#a bit small for figures but making it bigger wouldn't (or shouldn't at least) make it like $200+

[erb23]

I guess licensing is a different kind of beast, because you can not tell me that a car that scales well with 6in scale figures would cost that much more to make AND retail for twice as much if not more.

[wormwoodartemisia]

Sweets

(1st part)

You are pretty convinced that you can’t compete with your stunning companions. However, you guess you make quite a decent friend. Find out how much more you can be.

Ghost x civilian afab!reader, their first meeting [developing relationship to come], Reader being unspecifically taller and bigger than her friends, slight self-doubts and partially low self-confidence (regarding how attractive you could be for a man), appearances of Soap and Gaz

About 1,400 words

Warnings: No smut, yet, Reader drinking whisky

GIF

When you finally show up at the pub - about 20 minutes later than originally planned - you can’t help but feel your heart sink a little.

It's not because your friends Becky and Jules haven't waited for you here on this girl's night they invited you to, but because this wouldn't be a girl's night anymore...

(At least this pub is close enough to home for you to comfortably walk the way back anytime.)

You immediately see them propped in a booth in one corner - or better said, you hear Becky's one pitch too high laughter directing your attention to them the very moment you step through the door. The girls haven't seen you, yet, for they're way too distracted and busy talking.

Therefore you opt for ordering a drink at the bar first. You're lucky the place is not too crowded so that it doesn't take long for your drink, some nice whisky that burns away the unpleasant feeling in your throat when you take a first sip right where you're standing at the counter. You carefully practise the small smile that you want to try at the table before you turn to the booth in the back.

Neither Becky nor Jules take notice of you slowly approaching, but the pretty guy comfortably propped between the two of them does, so much resembling this one actor that Becky finds so hot. What was his name? Elliot Knight? Nevermind. He smiles at you and you must admit that your friends have a talent for hooking up with attractive men.

Now you also see the man to Jules' right, a wide grin letting his perfect teeth show while he's bowing his head to her so that he can hear her better as she speaks to him. He's got a mohawk and you think to yourself that you probably haven't seen anyone before who this hairstyle suited more.

Of course Jules and Becky find spending the night with them better than a girl's night with you. You understand that, you truly do - they just shouldn't have talked you into this and instead simply leave you be...

("Oh, come on, don't be like that. You need distraction." - "We'll have some drinks, listen while you pour your heart out and have some girls fun!")

No, it’s your own fault. You simply should have kept declining their offer...

I'll just finish this one drink and leave in 30 minutes.

By then they'll definitely be busy enough with Hairstyle-model and Cute-actor-lookalike as not to stop you. The moment this decision settles, you walk more lightly, feeling more relaxed, and carefully return the smile Becky's actor greets you with.

It's then you notice the fifth person in the darkest part of the booth. Normally you wouldn't think you could overlook someone so tall and massive, but his all-black silhouette completely fled your attention. He seems relaxed, leaning back, stretching out his right arm, comfortably resting on the back of the bench.

Now that you're closer, the figure in black, a guy with dark eyes and a black surgical mask covering the lower half of his face, turns a bit to look at you. The mask is not too unusual these days, but you wonder why he's keeping up the hood of his shirt in a pub. Maybe to blend in with the shadows. It did work, actually.

The seat to his right is not taken, but you even hesitate to simply take the missing two steps to drop down by his side. Though his face doesn't show any such indication, you bet that he would have expected someone else, more like your fetching friends. You bet he's disappointed. Wingman for his two friends, keeping you entertained, so the others could have some fun...

Finally Becky looks your way as she follows her handsome's viewing direction. "Sweets!", she squeals in delight, jumping to her feet and manoeuvring you next to the stranger in black, halfways into his arm, with a surprising amount of force. She almost pushes you - much taller, much bigger than her - into his side as she ushers you to make place for her as well. Patting your thigh, Becky offers what little introduction she deems sufficient. "Boys, this is our Sweets." She giggles and has probably already had one or two drinks more than you, "And since it's now one for each one, we can let the fun begin, right?"

"1 for 1, eh?", Jules' Mohawk repeats with a mischievous, tight-lipped smirk, but you don't get why Mr. Pretty-actor grins as well - and perhaps even the Man in Black, judging from the subtle crinkles around his eyes.

Jules and Becky laugh along - though you doubt they really have a clue what that bloke refers to. When Becky moves back to the other side of the table, you still don't know how to call any of the three men. That's the moment Becky's Knight leans forward, flashing you a breathtaking smile: "Hi, Sweets, I'm Gaz, and these", he nods towards them, "are Soap and Ghost."

Strange nicknames, you want to reply, but being just 'Sweets' for them yourself, you decide against that.

Now Jules chimes in: "You must guess why they've got these nicknames, Sweets! We've already had our turn!"

You look at the five of them and shrug. "Some bro-thing, I guess?"

Becky laughs out: "Not like that, silly! What's the meaning of their nicknames?"

Gaz offers an example: " Mine is simply a short-form of my name. Soap - " - "Don't tell her!", Jules interrupts with what she believes to be a cute pout, "We didn’t have any help either!" Then she turns to you: "You must guess why Ghost is called Ghost, Sweets!"

All eyes are on you, his as well, as you take a lazy swig from your whisky, before you state indifferently: "Undead and lurking, maybe?"

When he answers, you can hear the mocking grin in his deep voice: "Would be 'Zombie' rather than Ghost, eh? That all you got, sweet'eart?"

It's the first time you hear him speaking - and there's something in his voice that catches you off guard, the way he chooses a different petname for you, so that you give your full attention to the broad man next to you, accepting the challenge.

You wordlessly turn towards him, face him frontally, and it only takes a second before he mimics your body posture. Now your legs are not only touching, but his right knee is casually pushed beneath your left leg on the bench. You don't even register this re-arrangement because you're so focussed on his eyes boring into yours, this liquid amber you feel glued to like sticky, dark honey.

It's him who breaks the spell by simultanously lifting an eyebrow and shoving back his hood to reveal his short blond hair.

You take him in, Ghost's big hands, the long fingers, the broadth of his shoulders, the outlines of his muscles underneath his all-black clothes, before your eyes return to his face. You think that you see the fading lines of scars extending under the mask and into his hairline. In the dim light of the pub you're not fully sure. Neither are you about his haunting stare. Have you ever felt more seen in your whole life?

Ghost watches you watching him. You realise: The intensity of his gaze could soon become a literal weight on your heart causing it to beat faster in order to work against the grave heaviness - and he would probably be able to notice your pulse quicken... Not once does he blink under those long, bright lashes.

All of a sudden you know what you want to say and you're quite satisfied. You are aware that it will be far, far away from the truth, for sure, but you nontheless like your answer-to-come well enough. You smirk. Some educated guess...

"Unfinished business. Returned from the dead to invisibly haunt the living."

You are so focussed on Ghost's reaction that you don't notice how Gaz and Soap exchange a look and go completely silent while gauging the two of you. You see the crinkles around Ghost's eyes deepen.

He slightly tilts his head. "Much better."

[blakeswritingimagines]

Leave Before You Love Me

Summary: Feeling bad for your boyfriend's attitude you go to apologize to someone who didn't deserve it.

Word count: 3.9k

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Gran Turismo characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Feeling bad for the heat that was thrown at Jack by your boyfriend Nicolas Capa, having gotten the okay to drive around in the shiny gold car as long as you were safe and back by a certain time to which you had agreed. Driving to the Nissan Academy which left you sitting on the hood of the car watching on as the gamers actually drove while you waited to see Jack the older man you often enjoyed talking to until he left to teach driving now but smiled and waved when you saw him then wrapped your arms around yourself seeing his taller frame walk up to you as you softly smiled at him and spoke sweetly "I wanted to come by and say sorry for Nicolas's temper tantrum, and maybe see if there was a way I could make it up to you somehow?". "I'll be honest sweetie, Nicolas's reaction was not surprising in the slightest. It actually had very little to do with you." Jack gave a small sigh. "And this whole incident is just a symptom of a bigger problem in that boy's life, so you shouldn't take it personally at all. As for making it up to me, I'm not sure why you're trying to do that. I'm an adult, and you should be focused on your own needs, not mine."

The older and somewhat greying Jack smiled as you approached him with the apology. "No need to apologize." He said with a shake of his head, "Wasn't your fault in the slightest." He then gave you a curious smile as you mentioned 'making it up' to him. "Oh?" Jack said, "What did you have in mind?" The twenty-something-year-old in front of him the forty-something-year-old as you bit down on your lower lip after nodding your head in understanding, knowing the recent dinner that was meant to celebrate turned sour all because of your driver boyfriend Nicolas didn't want to take him seriously or hear him out about things even if the background Jack had with driving "I know but it still wasn't okay what he did." You gave him a small smile as you shrugged innocently but tilted your head to the side as you met his eye "Well I was hoping you weren't too busy? Maybe go for a drive or something?".

Jack didn't know what to make of the odd proposal at first. A younger woman asking an older man out. You were attractive sure, and he was fairly confident in his own attractiveness. But such a large age gap was something he had never dealt with before. At the least, it was a unique offer. "Well…" Jack said after a moment. "…I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested." Although he did have things he needed to work on in the garage "Nah, the day's been pretty quiet," Jack replied with a shrug. He felt bad for you having to deal with that blow-up and it did sound like you wanted to get away from it for a bit. He decided a small distraction wouldn't hurt. "Yeah, let's go for a drive." the older man said as he gave you a reassuring smile, "Where do you want to go?". Smiling widely at his agreement as you stood up straight nodding your head believing he wasn't busy, motioning over to the passenger door as you got into the driver's side smiling to yourself before you started to drive figuring it wouldn't hurt to have some time away from everything and still make it up to him "Don't worry about it, I've got a place in mind" You spoke as you drove letting the music play in the background softly feeling happy he had agreed to join you.

Jack raised an eyebrow at your reaction. He had thought this was going to be just a short drive but you seemed to have bigger plans. The man shrugged. In response to your comment about having a place in mind, he simply nodded his agreement. He didn't much care really as he was sure wherever you picked would be fine. He settled back in the co-driver seat and looked out his window as you cruised through town. You drove to a more reclused area before you parked the car, which Nicolas used during races that Jack had recently stopped working with just to work with Nissan which you had been the only one to congratulate him on even if he wasn't all that excited to begin with, smiling over at him as different ideas filled your head of how to 'make it up to you' even if you didn't feel like you would go through with most of them since you were dating someone and you didn't think Jack looked at you the same way you had been looking at him since you met him.

Jack couldn't help but glance at you as you had parked up the car to have a chat with him and was now looking over at him with a smile. It was nice that you had offered to come by with an apology even though he felt it wasn't required. Your gaze then made him think and wonder what your plans for 'making it up to him' could be. It was probably nothing, but it didn't hurt to let his imagination run off for a little while, but he wouldn't want to ask directly as it might embarrass you. At first, Jack was wondering why you had parked so early. You both were still quite far away from the academy. Then he put two and two together. "You've got something up your sleeve, haven't you?" He asked his expression a mixture of amusement and curiosity. The man's voice was light and playful. He'd been around long enough to pick up the hints women dropped when they were attracted to him, and he got the feeling you were flirting with him at the moment. "I might." You admitted and smiled, with a touch of mischief on your face. A flirtatious look on your face. A mischievous smile spread across your face. "Yes, Jack, I've got something up my sleeve. What’s your guess? Tell me what you think, Jack. Then, I'll tell you what I have up my sleeve. You first." You giggled softly and looked at him with flirtatious eyes. The older man couldn't help but chuckle at the playful attitude. There was no doubt in his mind that you were flirting with him. Not only that, but you were enjoying it as well. He raised an eyebrow, trying to work out what you had in mind, "Alright, you really want me to guess?" He thought for a moment as you both sat in the car together. "Well, your boyfriend is away somewhere so you wanted to borrow the car he was using. But you also wanted to spend some time with me as well. Well, now, I'm only just starting to guess." Although with the tone of your voice and your body language, he thought he might have guessed already chancing it even if he was wrong. "You're gonna kiss me, aren't you?" He said with a smirk, as the older man leaned over towards you to give you an opportunity to make the first move.

"You got it, Jack." Your eyes gleamed with excitement and your smile only got broader as you nodded your head in response. You giggled and moved so that you were closer to him before tilting your head to the side. Reaching towards him slowly and brushed back his hair, admiring how soft it was to touch before taking him with your lips softly. You kissed him softly at first and after a moment, you added more passion to the kiss. It was all a game for both of you. A fun and playful game. Once Jack had guessed correctly, his reaction was to lean closer to you, putting a hand gently on your waist as he met you halfway for the kiss. It was a brief moment of closeness that you shared in the car but it was a pleasant surprise for the older man. Eventually drawing away from the kiss, he sighed, his face flushed at the moment's passion. "Someone's been waiting for that one". He teased. He tilted his head in the opposite direction, so his now free hand could play with your hair a bit as you kissed him back. As you both kissed again, he slowly slipped an arm around your waist. In between kisses, he asked, "You sure you wanna be doing this? I don't wanna be the cause of trouble with your boyfriend. You need to consider if you're really okay with this.".

"Of course, I'm okay with this." You replied as you pulled away with that same flirtatious smile and look, as you reached a hand up to caress his face. "I have been waiting for this to happen, for some time now." You giggled as you looked at him with your hands roaming around his body, his hair, his cheeks, his neck, his… You had wanted Jack so badly. "What about you? Do you still want to be doing this?" You were serious, playful, and flirtatious all at the same time. Despite the age gap, the man still felt like he was a teenager again. His heart raced as he met your sparkling eyes, the older man's hand now on your waist squeezing gently. He thought about your question for a moment. "Yeah I still want to, but you're gonna have to promise me one thing." He said, a mischievous smile on his face as he leaned over to kiss your neck before he spoke again, "You really mean it when you say you're okay with this. Yes, I certainly want to." Jack said with a nod, as he kissed you once again, "I'd be a liar if I said otherwise.". The man continued to brush through your hair a bit as the two of them kissed once more. "I just don't want to be the sort of guy to cause problems for you with your boyfriend." He reiterated as you roamed your hands across his body. Jack enjoyed the playfulness, but the other part of him felt slightly guilty. He couldn't have imagined Nicolas would approve of what he and you were doing.

Your hands started running down his torso. You smiled as you enjoyed and savored the moment with the older man you had been crushing on. "No worries, Jack." You whispered into his ears, your voice almost a whisper. "Nicolas does not have to know about this." You took his hands placing them on your soft thighs. "No one besides us has to know." Giggling and your eyes gleamed with excitement, your lips curled into a small cheeky smile as you waited for his reaction. As you spoke, Jack felt his face start to heat up as his hands began to run lightly along your smooth thighs, enjoying the texture. When you had finished speaking, all he did was nod in agreement. "You're right, no one has to know what we did." He said softly, as he continued his caresses around your thighs inching up higher, and began to lean in closer towards you as you both sat back in the driver and co-driver seat. His eyes were also filled with mischief and passion, as you both knew what was going to come next.

Placing your hands back onto his shoulders and pulled him even closer to you. The two of you shared a passion-filled kiss as you made more intimate contact. You wanted to enjoy this moment with Jack, knowing there only was such a limited time for this. And it would be wrong and unfair for your boyfriend, Nicolas, to ever know. But it didn't make you feel less guilty as you were having such an intimate moment with Jack, You giggled again, and a soft moan escaped your lips. You wanted him then and there, your eyes were gazing right into his. "Take me, Jack." Your words were filled with passion and excitement. The feeling of his touch and the moment you both were sharing was just perfect. As you pulled him in closer, your lips met once again in another passionate kiss. His hands kept running through the smooth skin on your thighs until he slipped his hands past your clothes and teasingly ran his fingers over your wet folds, as his mouth and tongue started to explore yours. A low chuckle escaped his lips as you moaned and begged for him. "As you wish, darling." He whispered back, as he lifted you up and carried you to the backseat. You now had all the privacy needed for this special moment.

You took a deep breath and smiled at him as he started grinding against you with a groan before undoing his pants. "I've just have to warn you of one thing, Jack." Your tone of voice changed again. "I love playing games, especially with a man as handsome and older as you." Another small, cheeky smile spread across your lips. "But this, right here, it's no game. I've been waiting for you for a while." A passionate and sexy look crossed your face as you moaned in the backseat, your eyes gazing into his. "Then I'm glad I could be that special someone for you, darling," Jack said with a small chuckle as he brushed your hair back out of your face. You didn't need to tell him twice that you were serious about this. He felt your stare, and it made his heart race a little in his chest. "I think you deserve some special attention right now." He added as his voice became a little more passionate, and he took your face in his hands and kissed you once again.

With his shirt off now, your hands started to caress his muscular chest, moving down further down his torso and down to his hips, squeezing his hips as you kissed passionately once again, your mouth devouring his, and your hands gripping at his body. As you moaned while he finished talking off your clothes, you softly whispered into his ears. "I want you, Jack." Your voice was filled with passion and excitement. Your movements were driven by your feelings for this older man and what you were feeling at this very moment. The way you were whispering to him and talking about wanting him had sent a tingly feeling through his body. It was almost like a rush of excitement, and it made it feel like time had stopped. Jack smiled through the kiss, knowing that he needed to take it to the next step. "I want you too." He whispered back, between kisses, as he slowly unbuttoned the top button of your shirt.

Your arms were still around his neck as you kissed, and you kissed back, with a hunger and excitement that you hadn't felt in a very long time. Your fingers ran down his chest exploring his body, and your senses were filled with the feeling of him. "You look… so sexy, Jack." You whispered seductively as you kissed him again. Your hands caressed his lean and built physique. The older man was in good shape and he knew it, but he found it was also lovely to see his younger counterpart's excitement and compliments about him. He continued the kisses back, moving his mouth back and forth between her lips and your neck and collar. "And you look… absolutely beautiful." He said before in between kisses, as he continued teasing you then slowly pushed his fingers inside of you with a groan. He moved his body closer to yours enjoying how wet you were over all this. You pressed yourself closer toward him and your bodies were as close to each other as possible. "Jack", you said with a soft moan, your face glowing with excitement. "I wanna show you," you whispered, your hands roaming up and down his back, exploring every inch of his body. "Just how much I want you." You bit on your lower lip and kissed him once more, passionately and with desire as you started moving your hips against his fingers with more moans on your lips. He held you closely as you kissed, holding you close to his body as your hands explored all aspects of him. His muscles were still firm but he had lost some mass since his racing career. You would feel the difference in how he was built compared to Nicolas. "Show me, darling." He whispered back once your lips parted. With his back pushed up against the seat, and his legs on either side of you, he was almost on top of you, his body pressed against yours. He'd pulled you closer by putting his arms back around you.

Moaning loudly and whispering, holding him close and caressing him as you slowly lose yourself in the moment of pleasure. Your body shuddered and trembled as you felt his fingers moving faster inside of you. "Don't hold back, Jack." You whispered seductively in his ear as you kissed his neck passionately leaving marks. "Make me yours." Your eyes sparkled as they met his as you looked him in the eyes with excitement, anticipation, and desire as the feeling of Jack's body was so different from the one Nicolas possessed, It had been a long time since you actually felt a man's touch at least one that cared, and the feeling was just divine and perfect. Jack was glad you were losing yourself to the moment. He didn't feel guilty anymore about his relationship with you, and your words were turning him on more and more. "Oh, I haven't been holding back from the start, darling. And I'm not going to start now." Jack whispered back as he curled his fingers. "You're mine." His other hand slipped up your chest before he started to explore your breasts as he toyed and pinched at your nipples.

Moans escaped your lips as your body shuddered from the touch of his hands exploring the deeper parts of your body. You could feel how excited your body was, as it trembled and shook with so much passion and excitement inside. There was no holding back, as you moved your head to the crook of his neck. "I'm yours. Only yours, Jack." You whispered seductively before your lips returned to his mouth once more. Your body shuddered with a loud moan. You clenched your teeth slightly as your hands gripped him tighter, you groaned softly as you slowly lost yourself to the feeling of pleasure, "Oh, Jack." You closed your eyes and you moaned his name loudly, as your back arched from the feeling and the sound of your voice moaning seemed to make Jack even more excited than before. You opened your legs wider to give him better access to your body and him to explore. Moans and groans escaped from Jack as he felt your pussy tighten around his thick fingers. Not the first he'd got, but it still made him shiver a bit. Your hand grip tightening around him as well as opening your legs for him, told him exactly what he wanted to know. And now he was finally able to bring you to your breaking point. "You've been a good girl." He spoke in a calm tone, as your back arched and you moaned. Feeling your body shake with excitement, gave him a rush of excitement that he had never felt before from a woman. He gave a low moan as he pulled his fingers out of you and slowly thrusted his hard leaking cock inside of you and watched as your body continued to shake and shiver from the feeling of pleasure you were getting. All thoughts left his head as he gave in to his own pleasure, pushing himself further into you as his hands gripped your hips with more force. "Ohn baby…" he said in a husky voice as he pushed further into you feeling how warm and tight around him.

All you could do was moan as you lost control of yourself as he started to pick up his pace. Your hands gripped and clawed his shoulders, as you moaned louder and louder. When he uttered your name, a loud moan left your mouth. A wave of pleasure rushed through your body, and a few seconds later you reached your peak as your eyes rolled back and your whole body seemed tensed up with pleasure for a few seconds. "Oh, God. Yes, Jack." He felt your grip around him becoming weaker as you came from your state of pleasure. The older man felt like he was on top of the world at that moment as he roughly moved his hips against yours groaning under his breath. No other pleasure in the world compared to what he got from you right at that moment. When you finally released and your grip around him weakened, the older man looked down and gently kissed the top of your hair as he slowed his hips down. "You have no idea how good that felt, darling… And I hope you enjoyed it too. You really are just as beautiful and sexy as I thought you were."

You were a little dizzy after cumming. You felt like a feather, light and playful as he kept thrusting slowly before closing his eyes with a low rough groan in your ear as he spilled his seed deep inside of you. At this moment you were happy and content. "Yes Jack, I enjoyed that", you said with your usual flirtatious smile as you kissed once again, with all the passion and excitement that had been building up inside you for a while. "I hope you don't mind that I was the one who took… things a little further. I knew what I wanted and I took it." Your eyes were almost glowing as you whispered in his ear. When you kissed him again, he could tell that there was definitely a different feeling in the kiss, a different dynamic. You may have taken things further, but you took them in a way where you took the lead, and it definitely turned him on. "Don't mind at all, darling. I think I like it when you take charge." He said with a sly smile, as his hands left your waist and went up to your cheek. "I'm glad you took what you wanted because now you're mine and I can take what I want too."

Your smile grew bigger upon hearing how much he liked you taking the lead. You wanted him to understand how much you enjoyed it, and seeing his smile grow bigger made you feel proud and powerful that you were able to make such a strong man like him your prey. As his hands left you, you grabbed them so you could pull yourself closer to him. "All yours, Jack." You looked deep into his tired eyes, with passion, fire, and love pouring from your own. "Whatever you want, Jack." You whispered seductively, your voice filled with lust. Jack's eyes looked deep into yours, staring right back at you. The moment felt like time had stopped, just the two of you, and as he laid on top of you, he felt a rush of power and dominance. He felt like a tiger in the room with his prey, and there was nothing that you could do to stop him. And yet, he felt an affection and a connection with you, that nothing he had ever experienced, or matched with anyone else.

[paper--moons]

Regressor!Hawks Headcanons

(with multiple CGs)

Although it is perhaps the hero industry's biggest open secret, age regression isn't exactly something the Hero Commission promotes or even knows how to handle. Which is why they aren't exactly pleased when it becomes apparent that Hawks is an age regressor—and one that falls on the smallest side of the spectrum at that. Keigo tried to keep it private, or course, but his entire life has essentially been monitored by the very organization that "saved" him (at the cost of using him, though that's neither here nor there, now is it?). But it's difficult to keep something like this private when big brother is watching you, especially if your little counterpart is entirely too trusting and gets lonely. Really, Keigo didn't want his handlers to know...but who else was he supposed to call when he drops at his agency after another day of nonstop going and going and going until he could go no more? It would be bad if word got out, wouldn't it? Keigo has had it drilled into him that public appearances are everything to a hero, knows he shouldn't be so little where just anyone could find out. And so he does the best he can when the world starts feeling bigger and bigger, holing himself up in an office he barely ever uses and calls the chairwoman. It's the emergency line that only he is supposed to use, and while it isn't exactly an emergency it's easier to press one button than to try to remember a whole string of numbers that will only put him into contact with some secretary until they can "get back to him about his concerns" (they never do). While the situation is handled in the moment, it gets decided very quickly that they can't just have anyone taking care of their former child soldier best agent. And so the Hero Commission sets off playing matchmaker!

Keigo has mixed feelings about the whole "matchmaking" thing, but has come to accept that the Commission does as it pleases—plus maybe they will actually find someone that won't mind taking care of him. It's been incredibly hard to be so small on his own for so long, and he thinks it might be nice to have somebody make his bottles for him or maybe even hold him for a little bit. And while it doesn't surprise him that they set their sights on other top ranked heroes to handle him, he is surprised that their first pick is Miruko. Their reasoning makes some sense when it's explained to him; they are close in age and it won't be questioned too much if they start hanging out more (if anything it'll be good for their careers, or so he's told). Which is what leads to the pair spending their day off together to see what baby Keigo thinks of Rumi—and it is a guarantee that Keigo will regress on his off day, goodness knows he's on such a strict schedule that it's a given. She's excited at the prospect of getting to hang out with the little guy and, while not one for planning, does come at the situation with lots of ideas. Rumi has tons of games and snacks and activities ready to go. And at first Keigo is also excited! Finally, someone that sees that he isn't always a hero! She's prepared to get down on his level and isn't afraid to let him be messy and make mistakes. But Keigo finds himself conking out wayyy before his naptime after their fifth game of hide and seek. At the end of the day, it turns out Rumi is way too high energy for the baby to keep up with and is more suited for older kids or teen regressors.

The Hero Commission's next attempt in finding Keigo a caregiver has them nudging Best Jeanist in his direction. While he's a little over a decade his senior, it wouldn't be too odd for them to hang out since they are both high on the charts and could easily claim they were coordinating on a job. Or at least that's what Keigo figures is the reasoning behind this match-up (because if there's one thing he knows, it's that the Commission is relentlessly calculating in its efforts to create the most ideal public image). Regardless, Tsunagu is a pretty cool guy and they've interacted at plenty of professional functions and whatnot and got along just fine. And unlike Rumi, he's a lot calmer, which is better for when Keigo is small, resulting in a regression day that goes well without wearing the baby out in the process. There's a whole lot more structure than he would have guessed though—it's like Tsunagu had a schedule prepared with him in mind, despite the whole thing being more or less sprung on him. Not to mention how attentive he seems to be. When presented with his snack, he's surprised not to find the handful of trail mix his handlers always gave him after training, but a childish plastic plate covered with apples and cheese clearly diced with a careful precision. It's a small gesture, as are the concerned words when he doesn't dig in right away (Would you prefer something else? You need to eat.). Or at least they would be to most people, but Keigo finds it nearly overwhelming. Even after a few weeks of having him be his cg and adjusting to all the little things like that, something still feels...off. While there wasn't anything wrong with the way Tsunagu took care of him, they didn't exactly click either. But he would appear ungrateful to bring attention to this, and it isn't like he has any other options anyhow.

They're at some exclusive party for pro heroes disguised as an uppity awards ceremony a few months later when he finally figures out why he felt like they didn't click. It's on what should have been one of Keigo's rare nights off, and so he (unsurprisingly) finds himself slipping whether he wanted to or not. He knows his newly assigned protocol in situations like these now though, and stumbles through the myriad of other pros and waitstaff crowding the floor of the party hall trying to locate Tsunagu. Luckily the man is fairly tall, and Keigo has no issue finding him talking to Present Mic. Keigo is just about to tug on his sleeve when he catches a bit of conversation—a mumbled Jeany, can't find Eraser—that indicates that perhaps the flush on the voice hero's cheeks isn't from too much champagne as he originally thought, and suddenly he's connected the dots. The reason Tsunagu had so much more experience in a carer role is because the Commission defaults to him as a sort of stand-in cg and obviously points other heroes in his direction should they need it. Despite everything being relatively perfect it felt too much like being handled still, regardless of the other hero's genuine care. However this conclusion doesn't ease the hurt his small side is feeling about the situation, which ultimately leads to him running smack into a very broad, very familiar chest as he attempts to leave in a hurry. Keigo is stumbling backwards, about to fall for sure before he can even remember his training about balancing himself with his wings, when a hand grabs his shoulder to steady him and he finally looks up.

And who should Keigo find but his own personal hero, Endeavor? Being around the guy already makes his baby brain go !! though typically he can push that aside, but when he's well on his way to being regressed? There is no hope of recovery, Keigo is fully small and awestruck by the man. They have something akin to a staring contest before Keigo finds himself wanting up, even though he hadn't even fallen. Wanting up, wanting to be held, wanting wanting wanting. Keigo has never really been allowed to want like this, and it takes all he has to even find the simplest of words when Enji asks if he's alright. The "'m 'kay" he manages to peep out must not be too convincing, because Enji leads him out of the main area and into a more private alcove to give him a proper look over. Because while he isn't necessarily the brightest bulb, he is familiar enough with the younger hero to recognize that something is off about him. Usually he would be living up these sorts of functions and (more recently) would drag him along for the ride. But he seemed...uncharacteristically standoffish? Too quiet for sure. That's the best Enji can figure at least, until he gets Keigo talking more and gets a nervous string of baby babble about how first they tried having Rumi take care of him and then Tsunagu, but now he's too busy and he doesn't really know how much he liked him anyways and, and, and—and Enji, surprisingly, listens and nods along with what the boy is saying. More surprising though is the fact that he sits with him for the remainder of the event, keeping a careful eye on him much to the boy's delight.

It doesn't take long before small Keigo has decided that he wants his cg to be Enji, much to his big self's embarrassment. Not a whole lot gets to him, but this is something deeply personal that he may or may not be making a fool of himself over. The fact that Enji doesn't turn him away doesn't help matters either, instead only encourages them. For as much as Hawks is supposed to be just that (i.e., like a hawk), Enji finds it becoming more accurate to think of him as a baby duck. A baby duck who is making frequent visits to his agency to "help out". A few months ago this would have annoyed him and he wouldn't have hesitated to kick him out, but lately Enji has been trying to do better, trying to be better for those in his life; even if he can't make up for his past actions, he's figured out that isn't an excuse to continue in the same manner moving forwards. And so he's been letting go of inconsequential frustrations and unproductive anger, focusing more on practicing the patience and understanding that a hero is supposed to embody. So even if Keigo may childishly tease him about being grumpy, he isn't going to make a big deal about it. In fact he'll continue on with his day, with his unsure, awkward attempts to make the kid happy. A pat to the head, a snack bought from a street vendor on impulse because he saw the kid staring (though it turns out he was staring because he thought it looked yucky, apparently), small things like that that all feel foreign to them both. The little gestures mean the world to Keigo, even when Enji gets something wrong. Perhaps even especially when he gets something wrong, because it means he's going to try again and is actually making an effort to figure things out through trial and error; no one has ever made a continual effort like that for him, nor has anyone been so determined to get it right.

Keigo finally gets his moment, his click, when he approaches Enji about if he'd be down to watch him when he's fully small and not just put up with him middlespacing around him on days when criminal activity is slow. There's a bit of hesitancy, and at first Keigo is scared that he's misread the situation before Enji is asking for details on the practical things—the where and the when seeming to weigh most heavy on his mind, though the hesitancy eases when Keigo suggests his apartment given that all his regression gear is already there. When the day arrives, Keigo is trying to stay big long enough to give Enji the grand tour and show him where everything is before he slips too small to tell him, when he finds that Enji has stopped and picked something up from his pile of stuffies he's come to acquire kept in his nest of blankets. Keigo lifts up a little to peek over his shoulder, curious at which toy has caught his attention. The fabric has faded over the years, and despite being well-loved it's obvious the doll has been well-kept. In any other situation, it might have been funny to see the large man holding a tiny replica of himself, but Keigo's regressed small enough that old fears seem closer than time has made them. There's a need to apologize that he doesn't fully understand, but his words aren't coming out right and he's working himself up to tears because he just knows that somehow he's made Enji mad, that he's not even supposed to have toys let alone a hero doll. By the time the first few tears can bubble out of his eyes, Keigo is being shushed and the doll is being placed in his hold as Enji apologizes to him of all things. It's unexpected but not unwelcome, as is the fact that he's being scooped up and rocked back and forth. This is the click that Keigo did not know he had been waiting for, and it goes both ways. While Enji may not be a ball of energy like Rumi or a perfectionist like Tsunagu, he is the one Keigo chose for himself to be his cg. And perhaps for the first time, Keigo believes everything will be alright in the end after all.

[astral-athame]

Cass had lived in New York for a handful of years when she was a teenager. From there, she'd move to Massachusetts for college. She was used to snow. But this felt like a lot. Travel certainly wasn't impossible, and once they got the roads better cleared up she was sure the flow of traffic would return to semi-normal; but she also knew there were likely cautions on the news, barring "unnecessary" travel because of the risk of iced out roads and snow building too quick to keep up with. It was coming down in vision-blurring sheets of white right now and it didn't look like it was going to let up anytime soon. But that was alright. As much as she wanted to do the concert, she'd rather hold it when it was a little safer to do so. Besides, snow days were few and far between as an adult, and she was feeling a bit nostalgic for the mornings school would be cancelled and she could snuggle up in the warmth of her bed a bit longer then spend the rest of the day playing video games or practicing the guitar or just... doing anything other than sitting at a stuffy desk, feeling restless.

"You're right," Both about it being better that people wouldn't be risking their lives just to make it to the show and about the fact that her vocal chords would be glad for the extra bit of rest. She held her gaze out the window for a moment or two longer before pulling the curtains shut again and turning her attention more fully to Danny. "A day off won't be so bad. We'll find something to do," She realized, after she'd said it, that it sounded like she was insisting that they'd find something to do together. She definitely wasn't opposed to the idea of that (in fact, she'd quite like to spend more time with him), but she didn't know if he already had plans. Or maybe he just wanted to relax for the day. She didn't mean to make it sound like she insisted that he join her for the day. "I mean separately. Or together. Whichever. If you already have plans, I don't want you to feel like you have to hang out with me or whatever..." She felt like she was digging herself an even bigger hole by rambling a bit. Worse, she could tell she was blushing in embarrassment, if only slightly. A part of her wanted to just hide behind the curtains. But there was the matter of breakfast to discuss, and considering she'd accidentally skipped dinner last night, she was starving. "I'd love some waffles..." Freshly made waffles, a little crispy on the edges, with fruit and whipped cream, maybe some bacon on the side... was there anything better? She gave him a small smile, knowing Danny well enough to be sure that, now that she'd mentioned waffles, that's exactly what he'd bring back for her. She felt like he spoiled her a bit in that regard. He was attentive to the boys, too, as much as he needed to be for his job... but she knew he had a tendency to pay special attention to her for some reason. Maybe it was, at least in part, because she was the only girl in the group- even their road manager and the tour bus driver were guys, after all. Or maybe it was because she and Danny had had some sort of connection from the start (at least, she'd kind of felt like they had).

Whatever the case, she was glad to have him around. She felt comfortable with him, knew she was safe. And after a handful of terrifying incidents that he'd helped protect her from, well, she owed him plenty. "Alright- you go get us breakfast," Just like he'd offered to do. "I'll get dressed and call Kevin-" She wasn't sure if their road manager, Steven, had called their actual manager, Kevin, about all of this yet so she figured it would be smart to give him a quick call to update him on the situation. "Then I'll get in touch with Steven about scheduling a new date for the concert." All in all, it shouldn't take too long- maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Surely both of the men had been in touch already and discussed what to do about moving the show date to keep them on schedule for the last month of the tour. But she liked to know what was happening. She should be done with all of it well before Danny got back with breakfast.

Being a Native New Yorker meant that being in the snow was sort of second nature whenever it came to the cold snow Mother Nature decided to cast upon their current location. Of course, Danny Ketch was also the type of person who rode his motorcycle through ice and snow thanks to his special abilities that no one was wise enough to know about him, unless you were his half-brother Johnny, but he was halfway across the country right now with some Southern belle, and quite frankly the calls between the two were few and far between. He had his own life, and Danny had his as an on-road security consultant for Cassia and her Phantom Overdose band. The more in popularity that they grew, the better the paychecks were for his own personal self and bank account, but that wasn't particularly why he signed on for the gig. The opportunity to travel across the country and have a reason to do it was one particular factor, but the other reasoning lied within Cassia herself. Her unique energy and the charisma that she possessed ( she probably didn't even realize how much of it she had ) had enticed him to sign on, even against his better judgment. At least she made these trips worth it.

"Blizzards suck, but they're not always a bad thing Cass. Means you just gotta find something else to bide your time and take a load off your shoulders. I'm sure your voice ain't complaining about the suddenly unscheduled day off appearing in your schedule. The people will get their show; they just need to wait a day or show. Seeing a show ain't worth the risk if your car ends up skidding off the road and they end up in a fatal accident. And uh, sorry. Didn't mean to get so grim with that example, but I'm sure you catch my drift," Danny apologized. Truth be told, even in the snow days that he did encounter, it didn't really alter the typical plans that he usually took part in. Could be drinking, riding his bike all over the place, maybe even reaping souls if there were any damned ones walking around. "Why don't you change out of your pajamas and get into something more comfortable while I head down to the ground floor of the hotel and see if the chef can cook up anything special for my favorite singer?"

[prianya]

That latest Scar and dsmp reader but it's with Doc because he's the one who occasionally check on them for weekly check-up so he saw it all first hand but doesn't know how to confront them about it

Emotional Diametric

Doc x Reader ▪︎ Platonic

Word Count ▪︎ 485 words

Summary ▪︎ A different look at the oneshot "Emotional Isolation"

Note ▪︎ This was a great idea, and I used it as a bit of a writing practice. It had a little bit of angst since it includes unrequited love, but I think it's still good! I hope you enjoy!

Doc had met you shortly after you had joined the server. You were, quite frankly, a mess. Not physically, no, but it was clear that you had been through a lot. You were nervous all of the time, and you rarely relaxed. It had taken weeks for him to manage to get you to relax, and many more to assure you that nobody would hurt you. He couldn't imagine what had happened on that awful server, or what type of admin that let's the people on their server suffer.

Since then, he had been one of your main confidants. If you didn't go to Scar or the server admin himself, you would go to him. Over time, the two of you had grown closer, and he had realised that his feelings were not entirely platonic anymore. It was such a small thing he had picked up on, but the realisation had knocked him off his feet.

He searched his mind for when this could have possibly started, and a part of him knew that it had been the whole time. It was gradual, and he looked back at the small moments he could remember. The way he felt when you looked at him with happiness in your eyes, reading in eachother's company and glancing at you over the pages, and so many more. He was breathless, utterly shocked at the realisation. It had been months, maybe longer, and he was just now seeing it. He had thought he was smart, but clearly not.

Doc had noticed quickly that something was wrong. While a big tip off was the fact that you were no longer walking to and from your appointments with Scar, what he was worried about was the way you practically avoided everyone. While he was acting as your physician, he was also to act as your friend.

He was worried about your mental health, and how this self imposed isolation would affect you. He had no idea how to approach you about it, especially after you started to rush out of your appointments and avoid him outside of them.

Luckily, it seemed that Scar had decided that he was going to figure out what was going on. After whatever talk you and Scar had, you had returned to what seemed like normal. You were happier by a lot, and seemed better than you were just a few days ago. Something had changed, and something told him he wouldn't like it.

Doc found out shortly after that, that you and Scar were together. He had expected it to hurt more, but it was more of a dull ache. It hung heavy on him, but a bigger part was happy that you were happy. If not for him, he wished for you to be content. It was the least you deserved after your past, and he shouldn't envy the person that was making that happen.

[infinitefandomimagines]

How the hq boys react to you pulling an all-nighter

WARNINGS: none

-

CHARACTERS: kuroo tetsuro, bokuto koutarou, ushijima wakatoshi

Kuroo Tetsurou:

Kuroo had grown used to waking up with you pressed against his side in the early morning hours, each time pulling you closer and reveling in your warmth. It'd become something of a routine. He always woke up before you, eventually resorting to gently poking at your face when he grew impatient with the lack of attention.

However, this time as he reaches out, his fingers only grasp at cold and empty sheets. He lifts his head a little, peering through hazy eyes to search for your presence. When he realizes you weren't in your shared room, he lazily rolls out of bed to search for you. Maybe you'd woken up before him. It was rare that this happened, but when it did, you always made breakfast and had it waiting for the two of you when he woke.

After scouring the kitchen to no avail, he moves on to the living room of your small shared apartment. Sure enough, there you were, but why?

That's right! It hit him, you stayed up late to finish a lab report for one of your classes. However, when he went to bed he'd been under the impression that you'd eventually join him when you finished, not stay up the entire night. Yet there you were, still in the same position he'd left you in the night before. Hunched over a laptop, staring at the dim screen with dead eyes, attempting to comprehend the words on the screen. Snack wrappers and empty energy drink cans were scattered around your laptop along with a few loose pieces of paper and texts books. You looked absolutely exhausted, dark circles already forming just beneath your eyes.

It took you a while to even notice your boyfriend standing right in front of you, a concerned look painting his face. "Hmm? Oh, hi Tetsu . . . what time is it?"

"It's seven in the morning. Kitten, did you stay up all night?"

You nodded your head very slightly, rubbing the heel of your palms against your eyes, trying to the clear the cloudiness from your vision. "Had to finish my lab report."

He wants to scold you for sacrificing your health to finish the assignment that could have easily waited until today. But one more glance at your tired form tells him to bite his tongue for the time being. You were barely able able keep your eyes open, eyes closing ever now and then before snapping back open. Besides, it's not like he was one to talk, he'd done the same thing the week prior to finish a paper.

Looking back down at the empty food wrappers, an idea popped into his head. "Alright, Kitten," he spoke softly, extending both his hands out to you, palms up. "Let's go get you some proper breakfast, and when we get back you're going straight to bed."

Your movements were slow as you placed your hands into his, allowing him to pull you up from the couch. You wobbled a bit as you stood, but Kuroo was there to steady you.

Neither of you even bothered changing before Kuroo lead you to the front door and into his car, taking you to the small diner ten minutes from your apartment. He paid for your food, letting you get anything you wanted — except coffee, saying that you needed to sleep instead of trying to fight through the day on caffeine.

You ended up falling asleep in the car on the drive back to your apartment, exhaustion finally taking in over. Kuroo didn't have the heart to wake you up, so he ended up carrying you bridal style up a flight of stairs and into your shared apartment.

He gently sets you down in your bed, pulling the covers up to your chin. "Get some sleep, Kitten," he whispers, leaning down to press a feather light kiss to the space between your eyes.

Bokuto Koutarou

If you think Bokuto isn't right there with you all night, then you are terribly mistaken. He's not going to bed unless you're there as well, wrapped up in his arms. No matter how tired he grew, he absolutely refused to leave you alone all night while you caught up on school work.

"Baby. . ." he drawled out in a whiney voice, lips set in a pout. "How much longer?"

You let out a sigh, this was the tenth time in the past hour Bokuto had interrupted your studying with his complaints. Not even bothering to look up from your laptop, you spoke. "I told you Kou, I need to get this done. You don't have to stay with me, I'll come to bed once I'm finished."

All you got in response was a childish "No," and an even bigger pout. You playfully rolled your eyes at how stubborn he could be. Despite his determination, you figured his exhaustion would take over eventually and he'd have no other choice than to finally go to bed. So, you returned your attention back to your school work and left Bokuto to entertain himself.

A few minutes passed and from the corner of your eye you noticed Bokuto's head starting to slowly tilt downward, his chin falling to his chest. However, just as quickly as he began to drift off, he jolted himself back awake, his head snapping up and eyes blinking furiously. This continued for about half an hour before you finally interjected. You reached your hand out and placed it atop of his to gain his attention. The sudden contact caused him to perk up, eyes wide.

"Kou, I can tell how exhausted you are. It's okay, I'll be fine alone. Please go get some rest." You lightly grazed your thumb over his knuckles. You were starting to feel guilty that he was fighting off some much needed sleep just to be with you.

Of course, your pleas fell on deaf ears with him. Shaking his head, he once again refused to leave your side. With neither of you giving in to the other, you decided to seek out a sort of middle ground. A compromise that was mainly of Bokuto's invention. That's how you ended up in your current — and slightly strange — position.

Bokuto laid on his stomach with his head in your lap, muscular arms wrapped around your hips, holding you as close as possible. His head was cocked to the side so that so that he could snuggle his face into your stomach. You've got your laptop set up on his back at an angle that still allowed you to see it clearly. As odd as it seemed, Bokuto claimed he didn't mind, saying the heat from it felt nice on his back muscles. But you're pretty sure the main reason is that he just wants to be close to you, which you don't mind.

Every so often when you're not using your hands for typing notes, you'll reach down and play with his hair. He let's out a hum of appreciation each time your finger tips make contact with his scalp, scratching at the sweet spot just above his nape. With your fingers working their magic, you manage to lull him to sleep in just a few minutes.

The two end up staying like that the rest of the night, it was surprisingly comfortable. Although at some point, he almost knocks over the whole set-up when he stirs in his sleep.

Ushijima Wakatoshi

He's not all that surprised to find your side of the bed empty when he wakes up for his daily 6:00 a.m. run. You'd been working on a paper just before he'd gone off to bed, and by the looks of it you still had quite a bit left to get through. So he got ready for his run as usual, throwing on a pair of joggers and jacket before making his way to the living room where he knew you'd be.

What did surprise him however, was the fact that you were still awake when he found you; well, half awake. You were laid out on the couch, turned on your side to face your laptop, though Ushijima doubted you were doing much in terms of work at this point.

He really thought you would have fallen asleep by now, but obviously he'd underestimated your determination.

"Is it already six?" You mumbled, propping yourself up on your elbow upon seeing Ushijima staring down at you. "You know, you really shouldn't stay up all night like this. You'll mess up your sleep schedule."

"Mhm," You hummed out, not having enough energy to come up with a quip or argue your case for staying up. Ushijima's brows knit together with concern, you must really be tired if the most you can muster up is a dull "mhm." He didn't notice it at first, but now having a better look at you, he takes note of the dark circles under your eyes and slightly paler complexion.

"Would you like to go to bed?"

You nod, but don't budge, too tired to even make an effort. Sleeping on the couch wouldn't be so horrible would it? Just as your eyelids begin to flutter shut, a pair of strong arms slip themselves under your figure. With one arm supporting your back and the other placed strategically at the bend of your knees, Ushijima lifts you up, cradling you against his chest. You lazily wrap your arms around his neck, trying your best to help him support your weight — even though he'd proved many times over that picking you up was no struggle. Looks like you won't be sleeping on the couch after all.

"Did you at least finish your paper?" He asks, voice low and soft as he carries you to your shared bedroom. You nod again before letting your head fall against his shoulder. "Good, I'm proud of you."

A warm blush creeps it's way onto your cheeks at his compliment. You dig your face further into his chest in an attempt to hide it, but given the small chuckle that vibrates through his chest he'd already saw.

"Now get some sleep, you need it." The second he sets you down on your bed you're missing his warmth. Even as he tucks you in under the comforter you find yourself reaching out to him with grabby hands. "Stay with me Toshi?" He really wants to say yes.

"I'll be back in a hour after my run." He places a chaste kiss to your forehead in hopes that it'll be enough to satisfy your need for affection until he gets back. Of course, it's not, and he can't help the way his heart sinks when your arms fall to your side. The sigh that escapes your lips only adds to his guilt.

As much as you wanted him to stay, you were too tired to try and convince him. Instead, you just closed your eyes and turned to your side, accepting your fate.

There's a light shuffling followed by a sigh that you assume is just your boyfriend stretching before his run. But then the bed sinks behind you as the same pair of arms that carried you just a few minutes ago snake around your waist. Warmth consumes you as Ushijima pulls you into his bare chest, your back now pressed flush against him. His long legs naturally tangle together with yours, and he nuzzles his face into your hair, breathing in the scent of your shampoo.

"I thought you were going for your run?" You ask, not that you were exactly complaining about this change of plans.

"It can wait. Just get some rest, I'll still be here when you wake up."

"Mmm, thank you, Toshi."

-

A/N: I’m thinking about doing a part 2 to this with other characters so let me know who you want to see!

- 

TAGLIST: @chewymoustachio  

[mkaugust]

The first thing Remus noticed when he woke up was that he was no longer on the couch, he was in bed. This was unusual because Sirius just let him sleep wherever most days, knowing he couldn't touch Remus at all without it waking him up. The second thing Remus noticed was that he wasn't alone in bed. Sirius had left for work early that morning so he could get out early for James' party, so that was also a bit confusing. The third thing Remus noticed before deciding he really ought to open his eyes and figure out what exactly was going on was that he could smell bacon and coffee, two things Sirius didn't even eat usually.

Remus opened his eyes and rolled over to find none other than James sitting in his bed, close enough to lend Remus some body warmth without disturbing his sleep, eating breakfast.

"Oh good you're awake! How are you feeling Moony? I've got some coffee and breakfast here for you!"

"James, not that I'm not happy to see you, but what is going on? Shouldn't you be at work?"

"Nah I took the day off, it's my birthday after all, no one should spend their birthday at the office."

"I know it's your birthday, happy birthday by the way, though this doesn't seem like a great way to spend it either?"

"Are you kidding? I knew you were home sick today so I thought, that's awesome! I get to spend the whole day with Moony! And I came over and I carried you to bed, I can't believe Sirius let's you sleep on the couch like that it's gonna make your body hurt worse, and then I made breakfast and got back in bed with you! And here we are, off to a great start to the day!"

While he spoke, James helped Remus sit upright and handed him a plate of food and a cup of coffee, silently encouraging him to start eating with big smiles. Remus decided he wasn't surprised after all. This was such a James thing to do.

"Alright, thanks for all that then. Since it's your birthday, you can pick a movie for us to watch. And I wouldn't say no to a cuddle when I'm done eating."

James' smile only seemed to get bigger at that. "Best birthday ever, thanks Remus!"

Remus laughed and settled in to "celebrate" James' birthday in a way only James would want to. No use telling him he could do something much more exciting than lay in bed with Remus all day, at least when Sirius got home they would have a small party to look forward to.

All day long, James did little things to take care of Remus, like making sure he stayed hydrated and bringing him his meds from the other room so he wouldn't have to get up, and Remus did his best to help James celebrate his birthday. They watched movies that James picked out, ate the buttery popcorn that James preferred, and cuddled like James always wanted to with any of his friends. Most importantly, Remus didn't complain. He didn't try to say he felt fine when he didn't, he didn't try to stop James from taking care of him, he didn't tell James he would have more fun elsewhere. He just let James take care of him and be with him and turned off the self-deprecating part of his brain for a few hours. James beamed through it all, clearly enjoying every minute of it.

Later, when Sirius got home, not remotely surprised to find James and Remus snuggled up under a pile of blankets, they switched to party mode. Remus may have stayed wrapped up in blankets on the couch all night, but thankfully that didn't stop everyone else from dancing around the living room, playing the silly party games that James loved, and just generally being their rambunctious selves that never seemed to age, seeming especially youthful on birthdays.

James was clearly loving it, and Remus couldn't help but notice the smile on James' face was just as wide during the party as it had been during their sick day festivities. Not for the first time, Remus took a moment to remind himself that he had the most loving family imaginable. Even when he was miserable and angry at his body and felt so broken, his family actually wanted to be with him and didn't mind caring for him in the slightest.

So, just as James always wanted it, everyone ended the night extraordinarily happy. James' birthday always managed to be the best night of the year.

[queenfinehair]

The thorn in your side

Chapter nine

Warnings: None

Song mood

Disclaimer: gif isn't mine, found on Google, lemme know if it's yours

As you make your way home you cradle your wound. Harald had broken the skin a little the second time he struck you so you needed to go to the market for some kind of salve or balm. Anything to take away the burning and stinging that had yet to leave your face. It hurt to the touch, your scalp stung as well as your throat. You wanted nothing more than to make your escape plan come true. But where would you go? Who did you know that would take you in?

Your parents had long since gone; Mother to a sickness and father never returned from battle. You had no siblings, no other close relatives. You felt stuck to this place and it hurt more than your face. Your dignity had been taken away when Harald laid his hands on you and you hated the way the vendor looked at you when you purchased the salve. You muttered your thanks and began to head back to your home, happy to at least have that small bit of peace.

As you close the door behind you absently you breathe deeply before letting yourself go. You fall to your bed in a heap of tears, loudly wailing at the fated outcome of your decisions. You never had even fully agreed, Harald did nothing but interrupt your talking points to only hear what he wanted or needed. You sniffle and wipe your eyes gently, hugging your knees to your body, making a promise to never let this happen again.

You hadn't even realized you fell asleep until a quick knock sounds at your door. You sit up and wipe the drool from the side of your face before haphazardly drawing your blanket over your body as you walk to the door. Opening it you see no one, nothing but a note and a bottle of some liquid. Uncorking the bottle you give it a sniff. It smelt like nothing familiar but still good, an almost bitter fruitiness to it.

Take this bottle and meet me at the docks tonight.

Was all that the little note had printed. You heave a sigh and look around once more. Finding not a soul around that you recognize, you close the door again. The docks? Why would you go there to meet this person? There was a note attached so it had to be Harald.

---

It's another freezing night by the time you reach where the ships are tied off. Your cloak is wrapped around your body, a foolish thing to wear to meet Harald but he'd yet to gift you another one.

"Y/n, you came." Halfdan says into the night, the moonlight being the only way you could make out the figure before you.

"I thought it was Harald who invited me. I wouldn't have come if I knew it was you, Halfdan."

He stands up and meets you on the sand before you can faintly see the nod of his head, "I know. And I know I shouldn't be here with you but... I have something for you."

"Apart from the mystery bottle?" You hold it up and shake it gently, sloshing the contents around.

"That," he says, "is wine. Much stronger than our ale. I thought it'd be a good way for you to numb... I heard about it, you know." His voice is soft but you can hear a strong emotion placed in every word he says. "Go on, try it." He urges you and you uncork the bottle, giving it another sniff before taking a sip. It's sweeter than any ale you've ever had and slightly sour at once. You shake your head before taking another bigger drink.

"Good, isn't it? I thought you may like it. You seem to have the taste for sweetly bitter things." It's a jab in your direction but put so simply you can't help but to laugh dolefully. "Yeah..." Another guzzle from the bottle before Halfdan takes it away, "easy there. Too much of this and you'll be falling into the water. Walk with me?"

Against all better judgment you do. You want to tear Halfdan a new one but there was one redeeming factor to him: he listened. Plain and simple, he listened to you and never once did he interrupt.

"Where to?" You grumble and begin walking away from the water with Halfdan. "To where you feel safest. To that fucking horse, of course." The rhyming of the words sends another small but pleasant laugh out of you.

"Are you going to yell at me?" He asks as he takes your arm into his and you exhale, grabbing the bottle from Halfdan. Another quick drink and you soon find a hum going through your body. This certainly was stronger and you liked it.

"I was going to. I was going to pound on your door and hit you over and over again. But," shaking your head you make a face, "I didn't want to be like Harald. I don't want to be like him."

"The last woman he was with was a princess. She had left him to be with someone else and it left a sour taste in his mouth. He hasn't had any luck since. Most leave him for other men, some go while we're away raiding. None have ever wanted to be his queen. You'd think that'd make him more romantic... And I'm sure he is."

You think back to that wonderful day at the pond and nod your head, "I think if he was never a king he'd go further with women."

"Plus," Halfdan continues as you near the stables, "once he's latched onto a woman, there's nothing he won't do to make sure she stays. Unfortunately you happened to be next on the list when he first saw you at market. He never shut up about you, if you recall my saying so."

You again think back to the first night you encountered both men at once, "Yes and you were very annoyed by that fact if I recall."

"Not annoyed exactly... But yes, when Harald gets started..." He leaves the sentence hanging in the air.

With not a cloud in sight it was easy for your eyes to adjust as you finally reach the stables. Halfdan takes the bottle from you for a quick drink, handing it back.

"All of this brings me to say: I'm sorry. I'm sorry for getting involved, I'm sorry for beckoning you to me that night. I'm sorry right now for being here."

Biting your lip, you turn and take one last drink, draining the bottle. Halfdan chuckles and takes it from you, "the second reason I asked you here is to give you this." He hands you a piece of paper and you frown, unable to read it straight away. "What is this?"

"That right there is your ticket away. Away from both of us and a way to a simple life. The life I know you want, Y/n." Halfdan takes your hand in his and puts it onto his neck. You can feel a scar there and you stroke it lovingly.

"Thank you, Halfdan. Should I need this escape route, I thank you for it. Now, why are we here, at the stables?"

"Well, that's just to tell you that I do not wish to have that wild animal Baldur. He was meant for you and I fear you are the only one capable of ever having him. I don't believe you want to be queen. I could tell when you helped the mare give birth." There's a sadness to his voice, as if he's saying goodbye already. You move your hand to his cheek and he presses into your palm. "Don't stay here. Leave while you can. Before you're too broken to fly away."

You swallow back the tears that threaten to give way and simply nod your head in the darkness. You let Halfdan go and walk carefully over to Baldur who snorts his greeting. "Hey, you big oaf." You smile as he brings his head over the stall door, resting it on your shoulder. From the small bits of light that flicker through the shadows you watch Halfdan as he begins to leave.

"Wait!" You call and stumble out to meet Halfdan, who catches you before you fall. Your head is spinning and your feet feel like mush so you're thankful to have the steady pair of hands help you to walk. "I can't leave tonight. Walk me home?"

"Of course," Halfdan says, walking in the direction towards where you live. "So... did the wine help?" You can hear the smile in his voice and you laugh in response.

"I'm comfortably numb." You say louder than you wished and laugh again. You had an escape route and that alone fills you with glee, with relief. Plus, Baldur was yours now? He was the ticket you needed.

On your doorstep, Halfdan opens the door for you, "Come on then, let's get you into bed." He walks in with you and you busy yourself with lighting a few candles. Only when the light dances across your face does Halfdan finally see the bruises. He steps to you and takes your chin into one hand, moving your head to the side to get a better look.

"Does it hurt too much?" He whispers the words as he takes in Harald's work. Looking at the wall you say, "only when I touch it. I'm sure it looks far worse than how it feels."

"Do you... know how to defend yourself? I know you can take it like any shieldmaiden can, but what if this happens again?" He moves your head back to the front and lets your chin go.

"I have a small dagger but... but that's about it." You sigh.

"Alright... Meet me tomorrow. I'll supply the weapons and shields and you... well, bring the dagger and I'll even show you how to use that. Escaping is one thing but needing to protect is even bigger." With a final stroke to the better half of your face, Halfdan plants a kiss to your cheek. "Goodnight, Y/n."

Left alone again, you finally open the paper. It's a map of a village further away than you've ever been. Marked with a big circle is a farm with the names of two people you've never heard of. You fold it up, place it under your pillow and blow out the candle.

.

Tags: @inmyfxith , @naaladareia

[bored-storyteller]

Dear Anon, sorry if I can't do the screen of your request :3 anyway I hope you like it

Warning: mention of violence and blood (nothing too bloody I think)

45- Tokyo Ghoul, Uta x human!Reader

“Natural”

That's your favorite time of the day. When you sit at the table in the hot cafeteria, with the steam of the sweet boiling drink in your nostrils, the warmth of the discreetly attended but not too noisy environment and your faithful sketchbook open on the polished wooden shelf. The first blank page available looks at you, waiting to become your world, your dreams.

You are particularly lucky today; he is there.

When you entered he was already sitting at the bar, sipping a black coffee. He doesn't come every day, nor does he always arrive at the same time, but when you find him you know he will stay a long time.

You don't know his name - or at least you shouldn't know, it's not nice to overhear conversations - you don't know who he is, you just know that the first time something entered him it made you hold your breath. You don't even know what has caused you so much upset at a simple glance; it's not his extravagant style, it's not his piercings or his intricate tattoos. They are not even his strange and sometimes scary eyes. They are not those caressing, sweet and persuasive ways with which he seems to behave as usual, and not even the calm ironic words he occasionally addresses to the one who serves behind the counter. No, it's none of this, or maybe it's all this, but you don't know it, you can't understand it.

Today he smiled at you. The place wasn't too crowded, and his look had turned to you at the chirping of the bell. How bizarre as a face that threatens so much aggression it is capable of such delicacy.

You wonder if he knows how much your eyes touch him every time you meet him. Maybe yes, but he doesn't really care.

His decorated fingers are absent-mindedly tucked into the handle of the cup, his hair today is gathered in a rather messy half-ponytail. You don't know if he did it on purpose or if he just didn't pay much attention to it.

For a second you get lost following his profile line. His lips are slightly parted, he is listening.

You choose to seize the moment, and your freshly sharpened pencil glides over the slightly textured paper, sketching indefinite sketches. You have plenty of time to improve them.

You don't really remember since you started drawing Uta - as the man in the coffee shop calls him, and for you he is the only reference you can rely on - only, suddenly the block that had taken possession of your artistic skills was suddenly loose. Whoever that man was, you wanted to draw him.

From there, his face started to appear more and more often in your drawings, and from there he started to inspire you, he started to make you imagine.

"Beautiful, he is really beautiful." You thought immediately, and at the beginning it was nothing more. Then, slowly, over time that "beautiful" had extended beyond his physical boundary, also touching his attitude, his voice, his expressions.

You never really talked to him - out of shyness, or maybe not to break that magic - but it's not important. That's okay, you've started to get attached to him, you've begun to hope that he can be okay, that he can be happy, and it doesn't matter who he is or who he isn't. His mere presence has given you so much.

Today it is a coincidence that you and he get up at the same time from your respective seats. He surely didn't notice, and neither did you, as you put your sketchbook back in your bag.

It is not rush hour, and even if you are far away you can see him well. He is so calm, while he keeps his balance clinging effortlessly to the steel tube. His eyes look beyond the glass, although there is little to see. But maybe they see much more? You wonder what he is thinking, what can a person like him think? Who knows how he lives, you wouldn't even know how to attribute a precise age to him.

He is quicker than you to get out, and you are still settling your bill. It's not like you want to chase him, you're not a stalker or a maniac, but he's right in front of you. It is a coincidence. It is also a coincidence when he takes the subway with you.

Your stop passes by, and this time it is no coincidence.

Shinjuku is his station, apparently. Yes, it suits him, it's a suitable environment for him, at least you think. The frenetic lights and noises make the neighborhood alive even in the evening dusk. It is not a bad place to pass the time, it is full of attractions, activities and culture.

You feel a bit dirty following him like this, but it's not something you can really command. You just want to know who he is, your muse. You would like to be close to him, you would like to ask him questions, but at the same time you are afraid. You are afraid of seeing him disappear, scared of you. Who will fill your blank pages if he leaves? But how come you could justify your behavior towards him? Would he ever understand the beauty he represents for your artist eyes?

When he disappears among the people it's not that big of a problem. You don't want to interfere in his business, after all you just wanted to have him close a little longer, at least close to your eyes.

But even if you didn't see him anymore, you didn't regret having extended your trip a little. Tokyo could inspire an artist more than people thought, and your sketchbook is back in your hands, to sketch what came to you - and from time to time to look back at that face that is taking shape more and more. below the details you have come to know by now.

There, in that district of the capital, if you take enough alleys and go down enough steps, you can reach hidden areas away from the eyes of tourists. Sure, they might seem insignificant and at times creepy, but for someone like you the small traditional shop on the corner, or the writing on the wall that would be poorly tolerated in the city center, has such a particular charm, so intense that it makes you imagine stories, and eyes that never existed.

And it is while the graphite of your pencil draws more or less regular shadows on a creature that looks so much like that tabby cat looking for food in the alley, that something makes your blood run cold.

A cry, a cry of terror. It was sharp, scratchy, but immediately suffocated, or rather, broken.

And it is then that looking up to the sky you see the night. It is not the case for someone like you to be in those areas with darkness that has fallen.

And that's why you don't bother thinking about that scream, you just think about going back through those alleys, and as quickly as possible.

But for you the world is bigger than for any human being, and your feet stop, your breath freezes in your chest.

There is no light, you are alone, but taking refuge behind the wall like a mouse, your eyes too used to observing see it immediately.

Him. It's him. Him, and his eyes light up hot. In the light glow of the moon and the flickering artificial lights you can see blood-colored veins that like roots mark his nocturnal sclera up to affect the pale skin.

His arms always dyed with black weaves are now covered in red, as are his hungry lips, his face up to his nose.

You know perfectly well what is happening, you know that that mass of flesh at his feet is a man he has just killed, to devour him.

You know what he is, and it scares you. How could it not? Yet it is precisely that fear that inspires you, that makes you take the figure of him in the dim light. As many details as possible are frantically marked on the paper, everything you need to remember.

"Beautiful" is everything your confused and terrified mind can think as you start running unaware of the fact that he saw you - or rather, he smelled you -, but luckily for you too late. . . .

"I don't know anything about it."

You don't know if actually the case those investigators are investigating is actually the killing - or the post-killing - you witnessed, but it doesn't really matter. Your words come out with such an ease that you are amazed too.

You wonder which god is angry with you for letting you cross their path and their eyes, is it your punishment for asking for help?

Maybe wandering around the back streets of Shinjuku makes you suspicious? Probably. But it doesn't matter, you really don't know anything. You are ready to forget everything in order to protect him. You can not miss it. He is your subject, your art.

You hold your sketchbook to your chest, protective.

"I didn't know there were ghouls in the area… is it really that dangerous?" It's not that you like to lie, but the more you can mislead those people, the more you can avoid danger to him, so don't blame yourself. It's the right thing, it's right that he has the chance to live.

"We don't have precise information, but it would be better not to wander alone in such isolated places, especially if the day is ending."

Looking up at the sky you realize that the sky is slowly turning on the evening colors. Who knows what you really expected. Were you seriously hoping to find him? Maybe Shinjuku was just a stop for him that day. Or maybe you are the cause why you don't come across him anymore, not even at the cafeteria.

“Now that I know, I'll try to be careful. I'll finish quickly and go home right away. "

The man in front of you smiles, his eyes scan the surroundings come to make sure you are safe: "Well, if you see something strange, even a suspicious trace, please contact us."

You agree. He gives you the impression of a good-hearted man, that agent, and you silently thank him as he and his companions walk away from you.

The world is cruel. It is cruel, but you don't even know in what respect, because it can be so cruel and so generous at the same time. So kind and so unfair.

And while in solitude your free mind wanders among those thoughts, something makes you quickly return to the ground, rushes you, crushes you.

A stabbing pain takes you to the right side of your body, like a burning fire throbs and quivers in your torn muscles, starting from the hollow between the neck and shoulder.

You would scream, but you are prevented, because a cold hand presses on your lips forcefully.

You don't really think about what's happening, you don't have time to think. All you can do is wriggle desperately, even though the strength holding you back is far superior to yours.

That pain repeats itself, more overwhelming on the open wound, and this time you can at least turn around in the arms of torture. And everything stops.

His beautiful face, the face you searched for so intensely is there, a few inches from yours. His eyes look at you, they scan you. His tongue licks your blood and his arms tighten you against him to keep you from running away.

Have you ever had him so close? Do not you think. You don't think he has ever looked at you as directly as he is doing right now.

But you don't have time, you have no way of thinking. The blood slips away, your eyesight darkens and your body loses sensitivity with every passing second.

The world is so kind to grant you that closeness, and so cruel to give you so little time to enjoy what you have so desired.

"Beautiful ..." You manage to murmur, and maybe that's really all you want to tell him. Your hand rests cold and delicate on his face, touching his pale cheek. His night-colored tuft lightly tickles your numb knuckles, and his confused gaze is the last thing you see. . . .

How long hadn't anyone caressed him like that? Had anyone ever caressed him like that?

Uta hadn't really looked for you, even though he recognized you, for some reason he just avoided meeting you again. It was the riskiest choice for him, yet he had subconsciously decided to give you that chance, to the little artist in the coffee shop.

But you were there, so close to him, in his domain. He had smelled you, so what could he do?

Yet you weren't behaving like everyone else. He didn't believe he could see such warmth in human eyes, ready to give in to forced sleep, and the bite had been held back. He still feels the sweetness and tenderness of your flesh running down his throat, but he has held back from giving you the coup de grace. A sign of respect for an artist like him? Or just too risky curiosity?

And your hand moved away from him too soon, slumping along his arm with a dead weight.

From your chest your black-covered notebook slips to the ground, you had held it tight all the time despite your injured shoulder.

His pupils scrutinize the object with distrust and curiosity. Probably he should kill you before he feels free to browse, yet now he is there, bent over. His long moon fingers and night-colored interlacing turn the pages with a light and quick gesture.

There are drawings of animals, people, objects. You're good, really good, he likes your style.

But that is not all. He could have foreseen it, he could have suspected since your eyes touched him so much, yet it was as if in his vision this was impossible. Despite this impossibility, one's face looks at him, and turning the page it is still there, only from another point of view. There are drawings of him in every perspective, with expressions that not even he realizes he has - probably no one has ever noticed -; some portraits are detailed, some are colored, some are just sketches that, despite everything, reflect him, while still others are started and never finished, deleted and thrown away as errors.

He is really beautiful.

You even wrote it down. You have written a lot, you have taken note of the details of him.

Uta doesn't know how he actually feels. How is he feeling? He feels a shyness on him that is not his own. Is it embarrassment? Maybe, in part. In part it's confusion, and in part ... how long hasn't someone considered him with the tenderness with which you did? You had watched him from afar for so long, and so intensely.

He obviously understood your interest, every time he greeted you cordially it was a confirmation, but he didn't think there was such a stupid sincerity in your feelings.

As he continues to turn the cream-colored pages, he notices that some pages are torn. He doesn't really give weight to them, he also does it when a work of his does not satisfy him, despite your mistakes being present several times in the notebook.

The last page is still him, he is smiling. He wonders if he really smiles like that. He looks really handsome, and he doesn't know if he's real or your eyes have affected that image to make his face so kind and serene.

A soft sigh blows between his lips as he closes your treasure. Yet, before he can complete the action, something blocks him.

On the bottom, on the hard cover, the internal part reproduces the black of the external facade. He probably wouldn't have noticed anything strange if his eye wasn't used to being attentive.

Sticking his fingers into the crack under that black, he manages to retrieve a slightly protruding sheet, one of the sheets you tore.

On paper, the dark traces form his figure again, but this time something is different. He is different.

He is a ghoul in that drawing. He is bent over his victim, his placid face stained with blood, like his arms. He is imposing above the figure you have represented in the shadow.

Yet despite this, he is not ugly or cruel. You made it beautiful anyway, natural. Yes, you simply grasped his nature, you grasped the beauty in his nature and brought it back to paper, as a work of art.

It's not finished yet, his critical eye saw it well. Maybe that's why you hid it? Why were you dying to complete it during your days, to always have it with you, but were you afraid it would be discovered? Did you tear up so many pages for this? To deprive prying eyes of discovering his nature through your drawings?

Honestly, were you really protecting him, in your own way?

He had distractedly heard you talking to the Doves, and hadn't given it any weight - always because it was impossible, in his eyes - but now, in front of himself so sweetly admired by your shy eyes, he can't help admitting that something it moves in his stomach, like agitated butterflies.

Perhaps it is the interest in having been made a work of art by such skilled hands, or a sense of esteem that overwhelms him when he realizes that he is in front of a skilled artist, or perhaps, deep down, it is a simple motion of affection he can't help but feel for amazing human beings like you. Even while he was killing you, you didn't speak out against him. You are stranger than Tsugumi.

Uta may be crazy, but he is not insensitive, on the contrary, it is his sensitivity that makes him so uncomfortable in the world.

He feels you tremble and suddenly remembers he has you in his arms. He hadn't noticed that he had kept you with such care; your lifeless head, resting on his chest, rises and falls to the rhythm of his breaths.

Look at your suffering face, in his lap you are getting colder and colder and the nectarine blood continues to dirty both your clothes and his.

You can die, but the wounds he inflicted on you are not fatal in themselves - luckily -.

Will you forgive him for tasting your body? Probably yes. He doesn't know you, but he has already understood you, and now he wants to understand more. . . .

The warmth envelops you, all you perceive is a warm and placid relief.

Your clouded mind only asks you one question: "Are you dead?"

You don't really know why you should be, you just know that there is that possibility. Yet, slowly, a physicality settles on you, making you return to earth, away from the world of ideas.

Your fingers barely move and your sensitivity feels warmth and softness. The shoulder burns.

Your eyelids vibrate before venturing to lift again wondering if you really are living.

The light is dim, the environment is unfamiliar to you and yet you perceive something you know, even if you don't really know what it is. A sensation? A smell?

"Hey…"

A gentle, light, friendly voice. Maybe it's a bit hypocritical of him, but what does it matter to you? You're probably dreaming, he really killed you and that's your hell. It's not that bad if you can spend your pains admiring him.

His blood-colored and strawberry-colored eyes scan you attentively, there is no threat in his features, only a barely hinted smile, a smile that you adore, and a greeting from him that for some reason makes your rhythm pick up again your heart: "Good morning."

[julyarchives]

Tendae (텐데) || (M) Teach Me pt.4

You realized that Wooseok is the one person that can bring you comfort whenever you two are together, and the holiday spent alone with him only intensified the tingly feeling inside that scares you so much.

→ Pairing: Wooseok x Reader

→ Genre: Smut

→ Words:  4.5K

→ Contains: Smut; Friends To Lovers; Virgin!Wooseok; fingering; there is a small anxiety attack at the beginning; lots of touches; conflicted feelings

→ A/n: So, this chapter incorporates 2 requests that have been recently sent to us, thank you so much to the people who've done it, it was really nice to imagine Wooseok in these situations and turns out we are a sucker for him (can you blame us tho?). Anyway, we hope you guys like it! (Also, yes, the title is inspired by Bobby's song, because that has GOT to be their theme song, it's perfect)

→ Index: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

You tried to sleep, really. You put on some calming music and the tv was on to keep the room dim light but it was no use. Tossing and turning in bed was something that became a habit after you had to deal with your life choices. You got yourself in a really tiring situation, between babysitting your best friends and dealing with two simultaneous educational courses, you barely had time alone to just relax. To make it worse, the rain started to pour heavily outside and you sighed, it was only a matter of time for the nightmare to begin. Sometimes even you forgot how scared you were of thunder and storms, they didn't occur often and when it rained, it was light but you just knew that an anxiety attack was on the way when the first loud thunder resonated. Covering your head with the blanket, you sank into the mattress and wished for it to go away. There was only so much you could deal with by sighing and wishing for the best. The noises got louder and the light music was no longer catching your ears, tears now threatening to fall and your fear only growing bigger. It seemed like a couple of minutes went by you figured, even though it felt like hours to you and there was no sign of the storm stopping. A somehow even louder bang caught your attention and you jumped, how the hell did it thunder inside your room?

"Y/N?", a desperate whisper was heard by the door and you cautiously peeked from under the covers. Wooseok was standing by the door with a pillow under his arm and his hand holding his chest as if to catch his breath. "I was asleep, the thunder woke me up. Sorry it took me so long to come", he said, still whispering, maybe to not scare you even more.

You nodded without being able to speak, you just knew the tears would fall if you tried. Wooseok closed the door behind him and even jumped lightly when another thunder filled the room. That spurred him on, quickly moving to gently pry the blanket from your head and you scooted over, making room for him, only to have him settle quickly with his own pillow and pull the covers back up, covering both of your heads. He smiled sweetly at you and opened his arms in invitation, one which you gladly accepted. The moment your head was against his chest you cried, feeling protected like this after the overwhelmed fear you felt so strongly was too much and you felt Wooseok hugging you stronger. Your small sobs were barely audible because of the thunder but you knew he felt how your body moved as you cried and you were thankful he just hugged you in silence. You heard him hum to some tune and you wondered if he could hear the music you had put to sleep.

"Y/N?", Wooseok called you and you moved your head back to look at his face, "are you still crying?", as he asked it, you let out a sniff, making you both chuckle.

"Does that answer you?", your voice wasn't sounding normal and even then you knew it was okay because he understood it.

"I remember when I didn't get much screen time at a tv show and you found me crying in my room…".

You remembered that. It was at the beginning of the friendship, he was reserved and shy but when they guys showed up looking awkward and Wooseok just walked past everyone, you had to follow him. He was under the covers and you heard the small whimpers of crying and you didn't think twice, your instinct told you to slip into the mattress with him, you laid down to watch a wide-eyed Wooseok who was sniffing and trying to control his crying. You understood how he must have felt, not good enough because the editing and the hosts ignored him almost completely. You needed to show him he was so much more than that but he was too reserved for you to know what to do, so you just held him and he quickly hid his face in your neck and cried until he fell asleep. Since that you always shared a bed and got so much closer.

"I remember that too", you said, your crying slowing down. "I'm glad you let me stay that day". He sighed, holding you closer.

"I'm glad too". He shyly kissed the top of your head and went back to humming a song. Paying attention to the vibration of his chest and his warmth, you soon fell asleep even as it still poured outside.

Waking up was the hardest part since it was a while that you slept so well. Moving a bit you noticed that the blanket was no longer covering your head but Wooseok was still next to you, hand-holding close by the waist. He was soundly asleep and you sighed, torn between wanting to stay with him and needing to start your day. The struggle didn't last long as you needed to go to the bathroom, so you wiggled a bit so he could let go of you but you ended up being pulled closer against him, his hand possessive around you. He groaned in his sleep, displeased that you were moving and you chuckled silently, now taking his hand in yours to move it away from you. For a second you let your fingers intertwine and you smiled, a warmth you knew all too well invading your chest but as always, you decided to ignore it and move away.

The house was abnormally quiet and you did your morning hygiene quickly and surprisingly in peace. After choosing a comfortable slip-on dress, you got into the kitchen which was also weirdly empty. Usually, at least one person was rummaging around for snacks and you made sure to look around to search for any of the boys. As you made your favorite breakfast food and drink, you noticed the fridge covered in small notes in all different colors and shapes, each of them from one of the boys letting you and Wooseok know that they'd be out. Some would be traveling since it was a holiday, others would be visiting their families and you frowned, you didn't even know it was a holiday, studies were taking up most of your time and all you knew was your deadlines. Opening the group chat for the house, that featured all the boys, you typed a quick text wishing them a good holiday break and resumed eating.

After finishing, you slightly debated if you should go to your own home to study but with a sigh and a shy amused smile, you got up and went to the empty room they reserved for you so you grab your notebook. The boys going to the army was something not very pleasant but at least you got a bed and a room to yourself, lucky two of them went almost together.

You got inside quietly and tiptoed around the bed so as to not wake up the giant asleep on the bed, his feet almost completely out of it. Your backpack was at reach and you took it with you as silent as you could. With your back turned to the bed, you made sure to look twice to see if you forgot anything.

"Tell me you made breakfast", a raspy sleepy voice resonated behind you. You jumped and your backpack almost flew away from your hands.

"Don't do that, Wooseok! Warn me before talking!", he laughed at that, arm resting on his face.

"Sure, I'll squeak before talking so you don't get scared", he was fully laughing and you watched him fondly.

"Shut up", you slightly pouted and he sat upon the bed, moving so you could almost stand between his knees. "There is breakfast but I should eat it myself for that".

"I just woke up, Y/N. Give me a break", he smiled and gosh, wasn't he charming, hair all messy, voice deep from sleep, made you remember all the times you two shared touches, your cheeks feeling warm.

As if sensing where your mind was going, Wooseok slowly moved his arms and placed his hands on your waist, barely touching it. Your first answer was to drop the backpack and place your hands on his shoulders, moving closer. When he stretched his upper body, your body knew what to do before you even registered the action. You moved lower and your foreheads touched, such an intimate touch and yet so innocent. Both of you whispered good morning shyly and like waking up from a dream you almost flinched away, grabbing your things from the floor and clearing your throat.

"There's food ready. I'm gonna study, alright?", he nodded a bit stunned by your sudden change. "Everyone is away and it's just the two of us today", and with that, you walked away.

The morning went by without a single problem, you focused on your studies while Wooseok watched something with headphones or just played on his phone. Your only breaks were bathroom breaks and you were almost certain that you wouldn't even drink water if Wooseok didn't leave a bottle there every half hour.

Lunchtime came and you got up your chair to stretch and rummage through your phone, sitting next to Wooseok. Part of you noticed how there was a full empty large couch and two chairs available but you still sat on the two-seat couch thigh to thigh with him. You shook your head physically to get rid of these thoughts and quickly opened the food delivery app, nudging Wooseok to check it with you.

It wasn't a hard task to decide on lunch since you two knew what you liked and soon enough the food arrived. The small chit-chat was alien even to you and part of you knew that it was because you fled his embrace earlier. That scared you because even though you started whatever you two have it shouldn't be affecting you this much. Of course, he was your best friend and you knew everything about each other, and yeah, knowing a girl at work was coming onto Wooseok was bothering you and staying alone with him like this made you nervous like never before but hey, if you ran away it'd go away sometime, right?

After eating, Wooseok took care of the dishes and you laid on the big couch, closing your eyes for a moment to at least pretend everything was normal. After a few minutes of you being completely still, you felt a presence in the room and then the external lights went missing and the dark of your closed eyes got even darker. You opened one eye and fought back a smile to see Wooseok standing and looming over you curiously.

"What", you breathed out.

"Checking if you didn't die", he seemed serious and that made you crack, sitting up while laughing hard after he stepped back and he sat next to you, his arm going to your shoulder like it was natural. Did you two always do stuff like that? You weren't even sure but you let yourself enjoy the moment for a bit before going back to reality. "Seriously, you looked dead".

"That was my soul you were seeing", you smiled at his horrified face and you held it with both hands. "I'm joking, silly. I'm just too tired". Without thinking straight, the impulse to feel the moment was too strong and you left a peck on his mouth, quick and yet it made a small sound. "Gonna go study", you rushed over your words, getting up like a lightning bolt and running to the table. If you looked back, you could see a blush spreading on his face, him watching you, face torn between amusement and shock.

It wasn't before three hours went by that Wooseok showed up at the table you were studying on and threw a bag of chips on it.

"Not hungry", you mumbled, a very important part of the analysis you were writing was being refined and you were so close to finishing it that you barely looked up.

The sound of the chair next to you being pulled didn't bother you, neither did the sound of a bag being open. Somehow not even Wooseok sloppily placing a chip on your mouth didn't bother you either. What did bother you was his face showing up between you and the computer screen.

"Move!", you said rather loudly. He didn't answer and moved, thankfully. Some minutes went by and the chips kept coming for which you were thankful.

As you finished writing and started proofreading what you wrote, you felt the ghost of a hand touching your thigh. You frowned and looked at him, who was casually scrolling on his phone with the hand that was away from you, even though you noticed his cheeks being red. You took a deep breath and resumed reading, only to have your thigh gently squeezed by him.

"What are you doing?", you said through your teeth. Since when does he have the nerve to touch you like that?

"I'm checking my phone", he showed you his phone, looking at you as if you were crazy and his actions were obvious.

"Wooseok, I'm busy right now".

"Oh, I know, Y/N". The hand squeezed harder and you shuddered. Shit.

You decided to see how far he could take this and honestly how far could you rest it, so you just ignored it once again. Your mind was on the verge of shutting down but you were almost finishing so you pushed forward. All the time you read, his hand went further on your thigh, reaching your pelvis but not really touching you. It was driving you mad and the way he pretended he did nothing was somehow attractive.

When you finished reading and started closing the software, his hand got braver and touched you through your panties, rubbing lightly, long fingers teasing the extension of it. The tension of his hand on you this whole time was taking all your attention and you bit your lip to not smile as you closed everything. Truth is, there was no way you could focus on anything other than Wooseok with his hand on you like that and you knew how shy he was, so you read your work as sloppy as you could, not paying attention at all, just to make him stay a bit longer.

Your back fell on the chair and you groaned, his finger insistently massaging your clit through the panties. You looked at him then, his phone forgotten on the table, his other hand gripping his pants' leg enough to turn the knuckles white. His eyes were trained on you, his mouth slightly parted and breathing irregular. He looked as affected as you were and you were the one being touched, you reached to his nape and caressed the hair gently, hoping to get to him how grateful you were for him.

The action spurred him on, his hand moving to touch you inside the panties and that got you surprised. You'd be lying if you didn't think he never looked hotter than now, the hand caressing his locks now gripping it. He groaned when he felt how wet you already were for him and moved his hand harder on your clit, getting small whimpers from you. Your hips moved on their own accord, his other hand now touching himself above the pants and you noticed.

You snapped when he flicked your clit perfectly as he gripped his member and hissed, the stimulation being too much for you. Moving fast, you got his hand away from you and straddled Wooseok fast enough to surprise him. Luckily he caught on quickly and held you, hands firm on your ass. You kissed him with fervor, hands making a mess of his hair and it almost seemed like no matter how close you were it wasn't close enough.

You moved your hips almost too desperately and he matched your rhythm, giving as good as he got and you moaned, the whole thing too hot. All the times you two had together flashed through your mind and it only spurred you further, lust overpowering anything else.

"Y/N", he whimpered as you moved just right on top of him, his hips stuttering. "We can't do this here", he panted out.

You stopped and looked at him. His eyes were dark and he was out of breath, his hands never once relenting his grip on you, his hair was a mess and his lips were red and plump from kissing. The pang on your heart almost made you back out, get up and leave but his face was watching adoringly, also lust-driven, and he started leaving small kisses on your neck. You knew you lost the fight.

"Since when you know how to be so bold?", you chuckled and he followed, the humming feeling good on your skin.

"You taught me", was his simple answer, kissing your mouth gently. "We can go to my room if you want or we can go where you're sleeping".

"Your room. It'd be too weird to do this in Jinho's and Hui's room, right?", you smiled and he answered in kind, helping you get up at once and holding your hand during the walk upstairs.

You were very nervous out of a sudden and you didn't even know why. It wasn't your first time with anyone and you knew what you were doing. You taught him after all. But when you felt his hand slightly shake when you reached the room it finally dawned on you. If things went where you felt they would, it would be the first time with him. It would be his first time when it came to actual sex.

Wooseok opened the door and waited for you to enter so he could close and lock it behind you. Even though you were alone in the house, you knew it was better to be safe than sorry here. As you expected, he was nervous and stood there looking at you with his hands on his sides. You smiled fondly, your heart taking leaps on your chest and you touched his face gently.

"It's okay. It's just me". He smiled, kissing you slowly, savoring the moment just like you were. "We don't need to do anything else, reall-"

"I want it", he cut you off eagerly. Then he laughed shyly and gave you a peck. "If you want to, that is".

"Of course I do", you felt a sudden calm wash over you, and that made sense. Not knowing where stood and now having sure he wanted this as much as you made you feel better.

You took a step back and took your dress off, leaving you in your undergarments. He did the same seconds later, standing there in his underwear. Holding his hand, you took you both to his bed and since it was a tight fit, you laid him down and sat on top of him, gently laying down to kiss him and moved with it. That seemed to ease him into it again, this was something you did before and he excitedly followed, rubbing his hard member on your clothed core.

The moans coming out of your mouth were needier than you intended but your body needed him badly and you knew he was the same. You didn't waste time getting up and losing the rest of your clothes, staying naked in front of him. You fought your own shyness back as he stood again and took off his underwear. Wooseok stared at you for a second and then smiled, kissing you tenderly and laying back on the bed. You followed and laid next to him, touching him just like the first time, him nervously watching you only this time was during broad daylight and he was more confident, his own hands traveling across your body, feeling your breasts, your stomach, your arms, everywhere he could reach.

"Do you have any condom?", you whispered.

"Yeah, top drawer". Honestly, you didn't know what answer you expected but you raised your eyebrow at him as you got up to get it.

"Can I ask?", you said coming back.

"One of the guys gave it to me when a girl at work invited me out", Wooseok answered shyly, barely looking at you.

You scoffed and straddled him, letting his cock fit on your slick slit and you moved lightly.

"Too bad you'll be using it with me, isn't it?", you said with more intensity than you expected. "I heard about this girl before", you kissed his neck teasingly, he could stare at you and hold onto your waist. "What was she thinking? That she could take you away from me?", jealousy waking over, and even you were surprised. The first time you heard about the girl you got mad but apparently it was bottled up so nicely inside you that you only noticed now.

"N-no", he stuttered as you bit his neck, hips never stopping its movement. "I kept it because I wanted to use it with you". You stopped. Did he want to do this with you? Wooseok was hoping to get you alone and go all the way with you. It was different hearing it directly from him and you were stunned. He saw it and smiled, it was his turn to kiss you, his upper body more sat up than laying down. His hand caressed your cheek and he looked deeply into your eyes. "I want you".

You could have sworn time froze and your heart stopped. He was staring so intently at you that you felt frozen, only remembering to answer when he changed from intense to doubtful and you were quick to kiss him and hoped that the kiss would tell him everything you couldn't. After you came up for air, you quickly sat next to him and put the condom on for him, which he watched attentively.

"I want you on top of me", you said in a small voice. After all you said, somehow you felt pliant, needing his proximity to deal with it.

Wooseok obliged and you quickly adjusted on his bed, his frame towering over you. Your hands were on his face, thumbs caressing it gently while he supported himself in one hand and aligned himself with the other. You nodded when he faltered, waiting for your approval. As he entered you, two things were registered by your lust hazed brain. The first one was how deliciously he stretched you, you enjoyed his dick before but now you just knew you were doomed. The second one was how lost in pleasure he already looked when he got inside inch by inch. He was dragging the movement to get inside, going slowly and you didn't think it was for you. His mouth was open and a long groan escaped him.

He looked at you a bit desperate, needing to move as quickly as you'd let him and you almost chuckled. You settled for a smile and moved your hips up, indicating he could move. He started slow, going almost completely out before thrusting inside hard. His pace was driving you mad, hands now roaming on his back while his face was buried on your chest, kissing and licking his way all over it.

You endured it as much as you could because it was so good and he seemed so lost in pleasure but it got unbearable and with a hushed "please go faster" you pleaded. Usually, you were vocal during sex but somehow you were so lost in pleasure and in feeling his body all over yours, his cock moving so perfectly inside that you seemed lost for words. Wooseok quickly changed his pace with a grunt and his noises started to come out. Your mouth was open while you tried to keep your eyes open as well but failed many times. You could see he was trying the same but more often than not he got lost in your chest or closed his eyes in pleasure.

You knew neither of you would be able to last longer and it felt like heaven to feel him getting closer to his orgasm with you, his body moving fast and him gripping the sheets while he supported himself on his upper arms. You were sure his back had a few scratches because it was just too good to know you were marking him, his noises while you did that didn't help at all. Wooseok didn't need to say anything to you. Neither you did to him, you were in sync even then and he gave you space to touch your clit, which you gladly did. He tried to warn you but he couldn't, he came with a shout mid-sentence, body trembling as much as yours. Your orgasm followed his, watching him being too much to handle and the overstimulation was perfect.

You two kept moving even after, riding off both of your highs, and all the while you stared at each other's eyes. His stare was so full of feeling that you felt breathless a bit, you closed your eyes, relying on your orgasm to blame if he asked, even if you knew he wouldn't. He awkwardly laid next to you because he could barely fit and you laughed, moving to the side so he could fit. Wordlessly he took the condom out and tied it, placing it next to the bed and you made a mental note to not forget that there.

Laying facing each other you didn't know what to say so you giggled, amused, nervous, and happy at the same time and so did he, possibly for the same reasons. Wooseok moved so you could lay on his chest and so you did, even though you wiggle up in the bed to lay your head on top of the pillow, body seeking support on his. You kept staring at each other until he moved to give you a peck and a small nudge nose to nose. Butterflies invaded your stomach and you felt yourself holding on for dear life inside.

"Do you feel as fucked as I am?", Wooseok said.

"What sense of the word are we talking here, Wooseokie?", you laughed with him.

"You know what I'm talking about. You know, the stares and stuff", his way with words made you smile. You were thankful you didn't feel it alone.

"Yeah, then I feel as fucked as you are…", you kissed him and caressed his hair again, earning a noise almost like a purr.

"Hm. What do we do?", he asked while caressing your hair as well.

"I don't know. Decide what's for dinner?".

"Easy. Pizza", he answered naturally and you snuggled closer.

"Then what we do is call the pizza place". You said quickly and he agreed with a hum. "But now we nap".

"Nap first, pizza later", he said almost asleep and honestly you were the same, the atmosphere too cozy and nice to not succumb to sleep. Maybe you were fucked but at least you were with your adorable dork.

[babygirlkiki1016]

Masterlist

Chapter 1: The company

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

I pulled the rope, fastening my bag to one of the ponies. I didn't speak to anyone the next morning, besides no one was going to try to talk to me anyway. The company would only speak to their kin, and as I passed by heading to the front of the line I was given dirty looks. Except for Kili, he smiled and waved but his brother shoved his arm down, scolding him for even looking my way. I sighed and walked past some more dwarves, and each scowl gave me a funny feeling in my heart. I couldn't understand what it was, but it hurt deeply, like knives to my soul.

"Y/n." Gandalf greeted me with a smile, letting me pass by. "Once we're out of the shire, you will scout ahead and report anything back to us." He leaned down slightly, so I could only hear. "We're also making a bet on if Bilbo is coming, wish to participate?" I looked towards the rest, they all seemed to be having fun. The talk of the Hobbit showing up again brought them entertainment.

"No, we're heading into a dark path Gandalf. If I were to partake in their silly affairs I'd only ruin the fun." He groaned, standing up straight to get on his horse.

"You know, it won't hurt to have a little bit of fun. You'll be riding with Thorin, for now, being in the front will give you the advantage to take in your surroundings." He was right, in the front of the line I would be able to listen to the woods, there was something dark out there. Something will be following us, I don't know what, but whatever it is it's not good.

"Are you sure he's alright with the idea of me riding with him?" He grimaced at the question, I should have figured Thorin wasn't going to accept it.

"He's not happy, just don't antagonize him and you'll be alright." My very presence puts him on edge, speaking of the devil he came up behind me with those blue orbs piercing into mine. He didn't say a word to me, he just climbed onto his pony looking ahead. Hesitantly I go to climb on but his hand stretched out, he was waiting for me to take it.

"Hurry up we don't have all day." He growled, quickly I pulled myself on and sat in front of him. I gasped at his warmth, it felt nice with his chest against my back. "Lead." His gruff voice made me shiver, I kicked the pony lightly and she went off. We made our way down the path, passing multiple Hobbits that were nearby. One was a child, a small girl about half the size of me. She waved with a wide grin, I couldn't help but wave back eagerly. It's been a while since I've seen children, my kind barely has any men around. The cold blast killed most of our soldiers who were men, so not a lot of children are born these days. Let's just hope those reports will save my people, and we can have a fresh start with alliances. "So, does all of your kind have wings like yours?" His question surprised me, he wanted to know more about my kin? Why? Was he planning for war?

"Why do you want to know? Are you planning to kill us all already?"

"I am just curious about your race, I haven't heard much about it. From the tales my grandfather and father told me, most don't have wings unless they're born with it."

"Hm." I knew all about their race, and the fact that he wanted to know more about mine intrigued me. "Some have wings, it depends on if you have a certain gene in your blood."

"How big is your homeland?"

"It was huge, bigger than the city of Erebor. Yet where we live now, is small considering your kind took our home." I snarled, he took a deep breath, probably to calm himself. His hands then gripped my cloak, and he pulled me against his chest roughly.

"I suggest you don't annoy me, for I won't be responsible for what happens to you on this trip." He was threatening me, I bet if we were attacked he'd leave me for dead.

"And I suggest you let go of me, I won't kill you but I think you'll be fine with a few fingers missing." I turned my head to face him, he was extremely close, our noses almost touching. Reluctantly he leaned back slightly, releasing me from his hold.

"I can't wait to reclaim my homeland, then I'll have you out of my sight. I won't have to deal with your kind anymore, your murderers. I don't know what Gandalf was thinking."

"He was thinking, that your weak, too weak to take down a dragon. If you want me to help you, I recommend you be friendly for I can easily leave you behind. I'll find a way into that mountain myself, so watch your words Thorin Oakenshield." He went to protest but was interrupted by shouting, it was Bilbo running from the entrance of the shire. We were in the middle of the woods now, I pull on the reigns to stop from going any further. Bilbo ran towards us, waving the contract in his hand, panting heavily.

"I signed it." He exclaims, panting heavily as he handed the contract to Balin. Balin pulls out a monocle to check the paper. It looked like Bilbo had brought everything from home with him.

"Everything appears to be in order. Welcome, Master Baggins, to the company of Thorin Oakenshield." Balin smiles, and surprisingly it didn't disappear when his eyes met mine. The warm smile made me happy, didn't he hear the rumors people had spread about my kind? Why was he so nice to me?

"Give him a pony," Thorin ordered, nudging me to keep going which I obey.

"No, no, no, no. That-That won’t be necessary. Thank you. I’m sure I can keep up on foot. Yeah, I’ve done my fair share of walking holidays, you know? Even got as far as Frog Morton once." Bilbo refuses, but they didn't listen to his cries. Suddenly two of the dwarves grab hold of his arms, pick him up, and placed him directly on Minty. As we all rode along in the woods, I could hear the dwarves talking to each other.

"Come on, Nori! Pay up!" Oin demanded, the sound of coins clinking together reached my ears.

"The rest of the dwarves took gambles on if Mr. Baggins would show," Thorin explained, however, I already knew this due to Gandalf.

"What about you Thorin? Did you participate?" I said looking at him, he shook his head laughing slightly.

"I don't participate in silly affairs, though if I did I would've guessed he wouldn't have come." I can see how that's true, sometimes people just don't want to leave home. They'd rather stay in their safe comfy beds, and I was one of them. "You seem deep in thought." My cheeks turned red as I realized I had been staring at him the entire time.

"I'm alright." Clearing my throat awkwardly only to hear Bilbo shouting about something else.

"Uh-wait, wait. Stop! Stop! We have to turn around." Thorin groaned and I slowed the pony down, waiting to hear Bilbo's excuse.

"What on earth is the matter?" Gandalf wondered, he was riding a larger horse than the rest of us.

"I forgot my handkerchief." We can't just stop and go back because of some handkerchief, it would only be a waste of time.

"Here! Use this." Bofur rips off a bit of cloth from his robe and throws it to Bilbo, who looks at it with disgust.

"Move on!" Thorin announces, and I continue down the path of our journey. Later that night, we stopped by the entrance of a small cave. I slept close to the edge of the entrance, my wings keeping me warm and hidden from the others. That's when I heard shuffling behind me, it was Thorin setting down his sleeping bag.

"Did you miss me already?" I joked, making him roll his eyes annoyed.

"One of us has to watch you, you might try and kill us in our sleep." I just turned back around, curling back up into a small ball. It was colder outside than I expected, I should've brought warmer clothes. I shivered as a gust of wind blew our way, it took a while for me to fall asleep. The cold wasn't helping me at all, but I finally managed to sleep into unconsciousness. That is until I woke up to howls, not just any normal howls, wargs. I sat up, searching the area, getting ready to strike if I had to. The orcs were far off into the distance but I saw them, I could feel the evilness radiating off of them.

"You think that’s funny? You think a night raid by orcs is a joke?" Thorin yelled making me turn to him, he stood up abruptly, his fur coat missing. That's when I realized it was on me, he had laid his coat on me to keep me warm but why? What was his reason for being kind to me?

"We didn’t mean anything by it," Kili stated, looking down at the ground in shame.

"No, you didn’t. You know nothing of the world." Thorin angrily walks off, I had an urge to go try and cheer him up. He did give me his coat, after all, I could at least do something nice. Slowly I made my way over to him, he hadn't sensed my presence yet.

"Thorin?" I called letting out a small yawn. He didn't face me, instead, he kept his gaze pit on the horizon.

"Go away." He ordered but I refused to listen, my feet made their way next to him. He scowled at me, but said nothing else, he only just crossed his arms. His hand caught my attention, it was bigger than most, his fingers were twice the size of mine. Without thinking I tugged on it, making his eyes avert to me. I placed my hand against him, comparing the sizes. "Y/n?" He mutters, wondering what I was up to.

"Your hands, they're so much bigger than mine. For such tiny men, you certainly have large fingers, it's fascinating." I looked up at him, his eyes widened at my comment. "You know as a child I used to wonder what the tiny men of our world looked like, I tried to learn everything about dwarves that I could. My kingdom's library had multiple books about your culture, I have to admit it was interesting to learn about your courting styles."

"You know of our courting ritual?"

"Of course, I know everything about each race. I was a very strange child at that age, yet one question remained unanswered. Why do dwarves keep their hair long?" He smiled at my curiosity, those deep blue ocean eyes stared at me in adoration. Though those furious eyes returned, and he angrily pulled his hand away.

"You shouldn't be asking questions about courting, it's not as if anyone would marry your kind anyway." He lifted his hand, glaring at it in disgust. "Now I have to wash away the filth you have spread upon me." My heart broke a little as if a piece had shred from the flesh. As he stormed off I wondered what ran through his mind, he was the sweet innocent man a few seconds ago. What made him irritated with me? Thorin went back to the place we had been sleeping, and he grabbed his cloak moving to the other side of the camp. Each dwarf turned their head my way, and only three of them grinned at me.

"I'll keep watch," I spoke as I returned to my make-shift bed. It would be better if I stayed away from the others, at least that's not what Kili thought. Cause a few seconds later he plopped down right next to me. "What are you doing? Won't the others scold you for sitting next to me?"

"Who cares, they can argue all they want. No one should be alone, I'll keep watch with you." My heart swelled at his kindness, why was he being so nice to me? Did he believe me than those foolish rumors the others had heard? He frowned slightly, he was serious now. "Are you ok Y/n?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be? I've dealt with stubborn dwarves before believe me. Their rudeness hardly bothers me anymore." I lied, staring down at my hands. How could this world think such cruel thoughts about my kind, why did Thror have to lie about us? Kili placed his hand on mine to try and calm me, and lightly he caressed it with his thumb.

"You know not all of us hate you, me, Balin, and my brother Fili we know the truth. I told my brother what you told me, and he sort of believes it. You don't seem like the angry ravaging digonisks we've heard about, and besides the reports in those mountains is evidence that your kin is innocent. Speaking of Balin however, he wanted me to tell you that when you get a chance he wishes to speak with you." I glanced over the white-haired dwarf who gave me a small smile. I wonder what he wants to talk to me about? Maybe his politeness was just a ruse to kill me in secret, what if Kili is doing the same? Ever since I've joined the company I haven't thought of the consequences, I treat them as if they're normal men. I have to be more careful if I am to get to the mountain. "You know you should probably get some sleep, we'll need those wings again."

"No, they're orcs not far, they're watching us. I need to be awake just in case they decide to come our way. I appreciate the gesture, sleep Kili, you and your kin are the most important people here after all." He opened his mouth to protest, but kept quiet and snuggled up in his bed. I kept my eyes on the frontier, watching as the orcs scattered away but I knew they would be back, they always come back.

~♪♠♪~

The harsh wind blasted against me, the building fell apart from the ice that covered the bricks. Shouts were heard from all over, but the only I could focus on was my mother's. My legs hurt bad, but her condition was worse, there was an ice shard in her side. It no longer looked like liquid water, instead, it was nothing but a melting ice block of blood.

"Mommy!" I reached out for her, my hand reaching out to try and save her from the man that stood close. His sword was raised ready to strike, and that's when I saw his face. Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of our company.

"Die filth!" His sword came crashing down hard, and as it decapitated her head I shot up. My chest beating fast, it was just a dream, just a dream. Most dwarves were asleep, the only one awake was Kili who was taking over my shift. I had fallen asleep, how could have been so stupid? He could've hurt me, or worse slaughtered me like the rest of my family. My body trembled as he came close to me, worry showing in his brown eyes.

"Kili stay back!" I warned, he raised his hands as a symbol of peace.

"I won't hurt you, I promise...are you alright?" I was shaking violently, and it wasn't because of the wind that blew our way. "Are you cold? Here." He sheds his cloak going to hand it to me but I shake my head.

"N-Nightmare." That was all I managed to get out, he dropped the piece of clothing on the floor and slowly made his way over showing that he had no weapons. When he was close enough he wrapped his arms around me, making me gasp. I didn't hug back, for I was waiting for any sign that this wasn't a nice gesture. It didn't come, he just pulled me closer, and I have to admit the hug was very helpful. I listened to his breathing, and eventually, it helped my heart stop beating at a rapid speed. He smelled of sweat and pine wood, surprisingly it was a soothing smell.

"Want to talk about it?" He whispered, pulling back to look at me as his thumb rubbed softly against my skin as a way to calm me down.

"No, it was just a silly dream. It's not as if you would care anyhow."

"I do care, and just in case another agonizing fantasy comes across your mind I'll sit right here. So if you do have another nightmare I'll be here to help." He gently pulled me into his side, which I hesitantly accepted, and soon I went senseless, succumbing to the darkness.

For the next few days when I wasn't flying above them to keep watch, I rode with Thorin. The more we rode together, the more he didn't mind it. Soon it was like second nature to him, and every morning when it was time to leave he would hold out his hand to help me on the pony. Although he was extra grumpy today as we continued our journey in the woods while riding in the torrential rain.

"Here, Mr. Gandalf? Can’t you do something about this deluge?" Dori begged, but to no avail, nothing could be done. Well at least for them, considering I was a dragon slayer and immune to fire. One of my abilities was magic, and that magic included creating ablaze. I felt Thorin shiver from behind me, and I felt bad. I never did thank him for letting me use his cloak the other night.

"Thorin take the reigns," I ordered, turning around on the horse, immediately he grabbed the reigns as I let go.

"What on earth do you think your doing woman?" He growled, his eyes piercing into my own. Resting a hand upon his chest, he blushed slightly at the contact I used just a little bit of my charms to summon some heat. "What curse are you putting on me? Get your filthy hands off of me!"

"It's not a curse, it's a spell to keep you warm you ass. Now hold still or I just might burn you." He growled and lifted his head to try and see in front of him, I wasn't that tall. After a few seconds of straining his neck to see, he eventually rested his chin on the top of my head lightly. "I'm not your headrest you know."

"Well, I can't see around your thick skull."

"It's not that big! I'm shorter than you!"

"Shorter, but your head is certainly wider. Are you sure you have a brain in there?" I burned him slightly, making him wince.

"Keep talking 'Oh great one' and see where it gets you. Your lucky I'm even giving you warmth, I could just keep it all to myself." I returned the heat to normal and leaned my head on his chest. His breathing went rigid for a second, then slowed down but his heartbeat sped up.

"...What other powers do you have?" He asked, moving closer to my hand to get warmer. I slipped it down to his side, making him jump. "Watch it."

"Other than fire, I have a vast amount of strength. I could rip a tree out of the ground, second I can fly at fast speeds while spreading my wings. Soldiers with wings are called our airborne army, they attack from above and can kill dragons a lot easier. Last but not least, only the royal line can take on the form of a dragon. At least we used to, The Power of The Black Dragon was lost long ago. It is passed down from generation to generation, but the Queen with the ability died along with it." My mother, just a year before my coronation to take on my birthright was gravely injured from the frozen blast caused by men. She passed away, I never got to tell her that I loved her. The last thing I ever said to her was 'I'm scared'. Though I will never forget her last words, 'don't take revenge.'

"How many more are there?"

"Once there were millions of us, and now because of people like you, there is only 1,000. I hope your happy, cause soon we'll be extinct."

"No, cause soon you'll get those reports. And you'll show the world the mistake we caused." He whispered, his comment made my heart swoon. Had he said what I thought he had confessed?

"Thank you." It was all I could say, I felt him smile as he wrapped his arms tightly around me. He was trying to keep me warm like I was doing to him, perhaps he's not like the monster from my dreams.

@fili-is-my-lover @kirenia15 @lunariasilver @depressedchilipepper

[giorno-plays-piano]

You were all I wanted Part 3

Pairing: mob!Peter Parker x plus-sized!Reader

Warnings: yandere, obsession, swearing, human trafficking, mentions of non-con, minor character’s death.

Words: 1600.

Summary: You are bought by the head of Stark crime family for a kid he cares about.

Part 1

Part 2

P.S. Peter is an adult!

This chapter turned out to be shorter, but it's still pretty eventful. Hope you're going to like it <3

___________

"But what... what if he won't like me? What if he'll take me away?" You sobbed, panic taking over you as you imagined Tony Stark pressing a gun to your forehead.

"No, he'd never do that." Peter left a little kiss behind your ear. "Mr. Stark doesn't take the gifts he's made back. You don't have to be afraid of that."

You sniffed at his words. That's what you were now. A gift. A possession. A pet whose job was keeping its master happy. You had to be grateful you were given to someone like Peter, at least. You didn't know whether he would always treat you kindly, but as of now he had never threatened to hurt you. You could only pray for him to fancy you so he wouldn't throw you away like some garbage - apparently, Tony Stark treated his women exactly like that.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up in the first place. Of course, you got upset." Peter cuddled with you some more, but you weren't sure whether he was being sincere. Wasn't he sending you a clear message?

Don't go against me or you'll end just like her.

"Oh, I have an idea. Let's go out! Do you wanna see the movie or something?"

You did your best to wipe away your tears and stared at the boy, perplexed. "What?"

"We have a nice little cinema not far from here. We could go right now, just let me check what they've having today."

"But didn't you say I can't leave this place?"

"I meant without me." He showed you the same smug smirk Stark was wearing all the time, and you lowered your gaze to Peter's chest instead. "With me close you can go wherever you want to."

Funny thing to say. In thruth, you could go wherever he wanted to take you.

"Wow, they're having Beyond Darkness in 30 min! We gotta go, you'll loooove this."

"Sure."

In five minutes you were already hurrying after Peter and trying to look nowhere but your shoes. Regardless of what was there in Stark's Tower, you didn't want to see it, not even mentioning all those guys with guns scattered across the building. Peter was saying his hello to each and every one of them as if he were some mafia's social butterfly.

Whatever. You knew Peter was Tony's favorite not because he had a pretty face. You had never particularly asked what his role in all this was, but it was obviously something way bigger than running errands for the gang. Maybe it was better to never figure it out.

"Hey girl, wanna have fun?" Somebody to your left asked you, and you flinched involuntarily, keeping your head low.

Peter stopped in the very same second and sent the stranger a hard look.

"Mike, you offer my girl drugs one more time and I'm gonna shoot your cute little brother in the leg, you hear me?"

You raised your eyes to Peter's smiling face and regretted it immediately. There was something so dark in his gaze you wanted to turn around and run until you were back to your room, hiding somewhere in the corner.

"Shit! Sorry, Spidey!" The guy's high-pitched voice sounded frightened. "Didn't know you got a girl!"

"Yeah, yeah, see you later, we're kind of busy now." Peter grabbed your hand and pulled you away, heading to the exit. "I forgot to mention before that we don't do drugs. At all. They're good for business, but not for us, ok, Baby?"

"Yes, Peter." You answered and kept chewing your lips, thinking of all the things he had just said. You suspected him to be more ruthless when you weren't around, but never to such extent. How damn scary was real Peter Parker?

"And don't worry, I'd never shoot his brother in whatever part of his body." The boy said it like it was something obvious and you didn't even need to pay attention to it.

Why then did that guy look completely horrified?

When you had finally stepped outside and felt the wind playing with your hair you were ready to cry. Just walking out of the Tower was a fucking torture.

It was already dark, and you pulled the zipper on your pretty blue jacket up, going almost shoulder to shoulder with Peter. Normally you'd be at least a little scared to walk the streets of a big city at night, but the guy your mother had warned you about was already holding your hand.

The place the boy brought you to was truly small but cozy with nice vintage red seats, the delicious smell of caramel popcorn spreading everywhere. It turned out that the movie was something in between Star Wars and Star Trek, which wasn't surprising because Peter was a sucker for anything related to sci-fi. Anyway, it wasn't bad and you actually enjoyed watching it. The movie helped you to keep your mind off your earlier encounter with the drug trafficker and the words Peter said.

The only way to live like that and stay sane was to turn a blind eye to anything that happened around, you thought. It was cowardly and revolting, but what could you do against one of the most, if not the most, dangerous gangs in New York? Surely, even if by some miracle you could flee the Tower and go to police, would they really be willing to help you? No, they would return you to Mr. Stark. You were a hundred percent sure he got it covered.

"Are you feeling tired, Baby?"

You snapped out of your thoughts and looked at Peter who smiled at you so lovingly it could make any girl cry.

"Just a little bit."

"Want me to give you a massage when we gonna get home?" His expression quickly turned devious, and he winked at you.

Yeah, great, now you'd have him fucking you before your knees were giving out. The kid had such stamina he could be an Olympic athlete, no less.

"Aw, I love when you blush like that." Chuckling, he put his arm around your shoulders and inched closer to give you a quick peck on the lips. You forced youself to enjoy his little signs of affection and start thinking you ought to be thankful he wasn't into heavy BDSM practices or something like that.

While you two were kissing again, you heard someone's loud footsteps as if this person just jumped out of the corner, and then there was a hateful outburst, "Stay were you are. Your wallets, quick!"

You froze, your hands getting cold as you stared at the face of a guy standing in front of you with a knife in his hands. He was clearly unstable, sick - you could see the dark circles around his eyes, the unhealthy color of his skin, and his greasy hair sticking to his forehead. You didn't know what was wrong with him, but he was twice bigger than Peter. The guy would probably have no problem with slicing both him and you into pieces if you didn't comply.

"I said g-"

"You gotta be fucking kidding me." Peter let out a frustrated sigh before you heard the loud sound of the gun firing.

There was a little black hole in the guy's chest, blood seeping through his dirty white t-shirt and coloring it in a beautiful deep ruby color. You could see the confusion in the eyes of the stranger, his mouth half-open. Slowly, he went down before his legs gave out and he landed at the ground with a loud thud. He didn't move after that.

"Come on, attacking a couple of high shoolers? You're such a psycho, man. Who were you gonna go after us? Kids?" Peter rolled his eyes and hid the gun under his bomber, turning away from the man he murdered and shouting to someone behind him. "It's ok, people! It's just me, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Calm down, go home, it's late!"

You were still staring at the large pool of blood spreading beneath the body of a stranger - lack of light made it look like it was an odd black liquid. Before you could take your eyes elsewhere, you felt bile quickly going up your throat and vomitted, moving to lean your hand on the wall of a building. He killed him. Peter killed him. You didn't even see him pulling out the gun.

"Oh Baby, I'm so sorry." The boy gently held back your hair when you threw up again, feeling scared, disgusted, feverish and cold at the same time. "That's why I don't like drugs and what they do to people. That shithead lost his mind, you see? No sane guy would ever jump on me or my girl like that."

Despite him being so tender, you couldn't even turn your head to look at him as you started shaking from his touch.

You kept emptying your stomach a few more minutes before Peter softly wiped your mouth with his handkerchief and took your arm, walking you back to the Tower and saying all those unnecessary things about how terrible some people are and how everyone has to take care in the dangerous world they're living in. You didn't hear half of that, but you cared little for his chattering.

Peter had shot the man without showing even the slightest regret. He'd shoot you the same way if you ever turned against him - he was Stark's favourite, after all.

__________

Tags: @finleyjayne @alexakeyloveloki  ​@helenaeisenhower @villanellevi @hurricanerin @void-hoechlin @abyssaint @msruchita @opheliadawnwalker3

[captainjanegay]

Where I’m Meant to Be | Stucky | Meet-Cute, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Kid Fic, No powers AU | Chapters 7/? | total 29k words | Ao3

Summary: Bucky is a single dad coming back from a work trip with a very bored, very whiney 7-year-old girl. A mysterious stranger with a kind heart and a notebook full of doodles comes to the rescue.

A/N: It's been... so long since I've updated this fic. I'm sorry but life got in the way and I couldn't bring myself to write anything. Here I come with apologies and hopes that you haven't forgotten about the adventures of Bucky, Alex and Steve. I'm gonna treat you with the longest chapter I've ever written (it's like 5.3k). I hope you'll like it, I got a bit carried away and my space-nerdiness is showing every now and then.

The chapters will probably come very irregularly from now on but I'll try my best not to have too long gaps between each update. I love you all and — as always — thank you so, so much for your continuous support. I cherish every single reader, every single like and every single comment you leave here :')

Chapter 7

(5.2k)

When Monday rolls around, Bucky faces New York’s chilly morning as he makes his way to work. It’s been only a few days since he got sick, but he feels significantly better now. His nose might still be stuffed and his throat might feel a bit scratchy, but he is mostly fine. No more coughing fits, no more fever. And it’s not like he could say no when his boss called him to check how he was doing and ask if he’d be able to come by before Christmas to do some required maintenance work.

But it’s fine, since the work at the Institute has slowed down, many people have already taken their days off for the Christmas break. It’s calmer than usual and Bucky can do whatever he’s supposed to do in peace.

It's a bit past noon and Bucky's mindlessly staring at the progress bar on his screen and enjoys his coffee. The peace and quiet — excluding his Christmas playlist playing in the background — is disturbed by the ringing of his phone. Slightly startled, Bucky looks around, searching for the device. After a quick glance at the screen, he answers the call.

"Hi, Buck!" Steve says, his voice soft and warm. "I hope I didn't wake you up or anything. Just wanted to check up on you, see how you're feeling."

"That's very sweet of you," Bucky says, his lips spreading in a smile. "And I'm fine, thank you. Currently waiting for the data backup to finish so you've disrupted my staring contest with the progress bar."

Steve doesn't appreciate the joke. Instead, he asks, "You're at work?" After receiving an affirmative hum, he lets out a slightly annoyed huff. "Why? You should still be in bed! Three days ago you've been barely able to get up for longer than 10 minutes. You should still rest, Buck."

"It's been six days ago, thank you very much," Bucky answers. "And I'm fine, Steve. I promise. I wouldn't come if I was still feeling sick, but the fever's been gone for a few days," two but Steve doesn't have to know that, "and I'm not coughing anymore. I'm as fit as a fiddle."

"I can hear you sniffle."

"It's the allergies," Bucky lies and that makes Steve laugh, although a bit exasperated.

"You're horrible," he says. "Bet you haven't even eaten breakfast or drink enough water or like... didn’t even wear a hat even though you’re sick."

"I did have a toast while I ran to catch the train. And now I'm having coffee for lunch. And it’s not even that cold."

An honest-to-God gasp escapes Steve's mouth after he hears that. Of course he's a Mr. Healthy Lifestyle, Bucky shouldn't even be surprised.

"How are you even functioning? You gotta take care of yourself, Buck."

Bucky's heart skips a bit. It's nice to have someone worry about him. Even if he's being dragged in the meantime. And it was nice when Steve took care of him and Alex back when Bucky was too sick to do this. Of course, he has people who do that. Clint, Tasha, Scott -- he can always count on them. But somehow it feels different with Steve. Steve hasn't been around for years like the others, he's known Bucky for just a few months and he still decided to offer his kindness and care. This thought made Bucky's heart do somersaults in his chest.

So did the fact that Steve had a nickname to Bucky's nickname. And he's been using it a lot. Bucky really likes it.

"I'm functioning very well, thank you. And so is Alex, because I'm not as hopeless in taking care of her, luckily," Bucky chuckles. Before Steve can't say anything, Bucky adds, "Besides, I've been able to survive 28 years like this so don't be overdramatic. No need to go all mother hen on me."

"Oh, you think this is overdramatic?" Steve asks, amused. "You clearly don't know what me being overdramatic is, pal. This is just some simple, friendly check-in."

"Okay, now I'm kinda curious," Bucky says. His cheeks hurt from smiling so much. "Hypothetically, what would one have to do to see what is Steve Rogers's definition of overdramatic?"

It makes Steve let out another laugh. "Careful what you wish for, Buck." It sounds like Steve wants to say something else but there's some noise in the background and his voice becomes distant and inaudible for a moment. When he comes back, he says with a sigh, "Sorry 'bout that. I need to go back to work. I'm glad you're feeling better but eat a proper meal or I'll hunt you down."

"Oh, so no mother hen anymore, were going straight to threats, okay." Bucky nods to himself and Steve huffs out a laugh. "Thanks for the call, Steve. It's very sweet of you. Have a nice day."

"You, too. Say hi to Alex from me."

"I will. Bye, Steve."

.

A small smile is still present on Bucky's face when a few hours later he's picking Alex up from school. It grows bigger when she runs towards him down the stairs, her haphazardly wrapped scarf fluttering behind her. He takes a moment to tuck it properly and then takes Alex's backpack from her.

“How was school today?” Bucky asks as they head home.

“Fine. We played soccer and I scored once!” Alex answers proudly. “Even Adrian didn’t and he’s very good. Maya didn’t want to play ‘cause she says girls shouldn’t play soccer.”

“Jokes on her, because we have a women’s national soccer team and they’re the best. They’re the world champions.”

A gasps escapes Alex’s mouth. “Really? That’s so cool! I want to be a soccer player when I grow up!”

“Not a ballerina, anymore?” Bucky asks, with a small smile.

“No, I’m gonna be a ballerina but I’m gonna play soccer sometimes, too. But that’s after I’ll fly to the moon!”

Bucky only nods and grins at her. He wouldn’t be surprised in the least if she actually pulled that off in the future. There weren’t many things that could stop her since she decided upon something.

“How’s space?” Alex asks, swinging their hands back and forth.

Bucky chuckles. It’s a bit of a tradition at this point. He doesn’t really remember how it started but now she never asks him “how’s work” but it’s always “how’s space?”. Personally, Bucky loves it. It makes him feel like he’s doing much cooler things that he really does.

“Pretty boring, sadly,” he admits. “Didn’t have much to do today and many people are on their breaks so no fun space facts to share today. I chatted on the phone with Steve and he wanted me to say hi to you.”

“Oh, is he coming over today?”

Slightly confused with the question, Bucky shakes his head. “No, he’s not. We just talked on the phone. Why?”

“I don’t know, I thought you liked Steve.”

“Well, I do. I like uncle Scott too but we don’t hang out with him every day, either. Steve has his own life and stuff to do, so we shouldn’t bother him all the time.”

Alex makes a small hum and Bucky’s not sure if it’s a dismissive or an agreeing one. After a moment, she adds, “I bet he wouldn’t mind though. He told me he really likes you.”

“What? When?” The revelation almost makes Bucky stop in the middle of the pavement. The biggest surprise is not that Steve likes him, Bucky has figured out this much after all those times they’ve hung out together. What really takes him aback is that apparently his daughter and Steve are having conversations about him when he’s not there.

“When you were sick and Steve went to ballet class with me. I told him he’s cool and I’m happy you have him so you’re not so lonely. And he said he thinks we’re really cool too and that he likes us a lot.”

This time Bucky slows down and eventually stops. There’s a furrow between his brows when he looks at Alex.

“Why would you think I’m lonely, munchkin? I’m not, I have you and mama, uncle Clint and Scott. And now Steve. I’m more than fine.”

“Well… Okay, maybe I didn’t mean lonely. But sometimes when you have a lot to do and you worry and mama or uncle Clint are busy you do this—” Alex furrows her brows and pouts, apparently imitating a worried Bucky “and you’re quiet and worried. And now you smile even more than you did. You smile all the time when you text Steve.”

For a moment, Bucky only gapes at her, not sure how to react. That’s a lot of information coming at once from his 7-year-old daughter.

“I’m— Well, I’m okay, even if I worry sometimes. And I couldn’t be lonely, having such a sweet little munchkin by my side,” he smiles, bopping her on the nose and getting a smile in return. “But thank you for caring about me, sweetheart. I love you to the moon and back.”

“And I love you to Jupiter!” she answers.

“But not back?” Bucky raises an eyebrow.

“Nah, it’s already so far away, it’s enough.”

The conversation with Alex stays in Bucky’s head for the rest of the day. It’s gnawing at him enough that before he goes to bed, he takes out his phone and calls Natasha.

“How’s my favourite co-parent doing?” she greets.

“Do you have any more co-parents?” Bucky asks instead of answering.

“Nope. That’s what makes you my favourite.” Bucky only sighs so she continues. “Did something happen? You’re usually in the mood for late night conversation when something’s on your mind.”

There’s no point in denying it since Natasha would see right through him. “It’s nothing bad. Apparently Alex thinks I’m lonely.”

“Well, she’s not wrong.”

“What? Tasha, no. I’m not lonely, where did you two get that idea?”

“James, it’s not my fault that you’re an idiot. I know that you have people who love you around. You know that, too. But I know and you also should know — but here’s the ‘idiot’ part — that it might not be enough sometimes. And I’m pretty sure we’ve had a similar conversation like a month ago, so I don’t know why you act all surprised now.”

“Remind me, why did I even call you?”

“Because I am incredible and you value my opinion like no one else’s and also you love me deeply,” Natasha explains dutifully. 

Bucky huffs out a laugh as he sits heavily on the side of his bed. His eyes land on the comic from Steve, still laying on Bucky’s bedside table, propped against the lamp. “Sounds fake, but okay.”

“Did our daughter have any more revelations for you?” Natasha asks.

“Well…,” Bucky hesitates for a moment. “She and Steve gossip about me when I’m not around. And apparently I’ve been smiling more lately. But that’s about it.” 

Natasha hums but even through the phone Bucky can hear that she’s rather amused. 

"What?" Bucky asks.

"I didn't say anything!"

"I can hear you laughing, just say whatever mean thing you're going to say and let's get this over with."

"I'm not gonna say anything mean! I was just wondering when we'd mention Steve in this conversation," she chuckles. "But really. Even your daughter can see that a relationship would be good for you. And that you like Steve a lot. Why not kill two birds with one Steve?"

Bucky sighs. "Because one Steve is also enough to kill this friendship we have."

"Why do you always just automatically assume that things will get fucked? It doesn't have to be the case. I'm serious, you'd better take a grip on yourself and ask him out or I'm back in three days and I'll do this for you. And I'll be as obnoxious and embarrassing for you as I can."

That's actually a pretty horrible threat. She would do that. And it would be both mortifying and horrible to experience for all the involved parties — maybe except Natasha. Bucky laughs, trying to imagine it, but the laugh is short-lived.

"Come on, Nat," Bucky starts after a moment, getting serious. "Steve is great and it's great having him around. But what if I make a move and he's not interested? I don't want to freak him out. Or remember that message I accidentally saw on his computer? He might be seeing someone already or be interested in someone else," Bucky pinches the bridge of his nose. "Plus, I know from experience that no matter how much he might seem to like me, a guy with a kid can turn out to be a bit much for people. I don't want to get hurt. I don't want Alex to get hurt. She adores Steve and I don't know if I can risk it."

"But I'm telling you, nobody's getting hurt anytime soon," Natasha chimes in. "You're overthinking, Yasha. Those are all valid concerns but you know what the counterargument is?" She takes a small break but she's not expecting Bucky to respond. "Steve's a good guy. He likes you. He likes Alex. He came to a primary school dance recital after knowing you for like a week just because you and Alex asked him to. Even if he doesn't want a relationship, it doesn’t mean that your friendship has to end. From all you've told me, he doesn't seem like the kind to trample on your hearts like this. Give yourself some time, but promise me you're gonna think about it, okay? And call me if you work yourself up into an anxious mess again, okay?”

“I will try not to be an anxious mess, but I’ll let you know. And I’ll think about it. Thanks, Tasha.” Bucky says.

“I love you no matter what, you dumbfuck. Bye.”

Bucky barely manages to say it back before she hangs up. He shakes his head with a small smile and retrieves his charger cable from behind the bedside table. As he plugs his phone, he accidentally knocks down the drawing from Steve. He picks it up, staring at the soft lines for who-knows-which time. His thumb gently traces the “Get well soon, Buck! x” scribbled at the bottom.

Looking at it, Bucky imagines the moment when Steve was writing it down. In his mind, he sees both Steve and Alexandra at the kitchen table, both leaning over their respective pieces of paper, focused on whatever they’re drawing. They are smiling, chatting about whatever common interest they’ve currently discovered. It’s a very nice picture. Enough to make Bucky’s heart ache.

Because Natasha is right. This is exactly what Bucky craves and what he’s been ignoring for years. That domesticity, that warm feeling one gets when looking at someone they care about. That happiness. He can almost imagine himself joining the picture he’s created in his head, walking over to that table and dropping a kiss first on Alex’s head and then on Steve’s, before he starts preparing the dinner. It feels right. 

Maybe it’s not usual to imagine this calm, family life with someone he’s not even in a relationship with. Most people probably think of tons of other things, things that are not so… settled. Not as serious. Sometimes they never reach this part. But Bucky has figured a while ago that it doesn’t really work for him. He already has a family. And this family means everything and more to him. If he ever was to date, he has to make sure that the person would fit into his and Alexandra’s life. He has to skip ahead to make sure it’s worth going through the dates and the passion and all the work a relationship requires, without it all ending in a heartbreak. But Steve… 

Steve fits so well into this picture, it scares Bucky a bit. Because this would be even harder to let go, if things didn't work out.

It's pretty clear, now that he allows himself to think about it, that he has some feelings for Steve. Besides the friendliness and sympathy, that is. They're the romantic kind and they're still fresh and shy but they're here. And Bucky has absolutely no clue how to deal with them. It's not even that surprising, he realises. Because how could he not catch feelings for Steve? For the kindest, most thoughtful and most selfless person in the world? For someone with his heart made of gold, who always knows how to make Bucky laugh? Someone who gets so passionate about the things he loves and just as much about the ones he despises? Who cares deeply, laughs with his whole body and who next to all this softness and kindness, is also a stubborn little asshole? Who — and this is the most important of all — adores Alex and whom she adores just as much?

Bucky's heart was a lost cause from the start.

Steve has a lot of qualities that Bucky would fall for if he looked for a partner. And that he accidentally might have fallen for anyway. And that's all without even mentioning that Steve is so ridiculously attractive that it might've skewed Bucky's view on beauty forever. 

The point is — Natasha is right. That this could be a good thing. They could be a good thing. But what they have now is already good and Bucky really values this friendship. He isn't sure if pursuing a hypothetical picture in his head is worth putting it at risk. Because he still can't be sure if Steve's interested. For what Bucky knows, he's kind and caring towards all of his friends. It doesn't mean that Bucky and Alex are special. 

He can almost hear Natasha's voice in his head, calling him an idiot and yelling that he won't know until he tries. Which is right, since Natasha always is. It doesn't help him stop the — partially excited but mostly terrified — somersaults his insides make. With a small sigh, he puts the drawing on its place by the lamp, flicks off the lights and burrows himself under the covers. He doesn't have to have everything figured out straight away. Letting himself even consider it is a big enough step for now, he decides as he drifts off to sleep.

.

The next day is Bucky's last day at work before the Christmas break. He doesn't really have much to do, just finishing some last updates and dealing with whatever paperwork he was putting off earlier. Most of the time, he chats with Scott, who has been wandering aimlessly around the institute for the lack of work and eventually landed in Bucky's tiny office. They've been chatting about their Christmas plans — nothing too elaborate for both of them, just simple time at home with their families — and now they started discussing where they should go to grab some lunch. Just as Bucky almost convinced Scott that they should go to this sushi place down the block instead of the Italian place, there's a knock on the door.

Bucky sends his friend a confused look.

"It wasn't me," Scott raises his hands in defence.

"Come in," Bucky calls after another second passes. It's probably someone having a last-minute computer problem or one of his co-workers wanting to drop by with Christmas wishes.

Except, when the door cracks open, Steve's head pokes in. Its hair is messy, its cheeks reddened from the cold and its lips spread in a smile.

"Hi, Buck. And hi Scott, it's nice to see you again," he says. "I'm not interrupting?"

And because Bucky's brain is still processing the fact that for some reason Steve's come to visit him at work, Scott's the one who says, "Not at all, come in."

Steve hesitates for another second. Bucky's brain finally kicks in and he smiles which is apparently the invitation Steve needed, because he finally fully walks into the office.

"Hi, Steve. I didn't expect you here," Bucky says, his smile growing bigger.

"Well, you should. Because after our talk yesterday, I decided to bring you lunch," Steve says, proudly showing a big paper bag in his hand. "I told you you haven't seen shit, and especially not overdramatic me."

This makes Bucky laugh out loud as he shakes his head in disbelief. How is Steve even real?

Scott is watching them with a slightly confused but endeared smile on his face. Before anyone can say anything, he gets up from the chair, slapping his thighs as he does.

"Okay then, I'll leave you to it," he says, walking towards the door.

"There's plenty to share, if you want to join us," Steve offers, because of course he does. His gold-heartedness wouldn't have it any other way.

But Scott only shakes his head at that. "Nah, I'm in the mood for some sushi today. Thanks, though."

"Asshole," Bucky narrows his eyes at Scott. "I hope you'd choke on it."

His friend only laughs at that, "Enjoy your lunch date! It's been great to see you, Steve. Merry Christmas."

"You too, Scott. Say hi to Hope and Cassie from me."

With one last grin aimed at Bucky — and a very pointed look behind Steve's back — Scott leaves them alone. Bucky tries not to dwell on the fact that Steve didn't even bat an eye when Scott called it a lunch date.

"Why should he choke?" Steve asks with a chuckle.

"I've been trying to talk him into going to that sushi place for almost twenty minutes before you came," Bucky sighs and then notices that Steve is still hovering by the door. "Come on, take your coat off and sit down. I can't believe you've brought me lunch."

Steve shrugs off his coat and leaves it on the hanger by the door, next to Bucky's. Today he's wearing a maroon sweater that really suits him and a pair of dark jeans. He pushes his sleeves up before he digs into the bag and Bucky tries not to stare too obviously.

"Someone's got to make sure you eat, since after yesterday I've gotten an idea you're not good at it yourself," Steve says. "Guess it wasn't necessary. Sadly, I don't have sushi but maybe you're in the mood for Thai?"

"Depends on whether you've brought me the dumplings or not," Bucky answers.

Steve laughs in response and takes out one of the boxes and hands it to Bucky. "I did. I also have green curry for you? I hope I remembered correctly that you like it? If not, I'm sorry, we can switch—"

"Steve." Bucky says solemnly, placing his hand on Steve's forearm, to stop him from fumbling with the food. "You not only brought me food but you remembered my favourite after I mentioned it one time. You are an angel. You should hide it better, because you make us mortals look bad."

He's only half joking. Steve does seem like a higher being of some sorts and it's unfair that Bucky's poor heart is supposed to handle it. It doesn't do a great job. Especially not when Steve laughs, his eyes crinkle so much they turn into thin slits.

"And I am the overdramatic one?" Steve asks, unpacking the last things and finally sitting on the chair across from Bucky. He's still smiling but there's a blush colouring his cheeks and creeping down his neck.

Bucky bites the inside of his cheek to contain a grin but the truth is, he's immensely proud of himself for pulling this reaction out of Steve. To stop himself from saying something stupid, he digs into his food.

"By the way, how did you find me here?" Bucky asks, his tongue sticking out a bit in concentration as he fishes for a dumpling with his chopsticks. 

"Clara let me know where your office is, she was very helpful."

Bucky furrows his brows. The surprise makes him drop his dumpling back into the container. "Clara, as in Clara Oswald, our receptionist? How do you know her?"

"I don't. We've chatted for a few minutes and I explained why I'm here and she told me how to get to you."

"Ah, of course it took you about five minutes to charm her and get into a government building just like that," Bucky chuckles.

"I didn't charm anyone! I just politely asked and she helped!"

If it wasn't Steve, Bucky would take it as fake modesty. But the truth is that Steve really seems to be completely oblivious to the effect he has on people. It’s endearing to see him do this.

"So here's when you do your cool space stuff?" Steve asks, changing the subject.

"Here's when the real scientists come searching for help when there's some IT-related issue," Bucky corrects him. "I don't do anything cool. I make sure all the data is where it's supposed to be and that whatever equipment they need is ready and working properly. Or part of it, Scott's an engineer and he takes care of the rest. I do get to read some space facts first hand, though."

"That's still cool space stuff for me," Steve shrugs with a small smile. "What kinds of things are you researching here? Like some particular aspects of outer space, or—?"

Normally Bucky would just give the shortest answer possible. People usually get bored quickly when he starts talking about it. But something in the genuine interest on Steve's face, the way he is looking around the office — which is nothing special, the only nice things are the sky maps and some spaced themed art  — makes Bucky think that maybe Steve wouldn't mind getting the longer answer.

"Well, we mostly study the weather. Both the Earth's and the one in the solar system, like the solar winds and magnetic storms, stuff like that. We study exoplanets and try to discover or guess as much as we can about them," Bucky says. "I helped to create simulations that predicted how they could look like and develop, to see if there's a possibility to inhabit them. We did it by basically dumping all the data we have into an elaborate computer programme and waiting to see what comes out." Bucky laughs and Steve does too, but he has the look of utter fascination on his face as he listens. "And all this helps with some more down-to-earth stuff — pun not intended. Like, we've done tons of studies in climate change."

"That's—," Steve starts when he makes sure that Bucky's done. "All of this sounds incredible. And you're a part of all those amazing things, how great is that?"

Bucky feels that his cheeks start to burn. There's another reason he usually sticks with the short answer. As much as he's proud to be working here and as much as he loves it, the impostor in him always makes sure that he understands the difference between his work and the actual research, analysis and all the heavy lifting that the astronomers do. He helps, of course he does. He does a great job at it, but there's still a difference. And such praise usually makes him squirm uncomfortably.

"And don't even try to get all modest with me again," Steve warns as if he's been reading Bucky's mind. "You've said that you don't do cool space stuff and then admitted that you've helped to create a program to imagine how exoplanets can look and change. So I know you're full of bullshit."

Steve raises an eyebrow in what's supposed to be an unimpressed look but it's not even close. The smile and the curious, bright eyes that are stating right at Bucky are destroying the effect. The blush on Bucky's cheeks only deepens, especially as Steve adds. "I've been impressed before but— Wow. Really, you guys are doing such incredible things here, I can’t wrap my head around it."

"We really do," Bucky agrees, eventually.

The beaming smile Steve sends him feels like a reward Bucky didn't know he deserves.

"So you've always liked space? Or was it an accident that brought you here?" Steve asks.

"No, I've always loved it. It's just so fascinating and there's always so much more to learn about it," Bucky doesn't even try to hide his excitement. "I've never fully understood all the science behind it but I loved staring at the sky, trying to find all those constellations and planets and galaxies. I've figured a way to somehow connect it to what I was good at and make it my job. Which is amazing. But now I mostly stare at the computer screen instead of the stars. "

He doesn't want to sound ungrateful but he must admit that it does kill some of the fun. But not even the astronomers simply state up at the sky to admire the view.

Steve only nods in response. "Alex mentioned that you guys went on a trip out of town to watch the stars. It must've been great."

"We did! It was like… almost 2 years ago, I think? I borrowed one of those fancy telescopes they have here. I needed to pick Alex up every time, cause she was too small to reach it," Bucky laughs as he brings out the memories. "It was fun, we should do that again, sometime. But I don't have much time now, so it’ll have to wait."

"It does sound great," Steve smiles that soft smile again. "I hope you'd find some time as it gets warm enough for such trips. I bet Alex would be delighted."

"Yeah. I'll let you know if that happens, in case you'd like to join," Bucky says before he can think better of it.

There's more of the childlike excitement on Steve's face as Bucky mentions it so maybe it wasn't that bad of an idea.

An actual bad idea comes out of Bucky's mouth a bit later, just as Steve is getting ready to head out. Bucky's lunch break is long gone and forgotten, because it's been two hours that Steve spent here. He apologises for staying so long and the assurances that Bucky didn't have any more work to do doesn't help.

"I'm sorry for taking your mind away from your responsibilities, but it was great spending time with you," Steve says.

So of course, because Bucky's heart doesn't get any chance to regroup, he doesn't have time to think before he blurts out. "We should have dinner together."

It's certainly not something Steve was expecting to hear. He just stares at Bucky. Before he has a chance to say anything, Bucky continues, "I mean. You should come for dinner. Clint and Nat are always around for a dinner, sometime between Christmas and New Year's. If you don't have any plans, it would be great if you came. But it's okay if you can't or don't want to."

Another moment passes and Bucky tries not to squirm under Steve's gaze. Luckily, Steve finally blinks and smiles as he says, "No, Buck, of course I'd love to come! I don't have any particular plans, will probably hang out with Sam for most of the break but I'll have plenty of time."

"You could take Sam with you," Bucky adds. He desperately tries to regain the control of his own mouth. "It'd be great to finally meet him."

"I'll let him know, I bet he’d be happy to come, too. Thanks again for the invite," Steve smiles as he cracks open the door. With a little wave, he walks out of the office. "Bye, Buck. Have a nice day."

"You too, Steve," Bucky says to the already closing door.

When Steve's gone, Bucky exhales heavily through his mouth as he leans back in his chair. Both of his hands go up to thread through his hair, tugging at it lightly.

Apparently, he has a dinner to prepare.

taglist: @steverrogers​ @till-the-end-of-the-line-punk​ @buckyshappyending

[jupiterminingcorporation]

serenity-made-visible And also I do indeed care, very much. Getting the house right is important. 💙

serenity-made-visible It's a bit of a trudge in the night to the bathroom, but probably no farther than I currently go, hard to tell. I like the entry idea for pet control. You may want a bigger shower, if you're not putting a bathtub in. I hate small shower stalls. 😏 But it's an interesting plan, not just a box.

The house would only be 11 metres wide, so the trek to the loo in the night will be similar to what we have now, going from the furthest bedroom in the ~10m wide house. There will just be doors to open and not walk into. 😛

The other thing with having the entry area for pet control is that the dogs can sleep in there and have access to the outside at night (pet door or leave the sliding glass door open for them, that will be figured out once the house is a reality), which means I wouldn't have to get up between 1 and 6 times a night to let the dogs out!!!!! 😬

The shower is a standard 900mm x 900mm, which is fine for me, it's what every house with a separate shower that I've ever lived in has had, and there are some really nice, easy-on-the-hands glass shower screens for that size available. 👌 The hotel we stayed in had a wide shower with a sliding glass door and that was SO heavy, so I went and looked at glass screens on the way home to make sure there were some that we can cope with!!

And speaking of showers, I'm off to have a shower and get dressed so I can do what I need to do around here and head off for the drive back to the city to start on Dad's house tomorrow. 😔

At least after this I shouldn't need to do too much for a while, AND it should only be a week or so until the highway is open again.

I'm taking my laptop with me, so I'll be around Tumblr a bit when I have the energy.

💜

[1dfangirls35]

Voir Dire (N.H.)

A fake dating OU about contracts, soulmates and risking it all for love

Masterlist // Tell Me What You Think!

twenty-one

Niall couldn't help but feel out of place. 

As he sat in the near silent waiting room, surrounded by mother's cradling their baby bumps, holding hands with their partners beside them, and chasing after children, he began to wonder how he'd ended up in this place, sat beside Krystal as they awaited her very first OB appointment.

His palms were sweating, which probably had something to do with the fact that with every passing minute this became more and more real. He was going to be a father. In six short months he would have a child; a miniature version of him staring back at him.

It wasn't that Niall didn't want to be a father. He'd always pictured it as part of his future. Chasing a giggly toddler around the living room. Kicking a soccer ball back and forth in the green grass of his backyard. He'd even envisioned himself changing a few smelly diapers. But when he'd imagined it, it had always been with someone he loved beside him. A child created because he loved someone so much that he couldn't wait to bring another person into their life together. He'd never thought he'd become a father in this way- knocking up his fake girlfriend in a one night stand because both of them were lonely.

Niall looked over at Krystal. She was twirling a piece of her long blonde hair around her finger, over and over again, her eyes fixated on the blank beige wall in front of them. She hadn't said a word since Niall had picked her up this morning, well, except for a very soft 'Krystal Hoffman' to the lady at the front desk. Niall knew that for every ounce of fear he had in his body, the number was a thousand-fold in Krystal's. This wasn't what she'd planned either. She was supposed to be getting ready to land her first acting gig, not preparing to have her life changed forever by a child.

He reached his hand out, placing it on top of hers with a reassuring squeeze. Krystal turned her head and gave him the smallest of smiles, but Niall saw right through it. Her eyes revealed that she's just as terrified as she was when she broke the news to Niall almost four weeks ago.

******************

After their "hook-up", Niall chose to act like it never happened, and lucky for him, Krystal chose the same stance. Maybe they'd both realized it was a poor decision, made in a vulnerable, emotional moment. Things returned to normal for a few weeks, they went on their last few PR dates, they maintained their friendship, and Niall still  returned home at night feeling like his life was in shambles. The light at the end of the tunnel was that the end of the contract was in sight. The promo was done, the concerts sold-out, all that remained was one final blockbuster-worthy break-up to get Niall that last ounce of publicity.

But then something changed. One day Krystal was cracking jokes with Niall as they walked down Rodeo Drive hand in hand; three days later she was nearly mute, speaking only when absolutely necessary. She seemed unfocused- like her mind was in an entirely different place than her body. He'd tried probing her, thinking that maybe she'd talk to him about it- the boy that was on her mind or the audition she was stressed about . Instead he was answered with a sharp "It's nothing. I'm fine" and the most forced smile he'd ever seen.

Niall attributed it to the nerves of this all ending. He told himself that Krystal was simply looking into auditions, trying to find her next step after the split from Niall. Niall didn't even consider the idea that there was something bigger eating her up inside. Much bigger.

"We need to talk," Krystal said one evening on a PR sighting out to dinner, her eyes shifting to look out the window.

"Go ahead, I'm listening," Niall laughed. They were talking. That's all they'd been doing at this table where a few paparazzi had come to take some pictures. The media had died down slightly, perhaps because the newness of Niall and Krystal had faded. Perhaps they were on to the next celebrity couple- at least for the time being.

"I think this is a conversation that would be better to have in private." Krystal's voice shook every so slightly as she spoke, and Niall couldn't help but notice that she can't seem to look him in the eyes.

"Okay," he responded cheerfully. His insides, however, churned in anticipation of what Krystal could possibly have to say to him in a private conversation.

His insides continued to churn. While they exited from the restaurant with Krystal's hand intertwined with his. While they drove in near silence back to Niall's house. And now, while Niall sat impatiently on his sofa as he waited for Krystal to speak. 

She was staring at the black and white framed photo of The Eagles positioned on Niall's wall and Niall could have sworn that she hadn't blinked since they'd arrived. He watched as Krystal twirled a piece of her hair inbetween her fingers, her chest rising and falling in deep even breaths as if she's concentrating on her own respirations.

"I'm pregnant," she blurted out suddenly, her words leaving her mouth so quickly that Niall's not even sure he heard them correctly.

At first, Krystal's statement didn't even register in Niall's mind. It made sense to him- why Krystal would be acting so anxious, why she seemed like her mind was on something else. And then suddenly, his brain comprehends why she's telling him this. His stomach lurched. It couldn't be.

Niall's mind scoured for any recollection from that night. But there were hardly any pieces to be found. He remembered Krystal showing up at his door, her remembered comforting her, and he remembered laying in bed afterwards feeling like he'd been punched in the gut- but the in between? That was all a bit blurry, like his emotions had blocked it from his mind.

"But," Niall began, as if protesting what Krystal had said would somehow make it less true. "Didn't we use..."

"I don't remember," Krystal spat, as if she'd suddenly gotten her voice back. "But I'm on the pill and I mean I guess sometimes I forget or a miss the alarm but I swear I always take it when I remember and..." Krystal began to ramble.

Niall didn't hear the rest of what she said, her words sounded muffled, like Niall was underwater. He certainly felt like he could be underwater. Like he was drowning- the outside world slowly slipping from his grasp. 

"Fuck," Niall muttered under his breath. He felt his pulse quickening, his head  pounding, and his breathing becoming ragged. He couldn't be in here, in this space with this announcement. He rushed towards the back door, flinging it open with a bang and rushing out onto the green lawn.

"Where are you going?" Krystal shouted but Niall didn't even hear her.

He stood there for a moment, inhaling and exhaling deeply. He felt like he was not even in his own body. Like he's watching a movie of his life- a very bad one at that, where everything that could possibly go wrong for the protagonist does. Niall looked up at the blue Los Angeles sky. He figured that at any moment, the skies would open up in a torrential downpour, to really set the mood. They didn't. Instead, the sun shined back at him and he felt that maybe he should curse at the world for all the bad cards he'd been dealt as of late. But he couldn't do that either, because this -this was all his own doing. It's the wake-up call that Niall  had needed for so long. The shock to his system that finally made him realize that he was on a path to self-destruction. And in that moment he realized that his life was never going to get better if he didn't start taking back control. And that started with facing the consequences of his actions. 

Niall heard Krystal sniffling as he re-entered the house. He watched as she quickly tried to wipe her eyes with the back of her hand, but even that couldn't hide the puffiness that now surrounded them. He instantly felt guilty for running out on her like that. She'd probably been terrified to tell him in the first place, and here he was bolting like a total dick.

Niall didn't say anything at first, sliding onto the couch next to Krystal and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. She laid her head against him as he whispered "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left like that."

He half expected her to lash out at him. To yell at him for leaving after she just told him something so serious. To lecture him that his actions were nothing like that of a father, and that he had a long way to go if he wanted a place in this child's life. She didn't.

"It's okay," she responded in a shaky voice that proved that it was far from okay.

There were a million questions racing through Niall's mind, including the looming question of whether or not this was even his baby. He knew it was a possibility, but it was a small one right?   They'd only ever slept together once. 

"It's mine?" Niall asked, "You're sure?" Niall wasn't sure what transpired that night, but he swears he is starting to remember grabbing that foil package from his bedside drawer. He was always careful. Always.

Krystal  quickly nodded. "I've looked at the dates a million times and it... it just adds up that way." Niall could have sworn he heard some hesitation in her voice, but maybe that was his brain trying to hear things that weren't there, searching for a way out of this. Krystal wouldn't lie to him. Not about anything this important. Not about something that would change the course of  both their lives. He suddenly regretted ever asking about the paternity, thinking it likely made him look desperate for a way out. 

"I'm sorry, I debated not even telling you, and I know we have the contract meeting next week and..." Krystal's eyes began to glaze over again. "I just want you to know that I completely understand if you want nothing to do with this. I'll keep quiet about it- even to your management."

Niall looked Krystal in the eyes. He could see the fear filling her hazel irises, and he began to think about just how much strength it had taken Krystal to tell him. The turmoil that had likely been going on inside her head day in and day out . And though every ounce of him wanted to be angry, at himself, at Krystal, at his management for every putting him in this situation in the first place, all he could feel was an ache in his heart for Krystal.

"Krystal, look at me," he said, taking her hands into his.  "I will support you in whatever decision you make. You aren't going to go through this alone."

Krystal nodded, but her eyebrows were still laced with concern. "I'm going to keep it," she murmured softly, as if she was hesitating to vocalize her decision aloud. "Maybe my mom's right and I've made a terrible mistake and I'm ruining my life, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise? " Niall could tell that Krystal was still trying to convince herself of that last part. He wanted to press her about her mother, but he knows know is not the time.

Instead, he wraps his arms around Krystal, hugging her tight. "You're going to be an excellent mother, I just know it."

*****************

Niall and Krystal came to the conclusion that they had to mention their news to Niall's management, especially since their upcoming meeting was supposed to be all about how to break things off. Not to mention the fact that Niall was supposed to be on tour during the time Krystal's online due date calculator indicated the baby would be arriving. Niall found it a bit ironic, for so long he had longed for the day when he would be free to spend time with whoever he chose again, and here he was willingly giving Capitol a reason to continue to dictate his personal life.

Mr. Michaels was perched behind his desk with a sinister grin plastered on his face like always as Niall and Krystal entered his office to discuss the status of the contract. Entering the Capitol Office never got any easier, and Niall wondered what bombshell Mr. Michaels had to drop on Niall's plans this time. Niall wasn't thrilled with the idea of extending the contract, but he wasn't sure what else there was to do at this point. He was trying to do the right thing. And if the right thing meant continuing to fake a relationship with Krystal- that's exactly what he would do.

He took a seat in the chair next to Krystal, rubbing his palms against his grey trousers as Mr. Michaels began to clear his throat. "As you both know, the contract is about to expire. So we need to discuss how we will wrap this relationship up," Mr. Michaels announced.

"Before we discuss that," Niall interrupted hesitantly, noticing that his voice cracked. "We have something to tell you that may...influence how the ending of this is handled."

Mr. Michaels raised an eyebrow, clearly confused.

"I'm pregnant," Krystal blurted out before he had a chance to ask questions.

Mr. Michaels was silent for a moment, and Niall took small satisfaction in knowing that for once he had caught the man off-guard. "I see," Mr. Michaels paused, tapping his pen against the metal surface of his desk. "Well in that case we can certainly extend the contract as needed, although  it's not what we had planned for promotion I can't say that this won't generate its own set of publicity..."

"No," Krystal said suddenly, causing Mr. Michaels to look up abruptly.

"I'm sorry," he asked, giving Krystal a confused glance.

"No, I won't sign another contract," Krystal repeated, her voice firmer this time. "I'm simply notifying you so that you can alter your plans. If Niall wants to be part of this child's life, I want it to be by his choice and on his terms."

Mr. Michaels looked startled, like that was the last thing he expected to leave Krystal's mouth. Niall wondered if he looked shocked too, because he also hadn't even considered the fact that Krystal would refuse signing the contract. 

"You didn't have to do that," he said as they entered the elevator to leave the Capitol building, having come to an agreement with Mr. Michaels that their relationship in the public eye would fizzle out without any outside interference and that Niall's tour dates from mid-February to March would be rescheduled. 

"It was the only thing I could do Niall. I don't want this contract dictating your life anymore, and I certainly don't want you to resent me or this baby because of it."

"Thank you," Niall replied softly, but he knew even those words weren't big enough to express just how grateful he was to finally be out of Capitol's control- or at least partly. 

***********************************

In the time since they'd met with Capitol, there had been many rumors circulating. Rumors that Niall and Krystal had broken up when their sightings together disappeared. Rumors that they were expecting a baby triggered by the suspicious rescheduling of some of Niall's tour dates. Even rumors that the two had broken up because of the baby. 

They weren't together- not in a romantic sense- but Niall had committed himself to being there for Krystal in whatever way possible, especially after learning that her mother had effectively disowned her when she learned she was pregnant. He knew he was doing the right thing- but that didn't make the right thing easy.

He often laid awake at night wondering if this is what his life would become, a platonic co-parenting relationship with his former fake girlfriend. Fearing what this would do to his career. Imagining what this news might do to the person who still had a grasp on his heart, no matter how much time had passed. A part of Niall wondered what would have happened if all those months ago, Capitol hadn't decided he needed a girlfriend to promote his record. Would he be where he was now? Or was his life always meant to be this way?

"Krystal Hoffman," the nurse called out, entering the waiting room with a clipboard in hand and snapping Niall back into reality.  Krystal stood abruptly and Niall noticed her hand shaking as she reached to grab her purse. He reached out, setting a hand on the small of her back and leaning over to whisper in her ear. "We can do this." 

But he's not sure who needed more convincing- Krystal or himself.

Tag List: @awomanindeniall​​ , @ihearthemcallingforyou​ , @niall-is-my-dream​​ ,​  @stylishmuser​​​ , @thicksniall