker named Aidenn held a small wooden instrument in his hands and started to play. This triggered a chorus from the Bee-men. There was a harmonizing among the crowd and they started to circle each other, laughing and dancing. A circle of flying, spinning Bee-men formed.

Rena grabbed you by the waist and hoisted you onto her shoulder before joining in the circle of the dance. You giggled as you spun, feeling the giddiness in the air like it was laughing gas. That same pressure filled your mind and a part of your heart started to soar. It was intimate, but not stifling and you loved feeling so close to everyone.

You lifted your hands and, feeling in the spirit, decided to hum along. At some point Rena had taken you in her arms and held you close as they continued to fly in a circle, spinning and perrying, and switching. It was similar to square dancing, where there was a pattern to it.

At one point, the tune changed and Lyith swooped down from above and grabbed you out of Rena’s arms. She snorted at him but let it happen, joining hands with another passing Bee-men. When Lyith gathered you in his arms, he cradled you as close as possible, surprising you. One hand was gripping firmly around your waist and the other crushing you to him. He landed on the ground, and the rest of the bee-men followed, causing something of a ballroom dance.

“You did wonderfully today.” He breathed in your ear, causing them to redden. You pulled yourself back a bit to see his face and he was looking at you with such pride and affection it felt like a weight crushing your chest. You moved your hands from his shoulders to reach his own hands. You were shaky, but you wanted to return his feelings somehow. His palms were soft.

This caused him to laugh, a purring sort of trill coming from his throat. You couldn’t help a silly grin form on your face.

“I’m glad you came to my garden.” Was all you could think to say.

He looked at you, with those big black eyes, then reached forward and kissed you on the lips. It was only a peck, but you could feel his joy through it.

Something complex within you, a mix of happiness, excitement, hope, all of your feelings rose up into your throat. Unable to find the words to express yourself, you took all of those big heavy emotions, wrapped them all up together and kissed him back, right there, in the middle of your makeshift dance floor.

When you pulled away Lyith looked shocked, his bottom lip hanging open. Adorable as usual.

Rena hollered from the otherside of the gathering, sending out a big whoop. There was laughter, buzzing and an echoing whoop from some of the younger bee-men. Elder Bisou made some clicking sounds, but the sides of his mouth were slightly upturned.

It occurred to you then that you were in the middle of a group of very telepathic monster people. Your cheeks grew hot in embarrassment and you pulled away from Lyith a bit. Your shoes suddenly became very interesting.

Lyith eventually turned your chin back up to face him. He held a small peaceful smile, before bumping his forehead to yours. He didn’t share his emotions but the affection was still there.

After you grew too tired to dance, you took a seat under a tree, munching on a granola bar. Another one of the Bee-men, a younger drone named Haven, made his way to sit next to you.

“I don’t know if it was mentioned, but honey production has picked up enormously since you agreed to help us. I haven’t felt this great in… well ever! Thank you little witch!”

“I’m not little, but thank you for saying so.” You were starting to get a bit lightheaded now, and not from the dancing. It was possible that some of the symptoms of mana sickness were surfacing a little late.

“You are strong! That is true! Even elder Bisou has said he hasn’t met a human or beastman with mana like yours!” Haven turned his voice down to a whisper, as if he was sharing a secret, “Your magic smells so much like flowers, really, its a huge blessing! In fact, I would eat you up if I could!” He laughed as if he had made a joke. He sighed and looked up dreamily at the sky. “Alas, I am saving myself for when we find our queen.” He wrapped his arms around himself, as if to fend off imaginary suitors.

You wrinkled your nose. “Queen? You don’t have a queen? Isn’t that super bad for bees, I mean bee-men?”

Heaven tilted his head at you, reminding you of Lyith.

“Of course. That's why we are all so small and weak.” You stared at him in shock. He put up his hands. “We are doing well though! It's been 20 years since our queen died but we are still here! Oh! There is a hive up north! Any day now, one of their queens' daughters might descend and bless us! Or.. Or we--”

“Little One! You seem like you're getting sick!” Rena Descended from above and put a hand to your forehead.

“You are far too warm! Haven, mind if I take her out of your wings?”

Heaven looked up at Rena, his face a mask of confusion. He eventually gave in though and stood up.

“I should check on Elder Bisou! He might need something!” His voice was flat, obviously fake, but he ran away- flew away with gusto.

Rena took your face into her hands, tilting your head back and forth. Your lightheadedness turned full on dizzy. Rena’s face screwed up in an annoyed expression.

“You overdid it. And after that whole speech about not knowing your limits too..” She gently put a hand on your back and picked you up princess style. You would have been embarrassed, if your brain was functioning properly. Instead your gaze fixed on Rena’s beautiful iridescent wings. The lights were so lovely and they helped ground you. Honestly, everything about Rena was lovely. Well, maybe lovely wasn’t the right word. She was rough around the edges. A tease and a know it all. But she doted on you so, it made you feel a bit overwhelmed. Your gaze shifted from her wings to her lovely nose, pretty sharp for a bee-men.

Rena started conversing with Lyith about you, pointing her jaw and humming. Huh. Rena was actually incredibly attractive. You had known that before. Maybe it was something about how dizzy everything was. The last time you had felt this way she had been kissing you, her textured tongue pushing nectar down your thoat-

“Little One”

Your mind immediately focused. She was using a demanding tone.

“Lyith will take you home. Next time, we will only do one spell at a time.” She leaned forward and placed her cool lips to the side of your mouth. Making you blush. Well your face was already heated so you would have blushed. “I will see you again soon. Rest.” And she was off.

You were in Lyith’s arms again. A place you were starting to get comfortable in. He stared at you for a moment, his lips pursed, then sighed loudly. He held your gaze for a moment.

“I do not like this habit you are forming. You will not get sick again, understand?”

You nodded at him, mind hazy. Sleepy. You were sleepy.

You didn’t register the fly home, only that the coolness felt nice. You were carried from the porch, into the living room, up the stairs, and laid on your bed. You were covered in warm, delicious blankets.

You never saw Lyith leave before you passed out. Probably because he tucked himself in right beside you, the cool air washing over both of you from the open bedroom window.

Part Four

#monster fucker #monster lover #monster #monster x reader #terat0philliac #teratophillia #bee hybrid #bee hybrids #bee hybrid × reader #bee hybrids x reader #monster romance #bee monster #monster fluff #fluff

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screamin-abt-haikyuu · 5 months ago

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"Excuse me, you dropped this," you call after the boy, your voice slightly echoing in the vast Sendai City Gymnasium.

He turns, scanning the bustling crowd before realising it was you who spoke. As your eyes lock with his, the noise of the gym fades into a dull hum.

Kawaii

His eyes widen, and a light pink dusts across his cheeks, a mixture of surprise and confusion evident on his face.

Shit, did I say that out loud??

You realise you have also been gaping at him.

"Uhh I- I mean this. You dropped this. It's really cute," you say, extending your hand with the teddy bear eye mask.

He looks down at the familiar object. "Oh. I didn't realise. Thank you so much. I'm sorry for the trouble," he says, bowing. Twice.

"It was no trouble at all," you smile at him, "My name is Y/N. L/N Y/N."

"Asahi. Azumane Asahi," he responds. His voice is gentle yet deep. You notice how his long brown hair, tied into a low bun, frames his face perfectly.

"I gotta say, you have good taste, Asahi. I've seen cute eye masks before but none this cute. And it's crocheted too! If you don't mind me asking, where did you get it from?"

He seems a little taken aback by your... question? The fact that you are talking to him? You don't know.

"I- actually- I made this myself," he admits.

"You did? Oh my god that's so cool! That makes this a hundred times better!"

A shy, embarrassed smile graces his lips. It makes you want to keep this conversation going for just a little longer.

"Th-thank you so much. It was just a hobby I took up during the summer," he says, hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck.

"Oi! Asahi! Don't stand around to chit chat. We need to war-," the black-haired boy's call from the end of the corridor is cut short by a smack on the head from a grey-haired teammate. They both seem to be wearing the same black jacket Asahi is. Another black haired boy next to them seems to be struggling to restrain two boys from running in your direction.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't realise I was keeping you. You should get back to your teammates. I need to get back to my friend's match as well. It was really nice meeting you, Asahi." You're a little disappointed but you think you manage to hide it well with your smile.

"It- It was really nice meeting you too," he says.

Oh well, that's that, I guess. You start walking away, feeling a pang of regret.

"W-wait!"

You stop in surprise. You turn to face him and see he is reaching into his bag.

"I- I want you to have this," you can hear the crinkle of paper as he pulls something out, "Don't worry, it's new. I haven't used it."

Your eyes widen as you realize it is another crocheted eye mask. It is tucked carefully away in a paper bag but you can see the design on it. The little blue penguin is even cuter than the teddy bear.

"Oh no no, I couldn't possibly accept that!"

"I can absolutely understand if- if you don't want to accept something from a stranger like me. Or is it the design? Do you like the bear better? I could make another-"

"No. That's not it. This design is really, really cute. In fact I love penguins. And this is so, so sweet of you to offer. I just feel like it wouldn't be right. You must have spent so much time making this and to just give it away like this? Plus you brought it here so I'm assuming you intended to use it."

"No no, I had just put it in my bag long ago in case I or my teammates needed it. I made three of these so I have another. Please don't worry. It would make me very happy if you accepted," he bows, both arms holding out the eye mask.

"I- well, at least let me pay you for it!"

He shakes his head. "No, please. It's a gift. From me to you," he says, determined. It is your turn to feel the heat in your cheeks.

You take the eye mask from his hands, your fingers lightly brushing against his.

"Thank you, Asahi. This is so precious. I promise to keep it safe," you say, smiling from ear to ear as you inspect the adorable little creation, "and since you won't let me pay you for this, will you at least let me buy you a cup of coffee after your game as a thank you? Please?"

His eyes widen in surprise. "A-a coffee? With you? Are you sure?"

You nod, "Of course. I'm sure."

He is clearly flustered but you can see a smile forming on his lips. "I'd really like that," he finally says, his voice soft.

"Great! It's a date then," you say, grinning when his blush returns in full force at the word 'date'.

"Kawaii," you say out loud this time, a little more confident.

Steam might have started coming out of his ears had his teammates not called for him again at that very moment. He quickly gives you his number and says his goodbyes, promising to meet up with you as soon as he can. The shy smile seems permanently stuck on his face as he jogs back to his team.

You watch him go, the little blue penguin eye mask clutched in your hands, a warm feeling spreading through your chest.

Before he enters the stadium, Asahi glances back one more time and flashes you the biggest smile that makes your insides feel like goop. It is too soon to say but, somehow, your gut tells you that this might be the start of something special.

Inspired by this manga panel. || Kofi

#i don't know what to feel about this write-up but i am a firm believer in telling Asahi Azumane that he's cute unprompted #he deserves it #asahi azumane #azumane asahi #haikyuu asahi #asahi #asahi x reader #haikyuu #azumane #haikyuu x reader #asahi azumane x reader #haikyuu!!#asahi haikyuu

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penelopegarciaismygf · 12 days ago

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Your BAU instagram feed

yourusername:

Bau parties go crazy

@ theonlyjj @ derekm0rgan

@ ItalianStallion Dear all, you guys are never invited to m my house again.

@ wine4prentiss *mansion also nice username rossi

@ ItalianStallion To Emily, Y/n set up the account for me. Can you please tell her I'm disappointed in her?

@ pennyGsparkles who's gonna tell him??

Yourusername:

Summer with the girls ☀️

@ doctorspencerreid why wasn't I invited? 😕

@ itsgreenaway should we add him to the gc?

@ derekm0rgan you have a gc without us??

@ itsgreenaway it's 4 girls only

@ ahotchner that's really hurtful elle

@ yourusername it's 4 the girls + spencer

@ doctorspencerreid yay! (what does gc mean)

@ theonlyjj missing my tan lines already 😔

Yourusername:

The secret paparazzi strikes again 📸📸

@ Ahotchner you are not sneaky y/n and I'd appreciate it if you stopped taking pictures in the workplace

@ yourusername I know you love me really 🙄💋

@ theonlyjj aww spence looks so cute

@ wine4prentiss in which reboot did hotch learn to do that ??

Stakeout

@ wine4prentiss the hand placement 😫

@ theonlyjj it's giving protective

@ ahotchner you guys know I can see this right?

Please like and reblog because this took me wayy longer than it should have. Also if this does badly I don't know what I'll do with myself

#criminal minds #spencer reid #moodboard #pinterest #instagram au #insta au #please interact i beg you #criminal minds x reader #criminalminds

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anm3mi · 2 years ago

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BAD HABIT ─ NETEYAM ⊹ ִֶָ

contents. fem!reader, hidden injury, angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, confession

notes. this is crap, but i wanted to post something for my birthday as a gift to myself, also i didn't mean to do lo'ak so dirty in this, i'm sorry💀

the scene below rapidly evolved, full of fire, explosions, gun fire and loud war cries. harshly biting the inside of your cheek, you silently wish you could help your people in the fight, but you couldn't. you were ordered to only observe, not engage, and as a warrior, you had no other choice than to obey commands.

as the grip on your ikran tightened, you let out a shallow breath, soon interrupted from your thoughts by the duo on your side. "bro," lo'ak called out, his eyes switching between neteyam and you. the trio that was rarely seen apart. a few years ago, thanks to your own reckless behaviour, you quickly became friends with lo'ak, and soon neteyam came into the picture.

when the two of you were younger, you would often sneak out with lo'ak, messing around and causing trouble. but as you matured, you came to the realization that was not the way a warrior should behave. you realized you had people to protect, and with that, you begun to work on your behaviour, becoming less careless and more thoughtful about your actions. deep down, you were still a free-spirited child, curious to discover everything there was to, but you had people to depend on you and you couldn't disappoint them.

with your new mindset, you got into arguements with lo'ak more and more, as you became more like his brother, neteyam. always obeying the rules, being the perfect little warrior. you would no longer sneak out and mess around every night, instead, you would spend most of your time training.

neteyam took a notice of the obvious change between lo'ak and his friend. after witnessing one of your fights, neteyam carefully approached you, as you were more than glad to have somebody to rant to about the younger sully brother. from that moment, it didn't take long for the two of you to grew closer. it started with simple conversations about lo'ak, because even though he'll forever have a special place in your heart, he knew how to get on both your and neteyam's nerves.

after spending more time together, lo'ak was no longer the main topic of your conversations. you would talk about you interests, ideas, neteyam's duty as an older brother and your goal of becoming a warrior. and even though you were working on acting more mature, sometimes you needed at least a bit of freedom and to feel like a kid again, which lead you to talking neteyam into sneaking out. after reminding you countless times of how that was not a good idea, he gave in. but instead of running around the forest, causing trouble like neteyam expected, the two of you sat down on a patch of grass underneath a big tree and talked about the future.

after that night, you couldn't help but feel bad, as sneaking out to the woods in the middle of the night was your and lo'ak's thing, but you made sure to make it up for him. soon, the trio became less irritable when together. because even with all the heated arguments and disagreements, there were moments where the three of you would forget your differences. you adored those rare memories the most.

"we have to get down there!" lo'ak demanded. "no!" "no way, dad would skin us!" you and neteyam shouted over one another with clear disapprove written on your faces, as lo'ak glanced between the two of you once again, holding back a small smirk. you recognized the expression little too well. "lo'ak--" but before you could even finish your sentence, the younger brother was already descending towards the ground. without wasting a single second, the grip on your ikran tightened and you followed lo'ak, ignoring the now distant calls of your name coming from neteyam. even though you've tried to change - there were still moments where you wouldn't think before acting.

abandoning your ikran, you desperately looked around, clutching your bow close to your chest, after loosing sight of lo'ak. a lump formed inside your throat, but before you could let the uneasy feeling sink in, you gulped down and took a deep breath, letting out a war cry. you managed to catch the attention of a nearby human, who wasted no time, before pointing his weapon at you

but you were quicker.

within seconds, an arrow landed in the middle of the soldier's chest, causing him to drop on the ground with a thud. your chest was filled with pride, as you took out another arrow, scanning your surroundings. the sudden shout of your name caused you to snap your head around towards the source, your face lighting up at the sight of lo'ak, who had a huge grin on his face as he held a rifle and neteyam, who appeared almost relieved at the sight of you. running up to them, you let out a long breath you were holding, quickly throwing your arms around the two boys' head and bringing them closer.

your three heads butted against each other's. "we have to get out of here, before we get in more trouble." neteyam loudly announced over your loud surroundings, glaring at lo'ak. "we are already in trouble." shrugging your shoulders, you begun to back away, taking out one more of your arrows, grinning at the two brothers. the three of you were already disobeying the commands, so why not help your people while you were at it?

neteyam quickly followed, grabbing you by your forearm to stop you, almost sending you crashing into his chest, as you looked up to meet his eyes. before either of you could say anything, an explosion went off. your body harshly colliding with the ground was the last thing you felt, before everything went blank.

it didn't take long before you regained your senses. the first thing you noticed was the intense ringing in your ears, as you placed your hands on the hard earth, grounding yourself. harshly blinking your blurry vision away, you lifted yourself up from the ground way too quickly, causing you to stumble forward a bit, yet you managed to stay on your feet. a sudden way of pain coming from you lower abdomen caused you to let out a groan, but you choose to ignore it.

instead, you glanced around in a search of your weapon. you managed to find neteyam first. unconscious neteyam. with wide eyes, you let out a quick gasp, before stumbling to where his body laid. you fell down to your knees, ignoring your own pain, as you desperately scanned neteyam's entire body for any serious injuries. you let out a long shaky breath, when you didn't find any fatal ones.

gently placing your head on top of his chest in relief, you muttered his name, earning a low groan in response. your head shot up, noticing neteyam's eyes fluttering open. "hey, you're okay. you're okay..." you lifted your hands off his chest, muttering assuring words more to yourself than neteyam. opening your mouth to speak, you placed neteyam's arm over your shoulders as carefully as possible, but was soon interrupted.

"neteyam! y/n!" at the harsh loud call of your names, you looked towards the source of the sound, noticing jake quickly making his way towards the two of you. shit, you mentally cursed to yourself. "what the hell are you two doing here?!" kneeling down, jake eyed neteyam just like you did barely a minute ago, before taking him off you and throwing him over his shoulders. "i'm sorry- i'm sorry..." neteyam begun to mutter under his breath, yet got no response.

you quickly followed, but the burning sting on your stomach caused you to stop dead in your tracks. for the first time since you woke up, you decided to take a look at your injury. a hiss escaped your lips, when you noticed a long gash along your abdomen. placing your hand over the bleeding injury, hiding it, you bit your lower lip, almost drawing blood.

catching up with jake and neteyam, you were hit with a sudden realization. "where's lo'ak?!" you cried out, worry lacing your tone. "he's already on his way back." announcing, jake got on his ikran, still holding neteyam. you were able to swallow the lump forming in your throat, but what you weren't able to simply shake off was the uneasy feeling building up inside your stomach.

the last few minutes felt like a blur. there was fire everywhere, followed by constant war cries and shouting. you gulped down, as the adrenaline slowly, yet surely died down.

you called out for your ikran, one of your hands still on your stomach, while following behind jake and neteyam. you had no idea what to worry about first - lo'ak, neteyam or the fact all three of you were in huge trouble with jake, the toruk makto himself. the person that has been giving you orders for the past years and the person that took you under his wing, helping to raise you, when your parents weren't available, which happened quite often as they were busy with their own duties. to you the sully's were like your family you deeply cared for.

jumping off your ikran with a grunt, you patted the side of your ikran's head, before turning your attention towards the commotion. you awkwardly made your way towards jake, who was already scolding lo'ak and neteyam, with neytiri, kiri and tuk standing near them, ignoring how light-headed you felt. "you're supposed to be spotters!" angrily pointing his finger at neteyam, jake explained as lo'ak joined his brother's side, both of their eyes stuck on the ground.

"jesus, i let you three geniuses join a mission and you disobey direct orders!" you now stood beside lo'ak, your eyes switching between the ground, the brothers beside you and jake. eyes meeting neteyam's, you furrowed your brows - silently asking him if he was alright. in response, he sent a small nod your way, as you did the same to assure him. biting your tongue so hard you could taste metal inside your mouth, you were barely paying attention to what jake was saying, as you tried to stop your heavy eyelids from falling down. the pain started to become unbearable, as your knees were shaking.

"ma jake, your son is really bleeding." neytiri gave her mate a look. "mother, it's nothing--" shaking his head from side to side, neteyam stuttered. as he averted his gaze from his father, you managed to catch his eyes. his brows furrowed in confusion at the notice of your strange state, but before he could question it, jake begun to talk again.

"and you y/n," jake held back a sigh. "i expected this from lo'ak, but you? i'm disappointed." his words echoed inside your mind, as you looked at jake through your eyelashes. "i'm sorry, sir. i--" your words were slurred and before you could even finished your sentence, your head spun and you harshly fell to the ground.

the last thing you heard before blacking out was neteyam's call of your name. as you fell to the ground, your hand fell to the side, exposing the still bleeding injury. at the sight, jake's eyes widened. "get her inside!" he ordered, and neteyam wasted no time before picking you up as gently as possible, carrying you inside the healing hut, where his brother was already being healed.

"what happened?" with a worried expression, lo'ak called out. "she's loosing blood, she needs help. immediately. " jake explained, not taking his eyes off the your unconscious form. you were placed on the floor, as mo'at begun to take care of your wound. "is she going to be okay?" glancing at his grandma, neteyam demanded, but got no answer.

"bro," placing a hand on his shoulder, lo'ak murmured. neteyam glanced over his shoulder at lo'ak's unreadable expression. shaking his head from side to side, neteyam swiftly pushed his brother's hand away, "this is your fault." neteyam pointed his finger at lo'ak's chest, before storming off. "neteyam!" kiri shouted after him, but her calls fell on deaf ears. quickly picking up a few supplies, she hurried after her brother. after all, he was still injured and needed to be taken care of.

"she's going to be alright, i feel it." kiri softly announced, after finding her brother. he wasn't far from the hut, already feeling guilty for leaving your side. "she's strong." kiri added. "she followed him. she followed lo'ak down to the battlefield." trying to swallow the guilt, neteyam looked up at his younger sister. he only felt more guilty after realising she was hiding her injury from them. from him. "you know y/n, she doesn't want us to worry about her. always putting others first." kiri sat down next to her brother, nudging his side, thinking about your bad habit of putting needs of others first. "she's amazing, isn't she?" a smirk made its way onto kiri's face. "yeah," letting out a long breath, neteyam simply agreed. "she is."

"now let me help you." pulling her supplies closer, kiri announced, earning a quick nod from neteyam, as he turned his back to her. a hiss escaped his lips, when kiri harshly pressed on his wound. "sorry." she muttered, but neteyam knew she didn't really mean it. it was his sister's way of calling him stupid for obeying direct orders from their father.

"the first thing she did when we arrived was asking me, if i was okay. me." neteyam sharply inhaled at the burning sensation, as kiri smeared a paste along his injuries. "you should talk to her. i'm pretty sure y/n has something to say as well." shrugging her shoulders, kiri announced. silence fell over the two siblings, as kiri continued to mend his wound and neteyam sat in silence, confusion smeared across his face upon hearing kiri's words.

the day was long gone, as the stars now occupied the night sky. the village was quiet, everyone peacefully asleep in their homes - everyone except for neteyam. after kiri took care of his own wounds, he made a straight beeline towards the healing tent, as he was met with your unconscious body, your injury now stitched up and covered.

slowly, he sat down next to you, his grandmother's presence going unnoticed by him, until she decided to speak; "she needs to rest for two weeks. the cut was quite deep." mo'at suddenly explained, almost startling neteyam. he looked at her with widened eyes, as she continued to grind herbs together, before glancing back at you. "she won't like hearing that." neteyam admitted, earning a simple hum from his grandmother in response.

mo'at exited the tent in silence, leaving neteyam and you alone. carefully, neteyam took your hand and placed it in his lap, as his thumb caressed over your bruised knuckles. he was rarely seen like this - uneasy, lost deep in his own thoughts and neteyam was aware of the affect you had on him. the way his stomach would flutter with butterflies at your simple touch or the way his heart would beat hard against his ribcage when you were in danger. as much as neteyam preferred to be in denial about it, he knew he was head over heels for you.

and with how deeply he cared for you, he couldn't help, but be a bit angry. not only at lo'ak, but you as well. if you wouldn't have followed his brother into the battlefield, you wouldn't be injured - you wouldn't have to hide your injury, which was another thing that upset him. letting out a long shaky breath, neteyam gently placed his head on your thigh - the only part of your body that was uninjured, and with your hand still in his, he soon fell asleep.

the eclipse was near and his parents grew worried. they knew where their son was, but most importantly, they knew no matter the amount of pursuing, he wouldn't leave your side - not until you woke and the two of you could finally talk.

his slumber was interrupted by a murmur of his name, as he let out a small groan in response. "neteyam, i can't feel my leg." this time, you spoke more clearly, startling the boy awake. with wide eyes, neteyam looked down at you, before glancing towards your leg, where he managed to fall asleep. "y/n! i'm sorry--" "it's fine, just next time please don't use my legs as your personal pillow." your voice was hoarse, laced with sleepiness. leaning onto your elbows, you attempted to sit up, but neteyam's hands gently pushed you back down at the sound of a painful hiss coming from you. "you're on a bed rest. two weeks." he announced, earning a scoff in response from you. "yeah, no." you muttered, before rubbing your tired eyes. your whole body was sore and in pain, yet all you yearned to do was get up and properly stretch.

"neteyam?" raising a brow, you glanced to your side at the boy, who was staring at you with an unreadable expression. "neteyam, what is--" you opened your mouth to speak, but was interrupted: "you didn't tell me." he suddenly declared. "what?" you attempted to sit up once again, and this time there was no pair of hands stopping you, as neteyam held his hands back. "when we came back yesterday, you didn't tell me. you didn't tell any of us." neteyam continued to explain, while you carefully studied your bandaged injury. his was voice low, yet stern - almost emotionless.

"you could've died, y/n." upon hearing the sudden crack in his voice, you froze. finally, you peeled your eyes away from your body and met his eyes. tears were threatening to spill, yet neteyam used all his remaining strength to not let them. "you need to stop following lo'ak, because then it ends up with one of you being injured and me having to clean up the mess." neteyam blurted out, yet soon regret his words at the sight of your hurt expression.

"is this what this is about?" you insisted, fury lacing your tone. "i am not one of your responsibilities, neteyam." the way you said his name with such venom caused his stomach to tighten. "i didn't ask you to cover for me, i can take care of myself. as you can see - i am alive, so i don't see why you're still here--" ignoring the burning pain across your body, you continued to rant, irritated by your sore body, headache and the guilt you felt.

"because i care about you!" silence fell over the hut, as you could only hear the echo of his words. with glossy eyes, you stared into his, before biting your tongue. "yesterday, when you fell unconscious, for a second i thought you were going to die and-" neteyam begun to explain, his eyes switching between yours and the floor. you slowly realized this was the first time you saw neteyam almost nervous during a conversation, unable to keep eye contact and stammering. that was the affect you had on him - you made him nervous, in a good way, of course. but you also made him scared. scared of loosing you.

"-and i didn't know what to do. i felt so guilty for not trying harder to stop you from following lo'ak and i still do." your expression softened, as you felt your heart tug. "neteyam..." you softly whispered, as you reached to hesitantly cup his face with your hand. "i'm sorry for worrying you, i truly am." your eyes did not once leave his, as honesty laced each of your words. neteyam's eyes stared into yours, before bringing his hands up and placing it above yours that still caressed his face - his skin burning upon your comforting touch. "i care about you, too, you know?" you added, voice barely above a whisper.

without a word, neteyam slowly nodded in response. "never scare me like that again, please." pressing his forehead against yours, he whispered. biting the inside of your cheek, you mentally braced yourself, as your heart beated harshly against your ribcage - threating to escape any second. closing your eyes, you quickly pecked neteyam's lips. "i won't." opening your eyes, you were met with the sight of neteyam's flustered and shocked expression at what you couldn't help, but grin.

"do it again..." he whispered, slightly leaning closer, his hand sneaking towards the back of your neck. "what was that? i couldn't quite hear you, nete." you teased, your thumb caressing his cheek. "kiss me again, please." with determined, yet soft eyes - neteyam repeated his words. you let out a small chuckle, before leaning in once again. this time - it wasn't a simple peck. your shared kiss was filled with comforting warmth, as your stomach went crazy with butterflies, just as neteyam's.

as you pulled away, neteyam unconsciously chased after your lips, causing a heartfelt chuckle to rise from your throat. your geninue moment was interrupted by a sudden painful hiss. with wide eyes, neteyam's hands left your body with the worry of hurting you, before searching your body for any source of pain. using the palm of your hand, you covered your wound carefully, the harsh movement of your body disturbing in.

"i'm okay." eyes shot closed, you let out a shaky breath through gritted teeth, assuring neteyam, yet he didn't seem convinced. "you have to rest." neteyam announced, brushing a strand of hair out of your face. in response, you rolled your eyes and let out a small groan. "i don't know if i can just lay here for two weeks." you admitted, before laying down. neteyam followed, resting on his side next to you. "well, you have no choice." with a small smile, neteyam explained, as you suppressed another eye roll.

"promise you'll visit me?" looking at him through your eyelashes, you asked. "of course i will." neteyam assured, causing you to let out a small, relived breath. silence fell over the hut - but it wasn't uneasy, rather comforting, as you carefully studied neteyam's features up close, before you felt your eyelids become heavy. even with your eyes closed, you could sense neteyam's eyes glued to you and you could feel your face burning underneath his stare.

"i really like you, nete. you know that, right?" you muttered through a yawn. "i know, y/n, i like you too." shyly, neteyam admitted, softly caressing the top of your head. the corners of your lips tugged into small, as neteyam's expression mirrored yours. using one of his arms to support his head, his other one was lightly placed over you - the two of you asleep within minutes. you knew the next couple of weeks are going to be rough, you still had to scold lo'ak and apologize to the sully's for scaring them, but now, you could only savor the moment with neteyam you were in.

#avatar #avatar twow #avatar x reader #neteyam #neteyam x reader #neteyam sully #neteyam sully x reader #avatar twow x reader #avatar the way of water #avatar ☆ ★#anm3mi's works ☆ ★

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itskattkm · 1 year ago

Text

Day & Night | Part II

Mabel (finestkind) x G!P reader

Warnings: violence, bruises, mentions of blood, junkies, bad translation :)

A/N: I think it’s even going to be more parts now :) hope you guys enjoy as always

Part 1, Part 3

I sighed and looked beside me to see that the space was empty "sure" I said disappointed and took a deep breath before I exhaled. My hands found their places on my face when I tried to cover it.

It was to good to be true. I should have know better... or maybe if I'm being honest with myself... I knew the truth. Why should Mabel even choose my place for "help" it was so obvious but i was totally blind.

I rubbed slight my eyes and looked to my open bedroom door. I felt suddenly so lost again. Somehow like I was at a wrong place at the wrong time. But mostly I felt unwanted.

So why did Mabel do what she did? Why out of sudden? And why did she leave? Well I could have a good answer to the last question but why did she even sleep with me then? I didn't understand.

I pulled the blanket over my shoulders and tried to get a clear head.

At some point around 11:00 in the morning I woke up again. This time I left my bed and took a long shower. After the shower, I turned on the TV so that I didn't have to drown in this silence in my apartment.

I ate some cereal and went to the bar around 1:00 p.m. to work. The day felt slow. Outside it was cold and slightly foggy. My shift was over in the evening. I decided to go to the pier like almost every day.

Now I entered the middle of the bridge and ran up the scaffolding "hi Maria" I said kindly to the slightly older lady who had her shift today.

"Hi y/n" come in... Today it's very fresh.

So I went into the cabin and sat down at the other end of the room. Like that I could observe the sea and was able do watch it through the window, stay dry and warmed up.

I took out my laptop and watched one of the online videos of my studies. In between, my gaze fell on my cell phone. I hoped to get a message from Mabel, but in vain. I sighed loudly as I turned my phone over slightly pissed.

Maria turned around in her wheelchair and looked at y/n worried "is everything okay y/n? Today it seems to be one of the less good days again?"

I nodded silently without looking at her. But since it was getting dark very slowly outside, I could see her reflection in the window. And then I suddenly saw it. A light in the distance. It flashed twice. I had to smile and took one of the larger flashlights when I left the cabin and ran out to the site.

I tried to show the boys that I was here. After not even three flashlight signals, the horn of the finestkind echoed back.

"The boys are back..." a part of me was happy because this meant that there would be fun evenings again, but another part in me was worried. What about Charlie?

After twenty minutes I went down and greeted the boys. Laughing, they called me

"Y/N Lighthouse!" I shook my head and said "you are so stupid guys" after they had all solid land under their feet, I greeted everyone with a hug.

"This time you've been away for a really long time, why?" I asked curiously.

Charlie began to explain "we have found a new route that allows us to make stops at other yards... that's why we will be on the road longer than usual in the future" I nodded "that sounds hard".

Tom chuckled "it's business"

I left the harbor with the boys. Following Tom and Costa a little further back with Charlie.

"Have you seen Mabel?" He asked me calmly. My heart began to race when I tried to answer him "yes... last time yesterday" Charlie nodded and seemed to be deep in his thoughts "was she okay?" He asked.

In my steps, I stopped and looked crookedly at him "what's wrong Charlie?" He turned around and scratched the back of his head "we sort of broke up"

I looked at him with wide eyes and almost a open mouth. On the one hand I was shocked, on the other hand I already thought about it and accordingly did not feel so bad after sleeping with her.

"What do you mean by sort of?" I asked seriously. Charlie smiled nervously "well... we now have this new strategy while fishing and that means that we will be even less at home... and I didn't want to do that to Mabel"

I shook my head

"Charlie... I understand your thoughts behind it but that's Mabel... she... she is-" I began, almost starting praise Mabel and Charlie interrupted me smiling "I know..."

I sighed "how did she handle it?" I asked worried.

Charlie raised his shoulders "I'm not sure... she was a little angry... but understood the reason" I nodded.

A thousand questions went through my head. Did she love him? Was she sad? Was she angry? What went through her head? How did she feel?

"Maybe I should have a look at her," said Charlie. My stomach turned around. But I doubted that Mabel would say anything about us, because as it seemed to me, she didn't seem to be interested in what happened between us.

"Maybe" I repeated quietly and looked at him and the other boys.

Days passed and everyday life quickly became my usual old routine. Online lectures whenever I could.

Later shifts in the bar and hanging out at the harbor. I still haven't had a message from Mabel. I had also given up to be honest. Charlie seemed to have visited her. He doesn't told me anything and honestly I didn't ask either.

I didn't want to know what was between them because I wouldn't have a chance anyway.

"Y/N! Another round of beer for us please!" Called the boys at the other end of the bar.

I wiped the bar and grabbed three bottles of beer. I ran over to them and put them at the table "please slow down today for once," I said laughing. "I don't feel like cleaning behind you guys" I shouted to them as I ran back to the counter "boss I'll get new beer in the back" I said and went to the storage room.

I didn't know what was happening while I was gone, within a few minutes I heard the rattling of glass, falling furniture and something that sounded like a brawl.

I immediately reached for the baseball bat I had near my locker and ran back to the bar.

Within seconds I saw what and who the problem was "you fucking asshole!" I shouted angrily and jumped over the counter. Skeemo was back with his junkie friends and had beaten Tom, Charlie and Costa up. Skeemo was just choking Charlie. I ran towards him from behind and hit him on the back of the head "fuck you!" I shouted angrily.

Skeemo let go of Charlie, who was now coughing on the floor. He cleverly looked at me when he scanned the back of his head and saw blood on his fingers "you fucking bitch" Skeemo hissed and then I saw red.

I didn't remember what happened afterwards. I only knew that I was questioned by the police after a team of paramedics checked my wounds.

If there was a secret about me, it was my uncontrollable anger and aggression. It was hard to get me to this point... but if you succeeded, it was hard to stop me. After I saw Skeemo, it came over me. Not only was he the reason for Mabel's injuries at the back then, but he had also whistled the boys....

After all the interrogation and a small visit to the hospital, I wanted nothing more than to go home.

My face hurted. My fists were beaten bloody and my ribs were slightly broken. I held back the pain. Something I knew too well. Something that made me feel alive in dark times.

"Thank you Y/N... what you did today... you should not be underestimated," Tom said when he took me off at home.

I looked at him with hidden pain "Charlie... Costa?"

Tom smiled slightly "they will recover" I nodded and slowly opened the door of his car. In the end, I had tried to mess with each of the junkies. They beat me... but they had it much... much worse then me. The ambulance was not called for me or the boys. It was called for Skeemo and his new gang.

I hoped they would die. But the possibility that they would survive and later die of drugs was higher.

"Take care of yourself Y/N" Tom called after me before I disappeared into my apartment.

I slightly held my left side where my ribs were damaged and moved towards my couch in slow painful steps. I wouldn't make it to bed. I bit firmly on my teeth when I tried to sit down and suppressed screams of pain. I held my breath and leaned back carefully. I closed my eyes and a tear escaped me.

The bruises on my face hurted. Probably everything had already turned purple. My hands were shaking. They were full of bruises and dried blood.

When it knocked on my door, I cursed the person behind it. I breathed heavily with pain when I supported myself with a trembling arm and walked so slowly to the door that the person began to knock again more and more impatiently.

I leaned against the wall exhausted and held my side as I opened the door only one gap to be careful.

"Y/N... hey- oh my God what happened?!" The next moment Mabel stood in front of me and held my face very carefully in her hands with a worried look. I squeezed my eyes in pain and breathed heavily as the pressure of my ribs pressed on my lungs.

"I'll help you..." she said calmly and gave me the feeling of security. Carefully she put my right arm around her shoulder and took me to my bedroom.

She held my hand tightly as I slowly sat down, I could only weakly suppress a painful moan. Mabel's dark eyes scanned my face and every other injury on my body. It seemed like she was falling from the clouds.

"I heard about a brawl in the bar but..." she began and stopped when I closed my eyes exhausted and lowered my head.

She went to her knees in front of me while resting her hands on my knees when she looked up to me worried.

She carefully touched my chin and lifted it. I opened my eyes and was now forced to look at her pitch black ones.

"What happened?" She whispered so quietly that I got goose bumps. I swallowed hard "can you... help me?" I whispered and looked slightly to the side. I was too weak to say more, but Mabel seemed to understand what I needed.

She helped me to lie down.

As soon as I lay on my back, Mabel covered me a little with my blanket, turned off the lights in my apartment and only turned on the small night light on my bedside table.

She disappeared from my room and came back with a glass of water and a pill. She put both on my bedside table and took off her jacket before she sat down with me on the bed "drink that... it helps against the pain" she said gently.

I breathed heavily and took the pill from her hand, I swallowed it down with water and tried to find some recovery.

Next I heard the sound of a plastic bag "fuck..." I hissed when I felt the burning pain on my ankles. Mabel had previously moistened a swab with alcohol to disinfect my bruised and blood-dried ankles.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered worriedly and continued cautiously.

Why was she here? And why was she so caring? Was Mabel interested in something for me?

My heart began to beat faster again at this thought.

"Skeet was suddenly in the bar with his junkies... and it escalated" I explained weakly. Mabel nodded silently, the way she looked at me... she hadn't looked at me since the day we met like that. This time I knew... that she really looked at me and perceived me.

"As I know you... I assume that Skeet and the others look worse..." said Mabel with a grin that brought out her dimples.

A smile escaped me. Even if it hurt, it still felt good.

I put my head aside and watched Mabel carefully take care of my hands. Her touches felt so gentle and good... I almost felt safe.

"Feels like it was yesterday when you beat up the junkie because he wanted more drugs from me" Mabel began with a smile.

I had to laugh a little and closed my eyes when it hurt. "... yes I remember... that day I was looking for trouble... and this guy was just in the wrong place at the wrong time" Mabel grinned wider when she remembered.

At that time, as always, Mabel had to make the deals for her mother. It was New Years Eve and most people went crazy anyway. But when Mabel had just made a handover, the junkie wanted more from her and started going crazy. He grabbed her by the arms and yelled at her, high from the drugs he had taken before. Before the guy could get closer to her y/n came around and had boxed the guy so hard that he was immediately unconscious. That evening she was slightly drunk and was looking for a reason to hit someone. Luckily for her, she found Mabel and the junkie.

"You okay? Looked like you were in trouble" y/n had said at the time. Mabel looked impressed at the unconscious junkie.

Y/n grinned wide and held out her hand "I am y/n" Mabel was fascinated by her at the time. How could anyone be so harmless and at the same time too unpredictable. She laughed and shook her hand "Mabel... you always walk around and punch people like that?"

Y/n had a sparkle in her eyes that caught Mabel's attention right away "nope... but i was looking for some trouble today so..."

Mabel smirked seductive and said "then it's your luck... I'm always surrounded by trouble"

That's how they met. In the chaos of violence. A miracle.

"Where you ghosting me?" asked Mabel with a dirty grin as she held my hand in hers.

I looked at her seriously "you're joking, aren't you? I would rather say that you ghosted me..." I said seriously.

Even if she was here now and we shared a moment of the past... I was still disappointed and even a little angry.

Mabel continued to smile.

"Sorry..." she whispered and lay down next to me on the bed the next moment.

She watched my reactions and when I didn't show any, she supported herself against her arm and carefully stroked the bruises on my left cheek.

"You should rest now..." she whispered and gently stroked with her fingertips my jaw as she lay down closer to me.

I began to feel calmer, relaxed and more secure. The pain was not as strong as a few minutes before, probably the painkillers from Mabel had helped. Slowly she put her hand around my neck and began to scratch me.

I felt goose bumps all over my body and my eyelids slowly felt heavy. My head was lying to the right side and I slowly fell into an exhausted sleep.

After Y/N fell asleep, Mabel watched her calm face. The bruises had turned purple. What did you see in me? Mabel asked herself as she continued to caress her neck. She never thought to see y/n in such a state. It hurt... it really did badly and showed her what a bad friend she was. Y/n had always cared. She didn't cared what people said about others... she always made an impression on herself. She was never reproachful... she was always friendly, showed interest in others and was always there. But who was there for her? Who listened to her thoughts and worries? Who was interested in her? Who cared for her?

"Im right by your side" I whispered as I continued to stroke her neck and carefully gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Y/n had fallen asleep deeply and Mabel didn’t had planned to leave y/n side. She wouldn’t wake up alone this time.

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thesuperiorrobin · 1 year ago

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Untitled

Pairing: Damian Wayne x Fem!reader

Word count: 1.0k

Warning: none

A/N: also reminder all my requests have been completely deleted after I had gotten a new phone. I’ll open up requests later I just don’t know when. I’m a bit disappointed in myself bc I didn’t get to them sooner. So again sorry if your requests won’t be done anytime soon.

You’re never the first to call.

Most of the time it’s Damian.

Damian needs something in his life that no one in his family could give him. They could, but it wouldn’t be the same if he got it from you. You’re in your room, it’s late. Too late where the streets of Gotham have gone silent—and that alone should say something. You're humming a song of your choice that plays in the background of your bedroom as you sew up a piece of your jacket that you had accidentally ripped when you were out during the day. The music cuts off as your phone beside you starts to ring. It’s a facetime call.

incoming call 🩷🗡️Damian🩷🗡️….:

You’re quick to answer it… pressing the green button as you propped up your phone up against a couple of books you had laying around on your small desk you sat at so he could get a better view of you. There’s a smile on your face when he shows up. I'm your view on the phone. He’s laying down on his bed looking tired and beaten. Damian had just gotten back from a night of patrol before he decided to call you.

“Hi!” You great, he greets you back with a quiet hello “what are you doing?”

“I could ask you the same thing” you hum as you focus back on your jacket.

“Well, my excuse is I took a nap— at like—I don’t know-five? Maybe six? Anyway I woke up not even an hour ago. So I’ll be up the entire night” you laugh at yourself softly “What about you? Why are you up?” He’s quiet for a moment, and that worries you. He says nothing for a few scones seconds, you look up and stare at your phone—staring at his reflection on the other side of your device. There’s something about him that you can’t read well. And that says something because you could usually read off his emotions based on his expression.

“Just got done with patrol” he finally speaks and you nod slowly “how was your day beloved?” A question that’s quick to get you.

Damian loves listening to you talk about your day, even if it was just you doing absolutely nothing. You are quick with your answer.

“I didn’t do much! I only went to the mall today with a friend and let me tell you—twenty-five dollars in this economy ain’t shit. I think I spend around one hundred dollars? I think and I only went to like three stores but I still have money left over. Also Victoria secret underwear is not for the weak at all. They’re cute but some of them are just eh—not made for wearing them all day—“ you stop yourself from saying anything else. You look at your phone to stare at Damian who says nothing. The more you look at him the more he looks exhausted.

“Damian?”

“Yeah?”

“Come over” a soft smile grazes your lips “‘my parents aren’t home. Away on a business trip or something like that”

“oh?” That seems to spike his interests “what’s the occasion?” You shrug as you think for a moment, your ripped jacket now forgotten and placed aside

“movie night? I was watching a scary movie on Max called Barbarian. I was watching it alone but ten minutes in I got scared” Damian let’s put a small laugh that warms your heart. He’s slowly coming down from whatever he was going through.

“So?”

“I’ll be there. Just give me a few minutes”

“yay. I’ll see you in a bit. My windows open so you can just come in whenever”

You say your goodbye before you hang up on each other.

When Damian finally comes round you’re in the kitchen standing in front of the microwave as you make popcorn. Too engrossed on your phone you don’t notice him until his reflection covers your screen. You're quick to turn around and greet him with a hug that lasts longer than usual. It had you wondering. It’s not until the sound of your microwave beeping, you two pull apart but not fully. Hands linger on his face longer, palms against his tan cheeks.

“You okay?” Softly, you ask and he nods against your hands—his own hands coming up and grasping yours bringing your palm closer to his lips. He kisses it softly before he nuzzles into them again.

“Yes, with you I’m always okay” you hum as you smile up at him.

“Okay….” The microwave beeps once more, a reminder that the popcorn is ready. You let go of Damian as you make your way towards it, opening it and taking out the hot and steaming bag. You place it on the counter as you go and retrieve a bowl.

“You can go sit on the couch if you want” you say dumping the popcorn into the bowl

“I’ll be there in a minute” he nods but you can’t see, you hear his footsteps disappear as he walks away. You spot Damian sitting on the couch waiting patiently, there’s no expression on his face as he stares blankly at your T.V. A frown paints your lips as you walk up to him and hand him the popcorn—he doesn’t say a word as he takes it from your hand and watches as you search for the remote. When you do find it you sit next to him draping a blanket that was placed over the arm of the couch. There’s a static silence between the two of you as you search for the movie. Damian drapes his arm over your shoulder—leaning down onto you.

“Tired?” You laugh slightly—hand coming up to ruffle his black hair as you press play on the movie. He shakes his head

“No. I’m never tired” he smiles

“Okay, whatever you say” rolling your eyes playfully you lean closer to him. The popcorn was now in your hands, placed on your lap. Damian arms were wrapped around you protectively. You two to engrossed in the movie you were watching

Damian was always okay. He just missed you. Today was the first time he’s been over your house in the past six months and talking to you through the phone wasn’t doing any justice to him. Missing you kinda gives him a home sick-y feeling.

Also I recommend watching Barbarian on MAX. It’s not really a jump scare kind of horror movie. It’s more like an uneasy kind of movie. 10/10. Although I do have to give a warning bc there is blood and gore and also mentions of rape and incest.

#damian al ghul #damian wayne #damian wayne x reader #batman x fem!reader #robin x reader #batfamily #damian x reader #batfamily x reader #damian al ghul x reader #damian scenarios

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kaelidascope · 6 months ago

Text

Fandom and LGBTQ Hostility and My Experiences Trying to Exist in Both Spaces Online

I came into these spaces with a very strict rule that I would not react or do anything cancel-worthy out of an overabundance of caution. Digital footprints are dangerous. The things you say online will follow you around forever. I know that first hand. I’ve bottled up and stayed silent about a lot of things I’ve either witnessed first-hand or experienced because I was trying to maintain a clean online persona. I’m not an ‘airing out dirty laundry’ type person.

In light of recent events however, it’s gotten so bad that I can no longer sit here and not say something about how I feel. I’m disappointed and frustrated with the experiences I’ve had both in fandom and LGBTQ+ spaces and I can’t be complacent. I’m tired of getting treated like this, I’m fed up and I’m not going to put up with it anymore. I feel it’s important I voice what I’ve been watching and what’s happened and how I’m not going to tolerate it anymore by calling it out first hand.

This is a two-topic rant. They overlap in some instances, but it directly has to do with how fandoms behave in general towards each other on Twitter and Tumblr, and also how absolutely hostile LGBTQ+ individuals are nowadays to each other on the same platforms.

I come from a different generation and a different social media platform. I wasn’t on Twitter and Tumblr until last year. I’m not dismissing the fact that I may have missed out on decades worth of culture and social expectation. The places where I come from aren’t exactly fantastic either, but at least here, more queer people are interacting with each other with shared interests much more widely than in places like DeviantArt. The amount of culture and information I’ve absorbed in one year is more than I ever had within the past twenty years. It should be a good thing, and I’m disappointed that it wasn’t.

This is not the way I wanted to come out online to anyone. I’ve been figuring out where I sit on the gender and sexuality spectrum for a while now. I will not document a specific timeline for anyone because that’s nobody’s business but my own. Within the last year, I took a massive stride forward in exploring things I legally didn’t think I was allowed to. I expected backlash from cishets and the usual thing I see LGBTQ+ folks write essays over, about how the world hates us, but at least we have each other. Shockingly, the backlash didn’t come from straight people. It came from other queers.

I am 27 years old and I am entirely self-sufficient. I’m mixed Puerto Rican living in a red state. English wasn’t even my first language. I don’t have a network, so I’m teaching myself these things. I'm asking questions. I'm reading materials and expressions of self-experience and self-identity through fanworks and other autobiographical content. I'm actively trying to seek community and support through transgender and non-binary individuals with shared interests and so far all I've been met with is hostility and assumptions. So much so that I've now been made to feel like I'm on a timeline to figure it out so I can have a well-practiced, short introduction to copy and paste to every person who comes across me. And the only reason I even need one is so that they can make the decision to pass judgement over whether or not I'm allowed to speak, write, draw, wear, act, breathe the things I do. I'm disappointed. I'm anxious. I honestly feel more shoved into the closet now than I ever did before and I shouldn't be. Nobody should be treated this way when trying to figure out who they are. I probably won't even get an apology for the things that were said to me, either. I pride myself on the extraordinary caution I take to be politically correct, vetted through reputable sources, and as close to authentic as possible. And yet somehow I’m still getting called things like terf, transmisogynistic, triggering, when I’m fucking trans myself and all of my content gets vetted/REQUESTED by trans individuals. I get promised up and down that people are kind and welcoming in these sorts of spaces and honey, they aren’t. The people you choose to be friends with aren't as inclusive and friendly as you think they are. You don’t even know me and what body parts I have. The fact that you need to know in order to decide whether or not to treat me with respect is telling of an internal issue that has nothing to do with me.

I have no reference point. I live in a place where laws ban anything gender and trans. I have no local resources or community. I've barely met any LGBTQ people in person. If I have, they never came out publicly. Most of my queer exposure has been online, and the fact that I've seen nothing but angry, mean, exclusive and discriminating behavior without any sort of reasoning why other than selfish defensiveness, I don't know where else I'm supposed to go for support. Something a lot of you guys need to take into retrospect is anyone who identifies as LGBTQ gets shot where I live. We have sundown towns here. If you don’t even know what that is, good, but also that’s telling of your privilege that you need to consider when talking to others not from blue states. I didn’t grow up in an environment where we had these highly liberal culture points and the word ‘gay’ was never allowed to be said out loud. We did not have gay clubs in school. I'm about as fucking late to this as you possibly can get. The only reason I know anything about our history, representation, and barely anything about what's socially acceptable and what's not, is because of the internet. So many of you had the privilege of being exposed to this information as young as under the age of 10. I didn’t. Sue me for not immediately knowing what every gender label means right off the bat. Half that stuff isn’t even legal here.

I can't believe it's boiled down to the fact that I have to somehow justify my existence on this Earth and give an explanation that fits into predetermined boxes just to do anything to engage with other people. I have no time or space to figure it out. I’m disorganized and overwhelmed because I can’t ask questions about ‘can butches do this?’ ‘How versatile is transmasc/transfem?’ ‘Am I more genderqueer or do I fit under the trans umbrella?’ Gender and identity is fluid and ever changing. I have actually seen people harp and attack individuals for "defaulting" or "detransitioning" when they change their mind after giving this big coming out speech. It’s like support on these platforms is entirely conditional and a one-time thing. Y'all really expect people to wear the first style of shirt they buy for the rest of their life? Are we not allowed to do anything unless we know for sure? How’s college working out for you, for those who believe this mindset?

The vocally aggressive ones who use big words that contradict their statements can do, say, and be whatever they want. But people like me can't. The ones who have to straight pass in public to keep their jobs and maintain their life safely. Some of us have been on our own since 19 with no family support. Consider the environment someone lives in before assigning your harsh assumptions. I can’t just change myself on a whim without doing significant damage control. Half the jobs I work for don’t even allow unnatural hair colors. If we list our pronouns as anything other than our assigned sex at birth, it causes legality issues with taxes. The way I have to navigate how to explore my identity and also keep a roof over my head and my bills paid may seem highly conservative to most. It’s in no way shape or form meant to reflect disrespect on how others live and express themselves. I am doing the best with the environment I have. The way I do things is not meant to be read as a message of ‘you’re doing it wrong because you’re not doing it the way I do.’ None of us are wrong. That should not be the subliminal message here.

You know someone actually challenged me on that? Saying I was being harmful for purposefully straight presenting in public? Please research your country and state specific laws before you say that to me. If I could afford to live somewhere safer and queer-friendly, this conversation would be different. I am working on getting the fuck out of this state. But I don’t have a partner or parents money to default on. I’m doing this by myself. It’s not impossible, just a slow process.

I'm disappointed and fed up. I've reached my limit, and I don't really care anymore if someone uses this essay to try and cancel me 5 or 10 years from now when the world goes through another gender renaissance of terms and identities. I will not put up with being treated like this when you refuse to listen to anyone else other than the sound of your own voice. I’m trying my best to learn, adapt, and express myself. I do not need to be lectured or be called derogatory things just because you think I’m coming from a malicious place.

It’s not just about the hostility and gate-keeping behavior exhibited in online queer spaces. The same exact thing happens in fandom spaces too. People get pissy about queer headcanons and presentations so much to the point of taking it upon themselves to police the fandom and scrub it clean of “impurities.” I’ve watched y’all go through people's social media pages for any type of ammunition for justification of a personal grievance. It shocks me how much hyperfixation gets put on specific and morally harmless things when there are people out there writing diabolical shit way worse than what I have to offer. And y’all happily support them too but bark at me about what I make cus that author fits your social criteria and you assumed I didn’t. Don't think I'm ignorant to every single scrap of hate mail and harassment I've gotten over the past year and a half in my inboxes. Including the passive aggressive posts about my work, vague tweets, and discussions about me in discord servers. Over what? Have you actually read my work? If it’s actually as problematic as you say it is, provide me with a modern and unbiased example why this particular scene and execution is harmful. And not because you got triggered or disliked the kink, or read the summary/tags and assumed it was something it’s not. I don’t know how much more caution tape, massive warnings, obvious clear-cut tags (that were provided to me by queer individuals to PUT on there in the first place) out of insane amounts of caution I can do. I have always been willing to provide spoilers and explicit details in case someone is unsure how they’ll be affected by something I make. If you already don’t like it based on my warnings, that’s always been more than okay! My work is not for everyone. I’m getting tired of politely and respectfully saying please move on, because the message seems to be getting lost in translation. So let me be clear;

Get off my pages if you don’t like what I make. It’s not for you. It will never be for you. Dead dove. DO NOT EAT. PREFERRED DEMOGRAPHIC 25+ ADULT CONTENT RATED E FOR EXPLICIT. I can recommend so many other fantastic creators with better suited content for you! If I could hide my content behind a roped off section deliberately keeping you from seeing it, I would. BLOCK ME.

If your response to this section is ‘well then just don’t write it’. Honey, there’s people out here in the RWBY fandom writing trans incest actively commenting on all your shit and you respond back. A magic grimm-goo strap and monster smut featuring a transfem character (again, requested by literally 3 trans people and WRITTEN by one) should be the least of your worries.

I have actively chosen not to address the harassment and hate mail, because it's sad that half of you hate me so much you need to make a point of telling me so regularly. I sincerely hope moving on with your lives will grant you peace of mind. Truly.

This is why I barely interact with anyone. Nothing but hostility, harassment, and expectation to behave in ways I cannot emotionally commit to. I am exhausted, uninspired, and have such a bad taste in my mouth it's proving extremely difficult to want to do anything creative. It’s been worse with my recent exploration of my gender identity. Opening one door to write about certain things somehow, miraculously, closes ones I previously existed in. I’m practically getting kicked out if I’m not 100% one way or another. I don’t go out of my way to shove my content down your throats. Why you feel the need to come to me and tell me you dislike my existence because you read it, despite me stating this is not for everyone and probably not for you, doesn’t have anything to do with me. Idk what else I can do. Disappear off the face of the planet, I guess. That seems to be what the overall solution is when y’all find something you don’t like. I can't believe I witnessed grown adults in their mid twenties with self-proclaimed senses of rightness start a trend on Twitter to go through people's mutuals and their likes to see if they’re socially acceptable in Fandom spaces or not. That was fucking ridiculous. And especially not fair to those who had their private accounts leaked and put on blast when it was already behind an vetted follower wall. Believe it or not, people draw weird, lewd, diabolical shit. They’re actually being responsible by putting it behind a paywall, or some type of ‘proof of age before following’ requirement. It falls on the people who go on there, take screenshots, and post them publicly for minors and non-consenting individuals to see without filters what was previously hidden. It’s irresponsible and immature.

For fear of getting canceled by the Fandom, I moved all 600+ accounts I was following onto a private alt. I don't interact with my main anymore. I went so far into hiding and didn’t dare share anything about liking content made by people I wasn’t allowed to like, because that’s how cruel it is out here. It's honestly stupid I even felt like I had to do that. For what? People glazed over the brief moment of drama within a few weeks and went right back to posting the same shit they always have. They find new things to gossip about on their privs. New enemies to cancel on Twitter. New things to deem problematic and attack.

I will be heard with this letter. I don’t care to be associated with anyone who treats people like this. I don’t believe in it, I won’t support it, and I’d rather have a small circle of people who won’t be rude or attack other people for existing. I’m not going to sit here and take the abuse any longer. Leave me in peace. There is no reason any of this should be happening.

This is not meant to undermine the support I have gotten from the few who know what I'm going through and have given me the space to figure it out. I appreciate every question answered and insight provided as much as your abilities allow. I'm so grateful for it. I just wish it wasn't 2 people while everyone else is an asshole.

#Happy pride to me I guess!#LGBTQ+#RWBY #consider this my hiatus notice #do better #breaking my silence

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written-in-flowers · 1 year ago

Text

Appreciated: Wooyoung x Fem!reader

Pairing: Wooyoung x fem!reader

Genre: smut, fluff, tiny bit of angst, romance

Word Count: 9k

Summary: After helping a friend out of her toxic relationship, her situation makes you appreciate your boyfriends even more than before. When Wooyoung makes a specific request, you indulge him.

Disclaimer: These works are completely fictitious and for entertainment purposes only. They are not meant to reflect or label the members of ATEEZ in any way. The events within never took place. Thank you.

Tags: established relationship, polyamory, poly relationship, free-use fantasy, free-use kink, oral sex (f. receiving), breast play, nipple play, pet names, multiple positions, mentions of toxic relationships/toxic partners, sad but with a happy ending, talks of suicide but super brief and nothing happens, members being absolute angels and simps

Previously on Idol Companion

***

You didn't feel like going out tonight. After having dates with San, Mingi, Yeosang and Hongjoong, your energy bar ran low. You know this is one of the downsides to your job, and you should suck it up and get dressed. Wooyoung deserves as much attention as the rest of the group; you didn’t want him to think you didn’t like being with him. Most clients would pout or make a remark about you not being worth the time anyways. Then again, your boyfriends aren't like any clients you've had before. Sitting up from Wooyoung’s bed, all the tiredness you’d gotten from the day washed back over you. Your morning consisted of gym time with Yunho and Mingi, a few dance classes with your toddler group, running last minute errands and then lunch with friends. You’d come to Wooyoung’s apartment and crash onto his bed before he even came home.

You knew Wooyoung won’t be bothered, but you couldn’t help feeling the anxiousness. You hated being the person who brought down their smiles or disappointed them. Leaving his bedroom, you found Wooyoung already standing in the kitchen with a can of soda in his hand. Long black strands pulled back from his face, Wooyoung wore a black shirt with matching shorts. Personally, you loved your boyfriends barefaced and casual. Something about their natural beauty attracted you, and you couldn’t help looking him up and down when you saw them. He lifted his eyebrows in acknowledgement and took a sip from his drink.

"I wanted to ask you something," you said, getting your own drink from the fridge.

You noticed he’d paused, studying your expression before saying. "I do too, but I think we're thinking the same thing so you go first."

"Staying in for tonight?"

"Yes, please," he slumped against the counter, "I'm glad you asked. I really didn't feel like putting myself together and going out."

"Me neither," you leaned on the counter beside him. You popped open your drink, then took a few gulps of it before continuing, "I went to the movies with Yeosang last night. I went to the festival with Hongjoong the night before. I went to a concert with Mingi and San the night before that. I went to the gym, had some toddler dance classes, and then ran errands. I'm just…wiped out," you sighed deeply. "I'm sorry."

He smiled, "Don't be. Our schedule has been super crazy and dance practice ran longer today so I'm all bleh." He wrapped you in his arms, "Take out and a movie?”

“I’m tired of eating out,” you said, “I’ll cook something and we can pick a drama to watch or whatever.”

“You sure?” you felt his hand rub the small of your back, “I know how tired you are.”

“I can make something simple and quick.”

“Then, I’ll help,” he concluded. “I think there’s some meat leftovers we can finish, and we’ll cut up some veggies and rice? Simple and easy?”

“Alright.”

Wooyoung went looking for meat and vegetables in the fridge, while you poured a few cups of rice from a holder. You smiled softly to yourself at the relief of a night inside. Having eight boyfriends can be challenging at times. You realized early on that you’d bitten off more than you could chew with Ateez. You found yourself stretched thin from all the tour traveling, kpop conventions, fan sign events, dance practices, recording sessions, and group and solo dates. You lived with only Yunho and Yeosang, but you regularly drifted between the three apartments to be with all of them. It became a lot sometimes, but thankfully, they understood and helped lighten the load for you. Dumping the cups into the rice cooker’s pot, you began washing the rice out when your phone vibrated in your pocket. Busy cooking, you didn’t answer immediately.

“Any show in particular you want to watch?” Wooyoung asked as he brought a package of meat to the island counter. You always let him cut and cook meat since he was better at it. Rice and vegetables are your expertise. “I saw this new zombie drama on Netflix. We could give that a try if you want.”

“I don’t know about a zombie one,” you said, finishing with the rice and putting it to cook. “Everything is about freaking zombies nowadays. I want something different.” Putting the rice on, you grabbed the various vegetables Wooyoung brought to start washing them thoroughly. “There’s a drama about a woman who’s like a double agent for a mafia guy and the police. Mihee told me about it and she said it was good. If we hate it, we can just watch another one.”

Wooyoung stayed quiet for a moment, then said, “Nah. Sounds like something I need to pay attention to, and my brain is mush right now.”

“Then maybe I should cut the meat,” you joked, bringing your vegetables and cutting board over to the island counter. “Your mushy brain might slip up.”

“And have you cut your finger again? I’m good,” he laughed. “I like my food to not have human blood in it.”

He cut the meat into thin slices, while you carefully chopped the onions, carrots and celery. “We can try this boxer drama I saw,” he said, side eyeing you with a smirk, “As long as you don’t drool over the leads.”

You rolled your eyes, “I do not drool over the leads.”

“Yes, you do,” he laughed, starting to season the meat on the cutting board. “I remember how obsessed you became with Lee Dohyun when we watched Sweet Home together. Then you did it again with Wi Jahoon after Squid Games. You watched everything you could find and got all excited when your friend told you she went on a date with Dohyun.”

“I couldn’t believe it!” you exclaimed. “I didn’t see him as being the type for that kind of service. She was so lucky.”

“Hey,” Wooyoung said, offended. He took the meat from the counter to the stove, putting oil into a pan. “I’m right here, you know.”

You giggled when he poked your side, and then you gave an apology peck. “Oh, you know I’m all yours.”

Your phone buzzed in your pocket a second time, and you wiped your hands to at least see who called. Expecting your mother’s number, a pit of worry settled in your stomach when you saw the actual name. ‘Mihee’. Wooyoung focused on cooking the meat, so you answered her call.

“Mihee-ah, what’s up?” you asked, making sure not to sound worried right off the bat.

“YN-unnie,” you heard her soft-spoken voice squeak your name, and you frowned, “I don’t think I can do this anymore.”

“What happened now, honey?” you kept your concern in your voice. “What’s wrong?”

“I just can’t handle this anymore. It’s too much,” she sobbed. “They’re so…I can’t be here anymore.”

“What did they do?”

Lee Mihee, a short woman with bright eyes and a friendly smile, came up in the Companion industry beside you. Always bubbly and full of life, clients often noted her way of brightening up their day. She’d gotten into dating groups like you did, and did very well since she could mold herself to fit any personality. However, while you had ATEEZ, who were angels, she’d gotten with Galax1. You’d met them a handful of times at music bank shows and conventions and their vibe immediately threw you off. They’d been kind enough at first, since they doted and praised Mihee often, but from what she’s told you things changed over time.

“Today was Chulsoon’s birthday,” she began, taking deep breaths to keep her voice steady, “And we all were going to go out for dinner.”

The name alone made you clench your jaw. Chulsoon was Galax1’s visual and main vocalist. A soft, fair-skinny boy with wide eyes and an angelic voice, he is the Yeosang equivalent. Except Yeosang is a real fairy prince, whereas Chulsoon is a goblin in disguise. He never fails to make a disparaging remark about Mihee, usually in a nonchalant tone. You nearly threw a shoe at him when he told Mihee she should lose some weight, since her dress was tight in the middle.

“Yeseo was coming with us.”

You groaned at the mention of her name. It isn’t uncommon for groups to bring in more partners as they progress in their career. You knew groups that had three or four of them. However, the normal procedure is discussing a new partner with the group’s current partner. Mihee told you that Galax1 did not do that. They brought Yeseo home after a single meeting, and told Mihee that she’d be living with them. No discussion. No contract alterations. You advised her to go to the agency and renegotiate her contract, since they did not tell her they’d be adding a new girlfriend. However, you guessed she never did this due to the group’s leader talking her out of it. This situation might’ve been okay if Yeseo actually got along with Mihee, who is now the group’s Main Partner. Mihee told you she did not. She was spoiled, entitled, and demanded all the attention.

“And she made a mess of things and embarrassed you?” you guessed ahead, dumping the vegetables into an oiled pan. Wooyoung scrunched his nose in a question, and you mouthed ‘Mihee’, which made him nod and continue cooking.

“No, no, not that,” she said. “I get dressed to go to the restaurant with everyone, and Chulsoon sees me and-and says that I look too pretty and need to change because this is supposed to be Yeseo’s night. His parents are going to be there, and he wants to introduce them to her.”

Your jaw dropped, “He actually said that to you?”

“He-He did,” she replied in a sob.

“Don’t tell me you actually changed?”

“I did. I didn’t want to ruin his birthday and Kwangmin told me that Chiwon’s mom was looking forward to seeing me.”

“Let me guess: Chiwon’s mom never said that?”

“No!”

Kwangmin was Galax1’s comedian who likes making jokes and is their mood-maker. Another skinny man with a dimpled smile, fans adored their ‘sunshine boy’. Little do they know, sometimes his “pranks” went too far and could be downright hurtful. Sadly, Mihee is usually his target. You hadn’t forgotten the time he’d pantsed her in public, her face beet red and tearful as the embarrassment filled her insides. Nor the time when he purposefully ruined her birthday party video by replacing all the nice photos with terribly altered ones. Each time he claimed it was a ‘joke’, but nobody was laughing.

“I felt so stupid and humiliated,” she sobbed. “I almost did not go to the restaurant, but I’d already gotten dressed, so I went anyway. When I was…When I was…” you heard her take deep breaths.

“When you did what?”

“When I was in the car, Yeseo kept complaining that I still looked too pretty and that she didn’t want me there,” she said. “She said me crying was just going to draw all the attention away from her.”

“Ugh, that bitch.” You felt like going to their dorm and smacking the insipid bitch. “What happened then?”

“Chiwon told me to stop being a cry baby, and that not everything is about me.”

Kwang Chiwon. You’d consider the group’s leader your worst enemy if you actually cared about him. In front of fans and cameras, he’s a hard working artist who cares about his younger members. Off camera, he proved to be a different guy; he tended to be Mihee’s worst tormentor. He could cut her down with a single remark. He’d break her things, then blame her for making him so mad that he did it. He never showed concern or care for her. You could tell how much he truly disliked Mihee. You guessed the Companion idea was not his doing, but his managers or his members. His cruelty hurt the most because Mihee had loved him the hardest.

“I stayed in the car for a bit to calm myself down, but when I got inside the restaurant,” you heard her take more deep breaths before bursting into tears again.

“Babe, babe, calm down and breathe, okay? Just breathe. Just breathe in and out.” You heard her breathing shakily, and she continued.

“The host says my name isn’t on their party list and I couldn’t go inside.”

“What?”

“Yeah, he said that it wasn’t there and I wasn’t allowed to go inside with them.”

“They did that shit on purpose,” you seethed, anger distracting you from the vegetables you’d put in the pan. Quickly, you put them into a plate before they burn up. “They never planned on you sitting with them. They did it to humiliate you, again. Mihee-ah, why do you stay with them? You can get out of your contract easily.”

“I can’t.”

“What do you mean ‘you can’t?”

“I don’t make enough from them to leave. They’re not as popular as your boyfriends. They don’t make a lot of money yet,” she said.

A Companion’s pay is usually determined by the group’s budget. Since your boys make millions, you can live comfortably on your own, if you wish. Galax1 did not do so well. Hardly anybody really knew who they were, and you’re glad that karma turned back on them.

“It’s so horrible here,” she sobbed. “They never think about me anymore. They make food, and if I’m not there with them, they don’t make enough for me.”

This made you pause over your current meal. A meal you’re cooking with your loving boyfriend Wooyoung, who always made sure you ate well. You couldn’t picture them ever leaving you out of anything. Yeosang is incapable of being mean, and Yunho is too caring. Hongjoong, above them all, takes care of you as much as possible.

“And I never told you about the time Kenny grabbed my arm hard and left a bruise.”

Kenny. The group’s ‘muscle pig’. You’d seen his muscles, and imagined him being capable of that.

“They used to be so nice to me. I…I don’t know what I did wrong. I don’t know what happened.”

“You didn’t do anything. They’re the assholes. They’ve taken advantage of you too many times.”

You could never see Jongho making jokes at your expense, or San using his strength to physically harm you.

“We used to all be so happy. I remember when Chulsoon used to make me pancakes after our date nights, and when Chiwon would let me sit in his studio with him to listen to his songs,” she lamented. “Kenny used to sing me to sleep when I had nightmares, and would take me out for coffee after our gym sessions. He doesn’t even want me going with him anymore. I don’t know what I did, Unnie. I don’t know where I went wrong or why they stopped caring about me. Everything is always my fault even when it’s not. I’m always the bad guy, the one in the wrong, the asshole. They hardly notice me or talk to me some days. They’re more concerned with their new pet than they are with me.”

“Then leave them and let her deal with their bullshit,” you told her.

“Maybe I should terminate my contract.”

The words shocked you beyond belief. All thoughts of your night with Wooyoung went out the window in a single sentence.

“No, Mihee-ah,” you said firmly. “Don’t say things like that.”

“It’s not like anyone would care!” she cried.

“That’s not true, Mihee, and you know that. So many people would care,” you replied with a plea. “I’d care. Saehee, Jihye, and Sumi would care. Your parents and grandparents would care. Your sisters, who adore you, would care. Don’t say things like that.”

“It’s the only way I can get out!”

“No, it is not.”

“I can’t afford to leave. My contract isn’t up for another year. I…I have to do it.”

“No, you do not,” you told her.

There are only two ways a Companion can get out of their contract without paying: they’re dignosed with a terminal illness or they try committing suicide. You’d heard of Companions ending up in hospitals because they tried ending their lives. A few of them actually succeeded. The idea of Mihee, sweet and gentle Mihee who never hurt anyone, doing something like that brought tears to your eyes.

“Where are you?” you asked her. “Mihee-ah, where are you?”

“I walked back home. I couldn’t stay there. I didn’t want them to come out and find me,” she said. “It hurt so much. Everything they do hurts. It’s like they don’t want me around. They treat me like I’m a nuisance to them…I’m a punching bag when they’re mad. I’m a joke to them.”

“There are other ways to get out of your situation, Mihee.”

“How?!”

As you stayed on the phone with Mihee, you texted another friend of yours: Jihye. She lived closer to Mihee, and would get to her faster than you could.

You: MIHEE WANTS TO TERMINATE!!

Jihye-babe: OMG WHERE IS SHE??

You: at her place. I’m trying to talk her down now. I’m too far away to get there in time.

Jihye-babe: omw don’t worry

“You can go to the agency dorms and get a room,” you said, “And tomorrow we’ll go Sungmi and she’ll find a way to help you out. They should have records from your medical appointments. If you tell the therapist what you’re thinking of doing-”

“-I haven’t been going to my appointments.”

“Why not?”

“Chiwon says I don’t need to go. He says I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Mihee, please,” you sniffled. “Jihye is on her way to you.”

Mihee continued crying, and hearing her cries broke your heart further. Several awful visions went through your head as you listened. Not Mihee. You texted Sungmi, your agent. You told her everything Mihee said, and her response relieved you.

Sungmi: I will get her a room in the residency building, and send someone to go pick her up. Jihye will be there?

You: Yes, she’ll be there. She can’t afford the fees right now, though.

Sungmi: I’ll waive the dorm fees for now. I’ll arrange a payment plan with the bursar’s office tomorrow morning.

You: Thank you, Sungmi.

“Sungmi is sending a van to come pick you up,” you told Mihee. “You can stay there for a while.”

“I can’t pay.”

“She’ll work that out later. We want you to be safe, babe. You’re going to be okay,” you comforted her.

You felt so helpless. You felt useless.

“They’ll come get me back anyways,” she sniffled. “They won’t let me go.”

“The agency will make them let you go.”

If there is one authority who could stop this, it’d be your agency. You’d joined The Eden Agency years ago when you saw their dedication to taking care of their employees and workers. You knew all the stipulations and restrictions they put into their contract clauses to keep everyone safe and happy. You couldn’t believe Galax1 somehow made it under the radar this long. Your hands clenched into fists as you stayed on the phone with Mihee, who gradually calmed down until you heard Jihye in the dorm. The savory scents of the food you’d cooked did not penetrate through your anger. How could they do this to her? You couldn’t fathom why someone would do this to a person they claimed to love.

“The van’s here,” Jihye’s voice came through Mihee’s phone. “I’ll go with her to make sure she’s settled in okay.”

“Keep me updated, yeah?”

“Totally.” She gave a sigh, “I can’t believe those assholes. Saehee and Sumi are gonna meet us at the agency. When can you be here?”

“In an hour,” you said, putting the vegetables on the counter with a concerned Wooyoung. “I’ll bring some food for her. She’ll be hungry and the cafeteria will be closed.”

“Good idea. I got a bottle of soju in my purse.”

You didn’t laugh, though you wanted to. “I’ll be there soon.”

“Alright, cool. See ya.”

Both of you hung up, and suddenly you did not feel hungry anymore. Wooyoung stood on the other side of the counter now, chopsticks in his hand as he picked up a bit of meat to put in a perilla leaf.

“What’s wrong with Mihee?” he asked, with concern on his face.

“She…” you couldn’t bring yourself to say it out loud. You felt as if saying it might embarrass Mihee. “She had a big fight with Chiwon, and he said a bunch of nasty things to her.” You picked up your own chopsticks, but only picked at the cooked vegetable sides. “She was having a panic attack, so I texted Jihye and Sungmi. She can’t keep living with them. They’re so terrible to her, and that new girlfriend of theirs is no help either.”

“I can’t believe she stayed with them this long,” Wooyoung told you after chewing his food. “I remember doing Kingdom with those guys, and they were so rude. They hated each other, and were hard to work with.” He snorted, “You should’ve heard the way they talked about you when you told that Kenny guy off.”

Yes, you remembered Kingdom. You also remembered Mihee doing her best to keep the six idiots happy. “What did they say?”

“He’d told San that we should keep a leash on our woman,” he snickered, “And that if we put your mouth to good use, it wouldn’t gab so much.”

You groaned, “Ugh, they’re so gross. What did you say?”

“San almost kicked his ass,” he said, eating his meat and leaf. “Hongjoong-hyung told him it wasn’t worth it and took him away.” He shook his head, “I felt bad for her. If they talk badly about other women, I can’t imagine the things they say about her.”

“They’re so mean to her,” you told him. You picked at a bit of meat and rice, but barely tasted it. Your worry for Mihee ruined any taste you might’ve enjoyed. “I don’t know why a group would keep a Companion they obviously don’t care about anymore.”

You did, but you felt disgusted saying it in the open. So Wooyoung said it for you.

“Because they want a free cook and maid,” he said, eating one of the sides you made with rice. “I’m sure they can be charming when they’re horny and want a quick fuck from her too.”

“Gosh, don’t say that. I don’t want to think about what that’s like for her.” You ate from each dish sparingly, “I don’t know what I’d do if you guys started treating me that way.”

“I do.”

“Oh?”

“You’d kick our asses,” he smirked and laughed before sipping from his Coke can. “We’d never fall out of love with you, babe. You’re stuck with us whether you like it or not.”

You smiled, “Even if I wanted to leave tomorrow?”

“Even then. I’d spend the rest of my life trying to win you back if you did that.”

You believed him. Out of all the members, Wooyoung took to you the quickest and easiest. Yeosang joked he skipped a few steps in becoming friends with someone, since by the next time you saw him, he already kissed your cheek and called you ‘love’. You told Yeosang that Wooyoung is simply an affectionate person who likes talking to people. When their debut came and Wooyoung could put his name on your contract, he became the most physically affectionate of them all. It’d been his opinion you trusted whenever you met a new person, since he picked up on vibes and moods fairly quickly.

“So, I’m assuming drama night is being postponed?” He did not say this in a disappointed voice, but a playful one.

“At least for a little while,” you winced. “I’m sorry, Woo.”

“It’s okay. I’m not mad,” he assured you. “Mihee is one of your closest friends, and she needs you right now. I’ll be here when you come back.” He stood up to grab an empty food container, “Take her some food so she’s not hungry. Home cooked food is the best when you’re feeling down.”

You gave his cheek a kiss, then began packing food and snacks for Mihee while he cleaned. When you finished, you turned to see him by the sink. Everything paused all of a sudden. Mihee spends portions of her day cooking for her “boyfriends” and is then left to clean it all up. Your boyfriends never let you do anything on your own. Every time you cooked, one of them offered to help as best as possible, even if it was being Designated Food Taster. They might talk over who cleans up afterwards, but they never bring your name into it, especially if you’re the one who cooked. You couldn’t imagine any of them treating you how Galax1 treated Mihee.

“Wooyoungie,” you called him, “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything, angel.”

‘Angel’. A name so commonly given to you. What did Galax1 call Mihee? “If we all went out somewhere fancy together, would you make sure my name was on the list?”

“Psh, of course,” he put the last of the dishes in the dishwasher, “We’d make sure your name is the first on it.”

“And would you ever tell me to change my clothes because you didn’t want me to deflect attention from someone else?”

“No,” he squeezed some detergent into the washer, then said, “Is this about Mihee?”

“Yes.”

“YN,” he closed the door and turned it on, “Never in a million years would we treat you that way. In fact,” he walked over to you and held you in his arms, “We do our best to put your happiness first. It only works out that you’re always doing the same for us.” He kissed you softly, then said, “I love you, YN. Not just because the sex is incredible and you’re insanely gorgeous either,” you both laughed together. “But, you’re a kind, compassionate, empathetic person who would drop all her plans to go help a friend who needs her.” He gently rubbed your arms, scanning over your features, “I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt you, you know that. I can’t believe you’re even asking these questions.” He kissed you again, and said, “I’ll be here when you get back.”

Hearing him say this warmed your heart, but also made it hurt for Mihee more. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was her. You slipped from his arms to grab your bag from the couch, and left out the door.

Not before Wooyoung reminded you to take a jacket.

***

They’d put Mihee in a room by the time you arrived at your agency building. The resident rooms are meant for the freelance Companions who only go on dates. Much like a university dorm, it came with a bed, desk, dresser, and a communal bathroom down the hall. With the cafeteria giving three meals a day, Companions could also get discounts at the agency cafe and on their health checkups. You’d enjoyed living there, since it brought you closer to people who did what you do and it helped you out during rough times. It’s why it’d been your first choice when considering refuge for Mihee, who’d been too distraught to think straight. Unfortunately, the dorm came with a fee that they’d take from every check you received. A fee Mihee could not afford immediately.

“I’ll work something out with the bursar's office,” Sungmi told her as she settled into her new room. “You stay here and rest for a few days, alright? You’re in a safe space now.”

“Th-thank you, Sungmi-unnie.”

Sungmi gave her a tight hug, patted her head, and said goodbye to you and the others. Jihye, tall with long blond hair, waited until Sungmi left to open her purse. “I brought soju,” she smirked, “We could all use a drink. You, especially,” she told Mihee and began searching for complimentary cups.

“Have they contacted you at all?” Saehee, short and round-faced with a brown bob hair cut, took a seat on the bed beside Mihee.

Mihee still wore the shimmery lavender dress she planned on wearing to the dinner. Her tears smudged most of her makeup, and her lip tint wore off and left her lip liner still there. You hated seeing her this way. You pulled out the makeup wipes you kept in your purse, and gave it to her to clean herself off.

“No,” she shook her head, her voice still thick from sobs, as she pulled out a wipe, “I texted Chiwon, but he…”

“Left you on read?” Sumi asked reproachfully. She took a soju cup from Jihye. Sumin, tanned with medium length black hair, stood wearing her gym clothes still. Out of the five of you, Sumi worked out the most. “Ugh, he’s so disgusting. I don’t know why you’re so bummed. He’s not even that cute or that successful. I won’t be surprised if their group doesn’t disband in a year or so.”

“They embarrassed themselves with that last comeback,” Jihye snickered, handing you and Saehee a cup. You didn’t drink it. You didn’t think you could stomach anything else. “Like, that song of theirs. What was it called? ‘Dick Me Way’?”

You stifled a laugh, “I think it was called ‘Milky Way’.”

“Psh, could’ve fooled me. It did not sound like they were saying ‘Milky Way’.”

“I thought they might at least be curious as to where I went,” Mihee said to you. “They might not care, but I thought at least Josh would text me. He was always decent towards me.”

“Fuck Josh,” said Saehee, who downed her soju shot immediately. “He’s a dick too. I don’t care how nice he was to you. He still lets them treat you like garbage.”

You unpacked the food you’d brought for everyone to pick at while they talked. Mihee started extolling tales about the things her partners did off screen: how they preferred Yeseo over her, the mean remarks they made about her appearance, how angry they’d get if she made a mistake. It upset you far too much to keep on eating. You thought about what Wooyoung told you about your happiness being their first priority. If they commented on your appearance, it was out of concern and not maliciousness.

Chiwon told Mihee she ate too much. Yunho would tell you that you didn’t eat enough sometimes, often bringing you snacks during shoots or water when he saw you didn’t drink enough.

Kwangmin once gave Mihee an empty Gucci box as a present. Hongjoong took you to a fashion show where he made sure the designer had clothes for you to wear too. You’ll never forget his face when he saw you in the final outfit.

Kenny once told her that she’d have to pay her own way to go with them on tour. Seonghwa always made sure you were included in tour plans because he didn’t want to leave you behind. You never paid a single cent.

Her boyfriends did not care where she went, what she did or who she did it with. She texted their group chat hours ago, and none of them responded. If you go too long without contact, at least three or four of them will call to check on you. Mihee told you that they rarely spent time with her anymore. Your boyfriends would rather be with you than anywhere else. Mihee’s stories made every complaint you’ve ever made about your boyfriends miniscule and childish. So what if Yunho played games until late into the night? So what if Yeosang was a messy eater or Jongho did not always pick up after himself? They adored you. They loved you. They’d do anything you asked of them, and if they could not, they’d find a way to make you happy. You wished Mihee would find someone like them.

You stayed with the girls in Mihee’s dorm until eleven o’clock when visiting hours ended. You put leftovers in Mihee’s mini fridge, kissed the top of her head and hugged her tightly.

“Thank you, YN-unnie,” she said into your shoulder, her voice muffled by your jacket. “If you hadn’t done this for me…I don’t think I’d be here right now.”

This made you hug her tighter. “I’ll come by tomorrow around two and we can go to your place together to get your stuff, okay? Get some rest.”

“I will,” she nodded.

With one last cheek kiss, you left Mihee’s room and met with Jihye and the others down the hall. In the elevator, she said, “Good on you to text me. When you told me she talked about ‘terminating…” she visibly shuddered, “I almost had a panic attack.”

“I was worried she might’ve already done it,” said Saehee, crossing her arms nervously. “I felt super sick thinking about it.”

“Me too,” Sumi agreed. “Is it messed up that it made me think about my own relationship? Like, I can’t see Yongbok or Changbin ever being cruel to me like that.”

“I don’t think so,” Saehee told her. “When she told me about Kenny almost hitting her once, I thought about Seokjin and how he can be sometimes. We might get into arguments, but he’d never try to hurt me or make me cry just to feel like he won.”

“It makes me realize how lucky I am,” you said quietly as the elevator reached the bottom floor. “Yeah, it’s tough juggling eight guys on my own, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything else in the world.”

“Yeah, me too.”

The four of you walked Saehee home first and then Sumi. Jihye went with you to the train station where you waited for the train to take you home.

“Do you think Mihee will be okay?” asked Jihye. “I mean, they’re the first group she’s ever dated and she was so in love with them. What if they try to get her back or she can’t get out of her contract?”

“Sungmi will fix that,” you assured her. “If anything, I’ll pitch in some money to help her out. I’m sure Saehee will too, since her boyfriends are such big superstars now.”

“I’ll hand some over,” Jihye said. “I happen to know some cute clients who are into girls like Mihee, so if she ever has trouble getting on her feet again, I can slip their names to Sungmi.”

You nodded at her suggestion, and put your hands in your pockets. “I just want her to be happy and safe. She deserves that.”

“She really does.”

When the train arrived, you hugged her goodbye and went onboard. On the way home, you checked your phone for the first time since seeing Mihee. As expected, Wooyoung was the first to message you.

WooWoo 🦊: Are you on your way home soon? It’s getting late.

You: I’m on the train now. We lost track of time.

You took a train selfie to appease him, but also because he’d ask for one anyways.

WooWoo 🦊: Beautiful 😍 is she okay now?

You: Yeah, she’s settled into the dorm and I told her we’d go get more of her stuff tomorrow afternoon. Jihye only got the essentials, but she needs more clothes and stuff.

WooWoo 🦊: I’m glad. I like Mihee. She’s sweet. Now, get home quickly. I have a surprise for you.

This message prompted you to go into the group chat you shared with all the members. You mainly used it to discuss group dates or to idly talk about your days as a whole. Anything you had to tell them, you sent it there. As the train stopped at another station, you started typing:

You: My friend Mihee’s staying at the residency dorms at my agency because she talked about killing herself. She told me tonight all about how awful her boyfriends are to her and the terrible things they’ve done. It’s so disgusting it makes me sick. I feel so sorry for my friend because she’s a lovely person and very special to me, but her situation has made me realize how lucky I am.

Tears started brimming your eyes as you continued.

You: since the day we met, you’ve been nothing but good to me. Even when you had nothing to offer me, you still did your best to make me happy. You give me so much freedom, which a lot of Companions don’t always have. You don’t keep me on a strict diet. You don’t tell me what I can and can’t wear. You include me in everything you do, and never make me feel left out or unimportant. You never push past my boundaries and respect my privacy and space. When I’m with any of you, I feel safe. I know you’d never do anything to hurt me, and if you accidentally do, you make up for it and apologize. I feel special and beautiful and important when I’m with you. I love each of you so much, and I hope we’re together forever.

The messages poured a few minutes after you wrote this.

My Bear 🐻: you know we’d do anything for you, angel. You’re such a special person to me, I couldn’t live my life without you now that I have you.

Yuyu 🐶: The last thing I’d ever do is hurt you. I love you too, baby ♥️

Hwa 🐰: why would I not include you in everything? You’re my angel, baby.

Prince Yeosang 👑: I always want to be a person you feel safe with. I know you have your bad days, and I want to be someone who uplifts you. I love you, my princess ♥️♥️

Choi ⛰️: Noooo now I’m crying!! I love you so much, angel. I want us to be together forever too.

Mingi 🦁: I love you too, angel. You’re the first person I think of when I’m down, because you know how to make me feel better. I don’t ever want to be without you ♥️

Choi ⛰️: we were so nervous when we first met you kekeke

Joongie 🐱: you know I love you more than the air in my lungs. I could never hurt you, because hurting you would be like hurting myself. You’re a part of me.

Hwa 🐰: waaaahhh hongjoong putting us all to shame!!

The one person who didn’t answer in the chat texted you privately instead.

WooWoo 🦊: I’m sorry about your friend. I hope she is okay now. I saw what you put in the chat and I wanted to tell you something:

WooWoo 🦊 : There was this book quote I read once that really stuck with me. “He is more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same”. It stuck with me because that’s how I feel about you, YN. I feel like if we met in a different lifetime, you and I would still fall in love because we’re the same. It’s why you’re in every music video, because we’d love you in every universe. I love you, YLN YN. I love love love love love you. Come home soon. I miss you.

You wiped the tears trickling down your cheek as you reread their messages. San recounted the night you’d all met.

Two weeks before their debut, the boys’ schedule was packed with dance practice, studio recordings, promoting themselves, singing and rapping lessons. They did not have much free time, but management set up a date between you and them. You’d been going through financial troubles from your previous relationship, which left you desperate for a good gig. While going on random dates helped in the short term, it was contracts Companions typically sought out. You decided on a trial-run with an eight-member group to see how things went, and if it worked out, you’d sign a contract with them. A one-year contract where you’d be the sole girlfriend sounded promising. You’d handled groups before now, and a year-long contract is a reasonable starting point; you worked out anything longer after a few dates. You’d seen photos and videos of ATEEZ that KQ sent you, since it’s only fair you see what they looked like. The ‘99 line had all been 18 or 19, and Jongho turned 18 right before then. Only Seonghwa and Hongjoong could be actual romantic partners for you. They’d been so young back then, you realized as the train passed another station. They’d seemed harmless enough, and you really needed a good job.

You never expected to be with them this long. But, when you met them at the barbeque restaurant that night, you really enjoyed their general vibe. You saw their close-knit brotherhood right away, and the genuine care they had for one another. It was something you noticed in groups from smaller companies; they worked and lived together, which built up a natural love for one another. That love soon stretched over to you. Smiling to yourself, you recalled how shy they’d been around you that night. Wooyoung, Mingi, San, and Yunho did a majority of the talking despite their nerves. The other members revealed later on you’d been much prettier in person, and it intimidated them.

Walking home from the train station, you thought about those days fondly. You’d often meet up with them at the Han River, where you’d go riding bikes and eating street food together in the spring. They didn’t have much money to spend on you, but that didn’t matter to you. Their company soon became enough for you. You remembered a night when you went to eat after dance practice, and you’d sat specifically with Yeosang because he thought you wouldn’t be interested in him. Shy and anxious, you managed to get him to open up to you like a clam, and his shyness melted away. Once, you went to a convenience store with San and Wooyoung after everyone went to sleep. The three of you played hide and seek down the street.

It’d been under a street light on the corner that Wooyoung kissed you for the first time.

“Wooyoung, I’m back,” you said into the apartment, knowing well Jongho is too busy gaming and Hongjoong is likely still in his studio.

He appeared from his bedroom, smiling at the sight of you. He kissed you as easily as he’d kissed you that night on the street. Wooyoung had taken you gently by the waist, bringing you to him and kissing you passionately.

“Glad you’re home,” he said, taking your bag to put on the hook while you slipped out of your shoes. “I have a surprise for you.”

“As you said in your text,” you replied. You couldn’t help the nostalgic feeling inside your chest. Looking at the man in front of you, it dawned on you how much he’d grown up. “Where is it?” you asked him, getting into your house slippers.

“Come with me.”

He took your hand and led you to his bedroom. You gasped when you saw what he’d done to his bed. Having taken one of his plain white sheets, he’d tied a string across the top so it created a canopy, then placed fake electric candles around his bed to add light. Blankets from the couch outside, plus several plush pillows added more comfort to his large bed. A laptop plugged into the wall sat on a tray with snacks and drinks in a cooler next to the bed. A blanket fort.

"Wooyoung-ah," you smiled at his setup, "This is so cute."

"What you said got me thinking about our first time together," he said, bringing you to him as he closed the door. "When we made that pillow fort to watch movies and then we…got all hot and bothered?"

You noticed the seductive tone in his voice and let him kiss you. "Well, if I remember correctly, you were the hot one. I was perfectly fine with hanging out."

"I couldn't help it," he said, bringing you over to the bed where he let you climb on top of him. You mounted his hips, deepening the kiss as you remembered the first time. "You felt so nice against me like this," he gently pushed his hips into yours, "I really wanted to wait for a more romantic moment, but I couldn't wait anymore. And…" he pecked your lips as his hands went down your body, "It isn't like you tried stopping me."

"Maybe I didn't want you to," you sneered, starting to grind into him. "I meant what I said though," you said, "It really makes me appreciate how good you are to me." A thought then occurred to you, "I wish there was a way I can show my appreciation for you."

Wooyoung picked up on it right away, holding you by the waist as he rolled you on your back. In between your legs, you could feel him right up against your center. His shorts made it much easier to feel him through them, and you couldn't resist grinding into him. Suddenly, Wooyoung drowned all your senses. The fresh scent of his shampoo still clung to his black strands, and to the smooth, supple skin under his shirt. His body heat warmed you against the chill seeping through the nearby windows. Your love for Jung Wooyoung blossomed the night he kissed you under that light. It flourished when you both made love in his blanket fort, soft and passionate and completely wrapped up in one another. Your hands stayed at his shoulders, the bones and muscles tensing under your touch before flexing against it. Everything became Wooyoung. Like the very first time, the small enclosure he created turned the world into one for two.

“There’s something I’ve always wanted to try,” he said, pressing his lips to your neck while your hands slipped under his shirt. “If you’re into trying new stuff tonight, that is.”

“I’ll do whatever you like,” you smiled, gyrating into him slowly so he groaned against your neck. “You’re always thinking of me when we do it. I think it’s only fair that I do things you like too.”

“I want you to watch TV while I fuck you.”

“What?”

“I saw this porn video the other night where the girl watched TV while the guy fucked her,” he explained, “And it was so hot. I want to try it with you.”

Free use. That is what he was talking about: partners having sex even if the other partner isn’t particularly horny. It’s in a consensual way, of course. “Oh?” you smiled, “But does it really count if I’m horny too?”

“You can pretend not to be,” he said.

You considered it for a moment, then said, “Okay. I’ll give it a shot.”

Wooyoung beamed and kissed you. He dragged the bed tray beside you, then put on a random movie he knew you liked. You supposed you’d simply lay there and let him do what he wanted while you focused on the movie. Spreading yourself out a bit more, Wooyoung laid on top of you as he kissed down your throat to the neckline of your shirt. The movie’s beginning credits started rolling right as he slid your shirt over your chest, and pulled your bra down under them. You tried keeping back the gasp when his warm mouth touched your skin, a wet tongue immediately circling your nipple. He kept your arms by your head as he flicked his tongue over each one, and you forced yourself to not grind into him. The tip grazed across the hard peaks once or twice before he suckled on them, a low groan emitting from his throat. You tried focusing on the film, a horror movie you enjoyed so you had something distracting you from the pleasure. But, it only just barely worked. As you watched young Drew Barrymore answer the phone while making popcorn, Wooyoung slid further down your body.

You shifted around to let him pull down your leggings completely, leaving you in your panties and socks. When you felt him sliding off your panties next, you nearly gasped. He lifted your knees up to your stomach and started lightly swatting his tongue on your sex. You clutched the sheets, forcing yourself to focus on the teenage girl panicking as a killer plays cat-and-mouse with her. How did porn stars do this? Once you felt the flat of his tongue gingerly lick your pussy open, you moaned softly to yourself. Part of the free-use kink is that the other partner doesn’t react, but damn, Wooyoung’s mouth worked you so easily. So easily, in fact, you should be ashamed of it. Keeping hold of your thighs, Wooyoung focused his attention on the center of your clit where he rolled the tip around several times.

“Name the killer in Friday the 13th,” said the killer on screen.

“Jason!”

‘No, you moron. It was his mom…’ you couldn’t help thinking.

Right as Drew Barrymore is freaking out over her dead boyfriend, Wooyoung reached into his bedside drawer for something. You thought it must be the condom, since Wooyoung practiced so little patience when in the heat of his arousal. After a bit of fumbling around, a distinct hardness touched your entrance.

“Which door am I at?”

‘Run, idiot. Get out of the hou-’

Wooyoung filled you right to the brim, and you couldn’t help giving a soft moan. Unlike San, who needed total silence to concentrate, Wooyoung had no problem focusing on you as the movie went onwards. Hands holding up your knees, he kept you in place while he pumped in and out of you. You looked over at him for a moment to see he’d removed his shirt and tugged down his shorts. He watched himself fuck you slowly, stretching your sex and filling you each time. You knew you weren’t supposed to acknowledge him, but you couldn’t stop yourself from whimpering. When he felt you looking at him, you turned your head to the laptop.

Two hands grabbed your chest, and he bent down to kiss and lick them while he kept his slow pace. You’d truly become a toy for him to fuck; a doll that fulfills his every whim. You loved it. Something about Wooyoung having his fun with you while you remained indifferent to it turned you on. Soon, his hips snapped into yours quickly, his groans turning into grunts in each stroke. You tried not moaning, since you knew that was not part of this kink of his. You watched the movie, trying to pay attention to the parents finding their teenage daughter gutted and hanging from a tree. The movie moved onto Neve Campbell in her bedroom, typing at her old computer before her boyfriend came in through the window.

Eventually, he withdrew and helped roll you onto your front. You wouldn’t lie: you quite enjoyed this position and they all knew that. They knew your body so well it was almost unfair. They never failed to pleasure you first during sex, and they knew they’d get a very nice favor in return each time. Straddling your thighs, Wooyoung spat on his tip and went back inside you. You nearly whined from how the new position had him touching your g-spot directly, and the force causing the bed to bump lightly against the wall.

“Stay like that,” he huffed, returning to the same speed as before. “Just like that…”

You put your eyes on the laptop, but you barely paid attention to the screen. Wooyoung started bottoming up into you, and his weight kept you from pushing up to meet him. You purse your lips to keep back the mewls his long strokes created. How could he expect you to sit still while he took you this way? Your fingers dug into the soft pillow underneath you, clawing at the smooth fabric. You tried not showing any signs of pleasure, but you couldn’t help the need growing inside you. You badly wanted to push against him, pick up the speed and be the naughty, dirty slut he liked. But, this is what Wooyoung wanted, and you wanted him to enjoy himself too.

In a few more thrusts, you felt Wooyoung stiffen against you. Falling forward, his forehead pressed right on the top of your head as he rode out his orgasm inside you. His damp breath tickled the back of your neck, and his moans drowned out any sounds from the film in front of you. Listening to him cum had your pussy clenching around him each time he sunk inside. Your need for release came almost painfully, the restraint being too much. When he dared to pull out, you immediately tackled him so he fell backwards on the opposite side of the fort. Wooyoung said nothing as you mounted him quickly and began riding him.

“Someone couldn’t keep it together anymore, huh?” Wooyoung chuckled, holding onto your hips as you bounced on him. “My dick feels too good?”

“Way too good,” you whined, rolling your hips on him. You didn’t care if he’d already come, you knew he wouldn’t stop until you did too. “Play with my clit, Wooyoungie,” you said, “Make me cum, please?”

“Of course, angel.”

Whirling his thumb around your clit and his tip prodding your g-spot again, you unraveled a few seconds later. Your body tensed in each orgasmic wave and you were soon clawing at Wooyoung’s chest from the force. Slowly, you fell from your climax as quickly as it arrived, and collapsed beside Wooyoung. A small pang of guilt made you frown.

“Sorry,” you said to him.

“About what?” he panted, looking over at you.

“For not going through with the whole ‘free-use’ thing,” you replied. “I don’t know how porn stars do it, honestly.”

“You just need practice, baby,” he insisted. He rolled onto his side, and pecked your lips, “You still did so well. It’s not your fault you’re so…sensitive,” he smirked, pinching your nipple idly before kissing you again. “Trust me, I still loved it. Didn’t you?”

“I did,” you replied, turning on your side to face him. “We can always try it again later,” you suggested, “If you want to, that is.”

“I wouldn’t be opposed to that,” he grinned, bringing you close to kiss you deeply. He paused for a moment, brushing your nose with his, and said, “I love you, YN.”

“I love you too, WooWoo.”

He chuckled at the nickname and you kissed once more. You briefly thought back to Mihee, who likely ended up alone after sex with her boyfriends. Not you. Your boyfriends would never leave you without smothering you in kisses first.

They simply adored you too much.

#ateez #ateez fanfiction #ateez smut #ateez fanfic #ateez wooyoung #jung wooyoung #wooyoung x reader #wooyoung x fem!reader

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irl-marlenemckinnon · 2 months ago

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To the American Horror Story Community. Please Read this.

Hello, you may know me as Violet or CxndiedVi0lets, but I think I'm gonna have to drop the Violet Harmon stuff.

I don't want to associate to her any longer with my Violet content. I want to address that I'm not trying to imitate the events of my life, and it's better if you guys could stop it.

The community has always been toxic that I'm aware of because of the idolisation.

Violet has only been my comfort character, and I want to establish that because I find these rumours rubbish. I chose Violet because she was the closest character that I've felt comfort in due to the correlation of the events in my life with her and I feel a sense of connection towards her that felt empowering for atleast awhile but, since life has took a toll on me, I begin to feel triggered by the concept and accusations of my correlation to the fictional character being a 'copy'. I will admit to establishing imitations for my comfort towards her, but I no longer want to correlate to her because it triggers me, especially the ongoing competition, and it makes me feel like people are assuming my life events to a similar fictional character are being taken as a joke or unserious and has become completely problematic because I've been viewed more as a "copycat" or "wannabe" rather than a person who just feels a direct connection to a fictional character.

With that said, I'd like people to remind them that these "copy cats, " "wannabes," or "imitations" may just find comfort in the character and not wanting to establish themselves AS the actual character and that you should be mindful with the things you say to others before creating that assumption.

Some people may be just expressing themselves and finding the imitation of finding a comfort character that could express for them.

I will admit, I haven't been the saint in the past either and have gone through childish conflicts, and no one does want to admit it. We all want to be Violet Harmon as some point to be empowered and viewed for being brave despite the challenges they face that may seem scary and shows an aspect of Violet, that it is okay to feel weak sometimes and that other peoples views shouldn't bother you because no matter what information people hold on you or your expression and actions are not yourself.

People have layers and flaws, and that's alright. What isn't alright is reacting to extremes. It's okay to be afraid or frustrated with events and it is normal to talk behind people but that doesn't make it right.

It's disappointing to see how this community had become a competition rather than people just connecting to each other and creating relationships of deeper expressions with unspoken words.

Sometimes 'imitations' can become extreme and don't make it right, but always be mindful that this could be a sense of expression, and it doesn't give anyone the right to comment on others and reflect them as if they are trying to be the character themselves but rather finding the character as an alter-ego of empowerment or a reflection of themself.

As for my situation, the reason I no longer want to associate with her is the events I've had associated with this community, and I'll admit. It took me some time and reflection that these are harmful and painful even if I seem strongheaded or ignorant towards the previous asks I've received. It made me feel as if no one was taking me seriously and rather displaying myself as a competitor towards an in real life imitation of a character, and it's extremely painful and just washes me to seeing the character in darker light or matter. You don't know me, and my actions do not reflect me as a person, but one thing I can assure you is. I am a person who means no harm and just wanting to express myself and had been built over paranoia from cyberbullying, and although people have told me to ignore it. It doesn't change the fact that it has and took a toll for me.

I've seen people on this community that I've cared about that has faced this challenge as well and I'm asking you all to be kind.

If you see something you don't like, talk to them or talk to a friend for advice or even so ignore it.

I have seen and heard things that have completely shattered me and my trust but, I continue to interact because im a hopeful person and I know people can change and will change but, It doesn't change the fact that the actions they have committed will be erased in my memory that may make me cautious and wary. I want to express myself as a caring individual and will set arays and boundaries if needed even if I do act to my extremes due to being mentally challenges.

As for people who think they're being copied, isn't it better to maybe talk to them and get to know them or even be closer to them?

You never know, as for @irl-violetharmon and as for @ciggiestash , I want to publicly apologise for our conflicts before even if it has passed. I want to commend her for her kindness, and as for the girls who think they're imitating others, try to push that thought away.

Because some girls just take inspiration from others, and it should be flattering to you that you have become a display as someone to look up to or idolise. That isn't something that happens to everyones lifetime.

Just because my association to Violet has ended doesn't mean I won't continuously try to express myself to the comfort of this fandom, and I have found friends and even perhaps a family. Admist the toxicity, I dislike social media for this, but besides that. I've created a foundation of friends who have helped me and freely express myself without judgement. Thank you, @jazz-berry @yandereunsolved @heartz4peter @0rfielvamp @mooniehoneyrey @fear-is-truth @hauntedrose555 and many others that I haven't tagged.

Please be a better community and better people. You have all been a part of my journey and my life despite all of it being online.

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helluvabossrewrite45 · 8 days ago

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GhostF*ckers and Why I fell out of interest for Helluva Boss - End of Helluva Boss Rewrites

Lately I have fell out of interest with the show for a long while but watching 'GhostF*ckers' just further confirms that I do not care for this story anymore. The Stolitz plotline was loathsome, the execution of the conflict between Millie and Blitzo felt too hollow and tbh, felt more like something from a kid show than an adult show to me. Millie, while it's nice that they attempted to give her more character, it's still a bit disappointing that she's still serves to support Blitzo throughout the episode and the most damaging of the writing is: Time. This episode was just bad at managing it's time that despite being 30 minutes, the conflict felt rushed and too fast-paced. Instead of letting itself breathe in order for the audience to immerse themselves in it before the final payoff, helluva instead rushes straight to finishing it. Thus, resulting how this show lost me. And I'm getting the feeling that the show will continue to lose me further and further that it will become unwatchable (and this episode was already unwatchable to an extent.) so because of that, this would be the end of Helluva Boss Rewrites. I'm glad people like my rewrites and I'm sorry that it won't be around anymore. I cannot force myself to rewrite scenes that I do not care about, scenes from a show and story that strays me away from it further. It wouldn't just affect me, but also my writing because how can your rewrites not fall on a decline eventually like this show's writing if you can't be interested in it any longer? I figure that I should inform all of you now rather than do it later.

I wouldn't do any rewrites for this show anymore although I would like to post about my own writing and stories exclusive to helluva if anyone is interested (maybe even stories inspired by helluva to an extent) idk from here or another account though.

To send off this end of rewrites, I would like to reccommend shows that are either adult shows, indie shows or resemble helluva boss to an extent. While I haven't kept up with much media with my forgetfulness and education, I still have a list that I hope you'd be interested:

Black Lagoon - A businessman got kidnapped by a gang of pirates and now after being written off dead by his boss, he joins the gang and their escapades. If you like action especially with guns, this show is definitely for you. It has an interesting premise, great action scenes and has interesting conflicts so far. I haven't completed the series yet but so far, it's pretty good.

Arcane - I know it's a popular recommendation for adult animated media but it is REALLY good in how it's written with fantastic animation plus s2 just came out this month. Give it a watch. Plus caitlyn x vi are a well-written version of social class that stolitz failed to acknowledged or try to do.

Michiko and Hatchin - A woman attempts to find her lover with a young girl, Hatchin, she took from her adopted home as she's the daughter of her lover. If you had issues with how helluva writes women, this show would be great for you as it not only aims at adult women but the women characters themselves are developed rawly throughout the show. It's a very underated anime, I recommend giving it a watch.

TADC (The amazing digital circus) - Another popular recommendation but it's a dark comedy that manages to balance it's comedic and emotional moments well alongside having a clear identity that works for itself.

Smiling friends - If you want an office animated adult comedy, this one would be great for you too. While it's not a dark comedy, it's absurdist comedy is still hilarious to watch and both seasons are relatively short for you to complete.

I wanna eat your guts/Shockwave animation - IWEYG is an animated show of 18 year old high schoolers who tried to explore their lives as teens and legal adults at the same time during the 2000s. It's not out yet but the premise and artstyle resembles 90s cartoons which could be appealing if your interested (like me). Even if it's not, Shockwave animation is an upcoming indie animated studio that's already got a couple of projects under their belt. Please go visit their website and support them whenever you can. There might be projects you would be interested in.

I also apologise for not answering anons or asks. It's partially due to forgetfullness and school life. If you like to send me any complaints regarding helluva or rewrite ideas, I would try to answer back when I can but keep in mind that I'm currently busy with my education so it would take a lot more longer.

#helluva boss criticism #helluva boss critique #helluva boss critical #helluva critical #helluva criticism #helluva boss rewrite

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lina-lovebug · 11 months ago

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Tumultuous Waters

Ch.1

Orm Marius fanfic

Warnings: allusions to abuse and sexual assault

I have lived my life without love.

I never once felt affection for my husband, nor did I ever think what he held for me was pure.

He looked at me once and claimed me to be his, but my refusal came with denial. I was his from the moment he laid his eyes upon me, and no power on Olympus nor Earth could keep him from me.

Even when he lay with me, I prayed it would be over soon. I would watch above, hoping to be struck so that I wouldn't have to hear his grunts and feel his skin on mine.

This is the life of a wife to a God.

Yet I was able to find some happiness in our marriage.

I bore a son named Triton, who became King of the Seven Seas. He bore my eyes, which I took pride in. Of course I would never blame my son for the actions of his father, but I had sighed in relief when I saw that the only relation he held to Poseidon was his strength and hair color.

Then a daughter came, to whom I named Rhodos. I feared what Poseidon may do to a daughter of our own - which God's he would attempt to pawn her off to.

But she held a fire in her that he had burnt out within me long ago. Rhodos took charge of her love and future, and found happiness and love in Helios, the Sun God. When Aphrodite had cursed him to forget all of his lovers, including her, it was the first time I found myself marching up to her in rage.

And I punched the Goddess of Beauty.

I feared her retaliation, but instead, the Goddess laughed and smiled upon me. “Finally, someone who refuses to take my shit.”

We became great friends after she reversed the curse and Helios spent many centuries honoring my daughter.

But after my children made it clear that they now had their own lives, I was back to square one. I would spend days watching Poseidon drive his ego so far up his ass that he'd be grinning like he created the universe. Centuries seemed to be slow as I stopped fighting him, and became. . .lifeless.

I missed my family.

I missed the ocean.

But I was reminded that I'm not just Poseidon's wife. I'm a daughter of Nereus, and the third of fifty Nereids who created mermaids and sirens. We are shapeshifters and in the myths and legends for assisting sailors in their journeys across the ocean.

My son created Atlantis. He was proud of his kingdom, and was so delighted to show it to me. He had learnt from seeing his father that no one should rule a Kingdom on their own, but he elected a council to help him truly learn how to be a good ruler.

And he had children.

The Tritonides, similar to my sister's. Never once did a son come from his wife but he did not mind at all. I watched with pride as my son adored his daughters and doted on his wife, despite the lack of assistance and care from Poseidon.

Yet I could not stay in this kingdom.

For Poseidon commanded I return home.

For the next eight hundred years, I stayed in Olympus and found myself slipping again.

He was never faithful.

He was never kind.

He was cruel.

But he's a God.

And I can never be free of him.

I would only hear the news that my son's lineage had no longer been on the throne through Poseidon - who bragged about such a thing. He declared that a merman who had slain King Nero and Queen Athena had taken the crown because of corruption, and laughed.

Not only had our son's bloodline been slain, but his father dared to laugh.

I know I stand no chance in fighting him, but he was our son - our baby boy. So just as I had done to Aphrodite, I had punched him in the face and watched as his eyes turned sinister.

He hit me.

He didn't stop hitting me.

My eyes stared up at him as he prepared to take me, “you think this makes you a man? In all our years together, I have seen you as less than a spoiled boy. How disappointed our son would be if he could see this view.”

He left me with his limp excuse of a cock and I allowed my body to heal through the ocean water.

I had even hoped I would be able to drown.

But as the Queen Mother of the Seven Seas, I prepared myself. The puffy eyes and the bruises vanished as quickly as they appeared, and let Atlantis prepare themselves for their guest.

A permanent guest.

Taglist: @nanamiscunt @illegalcerebral @notasadgirlipromise @cozmicwonder

#orm marius #orm marius imagine #aquaman imagine #aquaman the lost kingdom #the lost kingdom #faceclaim is anne hathaway our queen

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jxtina-86 · 2 months ago

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I Promise

Will Roman keep his promise and get there in time? Immediate follow-up to Strong. RomanReigns/Alexia. See here for the rest of the series/order to read.

Warning: Language

Rating: MA

I shift on the couch, frowning as I try to tug the cushion from underneath my back. I grumble under my breath as I anchor my arms behind me and slowly start to raise myself up until I'm teetering on the edge of the couch.

“Y'know how I said it would be really good if you could wait until your Daddy gets home?” I mumble at my bump. “Well, I think you took me way too seriously, Pumpkin.”

With the cushion finally free, I plump it up and place it carefully behind me again. I ease myself back down with a grimace, one hand on my bump as I try and fail to comfortable again.

“Way too seriously,” I repeat as I rub my palm across my swollen belly. “Yup, you sleep now, but I take it that at 2am, you'll be up throwing another party in there, huh?”

I rock my head back and stare up at the ceiling, my eyes fluttering closed for a second as I try and will myself to sleep, even for five minutes. But the throbbing pain in my lower back continues and I'm soon shifting again, groaning in discomfort and frustration.

One week late.

One hellish week late.

When my due date rolled around and there was no signs of Pumpkin making an appearance, I was relieved. Despite how uncomfortable I was, I knew I could get through another two days and then Roman would be home and the timing would be perfect. But he came and went without even a whisper of a contraction. Disappointment didn't even begin to cover it and as Roman kissed me goodbye, making promises that he'd be back for the birth and not to worry, I could feel my frustration rise. I was angry that he was still making promises that were impossible to keep, pissed off that our baby had decided to hold out for longer than necessary, but above all, I was annoyed at myself for ever thinking that we would get our picture perfect end to our pregnancy.

I can feel the same frustration start to build inside me again as I fidget on the couch, still unable to get comfortable. I can't actually remember what comfortable feels like. I've forgotten what it's like to roll over with ease and grace, rather than grunt and groan and feel absolutely exhausted afterwards, only to then realise that I've left my book or my phone on the other side of the bed and have to start the process all over again. A month ago, I would have laughed at the notion that I would ever hate being pregnant. Now I'm embarrassed at my naivety.

Guilt pricks at my conscience and I feel sickened by my own negativity. I should feel grateful, blessed even, that I'm so close to finally having my baby in my arms. This discomfort is nothing compared to the anguish Roman and I went through last year when we tried and failed so many times to make this happen. I desperately try and recall the joy we both felt when I told him I was pregnant, the tears, the smiles, the kisses. I claw at the memories, willing them to wrap around my mind and make me forget everything I'm feeling right now.

It works, for a minute at least. And then the dull ache in my lower back starts to throb again and I'm pushed right back to the here and now, still pregnant and still torn between wanting this to be over and wanting to wait until Roman is by my side. In the last few weeks, I've memorised every inch of his schedule, the timings, the places, and most importantly, the distance it would take for him to get home. He's been up and down the country for the past few weeks and every time he's returned, I've been relieved to have him pull me into his arms and tell me how much he's missed both me and Pumpkin.

As much as he is unable to keep his promise to be here for the birth, he's followed through on his other promise. The promise he made to me on honeymoon, when I confessed my fears that a pregnant me would be less attractive to him. Since day one of this pregnancy he's been determined to prove me wrong. If anything, our bond, our love has become stronger than ever over the last nine months. The way he holds me, kisses me, caresses me, it hasn't changed despite my belly forever getting in the way. Every night he's been with me, he's made a point of kissing both me and Pumpkin goodnight, his fingers trailing over the stretch marks that slowly started to adorn my abdomen, his mouth always following his fingers, whilst my own tangled in his hair as he whispered how beautiful I had become. At first, I rolled my eyes, but he never let me get away with it, his mouth fiery has he kissed me, making me wish that I had enough energy and mobility to let him fuck me. But it was enough to show me that he still craved me, that he still wanted me, that I still turned him on, no matter how swollen and puffy every part of my body had become.

I wish he was with me now, splayed out on the couch next to me, one hand on my bump, his fingers intertwining with mine, my head resting on his shoulder. It's all that his last few days off have consisted of and I couldn't have asked for anything more. He's doted on me hand and foot for the last few months and I know that I need to repay him for everything he's done for me. But every time I open my mouth to say that, he cuts me off with a smile and a kiss to my forehead.

“You've carried Pumpkin, baby girl. You don't owe me anything.”

During our time together, there have been many occasions where I've wondered about how lucky I am to have Roman in my life. Over the last nine months, I've contemplated this every day. His devotion to me, to our unborn baby, to us has never faltered. I love watching his face change when I show him videos of Pumpkin moving around my belly, unconditional love and adoration filling his eyes and I can't wait for the moment that I see him hold our baby for the first time – the thought of seeing that same expression on his face as he looks down at our baby in his arms is overwhelming and I can feel my bottom lip start to wobble, my eyes stinging. Ever since we found out what we were having, the image in my mind started to come clearer and clearer. Roman and his baby–

The front door slams shut and I snap out of my reverie, shaking my head with a smile as I hear Siobhan's voice.

“Lex?”

“In here,” I call out and she appears in the doorway a few seconds later.

“How you feeling?” she asks, dumping her purse on the floor and flopping onto the couch next to me.

“Aside from feeling like a whale?” I turn my head to face her. “My back is killing me.”

She grimaces sympathetically. “I can draw you a bath if you want?”

I shake my head. “Later maybe. It'll help me relax before I go to bed.”

“Sure,” she nods. “You get any sleep this afternoon?”

“What do you think?” I chuckle wryly and she laughs softly.

“Okay, stupid question.” She pauses. “You do realise that Pumpkin has officially now inherited your stubbornness?”

“Thanks,” I grumble. “Although I'm starting to think Pumpkin's just like Roman, never in a hurry for anything.”

Siobhan giggles. “I think you can count on him to be in a hurry when the time comes.”

“After the constant promises, he'd better be in a damn hurry.”

“He'll make it,” she comforts, her hand reaching out to pat mine.

I nod, but it does little to sate my fears.

“And anyway,” Siobhan continues. “I'll be there with you.”

“Not helping, Shiv.” I glance up at her and grin at her frown. “I'm joking! I... I don't actually know what I would do if you weren't here.”

“You'd be stranded on the couch for one thing,” she grins, standing and reaching out to me. “C'mon. I picked up some stuff from the store. Spicy food is really your only option now."

“I don't think I can stomach another curry,” I whine as I take her hand and start to push myself off the couch with her help.

“Yeah, well Ro ain't here to fuck this baby out of you, so it's the next best thing.” She pulls me upright, letting go of my hand and heading towards the kitchen.

I start to follow, my pace slow. The ache in my back is throbbing again and I have to pause at the door, breathing deeply as the pain increases for a few seconds before subsiding.

“Lex? You okay?” I look up to see Siobhan studying me curiously from the kitchen.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Just the back pain. It's nothing.”

“Looked more than just back pain.” She comes towards me, her hand slipping into mine as she gently eases me away from the door and towards the kitchen. “Are you sure it wasn't a contraction?”

I shake my head. “I've just been sitting down for too long. Once I move around I'll be fine."

She raises an eyebrow suspiciously, but doesn't say anything more. She lets go of my hand as we enter the kitchen, turning away to switch on the radio before she starts to unpack groceries. I ease myself between one of the stools and the kitchen island, wincing as the throbbing starts up again. Siobhan's voice fills the air as she updates me on the latest developments of her new project. I try my best to listen, to focus, but I'm struggling to concentrate on anything other than the pain in my lower back. I shift on the edge of the stool, grasping the edge of the counter as I slowly twist, desperately trying to release the tension or whatever it is that's causing my discomfort.

Slowly, the pain subsides and I exhale slowly, moving back into my previous position just as Siobhan turns back to face me.

“So what you do think?” she asks me.

I stare back at her blankly.

“About my idea...” she prompts.

“I...”

Her eyes narrow. “Are you sure you're okay?”

“I'm fine,” I insist.

She glances up at the clock on the wall. It's almost seven. “Right, here's the plan. You're going to go and soak in a hot bath whilst I cook dinner.”

“Shiv, I'm–”

“Fine. I know.” She pauses. “But you don't look fine. You look really fucking uncomfortable.”

“No shit,” I look pointedly down at my belly.

She rounds the kitchen island and holds out her hand. “C'mon. I'll help you.”

I let her guide me up the stairs and into the bedroom. She disappears into the bathroom for a second, reappearing with my bathrobe. The bathroom door closes behind her as she leaves me to strip and I wonder, just as I do with Roman, how lucky I am to have her in my life. There aren't many people who would spend almost a month away from their significant other just to look after their heavily pregnant friend.

Roman and I had talked for a while about how we'd handle the final weeks of pregnancy. At first I was adamant that I could go it alone, but as the weeks wore on I started to realise the benefits of having someone with me. I didn't want to be in hospital alone giving birth, which was a viable option depending on when Pumpkin decided to make an appearance. My Mom was my first choice in companion for these final weeks, but it was impossible to make it work around her job – there was no guarantee that we'd be bang on time and she may have had to leave before labour had even begun.

Roman's Mom was another option, but despite how much I treasure her as a mother-in-law, I aired my concerns that perhaps seeing me in the midst of labour might not be a great in-law experience. My incredibly paranoid, over-exaggerated nightmare scenario was met by much amusement from Roman, but he eventually concluded that maybe it wasn't the best option.

Enter Siobhan. We'd been mulling over the idea for a while when I decided to broach the subject with her. It was full of caution, full of maybes, perhaps and ifs. I didn't want her to feel pressured into agreeing to something that could test our friendship to the max. I didn't want her to feel obliged to do it just because we'd asked and were running out of options. But she cut through all our hesitancy an instant:

As long as you don't want me down the business end, I'm there.

She listened intently to all the advice that the doctors had passed onto us, devotedly read the pregnancy book I sent her by way of giving her a last chance to back out if she wanted and moved in with us three weeks ago. Our spare room was instantly turned into a temporary office-cum-bedroom, even though I was more than happy for her to make use of the living room or even our own office as her own. She's worked solidly every day, but still found time to check on me every so often if I was downstairs, or sending me a quick text if I was out running errands. But every evening, she's made a point of switching everything off, much like she does with Seth she told me, making sure I ate, relaxed and that we mainly, had a catch up. Catch ups that were once held over several cocktails are now held over cups of tea whilst curled up on the couch downstairs.

There's a soft knock on the door just as I'm tugging my hair up into a messy bun, the bathrobe already secured around my body.

“It's ready,” Siobhan says, her voice muffled slightly by the door.

I make my way over, opening the door and breathing in the scent of lavender.

“Thank you,” I murmur as she turns off the faucet.

“Just shout if you need anything,” she pats my arm softly as she passes.

I've never been a huge fans of baths. Roman loves them, his reasons blatantly obvious as he always takes it as an opportunity to touch every inch of me under the pretence of helping me wash. But given the choice, I'm a shower girl all the way. That said, Roman quite likes a shower with me too. I chuckle to myself as I recall the countless encounters we've had in the large glass shower unit behind me as I carefully lower myself into the tub. But more recently, a bath gives me the opportunity to fully relax, to take the weight off my feet, to feel a fraction lighter in the water than on solid ground. And the lavender seemingly does wonders for both my muscles and my mind.

My head rolls back against the lip of the bath, my eyes slowly closing as I listen to the muffled sounds of Siobhan moving around the kitchen beneath me. The only thing that's missing is Roman. Whilst there isn't usually space for the two of us in the bath at the moment – mainly because I want all the space I can get – he's taken to sitting on the side of the bath instead, both of us relishing in a moment between the two of us before Pumpkin arrives. The conversation usually drifts over a variety of topics, from work, Pumpkin, us in general, our plans for the house, our plans for the holidays, vacations we'd like to take. Anything and everything has been covered in these gentle, casual conversations. I wish he was here. I wish he was taking in these last few days before parenthood truly begins.

And most importantly, as the throbbing starts up once again, I wish he was here to soothe the pain, to rub my back, to hold my hand, to kiss me softly and reassure that everything will be okay. My eyes flick open and I stare down at my bump as I feel Pumpkin shift inside me. My hand automatically rises, cascading water over my swollen belly as I feel another wriggle. I can feel a lump in my throat as I imagine, not for the first time, my baby being placed in my arms, nuzzling against my bare skin, all tiny and new and so very innocent. In my fantasies, Roman is clear in that picture too, his face pressed against mine for a brief second before his gaze drops down and he strokes a finger across our baby's cheek and I watch in complete fascination as he lowers his head and gently kisses its forehead. That's the picture that I want, that I cling to, that quite possibly won't be a reality until much later down the road. Every time I let my mind drift, it's with a sickening thud that I come back to reality and remember that it's a fantasy that may not come true.

I make a mental note to call him or at least text him when I get out of the bath. I might just catch him before the show starts and even if the call is barely a minute long, at least I'll hear his voice say. my name, ask about Pumpkin and tell me that he loves me. He called me late last night as they headed away from the arena. I was dozing in bed, sleep unable to take full hold on my mind thanks to my back pain, when my phone buzzed and I saw his name flash up on screen.

“Hey,” I murmur.

“Baby girl,” he breathes quietly. In the background I can hear low murmurs and the occasional laugh from the others on the bus.

“Where are you?”

“Heading to back to the hotel. You in bed?”

“Yeah,” I yawn and stretch as much as I can. “But I can't sleep.”

“Pumpkin?”

“At first. And then my back started to hurt.”

He sighs softly. “Few more days, Lex. I'll be home in a few days.”

I smile up at the ceiling. “Can't wait. Shiv's back massages are nothing compared to yours.”

He chuckles. “Ah, I see. Is this how this works now, huh?”

“That's how this has always worked?” I grin.

“Hang on a sec,” he murmurs and then my phone trills softly. Pulling it back from my ear, I see my own face on the screen for FaceTime. I click accept and my heart pounds as my face is replaced by Roman's. His headphones are slung around his neck, a beanie pulled down over his head. He looks exhausted but his eyes still sparkle as he stares at the screen, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” I shift against the pillows, trying to make myself more comfortable but also slightly more presentable, completely aware of his current setting and how I look with puffy, sleepless eyes and the tatty shirt I'm currently wearing, the collar of which is low and sagging and threatening to expose my sore and swollen breasts with one wrong move.

“You look beautiful,” he tells me and I pull a face in response.

“I look nothing of the sort.”

“Ain't true, baby girl,” his voice is low, his head rocking to one side as his eyes scan the screen. “You're always beautiful.”

“Tell me that when I'm screaming blue murder and cussing you out for knocking me up in the midst of labour, then I'll believe you.” But my voice is light, a smile tugging at my own lips as he chuckles.

“I will, I will.” There's a pause. “Show me Pumpkin?”

I push the covers down my body and pull the hem of my shirt up to just under my breasts. Raising my phone up, I angle it so that he can see my exposed belly. I rub my palm across it, trying to encourage a little movement from Pumpkin, but there's nothing. My fingers brush across the dark line that runs from my navel down south, before changing track and gliding over the stretch marks that cover the side and swell of my bump.

“Least someone's sleeping,” Roman comments with a smile as I lower the phone back down so only my face is in view.

“I wouldn't count on that continuing once Pumpkin arrives.”

“So I've been told.” He stifles a yawn, one large hand coming up to scrape over his face, his wedding ring flashing at me in the process. “I miss you both.”

“We miss you.”

“I'll be home soon. I promise.”

“I know.”

I cup my hands in the water and bring them up to my face. I drag my fingers over my cheeks slowly, feeling the water run down my face and over my chin and neck. My eyes sting slightly as I remember him telling me he loved us and to sleep tight. After we hung up and I still couldn't sleep, I scrolled through endless photos of the two of us. A shot of the two of us early on in our relationship, kindly snapped by Seth or Dean in a bar, Roman's hand inches away from my ass as I giggled into his neck. A photo of us at Wrestlemania, his hair slick with sweat, his face flushed, mine giddy and grinning. The picture we sent our friends and family after he proposed, my hand shielding our faces as we kissed, the ring glinting in the light. Casual snaps of us just hanging out at home, with friends, with family, at shows, in hotel rooms before going out, in bars with drinks in hand. In every single one, we're touching in one way or another. Roman's arm is around my shoulder or waist, his hand on mine, cupping my cheek, my lower back, my ass, on my leg, my knee. And I'm forever leaning against him, touching him back, staring up at him whilst he stares into the lens or vice versa. Or sometimes, neither of us are looking anywhere other than at each other. It floors me when I think about how far we've come, from a casual encounter in a bar, that ended in what could have easily been just a one-night stand, to moving states, living together, getting married and getting pregnant.

I shift in the bath, gripping onto the sides as I pull myself slowly upright. I roll my neck as I feel the air chill my skin. The water is cool too and I start to pull my feet underneath me so I can get out. It's slow work and mid-way through, the pain in my back starts up again. I bend forward over the edge of the bath, desperately trying to breathe steadily. But it feels different this time, more intense, more obvious than before. I try to focus on the chequered mat on the floor, on the edge of my bath robe that's draped over the sink, anything but what's happening to my body.

Slowly but surely, the pain ebbs away. I keep staring at the floor, trying to gather my thoughts as I realise what's just happened.

It wasn't supposed to happen like this.

Roman isn't here.

My voice sticks in the back of my throat as I open my mouth to yell for Siobhan.

So I grit my teeth instead and brace myself against the bath, working my way onto my knees and then one foot and then the other. My arms are shaking, no, my entire body is trembling when I finally stand and take a nerve-wracking step over the side of the bath. I tug at my robe, slipping it around me as I stare at myself in the mirror.

Deal with it.

No.

Yes.

I try to remember where my phone is and a sick feeling washes over me as I realise it's downstairs on the couch. I want to call Roman, I want to hear his voice, I want him to tell me I'll be okay.

I take a step towards the door and then freeze. Something warm trickles down my thigh, slow and steady.

Fuck.

Siobhan is singing quietly in the kitchen as I enter. She glances over her shoulder.

“Hey, you should've yelled. I could've helped you.”

“It's okay.” My voice feels distant. “I was okay.”

She turns back to the stove. “Dinner's almost ready. You hungry?”

“Sure.”

I watch as she flicks the switch on the rice-maker and starts to dig out plates and silverware. I glance down and try to remember when I got dressed; my robe has been replaced by sweatpants and one of Ro's old workout shirts. I finger the collar, bringing it to my nose and I want to cry. Despite its large size, it still feels slightly snug around my bump and I watch as my hands come to rest on either side as I feel it tightening, the sensation more recognisable now.

“Lex?”

I look up to see Siobhan staring at me, her hands frozen in mid-air, clutching two glasses.

“My... My water broke.”

We stare at each other, my words hanging in the air.

And then Siobhan jolts. “Shit.”

I'm motionless, watching as she switches off the stove, moving pots and pans to cool before reaching for her phone.

“Lex, listen to me. What time did it happen?”

“Just now.” I don't recognise my voice and it takes all my strength not to look around for who's talking.

“Like right now?” Siobhan stares down at the floor which is dry and I want to laugh.

“No,” I correct her. “Upstairs, in the bathroom.”

“Okay, okay,” she nods. “What about contractions?”

“I don't know.”

“You had one right now though, right?”

“I guess.”

“Lex, c'mon...” I can hear the bite in her voice, but all I can do is just stare dumbly back at her. She sighs and when she speaks again, she's pulled back the edge, her tone soft and calm. “It's okay.”

I scrunch up my face as I try to think about what happened in the bath. “It... It was my back. It hurt again, but the throb... It was more intense, like it was gripping me.”

“How long?” She's tapping at her phone.

“I dunno. Thirty seconds, maybe longer?”

“Okay... And now?”

I stare down at my bump. “Tight. Around here,” I gesture. “Around thirty seconds again.”

She's dialling, reaching out to me, stroking my arm.

“Hello? Can I speak to Doctor Ash please? It's Siobhan, I'm Alexia Reigns' birthing partner.”

There's a brief pause.

“Hi... Yes, Lex's waters have broken... About ten minutes ago?” She looks at me, eyebrows raised and I nod and shrug. “I... I don't know. Maybe I should pass you over...”

She hands the phone over to me and I raise it automatically to my ear.

“Alexia? It's Doctor Ash. Siobhan says your waters have broken. Can you tell me what happened?”

I retrace my steps from barely fifteen minutes ago. I can hear her occasional murmur of 'okay' and 'right' as I tell her what happened.

“Alexia, you need to listen to me now. You need to keep a note of your contractions, just like we talked about. Just keep breathing through them, lean against something if you need to, a chair, the wall, whatever feels most natural.”

“Yes.”

“Okay, can you pass me back to Siobhan please?”

I hand the phone back but I'm only half listening to the conversation.

“Now? Okay... Yes, everything is ready to go... No, he's not... Okay, I'll tell him when I speak to him. He's next on my list.” She catches my eye and mouthes something at me that I don't catch. “Thank you. Yes, we'll see you there.”

She hangs up and takes a shaky breath. “Lex? We gotta go to the hospital okay? They need to check how far along you are.”

“Ro–”

“I'm going to call him now, okay?” I watch as she dials, the ring tone a soft murmur. And then I can hear his voice, but it's not his voice. It's calm, collected: his voicemail. “Shit, Roman, why aren't you picking up your damn phone? Look, Lex is in labour. Call me. Oh and get your ass back here. Now.”

“Why isn't he picking up?” I ask her, as if she'll know the answer.

“I don't know.” She scowls at the phone and then looks up at me, quickly replacing her furrowed brow with a smile. “I'll keep trying. And I'll ring Seth too, maybe he's with him.”

“Okay.”

I watch as she thumbs her phone and then puts it on loud speaker. The dial tone is jarring, echoing around the kitchen. But there's no answer.

“For fuck's sake,” she mutters, before shutting it off. “Okay, we should go.” She pauses and glances back at the kitchen side. “Let me... Ah, shit, shit, shit.”

“I can wait,” I say quietly and she chuckles.

“I'll sort it later. C'mon, we need to go.”

She takes my hand, squeezing it reassuringly as she leads me to the door. I stand there, helpless as she gives my hospital bag a final check.

“Where's your phone?” she asks me, before moving away into the lounge before I can answer. “Do you need a bottle of water?” She calls out.

But I can feel the tightening again, my hand reaching out to press against the wall as I try to breathe through it, just like Doctor Ash told me, just how all the books and classes I've read and been to suggest.

“Lex?” Siobhan's hand is on my back, rubbing slow, soothing circles. “How long?”

“I...”

“It's okay,” she hands me my phone and I see that it's already on the stopwatch app. “Hit start and then lap them.”

The phone is heavy in my hand, but I grip it tightly as Siobhan finds me a pair of shoes and bends down to help me put them on. And then she's guiding me out of the house, round to the car in the driveway. She helps me with my seatbelt, my hand still gripping the phone as I stare solidly ahead as she slams the car door shut.

As we pull away from the house, she's already hitting re-dial on her phone.

“This is Roman–”

“Fuck!”

Dial tone again.

“This is Seth–”

She pauses at the end of the road, her attention turning back to her phone for a second.

“Shiv, what's up?” Becca's voice fills the car.

“Could you do me a favour and send me Dean's number please?”

“Dean's? Why?” There's a brief pause and then: “Oh... Oh, shit.”

“Yeah,” Siobhan casts me a sideways look. “We're on our way to the hospital.”

“Lex?” Becca addresses me and I turn my head to look at the phone. “You'll be fine, Roman'll get there. Just make sure you and the baby are okay.”

“Yeah.” My gaze drifts back to the road and I watch as we take the exit for the hospital.

Siobhan and Becca's voices fade into the background as I stare out of the window and watch the streets wind past us in a blur. I catch sight of myself in the wing mirror and I'm puzzled by my own reflection. I look pale, puffy and scared. And then my face turns into a grimace and I hiss, my hands sliding over my bump, soothing it, willing the pain to subside.

“Becca, I need to go... Lex, breathe, c'mon.” A hand reaches out to tug mine away from my belly. “Hold onto me, squeeze my hand...”

As the pain subsides and I watch my finger tap the lap button on the stopwatch, something else washes over me.

“Roman,” I gasp. It's like everything is back in full colour, the weight of bump, my baby bearing down inside me, the discomfort in my back, the aftershocks of the contraction, the sound of my breathing, hard and fast as Siobhan squeezes my hand again and then lets go.

“I'm calling him,” I hear her say.

“The show,” I tell her, my eyes flicking to the time on the dashboard. “It's started. He won't have his phone...”

We listen to the dial tone once again before it clicks onto voicemail.

I can feel the tears pricking at my eyes as I reach out and stab at Siobhan's phone again, hitting re-dial over and over again until she pushes my hand away.

“Let's try Dean.”

She taps at the phone and then it rings.

“This is Dean–”

“For fuck's...”

I grab her phone and dial Roman's number again. It continues to ring until his voicemail picks up, but I know that I won't be able to keep my cool if I leave a message. I fling the phone into my lap after several attempts, my hands shaking as Siobhan takes a left into the hospital drop-off area.

Her hand brushes over mine and then up my arm where she rubs at my shoulder. “Let's get you checked in. I'll park the car and come find you and I promise, I will keep calling all three of them until someone picks up.”

She doesn't let go of me as we enter the hospital, her hand on mine as we're guided over to the elevator and head upstairs to the maternity ward. And when she finally leaves me with a nurse, she has to peel my fingers from hers as I tell her over and over again to keep calling.

“I will. I promise.”

“What do you mean, I'm only three centimetres?” I stare incredulously at Doctor Ash, who gives me a small smile.

“It's a slow process, Alexia. Your contractions are still quite far apart so I'm afraid you've still got a fair distance to go.” She makes a note on my chart before hanging it back up next to the bed. “Keep drinking fluids, make sure you go to the bathroom every hour and most of all, just be patient. You can keep moving around if you feel like it, but take it easy, okay?”

I nod sullenly before I flop my head back on the pillows and stare up at the ceiling.

“I'll check on you in an hour or so, okay?” She pats my hand gently and then exits the room, holding the door open for Siobhan, whose hands are full with a cup of coffee in one and a water in the other.

“What's the update?” she asks, taking a seat beside me.

“Three centimetres,” I scowl.

“Good.”

“Good?”

“You wanted Roman here, remember?”

“Is he picking up his phone yet?”

She shakes her head, sipping on her coffee. “The show's almost over though.”

“Right.” I pluck impatiently at my nightshirt. “Any luck with Seth or Dean?”

“Nope. Although I'm going to throttle Seth the next time I see him,” Siobhan winks, finally drawing out a small smile from me. “I told him to make sure Roman left his phone with someone, anyone.”

“He did,” I say quietly. “All the other nights, he'd text me and say he was giving his phone to Dean or Seth or whoever.”

“And tonight?”

I shrug. “I guess... I guess he figured that nothing happened all the other nights, so why would it happen today?”

But Siobhan shakes her head. “He wouldn't think like that and you know it. He probably just forgot. He got caught up with management or a meet and greet and it was all a rush. You and I have been backstage enough to know that things like this can happen.”

“I know. I just...” I rock my head to the side. “I just can't help but think that if he had picked up when you first rung him, he could be at the airport already.”

“He's got plenty of time, Lex.” She leans down and draws out her iPad from her bag. “And so have we. I downloaded some stuff for us to watch. I figured we'd probably have quite a lot of time to kill.”

“Thank you.”

She shrugs. “Least I could do.”

“You've done way too much already,” I tell her. “Seriously, Shiv. I... I don't know what I would have done earlier if you hadn't been there.”

“You would have called Doctor Ash and got yourself to the hospital. I just happened to be there to make the call for you and to drive.”

“You haven't seen Seth in almost two weeks.”

She pauses and looks up at me. “He understands.”

“I know, but still–”

Siobhan shakes her head. “It's okay. You're my best friend, Lex. You know that I would do anything for you.”

“But this–”

“This,” she tells me firmly. “This is what friends do for each other. And anyway,” she gives me a wry smile. “You can owe me.”

I chuckle and settle back against the pillow as she props up the iPad on the tray next to the bed. She flicks through the library to find the boxset we started watching earlier in the week and presses play.

“You and Seth talked about having kids?” I ask her as the opening credits start up.

“Maybe. One day.”

“I didn't think it was something you wanted.”

I watch out of the corner of my eye as she chews her lip, a soft smile tugging at her mouth. “It wasn't.”

“But...”

She reaches out and hits pause just as the opening scene begins. “Maybe I changed my mind.”

I grin. “And a certain two-toned mister has something to do with that?”

Siobhan blushes, hesitantly meeting my eye. “Perhaps.”

My eyes automatically flick to her hand, knowing full well that there's nothing on any of her fingers but I can't help but check again with the way this conversation is going.

“Lex,” she tuts. “There's nothing to show. We just talk about it sometimes. Actually,” she pauses. “You and Roman are entirely to blame.”

“How do you figure that?”

“The night you told us you were pregnant. Roman may have planted his super Samoan seed in you, but both planted a little seed in Seth's mind about our future.”

“I'm pretty sure he felt that way before that night.”

“Maybe,” she shrugs. “I just... I just didn't think he thought about it at all. Or even wanted to think about it. I mean, we didn't even live together at that point.”

I frown. “You spent more time there than you did in your own apartment several states away.”

“Exactly what Seth said,” she chuckles. “Anyway, it was a bit of a shock to hear him say those kind of things. Like, I knew that it was perfectly fine for him to feel that way if that's what he wanted, but I wasn't sure if I wanted it myself.”

“But–”

Siobhan holds up her hand. “Let me finish. So I kinda told him how I wasn't sure if I wanted all that, y'know, marriage, two-point-five kids and a white picket fence. It wasn't a no, it was just a maybe.”

“And what did he say?”

She smiles. “He told me that was okay. If I didn't want that, it was fine, but if I changed my mind...”

“And you have?”

Her cheeks redden slightly. “Something... Something happened.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Tell me more.”

But she shakes her head. “Not here. Maybe once Pumpkin is out of you and we can have a glass of wine. But all that you need to know for now is that I told him yes.”

My eyes widen. “Yes? To what?”

“To everything... One day.”

“Shiv...”

“Like I said, I blame you and Roman entirely.” She leans forward to hit the play button.

“Shiv, that's huge.”

She glances back at me. “I guess... But maybe I was being selfish before.”

I roll my eyes. “You don't have a selfish bone in your body.”

“I think I have a few. But what I meant was that I like just being the two of us, me and Seth. We work well together and I don't want to do anything that's going to mess that up.”

“He worships you, Shiv. I don't think there's anything you could do to mess that up.

She blushes, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I know. Sometimes I don't understand why, but recently, I... I guess I would be stupid not to want everything with a guy like Seth.”

I reach out and squeeze her hand. “As someone who has watched you both go through some ups and downs over the last few years and still come out the other side, you are definitely made for each other. He needs someone like you in his life and you need him too. We both know what it's like to be with men who work in this crazy ass business and there are times where everything seems impossible and you have to work really hard to sustain what you have together, but it's worth it.” My gaze drops to my bump, which is starting to tighten again. “It's totally worth it.”

“Is that your mantra for the next few hours?” Siobhan quips with a hiss as I squeeze her hand tightly.

“Fuck,” I exhale. “Thanks Pumpkin, go ahead and spoil that real sweet moments between friends.”

Siobhan pats my hand as I release my grip. “It was–” she begins just as her phone starts to ring. She tugs it out of her purse and then looks up at me. “It's Roman.”

I hold out my hand for the phone and after a moment's hesitation, she passes it over.

“Ro-”

“Lex! Baby girl, are you okay? Where are you? I'm just on my way to the airport, travel have got me a last minute flight, okay? I'm on my way. Fuck, Lex, are you sure you're okay?”

“I'm...” But that's all I can get out before my emotions take over and I'm sobbing, my chest heavy and tight as I fight to hold back the tears that are already streaming down my face.

“Lex? Don't cry, I'm going to make it. I'll be there, I promise. I'm being driven to the airport and my flight is in an hour. It'll be okay, yeah? I'm gonna be there.”

I nod, sobs still tearing from me as Siobhan slowly eases the phone away from me.

“Roman? Yes, she's fine. I think it's just...” She glances at me. “She's just a little freaked out. Her water broke an hour ago and I think she was fully prepared for it to all happen quickly, but when we got here, they told her she's only three centimetres... Yes, everything is fine. She's having contractions every fifteen minutes at the moment, so it's slow progress.”

There's a brief pause and I can hear Roman's muffled voice on the other end of the phone. I tug at the sleeve of my gown, drying my eyes before reaching back out for the phone. Siobhan eyes me sceptically.

“I'll be okay,” I murmur. “I want to speak to him.”

“Hang on, she wants to speak to you.” She passes me back the phone.

“Lex...” His voice is warm and soothing and exactly what I need to hear.

“Ro...” I swallow hard, fighting back the tears that threaten to rise up again. “I'll try and wait until you're here.”

“No, Lex. You gotta do what Doctor Ash tells you. If you have to push, you push, whether I'm there or not.”

“I want you here. I want you to be with me.”

“I know, baby girl. And I want to to be there too, but if...” I hear him suck in a breath. “If I'm not, you gotta just do what you need to do, okay? You gotta make sure you and Pumpkin are okay, that's all I care about, Lex. That you and our baby are healthy and happy. And I'll be there soon. I love you. I love you and Pumpkin so fucking much, you hear me?”

“We love you too, Ro.”

“I know. Look, we're almost at the airport and I gotta run to make it through security. I'll text Siobhan when I'm on the plane and when I land. I'll be there, Lex. You're strong, baby girl. You can do this.” I can hear the car door opening and shutting, the click of wheels from his case. “I can't wait to see you. We're gonna meet our–”

“I know.” A grin spreads across my face, my heart beating faster. “I can't wait either.”

“Maybe you should sit down?” Siobhan's hand brushes over my back as I make my way slowly around the room.

“No,” I exhale slowly. “I need to keep moving. It helps.”

“Just go slow,” she reminds me quietly.

“I know,” I hit back through gritted teeth, pausing to lean against the wall as yet another contraction starts to build. My eyes squeeze shut as I ball my hands into fists.

Siobhan's hands press against my lower back, the pressure easing the pain ever so slightly as she works the heels of her hands into the base of my spine. “Better?”

I nod, groaning as the contraction slowly subsides. “What time is it?”

“Just after midnight.”

My contractions are slowly closing in on each other, less than ten minutes between them now and each lasting for what feels like an eternity. I gave up with lying on the bed, the pain unbearable as I struggled to get into a position that would enable me to breathe through them. So instead, I'm making slow laps around a room which feels like it's closing in on me, Siobhan shuffling behind me, easing me through each contraction and ignoring all my grumbling and cussing in the process. Doctor Ash checked on me half hour ago, confirming that I was still making slow progress when she announced that I was only six centimetres.

Relief instantly washed over me as I realised there was still time, still a chance that Roman would make it. But it only lasted a few seconds, before another contraction seized me and in the midst of the pain, I wondered how much more I could take of this. It's been four hours and I've barely scratched the surface of labour. The only thing that is keeping me going is the thought of Roman. I can't even begin to imagine the thoughts running through his head right now. This is exactly what I didn't want to happen.

I know how his mind works, I know about the ever increasing anxiety that's been coursing through him for the past few months, his fears about becoming a father, a never-ending worry that he won't be able to leave up to the expectations bestowed on him by no-one else but himself. I want to tell him that he'll be fine, that we'll be fine, repeat the words I've told him over and over again in order to ease his concerns. I can picture him on the plane, jaw tight, fingers drumming insistently on the arm rest as he watches the flight tracker on the screen in front of him. I want to reach out and pull his hand into mine, cup his face so his gaze turns to me instead and whisper to him that I'm okay.

I start to edge around the room again, one hand on the wall, one hand on Pumpkin, rubbing slow, soothing circles as I feel a soft squirm inside me.

“Soon,” I breathe softly. “Soon, baby girl.”

I only realise that I've slipped up when Siobhan gasps. “You're...”

My eyes flick up and I see her staring at me, open-mouthed.

“Don't tell Roman that I let it slip,” I murmur. “I made a big deal about how we wouldn't tell anyone.”

“A girl,” she whispers, her eyes wide. “Oh, Lex, she's gonna be a beauty.”

I giggle and then wince. “She's a little madam already though.”

Siobhan raises an eyebrow. “She's your daughter, I wouldn't expect anything less.”

“Thanks,” I scowl. “Please don't tell the others though.”

“I won't,” she promises. “You both did a great job of convincing us that you didn't know. I mean, the grey room... Your bag is packed with baby clothes that are just white and yellow. I'm never going to believe a word that you and Roman say after this.”

I chuckle as I approach the bed and take a second to lean against it to catch my breath again. “I honestly thought Roman was going to be the one to mess up and let the cat out of the bag.”

Siobhan grabs a bottle of water, pouring some into a cup and handing it over to me. “I bet he's already in over-protective mode already.”

I nod as I take a small sip and then grin. “It's adorable though.”

“He's gonna be wrapped around her finger before he knows it.”

I stare down at my bump. “I think he already is.”

My baby girls. It's what he's said to me every time we've been alone and he's pulled me into his arms, kissing me whilst caressing my belly. It always makes my heart pound fast. He's already head over heels, doting on her already. There have been endless soft kisses to my bump, barely-there whispers that I don't catch. I just stroked his head and smiled as he talked to his soon-to-be-born daughter, the love between them already unbreakable.

“Hey,” Siobhan's hand pats my shoulder softly. “Just keep thinking of her. Your baby girl in your arms, Roman holding her, holding you. Just think about that.”

I nod as I start to move again, grimacing as I stop to grip at the bed frame.

My baby girl.

My baby girls.

“Well?” I grunt as Doctor Ash steps back and makes a note on my chart.

“You're nine centimetres. You're doing really well, Alexia. Baby is going well too and I would say that you'll be able to meet h–” She trails off, her eyes flickering to Siobhan.

“She knows,” I wheeze. “It kinda slipped out.”

She nods with a smile. “Well, I think that you'll be able to meet your baby girl very soon.” She hooks my chart back up on the wall. “Is Roman...?”

“He just text,” Siobhan pipes up. “He's waiting for his luggage, Lex. He'll be here soon.”

“I'll check on you in thirty minutes,” Doctor Ash tells me. “If you feel like you need to push, press the alarm button immediately okay?”

I nod, hissing loudly as another contraction grips me tightly. “Help me get up,” I say to Siobhan as she leaves the room.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I can't get comfortable lying on this stupid bed.”

I grip her hands tightly as I plant one foot and then other on the floor and stand slowly. Turning, I lean against the bed, breathing hard.

Siobhan's phone starts to ring and she quickly answers it.

“Roman?” There's a brief pause. “Okay, okay. She's at nine centimetres. You need to hurry.”

“Where is he?” I hear myself whine.

“He's just getting into a cab,” she tells me. “He is says 20 minutes.”

“Tell the driver to put his damn foot down...” I moan, my hands gripping the bedsheets. “Fuck!”

“Lex?” Roman's voice fills the room.

“Ro... Just get here. Please. I need you here.”

“I will. I'll be there soon, just keep going.”

I can feel Siobhan's cool fingers on my forehead as I curse loudly. “Shiv...”

“What?” Her voice is calm, but when I look up there's worry all over her face. “What do you need?”

I point at the gas and air, the mouthpiece just out of reach. She quickly passes it to me and I breathe in deeply, her and Roman's voice fading away as I listen to my heart pound, my head getting lighter. I slump forward, my fingers leaving the sheets to push at my hair that's sticking to the back of my neck.

“Here,” Siobhan's voice is still distant as I feel her hands move mine away and starts to gather up my hair again, re-arranging it into a loose knot on the top of my head. “Better?”

I nod. “Roman?”

“He'll be here soon,” she tells me, pressing a damp cloth to the base of my neck. “You're doing so well, Lex. Seriously. You're amazing.”

“I just...”

“You're almost there. You heard what your Doctor said, you're gonna meet your precious baby girl real soon. And you're gonna hold her and Roman'll be right there with you.”

I nod, but my mind is clouding again, the pressure in my lower half almost unbearable and I cry out, my eyes squeezed shut.

“Breathe. C'mon...”

“Shiv... I feel...”

One hand slips away. “Lex, you can't...”

“I know.”

“Just hold on.”

She's back, holding my hands, letting me squeeze them as I howl into the sheets, muffling the sounds as I struggle to stop my knees from buckling.

I feel the breeze of the door opening and closing, Siobhan and Dr Ash murmuring.

“Alexia, I'm just going to take another look, okay?”

I nod dumbly. There's a pause.

“Okay, that last contraction has pushed you to ten centimetres. Now, are you happy like this?”

“Yes,” I let go of Siobhan's hand for a second, groping for the mouthpiece once again.

“Listen to your body, Alexia. I'm right here, so if you feel the urge to push that's fine, but you need to breathe and take your time. You've still a little way to go yet.”

I lift my head and see Siobhan in front of me. She gives me a soft smile. “You're doing great, Lex. Keep going. I'm not going anywhere until Roman gets here.”

“Call him again.”

But she shakes her head. “You can't think about that right now. You need to concentrate on your baby girl, remember?”

“I need–” I start to say, but the pressure is too much and I grasp at the mouthpiece, my face scrunched up as I try to breathe through it, giving up halfway through to let out another wail, my fingers digging into Siobhan's hands. “Sorry,” I gasp.

She winces, staring at her hand and then back up at me. “It's okay. Whatever helps, Lex.”

“I owe you.”

“A bottle of wine and a cuddle with your baby girl is all I want.”

“You're the best,” I murmur, my head sagging back down into the sheets.

She squeezes my hands again, coaching me softly as with each contraction, I grunt and groan and cry and moan.

And then she's gone.

“Shiv...”

“I'm here, baby girl.”

Strong hands grip my arms, a familiar smell drifting under my nose as I look up through bleary, exhausted eyes and see him crouching down in front of me.

“Ro,” my voice cracks.

His thumb brushes across my cheek, his chin wobbling slightly as he smiles. “Told you I'd be here.”

“I...”

“Ssh, just keep going Lex. I love you, you can do this.” He shifts closer, one hand moving to the back of my head as he presses his forehead against mine. “I got you.”

I can feel his arms around me, my head lolling on his shoulder. My legs feel like jell-o, as I slump onto the mat beneath the bed. My gown is bunched around my waist and I can feel fingers plucking at the neck, pulling it gently away from my skin. My arms are raised and then...

Warmth. A soft snuffle. A heady scent of something unfamiliar, yet so familiar it hurts.

I peer down at my chest, my heart clenching as I take in the scrunched up face, the dark tuft of hair, the ever so small fingers that are splayed against my skin. She squirms slightly, a deep inhale of breath before a soft cry bursts from her, growing in volume as I wrap my arms around her and pull her close, my lips brushing over her head.

“Ssh...” My voice is gentle. “I know... It's a shock, huh?”

I can feel Roman's lips on my shoulder, his hand moving to brush over her head. “She's... Lex... She's beautiful.”

His face nuzzles mine and I can barely bring myself to look away from her and at him instead. “You're incredible,” he breathes, his lips pressing briefly against mine.

“Congratulations,” Doctor Ash smiles, making us both look up. “We need to get her cleaned up and check you over as well, Alexia.” She reaches out and I carefully pass my gorgeous girl over.

Roman helps me back to my feet, re-arranging my gown as I lean heavily against him before he carefully lifts me onto the bed. My eyes are on Doctor Ash and the nurse in the corner of the room, watching as they weigh and measure our daughter, before they start to wrap her in a blanket.

“Go get her,” I nudge Roman as Doctor Ash comes back to me.

I'm distracted as she checks me over, watching Roman speak to the nurse, nodding, unable to take his own eyes off the small pink bundle in the cot. I watch as he scrapes a shaking hand over his face as the nurse gestures that it's okay and he slowly and carefully lifts our daughter into his arms. He pauses, cradling her gently in his big arms and I can't help the tears that start to trickle down my cheeks as I watch him lower his head and press his lips to her head.

“Do you have a name?” Doctor Ash asks as Roman approaches the bed.

“What do you think?” he asks me, glancing up, his face softening as he sees my tears.

“Happy tears,” I reassure with a smile. “She's so tiny in your arms.”

He chuckles. “I wouldn't say eight pounds, four ounces was tiny.”

I reach up and brush my hand over her covered head. “I think she suits it.”

“You sure?” he murmurs. “I mean, I'm happy with it if you are.”

I nod and turn to Dr Ash. “It's Ella. Ella Amelia Reigns.”

She smiles warmly. “Well, we'll leave you alone with Ella. I'll ask Siobhan to give you a few minutes as well.”

Roman sinks onto the edge of the bed, Ella still in his arms. “Do you want a cuddle with your Mama?” he whispers, his eyes flickering up to me. “Lex?”

“Hang on,” I reach out to the side table, scrabbling for my phone. “I'm pretty sure she'll be more comfortable in your arms.”

He chuckles softly as I bring up the camera app and start to snap, freezing each smile and gentle touch between father and daughter. “I've always said these arms were built for cuddling.”

“Looks like I've got competition,” I comment, watching as Ella squirms, her face turning into his chest.

“I'll always have room for both of you,” he murmurs, rising slowly. “You feel okay? Can you move?”

I shift awkwardly, making a little more room for him so he can settle down next to me. He carefully passes me Ella, his arm wrapping around my shoulder as she nestles into me. His free arm covers mine, so we both cradle her, his fingers slipping between mine.

“I'm so proud of you,” he whispers. “Thank you.” His lips press against my temple.

I'm about to speak when Ella squirms and I'm caught up in watching her little mouth open and close, her eyes slowly opening.

“Wow...” I breathe. Deep brown eyes meet mine, before they flicker to Roman. “She's you all over.”

He laughs quietly. “Just her eyes. I'd say she's got her Mama's beauty, hands down.”

Ella snuffles, yawning again before her eyes drift closed. I know the feeling, I think, as my head rocks against Roman. I smile as I feel his fingers brush through my sweat-drenched hair.

“Do you want to get Shiv?” I mumble after a while. “I owe her a cuddle with Ella.”

“In a bit,” he replies. “Can't a guy have a few more moments with his girls?”

“Gonna have to share us at some point,” I chuckle.

“I'm feeling selfish,” he retorts gently. “Your Daddy's allowed to be selfish, right?” he says to Ella, a finger brushing across her cheek.

“Over-protective more like,” I nudge him softly.

“Can you blame me?”

No, I think as I watch him bend forward and press his lips to Ella's forehead once again. He looks up at me and I feel his hand cup the back of my head, his mouth hot on mine. I definitely don't blame him.

Fin x

#roman reigns fanfiction #wwe fic #wwe fanfiction #roman reigns #roman reigns imagine #romanreigns #roman reigns fic #roman reigns smut

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maddiethedogstories · 4 months ago

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Sarah's Playground - 6

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

As I looked up at my mother's smiling face, my lips rhythmically sucking without my consent, I was suddenly bombarded with a cascade of new memories of how my life was altered under the rules of Lidia's new reality.

I remembered...

Back when I was seventeen, I was so excited to get out of the house. My mother was always overbearing and overprotective. I wasn't allowed to have a boyfriend or girlfriend. I wasn't allowed to go to sleepovers. I wasn't allowed to stay out past 9:00 pm. I wasn't even allowed to stay home by myself for extended periods of time. That's why Lidia became my long-term babysitter.

I had applied to colleges as far away as I could to get out from under my mother's thumb. I didn't want to be stuck at home under her tyrannical rules for longer than I could. Plus, under the new forced regression laws, I was more than a little afraid that my mom would concoct some story to have me demoted to being a perpetual middle schooler if I stuck around too long. Turns out, I should have been more worried.

I remember being ecstatic when I got into my first choice school, the Boston Institute of Technology. The school was prestigious, had the best engineering program in the country, and, best of all, was thousands of miles away from home. I'd be free to live my own life with my own rules.

When I told my mom, I could tell that she was less than pleased, but, like any good parent, did her best to pretend to be happy for me. She told me that despite as much as it was going to hurt to lose her baby, she couldn't help but be proud of how much I'd accomplished.

As my July birthday approached, things seemed to be proceeding as normal. We sent off my acceptance paperwork to BIT. We worked together to find the best dorm room. Mom was even there cheering for me at graduation where I was salutatorian. Everything was going great.

That was, until the weekend after my 18th birthday. Mom and I had a big celebration planned. We were going to get cake and balloons, decorate the house, then have a horror movie marathon, just the two of us. However, at the last minute, Mom had to cancel. There was, apparently, an emergency at work, and she had to fly to another state to deal with the fallout. I was disappointed, but understood. I let her know we'd just reschedule it for the next weekend. So, without a lot of fanfare, I helped Mom pack her travel bag and waved goodbye to her as she took off for the airport.

It was only 30 minutes later that I heard the knock on the door. I opened the door and, to my surprise, Lidia, my nemesis, was standing on the other side. She was carrying her pastel pink 'babysitting' bag, that I knew from experience contained everything she needed to force me to be her perfect little baby, on her shoulder.

"Hey squirt! Ready for a wonderful weekend with your fave babysitter?" She asked with that same dark smile she always had when she got a weekend alone with me.

"What? No! I am 18 years old, I don't need a babysitter. Fuck off!" I said, slamming the door in her face.

Lidia knocked again, but I refused to open the door. After a few minutes, I could hear Lidia on the phone with someone outside. Then, as Lidia's muffled voice went silent, my phone rang. I picked it up to see Mom was calling.

"Sarah Lynn Howard! What is this I hear about you slamming the door in that sweet girl Lidia's face and swearing at her? I thought you were almost an adult!" Mom immediately began tearing into me. I went on the defensive.

"Mom! She said she was here to **babysit** me. I'm 18 and heading to college across the country in a month and a half. I do NOT need a babysitter! I knew she had to be lying when she came over and said that!" I raged into the phone.

"Sweetie, she may not have needed to say it that way, but I am paying her to house sit and spend some time with you while I'm gone. You may be 18, but you're still living under my roof for now. I just don't trust that you'll be safe by yourself," Mom tried to reason with me. "Plus, I know how sad you were we had to cancel our party at the last minute, and I know you don't have a lot of friends. And you always seem to get along with Lidia so well. So I thought..."

"You thought what?" I asked, cutting my mom off, almost incoherently upset that my mom, who was so supportive and proud of me, STILL thought I couldn't be trusted by myself.

"I thought you could have a little party with her. I mean, I know Lidia isn't me, but, I couldn't stand the thought of you spending your birthday weekend alone baby girl," Mom said. She sounded so genuine and loving, so full of shame at bailing on me on my birthday, it cut right through my anger. I suddenly felt horrible.

"I'm sorry, Mom. Being 18, I'm just a little nervous about being, you know, demoted," I said, apologetically. "Hearing Lidia say she was here to babysit me just made me nervous, you know?"

"I understand baby girl. And you don't ever have to worry about demotion, love. I will always be here to protect and take care of you, you know that?" Mom said. I couldn't help but feel relieved at hearing those words.

"I know Momma," I responded, "I love you."

"I love you too baby, now, why don't you go let Lidia in. She is probably baking in the heat out there, and I am paying her to have a fun girl's weekend with you. You better go get the party started!" Mom instructed before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone.

I put my phone down, turned towards the door, and steeled my nerves before opening it. Lidia used to torture me as a kid, but I was an adult now. She wouldn't dare baby me like she used to, right?

I opened the door again to see Lidia leaning against the side of the house. At the sound of the door opening up, she stood up, took a step towards me, and cracked a disarming smile.

"Happy Birthday Kiddo! I knew you'd come around! Are you ready for a fabulous girl's weekend with your favorite... neighbor?" Lidia said, clearly stopping herself before saying babysitter again.

I plastered a fake smile on my face.

"Come on in! I'm sorry I was so rude. I am just sensitive about being demoted. It's happened to too many of my friends at school, you know?" I responded, ushering Lidia through the door.

"Oh, you're such a smart girl, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Plus, what were you always telling me back when you were a kid? You haven't wet the bed since you were thirteen," Lidia offered supportively.

I couldn't help but blush at being reminded of my bedwetting and, relatedly, my 'baby' weekends with Lidia. I closed the door as Lidia walked in.

"But, we're not here to think about you being a kid this weekend, we're supposed to celebrate your adulthood!" The 22-year-old beauty said.

I watched and flinched as she reached into her dreaded pink babysitting bag excitedly, expecting for her to pull out a dreaded giant diaper or pacifier. Instead, she pulled out two bottles of white wine. I could feel my eyes grow huge.

"Let's celebrate!" Lidia cheered.

NEXT CHAPTER

#ab/dl diaper #ab/dl kink #ab/dl story time #ab/dl caption #diaper stories #ab/dl couple #diaper regression #humiliation kink #ab/dl mommy #ab/dl babygirl #Sarah's Playground

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imtrashraccoon · 11 months ago

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The spicy chapter has arrived! I am not sorry for that one... I would classify this one as a sweet kind of spicy though, rather than a hot spicy if that makes sense.

@owl-bones

First Day, Previous Day, & Next Day.

Bad Sansuary: Horror - Pepper

Word Count: 2,201

"Okay, now we just need to add a teaspoon of pepper and combine everything," you said.

Axe nodded and went to rinse off his hands in the sink while you got the pepper container out of the cupboard.

For whatever reason, the lid was screwed on a lot tighter than you remembered and you struggled to get it off. Unfortunately, you applied a bit too much effort and the cap came off the jar suddenly. You fumbled the little glass jar and a bunch of pepper spilled out onto the countertop.

You couldn't help but sneeze, no doubt because of the mini explosion that sent the pepper into the air. Your nose was itchy and now your eyes were watering as well. So you tried to get away and back up a few steps, only to bump into Axe who was suddenly behind you. You gasped in surprise and he placed his hands on your shoulders to steady you.

"what was that?" he asked.

You wiped your eyes on your sleeve and sniffed to try and clear your nose again. "I accidentally inhaled some pepper and sneezed. I'm alright now though," you responded.

"that was adorable...do it again!"

You balked and glanced up at him in confusion. His singular red eyelight was at least twice the size it was normally and he looked absolutely enraptured right now.

"No? Sneezing isn't adorable, it's annoying at best..." you answered slowly.

He actually had the audacity to look disappointed that you couldn't sneeze on command. His eyelight returned to it's normal size pretty quickly though and you were momentarily fascinated by the implications of how that worked.

He sighed and let go of your shoulders. "too bad, it was small and cute...like you..." He had a bit of a mischievous look on his face all of the sudden and if you didn't like him, you would've gotten really annoyed that he had called you short, again.

You rolled your eyes and went to go clean up the pepper you'd accidentally spilled. "You're on thin ice, big guy..." you warned, although there was no real malice in your tone.

Axe didn't reply and you could feel him watching you while you measured out the required amount of pepper. Once you'd given the stew a quick stir and plopped the lid on, you turned on the pressure cooker so it would cook.

Turning to Axe, you placed your hands on your hips and smiled in satisfaction. "So, in a few hours, we'll have some amazing beef stew to eat. Thanks for your help by the way, it would've taken a lot longer by myself."

He nodded quietly but continued studying you. He kind of looked like he wanted to say something but wasn't sure if he should.

So, you decided to give him a little encouragement and placed your hand on his arm. "What's on your mind?" you asked gently.

He didn't say anything for a moment longer. His eyelight lingered on your hand before flicking back up to your face. Then, he took a step closer and practically scooped you up into his arms.

You let out a squeak of surprise and scrambled to steady yourself, with your hands finding purchase on his broad shoulders. Then, you realized that you were basically nose to nose with him and to your shame, you froze like a deer in the headlights.

He stared back at you and his permanent grin grew wider the longer he did so. The center slit in his eyelight expanded and contracted briefly until he seemed to make up his mind about something. He then proceeded to carry you into the living room and sat down on the couch with you in his lap.

You finally managed to recover and find your voice again. "Um, Axe...? What are you doing?" you asked in a small voice.

He blinked and his eyelight refocused on your face. He seemed to realize that you were a little uncomfortable and his cheekbones flickered with a cobalt blue glow.

He cleared his nonexistent throat and let go of you. "...sorry... i got carried away..." he murmured.

You sat back on your haunches slightly so you weren't as close and so you felt like you could breath easy again. "I'm not mad," you started to say. "You just scared me a little..."

His bonebrows furrowed with concern and he quickly looked away from you. "i didn't mean to scare ya... i just... i wanted to hold ya so bad..."

Well, now you were a bit torn. He looked so ashamed, like a dog caught stealing a bone, and you couldn't be actually upset with him. Still, he should've at least asked before just scooping you up like that.

You decided that you'd rather ignore how awkward this situation was and move on. He had apologized afterall and you didn't think he'd had any ulterior motives from what you could tell. There wasn't anything wrong with just holding someone you cared a lot about, as long as they actually wanted to at least. Well, you didn't mind snuggling up to him normally, so why not now?

"Did you want to cuddle then?" you asked.

Immediately, Axe's gaze locked with your own and he seemed to scan your face for any indication that you were messing with him. Finding none, he grinned and started to reach for you again, but hesitated.

"if you're sure?"

You rolled your eyes and decided to give him some more encouragement. Leaning in again, you wrapped your arms around his vertebrae and gave him a warm hug.

He barely hesitated for a second before encasing you in a bear hug of his own. You held each other for several long minutes before gradually relaxing your grip on each other.

At some point, Axe started to rake his claws very gently across your scalp. You let out a hum of contentment and nuzzled against his collarbone in response.

"your hair's really soft," he murmured. His phalanges ghosted over your shoulders before he added another small comment. "not quite as soft as your skin but still..."

"I guess so, at least compared to a guy like you who's made of bones," you remarked. "Although you make up for it since you're all soft on the inside."

"maybe..." He didn't sound like he fully believed you but he wasn't denying anything either.

Axe kept running his phalanges through your hair and softly scratching your scalp for several minutes. When he lost interest in that, he shifted you in his hold so that he could make eye contact with you again. After a few seconds of staring, he brought his hand up and gingerly ran his knuckles over your cheeks. He really did seem fascinated by the texture of your skin, how it seemed soft yet spongy at the same time, and how warm it was too.

"i... i really like ya..." he murmured.

You could feel your heart skip a beat and you blinked in surprise, wondering if you'd heard him correctly. He was staring intently into your eyes and had stopped touching you at the moment. You hadn't even known him long, maybe a few months at most, but it felt like you'd known each other for far longer.

You'd suspected for a while that he had feelings for you and now that you knew for sure, you felt rather hopeful. Maybe it was silly, but you'd started to wonder if the small crush you'd developed for him was something you should act on or not. The problem was that you were so different from each other, both physically and otherwise, and you knew there were things he hadn't told you about himself yet.

"You do?" you asked quietly.

He smiled and nodded, "yes, i have for a little while too."

You could feel your cheeks grow warmer the longer you retained eye contact with him but you didn't mind in the slightest.

"I really like you too..." You hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you...like me like that?"

He tilted his skull in a questioning way and the corners of his smile twitched slightly. "like what?"

"Like..." Your blush grew more intense as you tried to figure out how to explain what you meant. "Sorry... Do you like me enough to...be interested in a relationship...?"

He chuckled quietly and moved some of your hair behind your ears before even trying to respond. "i am...although it's still a bit early for that, right?"

You knew he was right but you couldn't help wondering. Still, it was reassuring that he hadn't rejected the idea entirely. Maybe when you'd gotten to know each other better he'd reconsider.

"Ah, no, you're right..." you murmured and glanced away.

Axe hummed and leaned closer to you. When you looked up slightly, he pressed his skull against your forehead and wrapped his arms around you in a gentle embrace.

"you're a special human...but you'll have to forgive me for not sayin' yes right now. and i don't ever want to hurt ya...but there's some things i'm not quite ready to tell ya."

You slowly wrapped your arms around his shoulders and let him keep talking. It was disappointing, sure, but you were trying your best not to focus on his rejection too much right now. There was a first time for everything and being told "not yet" wasn't a bad thing considering everything you'd gone through.

"call me selfish all ya want, but i'd like to keep ya to myself and get to know ya a little while longer... i'm not used to domestic stuff like this, lil' chip..."

He finally pulled back slightly but continued maintaining eye contact with you. The edges of his single eyelight seemed fuzzy and his bonebrows were a little furrowed with concern.

You could feel the emotions he was going through just underneath the surface and for a moment, your own seemed rather insignificant in comparison. Here was a person who'd been through so much hardship and lost so many close friends to a tragedy he was powerless to prevent. Then there was you, a person who'd never actually struggled to have enough to eat and while you were certainly lonely, you'd never had to grieve over losing family or friends like he had many times over.

You would wait for him.

He was worth putting aside your selfish wants until he felt ready to say yes, however long that would take. You'd enjoyed his friendship so far anyways and you really hoped this conversation wouldn't make things awkward between you two. Spending time with him had become something you really looked forward to and helped you get through each boring work day. He was easily the best thing that had ever happened to you lately and there was no way in the world you were going to ruin this.

"In this instance, it's okay for you to be selfish, Axe. Besides, I wouldn't want to risk ruining this friendship by jumping into something before either of us are ready to. I'm glad I met you and I'm proud to count you as a good friend but if we decide anytime soon to become more than what we are now, I won't complain either."

He smiled and stroked your cheek in a tender way. "i'm glad i met ya too..." he murmured.

For a moment neither of you said anything else and just sat there studying each other. He seemed perfectly content to stare at you for hours and you wished you could know what went through his mind whenever he saw you. On the other hand, you generally hated maintaining eye contact for longer than a few seconds with people, but he was different. You really liked how expressive his eyelight was and how beautiful the deep red colour was.

"hey, uh, do you...?"

You made a questioning hum and tilted your head.

Axe seemed to get a little flustered and the blue glow grew darker while he struggled to find the words. "would you...? can we...?"

"You can just tell me what's on your mind, big guy..." you said.

"is it bad that i want to kiss you?" he finally asked.

You blinked in surprise and for a moment you didn't know what to do. You just knew you were blushing heavily the longer this moment went on but you needed to answer him.

"No? I don't mind if you do..."

He seemed surprised that you'd actually agreed and studied you for a moment. Then, he reached out and carefully cupped your left cheek, being mindful of his claws while doing so. He leaned closer and pressed his teeth against your lips in a careful but still tender kiss.

You hadn't known what to expect but it wasn't at all like kissing a human was like. It was gentle, simple, and kind of experimental. His bones were cool and dry to the touch, yet you could still feel the hum and warmth of his magic.

It was nice...

Axe pulled back slightly although he remained cupping your cheek for a moment longer. "you're really cute, ya know?" he hummed.

You chuckled softly, "You are too..."

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