#a focus or a priority or the way it will be made

[puckinghischier]

had to come to THEE nico girlie for this, dad!nico thoughts?

seeing all this content of him with kids is really plaguing my brain rn, so this is the perfect way to get them OUT.

you had always said you weren’t interested in having kids. the thought scared you. someone depending on you, and solely on you, for everything? the thought of having to send your little creations off into the world, unprotected, no matter how grown they are? what if you were a bad mom? what if you couldn’t handle the pressure? what if your kid didn’t even like you?

the thoughts always swirled around in your head when someone would ask when you and nico planned on starting a family. your response of “oh…we don’t know. whenever it happens!” flying out of your mouth like habit at this point.

until you started tagging along to all these youth events with him. seeing him interact with the kids, older or younger, how gentle he was with each one, giving each their own time with his undivided attention. he always got eye level with him, making sure he could give them his undivided attention. he’d entertain all these silly questions and answer them in stride. he’d ruffle their hair and treat them so delicately your brain started to shift a little.

maybe, just maybe, you could handle motherhood. as long as it was nico you had by your side.

so, when you decided to start trying for a baby, and you found yourself staring down at the positive pregnancy test in your hands, you didn’t feel as anxious as you once would have. seeing the excitement on nico’s face sparked your own excitement, ready to experience this with him.

you really think he was made to be a father. the way he was jumping over hurdles to try and make it to every single appointment he possibly could with you. the late night snack runs he never complained about making, even if he’d just played a rough game. the way he’d come in after hard days, flopping down wherever you sat and laid his head on your growing belly, whispering swiss-german to your belly—a result of him claiming you were eavesdropping on his very private conversations with your unborn child—warmed your heart to no end.

when he found out you were having a boy? oh, he was out buying every piece of the smallest hockey equipment he could get his hands on. tiny pads, tiny skates, the cutest little helmet you’d ever seen. he was going to be prepared. your child was going to end up knowing how to skate before he could walk, at this rate.

but nothing compares to when you actually give birth. nico was such a godsend in the delivery room. you managed to plan it perfectly, giving birth during his off season, so there was never any question as to if he’d be there with you. he never left your side. he got you as many ice chips as you desired, brushed your hair for you when your contractions were at their worst and exhausted you. he managed to place his large body into the hospital bed with you, rubbing soothing circles into your lower back before you were able to get an epidural.

he was whispering encouragements the entire time you were pushing, giving every bit of his focus to you. this was the last time you were his only priority, your son could wait until he was present in the world before he stole all of your attention from him away, he thought.

but once nico heard the sweetest little cry ring out in the room, he knew he was a goner. he stayed attached to you until they were done giving care to your son, but the second he was able to see him, all snuggled up to your chest, he never wanted to look at another sight in his life.

something you never thought about when making decisions about having kids is how much you’d love simply watching nico as a dad. you love your son with everything in you, but watching nico care for and be a dad to your son, was the best part.

nico has always been gentle, but nothing to compared to how he is with your own child. the care with which he holds him, picks him and lays him down, and transfers him to someone else makes you want to burst into tears. how proud he is not only of you, but now of your child, is dizzying. the beaming smile on his face when he sends a picture to his team groupchat is something you’ll never get tired of seeing.

you can’t wait to watch your son grow, but you’re looking forward to watching nico raise your son along side you even more.

[izumkay]

♪BONDS OF FATE♪ |CH-2|

—SUGURU GETO

☆Pairing- SuguruGeto×Fem!Reader (main), SatoruGojo×Reader.

☆Summary- You’ve entered the world of Jujutsu sorcery to protect the innocent, but you didn’t expect the emotional chaos that would follow. Caught between the cocky, irresistible Satoru Gojo and the dangerously calm Suguru Geto, your heart is pulled in two directions. Both men are powerful, both have their own allure, and neither is willing to let you go easily. In a life where curses are real and danger lurks at every corner, the last thing you need is to be tangled up in a love triangle. But here you are—fighting to protect others while your own heart is at war.

Gerne/tags- Love triangle, friends to lovers, rivals to lovers, tension and teasing, angsty, fluff.

Warnings- MDNI. Explicit sexual content, angsty, blood, mention of deaths, hurt/comfort, toxicity, obsession.

Wc- 11k

Previous chapter!

The sun dipped lower in the sky as you sat on the grass, catching your breath. The training session had left you physically drained but strangely exhilarated. Your first taste of what it meant to be a Jujutsu sorcerer was intense, to say the least.

"Well, that was fun," Gojo said, lounging on the ground with his arms behind his head, a cocky grin plastered across his face. "But I feel like I didn’t even break a sweat. You guys keeping up okay?"

You shot him a tired look, not even bothering to respond to his obvious teasing. "Not everyone has infinite cursed energy, you know," you muttered under your breath.

Suguru chuckled softly from his spot nearby. "You’ll get used to him," he said, glancing at Gojo. "Eventually."

Gojo sat up, feigning offense. "Excuse me? I’m the easiest person to get along with. Right, Shoko?"

Shoko, leaning against a tree with a cigarette between her fingers, gave a lazy shrug. "Sure, if you ignore the constant talking and the ego the size of Tokyo."

The banter made you smile despite your exhaustion. For a moment, it felt... normal. Like you weren’t a group of sorcerers training to fight deadly curses but just a bunch of teenagers hanging out.

"Anyway," Suguru said, brushing some grass off his uniform as he stood. "Yaga-sensei said there’s more training tomorrow. Better get some rest while you can."

"More training?" Gojo groaned, throwing himself back onto the grass dramatically. "Man, they really don’t want us to have lives, do they?"

"That’s kind of the point," you said, surprising yourself with the confidence in your voice. "We’re here to learn how to protect people. It’s not supposed to be easy."

Suguru looked at you then, his gaze thoughtful. "You’re serious about this, aren’t you?"

You nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "Yeah. I didn’t come here just to mess around."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, sitting up again. "Ooh, looks like someone’s got their priorities straight. Guess we’ll see if you can keep up with me, huh?"

The way he said it wasn’t mocking—well, not entirely. There was a challenge in his tone, one that made you want to prove yourself.

As the sun finally disappeared behind the horizon, the four of you headed back to the dorms. Despite the exhaustion, a spark of excitement buzzed in your chest. You didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but for the first time, you felt like you were exactly where you were meant to be.

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The walk back to the dorms was quiet, the kind of silence that settles when exhaustion finally catches up. The moon hung low in the sky, its pale glow lighting your path.

“Man, I hope the beds are decent,” Gojo said, stretching his arms above his head. “If I don’t get my beauty sleep, I can’t promise I’ll be this charming tomorrow.”

“You’re assuming you’re charming now,” Shoko deadpanned, earning a snort from Suguru.

You bit back a laugh, trying to keep your focus on the path ahead. The banter between them was oddly comforting, even if Gojo’s antics made you roll your eyes every other second.

As you reached the dormitory, Yaga-sensei was waiting at the entrance, arms crossed and his usual stern expression in place.

“Lights out in an hour,” he said simply, glancing at each of you. “Get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be harder.”

Harder? You swallowed, feeling a flicker of nervous anticipation.

“Sounds like a challenge,” Gojo said with a smirk, brushing past Yaga as he made his way inside.

“More like a warning,” Suguru muttered under his breath, earning a knowing look from Shoko.

The dorms were surprisingly spacious, each of you assigned your own room. As you stepped inside, the quiet enveloped you, a stark contrast to the lively chaos of the day. Dropping onto the bed, you let out a sigh, muscles aching from the training session.

But your mind wouldn’t rest. The image of Suguru’s calm, precise movements during the fight and Gojo’s effortless display of power replayed in your thoughts. Their strength was undeniable, and you couldn’t help but wonder if you truly measured up.

A soft knock on your door broke your train of thought.

When you opened it, Suguru stood there, his expression unreadable but his presence grounding.

“Just wanted to check in,” he said quietly. “First days can be overwhelming.”

You blinked, surprised by the gesture. “I’m fine,” you said, though your voice was softer than intended.

He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Good. Rest up. Tomorrow’s a new day.”

As he walked away, you closed the door, leaning against it for a moment. Your heart felt heavier than before, but not in a bad way—more like something was shifting, though you couldn’t quite name it.

☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ

You changed into your pajamas, the soft fabric a welcome comfort after the long day. Sinking into the bed, you stared at the ceiling, letting out a deep sigh. Maybe it wasn’t so bad, you thought.

Sure, the training had been grueling, and the group dynamic was... chaotic at best. But there was something about this place, about these people, that felt right—like you were meant to be here.

Your thoughts drifted to the others. Shoko’s laid-back humor, Gojo’s over-the-top confidence, and Suguru’s quiet strength. Each of them was so different, yet somehow, it felt like you were all pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together.

A sudden knock at your door jolted you from your thoughts.

"Yeah?" you called out, sitting up.

The door creaked open, and Gojo’s head peeked through, his trademark smirk already in place. "What’s up, newbie? Not crying yourself to sleep, are you?"

You rolled your eyes, already regretting acknowledging him. "What do you want, Gojo?"

He pushed the door open further, stepping inside uninvited. "Just checking in on my future rival. Gotta make sure you’re not giving up before the real fun starts."

"Future rival?" you repeated, raising an eyebrow. "In your dreams."

He laughed, leaning casually against the wall. "Big talk for someone who was struggling to keep up earlier."

"I wasn’t struggling," you shot back, crossing your arms. "And you’re way too full of yourself."

"Confidence, newbie," he corrected, pointing a finger at you. "You’ll learn it’s one of my best qualities."

Before you could retort, another voice interrupted.

"Gojo, leave her alone."

You both turned to see Suguru standing in the hallway, arms crossed and an exasperated look on his face.

"Come on, Suguru," Gojo said with a grin. "Just having a little fun."

"Yeah, well, maybe try doing that somewhere else," Suguru replied, his tone calm but firm.

Gojo held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I’m going. Don’t miss me too much, newbie." With a wink, he sauntered out, leaving you alone with Suguru.

"Sorry about him," Suguru said, leaning against the doorframe. "He doesn’t know when to stop."

You shook your head, a small smile tugging at your lips. "It’s fine. He’s... something, that’s for sure."

Suguru chuckled, the sound low and comforting. "Get some rest. Tomorrow’s another long day."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving you to the quiet of your room once more. As you lay back down, your thoughts were no longer on the challenges ahead but on the two very different presences that had just left your room.

Maybe things here were going to be a lot more complicated than you’d thought.

The cool night air wrapped around the two of you, a strange but comforting silence lingering. Suguru leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his hands as he tilted his head up to gaze at the stars.

“You know,” he started, his voice quiet but steady, “being here isn’t just about fighting curses. It’s about finding out what kind of person you want to be. The stronger you get, the harder those choices become.”

You glanced at him, his words catching you off guard. There was a depth to him that you hadn’t fully realized until now. “What kind of person do you want to be?” you asked softly, curious.

He smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth barely lifting. “Someone who can protect what matters to me. No matter what.”

The conviction in his tone made your chest tighten. You didn’t know his full story yet, but there was a quiet strength in him that drew you in.

“What about you?” he asked, turning the question back on you.

You hesitated, unsure how to put your feelings into words. “I... I just want to make a difference,” you said finally. “To make sure no one else has to go through what I did.”

Suguru nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That’s a good reason. Hold onto it.”

The two of you sat in companionable silence again, the stars above seeming to shine brighter as the night stretched on. For a moment, it felt like the world had paused, the weight of your responsibilities and the chaos of the day melting away.

But the moment didn’t last.

A sudden voice broke the stillness. “Aww, look at you two, having a little midnight heart-to-heart.”

You turned sharply to see Gojo leaning against a nearby post, his trademark smirk firmly in place. He looked entirely too pleased with himself, his white hair catching the moonlight like a halo—if halos belonged to devils.

“Do you ever sleep?” Suguru asked dryly, clearly unfazed by his friend’s antics.

“Sleep is for the weak,” Gojo replied dramatically, striding over with an exaggerated yawn. “Besides, I couldn’t miss out on this touching little moment. You two looked so cozy.”

Your cheeks burned, and you quickly stood up. “It’s not what it looks like,” you muttered, flustered.

“Relax, newbie,” Gojo said with a laugh, waving you off. “I’m just messing with you. Mostly.”

Suguru rolled his eyes but stood as well, brushing off his pants. “Ignore him. He lives to be annoying.”

“Hey, it’s called being entertaining,” Gojo shot back, his grin widening. “You’d miss me if I wasn’t around.”

“Doubtful,” Suguru replied smoothly, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his tone.

You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at their banter. Despite Gojo’s arrogance, there was something endearing about the way the two of them interacted.

“Well, since we’re all here,” Gojo said, clapping his hands together, “how about a late-night snack? I saw a vending machine near the training grounds.”

Suguru sighed, clearly unimpressed. “It’s past midnight, Satoru.”

“Exactly! The perfect time for snacks,” Gojo insisted, already heading off in the direction of the vending machines.

Suguru glanced at you, his expression torn between exasperation and amusement. “You coming?”

You hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Why not? It’s not like I was sleeping anyway.”

And just like that, the three of you wandered off into the night, the weight of the day replaced by a strange but comforting sense of camaraderie. For the first time, you felt like you were exactly where you were meant to be.

You felt like you were walking between two tall pillars—Suguru with his calm, steady presence on one side, and Gojo with his overwhelming, almost blinding energy on the other. The contrast between them was striking, yet somehow, they balanced each other out.

But anyways, you kept your head down, letting their banter wash over you as you all made your way to the vending machines.

“Bet you can’t eat more snacks than me,” Gojo teased, nudging Suguru with his elbow.

“Why would I even want to?” Suguru replied, his tone flat.

“Because losing to me would crush your pride,” Gojo said, his grin mischievous. “And I can’t let you think you’re cooler than me.”

Suguru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Satoru, you’ve already made it clear no one can compete with your ego.”

You bit back a laugh, the corners of your mouth twitching. “I think I’ll just watch this one from the sidelines.”

“Smart move,” Suguru said, giving you a small smile.

Gojo, however, wasn’t about to let you off the hook. “Oh, come on, newbie. You’re part of the team now! You’ve got to back me up.”

“Back you up on what, exactly?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That I’m clearly the most talented and charming person here,” he said, flashing a grin that could rival the sun.

“Charming isn’t the word I’d use,” you muttered under your breath, earning a soft chuckle from Suguru.

“Hey, I heard that!” Gojo pouted dramatically, clutching his chest like you’d wounded him. “You wound me, truly.”

Finally reaching the vending machines, Gojo immediately began pressing buttons like a child in a candy store, while Suguru stood back, arms crossed, watching the spectacle unfold.

“You’re really not going to stop him, are you?” you asked Suguru, glancing at him.

“No point,” he said with a shrug. “He’ll do what he wants, regardless.”

Gojo turned around, his arms full of snacks, and gave you both a triumphant look. “Midnight feast, courtesy of yours truly!”

You shook your head but couldn’t suppress the smile that crept onto your face. As chaotic as this moment was, it felt oddly... right.

Maybe walking between two tall pillars wasn’t so bad after all.

Suddenly, Gojo pulled you closer, his arm wrapping around your shoulder in a casual, almost too familiar way. "Ugh, what are you doing?" you snapped, irritation creeping into your voice as you tried to push him away.

He only grinned wider, the signature smirk never leaving his face. "It’s kinda cold here," he said nonchalantly, his tone teasing. "Just taking some warmth by being closer to you."

You rolled your eyes, trying to keep your distance despite the fact that his arm around you was surprisingly... warm. "That’s not how this works, Gojo," you muttered, your annoyance mixing with a strange fluttering feeling you couldn’t quite place.

“Oh, I think it’s exactly how it works,” he said with a wink, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on you.

Suguru, who had been silently observing the entire interaction, finally spoke up. "You’re unbelievable," he said, his voice dry. "Do you ever stop?"

Gojo laughed, unfazed. "Why would I? Life’s more fun when you keep people on their toes." He glanced down at you, his eyes gleaming with that ever-present mischievous spark. "Isn’t that right, newbie?"

You let out an exasperated sigh, your face heating up despite your best efforts to stay unaffected. "You’re ridiculous."

Suguru’s eyes flickered between the two of you, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I think Gojo’s found his new favorite target."

You shot him a look, not sure if you were relieved or frustrated that Suguru wasn’t entirely siding with you. "I’m not his target," you muttered, though you weren’t sure if you were trying to convince him—or yourself.

Gojo only chuckled, tightening his hold on your shoulder in a way that made your heart skip. "I’m just warming you up for the next round of training," he said innocently, though his eyes were anything but.

You could already feel your patience wearing thin. This was going to be an interesting year.

You tried to step out of Gojo’s grasp, but his arm stayed firmly around your shoulder. "Gojo, seriously, let go," you said, your voice laced with irritation. "This isn’t funny anymore."

“Oh, I’m not letting go,” he said with a playful glint in his eyes, leaning in closer. “You’re just too cute when you’re all annoyed. Plus, I’m not getting any warmth from Suguru here.” He threw a glance over at Suguru, who was now watching the exchange with an eyebrow raised.

Suguru let out a low chuckle, clearly entertained by the situation. "Well, sorry to disappoint, but I’m not the cuddling type, Gojo," he said, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed.

Gojo feigned disappointment, a hand to his chest. "Oh, the betrayal," he said dramatically. "Here I thought we were best buds, Suguru. But fine, I’ll get my warmth elsewhere." His smirk grew wider as he looked down at you. "And you’re not getting away that easily."

You glared at him, though you couldn't help the slight tug of a smile on your lips. "You’re really something, aren’t you?"

"Flattery will get you nowhere, but keep it coming," Gojo teased, tightening his grip slightly, not letting you escape.

Suguru shook his head in disbelief. "You two are ridiculous," he muttered under his breath, but the amusement was clear in his voice. "I’m surrounded by chaos."

"You love it," Gojo shot back, clearly pleased with himself. "Come on, admit it. You love being around my energy."

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t help but be drawn into the back-and-forth banter. “Sure, Gojo. If by ‘love’ you mean I’m counting down the minutes until I can escape your ‘energy,’ then yeah, absolutely.”

Suguru’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "I think she’s onto something, Satoru."

"Hey, you’re just jealous because I’m making her laugh,” Gojo said, his voice dripping with playful arrogance.

“Laugh? I’m just trying to keep my sanity,” you shot back, though your lips betrayed you with a small grin.

Suguru gave you a knowing look. “Keep telling yourself that. You’re practically glowing from all the attention.”

Gojo snickered, clearly enjoying the dynamic between the three of you. "She’s not wrong," he said, turning his attention back to you. "Admit it, you secretly enjoy the chaos I bring."

You sighed dramatically, trying to suppress the amusement bubbling up inside you. "Sure, Gojo. Whatever you say. Just don’t expect me to cuddle with you next time, okay?"

“Ah, a shame,” Gojo replied, feigning a hurt expression. “I’ll have to work harder to win you over, huh?”

Suguru’s chuckle broke through your attempts at feigning annoyance. "I’m gonna need a drink after this," he muttered, clearly entertained by the spectacle unfolding.

You couldn’t help but laugh along, the tension between you and Gojo oddly familiar, and maybe, just maybe, a little more than you expected.

"Let’s just get those snacks already," you said, finally pulling away from Gojo’s grasp with a smirk. "I think we’ve all earned it after this."

Gojo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But don’t think this is over." He winked, walking ahead toward the vending machines.

Suguru smirked at you as he followed. "I’m sure it’s only just begun."

And with that, the night continued with a strange mix of teasing, sarcasm, and unexpected camaraderie. For all the chaos that came with it, you couldn’t help but feel that, maybe, this wasn’t such a bad way to spend your first night at Jujutsu High.

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The morning light filtered softly through the window as you stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of your uniform. The cold bath had done wonders, leaving you feeling refreshed and alert, a stark contrast to the restless energy that had kept you up the night before. The lingering thoughts of your conversation with Gojo and Suguru were still fresh in your mind, but you pushed them aside. Today was a new day, and you had to focus.

You gave yourself one last look in the mirror, a deep breath to steady your nerves. Jujutsu High was a place of endless challenges, but you were ready. You’d made it this far, after all. You were a semi-grade 1 sorcerer for a reason.

As you grabbed your bag and made your way to the door, you could hear the faint sounds of students in the hallway, preparing for the day ahead. The air felt charged, like the calm before the storm, and you couldn’t shake the feeling that today would be another unpredictable day.

When you stepped out into the hall, you spotted Suguru, already dressed and looking as calm and composed as ever. He glanced up at you as you approached, giving you a small nod.

“Morning,” you greeted him, your voice steady.

“Morning,” he replied, his voice warm but quiet. There was something comforting about his calm demeanor, especially compared to Gojo’s usual energy.

You couldn’t help but glance around, expecting to see Gojo’s chaotic presence nearby, but he was nowhere in sight.

“He’s probably still asleep, knowing him,” Suguru said, reading your expression. “Don’t worry, he’ll show up, probably late as usual.”

You smirked, unable to suppress a small laugh. “Sounds about right.”

Suguru gave you a rare, amused smile before turning to walk down the hallway. “Let’s go. We’ll see what today has in store for us.”

You followed him, the quiet camaraderie between you two making the journey to the classroom feel a little less daunting. It was clear that Suguru wasn’t just a talented sorcerer—there was something about his presence that made you feel like, maybe, you weren’t alone in this after all.

You loved being around Suguru— shut up.

You tried to push the thought away, focusing instead on his calm, composed presence. It was hard not to feel at ease when he was around. His steady energy seemed to pull you in without even trying, but you quickly reminded yourself that you were here to train, to focus on your path as a sorcerer.

Suguru glanced at you, his voice cutting through your thoughts. “Were you able to sleep last night?”

You blinked, surprised by the question. You hadn’t really talked about your restless night, but there was something in his tone that made you feel like he already knew.

“Not really,” you admitted, a bit of a sigh escaping your lips. “Kept thinking about… everything. Training, meeting everyone here… It’s a lot to take in, you know?”

Suguru nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I get that. Jujutsu High is… intense, especially for first years. But you’ll adjust. You’ve got the skills to make it through. You just need to find your rhythm.”

You couldn’t help but appreciate how genuine he sounded, how calm he was about it all. It made you feel like you weren’t just another student, but someone who belonged here, even if the path ahead seemed uncertain.

“Thanks,” you said quietly, feeling a bit more grounded. “I guess I’m just trying to keep up with all the crazy stuff that happens here.”

Suguru chuckled softly. “Yeah, it can be a lot. But you’re not alone in it. You’ve got us.”

Before you could respond, a loud voice interrupted, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoing down the hall.

“Hey, hey, wait up!”

Gojo.

You rolled your eyes, not even surprised by his timing. Suguru, however, just smirked and slowed his pace, clearly not bothered by the disruption.

“Guess I spoke too soon,” you muttered, earning a soft chuckle from Suguru.

Gojo appeared around the corner, grinning widely, his signature carefree attitude in full force. “Did you guys miss me? I know, I know, I’m amazing, but come on, you can’t keep me away forever!”

Suguru shook his head, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement. “We weren’t exactly waiting for you, Gojo.”

Gojo waved him off dramatically. “Sure, sure, but I know deep down you were hoping I’d show up to save the day. You’re welcome.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, but deep down, you couldn’t deny that there was something about the dynamic between the three of you that felt… right. Even if it was a little chaotic.

“Let’s just get to class,” you said, trying to steer the group back on track.

Suguru gave you a knowing look, and Gojo, after a few exaggerated stretches, finally agreed. “Fine, fine. But only because you’re so cute when you try to keep us all together.”

You rolled your eyes again, but this time, it wasn’t with irritation. It was with a strange mix of amusement and something else you couldn’t quite place.

As the three of you walked toward the classroom, you couldn’t help but wonder how much more chaotic—yet strangely fulfilling—this year at Jujutsu High would be.

Shoko wasn’t there. You frowned, your eyes scanning the room, half-expecting her to walk in any second. But there was no sign of her.

Gojo flopped down in his seat, looking entirely too comfortable for someone who was supposed to be preparing for class. "She’s probably just late," he said casually, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "You know how Shoko is. Always on her own schedule."

Suguru sat down beside you, his demeanor as calm as ever. "She’s probably in the infirmary, handling some... urgent matters." His tone was dry, but there was an underlying hint of amusement in his voice.

You raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Urgent matters?" you repeated, your tone skeptical.

Gojo snickered. "Let’s just say, when you’re as good at healing as she is, people tend to take advantage of it." He stretched out lazily, leaning back in his chair. "She’ll show up eventually. Just give it time."

You let out a small sigh, leaning back in your own chair, but your thoughts were still lingering on Shoko’s absence. Something about the whole situation felt off, but you pushed the thought aside.

"She better not miss the entire lesson," you muttered under your breath, though you didn’t expect anyone to hear you.

Gojo, of course, heard you perfectly. "Oh, she’ll be here. She always is. Just wait."

Suguru glanced over at you, his expression thoughtful. "Don’t worry about it. Shoko knows how to handle herself. You’ll get used to her unpredictability."

You nodded, though the nagging feeling that something was off remained. It was just the beginning, after all—there was plenty of time for everything to unfold.

For now, you tried to focus on the lesson ahead, though you couldn’t shake the feeling that today was going to be more eventful than you’d anticipated.

You couldn’t help but voice your frustration, your gaze shifting between Gojo and Suguru. "You guys talk like you’ve known each other for years," you said, a hint of annoyance creeping into your tone.

Suguru raised an eyebrow, glancing at Gojo, who was still lounging in his seat as if the whole world owed him something. "Well, we don’t," Suguru replied with a chuckle, "but it’s kind of hard to ignore the connection between us."

Gojo, without missing a beat, smirked. "Yeah, it’s like we’re on the same wavelength. Don’t you just feel it?" He gave a dramatic pause, eyes sparkling mischievously. "We’ve got this... telepathic bond. Don’t you sense it?"

You couldn’t suppress the eye roll that followed. "Oh, please. You two are like magnets. Just because you’ve got some weird, unspoken understanding doesn’t mean you’ve known each other for ages."

Suguru’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "It’s not about the time, it’s about the vibe. We don’t need years to understand each other."

Gojo leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "Exactly! It’s like a superpower, but without the need for training. We’re just that in sync."

You stared at them both, the strange dynamic between them somehow making sense despite your initial skepticism. It wasn’t about how long they’d known each other; it was the ease with which they seemed to communicate, almost as if they were reading each other’s minds.

"You guys are insufferable," you muttered under your breath, but there was no real malice behind the words. You just couldn’t wrap your head around it.

Suguru shrugged, his expression still calm. "You’ll get used to it. Besides, we’re a good team, aren’t we?"

"Eh, if you say so," you replied, still not fully convinced. "But I’m not joining in on this telepathic nonsense."

Gojo grinned at that, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Ah, you’ll come around. Everyone does."

The tension in the room eased slightly, and despite your annoyance, you couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of familiarity with them. Maybe it was just the beginning, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that the bond between the three of you was only just starting to form.

You couldn’t help but smile, the sarcastic remark slipping from your lips before you could stop it. "You’d make a good couple," you teased, unable to resist.

The reaction was instant, both of them frowning deeply, as if you’d just suggested the most heinous thing possible.

"Ew, hell nah—! No way, with him? Seriously?" Gojo practically recoiled in his seat, eyes wide in exaggerated disgust. "I’d rather—ugh, just no!"

Suguru, on the other hand, sighed dramatically, his expression completely deadpan. "Shut up— I’m not gay," he said, voice as flat as ever, though you could see the slightest twitch at the corner of his lips.

You raised an eyebrow, leaning back in your seat, enjoying the spectacle. "Oh really? That’s what you’re going with?"

Gojo snorted, shaking his head. "Look, if I was going to date someone, it wouldn’t be him," he said, gesturing at Suguru with an over-the-top sweep of his hand. "I mean, come on. He’s all dark and broody, while I’m out here being... amazing." He threw a dramatic wink your way, completely ignoring Suguru’s glare.

Suguru rolled his eyes, clearly not amused by Gojo’s antics. "If I wanted someone to constantly annoy me, I’d get a pet. Or maybe a mirror, to be honest."

Gojo shot him a playful grin, completely unbothered. "Touché. But seriously, I don’t do monotone. I need someone with a little more... flair."

You leaned in slightly, voice teasing. "So, no love for each other, huh? Guess I’ll have to find someone else to ship you two with."

Gojo’s face twisted into a mock expression of shock. "You can’t be serious. Me and him? That’s like pairing a cloud with a brick."

Suguru, his voice smooth but dripping with sarcasm, replied, "I’d say it’s more like pairing a tornado with a brick. At least the tornado has a bit more... movement."

You snickered at the exchange, but couldn’t resist pushing it a little further. "Well, I’d say you’re both missing out. You’d make such a power couple—can you imagine? Gojo’s flashy style and Suguru’s... brooding intensity? A perfect match."

Gojo's eyes widened in mock horror. "Stop! You’re giving me nightmares. I’m not going to start wearing all black and brooding in corners just to make him happy."

Suguru smirked, clearly enjoying Gojo’s discomfort. "Don’t worry, Gojo. I’m sure no one would force you to start wearing eyeliner. But I’d gladly watch you try."

The two of them bickered back and forth, clearly irritated but in that playful, sarcastic way that only the two of them could pull off. You sat back, grinning to yourself. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea after all—watching them bicker was entertaining enough to make the entire day worth it.

But, just for fun, you muttered under your breath, "You know, if you two just gave it a chance—"

Gojo shot you a deadly look. "Not happening. Ever."

Suguru’s lips twitched, but he stayed quiet, clearly trying to suppress a smile.

"Yeah, sure," you said, feigning innocence. "I’ll stop pushing it. For now."

You leaned back in your chair, the playful tension hanging in the air, but it was clear that, despite all the sarcasm, something between the three of you was slowly starting to form. It was chaotic, strange, and undeniably fun.

Gojo, still recoiling at the very thought of being paired with Suguru, shot you a pointed look. "Even if I was a girl, I still would NOT date him," he declared dramatically, as if the very suggestion was an insult to his entire existence.

Suguru, ever the picture of calm, shot Gojo a deadpan look. "Well, good thing you’re not a girl then, huh? Or we’d have a whole other set of problems."

Gojo’s face twisted into a playful grimace. "Please, don’t remind me. I’d rather take a vacation to a cursed zone than ever entertain that idea."

You leaned in, playing along. "You sure? You two could make quite the power couple—I can already see the headlines: 'Gojo and Geto: The Unlikely Pair.'"

Gojo's expression shifted from disgust to mock offense. "Are you trying to ruin my reputation here?!" He threw his hands up in exaggerated exasperation. "There’s no way in hell I’d be caught in the same category as him. I mean, look at me!" He struck a pose, his usual cocky grin back in full force. "I’m perfect."

Suguru snorted. "Perfectly insufferable."

You giggled at their banter, enjoying the way they interacted—like a couple of kids who couldn’t quite admit they enjoyed each other’s company, but were too comfortable with each other to stop.

"You two are a real piece of work," you said, shaking your head.

Gojo leaned back, his smirk widening. "What can I say? I’m just that irresistible."

Suguru’s smirk matched his, but his tone was dry as ever. "Keep telling yourself that, Gojo."

The sarcastic back-and-forth continued, and for a moment, you couldn’t help but wonder just how deep this bond between them really went. Maybe they didn’t need to be a couple to be perfectly in sync.

Gojo, always quick to seize the opportunity to stir the pot, leaned in with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "How about you ship me with someone else?" he asked, his smirk widening as if he already knew what kind of reaction he’d get.

You raised an eyebrow, playing along. "With who?"

Gojo leaned back, his tone smooth, almost playful. "How about... you?"

You froze for a second, blinking in disbelief. "Eugh! Shut up!" you shot back, recoiling as if the very idea disgusted you. "I do not want anything to do with you!"

Gojo just chuckled, clearly enjoying the reaction he’d provoked. "Aw, come on. You can’t deny the chemistry. I mean, I am a catch." He winked at you, his cocky grin never faltering.

Suguru, who had been silently watching the exchange, sighed deeply, as if this was just another day in the life of dealing with Gojo. "You really are insufferable," he muttered, shaking his head.

You shot Gojo a look that could’ve melted steel. "Not in a million years, Gojo. Get over yourself."

Gojo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I’ll take the rejection like a champ. But just know... you're missing out."

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes. "Please. If you think I’m ever going to be into you, you’re seriously delusional."

Gojo laughed, clearly undeterred. "Delusional, huh? We’ll see about that."

Suguru leaned back in his seat, eyes flicking between you and Gojo with an amused expression. "This is gonna be fun," he muttered under his breath, but you could tell he was enjoying the show, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

Despite yourself, you found the entire situation infuriatingly entertaining. It was like being stuck in the middle of a game you didn’t sign up for—except you had a front-row seat.

As if on cue, the door to the classroom swung open with a sharp creak, cutting through the banter between you, Gojo, and Suguru.

Yaga, the teacher, stepped inside with his usual no-nonsense demeanor. His gaze swept over the room, taking in the group of first years with a knowing glance. His expression was neutral, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he took in the scene—Gojo lounging, Suguru looking slightly bored, and you... well, you were trying to ignore the fact that Gojo had just tried to flirt with you.

"Alright, enough chatter," Yaga said, his voice carrying a commanding tone that immediately silenced the room. "We’ve got work to do."

Gojo groaned dramatically, throwing himself back in his chair. "Aw, come on, Yaga. We were just getting to the good part!"

Yaga’s eyes narrowed slightly. "The 'good part'?" he repeated, his tone dry. "If by 'good part' you mean wasting my time with your nonsense, then sure."

You could practically hear the collective eye-roll from the rest of the room. Yaga had this way of cutting through the bullshit with ease, and it was clear he wasn’t in the mood for Gojo’s antics.

Suguru didn’t even bother looking up, his voice flat as ever. "We’re ready, Yaga. Get on with it."

Yaga shot him a look, but there was no real malice behind it. "Glad to see some of you are already awake," he said with a hint of sarcasm. "Alright, today’s lesson is simple—basic combat drills and a few new techniques. I want to see how well you can work together."

Gojo perked up at the mention of "combat drills," his signature smirk returning. "Now we’re talking!"

You couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. This was it—your first real test as a Jujutsu sorcerer. You had to show what you were made of.

Yaga glanced at you, as if sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "Don’t get too cocky," he said, his voice low. "You’ve got a long way to go."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, his smirk still in place. "Don’t worry, Yaga. I’m always ready to show off."

You couldn't help but feel a slight tension building. Whatever was coming next, you knew it was going to push you all to your limits. And, despite the playful teasing and sarcastic remarks, you had a feeling that this team—however dysfunctional—was going to become something you couldn’t easily walk away from.

You raised an eyebrow at Yaga's response, feeling a little skeptical. "Where's Shoko though?" you asked, trying to keep your tone casual but still curious.

Yaga glanced over at you, a small shrug in his posture. "Oh, she told me she wouldn't be able to come today. She’s ill."

Suguru, who had been leaning back in his chair with his usual detached air, frowned slightly. "She was totally fine yesterday though," he said, his voice low but sharp.

Gojo, who had been listening lazily, suddenly perked up at the mention of Shoko. "What, she’s sick? That’s weird. She didn’t look sick yesterday... She was literally acting like she owned the place." He smirked, as if recalling something from yesterday’s training session.

Yaga didn’t seem too bothered by the question, though he gave a slight nod. "She didn’t look sick, but sometimes people need rest. Even healers need a break."

You weren’t entirely convinced. It didn’t sit right with you. Shoko had been fine just yesterday, so why was she suddenly sick today? The timing felt off, but you decided to keep your thoughts to yourself for now.

Suguru, ever the skeptic, didn’t let it slide. "Yeah, well, I hope it’s nothing serious. She’s not the type to just skip out without a good reason."

Yaga’s gaze shifted between the group before he spoke again. "Enough with the chatter. We’ve got work to do. If Shoko’s out, we’ll make do without her. Now, get into position. This training won’t wait."

The class quieted down as Yaga took his place at the front, and the air seemed to thicken with anticipation. Something felt off, but you knew better than to question it further—at least for now.

You shot one last glance at Gojo and Suguru, who were both wearing expressions of mild curiosity, before preparing yourself for whatever Yaga had planned next. Whatever was going on with Shoko, you couldn’t afford to let it distract you. There was a new challenge ahead, and you were determined to face it head-on.

You couldn’t help but frown at the thought of having to deal with them for the rest of the day. Gojo, with his constant smug attitude, and Suguru, who was always so effortlessly calm and distant—it was like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

You sighed quietly, adjusting your stance as Yaga started to lay out the training session. The whole situation felt like a strange mix of excitement and dread.

"Focus," you reminded yourself silently, shaking off the nagging feeling that had settled in your chest. This wasn’t the time to get distracted by the two guys who seemed to have this unspoken rivalry going on—especially not when you were here to prove yourself.

But still, you couldn’t shake the thought of how annoying it would be to have to deal with them for the entire day. Their banter, their egos, their way of always one-upping each other—it was exhausting just thinking about it.

You glanced over at Suguru, who was already standing up and stretching, completely unaffected by the tension in the air. And then there was Gojo, who was practically bouncing in his seat, eager to get started.

You couldn't help but feel a little... out of place. It wasn’t that you couldn’t hold your own—it was just that these two were on a whole different level.

But no matter how frustrating it might be, you couldn’t let it get to you. You had your own reasons for being here, your own goals to accomplish. And you weren’t about to let anyone—or anything—distract you from that.

So, with a final deep breath, you pushed the irritation aside, steeling yourself for the challenges ahead. No distractions. No drama. Just focus on the training.

You all walked into the training ground, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. The dirt underfoot crunched as you made your way to the designated spot, where Yaga had already begun setting up the area for the session. The air was thick with tension, a mix of your nervous energy and the quiet confidence of the others.

"Alright, you all know the drill," Yaga called over his shoulder as he prepared the training dummies. "Improve your techniques. Show me what you’ve got."

With that, he turned and walked off, leaving the four of you to your own devices. You exhaled, feeling the weight of the words settle on your shoulders. This wasn’t just about showing off—it was about proving you were capable of handling whatever came your way.

But, of course, Gojo had to break the silence.

As soon as Yaga’s footsteps faded into the distance, Gojo stopped dead in his tracks, stretching his arms above his head and letting out an exaggerated yawn. "So, what now?" he asked, his tone lazy, like he had all the time in the world.

Suguru, already in his stance, didn’t even look up at him. "We train. What else?"

Gojo grinned, completely unfazed by Suguru’s indifference. "Yeah, but that’s no fun. I’m way too good at this," he said, gesturing to the empty space around them as if it were some grand stage. "I’ll just breeze through it while you two... well, you can try to keep up."

You rolled your eyes, feeling the urge to retort. "You’re insufferable," you muttered under your breath, but it didn’t seem to phase him.

Gojo smirked, clearly overhearing you. "You love it," he said, his voice dripping with that cocky charm.

Suguru sighed, his expression never changing. "If you don’t want to train, then leave. The rest of us have work to do."

Gojo didn’t respond right away. Instead, he tapped his chin as if considering Suguru’s words. "Hmm... maybe you’re right. But I’ll have to make it look like I’m working hard. Can’t let you guys get too far ahead."

He shot you a glance, the smirk never leaving his face. "You can try to catch up, too, if you want. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be the first to finish."

You narrowed your eyes at him. "You’re really full of yourself, aren’t you?"

"Confidence, sweetheart," he said, winking. "Confidence."

Suguru, clearly fed up with Gojo’s antics, took a few steps away, already beginning his training. You knew Suguru was someone who didn’t waste time with banter. If Gojo was going to mess around, Suguru would just focus on perfecting his technique, and that was exactly what you needed to do.

Taking a deep breath, you prepared yourself to begin your own training. You weren’t going to let Gojo’s smug attitude get under your skin. Not today.

The ground was hard beneath your feet, but you steadied yourself, eyes focused ahead. Focus on your technique, you reminded yourself. Don’t let anything distract you.

You threw a quick glance at Suguru, who was already in the zone, and then at Gojo, who was... still standing there, stretching.

With a sigh, you set to work, your body moving fluidly through the forms you had been practicing. But even as you trained, you could feel Gojo’s presence looming behind you, like an ever-present shadow, his smirk still lingering in your mind.

Finally, after what felt like hours of pushing yourself to your limits, the training session came to an end. Your body ached from the intensity, and your mind was buzzing with the adrenaline that still coursed through your veins. You could hear Gojo still messing around in the background, his carefree attitude a sharp contrast to the focus you’d put into your training.

Suguru, however, was already seated on the ground, wiping the sweat from his brow, his movements calm and deliberate, as always. He seemed unaffected by the grueling session, as if he had barely broken a sweat.

You took a deep breath, looking around at the others. Gojo, as expected, was still acting like the world revolved around him, stretching his limbs and grinning as if the training had been nothing more than a light warm-up.

"That was... easy," Gojo said with a smug grin, walking over to where you and Suguru were. "I’m basically untouchable, you know."

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t help the slight irritation that bubbled up. Of course he’d say that.

Suguru just raised an eyebrow, clearly not in the mood for Gojo’s antics. "If you think that was easy, you’re not paying attention," he said, his voice flat but laced with subtle challenge.

Gojo chuckled, his gaze flicking over to Suguru. "Oh, I’m paying attention. Trust me." He gave a mock bow, his playful arrogance on full display. "But hey, if you two want to be serious about it, that’s fine. I’m still gonna beat you."

You sighed, shaking your head. This guy…

"Alright, that’s enough," Yaga’s voice suddenly cut through the banter, drawing everyone’s attention. "You all did well, but you’re still nowhere near where you need to be. You’ve got a long way to go before you’re ready for anything more than basic exercises."

You felt a mix of frustration and determination. It wasn’t like you expected praise, but hearing that you still had a long way to go made you want to push even harder.

Gojo, however, didn’t seem bothered by the critique. "Sure, Yaga, but I’ll be ready for anything. You know I’m the best."

Suguru didn’t respond to Gojo, instead getting to his feet with a fluid grace. "Let’s see if your arrogance can keep up with your abilities," he muttered under his breath, his tone carrying just enough challenge to make Gojo pause.

For a moment, it seemed like the tension between the two was about to snap, but Gojo just smirked. "We’ll see, Suguru. We’ll see."

Yaga shook his head, clearly used to their back-and-forth. "Alright, enough of that. Get back to your rooms and rest. Tomorrow’s another day of training. I expect better results next time."

As the group began to disperse, you couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. You were getting better, but you also knew there was so much more to learn. And with Gojo and Suguru around, it was going to be a constant challenge to stay on top of your game.

As you walked back to your dorm, you couldn’t shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated from here on out.

☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ

You took a deep breath, your mind still buzzing from the day’s training. Gojo’s cocky attitude and Suguru’s cool indifference were still fresh in your thoughts, but you tried to push them aside. Shoko was the one you were concerned about now—she had seemed fine yesterday, so her sudden absence today was a bit odd.

You walked down the hallway to her room, your footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridor. When you reached her door, you hesitated for a moment before knocking gently.

“Shoko? It’s me,” you called softly, hoping she was just resting and nothing more serious was wrong.

You waited for a few moments, but there was no answer. You knocked again, this time a little louder.

“Shoko?” you called, a slight edge of worry creeping into your voice.

Finally, you heard movement from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of locks clicking open. The door creaked slightly as it opened, revealing Shoko standing there in a loose, comfortable outfit. She looked a little tired, but otherwise fine, though her face seemed a little paler than usual.

“Oh, hey,” she said with a small smile, rubbing her eyes as if she had just woken up. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you knocking.”

You frowned, taking in her appearance. “Are you sure you’re okay? Yaga said you weren’t coming today, but you seemed fine yesterday.”

Shoko sighed, stepping back to let you in. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... didn’t sleep well last night. I’ve been dealing with a headache all day. It’s nothing serious, just need some rest.”

You stepped into her room, looking around. It was fairly simple—just the essentials, with a few personal items scattered about. A couple of books, some medical supplies, and a few snacks by the bedside.

“Don’t worry about me,” Shoko said, as if reading your mind. “I’ll be good as new after a nap. I just need to recharge a little.”

You nodded, still a little unconvinced, but you didn’t want to press her too hard. “Well, if you need anything, just let me know. We’re all in this together, right?”

She smiled faintly. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

As you turned to leave, you hesitated for a moment, wondering if you should say something else. But you decided against it, knowing that Shoko probably just needed some time to rest and recover.

“Get some sleep, okay? You’ll be back to normal in no time,” you said, giving her a reassuring smile before heading for the door.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. See you later,” Shoko called after you.

With that, you left her room, the weight of the day still pressing on you. You couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but for now, all you could do was let her rest and focus on your own training. There was still so much ahead of you, and you weren’t about to let anything—whether it was Gojo, Suguru, or even Shoko’s illness—get in the way of your path forward.

☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ

After leaving Shoko’s room, you couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling lingering in your chest. She’d seemed fine yesterday, so why was she suddenly so drained? But you knew you couldn’t dwell on it too much. She’d asked for rest, and you had to respect that.

As you walked back down the hallway, you found yourself wandering aimlessly, unsure of what to do next. The day’s training had left you exhausted, but your mind was still restless. That’s when you saw him.

Suguru was leaning against the wall near the end of the hallway, his arms crossed loosely over his chest, eyes closed as if he were lost in thought. He didn’t notice you approaching at first, and for a moment, you just watched him. There was something about the way he carried himself—calm, collected, and always in control. He was so different from Gojo’s chaotic energy, but somehow, you felt like he understood the balance between focus and relaxation better than anyone.

You hesitated for a moment before walking toward him. “Suguru,” you called softly, not wanting to startle him.

His eyes flickered open, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his lips when he saw you. “You’re still up?” he asked, his voice low and calm. “I thought everyone would be resting after today.”

“I couldn’t sleep,” you admitted, shrugging. “Too much on my mind.”

Suguru nodded, pushing off from the wall and straightening his posture. “I know the feeling,” he said. “Training’s exhausting, but it’s the aftermath—the quiet that gets to you.”

You raised an eyebrow. “The quiet?”

He glanced around, as if checking to make sure no one else was nearby. “Yeah. The silence after a tough day can make you think too much. I tend to avoid it by keeping busy.”

You chuckled lightly, feeling a sense of ease around him that you hadn’t expected. Suguru’s presence was different from Gojo’s. Where Gojo was loud and unpredictable, Suguru was a calm center, a grounding force in the chaos.

“I get that,” you said. “But it’s hard to ignore everything. Like… Gojo. He’s always so in-your-face.”

Suguru smirked, a rare flash of amusement crossing his features. “Yeah, Gojo’s got a way of making everything about him. But that’s just how he is. It’s exhausting to keep up with sometimes.”

You nodded in agreement, then let out a soft sigh. “Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here. This whole world of curses and power... It’s so much to take in.”

Suguru’s gaze softened, and he took a small step closer, his presence suddenly more reassuring. “It’s not easy,” he said quietly. “But you’re here because you’re strong. You’ve made it this far, and that means something. We all have our doubts, but it’s how we handle them that counts.”

You looked up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his words. Suguru had always been a little distant, but there was something about this moment that felt different—more personal. You could see that he understood what you were going through, even if he didn’t show it outwardly.

“Thanks,” you said softly, feeling a small weight lift off your shoulders. “I needed to hear that.”

Suguru gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Anytime,” he replied, his tone gentle but firm.

For a moment, there was silence between you two. It wasn’t uncomfortable—just peaceful, the kind of silence that felt natural rather than forced. You couldn’t help but feel a little closer to him now. There was something comforting about the way he was always there, in the background, watching, waiting—yet always offering his quiet support when you needed it most.

“So,” Suguru spoke again, breaking the silence, “what do you usually do to relax? I know we’re all training, but everyone needs a break sometimes.”

You thought for a moment. “I don’t know... I guess I usually read or just go for a walk. Something quiet.”

Suguru’s eyes glinted with interest. “I get that. Sometimes, I go to the roof just to get some space. The view is calming, and it helps me clear my head.”

You smiled. “Maybe I’ll join you sometime.”

Suguru looked at you, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

As you both stood there, talking about the little things that helped you unwind, you felt an unexpected connection forming between you and Suguru. It was subtle, but it was there—a sense of mutual understanding, of being able to share something beyond just the surface-level interactions you’d had so far. You didn’t know where this would lead, but for now, it was enough to just be in the moment, enjoying the quiet and the calm that Suguru brought with him.

The night was still young, and for the first time in a while, you felt like you were exactly where you needed to be.

The night stretched on, but it felt like time had slowed in Suguru’s company. The usual tension and restlessness you felt after training seemed to fade away as the two of you continued talking, exchanging thoughts and ideas. Suguru wasn’t like the others. He didn’t bombard you with energy or sarcasm, but his presence was steady and reassuring.

As the conversation meandered from casual topics to deeper ones, you found yourself opening up in ways you hadn’t expected. Suguru listened without interruption, his focus unwavering, his gaze always soft and understanding. There was something about him that made you feel safe—like you could trust him with your thoughts, your worries, and even your doubts about the future.

“I’ve been wondering,” you began, your voice quieter now, “how do you stay so calm all the time? I mean, I know you’re strong, but... there’s this peacefulness about you. It’s like you’re never really rattled by anything.”

Suguru looked at you, his eyes thoughtful, as if he were considering your question carefully. “I guess it’s a combination of things. I’ve learned to accept the chaos around me. People like Gojo—he thrives on it, but me? I find it draining. So, I try to create my own space, my own balance.”

You nodded, intrigued by his answer. “That makes sense. It’s like you’re in control of yourself, no matter what’s going on around you.”

Suguru smiled, the expression genuine and warm. “Exactly. It’s not about controlling everything—it’s about knowing how to navigate it.”

You felt a sudden sense of admiration for him. There was something about his calmness, his ability to stay grounded in such a chaotic world, that drew you in. It wasn’t just his power or his technique—it was the way he carried himself, the way he seemed to understand things on a deeper level.

“I wish I could be more like that,” you admitted, glancing down at your hands. “I get caught up in everything. The pressure, the expectations... it’s hard to find my center.”

Suguru’s expression softened, and he took a step closer to you. “You don’t have to be like anyone else. You just need to find what works for you. You’re already on the right path by being here, by doing what you do. You’ve got strength, even if you don’t always see it.”

His words hit you harder than you expected. There was a sincerity in his voice, a depth that made you believe in what he was saying. It wasn’t just empty encouragement—it felt real, like he truly believed in you.

“Thanks, Suguru,” you said quietly, looking up at him again. “I... I really appreciate it.”

Suguru gave a small nod, his smile softening. “Anytime. That’s what friends are for.”

You felt a warmth spread through you at the word “friends.” It wasn’t something you had expected to hear from him, especially after only knowing him for a short time. But somehow, in that moment, it felt right. You were starting to understand him better, and you realized that this connection between you wasn’t just about training or being at Jujutsu High—it was something more.

For the first time in a while, you felt a sense of belonging. Suguru had always been this enigmatic figure, distant and hard to read, but now, standing in front of you, he seemed... closer.

“Maybe we could grab a coffee sometime,” you suggested, breaking the momentary silence. “You know, when things aren’t so hectic. I’d like to get to know you better.”

Suguru raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Coffee, huh? I’m not sure I’m the type to sit in a café, but... I wouldn’t mind.”

You both shared a quiet laugh, the tension of the day easing away. It felt natural, easy, like you’d been friends for much longer than just a few days.

“Alright, then,” you said, grinning. “We’ll figure it out. No rush.”

Suguru nodded, his gaze thoughtful once more. “No rush at all.”

As you stood there, talking about nothing and everything, you realized that maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something special. Whether it was friendship or something more, you didn’t know yet—but for now, you were content with where things were.

The night grew later, and the sounds of the academy faded into the background. It was just you and Suguru now, two people who had somehow found a quiet space amidst the chaos of the world around them.

You stood there for a moment, the silence between you and Suguru stretching longer than you intended. Your heart pounded in your chest, and you couldn’t shake the awkwardness that suddenly flooded in. It felt like the words had slipped out of their own accord, and now that they were out, you regretted them immediately.

"You're so much better than that Gojo... I like you—" Your voice faltered, and you realized what you had just said. You froze, eyes wide, panic rushing through you. "I mean—! I mean, as a friend!" You stammered, your face flushing bright red. You cursed yourself under your breath. Great. Smooth move, genius.

You tried to salvage the situation, but it felt like the more you spoke, the worse it got. Your hands instinctively tugged at the sleeves of your uniform, avoiding Suguru’s gaze.

But when you finally dared to look at him, you saw something that made your heart skip a beat. His face was flushed, just a little, his usual calm expression slightly softened. For a brief moment, he seemed just as caught off guard as you.

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. It wasn’t mocking or teasing, but something more... understanding. He tilted his head slightly, as if weighing his words before speaking. "I see," he said softly, his voice gentle. There was no hint of discomfort or awkwardness in his tone, just a quiet acknowledgment.

You couldn’t help but feel embarrassed all over again, your heart racing as you waited for him to respond. The silence between you two felt heavier now, but in a strangely comforting way.

Suguru’s eyes met yours, and for a moment, it felt like everything around you faded. "You’re not so bad yourself," he said, his voice low and calm, though you could sense a trace of warmth in it. "I’m glad we’re friends."

The way he said it made you feel a little lighter, as if the weight of your slip-up wasn’t so heavy anymore. His words were kind, and despite the awkwardness, you could tell he wasn’t judging you.

Your face remained flushed, but now, it wasn’t from embarrassment—it was from something else. Maybe it was the way he looked at you, or the way his words made you feel like maybe, just maybe, he didn’t mind your blunder after all. You felt a soft warmth spread through you, and for the first time that night, you relaxed.

"I guess I really did make things awkward, huh?" you said, letting out a small, nervous laugh. You felt a little lighter, despite the lingering redness in your cheeks. "Sorry about that."

Suguru chuckled softly, his eyes still on you. "It’s fine," he replied, his smile widening just slightly. "It’s just... unexpected, that’s all."

You both stood there, sharing an unspoken understanding, the air between you now comfortable again. Even if your words had come out wrong, Suguru didn’t seem bothered in the least. And somehow, that made everything feel a little easier.

"I guess I’m lucky, huh?" you said, the teasing note in your voice returning, as if to cover up the vulnerability you had just shown. "Not many people get to have a conversation like this with you."

Suguru raised an eyebrow, a playful glint flickering in his eyes. "Careful," he warned with a smirk. "You might make me think you actually like me."

You shot him a look, your heart still fluttering from the previous moment. "Oh, please," you said with a light laugh. "I already told you. Just as a friend."

Suguru chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Of course. Just as a friend."

The two of you shared a look, the kind that made the world around you feel just a little smaller, just a little more intimate. And for a brief moment, you both knew—whatever had just happened, however awkward or vulnerable it had felt, was just the beginning of something real. Something that didn’t need to be rushed or defined.

It was enough for now to just be here, together, in this quiet space.

Your heart pounded in your chest, every beat feeling louder than the last. You hadn’t realized how close you had gotten to Suguru until you suddenly became acutely aware of the warmth radiating from him. The space between you felt smaller, almost nonexistent, and your body reacted instinctively—your pulse quickening, your breath slightly hitching.

You tried to steady yourself, but it was hard to ignore the proximity. The air between you felt thick, charged, and for a moment, it was as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of you in that quiet room. You could feel the warmth of his presence beside you, like an unspoken comfort, and yet it made your thoughts scatter, as if you were losing your grasp on control.

Suguru, on the other hand, seemed perfectly calm, his expression unreadable, but there was a subtle shift in the way he looked at you. His eyes were softer now, no longer just the focused intensity of a fellow sorcerer, but something else—something deeper, warmer.

"Are you okay?" His voice was low, almost a whisper, and it sent a shiver down your spine. His gaze never wavered, and there was something in the way he asked, something genuine that made your heart flutter even more.

You opened your mouth to respond, but for a moment, no words came out. You felt a little dizzy, not from any physical discomfort, but from the overwhelming closeness. You could almost feel his breath, the subtle movement of his chest as he exhaled. It was as if everything else faded away, and the two of you were the only ones left in the world.

Finally, you managed a quiet response, your voice betraying the nervousness you were trying so hard to mask. "I... I think so." Your words felt thin, but you couldn’t quite gather the strength to pull yourself back. Not when everything about this moment felt so... electric.

Suguru took a small step closer, almost imperceptible, but enough to make you feel his presence even more acutely. You didn’t back away, even though you felt your face heat up again. There was something comforting about the way he didn’t push, didn’t rush you, as if he was giving you the space to breathe but also subtly inviting you to lean into this moment with him.

"You don’t have to be nervous," he said, his voice almost teasing, but there was a softness to it that made it hard to take it as anything other than reassuring. "I’m not going anywhere."

His words were simple, but they hit you in a way you didn’t expect. It wasn’t just the promise of his company—it was the way he said it, like he truly meant it. Like he wasn’t going to leave you alone in your own uncertainty. You could feel the sincerity in his voice, and for some reason, that made your heart flutter even more.

"Okay," you managed, the word coming out quieter than you intended. You didn’t even know why you were nervous anymore—maybe it was because Suguru was the kind of person who had a way of making you feel seen, in ways you weren’t used to.

Suguru's lips curled into a soft smile, the kind that made your heart skip a beat. "Good."

And just like that, the tension eased, even if you still felt the flutter in your chest. It wasn’t awkward anymore—it was just... natural. And in that moment, surrounded by nothing but the quiet hum of the night, you felt like you could stay there forever, standing next to Suguru, the space between you still close but not uncomfortable.

For the first time in a long time, you felt like you were exactly where you needed to be.

You couldn’t help but let out a small sigh, the frustration of the moment bubbling up inside you. "Why are you always so calm? It's... it's kind of annoying sometimes," you muttered, not realizing how vulnerable you sounded until the words left your lips. You tried to hide your embarrassment, but the flush on your cheeks gave you away, and you immediately wished you could take it back.

Suguru chuckled softly, his gaze softening as he looked at you. There was no teasing, no judgment in his expression—just a quiet understanding that made your heart skip.

"One has to be sane when other go crazy, you know?" he said, his voice smooth and steady, like a calming presence in the midst of your swirling thoughts. His smile was gentle, almost reassuring, as if he was saying, It’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect.

The words hit you in a way you weren’t prepared for. You blinked, suddenly aware of how much weight his simple response carried. You didn’t know whether it was his steady composure or the way he said it with such sincerity, but it made you feel like, in this chaotic world, he was someone who would always keep you grounded.

You let out a quiet breath, feeling the tension melt away just a little. "I guess I should learn from you, huh?" you said, trying to lighten the mood, but there was a softness to your voice now, a sense of vulnerability you couldn’t hide.

Suguru gave you a knowing look, that same smile still lingering on his lips. "You don’t need to be like me," he said. "Just be yourself."

It was simple, yet it meant so much more than words could convey. And in that moment, you realized—being around Suguru didn’t just make you feel calm; it made you feel seen. Not in the way Gojo did, with his teasing and antics, but in a way that felt real. Honest. It was like Suguru had this ability to pull you out of your own head, to make you feel like maybe, just maybe, it was okay to let your guard down.

You felt a quiet smile tug at the corners of your lips. "Thanks," you said, your voice softer now, more genuine.

Suguru’s smile grew a little, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that made your heart flutter. "Anytime."

You stood there for a moment, the space between you feeling lighter now, like the air had shifted. Suguru’s calm presence seemed to fill the room, and you couldn’t help but notice how easy it was to talk to him. It wasn’t like you had to put on a mask, or pretend to be someone you weren’t. With him, you felt like you could just... be. And that was rare.

After a beat of silence, Suguru glanced toward the window, his expression softening as he looked out into the distance. "It’s nice," he said, his tone casual but with an underlying sincerity. "Sometimes it’s good to just take a moment, you know? The world’s always moving so fast... but moments like this, when things slow down, they’re worth cherishing."

You followed his gaze, your mind drifting as you thought about what he said. There was something about his words that made you feel at ease, like the chaos around you wasn’t as important as the little things.

"Yeah," you murmured, "I guess I don’t always appreciate those moments. Always too caught up in everything else."

Suguru’s eyes met yours again, his gaze steady and reassuring. "It’s easy to forget," he said softly, "but sometimes, you just need to pause and take a breath."

His words were simple, yet they felt profound, like a gentle reminder that it was okay to step back and take a moment for yourself. You felt something stir inside you, a quiet warmth that had nothing to do with the room’s temperature and everything to do with the person standing in front of you.

You shifted slightly, your hands fidgeting nervously at your sides. "I guess I’m still learning how to do that," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Suguru smiled again, that same calm, reassuring smile that made your heart skip. "It takes time," he said. "But I think you’re getting there."

You could feel the sincerity in his words, and for the first time in a long while, you felt like you were in the right place. Suguru’s presence was grounding, like a calm center in a world that often felt like it was spinning too fast. You weren’t sure when exactly it had happened, but you realized then that you had started to trust him—more than you had expected.

There was something about the way he made you feel, something that made everything feel a little easier, a little more bearable.

"Thanks," you said again, the words slipping out without thinking, but this time, they felt even more genuine. "For everything."

Suguru didn’t respond right away, but you saw the way his eyes softened, the way his smile deepened just a fraction. It was like he understood, without you having to explain.

"You don’t need to thank me," he said quietly, his voice low and comforting. "It’s what friends do."

Your heart fluttered at the word—friends. You hadn’t realized until now how much you valued that simple connection, that bond between you two that felt like it had been built slowly, without either of you forcing it.

You nodded, feeling the warmth spread across your chest again. "Yeah... I guess it is."

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, the quiet comfortable, the space between you not awkward, but filled with an understanding that didn’t need words. And in that moment, you knew that no matter what happened next, this bond, this connection with Suguru, was something you wanted to hold onto.

"Let’s get some rest," Suguru said finally, breaking the silence. "Tomorrow’s another day, right?"

You smiled, the tension of the past few hours fading completely. "Yeah, tomorrow."

And for the first time in a long time, you felt like you were ready to face whatever came next.

Suguru gave you a soft smile, his eyes warm with that same calmness that always seemed to settle you. "Good night," he replied, his voice steady and comforting.

You turned toward the door, the quiet of the night settling around you, but there was something different now. Something in the air, in the way you felt. Maybe it was the way Suguru had made everything feel so much lighter, or maybe it was the realization that, for once, you didn’t feel alone in this world full of curses and chaos.

You gave him one last glance before stepping out of the room, your heart still racing a little. "Sleep well, Suguru," you called out softly.

He didn’t say anything more, but the way his eyes lingered on you for just a moment told you everything you needed to know. The night was quiet, but for the first time, you felt like it was exactly what you needed.

☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ

You laid back on your bed, staring up at the ceiling, your thoughts racing in every direction. The images of Suguru flooded your mind—his calm presence, the way he smiled at you, the warmth in his eyes that made your heart flutter. You felt your face flush, and you quickly shook your head as if trying to shake off the thoughts.

"No," you whispered to yourself, rolling over to face the wall. "This isn’t happening. You’re just... you’re just getting close to him as a friend, right?"

But deep down, you couldn’t deny the tug in your chest, the way your thoughts always seemed to wander back to him. You groaned, pulling the covers over your head in an attempt to block it all out.

"Why is this so confusing?" you muttered, wishing you could just fall asleep and forget about everything for a while.

But as the night wore on, sleep didn’t come easily. The image of Suguru lingered in your mind, and you couldn’t help but wonder if, just maybe, this connection between you two was something more than just friendship.

The hours seemed to stretch on, each tick of the clock feeling louder in the silence of your room. You tossed and turned, your thoughts tangled in the web of confusion that Suguru had woven into your mind. You tried to push it away, tried to force your mind to focus on something else, but it was impossible.

His soft smile. His calm, steady voice. The way he had looked at you, as if nothing else in the world mattered except the moment you were sharing.

"Why am I thinking about this so much?" you muttered, clutching your pillow tighter as if that would somehow keep the thoughts at bay. But the more you tried to suppress them, the more they grew, swirling around you like a storm you couldn’t control.

You had never felt this way before—not about anyone. And it terrified you. You had always been so careful, so focused on your goal of becoming a strong sorcerer, of protecting people. But now, with Suguru, it was different. It felt like something was shifting inside you, something that wasn’t easy to ignore.

You rolled onto your back, staring at the ceiling, your mind racing.

Did he feel the same way?

You thought about his words, his actions—how calm and steady he always seemed, even in the face of chaos. He had been there for you when you needed someone to talk to, someone to lean on. But was it more than that? Or were you just overthinking things?

Your heart fluttered again, and you groaned, burying your face in your hands.

"This is ridiculous," you whispered to yourself. "I barely even know him, and now I’m already..."

But before you could finish the thought, your phone buzzed on the nightstand. You grabbed it quickly, relieved for the distraction, hoping it was something to take your mind off of everything.

It was a message from Suguru.

"Good night. I hope you get some rest. Don’t stay up too late thinking, alright?"

You stared at the message for a moment, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. His words were so... Suguru. Calm. Thoughtful. Caring.

Is he really thinking about me?

You shook your head, trying to focus, but it was hard when your heart felt like it was about to burst out of your chest.

You typed a quick reply, your fingers hesitant as you tried to keep your emotions in check.

"Thanks. I’ll try to sleep."

You hit send, then placed the phone back on the nightstand, lying down again. But this time, it wasn’t as easy to quiet your thoughts. Suguru’s message lingered in your mind, and you realized something.

Maybe it wasn’t just a friendship. Maybe... it was something more.

The thought made your heart race again, but this time, you didn’t try to push it away. Instead, you let it settle, feeling the warmth spread through you as you drifted into a restless sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring more uncertainty, more moments with Suguru that would only make it harder to ignore what was slowly growing between you two.

Previous chapter!

A/n- I hope you like this chapter, I tried to make this long, and yess two chapters in a day😭 I'm going on study hiatus that's why, anyways, feel free to drop your thoughts!♡

[lith-myathar]

.

[canarydarity]

having a normal one watching Bdubs lim life tonight and thinking about how when Bdubs betrayed Tango in last life, Skizz told Tango that for the sake of team best he had to go and forgive him.

But when Bdubs boogey kills Skizz in lim life before team ties is even really formed, Skizz is allowed to have it out for Bdubs for almost the entire first half of the season, even when the clockers ally with them and it would've been easier to let sleeping dogs lie.

Tango, the perpetually extraneous and undervalued member of his alliances...the too often shoved aside and betrayed...being told it was his duty to the team to forgive bdubs and move on....

But no one—especially not Tango—tried to tell Skizz to let it go.

[lacomandante]

My dad and I rewatched Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel again after a few years and then we argued over who was going to read the book first that's been collecting dust on the bookshelf. Needless to say I'm loving it and I was always daunted by its size. But on the other hand I start to read and my brain goes "ooooh this makes me motivated to work on my sharpe artwork, especially of him in yorkshire" and then when I do that I go "oooh but what about the fics?" and then I switch to the fics and then i'm like "reading is so nice. let's go back to that" adhd hell!!!!!

[rafecameronssl4t]

Can you please write one where Drew and reader are in a relationship and they have a big fight before an interview with the whole cast. When reader gets there she is really sad and she’s spacing out while fidgeting with her fingers and the others notice and she also skipped her meals and didn’t sleep well since he wasn’t next to her. Maddie Cline pulls her aside and talks to her to ask what’s wrong and she maybe tells her that she hasn’t eaten nor slept well and maybe Drew hears and is concerned. I just want some angst so if you want to write this PLEASE DO! <3

Behind the scenes || Drew Starkey x actress!reader

A/n: love love loveeee this idea tyy!!! keep them coming xx

Warnings: angst!!

Word count: 1,997

MASTERLIST

divider by @h-aewo

The morning light barely peeked through the curtains of the hotel room as the tension from the night before lingered like an unshakable weight. You and Drew had argued—something rare but emotionally exhausting. His words replayed in your mind, harsh in the heat of the moment, and you couldn't help but feel your chest tighten with regret and sadness. He'd stormed out after saying he needed some space, leaving you alone with a hollow ache.

The fight had been about something trivial at first, but it spiralled into uncharted emotional territory—questions of priorities, insecurities, and your relationship's strength. Drew's absence from the bed that night only made things worse, and you barely slept, staring at the ceiling as anxiety gnawed at you.

Morning came all too soon, and the looming cast interview offered no reprieve. You avoided breakfast, your appetite nonexistent as you focused on pulling yourself together for the day. But no amount of makeup could hide the dark circles under your eyes, and your usual spark felt dimmed as you arrived at the studio.

Arriving at the studio, you took a deep breath and stepped inside, your heart heavy and your mind scattered. Maddie spotted you immediately, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. Her enthusiasm was unrelenting as she crossed the room, her arms wide open. “Oh, there you are!” she exclaimed, wrapping you in a warm hug. Her energy was infectious, but you felt yourself faltering as you tried to match her cheerfulness.

“I’m so glad you’re here! The other girls haven’t arrived yet.” You forced a smile, nodding as if to reassure her—and maybe yourself. “Yeah, glad to be here,” you said, your voice softer than usual. Maddie chuckled, looping her arm through yours. “Come on, I brought muffins. Figured we could snack while getting touch-ups,” she said, leading you toward the hair and makeup station.

You followed her, your heart sinking slightly when you caught sight of Drew in the reflection of the mirror. He was across the room with Chase and Austin, laughing softly at something they said. He hadn’t even glanced your way yet, and it stung more than you wanted to admit. Maddie broke you out of your thoughts, nudging you with a muffin in hand. “Want one? They’re fresh—blueberry, your favourite!” You hesitated, glancing at the pastry before offering a polite smile.

“No, thanks. I already ate on my way here,” you lied, hoping she wouldn’t push further. Maddie nodded, accepting your answer without question. “Suit yourself,” she chirped, taking a bite as the stylists began fussing over your hair and makeup. Your eyes wandered back to the mirror, catching another glimpse of Drew. He looked so at ease, as if the fight hadn’t affected him the way it had you.

The longing for some kind of acknowledgment, a sign that he felt as torn as you did, was overwhelming. But instead of confronting those emotions, you turned your attention to Maddie, who was now scrolling through her phone, chatting animatedly with the stylist. You tried to focus on her words, but everything felt distant, your mind weighed down by the unresolved tension between you and Drew. The room buzzed with activity, yet you felt isolated, your usual spark dimmed to a faint flicker.

~

The interview began with its usual lighthearted energy. The host dove into questions about the upcoming season, sparking animated responses from your castmates. Chase cracked jokes that had everyone laughing, while Austin shared a funny behind-the-scenes story that even made the crew chuckle. Madelyn chimed in with her signature enthusiasm, lighting up the room with her vibrant energy.

But you sat quietly, your faint smile barely masking the storm swirling within. The tightness in your chest only grew with every passing moment, your focus slipping further away from the lively discussion. When a laugh rippled through the room, you managed a soft chuckle out of habit, but it lacked conviction. Your hands betrayed your inner turmoil.

They fidgeted endlessly in your lap, fingers twisting your rings, picking at your nails, and smoothing invisible wrinkles in your outfit. The subtle, restless movements didn’t go unnoticed. Madelyn’s eyes darted to your trembling hands, then to your face, where she saw the strain you were trying so hard to conceal. When the cameras cut for a break, she leaned closer, her tone soft but edged with worry.

“Are you okay?” she whispered, her eyes searching yours. You nodded quickly, forcing a weak smile that didn’t reach your eyes. “Just tired,” you murmured, your voice low and unsteady. Madelyn didn’t look convinced, her brow furrowing further as she studied you. But she chose not to press the issue, giving you a reassuring pat on the arm instead. As the cameras rolled again, you tried to centre yourself, to focus on the questions and the easy camaraderie around you.

But your mind wandered. The fight with Drew replayed in fragmented flashes, every word, every sharp look, haunting you. You felt the weight of his absence, the space he used to fill beside you now a gaping void. It wasn’t until the host directed a question at you that you were jolted back into the present. “So, what was your favourite scene to film this season?” There was a beat of silence, then another, as you struggled to process the words.

Your castmates exchanged subtle glances, the pause growing more noticeable by the second. “Obviously all the scenes with me,” Madelyn interjected smoothly, her voice light and playful as she leaned forward to cover for you. The room relaxed, a ripple of laughter breaking the tension, but you felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment. It was then that Drew’s head snapped toward you, his casual demeanour faltering.

His brow creased as he studied you, his eyes narrowing at the pale tone of your skin and the exhaustion etched into your features. His gaze flicked to your hands, noting the nervous tremor and how you played with the ring on your finger. His jaw tightened, and guilt churned in his chest. The easy laughter that had come so naturally to him earlier now felt misplaced, almost cruel. How had he missed it before—the signs that something was wrong, that you weren't okay?

Drew couldn’t stop himself from watching you for the rest of the segment, the concern etched into his features growing more evident with every passing second. His own words from the fight echoed in his mind, and the regret settled in his chest like a stone. He’d been too caught up in his frustration to notice how deeply it had affected you. And now, as he saw the toll it had taken, all he wanted was to fix it.

~

"Okay, we have a 10 minute break," The producer says as you're the first to get out of your seat as the others watch with slight confusion, already undoing your mic. "Y/n!" Maddie calls out as you walk towards your hair and makeup chair. You look at yourself in the mirror, letting out a shaky breathe you touch up your makeup.

Maddie stands behind you, her hands on your shoulder as she studies you. “Alright,” she began, her tone both soft and firm, “spill it. What’s going on? You’ve been acting strange, I know you're not just tired. Talk to me," You hesitated, the weight of her care making the knot in your throat tighten further. Your hands wrung together nervously, fingers fidgeting with your rings as you tried to find the words.

“I…” You paused, your voice trembling. You gaze looks up as you catch a glimpse of Drew. Maddie notices, turning her head to where you were looking. The overwhelming emotions finally bubbled to the surface, your eyes misting with unshed tears. “Drew and I had a fight last night.” Her brows furrowed, but she stayed silent, giving you space to continue.

“It was bad,” you admitted, your gaze dropping to the floor as a tear slipped down your cheek. “He… he left, Maddie. And I couldn’t sleep. I’ve barely eaten. I just—” Your voice broke, and you inhaled shakily, struggling to keep yourself composed. Madelyn’s eyes softened with understanding, and without hesitation, she pulled you into a warm embrace.

Her arms wrapped securely around you as she whispered gently, “Oh, babe… I’m so sorry.” She pulled back just enough to meet your watery gaze. “Whatever happened, I know you two will work it out. You’re good together. But you’ve got to take care of yourself, okay? Skipping meals, losing sleep—it’s not going to help.” Her words struck a chord, grounding you for a moment, but before you could respond, a subtle shift in the air caught Madelyn’s attention.

She glanced over her shoulder and froze briefly, her expression flickering with a mix of surprise and hesitation. Unbeknownst to you, Drew had wandered in. “Hey.” Drew’s voice was low and tentative, cutting through the noise of the studio. Maddie gives your shoulders a light squeeze, giving you an encouraging smile as she leaves the two of you. You glanced up at Drew through the reflection of the mirror in front of you, his presence catching you off guard.

His features were etched with raw concern, and his blue eyes held an apology that words hadn’t yet expressed. “Can we talk? Please?” he asked, his voice laced with vulnerability. You hesitated for only a moment before nodding, unable to resist the weight of emotion in his gaze. You nodded, and Drew quietly pulled a chair close to yours. As he sat down beside you, he extended a hand toward you. Though your fingers trembled slightly, you placed yours in his, the contact sparking an immediate sense of familiarity.

Yet, there was a fragility to it, as if he was holding on to something he feared might slip away. He brought your hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss on your knuckles. The gesture was tender, full of unspoken remorse, and it made you briefly close your eyes against the wave of emotion crashing over you. “I’m sorry,” he began, his voice cracking slightly. The sincerity in his tone tugged at your heart, making your chest tighten. “I shouldn’t have left last night. I shouldn’t have said those things. I was frustrated—but that doesn’t excuse it. You didn’t deserve that.”

You blinked rapidly as tears welled in your eyes, threatening to spill. “It wasn’t just you,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “I said things too. I just… I hated the way we left things. It felt so wrong.” The guilt in his expression deepened, and he reached up, his thumb brushing away a tear that escaped and trailed down your cheek.His touch was warm, tender, and familiar, and it made your heart ache with longing and relief all at once.

“I hated it too,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it—or about you. And then hearing Maddie say that you didn’t sleep or eat…” He trailed off, shaking his head in frustration with himself. “You’re too important to me. I can’t stand the thought of you feeling like this because of me.” You inhaled shakily, his words chipping away at the tension that had been building in your chest since the night before. “I don’t want us to fall apart either,” you said softly, your voice trembling but earnest.

You stand up, moving towards him as he moves the chair back to let Without thinking, you stood and moved toward him. Drew instinctively pushed his chair back slightly, giving you room to settle in his lap. You wrapped your arms around him, burying your face in his shoulder, while his arms encircled your waist protectively. He pressed you close, his hand resting against the small of your back as his thumb rubbed soothing circles on your waist. “We’ll be okay,” he murmured into your hair, his voice steady despite the emotion behind it. “I promise.”

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

reunion

Pairing: Art Donaldson x Reader

Rating: Explicit - 18+ only. minors, please get off my lawn.

Notes: Not beta-read because when is it ever.

Length: 4.5K

Warnings: Slow burn; unrequited love; angst; yearning; divorced Art Donaldson; oral sex (female receiving); vaginal sex; safe sex

Summary: It wasn't that Art Donaldson was the one that got away. It was more like Art Donaldson was the one that never really knew you existed.

"Did you hear Art Donaldson is supposed to be here?"

The question is whispered behind you and makes your hand freeze in its signing. You're half-bent over the table at reception, fingers tight around a pen as your mind is jogged.

No way was he turning up, that's what Anne had said.

Tashi will be there, she's the head of the goddamn reunion committee, the ink is still wet on their divorce—that's what Anne had said. Hell, she'd sworn it.

So what the hell is he doing here?

The sound of your name jogs your attention and you manage to finish signing in. You straighten, taking up your name tag and haphazardly slapping the adhesive onto your top. You need a drink, and quickly. You're halfway to the bar before you feel someone wind their arm through yours.

"Okay, I know you didn't wanna come—"

"Anne."

"And I so appreciate you being here so that I didn't have to come alone—"

"Anne—"

"But I got some news and it's going to be a little shocking so I think you should hear it from me—"

"I know he's here."

"What?" Anne freezes, her arm dropping from yours. You turn to see her looking stricken, her cheeks pinking with panic and embarrassment. You sigh softly, glancing around your fellow alumni. Less than half of them look familiar; your eyes catch on the odd face before you realize that you're inadvertently looking for him.

"Look, there are, like...Five hundred people here, alright?" You add. "I probably won't even see him."

"We can go."

"Look, we made the trip, we're here, we may as well stay. It's fine, okay? We're all adults here! It doesn't matter!" Your insistence is chased by a slightly hysterical laugh. "It was, like, a hundred years ago."

"...You're sure?"

"I am positive."

Positive that you need a drink, and positive that you're going to regret agreeing to stay.

--

It wasn't that Art Donaldson was the one that got away. It was more like Art Donaldson was the one that never really knew you existed.

You were friends, sure. You palled around, had a few classes together, hung out at a few parties—but he was so in love with Tashi Duncan that you'd never made his romantic radar. You'd forced yourself to believe that that was for the best, that you didn't need his love or romantic validation to be happy. But you couldn't pretend that wanting him didn't sting.

He'd had a couple of girlfriends while you were at Stanford, but you could always feel, always see that they were never really his priority. It was Tashi, then tennis, then them.

The two of you had kept touch a little after college, but you'd pushed yourself to move on. Conversation had begun to fade, and when he hadn't tried to keep it up, you had resolved to let him go.

You'd avoided his name in the news as much as you can, but it had been hard. He was on billboards, packaging, tv—it was like you couldn't escape him.

Want melted to sadness; sadness shifted to annoyance; annoyance hardened into disdain. You couldn't see his likeness or hear his name without rolling your eyes. It wasn't his fault, of course, but the prospect of running into Art fuckin' Donaldson made you queasy.

Still, you put on a brave face for Anne, forcing your focus into conversation.

It's a struggle to keep your gaze from seeking him out. You take each sip with a little white lie, convincing yourself that you're looking to make sure you can avoid contact. You spot Tashi a couple of times, but you don't go out of your way to say hello. She's surrounded by a cloud of people—taking pictures, signing programs and name tags and old Duncanator shirts.

When Anne insists on going to say hello, you force a small smile.

"You, um—you go ahead," You nod, taking a couple of steps back. "I'm gonna get some air."

Anne's dark eyes flit over you questioningly before she blessedly lets it go, nodding and going on her way. You turn, swiping a fresh drink off of a passing waiter's tray as you leave.

It takes a few moments for the buzz of conversation to clear from your head. You take a gulp of the prosecco, wrinkling your nose. It's a little sweeter than you usually like, and doesn't mingle well with the three other drinks that you've downed. Tashi's not going to find your lack of presence or greeting conspicuous; you'd been cordial and on speaking terms in college, but the two of you had never been close.

Damn, but it's chillier outside than you thought it would be. The reception had been so warm, so crammed with people. Paired your head being near-permanently on a swivel, you hadn't realize how hot and tense you'd been.

You frown at the waft of cigarette smoke that catches your nose. Who the hell is still smoking in this day and age—

"Are you hiding, too?"

Maybe you can feign that you didn't hear him—that the sound of his voice didn't jog a hundred memories and trigger a flurry of butterflies. But before you can stop yourself, you turn, the words, "I thought you quit smoking," tumbling out of your mouth.

Art's smile widens as he draw the cigarette back from his lips, a stream of smoke pushed out of the side of his mouth.

"I did. Quit quitting, though." He takes one more puff before he flicks it away, drifting closer. "Hi."

Hi, like it's not the first time you've seen him in the better part of a decade. Hi, like neither of you are oceans from where you where when you last saw one another.

"Hi," You manage. He doesn't hesitate to draw you into his arms; he seems to almost do it without thinking. You only allow yourself a moment of resistance before you raise and curl your arms around him. The clean scent of his pressed jacket and woodsy cologne are muddled with smoke. The fingers of one if your hands curls covetously in the fabric of his jacket as his palms smooth gently over your back. You hear him draw in a deep breath, feel him hold it, and then release it with a soft hum.

"How the hell are you?"

Probably better than you are these days.

You shrug a little, mumbling, "Fine."

He draws away, eyes skating across your face.

"You don't sound so sure about that."

"I'm sure."

"Yeah?"

"Mhm."

You can feel him winding up for another pass at it, but you hold your glass out before he can. His fingers brush against yours as he drains it.

"Why are you hiding?" You ask. He shrugs, nods toward the door.

"It's a lot in there. I forgot what these events are like."

"People wanna congratulate you. They're proud."

"Are you?"

"I am, but I'll hold off. Don't wanna crowd you."

Your attention is drawn from Art's smile as you hear someone clearing their throat over the speaker system inside:

"If we could have the reunion chairpersons to the stage, please!"

You glance toward Art and find him fidgeting, his thumb smoothing across his bare ring finger.

"…Do you wanna go back in?" You offer. He considers before he says, "Wait here."

You watch curiously as he darts inside, and are stunned when he reappears a moment later. You just barely catch a glimpse of the bottle of champagne clenched in his fist before he rests his other hand on your lower back, steering you away with an urgent murmur of, "C'mon."

--

"I'm surprised you came," You tell him. Art doesn't look at you for a moment, and you take the chance to lean back against the hard plastic seat. He's as beautiful as he was the last time the two of you were together, the night before graduation—practically in the same seats. You don't know if he was thinking about that when he'd led the way into the stands, chosen where to sit. Maybe it was pure muscle-memory.

Either way, you don't know how long the two of you have been sitting out there, knees bumping, passing the bottle back and forth. You take in his profile—the slope of his nose and cut of his jaw; the bob of his adam's apple as he swallows.

"My therapist said it would be good," He finally admits. "Told me I needed to get out more, start getting back into events, work at the foundation...What about you, huh?" He turns, brows raising. "You always told me that you hated this stuff."

You're surprised he remembers.

"I do hate this stuff, but," You shrug. "Anne didn't want to come alone."

"You're a good friend. I never forgot that." He sits up and passes the bottle back to you. "What happened to us, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why did we stop talking?"

I couldn't keep begging for scraps of attention.

"I don't know," You deflect. "Guess we just lost touch. It happens."

"I shouldn't have let it happen to us."

You look down at the bottle, sweeping your finger across a slipping drop of condensation.

"You were busy."

"You weren't?"

"Not in the same way," You laugh self-consciously.

"What were you busy with then, huh?" He shifts, thigh pressing against yours. "You used to always say you'd uh—burn out by twenty-six."

"Yeah."

"Did you?"

"Oh, it didn't take nearly that long."

"What!" He laughs. "What the hell happened?"

"I don't know what to tell you, man. A girl can only take a soul-sucking marketing job for so long."

"So what do you do now?"

"Still in marketing, but I'm a manager, so. Still soul-sucking, but making a little more money."

"You like it?"

"God no, but I don't know what else I would do." You pass the bottle back.

"Could find something for you at the foundation."

You wrinkle your nose, shaking your head as Art sputters a laugh, asks, "What?"

"Don't do that, Art."

"Don't do what?"

"I don't need, you know—"

"We could use you—"

"You don't even know what I do at work."

"I bet it's great—"

"You don't even know if I'm a good worker—"

"Sure I do, I know you."

"No, you don't!"

You know it's a mistake the second it leaves your mouth. Art's smile wavers as he leans away again.

"I just mean—" You try.

"I know what you mean. It's been a long time."

"...Yeah, it has." You take the bottle back, drawing deeply from it before passing it back. "I should get going. I'm sure Anne's looking for me."

"Sure."

You don't say goodbye or tell him that it was nice to see him. You just make as hasty a retreat as you can without tripping over your feet.

--

@ a_donaldsonofficial requested to follow you. 3h

You're not sure what surprises you more—the follow request or the message in your DMs: Dinner?

--

His groan is sinful and low, and makes you rethink ever losing contact with the guy. Under the warm glow of the diner's lights, his eyes slip shut, fingers tightening around the bun.

"...When's the last time you had a burger?" You finally manage to ask.

"I can't remember." He admits it through the mouthful, and you don't begrudge him the couple of flecks of food that land on the table. You smile, plucking up a couple of fries.

"Art?"

"Mm."

"Why'd you ask me to dinner?"

Art sets the burger down as he swallows, taking off his napkin to clean off his hands.

"I was thinking...About what you said at the reunion."

"Mhm."

"About me not knowing you. You're right. But you know what?" He presses on before you can process your surprise. "I don't think you know me, either."

You think for a moment, brows furrowing. He's right. You know the image of Art Donaldson that's been projected to you over the years—on tv screens, in magazines, in online clips.

"...I don't think I do," You agree.

"Figured we should fix that. Catch up, fill each other in on what we've missed."

"Okay."

"So, after college..." He trails off, waving his hand. "Fill me in."

"Moved to New York."

"Uh-huh."

"Working in marketing."

"Burned out before 26—"

"Yeah, hit my capitalistic peak at 23."

"That fast?"

"I mean, that's the last time I remember giving a shit about work, so. Yeah."

"Relationships?"

"...A couple," You admit.

"Serious?"

"Yeah. One."

"Married?"

"No. Engaged." His eyes drop to your bare left hand, and you hurriedly tuck it into your lap. "Formerly engaged."

"What happened?"

"It just didn't feel right. I don't think either of us were ready."

"...Was it anyone I knew? I don't remember you dating much at school."

"Guess I didn't."

"You weren't shy."

"Well no, but—"

"So what was it?"

"I had the worst crush on you, dude!" It's another mistake, but where the last one seemed to make Art retreat, this one leaves his gobsmacked. His eyes widen, mouth opening in a wide smile.

"You what?"

"Oh, kay, you know what—"

"I had no idea!"

"I was very subtle."

Art leans back in the diner booth, watching you openly. You can see the gears turning in his head, and you wonder what he may be remembering, holding up and twisting about in this new light.

"...Huh," He mutters.

"You can feel free to forget that at any time."

"I don't think I will...I wish I'd known."

You consider for a moment before you shrug. "I don't know. I'm kinda glad that you didn't."

"Really?" His brows knit with confusion. "Why?"

"I don't like coming second, Art."

Art nods slowly, and you see something tight pass across his face before it's smoothed away again.

"You know what?" He smiles bitterly. "Neither do I."

You nod toward his plate.

"Your burger's getting cold."

--

"So, uh..." Art clears his throat as the two of you take slow, drifting steps to your car. "I'm gonna say two things, and I don't want you to think that they've got anything to do with what you said earlier."

You know exactly what he means, but you just grumble, "I said a lot of things earlier."

"I think we both know which one I'm talking about."

"Uh-huh. So what's up?"

"...I wanna see you again."

"Okay."

"But things are a little...Messy right now. Tashi and I are working on getting Lily into a regular rhythm and it's harder than we thought it would be."

You lean back against your car, tucking your hands into your pockets.

"Mhm...I hesitate to ask."

"Yeah."

"How does this have to do with what I said earlier?"

"I just don't want you to think that this is—"

"A consolation prize?"

"Something like that."

"Whatever you need to do to get in a good place with Lily is fine, Art, you don't need to justify that to me."

"Even if it means you come second?"

You tip your head to the side, pursing your lips. "It's different when it's your kid. I meant that I didn't want to be second to—You know."

"...Yeah," He mutters, looking at his feet as he takes another foot forward. "And for the record, I was thinking of asking you out again by the time we sat down."

"You could've changed your mind."

"I didn't. And I don't want to."

You smile, nodding. "Well I don't want you to, either." You straighten up as you fish into your bag for your keys. "Call me the next time you're in New York."

"Sure."

You reach out, cupping his cheek and leaning in, pecking his cheek. You pull away, smiling at the flush creeping across his face.

"Goodnight, Art."

"Night."

--

It isn't easy at first. Messages are far and few, mostly how are yous and how was your days. You think that as nice as the little swell of contact has been, that's all it'll be—but the two of you both start to really try. The odd text becomes the weekly phone call. Weekly phone calls become daily FaceTimes. On the nights when he has Lily, they're late, usually when you're getting ready for bed. On the nights when he's on his own, the two of you eat dinner together and chat over your calls. It isn't always perfect, but it's more than you could've anticipated from that dinner a couple of months ago.

--

"She down?"

"Yeah."

"Are you in a hotel again?"

"...Yeah." Art seems to admit it grudgingly, and you smile a little as you take up your toner and a cotton pad.

"There's nothing wrong with leaning into it if it's working," You argue. "And not to be that bitch, but you're not exactly broke."

"Might be if she keeps ordering room service and movies on-demand."

You laugh softly, turning your attention to your reflection as you swipe the toner across your face.

"How's your day been?" Art asks.

"Fine, standard. I had to fill out an assessment ahead of my annual review."

"When's that?"

"End of the week."

"How do you feel about it?"

"Mm," You shrug reaching for a serum. "Fine, I guess. I'm doing okay, my team's hitting their targets."

"You're doing better than okay."

"Art."

"You are."

"Well. Thank you for that." You glance over as he goes quiet, catching a glimpse of him as you smooth the serum into your skin. You raise your brows at the sight of his gentle, warm smile. "What is it?"

"You're beautiful."

Your face goes warm at the compliment, and you bite the inside of your cheek to tamp down your wide, idiotic smile.

"You are tired, huh," You deflect.

"I mean it."

"...I know," You murmur, reaching for your moisturizer. "Tell me what you got up to today."

"I had a meeting at the foundation. We're starting planning for the gala."

"Oh yeah? Have you done them before?"

"We've had three before, but I was usually playing or training, so I haven't been as involved in the planning."

"How's it been?"

"We're still in the preliminary stages, but it's been interesting, you know, seeing how the pieces come together before I usually see them."

You nod, picking the phone up from the mirror holder and heading into your bedroom.

"Where are you gonna have it?"

"We're still scouting locations...As a matter of fact," Art adds, "We're considering a few in New York."

"Oh?"

"I'll be down there for at least a few days, and I wanna see you."

You grin bashfully as you climb into bed, settling against your pillows.

"I wanna see you, too. Are you gonna, um—I mean, is Lily gonna be with you?"

"No, it'll be Tashi's weekend."

"Okay, cool. Just wanna make sure I don't mess up your time."

"I appreciate that." Art's tongue swipes across his lower lip, eyes sweeping across your face. "I gotta say..."

"Mmm?"

"I'm looking forward to seeing your apartment."

"Oh, really?" You chuckle. "Why's that?"

"It'll be interesting, that's all. I mean, you already take me to bed every night."

You laugh, covering your eyes as you groan, "Oh, god, shut up!" as Art chuckles.

"Let me know when you're free," You add. "Your schedule's gonna be weirder than mine."

"Yeah, I will, as soon as I know what it is." You watch as Art lays down, propping his phone up on the nightstand. "...Can you stay on?"

"Yeah," You soothe, setting your phone on the nightstand in suit. "Until we fall asleep."

"Okay," He murmurs. The two of you settle in on your sides, watching one another on the phone.

"Night, Art."

"Sweet dreams."

--

The restaurant is picked. Your nails are done, your hair is done; you get a new dress, new shoes, a new bag. You're going to have an amazing night—a good dinner, a great conversation, and, if you have any luck, an amazing good night kiss.

--

You know the minute you see him that you're not making it to the restaurant. Art's eyes sweep over you in covetous wonder when you open the door. He closes the gap between the two of you, drawing you into his arms, and this time you go without a second thought. He presses his face into your neck, letting out a gentle hum at the scent of your perfume. The tip of his nose trails up over your jaw, his lips brushing the corner of your lips as his forehead rests against yours. He sighs as you draw in a nervous breath, and he sways in, lips pressing to yours.

You raise your hand to cup his neck, shivering as his hands smooth over your hips. He guides you deeper inside, blindly reaching back and shoving the door shut behind you as you fling your purse toward the bench in your entryway. His kisses grow hungrier as he steers you down the hall. You slip your tongue along his, smoothing your hand up to grasp his hair. Your fingers fumble with the buttons on his shirt, exposing more of his pale, muscled chest to you. He slides down the zipper on the back of your dress and leans away just long enough to draw the dress up over your head. His eyes sweep across you, taking in your lingerie.

You hook your thumbs under the band of your underwear, giving them a teasing wiggle as you back further away from him. You expect him to follow, but he steers you back against the wall, dropping his head to suck hot kisses along your neck and down to your chest. He yanks one of the cups of your bra down, taking your nipple into his mouth. You bite your lip, tipping your head back against the wall and whining as he slots his knee between your thighs. You roll your hips down against the hard muscle as he laves and teases your nipple, reaching up to thumb and tweak the other.

"Art—Mm, god that feels so good."

He groans against your skin, trailing his kisses further down as he lowers himself to his knees. You look down as he curls his fingers around your panties—and waits. You smile softly, nodding, murmuring, "Please?"

Art grins, pressing a kiss to your hip before he gently eases the fabric down, waiting for you to lift your feet so he can fling them away. He leans in, swiping his tongue across your aching clit. Your knees would knock if he wasn't wedged between them. You draw in a shallow breath, letting your head tip back as he draws your leg over his shoulder. You shiver at the feeling of the chilly air against your heated, slick flesh. He nuzzles and laps against your cunt, taking each tip of your hips in stride. His hand smooths up your trembling inner thigh, giving your ass a gentle squeeze before he teases a finger into you. You whimper at the touch, unable to help the way your pussy clenches around it.

Art groans at the feeling, turning his head to smear his lips slips against your hip.

"Goddamn," He breaths against you.

"More."

You feel more than hear his gentle chuckle as he eases another finger in.

"Need it bad, huh?"

"You have no idea."

"I'm getting a pretty good idea." He turns his head, leveling a sucking kiss to your clit that makes you cry out. You tighten your grip on his hair as he pumps his fingers harder, curling and scissoring them as he pushes you closer to the edge.

"Art—Mm, god, fuck, yes—Yes—" Your toes curl in your shoes as your hips rabbit down against his face and fingers, chasing the swell of your orgasm. You look back down as he draws back and find his lips and chin shining with your juices.

"Bed," He urges.

"You can fuck me right here."

Art laughs, standing and smoothing his hand over your thigh.

"We're doing this right."

"We could be doing this right...." You slid your hand down his chest to palm his cock through his pants. "Here."

You grin as Art's eyelids flutter, his dick twitching against you.

"Bed," He insists again.

It isn't far to go, and the two of you are entirely bare by the time you get there. You scooch back onto the bed, spreading your legs as he rolls on a condom. He's over you a moment later, and you watch the bulge of his biceps as he braces his hands on either side of your head. You bite your lip as you feel the brush of his cock against your entrance. You reach down, grasping his cock and guiding him closer.

You tip your head up, tongue teasing the seam of his lips as he eases into you. You melt into the mattress as he crushes against you, filling you completely. You wrap your arms around his shoulders, sliding your legs over his, as if you'll manage to fuse the two of you together. Art's tongue swirls around yours before he captures your lips in a kiss, rolling his hips slowly.

"More," You plead, but Art keeps his pace achingly steady, even when you try to pick up the pace.

"You feel so fucking good," He breathes, "Even better than you taste."

"Harder, Art, please, god damn, please," You whimper. He tips his head to the side nipping at the hinge of your jaw as he reaches down, hiking your hip up even higher. Your mouth fell open with a stunned moan as he presses deeper, the slap of his hips filthily filling the stifling air around you. You arch up against him, nails raking down his back as you feel the swell of another orgasm.

"Art."

"Yeah?"

"Mhm—Fuck, almost—"

"That's it." He sucks his fingers between his lips before he slips them between your bodies, swiping across your tender clit. You begin to close your eyes, but he tuts softly.

"Don't—Don't close your eyes—Look at me," He orders between breaths. You force yourself to focus on Art, taking in the flush on his cheeks, his almost dazed eyes.

"You, too—" You urge.

"Yeah—"

"Oh—yeah," You gasp, unable to keep your gaze on his you cum. You feel Art's hips slap roughly against yours before he slows, groaning low in his chest. You draw in a deep breath as your heart pounds in your chest, sinking back against your pillows as he settles down over you. You smooth your hand over his nape, smiling as he nuzzles against your shoulder, dropping tender kisses to your skin.

"...Art?"

"Yeah?"

"I think we're going to be late for dinner."

--

"You know, I've been thinking."

"You've been doing a lot more than thinking, mister," You mutter, and grin as Art laughs. You cuddle closer against his side, nuzzling into his chest as he tightens his arm around your shoulders.

"I'm glad I didn't know you liked me in college."

"Really?" You tip your head up, brow furrowing. "Why's that?"

"...I wasn't ready for you back then." He smooths his fingers along your jaw, eyes wandering your face contemplatively. "It's like you said, you know. You would've come second."

You nod, turning your head to press a kiss to his palm.

"I don't think I was ready for you, either," You admit. Art smiles.

"And you are now?"

"More than."

Tag list: @missredherring ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ; @massivecolorspygiant ; @blueeyesatnight ; @amneris21

@ew-erin ; @youngkenobilove ; @carbonated-beverage​​​ ;  @moonlightburned ; @milf-trinity

@millllenniawrites ; @chattychell ; @thembosapphicclown ; @brandyllyn ; @wildmoonflower ;

@buckybarneshairpullingkink ; @mad-girl-without-a-box ; @winchestershiresauce ; @lorecraft ; @kmc1989

[tojisun]

cw: john price x f!reader - older man/younger woman; 18+

john makes you feel beautiful. he dotes on you like you are his doll, splurging everything he’s got until you’re all spoiled.

“m’gonna be y’r rotten girl,” you told to him once, giggling, and john had just hummed as he gathered you in his arms, pulling you up until you’re both chest to chest. he breathed you in, his scruff tickling your jaw, his hands finding purchase along the pudge of your waist.

“i’d love you either way, baby,” john said like his words just didn’t lay waste on you.

you nodded, quiet and shy, your cheeks thrumming with warmth, and john kissed your silence away, murmuring nothings about how he could not wait to dress you up, to see you in his gifts, to fly you to spain and show you how a pretty girl should be cherished. you laughed it up, nodding to indulge him, but john always went through with his word and you found yourself in the next flight to ibiza.

it was exhilarating.

no one has ever done so much for you; no one thought you’re worth more than a 50/50 split dinner that you barely even enjoy or a quickie in a dingy parking lot because apparently a hotel was too much for a ‘casual thing.’

and sure you know you are worth more than those sucky dates, but your roster never changed and it’s like—

if they don’t like you enough, then… are you?

then john came and just. well, fuck — you know?

he’s ruined you for everyone else. he’s ruined you for anything that isn’t himself. john filled you up with fulfilled promises and went above that because he made you his sole point of focus. his priority. because somehow, you triumph over everything.

every of your whispered pleas, every quiet calls, every crooked requests — john always answered them. you are never too much for me, he said. nothing goes before you.

and who is strong enough to not fall for that? no one.

john loves vividly, and he loves you with such vastness it’s incomprehensible. john loves like this, whatever this is, was an organic sort of love; like it did not start with a messy hookup with a friend of a friend of a friend’s… dad.

(but there was something dizzying about the way your bodies clicked. how when john, apparently the mr. price, sank to his knees and flipped your skirt up, something just slotted into place.

it felt right to be there in his master’s bathroom, grasping at the hems of your skirt with shaky hands and watching on with tears in your eyes as he sucked on your clit and laid his tongue flat along your slit. it felt right to be there as he held your hips, thick fingers digging into your fat, and felt him grunting into your flesh, muffled praises slipping from his slick-sheened lips drunkenly. it felt right to beg for his fingers; to beg for more.

and god, it felt good.

so good, you were all numb in the brain, muscles shaking, satiation rolling off of you in heaps.

“shit, baby,” john murmured, cupping your jaw. “you’re so perfect.”

“mmrf?” you grunted, still nonverbal as your body caught up with the tidal waves of pleasure punched out of you.

he laughed, so soft and quiet. “yeah, you are.” he bent forward and pressed a kiss on your forehead. “might just keep you.”

he didn’t sound playful when he said this. he sounded certain, and it filled your heart up with giddiness because—

“please.”

john cooed and snuggled up beside you, pressing his bulk on your back and pulling you impossibly closer. not letting go.

not after that. not anymore.)

[ozzgin]

Yandere! Android x Reader (I)

It is the future and you have been tasked to solve a mysterious murder that could jeopardize political ties. Your assigned partner is the newest android model meant to assimilate human customs. You must keep his identity a secret and teach him the ways of earthlings, although his curiosity seems to be reaching inappropriate extents.

Yes, this is based on Asimov’s “Caves of Steel” because Daneel Olivaw was my first ever robot crush. I also wanted a protagonist that embraces technology. :)

Content: female reader, AI yandere, 50's futurism

[Part 2] | [More original works]

You follow after the little assistant robot, a rudimentary machine invested with basic dialogue and spatial navigation. It had caused quite the ruckus when first introduced. One intern - well liked despite being somewhat clumsy at his job - was sadly let go as a result. Not even the Police is safe from the threat of AI, is what they chanted outside the premises.

"The Commissioner has summoned you, (Y/N)." 

That's how it greeted you earlier, clacking its appendage against the open door in an attempt to simulate a knock. 

"Do you know why my presence is needed?" You inquire and wait for the miniature AI to scan the audio message. 

"I am not allowed to mention anything right now." It finally responds after agonizing seconds.

 It's an alright performance. You might've been more impressed by it, had you not witnessed first hand the Spacer technology that could put any modern invention here on Earth to shame. Sadly the people down here are very much against artificial intelligence. There have been multiple protests recently, like the one in front of your building, condemning the latest government suggestion regarding automation. People fear for their jobs and safety and you don't necessarily blame them for having self preservation. On the other hand, you've always been a supporter of progress. As a child you devoured any science fiction book you could get your hands on, and now, as a high ranked police detective you still manage to sneak away and scan over articles and news involving the race for a most efficient computer.

You close the door behind you and the Commissioner puts his fat cigarette out, twisting the remains into the ashtray with monotonous movements as if searching for the right words.

 "There's been a murder." Is all he settles on saying, throwing a heavy folder in your direction. A hologram or tablet might've been easier to catch, but the man, like many of his coworkers, shares a deep nostalgia for the old days. 

 You flip through the pages and eventually furrow your eyebrows. 

"This would be a disaster if it made it to the news." You mumble and look up at the older man. "Shouldn't this go to someone more experienced?" 

He twiddles with his grey mustache and glances out the fake window. 

"It's a sensitive case. The Spacers are sending their own agent to collaborate with us. What stands out to you?" 

You narrow your eyes and focus on the personnel sheet. What's there to cause such controversy? Right before giving up, departing from the page, you finally notice it: next to the Spacer officer's name, printed clearly in black ink, is a little "R." which is a commonly used abbreviation to indicate something is a robot. The chief must've noticed your startled reaction and continues, satisfied: 

"You understand, yes? They're sending an android. Supposedly it replicates a human perfectly in terms of appearance, but it does not possess enough observational data. Their request is that whoever partners up with him will also house him and let him follow along for the entirety of the mission. You're the only one here openly supporting those tin boxes. I can't possibly ask one of your higher ups, men with wives and children, to...you know...bring that thing in their house."

You're still not sure whether to be offended by the fact that your comfort seems to be of less priority compared to other officers. Regardless of the semantics, you're presently standing at the border between Earth and the Spacer colony, awaiting your case partner. A man emerges from behind a security gate. He's tall, with handsome features and an elegant walk. He approaches you and you reach for a handshake. 

"Is the android with you?" You ask, a little confused. 

"Is this your first time seeing a Spacer model?" He responds, relaxed. "I am the agent in your care. There is no one else." 

You take a moment to process the information, similar to the primitive machine back at your office. Could it be? You've always known that Spacer technology is years ahead, but this surpasses your wildest dreams. There is not a single detail hinting at his mechanical fundament. The movement is fluid, the speech is natural, the design is impenetrable. He lifts the warm hand he'd used for the handshake and gently presses a finger against your chin in an upwards motion. You find yourself involuntarily blushing. 

"Your mouth was open. I assumed you'd want it discreetly corrected." He states, factually, with a faint smile on his lips. Is he amused? Is such a feeling even possible? You try your best to regain some composure, adjusting the collar of your shirt and clearing your throat. 

"Thank you and please excuse my rudeness. I was not expecting such a flawless replica. Our assistants are...easily recognizable as AI."

"So I've been told." His smile widens and he checks his watch. You follow his gesture, still mesmerized, trying to find a single indicator that the man standing before you is indeed a machine, a synthetic product.

Nothing.

"Shall we?" He eyes the exit path and you quickly lead him outside and towards public transport. 

He patiently waits for your fingerprint scan to be complete. You almost turn around and apologize for the old, lagging device. As a senior detective, you have the privilege of living in the more spacious, secured quarters of the city. And, since you don't have a family, the apartment intended for multiple people looks more like a luxury adobe. Still, compared to the advanced way of the Spacers, this must feel like poverty to the android.

At last, the scanner beeps and the door unlocks. 

"Heh...It's a finicky model." You mumble and invite him in.

"Yes, I'm familiar with these systems." He agrees with you and steps inside, unbuttoning his coat.

"Oh, you've seen this before?"

"In history books."

You scratch your cheek and laugh awkwardly, wondering how much of his knowledge about the current life on Earth is presented as a museum exhibit when compared to Spacer society. 

"I'm going to need a coffee. I guess you don't...?" Your words trail as you await confirmation. 

"I would enjoy one as well, if it is not too much to ask. I've been told it's a social custom to 'get coffee' as a way to have small talk." The synthetic straightens his shirt and looks at you expectantly. 

"Of course. I somehow assumed you can't drink, but if you're meant to blend in with humans...it does make sense you'd have all the obvious requirements built in."

He drags a chair out and sits at the small table, legs crossed.

"Indeed. I have been constructed to have all the functions of a human, down to every detail." 

You chuckle lightly. Well, not like you can verify it firsthand. The engineers back at the Spacer colony most likely didn't prepare him for matters considered unnecessary. 

"I do mean every detail." He adds, as if reading your mind. "You are free to see for yourself."

You nearly drop the cup in your flustered state. You hurry to wipe the coffee that spilled onto the counter and glance back at the android, noticing a smirk on his face. What the hell? Are they playing a prank on you and this is actually a regular guy? Some sort of social experiment? 

"I can see they included a sense of humor." You manage to blurt out, glaring at him suspiciously. 

"I apologize if I offended you in any way. I'm still adjusting to different contexts." The android concludes, a hint of mischief remaining on his face. "Aren't rowdy jokes common in your field of work?"

"Uh huh. Spot on." You hesitantly place the hot drink before him.

Robots on Earth have always been built for the purpose of efficiency. Whether or not a computer passes the Turing Test is irrelevant as long as it performs its task in the most optimal, rational way. There have been attempts, naturally, to create something indistinguishable from a human, but utility has always taken precedence. It seems that Spacers think differently. Or perhaps they have reached their desired level of performance a long time ago, and all that was left was fiddling with aesthetics. Whatever the case is, you're struggling not to gawk in amazement at the man sitting in your kitchen, stirring his coffee with a bored expression.

"I always thought - if you don't mind my honesty - that human emotions would be something to avoid when building AI. Hard to implement, even harder to control and it doesn't bring much use."

"I can understand your concerns. However, let me reassure you, I have a strict code of ethics installed in my neural networks and thus my emotions will never lead to any destructive behavior. All safety concerns have been taken into consideration.

As for why...How familiar are you with our colony?" The android takes a sip of his coffee and nods, expressing his satisfaction. "Perhaps you might be aware, Spacers have a declining population. Automated assistants have been part of our society for a long time now. What's lacking is humans. If the issue isn't fixed, artificial humans will have to do."

You scoff.

"What, us Earth men aren't good enough to fix the birth rates? They need robots?"

You suddenly remember the recipient of your complaint and mutter an apology. 

"Well, I'm sure you'd make a fine contender. Sadly I can't speak for everyone else on Earth." The man smiles in amusement upon seeing the pale red that's now dusting your cheeks, then continues: "But the issue lies somewhere else. Spacers have left Earth a long time ago and lived in isolation until now. Once an organism has lost its immune responses to otherwise common pathogens, it cannot be reintegrated."

True. Very few Earth citizens are allowed to enter the colony, and only do so after thorough disinfection stages, proving they are disease free as to not endanger the fragile health of the Spacers living in a sterile environment. You can only imagine the disastrous outcome if the two species were to abruptly mingle. In that case, equally sterile machinery might be their only hope.

Your mind wanders to the idea. Dating a robot...How's that? You sheepishly gaze at the android and study his features. His neatly combed copper hair, the washed out blue eyes, the pale skin. Probably meant to resemble the Spacers. You shake your head.

"A-anyways, I'll go and gather all the case files I have. Then we can discuss our first steps. Do feel at home."

You rush out and head for your office. Focus, you tell yourself mildly annoyed.

While you search for the required paperwork - what a funny thing to say in this day and age - he will certainly take up on your generous offer to make himself comfortable. The redhaired man enters the living room, scanning everything with curious eyes. He stops in front of a digital frame and slides through the photos. Ah, this must be your Police Academy graduation. The year matches with the data he's received on you. Data files he might've read one too many times in his unexplained enthusiasm. This should be you and the Commissioner; Doesn't match the description of your father, and he seems too old to be a spouse or boyfriend. Additionally, the android distinctly recalls the empty 'Relationship' field.

"Old photos are always a tad embarrassing. I suppose you skipped that stage."

He jolts almost imperceptibly and faces you. You have returned with a thin stack of papers and a hologram projector.

"I've digitalized most files I received, so you don't have to shuffle a bunch of paper around." You explain.

"That is very useful, thank you." He gently retrieves the small device from your hand, but takes a moment before removing his fingers from yours. "I predict this will be a successful partnership."

You flash him a friendly smile and gesture towards the seating area.

"Let's get to work, then. Unless you want to go through more boring albums." You joke as you lower yourself onto the plush sofa. 

The synthetic human joins you at an unexpectedly close proximity. You wonder if proper distance differs among Spacers or if he has received slightly erroneous information about what makes a comfortable rapport. 

"Nothing boring about it. In fact, I'd say you and I are very similar from this point of view." He tells you, placing the projector on the table.

"Oh?"

"Your interest in technology and artificial intelligence is rather easy to infer." The man continues, pointing vaguely towards the opposing library. "Aside from the briefing I've already received about you, that is."

"And that is similar to...the interest in humans you've been programmed to have?" You interject, unsure where this conversation is meant to lead. 

"Almost."

His head turns fully towards you and you stare back into his eyes. From this distance you can finally discern the first hints of his nature: the thin disks shading the iris - possibly CCD sensors - are moving in a jagged, mechanical manner. Actively analyzing and processing the environment. 

"I wouldn't go as far as to generalize it to all humans. 

Just you."

[sttoru]

‘if there’s anyone in this world who loves being a girl dad the most, it must be your husband — gojo satoru.’

☀︎｜tags. girl dad!gojo x female reader. fluff. you’re married. reader gets called ‘mama, sweetheart’. wrote this at work so not beta read. fic one out of two for satoru’s birthday!

giggles fill the living room — familiar laughter that sounded like your daughters’. a more sultry and manly voice also resonates in the background. one that you could recognise from miles away.

your curiosity leads you to investigate the source of the joyful sounds and soon enough, you find your dear husband and daughters sitting on the couch. though, in a situation you hadn’t quite foreseen.

satoru was talking on the phone about important business whilst your little girls were giving him a rather sparkly makeover. the most heartwarming thing was satoru’s surrender to your daughters’ antics — allowing them to do whatever to his face and hair.

“mhm, yeah..” the white-haired sorcerer hums over the phone, not having the slightest idea about what ijichi was yapping about. probably something that has to do with the recent sighting of a special grade curse in the city.

but, that wasn’t satoru’s priority at the moment at all (even if it should have been). his focus was all on his two daughters that were enjoying their playtime with him.

“papa’s so pretty.” one of them comments with a big smile — a smile satoru wishes to protect until his last moment on earth. her fingers push and pull on a small strand of his hair, trying to tug it into another ponytail.

satoru had already lost count of how many messy and half-done ponytails his snowy hair got divided into. the same goes for the amount of stickers on his face and neck.

the two sisters work together to put another pink and glittery sticker on satoru’s chin — though were no match to their father’s playful attitude. he jerks his head forwards and teasingly nibbles on their tiny hands that came in touch with his face.

this causes almost ear deafening squeals to reverberate through his ears. not that he’s complaining — satoru loves to hear them.

“. . .gojo, are you listening?” ijichi’s shaky voice over the phone interrupts the squeals. satoru doesn’t even try giving a proper response and only mutters a quick ‘yeah’ between snickers. that was enough of a sign for ichiji to understand that he couldn't get through.

everyone knew how much satoru loved his little family. he cherished them and put them above everything, including his work. sometimes it was necessary for you to remind satoru that he's needed outside your home - that he was and will keep being the strongest sorcerer that people depend on.

"wow, you two really made papa super pretty!" satoru coos as his daughters bring him a hand mirror. his phone had already been discarded somewhere on the couch - not even bothering to hang up on ijichi first.

your husband effortlessly picks the children up and cuddles them close to his body, smothering them both in sloppy wet kisses on their cheeks and necks - making them giggle uncontrollably. "y'know, papa will give you both a nice little reward for making me so beautifu—”

a faint cough echoing from the mobile device next to them reminds satoru that he was still on call. he reaches out and grabs his phone, rolling his eyes in a sassy way before clearing his throat;

"i need to attend important business. see ya." the sorcerer declares and hangs up right after. to him, playing around and taking care of his daughters was more than necessary. even in comparison with an actual critical situation: it wasn't like there weren't any other special grade sorcerers that could take on the mission.

the second his phone plops back down on the couch, satoru's hands fly over to tickle his little girls' bellies. they wriggle and squirm around in his lap - squealing for help from their mama.

you had been watching the scene unfold from the doorway and decide to join in on the fun once you hear your daughters’ call. you gasp dramatically before scurrying over to the couch, acting like you were genuinely scolding your husband for his 'torturuos' tickles;

"oh no, my little girls!" you pout, taking in the way your daughters laugh and outstretch their tiny arms towards you, searching for an escape in your arms. you gladly help them away from their dad's grasp, though not without getting a whine out of satoru.

one of your daughters sticks out her tongue at the sulky sorcerer on the couch, the other mimicking her sister's actions. you chuckle and decide to do the same; frowning and sticking your tongue out.

"ack!" satoru clutches his chest, fingers curling around the material of his shirt like he just got shot. he topples over on the couch and acts dead with his eyes half closed, "i can't. . . believe. . . it. my girls hate me. ugh, my heart - can't take it."

you scoff at his exaggerated act. you were used to it after years of dating and marriage, but your daughters seemed to still take the bait. they writhe around in your arms and once you put them down on the floor again, they run back to their 'fallen' dad.

they shake him by his shoulders and harshly pat his cheeks in attempt to bring him back to life. a constant loop of 'papa!'s and 'wake up!'-s echo throughout the house. even some 'we're sworry!'-s thrown in-between.

satoru couldn't take it anymore and his arms move at the speed of light so he could pull both of his daughters in a big hug. he squeezes them a bit too tight to his chest, causing them to shriek and laugh.

"are you not joining us, sweetheart?" satoru asks with a shit-eating grin. it's then that you realise that he was blushing from pure joy — his cheeks rosy. well, you couldn't possibly deny his request when he was this ecstatic.

the high-pitched 'mama too! mama too!' coming from both girls mellowed your heart even more. and thus, you give in.

you happily join the pile - climbing on top of your husband and between your daughters which lay on each of his sides. your head rests on his chest, your eyes closed and your ears filled with laughter.

satoru eventually relaxes, however that genuine smile never leaves his lips. this is where he belongs. with his family - the most important thing of all.

[plumipal]

I just had a thought- how would Grim and the ramshackle ghosts feel about all the stuff happening to us?

Especially if the yandere(s) are coming over to our dorm too! Would they, depending on the severity of the yandere and their specific actions, range from supporting it cuz yknow reader gets to be happy with someone who treats them well and loves them to concerned because sweetie please get yourself outta there 😭

I can imagine Grim is NOT alright with it and for a multitude of reasons, they are taking away your time with HIM, and once he pays more attention to the bigger picture? Yeah messed up things be occasionally happening that could very well hurt you!! He does not like that!!!

im just imagining Grim being visibly not alright and reader will not have it either when it comes to him, they are a PACKAGE deal and that is that no matter which yandere comes their way 🗣️

we have many people more alright with Grim being reader’s number one priority, or yknow silently(?) wishing it was them, poor Grim and Reader man encountering yandere after yandere 😭

Grim would give us a look if we expressed any sort of romantic interest in any yandere I think lol

‘Pologies if it was too long or ranty, though I am curious who you think would be the most and least alright with this? I imagine Leona and Ace (legally required to bring up Ace he’s my all time fav next to Grim) would NOT like it lmao

.. first off, this is the longest ask ive ever gotten, I gotta just say oml thank you so much????? You, wrote all of this, fpr me?? 🥹🥹🥹💖💖💖 this literally made my week thank you so much bestie 🥹😭 second off, this inspired me to rant too, I hope you enjoy!- (not proofread btw)

So im mainly gonna focus on grim, no offence to ramshackle ghost fans, I just really like the silly little fire-cat/rat/weasel/creature. He was literally our first friend, our first companion (I bet Ace and grim bicker on who was your first).

And oh boy, guy is NOT HAPPY when he sees all these dumbasses vying for your attention and either trying to butter him up with tuna (which will not work on the mighty grim!) or ugnore him completely! Like you stated you and him are a package deal! Get the prefect and get their silly hungry companion!!

Now, grim surely uses his position as your closest companion as a safety net, they can't kill off the closest you have to family in this world! Guess they gotta live with him if they wanna have a life with you.

Ace hates that grim was your friend before him, feeling annoyed whenever he bullied (Juice) Deuce about being friends with you before him only for grim to butt in. Ace isn't too annoyed with grim though, and grim thinks that Ace is one of the better choises of the roster you have, they're both friends after all.

Of course most students in the cast don't liek "sharing" you with grim, especially the more territorial ones. Leona is probably the worst, I mean come on they're both feline looking creatures. With scent being a heavy thing for felines (yes even beastmen dont come at me) Leona is not happy to have his scent on you be muddied by the little rodent (the greatest mage of all, grim). Probably the worst choise since they're just gonna bicker to the end of the world..

Floyd doesn't like this either! Not fair that he has to share!! And with grim no less.. Floyd results in biting you instead of scenting, his chompers being good for nibbling on you. He also has the advantage that grim is sorta afraid of him (honestly who wouldn't be? Especially yan Floyd...).

Kalim tries to brime grim, with anything he could ever think off! Unlimited tuna for grim, and the best there is as well!! Nything grim could ever want on a silver platter, only if grim let's kalim marry you! That alone doesn't sound too bad, but that unsettling horrifying servant that follows Kalim around. He knows what jamil can do, and he sure does NOT want you with that dude!- guy is manipulative and creepy (he would definelty seperate you and grim!-)

Malleus... Malleus scares grim, guys is honestly horrifying. Threatening to curse him into an eternal slumber so he can whisk you away from him, he doesn't want that! You would also get sad id malleus did that, so luckily the possessive dragon had to share (for now...)

Whoever you choose, grim would probably disapprove, guy thinks of you as family (he will never admit that tho). He cares about you, and he is not okay with the invasion of privacy from these teenagers! >:(

I know you didn't ask fpr any drawing or such, but I couldn't help myself sorry 🤭 hope you like my ramblings back at you!

[fics-lovebot]

satoru gojo fic rec

main masterlist

· · ♡ · · tysm to the amazing creative minds of the writers for giving me sevaral moments of joy reading your creations

i´ll be constantly updating this list so make sure to check it out often for new recs ;)))

pls remember to reblog if you like any of my recs❤️

disclaimer: if you came back looking for that one fire fic and you can´t find it, it´s bc it doesn't exist anymore :( so i deleted it

LAST UPDATED: 08/08/2024

gojo

gojo eating you out - ( @happybird16 )

gojo x dacryphilia - ( @happybird16 )

gojo loves fat pussy - ( @tohokuu )

sending gojo an accidental nude so he sends you a whole video - ( @satoruhour )

gojo tried to give himself a haircut and now wants to go bald - ( @enkvyu ) this is fuNNY ksksks, I love the banter

trying to break up with yandere!gojo - ( @peachsayshi ) yep, we´re talkin about lovesick toxic obsessed type of gojo, break up????? you know better than to tell him that sooo since you´re acting dUMB he has to fucc so sense into you bc, clearly, you forgot who tf ur talking to - LDKJSDFJDJFHLSHFLSHDF but he´s not rough bc he luvss you a lot

insecure bully!gojo - ( @saetoru ) angst, lil fluff, he´s a bully and he´s in love, but its not enough. part 2

the horniest - ( @arminsumi ) smut, ITS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDD, he´s horny af, pussy drunk, obsessed, borderline crazy for that wap

phone calls - ( @kingkonoha ) slice of life, hubby!gojo, dilf!gojo, his wife and his daughter are his only priority, this is so sdkfjskdjfh :´( i love it

best of the best - ( @saetoru ) smut, fwb! satoru, big sHIT talker omg, he lit asks you to be his gf wHILE he´s making you cum,,,,,best bf ever tho

love struck - ( @xxsabitoxx ) fluffy, ex-fuckboy!satoru, he´s experiencing love for the first time :((((( IT´S SO CUTEEEEEEEEEE

love dumb - ( @arminsumi ) fluff, blurb, you make him lose his composure, can´t even focus bc you´re over there existing, someone should make a longer version of this! so good

too much - ( @risuola ) ANGSTTTYYYY, fluff too, reader and gojo are in a situationship kinda thing where they live together and love each other but nothing has been said yet, they get into an argument bc gojo has a big mouth and says a lot of hurtful things, they´re both just so exhausted

i know you still think about the times we had - ( @saetoru ) angst, fluff, rich bf!gojo, his father makes you break up with him, it´s so angsty omg, they get into this HUGE argument bc gojo´s dad is a controlling mf

sanctuary - ( @arminsumi ) fluff, lowkey angst, weak!reader, bully!gojo, nah he´s just in love but doesn´t know how to say it

the road to falling in love - ( @itadorey ) fluff, strangers to lovers, it´s a collection o moments where keeps falling harder for you, I LOVE ITTTTT, sdkfjhskdjf it´s kinda slow burn but not boring at all

yuji finds out gojo has a family - ( @kingkonoha ) fluff, lowkey angst, hubby!gojo, dad!gojo, so,,, this made me cry, i love yuji sm he deserves the world :( this is part two and it also made me crY MY MF EYES OUT :))))))))

i´ll meet you forever in this memory - ( @gorejo ) fluff, college au, married life au, it´s so good, he lit has this big ass plan to make you fall for him, and i mean big, like planned way ahead lmao, 10 years later he´s still asking you to go out with him,,,,even if you´re already married sdlfkjkdfhlsdjh so so cute

can´t stop drinking - ( @kingkonoha ) ANGST, death, blood, dad!gojo, husband!gojo, mentions of wanting to die, a curse kills you and your son allegedly but in reality the elders had lied to him all these years, part 2 made me fucking cry, PLEASEEE I NEED PART 3

hype man - ( @satoruoo ) crack, fluff, supportive bf!gojo, he´s such an amazing bf :( “damn, my girl ran you over with a bus, reversed, then got out and shot you twice in the foot? what did you do?? sounds like a you issue.” LMAOOOOO this is so cute and funny at the same time, i love it, such a gojo thing to say

flicker of flame - ( @tteokdoroki ) fluff, nervous soon to be dad!gojo, pregnant!reader, he´s going to be the best dad ever

mirror´s pov - ( @teddybeartoji ) smut, "satoru likes jerking off in front of a mirror" YUP, a whole POV of him beating his meat to the thought of you BEAUTIFULLY written, very detailed

missionary - ( @babiexiao ) smut, fluff, THIS IS SO :(((( so beautiful

[cthulhus-curse]

Cherry Waves

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 10,079

Warnings: Milf!Stripper!Wanda Maximoff, Teacher!Reader, Smut, Fluff | 18+ Minors DNI

Summary: In which you meet the woman of your dreams in the most unexpected of places before a romance between the two of you blossoms.

The sight of yellow vehicles alongside bouts of snow and bleak, barely tended-to outer walls were triggers of disgust. They were constant reminders of a previous life filled with animosity, a time where the priority was survival, not living. Once as a child there was not much to cling to, ostracized and forgotten by peers who pitied faced experiences. Upon growing up, her life didn’t change for the better, but mostly the worst. 

“Drop-off is right here, mom.”

At the sound of the small voice, Wanda shook her head. Her hands loosed over her steering wheel she didn’t know she held onto with mighty fury. “Thank you, honey. I almost missed it.”

“Are you okay?” One of the twins, the eldest by only minutes – Tommy – frowned at her words. “You look really tired today. When you dropped us off at dad’s earlier yesterday I thought you’d be sleeping a lot more. You gotta take care of yourself too, mom.”

“I know, sweetheart, thank you,” Wanda beamed at his words, bags hiding beneath messy makeup from the previous night underneath her eyes. Eyeing her twins from the rearview mirror, she couldn’t help but bask in the loving, short moments the three of them had. “Now it’s time to go to class, boys. I don’t want you to be late again.”

At his mother’s words, Billy grimaced. “Oh about that…”

“Yes?” Wanda didn’t miss the hesitation, raising her eyebrows and crossing her arms upon her chest, small ounces of glitter hiding under her hoodie. “What’s wrong? Come on, you have about thirty seconds to spit it out.”

“Ourhomeroomteacherwantstotalktoyouaboutourtardiness,” Billy rambled. He didn’t wish to stay back, instead hastily opening the door of the backseat of the car before throwing himself out. “Bye, ma. Have a good day, love you!”

Albeit surprising, Wanda couldn’t help the way the ends of her mouth rose at the action. She turned to Tommy who broke out into a fit of laughter, following his brother’s steps as he slid out of the car with a patience much like his father’s. 

“He said that our homeroom teacher wanted to have a meeting with you. We’ve been late a bunch of times. I tried explaining myself, but not even the principal was having it,” Tommy shrugged. “Now I get why you don’t like Mrs. Potts.”

The reason was much deeper than that. During her adolescence it was Pepper who made it her focus to continuously pick on Wanda through high school, even up until graduation day. Although the elementary school principal found it to be water under the bridge, each time she was forced to see the woman, Wanda found herself holding onto a constant reminder of her torture. 

“I’ll take care of it, sweetie. You just go in and have a good day at school,” Wanda forced an exhausted smirk. “I’ll call later today and set up a meeting. And please make sure your brother eats his lunch, all of it. You don’t have to eat his veggies just to cover for him. Now go, honey, or else you’ll be late once again.”

Unlike his brother, Tommy took the time leaning in and wrapping his arms around his mother, even if in an awkward position. “I love you, mom. See ya later.”

“Bye, Tommy. Remember your dad’s picking you up today, it’s your weekend with him. I love you too, I’ll miss you!”

With the absence of her children for a handful of days, Wanda sighed. Weekends were by far the busiest times, especially as the holiday season loomed over. All she could do was slap her forehead against the steering wheel before dismally driving away, hoping to whatever universal power that she could get through the month in one piece. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

“Red, I need you to focus up tonight. You’ll be front and center while the new girl shadows you. Just show her how it’s done before going out and- Scarlet, are you listening to me?”

Distractions overtook Wanda as she shook her head, turning away from the lengthy mirror and towards her coworker. “Sorry, Ags. I was just…thinking.”

Agatha was the eldest at the club, only a few years older than Wanda and reeking with wiseness. She was something of the leader of the pack, forever ensuring the safety of the other girls, training new ones, and nurturing them all when required. It had been her who drew Wanda into the life of a dancer, promising to care for her and give her an easy way to get by while still present in her children’s life. 

The divorce between her and Jarvis had been amicable, and yet living by herself caused her difficulty. As a former paralegal, a career she excelled at, Wanda chose to put her children first rather than her occupation. She was young when the twins were born with nowhere to go with her family having disowned her shortly after her high school graduation when they found her making out with her former friend. Back then Audrey had blamed her for it all, and given her rebellious phase being in full-force, her parents sided with the girl before dumping off their only daughter as though she was trash. 

From then on it was Jarvis, her best friend since middle school, who had her back. Only their romance was short-lived, a mistake on Wanda's part who believed she could change much like her parents hoped, as their friendship thrived through adulthood instead. After all, they were much better as co-parents than a married couple. 

“Get your head in the game, sweets. I need my best girl tonight. You and I both know that on Saturdays you’re all the boys want to see…and girls,” Agatha gave her a knowing look. “If you get enough tips tonight, maybe you won’t have to come in tomorrow.”

“I have to work anyway,” Wanda shook her head, finishing her makeup before staring at herself through the mirror. “I haven’t bought the boys’ Chanukah gifts. I know there’s over a month to spare, but I’m barely breaking even with what I used to make years ago. Nobody wants to see me, Ags, let’s face it. I’m…old.”

“Honey, you're barely halfway through your thirties. If you’re old then I’m a fucking dinosaur,” Agatha laughed. She stood behind Wanda, hands placed over her nude shoulders that squeezed lovingly. “Plus, you got the best tits in the club. You should be proud of the fact that men pay hundreds just for you to flash them.”

“I suppose that’s nice…I think?”

Agatha wasn’t one to easily take Wanda’s insecurities lightly. “It’s the best compliment I can give you right now. I’m running on a mix of Redbull and coffee that Carol made. So I’ll either stay awake for an entire day or die trying. Now come on, this girl Kate is waiting for the master to teach her a few tricks. Time to shine, Red.”

Meeting Kate, or Lucky as she named herself, was a forever reminder of the youth that escaped Wanda. Although she was barely clothed, only stockings covering her legs alongside knee-high heeled boots and a thin see-through bikini, seeing the younger woman in much less clothes made her become fueled by humiliation. 

She showed her the ins and outs of the club, reminding the girl that her safety would forever come first. There was no doubt she’d do well – Kate was young and pleasing to the eye, everyone would fall to their knees for her as they had once done for Wanda. Now with a body carrying carved stretch marks, a painful scar across her abdomen that was a permanent reminder of the birth-gone-wrong of Billy, and rolls upon her tummy, the redhead wasn’t quite sure how to make ends meet. The day job she garnered much to Jarvis’ dismay, who offered to help pay her bills, somewhat allowed her to just get by. As if working dancing at the club wasn’t bad enough, during the days she threw on a uniform to spend lengthy shifts as a bagger at a local grocery store. 

As they walked around backstage, Kate noticed a shining golden chain across Wanda’s neck. 

“That’s a beautiful necklace,” she pointed out. 

Wanda didn’t need to look down as her hand involuntarily went to the Star of David that hung from her neck. “It was a graduation gift from my brother – the last thing he ever gave me, actually.”

“Oh? Well, where is he now?” Kate wondered with furrowed brows. 

Since the day she was kicked from her home, her parents barred Pietro from getting in contact with his twin sister. Each day she only longed to see him again, even if for a smidge of a second. Throwing a sad smile towards the new dancer, Wanda shrugged. “I wish I knew.”

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

The start of a new job carried numerous amounts of stress and anxieties, of hidden fears that you wished to push far down until their disappearance. You weren’t used to going out and putting in effort for anything, always living a sheltered life where anything you wanted was simply bestowed upon the palms of your hands. 

Your dream of being a teacher confused your parents. They simply couldn’t understand why rather than taking over your father’s business, or perhaps becoming part of it, you’d choose to go out of your way and put more effort into a career when you already had one set in stone. Although they disapproved at first, it was relieving how they eventually came to be proud of you for molding your own path. 

Of course no one ever told you of the stress teachers were put through on the daily, much less of the rather adventurous manners in which some decompressed after what had been a harsh semester. 

“Come on, it’ll be fun. You’ve never even been to one of these before. Trust me when I say you’ll have the time of your life.”

While you had only worked at Westview Elementary for a few months, you could easily feel yourself trusting Maria. She was a mathematics teacher with her room right across from yours, a quiet educator who during breaks made sure to bring out the life of the teacher’s lounge. It was the first person you had gotten close to at the school, that alongside the gym teacher Carol Danvers and her young assistant, Peter. 

“Are you sure?” You eyed Maria incredulously as she pushed you through the doors of the club, smiling at her coworkers who followed along. “Have you ever been to a strip club?”

“Well, not this one, but I heard only good things about it. Their star dancer is something else,” Maria responded with excitement, “I, uh, have a bit of a thing for redheads.”

Although you didn’t know it then, it was a sentiment you too shared. 

Entering the club was a rather out-of-body experience you had never lived through. Seeing the flashing lights amidst the darkness made you hiss from the sudden pain upon your eyes, but as they darted towards the main stage, they ended up widening. 

Upon the first sight of a mane of red, you couldn’t quite easily shake away the feeling of longing and desire. It was your first time seeing her and yet you knew it was her you wanted. And nothing would dare stop you from getting what you wished.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

While your coworkers spent most of the night throwing loose bills on stage, Maria quite enthralled by a certain redhead which caught her eye, you remained rigid upon your seat. The once dancer that took your attention moved around the stage through her set, her outfit adorned by bills, some much larger than others, peeking through her waist of breasts that you felt guilty staring at for too long. 

Even with the self-proclaimed Black Widow dancing by her, Maria’s eyes averted to your ragged state, frowning as you didn’t tear away from your focus. Smacking your shoulder playfully, she yelled at you through the music that drowned her out. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah I was just…thinking I guess,” you shouted back, and yet never did you turn to Maria. 

She took notice of this as she followed your line of sight. When she came to find what you were taken by, the woman smirked. “That’s why we came here. Apparently she’s very popular and, well, I thought you might like her. I would offer to get you a private dance but, you know, teacher’s salary…”

“It’s okay,” you fondly responded. Before your arrival you had taken the liberty to gather some funds for the outing. You never thought you’d use them all in one night, but you’d spend whatever you needed to get her to so much as look at you. “I think I got this, thanks. Just enjoy your night. Maybe I can get you a private dance with her.”

As the night went on, it was you who blessed Maria with a privacy dance from the Widow herself. You had enough money to spare, and seeing your newly found friend carrying a goofy smile as she was dragged backstage was far too enjoyable to constitute as a waste of your earnings. While growing up, your family had forever been well-off. With all that they gave you, you could easily retire without even needing to work. 

There was hesitation on your part, but after a smidge of apprehension from a flushed Peter and a thumbs-up, he was who gave you the confidence to request a dance from the club’s most notable dancer. And as you sat in the dark, dimly-lit room with only echoes of the music booming through, all you could do was pray for it to be all you longed for. 

Never had you been one to follow your instincts in such a way. The way the woman had drawn you when you first saw her was like no other. There was no feeling you could easily shake away, you way you’d voluntarily tear your eyes from her frame as you sought out her services. Surely you’d had flings here and there, but the passion you felt upon merely seeing her was unknown, a mystery to your soul. 

As you rummaged through your own thoughts, you didn’t see the curtains of the small room be shifted as a huffing figure appeared. At least not until hands were placed upon your shoulders making you jump. “You’re far too tense, darling.” The voice drifted closer as a weight was pressed against your body. “Let me help you with that. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the little show I got for you. I promise you’ll like it.”

Even as the slow, sultry music began, you shut it out as a means to bestow your attention upon her. Your mouth lay agape, heavy breaths being ragged out as you got a better look at the woman. Her red hair shone upon the fluorescent lights, dark lips ghosting upon your forehead as she straddled your lap. Her chest was practically bare let alone for her see-through skimpy outfit that you attempted not to stare at too hard. With hands merely hovering over her hips, you were left in awe. 

“I, uhm…” you didn’t find the right words, instead stammering out incoherent babbles as your face turned beet red. “I’ve never done this before, sorry. I’m not really sure what to do right now.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I can tell.” Her giggle made your racing heart catch its breath. “Just relax for me. I’ll take care of you. You’re in good hands, my dear.”

Sways hypnotized you without much effort. Melting against the faux leather couch, your arms were limp at each side of your frame. Flickering orbs were entranced by each slow movement. Scarlet, you had learned, carried herself with the utmost grace. She was a vision you mentally recorded, steady mannerisms recorded to be forever plastered upon the walls of your brain. Her alabaster skin was one that drew you in to so much as graze upon it, but the no touching rule was one you took to heart. 

The tune was made for her dance. The woman, only slightly older than you, alternated between swaying on top of you before she mounted your lap, her nearly bare breasts brushing upon your face. With each passing second your arousal only grew. Being in close proximity to the goddess Aphrodite envied was intoxicating. You had paid dearly for the private session, but the tips you’d give her would be grandiose in comparison. 

“You’re perfect,” you found yourself breathing out. Within the dusk of the room you still noticed stretch marks across her barely-clothed breasts, arms, and thighs, ones that you gawked out while drool was held back. “Just look at you. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.”

Wanda had never been one to have such compliments thrown her way, especially not after having her children. “Careful, sweetheart, or else you may become a favorite client of mine.” 

“Yeah? I’d like that. You have no idea how good you’re making me feel,” you groaned when Scarlet grinded upon your lap. She didn’t hesitate to grab hold of your hands before guiding them to her breasts, breaking her own personal rule only to allow you to squeeze the soft mounds. “I’m so glad I came here.”

There was a peculiar mark upon her abdomen that made you frown. A certain familiarity made you tilt your head as you absentmindedly felt your heart squirm for her. You didn’t make note of it, not daring to put her in any discomfort. Instead you did as she told you – leaning back, Scarlet was the one to take the reins for the rest of the session.

Much to your dismay, the dance ended as soon as it began. 

“That was…wow,” you were at a loss for words. As you sat up on the comfortable couch, you thanked whatever higher power allowed the small room to hide your need-stricken features. “Thank you? I’m not really sure what to say.”

“Your gratitude is appreciated,” the woman laughed, carefully stepping away from your lap with a hesitation you didn’t notice. “Most people just slap my ass and ask me if I offer other services. Which in case you were interested, I don’t.”

Hiding your dismay was difficult, and yet you took your time to fully compose yourself before reaching out. “I’m sorry you have to go through that. I can’t imagine you getting to meet the loveliest people in a place like this.” Making small talk with the dancer would be losing her money, so rather than keep her busy, you handed her the remainder of the cash you brought with you. “I’m not really sure how much to tip, but I hope that’s enough. It’s all I have left.”

Looking down at the flurry of hundreds, Wanda’s eyes widened. Normally she had nothing but animosity towards her clientele, especially those who refused to treat her as anything other than a piece of meat, but she could there was kindness in you – something most individuals in the club desperately lacked. “Are you sure? This is a lot for just one dance. With this you could probably get the other services I was talking about with a girl down the street.”

“I’m not really interested in that,” you shrugged. “Just keep it, really. I hope you have a good night, Ms. Scarlet. Oh and happy holidays!”

You left before she could respond. Nearly running through the curtains and into the main area, you were glad your face was practically unrecognizable in the club. There was a deep need within you to go back into the lounge and make a move, to do anything to ensure you could see the woman again. 

But as you saw Maria waving you down, you decided against it. At some point you wished your paths would cross again no matter what, even if it meant you returning to the club for a smidge of attention from the woman who caught your eye. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

“So you’re not coming to visit me?”

With your phone pressed against your ear, you huffed. It was almost the norm with your parents. Although loving, they were not ones to follow typical familial traditions, especially not those that surrounded the holiday season. Another year, another disappointment. 

“Your father and I are really sorry, Y/N. He has to attend a convention in France and I’ll be-”

“It’s alright, ma,” you shrugged as though she could see you. Waltzing through the packed aisles of the grocery store, you refused to let anyone take notice of your true feelings. Instead you threw a box of cereal onto the cart, shaking your head before paying attention to your mother once again. “I’ll send out you and dad’s presents next week. I’ll prepare myself for another pair of fluffy socks from him, huh?”

“You know him so well.”

The two of you amicably chatted as you made your way across the store dumping essentials onto the basket – at times adding self-indulgent treats you’d surely down while watching whatever showed up first on your television or grading finger paintings with full marks for them all. At times your parents disappeared from your life, not even showing up when you moved into the town of Westview, even missing your college graduation and hoping to make up for it by sending you a postcard from Matla with a check you didn’t require. 

Once you were done with your weekly shopping, you made your way towards the registers. Your eyes were downcast, the exhaustion from the days at the school catching up to you. Although you adored your students, at times they could be far too energetic for your liking. 

“Hey ma I-” before you finished your sentence, your eyes widened. Staring at the register you made a beeline towards, you quickly pulled back. Rather than take another position in any of the slowly growing lines you hid behind a shelf, only the top of your head and your eyes peeking through to get a better sight at the woman who stood scanning various items. “I gotta go now, ma. Something came up. Tell dad I said ‘hi’.”

Opting to not wait for a response, your mouth was left agape as you hung up. There stood the one woman who had plagued your thoughts through the past week. The unmistakable scarlet mane was one you couldn’t easily forget, much less the tender features that lacked the smoky, dark makeup she wore on the previous Saturday night. 

Gulping down a knot of surprise, you ran to the self-checkout line. You refused to allow her – Scarlet herself – to see you. As embarrassment coated your cheeks, you left the store in a rush, perhaps forgetting items on the way all for the sake of avoiding the sudden object of your affections. 

Although you felt a sudden wave of humiliation wash through you, a part of you longed to see her again.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

On the day of the meeting with her sons’ teacher, Wanda opted to double her coffee intake in the morning alongside lexapro. The mere thought of being sent back to the one place she despised, her years from elementary through high school spent in constant torment, brought her back anxious thoughts she couldn’t easily shake awake. That alongside her lengthy shift at the club on the previous night would make it impossible to get through the meeting without backup. 

She made her way through the disgustingly colorful hallways she knew so well, passing the lockers she was once shoved into even at her then-young age. Rolling her eyes, Wanda only wished to get it all over with, to leave before her shift at the grocery store began — she was already far too late as it were. 

Of course she didn’t count on the familiarity of the face she saw through the small window of the classroom. Frowning, Wanda knocked lightly, all before stepping inside without daring to wait for an answer. 

“I’m sorry I’m late, I had a long shift and I-”

“You?” As soon as Wanda heard the accusatory voice, her eyebrows furrowed as she stared up at you with confusion. Only a stammer later the words were salvaged. “You…you must be Tommy and Billy’s mom, welcome!”

When Wanda gazed at you, you gazed back.

Ever since the small incident at the grocery store, you found it nearly impossible to go through another day without the image of her, of Scarlet, grinding herself on top of you. Guilty washed upon your being as you came to realize its perversion. And when you thought you were finally safe, there came another version of her. You refused to believe a parent of two of your students could be the Scarlet, so rather than assume it was her third life, you imagined her to be some sort of twin much like her sons. 

The two of you chatted amicably, your smile forced over your features as you refused to let her see any sign of awkwardness within you. She was…different from the woman, someone who you refused to compare to her. Her face lacked an ounce of makeup, hair pristinely put into a messy bun while she donned a classy, yet casual outfit that screamed that of a mother. Even then, you deemed her to be the most beautiful woman on the planet. 

“And what is it that you do, Mrs. Maximoff?” You questioned, gulping down a knot of fear.

“It’s actually just Ms. Maximoff – I��m divorced,” she corrected. “And, uhm, I work overnight sometimes.”

“Oh that must be exhausting.” Of course it was, you had seen it firsthand. Mentally slapping yourself, you longed for the floor to swallow you whole. 

You felt bad for putting her in a situation where she mercilessly fidgeted with the rings on her fingers, staring down at the floor “Yes, very. I also dance…at my job.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’m not a good dancer myself. I got two left feet,” you joked, shaking your head with amusement as you took in Wanda’s solemn expression. You couldn’t pinpoint where her reservations came from, her body tense as she stared down with cheeks tinting, their hue mirroring that of a tomato. It’s when you frowned, gave her another once over, and as your confusion grew you-

Oh.

Oh.

“I know it’s not the most usual thing, but it helps me get by. It’s not easy being a single mom, especially when my ex lives very, very far away. The boys don’t know, obviously. I just…don’t really think it’s a conversation I could ever have with them. I’m not exactly ashamed of what I do, but I get it’s hard for people to take in.”

As she sat before you, you were left speechless. 

Garnering your verbiage back had its difficulties. You jumbled through your words, the infectious anxiety making your head spin as your fear-stricken smirk flashed to her. It really was impossible to have any sense of normalcy when the dancer who had given yoh a private show sat before you.

“You look familiar,” Wanda frowned as she pointed out, and just about then you could feel and hear your fear racing. “Have we met before? Did you also go to this school?”

“Uhm no, I’ve lived in the city my whole life,” you choked out. “Maybe if we dim the lights a bit you might…”

“Oh my god.”

You never meant for her embarrassment to creep up as she looked blankly at you, and for a moment you swore there were small tears forming over her eyes. Wanda knew, she knew. Her life was easily broken up into three — her daily occupation, being a mother, and her shifts in the night that only her ex-husband knew about. Otherwise she made sure to upkep privacy for whoever long she could, never allowing her lives to spill onto one another, at least not until she met you. 

“I, uh…” Wanda was at a loss for words. She knew she could trust you, she felt it as soon as she waltzed through the door as she easily spewed on her secret life. What she never expected was for you to know already, to have been with her in a rather intimate manner that she, surprisingly, didn’t regret. “I have to-”

“Please don’t go,” you begged, and Wanda stayed. “Fuck, I know this is going to sound weird, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. It was just a dance, I get it, but I felt…something.”

Wanda snickered trying to lighten the mood. “A lot of my clients feel that something, honey, but that’s not part of my job description.”

“No, no! Not that. I mean I felt a connection, which, yes, I realize might be dumb. I just haven’t been able to get you out of my head. Not in a weird, pervy way, but in a I-want-to-take-you-out-for-dinner way. And then I saw you at the grocery store and maybe I’m just romanticizing everything but-”

“You know about my other job?” For a moment Wanda imagined herself to have a stalker, but gazing into your eyes realized you’d be the first joyous threat she’d have. 

“Point is-” you didn’t let her speak again out of personal embarrassment. “I’m not going to tell anyone. I can only assume discretion is really important in your line of work, and although that thing happened, we can just forget about it. Really, Ms. Maximoff. I’m not here to make your life harder than it has to be. And we already discussed the matter with your sons so, uh, I guess you’re free to go.”

Impulsiveness had always been Wanda’s undoing, but seeing you hold her up on a pedestal and being kind to a total stranger made her heart swell. “You’re sweet, darling. Does this mean I can still get taken out for dinner?”

And as soon as she spoke the words you thanked whatever early Christmas miracle ensued to give you such a wonderful present. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

As the holidays loomed over with December coming through in full-force, you found yourself to be lucky by Wanda’s side. It was strange, even awkward at first as you accustomed yourself to being around someone slightly older, much wiser and the mother of your students at that. You had become enchanted by her body, and yet it was her mind that made you fall each second, even if far too early in what you couldn’t even deem a relationship. 

The first date you had went well. Even if you stammered through some sentences, something Wanda found endearing, her radiant smile never left her features. She had to find time from her busy schedule to go out with you, and even then it was a short-lived event before you drove her to the club before grabbing a snack at a nearby cafe. You wanted her to be safe, but even with a lack of words, only squeezing the woman’s hand tenderly, she knew what you meant. Watching her leave made your heart light itself on fire, yet you knew it wouldn’t be the last you’d see of her. 

The second one was much longer, with Wanda inviting you to grab lunch with her after her shift at the grocery store. The twins were with their father that weekend. Between the laundry and cleaning around the house, she found time for herself for the first time in years. There was an unspoken air of guilt. Wanda hadn’t been one to settle for romantic relationships even after her divorce. The most she had were meaningless one-night stands that ended with her humiliation only increasing. Sitting across you from that restaurant table made her feel a sense of warmth she hadn’t experienced in years – if ever. 

By the third date Wanda knew you’d make a permanent mark in her heart whether you chose to stay in her life or not. 

“I don’t want you to pay tonight, really,” she said, shaking her head as she grabbed onto your arm. It had been weeks since you began going on dates, getting to know each other through numerous conversations had when she picked the twins up and texts when you weren’t together. While worried constantly over her financial situation, Wanda suddenly didn’t hesitate when it came to either you or the twins. “I got it. You’ve already paid for the last two dates and I-”

“I don’t mind,” you chuckled. The two of you made your way across a nearby town. It was a small one, not too far from Westview where the streets were decorated with numerous shining lights and decorations for the holiday. You dragged Wanda to a local movie theater you found, promising that whatever she wished to watch, you’d humor. “Have I told you about my parents?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, they’re basically rich snobs to put it lightly. I’ve been well-off my entire life, and I am not one that loves all that expensive luxurious shit. So it makes me really happy to pay. And if it makes you smile, then it’s worth it,” you held her close, still finding it strange to embrace her in such a manner. It was rushed, you knew, and yet you couldn’t care. “Please let me pay. It also makes me feel good to know I can spoil you rotten, pretty girl.”

Wanda held the door open for you when you arrived at the theater, shaking her head with amusement stricken upon her features. “Pretty girl?”

You didn’t miss the way Wanda’s eyes lit up when she was presented with the concession stand, remaining far back with wide orbs that longed for bouts of sweet and popcorn – it had been long since she last felt such child-like joys. “Yeah. You’re a pretty girl, Wanda. Hasn’t anyone told you?”

The answer was clear upon the phantom hiding beneath her face. Rather than delve into such darkness, Wanda squeezed your hand. Fingers interlaced themselves with your own as though it was second nature. “So, tell me more about your family. Then I’ll tell you all about mine.”

From the moment the two of you bought the tickets to the laughter you held at the concession stand as Wanda waddled off happily holding her snacks, you told her all about your life. There was not much to tell, not enough moments of adversity that you knew others experienced. For a third date you knew not to throw in details that would make her run for the hills, but also give her a clear view of who the real Y/N was beneath the shroud of an elementary school educator. 

She received all the details about your upbringing – the pressure your parents forever put on you before it eventually dissuaded, the understanding nature of your peers when you came out to them, something that you noted made her flinch for a half-second. The one thing that truly caught her attention was the mention of a dog, a family pet who still resided in your parent’s place in the city. 

“I had a dog once – Sparky was his name,” Wanda mumbled as the two of you sat in the dimly lit room with nothing but a few people scattered around. “I, uh, haven’t seen him since I was…”

Even as Wanda trailed off, her words dying and falling limp upon her lips, you had a smidge of an idea of what she meant. There was not much she told you, but from the slight information she threw your way each time you saw her, you knew there was no bridge built up between her and her family that wasn’t her children. 

When the advertisements rolled by signifying the beginning of the film, your focus was on her. Wanda’s eyes flickered over the flashing lights of the movie, green orbs amazingly rising as you gawked with adoration. Squeezing Wanda’s hand, you softly ran your fingers over its back. Within the noisy dark room you could still hear your heartbeat alongside hers; it quickly became your favorite melody.

For the first time that night you shared a kiss with Wanda; and for the first time that night you realized love was something you finally earned, not given to you. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

On the last day of school you felt that for once in the last few months you could finally catch your breath. Snow trickled down the sky, freezing itself over the town that lay in a cold blanket of white. You shuddered each time you went outside, even if numerous layers covered your body – even a scarf Maria had been kind enough to knit you as an early holiday present. 

Time was spent aimlessly lounging over your couch, the central heating of your apartment turned up to the max as you defrosted beneath numerous big fluffy blankets. Between the snowfall and paralyzing low weather, you could barely find the courage to leave the safety of your own place. Bingeing whatever movies or shows came on, you came to enjoy the quiet, lonely time with yourself. At least during moments where you, much to your dismay, had to separate yourself from Wanda. 

During the nights she slept at the club you barely slept. Getting to know the woman meant slowly growing fond of her, your worry skyrocketing at the mere idea of her alone at such a place. There were guards, and Wanda promised you that the girls all looked out for one another, but you were well-aware of the dangers some of the clientele brought. Helplessly you tossed and turned each night until she sent you the one ‘got home safe’ text that allowed you to fall into a deep slumber with the knowledge you’d hear of her on the following day. 

Christmas had never been a big deal within your family. The clear rifts between you all torn by your parent’s absence were far too large to cover with a simple commercialized holiday. While their refusal to visit your newfound home stung the depths of your soul, you knew to brush it off and pretend for it to be fine. You had done it as a child, it would not be difficult to carry out in adulthood. 

Rather than throw your focus into a holiday you’d inevitably spend alone, you averted it to the newfound object of your affection. With each passing day since the beginning of Chanukkah Wanda not only feasted with her children, but received a gift from you. 

“You should come over on Christmas,” Wanda offered you once through the phone. The twins were at their dad’s place, and during the time she was lucky enough to be free from her occupation, the two of you could, even if not physically, be together. “I want you to come over for Christmas.”

“Won’t you be at Vis’ place? I mean, I know you don’t celebrate but-”

You could hear Wanda’s smile even through the phone. “I’ll be home all by myself. I want to give the boys some time alone with their dad. He deserves time with them too.” There was a pause, and for a moment the skipped beat of her heart was deafening. “I know we’ve only met a bit ago but Y/N…I would be happy if you came.”

She knew of your parents, of the pain you hid which they elicited upon you each year. Wanda didn’t dare mention it unless you gave her the greenlight, and for that you were thankful. With her, everything felt lighter — it felt right. 

When Christmas Eve came you didn’t notice the extra pep in your step. Your smile was not easily tarnished from your features, especially not with the snow piling up by the inches upon the ground. Carrying a mountain of gifts, you giddily drove down to Wanda’s place. There was a smidge of sadness within you knowing the twins would be present, but it had been her who urged you to wait. The last thing she wished was to be hurt again, and never would she put any ounce of love over that she shared for her sons. 

Kicking at the snow on the ground, you traced the path you knew to be towards Wanda’s front door. The neatly wrapped presents, courtesy of your mother’s teaching, wobbled over your anxious, freezing hands. 

“When I told you to come over I assumed you’d think to call me beforehand,” Wanda greeted you with a wide smirk, her head popping through the cracked door, a face full of makeup, while her body lay in the shadows. “Hmm but I have to say I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” you admitted. Going in for a kiss, you were disappointed for it to be only a small peck, but intrigued by the mystery of it all. “Is this a bad time?”

“Uhm a bit. I just have to rush to get ready, honey. I thought I had more time for it,” the sultry voice Wanda solely reserved for the club was in full blast, and for once you could happily listen to it without the backdrop of music. “You can come in, but I need you to close your eyes. I’ll let you know once I’m done, alright?”

“Anything you say.”

You’d agree to whatever she wished if it meant leaving the porch where your coat, pants, and boots were battered by the snow that grew into a violent hail. Once your eyes were closed, you were dragged by Wanda’s strong arms who left you waiting at the door atop the doormat. You couldn’t help the amusement that came out while you attempted to clean your boots without watching, all while you could hear the distinct sound of high heels clacking against the hardwood floor as Wanda seemingly ran away. 

Patience had never been your forte, much less when you were fully aware of the secrecy Wanda was far too bad at hiding. From what you knew was her bedroom came a soft tune, and the urge to take a small peek only skyrocketed. You opened your eyes slightly, familiarizing yourself with the house you frequented when the boys were away, but as soon as you heard the woman rushing back towards you, you shut them.

“Keep them closed, baby,” Wanda’s voice was hypotonic. Even if you humored the idea of disagreeing, she wouldn’t allow you to. “Let’s leave these here and you come with me. Promise you won’t peek?”

As she took the load of presents from your arms and placed them by where her chanukiah lay, you nodded. “I pinky promise, Wanda. Now tell me what’s up. You know I’m terrible with surprises.”

Surely that was true, but as soon as you were thrown into her bedroom, your heart raced. Wanda let you sit atop a chair in the middle of the room, the lights dimmed out as you could tell through your eyelids. Breathing in an unmistakable scent of lavender, your nostrils were in heaven. The beat you previously heard came back, only in full blast and keeping you grounded in place.

Hovering before your sitting body, hands atop your own that gripped the armrests, Wanda’s lips ghosted along your face. “You can open them now.”

Before you were struck by lightning you were able to take a peek at the state of near-nudity Wanda was in. You knew her ‘outfit’ to be similar to those she wore in the club, only in your favored color which you knew full-well she had only recently bought. Her heels made her much taller, full breasts in perfect view before she swooped in like a hawk and claimed what was hers.

Kissing Wanda was intoxicating on its own, but when she kissed you, your brain short-circuited and awaited hours until a proper reboot. She took charge, a confidence she usually lacked soaring through her body as she cupped your flushed face with her hands. Fingers brushed against your burning cheeks, bloodshot nails leaving tiny marks you’d proudly carry. 

Lipstick was smeared over her face, and yet you kept kissing as though your life was dependent on it. Her tongue swirled in your mouth easily, but as you came to your senses, your own fought for dominance. Hips were gripped, a small moan drawn out from the depths of her throat that awakened the animalistic being inside of you 

“I thought I should give you an early Christmas present. You’ve done so much for me in these past few weeks,” Wanda hummed as her tongue swirled over your wet lips. “Let me help you now. Sit back and relax, sweetie. Scarlet’s going to make you feel so good.” 

Seeing Wanda dance for others or even having her dance for you at the club was nothing compared to her doing so in the privacy of her bedroom — only a few scented candles shedding enough light on her voluptuous body. She swayed on top of your body, her ass grazing your lap before she grinded herself upon it. Hands lit by flames were everywhere. You couldn’t think, much less formulate proper verbiage to describe your ever-growing arousal. 

The no touching rule was one you respected, but all bets were off as Wanda placed your hands on her hips and nodded your way. It was exaggerated for your own entertainment, but each time you groped or knedded any area of her body, she let out a breathy groan. Her backside was fondled, pulling her towards you only to capture her lips with a more forceful manner. You had yet to see her in a full nude glory, and yet the knowing stench of arousal drove you mad. You wanted, no, needed to have Wanda. 

“You’re so fucking hot,” you couldn’t help but mumble. “Look at yourself, Wanda. I’ve never seen anything so perfect.” Grabbing both of her breasts at once, you squeezed tenderly until her nipples hardened and poked through the fabric of her loose bikini top. “I need you so bad right now. I need to…I have you, to show you just how beautiful you are.”

Running your hand over her stomach, admiring the adorable rolls upon it, you made her blush for once. “Behave, honey. You wouldn’t want me to regret letting you touch, huh? Be a good pet for me and do as I say.”

You tried, you really did, but there was no chance of success as you watched and felt her dance over you. Aphrodite’s jealousy over Wanda was rampant. The woman gave it her all. She climbed on your lap, holding your shoulders for balance, with a smirk across her features and her breasts keeping your face hostage between them.

With each minute that passed your need for her grew. She gave you a treat at least, allowing you to be the one to untangle the knot of her top with guided hands before it inevitably fell to its demise. When you came to see the beauty beneath the fabric, you nearly saw the light then and there. 

Wanda unknowingly drove you to the brink of insanity as her nude breasts brushed against your body. Her hands did quiet work to remove your own clothes until you were left in nothing but your shirt and underwear. Kneeling before you, she placed kisses over your inner thighs, face nuzzling upon your skin as you licked your lips. 

“I’m ready,” she told you. There was no need for further explanation. Instead you drew a hand down and tenderly pet her, Wanda leaning in to the touch in peace. “I need you now, Y/N. Won’t you be a good pet and-”

She didn’t finish her sentence as you grabbed a fistful of red hair and tugged her away gently. Throwing her over the bed, you didn’t miss the amused laughter that came from her as you removed the last few articles of clothing from your body.

As you climbed atop Wanda, she stared at you incredulously. “And what do you think you’re doing, sweetheart? Hmm where is this confidence coming from? Not that I’m complaining…”

“I’m returning the favor,” you breathed out raggedly. “You lay back now and relax. Let me make you feel good, baby.” 

When you took off the remainder of her skimpy outfit, your mouth went dry as though the Sahara Desert resided within it. Exhilaration shot through your being as you stared down at Wanda’s shaved sex that she attempted to hide between hugged milky full thighs adored by stretch marks. 

Hands traveled all over her skin, your eyes closing as you trailed your way across the map you’d forever remember in your mind. With each lingering touch her hips, with a mind of their own, gyrated. You could barely slide your fingers past the valley between her breasts without her crying out in pleasure. You were quickly obsessed with the responsiveness of her body. Tugging, squeezing, and groping her breasts drew the deepest moans, you found.

With your mouth dropping kisses over her chest, ensuring that you focused primarily on her taut breasts and hardened rosy buds, your hands went to wander off. One kept her hips steady, digits finding her stretch marks that you traced with their tips, all while your dominant hand moved towards the puffy, flushed area that glistened beneath the hold of her thighs. 

“Let me touch you, Wanda,” you urged her, your voice husky and deep as though you swallowed a shot of her essence. Kissing your way up to her jawline, you let your tongue explore its way until her lips were swirled against. With her plup, wet mouth ready to be devoured, you towered the woman with all your might. “And you know we can stop whenever you want to. Just say the words, alright? I want to make you feel good — feel comfortable. You tell me what you want me to do, and I promise I’ll do it.”

While it took a few seconds to build confidence, Wanda nodded in awe of your own. “I want you inside me. I want to feel you…I need to feel you. I’ve been thinking about this ever since we saw each other, since I gave you the dance. I wondered what it would be like for you to fuck me. It’s embarrassing, but I have to admit the thought has helped me through some lonely moments when it’s just me in this dark room alone.”

At the implication you giggled. “Way to rub my ego.”

“You’re welcome,” she pecked your lips, foreheads mixed together as your fingers began descending over her glistening cunt. “I hope I didn’t interrupt you. I was looking forward to having you inside me.” With newfound conviction, Wanda tilted her head. “Don’t you want to fuck me, baby? Or would you rather I tell you about the countless times I’ve touched myself at the thought of you?” 

That was enough to get you to absentmindedly begin rubbing Wanda’s cunt. Her bulbous clit was tender to the touch, but more so when it came to the arousal it elicited from the woman. The foreplay was not enough, even if with each flick her back arched and her pussy rubbed against the palm of your hand. Looking down at her gaping hole that oozed her juices, you knew it was the only way to sate your hunger. 

You got Wanda aroused enough that her juices dripped onto the sheets. Your mouth continuously left multiple love bites on her skin that you knew she’d wear proudly in the privacy of her home, but was required to hide at work. Her legs were parted far enough to shyly wrap themselves around your waist and pull you closer; with a lack of words Wanda begged for more. 

“Relax,” you said. “Everything’s gonna be okay, baby. I'll take good care of you.”

Forever maintaining your promises, you did as Wanda wished. When you first slid a pair of fingers within the confines of her velvety walls, you let out a loud grunt that matched your lover’s. She was tight, her cunt adapting to the adoring feeling of you stretching it out for your own amusement. From her ragged state you knew she wouldn’t last long, but you’d be sure to make the best of it for the sake of leaving a good impression. 

“Oh fuck you’re so tight,” you spit out. “Baby you’re so warm. Your pussy is practically swallowing my fingers whole. Such a hungry little thing…”

“Y/N,” Wanda whined, brain hazy with far too much lust stricken over it. “More.”

“I’ll give you what you want.” You planted a kiss on her blushing cheek. “I’ll give you more, my pretty girl.”

Once she felt ready enough to take you, Wanda rolled her hips. It was a sign to let you keep going, to begin sliding yourself in and out, watching in awe as your hand dripped with her essence that coated your soul. You thumbed at her clit, stimulating it gingerly until you saw Wanda visibly relax. 

Being inside Wanda was unlike anything you had experienced before. It was soft and sweet, wet and warm, but more so night and day — the time you could spend absolutely worshiping her until exhaustion inevitably took over. Moving within her was difficult as all you yearned to do was remain deep in place as you fell to your slumber atop Wanda; the two of you forever connected as one. 

With a steady pace you set, you’d surely bring her over the edge in moments. Your teeth sunk into her supple breasts with love, marking them as though they were yours to own. Her moans against your ear drove your ambition forth. They were the push you needed to curl your fingers deep in her cunt until their tips hit her sweetest spot — with the howl Wanda let out, you were sure her neighbors would show up at the door to complain in minutes. 

“‘M close,” she sobbed, tears of desire pooling at her eyes as she lazily began grinding herself down on your hand. “I’m gonna cum, I-”

With a searing kiss you shut her loud noises of desire down. Her walls clamped down around you, squeezing you tight as the knot in her abdomen loosed. A lengthy, powerful orgasm shattered itself through Wanda, leaving her breathless and without a sane mind to properly register the gift you bestowed upon her. 

You were breathless messes clinging to one another for dear life. Wanda came undone, her clammy cheeks brushing your own as in her state of haziness she repeated mutters of your name. Her lips planted sloppy kisses on your, thanking you for the love you gave her – a happiness she lacked since her adolescence. 

“That was amazing,” you spoke in her honor. “Did that feel good, baby? Are you okay?”

“I wanna go again,” she slurred – and for Wanda’s sake you’d do whatever she wished. “Please?”

Her pleas are what drove you further. You nipped your way down her body, her tummy rolls worshiped as they came from a true goddess you adored. Wanda’s insecurities from her slowly aging body were rampant, but you would never dare see her with anything but desire. To her she lacked the beauty of a younger woman, but to you she was the only one you could ever have eyes for. 

At the first taste of her pussy you became addicted. Your fingers remained knuckle-deep within her, her walls warming them as you began timidly lapping at the wetness before you. The sweet nectar was one you’d grow you obsess over. She was delicious, your tongue just needing to burn against her sex rapidly as you sought out more. 

“Oh my god!” She squealed. “That’s it baby, just like that. Your tongue feels so good- so fucking good!”

The words of affirmation turned your movements into vigorous ones. The tip of your tongue swirled over her clit before you took it between your lips. Lightly suckling the bundle of nerves made her upcoming orgasm intensify, Wanda’s hands gripping the bed sheets as she pounded her fists over them with a need for release. 

Simultaneously you pumped your fingers in and out of her gaping hole with your tongue running across her flushed slit. The rhythmic grinding against your face did wonders to increase her arousal. It shot up to the sky when you so much as pressed at bulbous clit before allowing your teeth to delicately brush at her cunt. 

“Cum for me,” you let out the muffled command with a mouthful of pussy. “Be a good girl and do as I say. Come on, Wanda. I know my sweet girl can do it.” Rubbing your thumb over her swollen clit, you nodded her way. “I got you, princess. All you have to do is let go.”

In your hold Wanda came once again, only this time her exhaustion took over as soon as the orgasmic wave grabbed a hold of her. She tossed and turned, screaming until the euphoria settled into normalcy. Hands shivered as her skin was set aflame. For moments you resided in your given place until she relaxed, and once you knew your lover to be blissed out, you gingerly removed your fingers – much to your dismay leaving her cunt gaping and searching for the fulfillment you handed out. 

“You did such a good job. I’m so proud of you, Wanda,” you told her as you kissed your way up her body. Reaching her face meant lovingly nuzzling your forehead against her own, your lips coated with her juices that she tasted when begging for a chaste embrace. “Thank you for letting me do this, for trusting me with your body. You’re fucking amazing.”

“You’re even better, honey,” she murmured. Wrapping her arms around you, Wanda pulled you down until your head fell on the pillow you’d soon share. “I have something to ask you, but can you promise beforehand that you won’t freak out? It’s okay if you say now, I just…”

Wanda trailed off, making you frown in confusion as you interlaced your nude body with her own. “What’s wrong?”

“I want to be your girlfriend,” the redhead blurted out before stopping herself. Soon after the words spewed from her mouth, she averted her eyes, the blush in her cheeks intensifying by embarrassment. “If that’s okay, I mean.” She sighed, shaking her head at what she deemed a bout of stupidity. “We’re from very different worlds, you know that, but we still have so much in common. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks and look at us now. Here we are spending Christmas Eve together, you got the boys and me some presents for Chanukah and you’re…you’re amazing. I don’t know how else to describe you. I can’t stop thinking about you, Y/N, and part of me really hopes the feeling is mutual.”

“It’s incredibly mutual,” you replied, shifting down to kiss her neck right above her pulse point. “I want you to be my girlfriend. I know it’s dumb, but god I want to show you off so bad. Of all the people in the world you chose me. You, Wanda Maximoff, chose me. Now that really rubs my ego.”

With raised eyebrows Wanda shot you an amused look. “Wouldn’t you want me to rub something else?”

The two of you shared a mirror bout of laughter, clinging to each other with adoration. “We can work on your dirty talk if you’d like, but right now I’d rather take a hot shower with you. It’s almost time to light up the next candle. If it’s okay, could I help you with it? I know I’m a goy, but I want to celebrate this with you. Maybe I can watch?”

At the usage of the traditional term, Wanda beamed. “It’s best if you watch, sweetheart, but if you want to help out, I still haven’t wrapped the presents for the last two days so…”

“I’m on it!” You sat up straight, turning to Wanda and reaching out for her hand. “Now come on. I swear I’ll turn into a goddamn icicle if I don’t have a hot shower now.”

The final days of the holiday season you spent glued to Wanda’s side, and even as the beginning stages of your relationship passed through, you remained devoted to her even more than when you first saw who would become the true love of your life.

[tojisrealwifey]

Crybaby — f. toji (pt. 4)

ˋ°•*⁀➷ Synopsis: When you realize your husband might still be hung up on his ex-wife.

・❥・requests : rules

・❥・characters: fushiguro toji.

warnings: mdni, 18+, themes of divorce, brief smut, angst but kinda fluff, slight comfort, sad gumi, toji's ex-wife's name is rei.

・❥・wc: 2.7k

・❥・masterlist

・❥・crybaby masterlist

"I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry."

Megumi sat slumped in the living room, his mind in turmoil as he tried to process his parents' impending divorce. Toji approached him with furrowed brows, a mix of concern and frustration etched on his face.

In a swift motion, he slapped the back of Megumi's head, gently but firmly.

"Why'd you do that brat?" Toji asks in a scolding tone, his fingers rubbing his forehead to show visually how fed-up he is.

"What?" Megumi snaps, rubbing the back of his head, he turns in his seat to reveal his red and slightly swollen eyes to his father.

Toji takes a look at him and sighs, feeling regretful for taking a harsh approach.

"I know you're mad, but you shouldn't talk to your mother about the divorce that way. She's also hurting." 

Toji had returned home and overheard your conversation with Megumi. He waited for you to leave the kitchen and observed as you headed to their bedroom, likely to freshen up in the bathroom. 

Knowing that you would take a moment, Toji took the opportunity to approach his son for a talk.

"I was being honest." Megumi retorts but fails to conceal his guilt, likely feeling ashamed of how he addressed the issue.

"Megumi, it's not your mom's fault. I messed up years ago, and that's why she's acting this way. I made her feel like a stranger in her own home, and I can't undo that pain.

Megumi sat in silence as his father spoke, his gaze fixed on a distant point, but his attention fully focused on his father's words.

"Whatever went down between us, it's not something you need to worry about. But just so you know, even if your mom and I split up, we'll always be there for you."

Megumi's lips downturned as a gesture of doubt, the air heavy with uncertainty.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because she's your mother. The world can end but that fact will never change."

Megumi's eyes gloss over, prompting him to shut them close.

"Your Ma and I can't stay together because it's just breaking her heart more. "

"So you think she deserves better?"

"Yes." Toji answers without a moment of hesitation. Megumi looks taken aback by his quick response but isn't all too surprised.

"...But...what if she actually meets someone and starts a new family? Why would she bother with us after that?"

"Brat, do you really think your Ma would forget you once she meets someone else?"

Megumi falls into a contemplative silence, his thoughts carrying him away for a few fleeting seconds.

You wouldn't do that, he was sure of it. But he had also believed that his parents would never grow apart.

"I know your mom better than anyone else, and I know that you're her top priority, even more than me." There was not a hint of dishonesty in Toji's words.

As Toji gazes up, he notices your arrival in the room. Your eyelashes were still wet, whether from washing your face or crying, he didn't know.

Megumi takes the opportunity to offer you an apology.

"...Sorry Ma, I'm being so selfish. It's just, everything is gonna change now."

You and Toji stared at each other for a moment before you shifted your focus to Megumi. As you walked towards him, you wrapped your arms around his head while he pressed his face against your stomach, silently sobbing into your dress.

"You're allowed to be selfish, Megumi. You're our son." Your voice is so soft that Megumi couldn't help but hug you tighter.

The conversation ended in a heavy silence, with each of them grappling with the weight of their emotions and the changes in their family dynamic.

You and Toji made sure not to let it affect the atmosphere. The two of you cooked lunch as Megumi stood near the kitchen counter, lending a hand every now and then.

The three of you chatted, mostly about Megumi's college journey and eagerly anticipating his upcoming 18th birthday in less than half a year.

He enjoyed the atmosphere, letting the sadness be pushed to the back of his mind. He savored every single bite of the lunch that afternoon.

It was dark outside as your husband and son wordlessly prepared for bed. After the confrontation less than a week ago, you and Toji hadn't been sleeping in the same room. He opted to stay in Megumi's room for the time being.

But with him back, Toji was forced to move back into your shared bedroom. You had just finished brushing your hair and braiding it, as you do every night. Toji walks in wearing his sweatpants, bare on top.

"You don't mind, do you?" He asks you, walking over to his side of the bed. 

There was another pang in your heart, knowing your actions led to this. Your own husband was asking if he could sleep in his own bed. Your husband, who rarely gave a fuck about anyone telling him what to do, was asking for your permission.

"I think we're way past that phase, Toji." You joke, trying to lighten the heavy air. But no laughs follow, so you just nod in acceptance. 

"You don't have to ask, Toji." Taking the brush off your lap, you place it on your nightstand. 

Fuck, he missed you.

The two of you were living under the same roof, yet he missed you. He wanted to pull you in and place a kiss on your forehead like he did every night, but he held himself back another day.

"I'm just gonna go check on Megumi. Do you need anything?" You ask as you get off the bed.

'Yeah, you.'

Toji almost says the words on his mind, but refrains, shaking his head instead. Walking out of the room, your steps slowly lead you to your son's room. Knocking a few times, you wait for an indication to go in.

When Megumi verbalizes his permission, you open the door, watching him fluffing his pillow a few times. Just like his father, he too only wore a pair of sweatpants, choosing to go bare from the waist up. 

"What is it?" Megumi asked, confused as he took a seat on his bed. You shake your head at his direct tone, sighing once.

"Can't I check on my own son?" You ask, hands in fists as your knuckles pressed against your hips.

"You can, it's just I'm really tired." Megumi says, getting under the blanket and pulling the fabric up to his chest. His arms folded under his head, acting as a pillow while he closed his eyes.

You 'aww' at his tired face, walking up to him and sitting down beside his outstretched figure. You place a hand against his forehead, stroking it up towards his hair.

"I know, honey. Your alarms are all off, right?" You ask, your fingers running through his hair comfortingly. Softly massaging his head, you felt him relax under your touch.

"Y-yeah..." He answered, but his hesitation was clear to you, making you question him.

"Hm? What's wrong?"

He falls silent momentarily, before turning to his side, still facing you. His eyes remained closed as he spoke.

"Could you...stay here for a while?" He asks timidly, pushing his head into the pillow. You chuckle at his sudden shyness, giving a noise of approval.

Shifting yourself, you get under the blanket as well, lying down and embracing him with no hesitation. 

He softly fights against your tight hold, but you don't falter, instead attacking his face with small kisses.

"I missed you so much, baby 'Gumi." You cooed, pushing his head into your chest, pampering him with kisses.

Megumi stops fighting back, admitting defeat as he eases into your hold. Although he felt like a child again, he didn't complain anymore, easily lulled to sleep due to your warmth.

You pat his head just like you used to when he was 11 and had trouble falling asleep. Unconsciously you start to admire his features, noting what a beautiful boy he had grown to become.

He was handsome just like his father, although his face was a lot more delicate as compared to Toji. You had no doubt he took after Rei in that aspect.

You sigh, closing your eyes as you think about this irritable situation.

Was Rei watching over Megumi, even in her death? You were sure she was. This felt so unfair, yet so inevitable.

Your mind could no longer distinguish between what was right or wrong, who to blame or forgive.

'I'm sorry, Miss Rei.' You whispered in your thoughts, a heavy weight settling in your chest. 

'I know you wished to be here, to raise your son.' Your head swam with unspoken apologies to the late woman, regrets you could never voice aloud despite never meeting her.

"You're probably cursing me for hurting your son like this. Especially after Toji trusted me too," Guilt seeps into every corner of your heart.

You held Megumi tighter, feeling his form against yours. Your eyes closed, shutting out the world as you sought refuge in sleep, a brief escape from the pain.

'I won't let Megumi feel like this again.' You vowed silently. 

"Nor will I ever blame Toji for something he has no control over. That's my promise to you, Miss Rei. So please, rest easy."

Tears slipped down your cheeks, unseen in the darkness, as you clung to Megumi, hoping your love could somehow fill the void left by his mother's absence.

"Toji...~"

Toji starts to stir, warm breath wafting against his cheek. He doesn't startle awake, but when he does open his eyes, your silhouette greets him.

It was dark, yet he could make out your features. Toji moves his arms almost on instinct, placing his hands on your waist, only to be met with your bare skin.

Toji, coming to his senses now, could feel your nakedness against him, breasts pressing against his chest, legs on either side of him as you lay on top of him.

He lets out a hiss, finally becoming aware of his sensitive cock that touched your folds. You let out another quiet moan against his cheek, placing a wet kiss to wake him up.

"Fuckkk [name]...It's so fuckin' early Ma." His hand smooths over your lower back, urging you to push your cunt down on him.

"Hahhh~ missed you, Toji. Mhmmm~ m-missed this..." You placed kisses against his jaw making him shiver. The coldness of the room finally hit him, realizing his sweatpants had been removed, as opposed to just taking his cock out like he had originally thought.

You slide back slightly, the tip of his cock prodding at your entrance. You sit up, ass meeting his lap as you sink down on his length.

"Ohhhh~"

"Shiiiit~ You're so warm, babe." Maintaining your movements, your hips grind against his occasionally. Your thighs were already aching from lifting yourself and settling down.

Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down.

Keeping up this pattern, knowing when to clench, fingers toying with Toji's chest, playfully pinching his nipples, his fingers in your mouth, biting down to contain your moans, pussy snug around him, taking him raw in the middle of the night.

Fuck.

You were perfect.

The jiggle of your breasts, flushed face visible in the moonlight, drool spilling from your mouth and down his arm, his other hand gracing your waist with its warmth, your slick forming a ring around his cock.

It was perfect.

But not real.

Toji didn't jolt awake, but his hand came to hit hard against his head in frustration. Wiping his face to get rid of the accumulated sweat, he sighs in defeat.

Eyes still closed, he uses the same hand to feel the area beside him. Opening his eyes, he noticed your side of the bed still empty.

You didn't return?

He checks the small digital clock on his nightstand, eyes glancing over the blaring white numbers.

2:14 AM

He sighs. He caught himself early tonight.

This was the fourth time this week he had woken up after a wet dream about you. This started the day he walked away from you that night and camped out on the couch. 

It wasn't like he had never had a wet dream that consisted of you, but it was never consecutive, and...you were always there to take care of him.

After the confrontation that night, he fell asleep in distress, thoughts revolving around you and only you. He wasn't surprised to have a dream like that.

That was night one.

After having to clean himself up in his son's bathroom (since you were there in their shared room) he decided to just sleep in Megumi's bed, considering it was better for his back. He wasn't getting any younger

On night two, he had the same dream of you riding him, and although he woke up immediately, it was too late as his sweats were already soiled.

They say the third time's the charm, right?

Wrong.

After dreaming of taking you in their car, he climaxed instantly and almost punched himself after he woke up.

However, by today, the fourth night, he had become aware of his consciousness, forcing himself awake.

Turning on the lamp, he spares one look at his sweatpants, just in case, before going on the quest to locate you.

One leg follows the other in getting out of bed, his feet making a subtle 'thud' against the floor with every step. The soft sound was loud in the quiet night, but he continued, making his way to the only place you could be. Megumi's room.

He turns on the hallway lights and notices the door to Megumi's room slightly ajar. He softly pushes the door open wider, the yellow lights of the hallway flooding into the room in the form of a beam.

The beam of light was directly painted over his wife and son's sleeping figures. Your and Megumi's breaths were synchronized, snoring simultaneously. 

The two of you were clinging to each other, and Toji almost had the urge to chuckle at his son's actions, arms wrapped around your waist tightly.

If Megumi knew of this, he would likely dig a hole and climb in, hoping to vanish from existence. 

Something like this was so unlike Megumi, and this is what made Toji realize how his careless words were probably going to ruin this.

Because of bringing up a divorce, his son might never feel the love of his mother again. And nor will Toji.

"I'm sorry, Megumi. But there are complexities... things you're not aware of." "Tell me! Maybe I can help!" "No. It's something only I can fix. But, my heart just isn't ready for it."

No. It wasn't something only you could fix.

He made a mistake. That much was obvious to him, but he underestimated just how many people this could affect, where initially his intention was to be the only one hurt by this.

Instead of walking away, he should have comforted you properly. 

Instead of giving you 'freedom' in the name of divorce, he should have assured you.

Instead of wanting you to find someone better, he should have been the one to better himself.

Rei. He missed her. He loved her. Rei was a part of his life that could never be changed. She showered him with love, gave him a son, and showed him light in the sad dark he thought he could never escape. 

But she was gone, leaving Megumi in her place to keep him out of the darkness that threatened to drown him every waking second. 

So, He held on. For Megumi. He held on when he was shamed by his family. He held on when his family threatened to take Megumi away. He held on when he was on the brink of living on the streets. He held on to provide for his son. 

He held on when he didn't understand how school admissions worked. He held on during parent-teacher conferences where he had no idea how to respond. 

He held on when his son's friends were over and he had no idea how to host. He held on when he was around other parents, him being the only single parent. He held on as he saw couples walking happily with their children when he stood alone with Megumi, missing Rei's presence.

He held on. Until he found you. Because you were there to take him in your arms and hold him close, making sure he never fell back again.

And now he failed you.

Rei was a memory that he would never forget, even in his death. He was sure that memories of her would flash before his eyes as he would lay on his deathbed.

But you...

You would be there to hold his hand, letting him know that he died being loved.

He has to show you what you truly mean, but he doesn't know how.

If only his grunt nature allowed him to speak his heart. Well, he'll work hard to prove his love in any other means necessary.

Smiling softly, he steps back and closes the door to its entirety.

taglist: @lunesmai @montyrokz @boyimjustaloserforyourlove @sad-darksoul @qoumaina @4y3sh4 @mellohatesyou @abisangelss @blankwashed @m0rganit3 @c4rm1son @eichhiinem @ghostfacefricker6969 @quinnyundertow @orange-stars @lillycore @whosmarjj @keanureevessmile @esposadomd @latorsgatorz @tananaxx @cauqhtz @r0ckst4rjk @creative1writings @numblytemporary @swirlingcurses @lostinneocity @sleppyann @eneiyri @ebiharachan

a/n: how tf do you do the gradient text on here?! i'm crying in html someone please helpppp!!!!

[its-avalon-08]

I don't know if you're taking requests, but can you do something where the reader and Lando broke up after they had a stupid fight about where readerfeels they haven't spent any time together so lando tells her to leave in a fit of rage. (One Lando regrets and is very sad. Sad boy.) And a few weeks later reader gets into a accident and the hospital calls him because he's next of kin when they were dating and when he gets there he's freaked and the doctors surprises him by saying the baby's fine, but reader tells lando that he has to be there for them both thats why she didn't tell him because she didn't want her baby to feel second best. Happy ending, though, please. I'm sorry if that's long.

never enough (ln4)

✦ pairing - lando norris x female!reader

✦ genre - angst, tears, comfort, break up

The tension in the room was suffocating, every word between them cutting deeper than the last. Y/N stood near the dining table, her arms crossed, her face a mixture of frustration and heartbreak. Lando sat on the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, running his hands through his hair.

“You don’t even try anymore, Lando!” Y/N’s voice cracked as she spoke, but her words were sharp. “I can’t remember the last time you actually looked at me like I mattered to you. Do you even care?”

His head snapped up, his eyes blazing. “Don’t you dare say that, Y/N. Don’t you dare act like I don’t care. I’m doing my best here!”

“Your best?” she scoffed, her tone bitter. “Your best is spending every waking moment either at the track, with the team, or in your own world. You’re never here. Not really.”

Lando stood abruptly, the movement startling. “I’m sorry that I have a career that demands everything from me! What do you want me to do? Quit? Give it all up just to sit here and hold your hand?”

“That’s not what I’m asking for, and you know it!” Y/N fired back, her voice trembling with barely contained anger. “I’m asking for you to make time for me. For us. But I’m always the one waiting, always the one begging for scraps of your attention. I can’t keep doing this, Lando. I feel like I’m not even a priority anymore!”

His fists clenched at his sides, his voice rising as frustration overtook him. “And I feel like no matter what I do, it’s never enough for you! I’m stretched thin, Y/N! I don’t know what else you want from me!”

“I want you to act like you actually love me!” she shouted, tears now streaming down her face. “Like I’m more than just someone waiting for you at home!”

“Fine!” he yelled, his voice thunderous in the quiet room. “If I’m so terrible—if being with me is such a burden—then maybe you should just leave!”

The words hung in the air like a death sentence, and Y/N froze, staring at him as if he had just struck her. “What?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Leave,” Lando said again, though his voice was quieter now, the anger giving way to something more hollow. “If this isn’t enough for you, then just...go.”

Her breath hitched, the weight of his words crashing down on her. She shook her head, her voice trembling. “You don’t mean that.”

“Maybe I do,” he muttered, though his eyes betrayed the regret already forming in his chest.

Y/N’s hands trembled as she grabbed her bag from the chair, slinging it over her shoulder. “You’ll regret this,” she said quietly, her voice breaking on the last word.

He didn’t respond, his silence cutting deeper than any argument could have.

And when the door slammed shut behind her, the emptiness it left behind was deafening.

-- time skip --

It had been weeks since Y/N left, and the emptiness in Lando’s flat mirrored the hollow ache in his chest. The regret weighed heavily on him, an unrelenting reminder of what he had lost. He tried to focus on racing, to bury himself in work, but it only made the silence louder.

Every room held memories of her—the scent of her perfume lingering in the air, the mug she always used sitting untouched on the kitchen counter. He stared at it now, running his thumb over the rim, a pang of guilt twisting his stomach.

"I’m sorry," he whispered to the empty room, though he knew it was far too late.

His phone buzzed on the counter, jolting him from his thoughts. The screen lit up with an unknown number. Frowning, he picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Is this Mr. Norris?" a calm but urgent voice asked.

"Yes, this is Lando Norris," he replied, his chest tightening with unease.

"This is St. Thomas’ Hospital. You’re listed as the emergency contact for Y/N Y/L/N. She’s been in an accident."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. "What? An accident? Is she okay?" His voice cracked as panic surged through him.

"She’s stable, but you need to come down to the hospital immediately."

Lando didn’t think twice. Grabbing his keys, he bolted out the door, his heart pounding in his chest. The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity, every possible worst-case scenario playing in his mind.

At the Hospital

He burst through the hospital doors, scanning for the reception desk. "Y/N Y/L/N," he said breathlessly. "She was in an accident. Where is she?"

The nurse directed him to a room, and he practically sprinted down the hall. When he reached her room, he froze in the doorway.

Y/N was lying in the hospital bed, her face pale and a bandage on her forehead. But she was awake, her eyes widening when they landed on him.

"Lando?" she asked, her voice faint.

"I’m here," he said, stepping inside. His voice trembled as he approached her. "God, Y/N, are you okay? They told me about the accident—"

"I’m fine," she interrupted gently, though her voice was tired. "Just a few bruises and stitches."

Before he could respond, a doctor walked in, holding a clipboard.

"Ah, Mr. Norris, I’m glad you’re here," the doctor said with a kind smile.

"Is she okay? What happened?" Lando asked, his panic bubbling to the surface again.

"She’s stable, and the baby is fine as well," the doctor replied casually.

Lando blinked, the words not registering at first. "The baby?"

Y/N closed her eyes, exhaling deeply.

The doctor, sensing the tension, quickly excused herself.

Lando stared at Y/N, his mind racing. "You’re pregnant?"

"Yes," she said quietly, her gaze fixed on the blanket covering her legs.

"Why didn’t you tell me?" he asked, his voice breaking.

She finally looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "Because I couldn’t do this alone with you half in and half out of our lives, Lando. I needed to know you’d be there. Not just physically, but really there. For me and for this baby. I didn’t want my child to feel like a second choice."

"Second choice?" he repeated, his voice filled with anguish. "Y/N, I’ve made so many mistakes, but loving you was never one of them. I was stupid, I was selfish, and I pushed you away because I didn’t know how to balance everything. But this? This is everything. You and our baby are everything."

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she listened to his words. "Lando, I can’t do this if I’m going to be fighting for your attention. Our child deserves better than that."

He moved closer, kneeling by her bed and taking her hand in his. "You won’t have to fight anymore, Y/N. I promise. I’ll be there for you and for our baby. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it to you. Just—just don’t shut me out."

Her lip trembled as she stared into his eyes, seeing the sincerity in them. "I need you to mean that, Lando. Not just for me, but for them."

"I do," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the tears pooling in his eyes. "I’ll be there for both of you, every step of the way."

After a long pause, she nodded, her grip on his hand tightening slightly. "Okay. But you get one chance, Lando. Don’t waste it."

"I won’t," he vowed, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

For the first time in weeks, a sense of hope filled the room. It wasn’t going to be easy, but together, they could make it work.

time skip

Months later, Lando stood in a nursery he had painted himself, his hand resting on Y/N’s bump as they admired the crib he’d built.

"You really went all out, didn’t you?" she teased, smiling up at him.

"Nothing but the best for our baby," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

Y/N smiled softly, her heart full as she rested her head against his shoulder. Maybe they had started rocky, but in this moment, she knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.

[missadangel]

The Heart of Rome (Marcus Acacius x OC)

All Chapters List

XV. The Plan (+18, Smut, MDNI)

“Parcere proditori, proditio est innocenti.”

To spare the traitor is to betray the innocent.

Marcus, after leaving you in the poorhouse, made his way to Palatine Hill. He had a bad feeling about it and it was getting worse. It was tough for him to leave you each time. However, today's council was of greater importance than any that had preceded it. It might be the case that this could alter the course of Rome and his own fate.

He got the latest update from his soldiers before heading into the Domus Severiana. He had trust in the Praetorian guards at the gate and those in the courtyard, but with Geta's safety at stake, he couldn't be sure. Octavius met him in the courtyard and followed him into the armoury to help him put on his armour. The next step was to get Geta to the Curia Julia safely. He must do this on his own, with his most trusted soldiers. As a Roman general, Marcus was an expert in a variety of military strategies and tactics, with a particular focus on offensive operations. It was for this reason that he maintained a considerable military presence on the Field of Mars, prepared for any eventuality. They were ready to act on his orders. He had invested a great deal of time and effort in training them, with the aim of making them all well-raised soldiers and ensuring they were prepared to take action should the need arise. He was certain that he would eventually have to deal with the Praetorian Guard. However, since you came into his life, his priorities have shifted somewhat. He was no longer seeking to overthrow the Emperor, but rather to assist him in becoming a capable leader for Rome. Perhaps he was reluctant to witness further unrest and conflict in the city. He was willing to do whatever he could to ensure a brighter future for his own and for all Roman children.

Marcus put on his armour and armed himself with his sword before heading to the courtyard with Octavius. Geta and his mother, Julia, were there, too, with a few guards awaiting him. As soon as Geta saw them, he walked toward them.

"Acacius, where's my sister? Why didn't you bring her with you?" he asked, a little louder than necessary.

"She's somewhere safe, so there's no need to worry."

"That's nonsense! You should have brought her here with you. I don't think it's a good idea for her to stay outside the palace right now."

Marcus gave him a stern look. "So you're the one who ordered the guards to look for her everywhere?"

"Yes, I wasn't sure how Macrinus would take the council's urgent decision, so I thought maybe I could bring her here this way."

Marcus strode over to him, looking angry, which made Geta tense up.

"You knew she was with me."

"But I didn't know where you were, so I had to get them to look for you both. Roughly half of the guards were still on his side. I just wanted to make sure that my guard could find you before anyone else did."

Marcus tried to calm down, taking a deep breath. "This shows that the palace isn't a safe place either. Fortunately, she's safe now, my men are protecting her," he said then. “May I ask how the Council decided to meet today?” His eyes shifted to Julia, but she averted her gaze.

"It is difficult to convey the extent of my mother's efforts, but we have now gained the upper hand in the council," he said, winking at her. “It was unanimously agreed that an urgent meeting should be convened, today.”

Marcus was not interested in the specifics of her success. “I see.” He murmured.

“So let's proceed with the next steps and conclude this, shall we?”

Marcus nodded. "Indeed."

By noon, Geta and Julia's carriage had arrived at the Roman Forum. As they made their way through the streets, they were accompanied by other soldiers and guards who appeared to be loyal to Geta for the time being. The members of the Senate were already assembled in the Curia Julia. While Geta and Julia proceeded up the stairs, Marcus followed at a distance, taking care to observe his surroundings. However, the issue was not external, but rather within the Council chamber itself. Some of the Council members were absent, and it was not difficult to discern which ones. The other members expressed their concerns about their absence, and Geta was insistent on commencing the session. However, this was contrary to the law. Therefore, they decided to wait, but this was about to exacerbate the situation further. Marcus was concerned that this endless waiting time might be a sign of something bad.

‘What is this place? Where are you taking me?’ you asked Macrinus. You followed him through narrow streets and then through a tunneled passage into a large building.

"You will see it soon enough, my lady." He replied confidently.

You didn't want to come to this strange place with that bastard, but you had no choice. He had his plans for today, no doubt about it. You soon passed through the stone walls that resembled those under the Colosseum and observed a group of men. They were all members of the Senate, and you knew them at once by their white togas.

"What's the meaning of this?" Your voice was loud.

Macrinus ignored you, and the members of the Senate looked at you with a hint of hesitation.

"You really brought her," said one of them.

"I always get what I want, consul. You should have known this by now." Macrinus grinned then clasped his hands. "Now that we have the princess, we shall move on to the next stage."

"Consul Macrinus, I'm not entirely convinced if that's the best course of action. I think it is unwise to abduct General Acasius' wife, the princess, and force them to cooperate." One of them said.

"Council must have met by now. Geta's guards will be looking for us."

"And do not forget the Acacius's soldiers!"

"Cease the complaining!" Macrinus yelled at them. "Why can't you see the opportunity that I see? They can't start the session without us, yet they can't make a decision either. And as for Geta, he is not like Caracalla." He turned towards you. "He values his sister more than you realise.” Then looked at them once again. "So, Acacius will bring us Geta with his own hands and hand him over, and I will kill him. This will make my path to the throne. Then we'll all win. See? It's straightforward. There's no need to complain like old ladies, is there?”

"You'll all be punished for this!" You shouted. “You'll lose your statues, your title, everything you have! Release me at once, I'm warning you!"

The consuls exchanged glances, and Macrinus became visibly upset and approached and grabbed your arm.

"I see you've been very talkative since I last saw you, Aurelia. However, you're wasting your breath. I'll take your brother's life eventually and become an emperor.”

"It will never happen!" You barked. He touched your hair, and you turned your head to the other side in disgust. "You will witness it. I will make sure of that." He looked at the guards. "Take the princess away and lock her up."

"Let go of me!" You resisted, struggling. But the guards ignored you.

It didn't seem like an easy situation to get out of this time. Your chest tightened as you considered the possibility that he might win. If that were to happen, it would undoubtedly mean losing everything. It would be disastrous.

You descended the stone stairs and were taken aback by what you saw. There were cells with iron bars, like a dungeon. You stopped and looked at the guards.

“Please keep walking, my lady.” His tone was stern.

When you refused, the guards looked at each other and one of them grabbed your arm.

"'Let go of my arm!" You yelled, trying to fight back but to no avail. The other one opened the door to one of the cells and they forced you inside.

"I am your princess! You can't do this! Can't you hear me?"

They kept ignoring you, and locked the cell. You gripped the bars.

"Please, don't do this, let me out! Please!" Your voice was pleading this time, but it seemed to have no effect on them. One of them stood by the bars and the other near the stairs. You gave up begging, turned your back on them, and looked into the cell. It was almost the filthiest place you had ever been. The stone walls looked like weathered rock. The floor was dirty, dusty and filthy. You were so tired, that your feet were about to betray you, but you had no intention of sitting down or leaning against the wall, so you decided to cross your arms and just wait. You had never felt so helpless, not even when you were running away from Flavius in the woods. There was nothing more horrible than having your freedom taken away, the feeling of being trapped made your chest ache.

Before long, you heard footsteps echoing through the hall. You looked in that direction and saw the guards nodding to Macrinus. He had his usual self-assured look on his face, bowing respectfully to you as if he had done nothing wrong.

You went over to the iron bars. “Get me out of here at once!’

He gave a little smirk. “I'm really sorry about the poor facilities, my lady, but I am a little unsure that you'd behave yourself. After all, you have a very stubborn and determined temperament.”

You pursed your lips. “What's this place anyway? What gives you the right to lock me in here?”

Macrinus put his hands on the iron bars and observed as if he were seeing them for the first time. “This is where the gladiators stay. They get their first training at this school before heading to the Colosseum."

"Do I look like a gladiator to you?"

Macrinus laughed. "Of course not, my lady. Let's just say I'm playing it safe."

"Locking me up won't convince me of anything."

"Is that so? Hmm, maybe not you, but I think I could easily persuade your brother or your husband. They both care a lot about you after all."

You took a step towards him. "What exactly are you planning? As soon as you ascend to the throne, you will exile my husband, declare our marriage null and void, and force me to marry you?”

“More or less, yes.”

"That's not going to happen! I'm never going to marry you, not in this life, or the next!" Your voice bounced off the cold stone walls with a ringing sound.

Macrinus seemed serious this time. "Then you'll be stuck under home detention for the rest of your life. There won't be a general husband coming to your rescue, nor a foolish brother in hopeless in love with you either."

"Shut your damn mouth!" Your body was shaking with anger.

"I'm giving you one last chance, Aurelia. Think carefully. Once Geta's gone, I'll be the new emperor. And then you'll do what I want." Macrinus put his hands on the bars just above yours. "'I thought it would be better to exile Acacius for his heroism, so that would not provoke a public outrage, but if you try my patience and resist, I will make you watch him die in the Colosseum. I swear I will."

You swallowed, even the thought was enough to make your heart ache. "I am carrying his child, how can you be so heartless, so damned?”

"A child?” He laughed. “As a medicus I'm sure you can find ways to get rid of that.”

"Damn you!" You reached through the bars to hit him in the face, but he grabbed your hand. He made you put your hand on his collar. There was a marking on his chest.

"Take a look at this! Do you know what this is? It's your father's mark!"

You observed the mark. "Were you a slave?"

Macrinus released your hand and you pulled it back.

"I was, during your father's time, but I managed to get into the senate. He was a strong and powerful man, your father. A soldier, a dictator, and a tough opponent. I learned a lot from him, Aurelia. But I still couldn't gain his trust, no matter how hard I tried. Fortunately, his sons weren't like him."  He pointed his finger at you. "You're more like your father than they are. I realised the first time I saw you in Egypt. Look, no matter how much you refuse, you can't escape what's coming. I will get what I deserve."

"No, that will never happen. You will lose. No one will remember you."

This time he sounded angry. "I made you a princess! You got your title back thanks to me! How about a little gratitude?”

"I was planning to come here anyway. Vicius and I had been planning to travel to Rome together to find my true family. If circumstances had been different the rebellion hadn't broken out, and the Roman soldiers hadn't come to put it down. That night..." You took a moment to collect your thoughts. Despite the pain that these memories still evoke, you have learned to embrace them because they have led you to meet Marcus. "He had already told me everything, except who my father was. We were going to open the letter together as soon as we arrived in Rome. You only hastened the process.”

"Vicius," he said, sounding annoyed. He then took a deep breath. "I've had some success in this process, but also had a few failures, and that man is one of them. If he'd handed you over to me then, before Geta and Caracalla ascended the throne, things might be different now."

His disrespect for Vicius was unacceptable and made you even angrier.

"What about Gaius? Isn't he also a great failure of yours?"

"Well, not entirely. If he hadn't taken your father's letter to him as an offer to marry you, who knows, he might still be alive now. He was the one who caused his own death. It's in my interest for him to die if there's any chance of him ascending to the throne." He smiled, but then his face turned angry again. "But he's not the biggest failure or obstacle." He said as he approached the bars, his face was close enough to touch the surface of the iron bars. "Acacius. He's the biggest obstacle that needs to be removed from my path, and I'm going to make sure that I do."

You brought your face closer to his. "My husband, Acacius, will be the end of you. You can be sure of that.”

He put a hand to his chin as if he was thinking. "I am doubt about that Aurelia. Because you see, soon, he will be preoccupied with bringing Geta to me. And once he does, I will take your brother's life and that will be the end of your husband as well." He grinned. "My plan is working perfectly and I will get what I want."

"He is not stupid. He will not fall into your trap.”

“He has no choice. He'll do anything to get you back, I know that."

You knew he was right and you hated it.

"Enough talk. Time to take action." He turned towards the guard. "If there's any trouble, kill her."

You swallowed, trying to stay calm. He then bowed his head to you and headed towards the stairs.

As time passed, the atmosphere in the Curia Julia became increasingly tense. Marcus was at breaking point, and Geta was no different. As Octavius rushed into the hall, almost tripping on the stairs, everyone looked at him with curiosity.

"Sir, you need to come outside," he said to Marcus, keeping his voice low.

"Is something wrong?"

Geta stood up and walked towards them.

"What's going on?"

Octavius’ face was grave as he was about to give them bad news. He looked at the councilors and then at his general. "Sir, Macrinus sent a guard to speak with you..." Octavius looked down in distress.

Marcus frowned, wondering if he was about to hear what he feared most.

"What does he want? Speak at once!" Geta shouted.

Julia tried to calm the council members.

"Princess Aurelia..." Octavius exhaled a deep breath. "Macrinus has abducted her-"

Without even thinking, Marcus stormed to the entrance to leave the hall. Geta followed him, but his mother grabbed his arm.

"Your Majesty! You must stay here-"

"You do that!" he said, roughly pulling his arm away from her.

Marcus rushed down the stairs and, noticing the guard Octavius had pointed at, grabbed his sword and held it to the man's throat. The guard let out a little gasp. "Tell me where she is now!' He roared.

All the soldiers and guards tensed and gripped the hilt of their swords.

"General Acacius, Sir Macrinus is waiting for you at his villa." He said, out of breath, struggling to get the words out. "He also said that he wants you to bring Emperor Geta with you."

“How dare he summon me like this?” Geta shouted. "Acacius, round up your men, and let's move to take him out now, shall we?"

The soldiers looked at their general. Seizing the opportunity of Marcus' thoughtful demeanor, Macrinus' guard took a step back.

"Sir Macrinus only wants the general and Emperor Geta." He stated arrogantly. "If you care about the Princess, you'd better do as-”

Suddenly a schwing sound was heard and Octavius's sword severed his jugular, and he collapsed, tumbling down the stairs and staining the marble steps with his blood. They all watched him die with a deadpan expression.

"Why wait? We must leave now Acacius," Geta touched his shoulder.

Marcus shook his head. “No, he'll kill you the moment I take you there, I can't let it.”

"I'm flattered, general, but this is your wife we're talking about, my sister."

Marcus sheathed his sword. "I am aware, but we must act wisely. If we fall into his trap, it will be the end of us all, which is exactly what he wants us to do."

"So we'll just leave Aurelia in his filthy hands?"

Marcus gave him a deadly look. "Don't you dare speak like you care more about my wife than I do!"

"Then act like you do!" Geta barked.

“General Acacius! Emperor Geta!”

They both turned to face the man calling to them. A man in a black cloak, familiar to Marcus, came up the stairs and approached them. The soldiers tensed, but Marcus gestured to them that it was all right.

"Who the hell are you?" Geta asked, squinting at the man.

"I am Lextus, Your Majesty," the man said, bowing. He looked at Marcus and then back at Geta. "I have something very important to tell you, both of you."

"Man of yours?" Geta asked Marcus.

"No, he is a relative of yours, from Leptis Magna, didn't your mother tell you?"

Geta gave him a dirty look.

"Speak up, what's so important?" Marcus asked.

"We've been tracking Macrinus for a while and we know where he is."

"If that's what you wanted to say, you've come in vain," Geta said, pointing to the guard's lifeless body lying at the bottom of the stairs.. "That cunt Macrinus is already waiting for us to go to him."

"It's a trap, he's luring you into it, Your Majesty. The Lady Aurelia is not with him, she is elsewhere," he said, and as soon as he mentioned your name, Marcus and Geta's eyes locked on him. "We know where he's keeping her, that's what I came here to tell you."

Marcus grabbed him by the collar of his cloak. "How do you know? When did you see her? Speak at once!"

"The General asked you a question!" Geta demanded.

Lexus hadn't expected either of them to react this way, he had to take a breath to speak. "Praetorians with Macrinus' lead intercepted Lady Aurelia's carriage in the alleyway. We followed the carriage, which took us straight to Ludus Magnus. We saw Lady Aurelia enter with the guards, and I have men stationed there to keep an eye on things. We are unsure why, but we know some consuls are there."

Geta looked at Marcus. "Why would he take her to the damn gladiator training school? What is he trying to do?"

"Tell me, is Macrinus still there or in his villa?" Marcus demanded.

"He left a few hours ago, we believe he went to there."

"We need to get to Aurelia now!" Geta said.

"The guards will be watching us. If we head there now, they'll inform him. Or even worse, they might hurt her before we get there." Marcus said through clenched teeth.

"What are we going to do then?"

Marcus thought for a moment. He had to think fast and come up with a plan, but he wasn't sure what to do.

It was time to think strategically and take action. As a soldier and general, he was an expert in this. "We need to make some time," he muttered.

"So let's not waste, standing here," Geta whined, adjusting his crown.

Watching him, a plan came to Marcus' mind. "Your Majesty, we must take you to Palatine Hill immediately."

"Are you mad? Macrinus's men are all over the place. Didn't you just say so yourself?”

Marcus exhaled. “That's why we have to leave now. I'm asking you to trust me.”

Geta narrowed his eyes. "In the past, I wouldn't have trusted you, but now I think I do."

"You don't have much choice, after all," Marcus teased as they hurried down the stairs together.

Once Geta was in the carriage, Marcus called Aris over. "Head to the Field of Mars right away and let them know I've ordered the troops to assemble around Macrinus' villa. Try to be as stealthy as you can."

"Yes, sir." He said and quickly walked in the opposite direction.

"The rest of you, come with me," Marcus said. They all nodded and got on their horses.

Geta called out to him as the carriage was moving.  "Acacius, I hope you know what you're doing!"

He still didn't fully trust the other guards accompanying Geta, so he didn't want to tell him his plan yet.

"I need both your patience and your trust, Your Majesty."

"You've got both as long as you save my sister.”

Marcus felt his heart beating faster with worry. He really wanted to come and get you out of there as soon as possible. But he had to think carefully. He knew that if he acted without thinking things through, he might lose you. Besides, he had to be absolutely sure that he got Macrinus this time too.

The guards at Palatine Hill were surprised to see the carriage coming earlier than expected. Geta stepped into the courtyard with Marcus. He tried to take Geta away from the guards, however, two of them came over to them.

"General, we want to help you. We are loyal to the emperor Geta, you can trust us."

Marcus seemed unsure.

"They are in a dilemma because their commander has not yet been chosen, Acacius. Macrinus' side and mine." Geta explained.

"Yes, there are others outside who are on Macrinus' side, sir. But I'm not, and my team here are all loyal to you, highness.”

"You were always so keen to be a Praetorian," Marcus said, looking at the guard. He realised that he was his childhood friend.

"Do you remember me? I thought you might have forgotten." He gave a little smile.

"Yes, you weren't eager to join the army, so I didn't hassle you about it too much."

"I wanted to serve the emperor, General Acacius."

"I see," said Marcus, smiling back.

"I was really proud when I saw you become a general of Rome, you know."

Marcus nodded his thanks.

"That's very touching gentleman, but can you tell us what to do now, our glorious general?" Geta said impatiently.

"Cato!" Marcus called him to his side.

He came running at once. "Sir!"

Marcus put his hand on his shoulder. "We need your help."

Geta frowned. "Isn't that your squire? How can he help us?"

Marcus smiled confidently. "He has the same hair colour and the same size as you, your majesty."

"Excuse me?”

"We're going to confuse them. Could you take off your clothes and give them to Cato?"

Geta opened his eyes wide in surprise. "What did you just say? Tell me you are joking!"

Geta wasn't the only one taken aback. Cato and Octavius exchanged glances, clearly surprised.

Marcus let out a sigh. "He'll take your place, so we won't put you in danger."

"So this is your master plan, Acacius? You seem to have forgotten how clever that cunt is. Sooner or later, he'll figure out that your squire doesn't look handsome as I do." He said smugly. 

"It's not really a concern," Marcus said, grasping Cato's arm. "This buys us some time, at least. Until I get the Aurelia out of there."

They walked together to Geta's chamber. Geta grumbled the whole way but seemed to be convinced at last. Cato looked a bit out of place in the emperor's clothes. He glanced at them hesitantly. Marcus couldn't help but grin when he saw him in Geta's attire. Geta sized him up.

"Ugh, you look like another evil twin of mine! That is all I need!”

"Forgive me, Your Majesty." Cato said, bowing his head.

Marcus held out his hand to Geta. "Your Majesty, can you give me your crown too?"

"Gods above! This is disrespectful and unacceptable, Acacius!"

Marcus rolled his eyes. "It's just a symbol, an item. It has no significance. You don't need the crown to prove that you are an emperor, do you?"

“Huh, you just enjoy lecturing me, don't you?" Geta pursed his lips.

"We're running out of time here."

"Fine!" He gave his crown to him. Cato held his breath as Marcus placed the crown on his head.

"Hmph, if this won't work, I swear on Vesta's fire that I will punish you Acacius."

Marcus smirked in response.

Geta tugged fabric of his gown which made him look like a commoner. '"Whatever, let's get this done as soon as possible and then I shall drink wine until I get drunk so I can forget all about it." He refused to look at their faces as he left his chamber.

As they descended the stairs, Marcus touched Cato on the shoulder. "Keep your face hidden at all costs. Even if they can't see it from a distance, there's still a risk."

"I'll do my best, general."

Marcus tapped his back. "May the Gods be on our side."

And as they approached the entrance to the great courtyard, they put their plan into action.

"Your Majesty, please," Marcus gestured to Geta.

Geta pursed his lips and involuntarily pulled the deep black cloak further up over his head. The gate opened and Marcus approached the carriage with Cato who was in the Emperor's toga, covering his face as naturally as possible. Cato struggled and pretended to resist him. The guards waiting outside, watching them, did not seem to suspect anything. Marcus swiftly pushed Cato into the carriage and told the coachman to start the horses. He then turned to the guards.

"Lead the way!" He said to them. They kicked their horses toward in front of the carriage. Marcus and the others got on their own horses, following the carriage from behind.

The other guards, those who had stayed behind in the palace to protect the real emperor Geta, put on their cloaks over their armour. They were going to take him back to Curia Julia in secret. It was already pretty quiet, as everyone else had left to accompany the false emperor. As per the plan, Marcus must turn his horse around halfway down the road and head for the Domus Vectiliana (Ludus Magnus).

After all, they were acting as if they didn't know where you were, and leading Geta straight into Macrinus' hands which it was not. So the plan was working perfectly. A little later, Marcus glanced at Octavius, and turned his horse round, making the guards surprised. The carriage kept going forward. They looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Their leader cursed and called out to some of them.

"Go after the general! The others stay with me!”

Marcus looked back over his shoulder at the guards who were chasing him as he rode his horse at a gallop. There were five of them. He needed to get rid of them without attracting attention.

"Come on!" He challenged them, drew his sword and turned his horse. He had one of them in his sights. He aimed at his leg and lunged before he could draw his sword, and the man let out a groan and fell off his horse. They were getting closer to the streets.The others yelled and drew their swords, rushing to attack Marcus but he was quick to dodge the attacks of two of them and managed to knock them off their horses. He rode his horse into the alleys to get rid of the rest. People screamed and ran to get out of the way to avoid being crushed by the horses.

"Where the hell is he heading to?" One of them asked the other.

"I think he found out where the princess is! Go there and warn the others before he gets there!”

As soon as they said that, they were both struck down by arrows from nowhere and fell to the ground. Marcus turned and saw Lexus and his men. He stopped his horse and nodded his thanks. Then, without wasting any time, he ordered the curious people out of the way and kicked his horse forward again. Since there was no obstacle in his way, he should be heading to get to you now.

The minutes and hours passed by, and the pain in your legs became increasingly difficult to bear. And you gave up. As you sat on the floor in the cold, smelly, dirty cell, you played with the wedding ring on your finger. Your mind was racing with questions. Why wasn't anyone coming? Or is it too late for everything now? Marcus, Geta... Your heart ached. It was torture, waiting there helplessly, hoping for rescue desperately, unable to do anything. You suddenly felt a pressure under your belly, right where your womb was. You put your hands right on it.

"Ssshh, calm down, my little one. I know you've been through a lot, but hang in there a little longer, please. Your father will come to save us, I promise you. Take his strength, take his courage and hold on. Our little miracle. We will always love you and protect you. So please try to hang in there.”

All of a sudden, a few shouts and the sound of swords clashing came from upstairs. The guards immediately tensed up and gripped the hilts of their swords. You jumped to your feet, unlike them, you felt excitement. Your heart was filled with hope. The sound of the iron gate opening loudly reverberated off the stone walls, and a moment later you saw a guard rolling down the stairs with the deafening sound of his iron armour ringing in your ears. The guards immediately drew their swords at someone on the stairs. First, you heard his angry roar and then Marcus himself rushed down the stairs, kicked one of the guards, and pushed him against the wall. The other swung his sword at him, Marcus crouched and lunged and cut his leg.

"Marcus!" You called out to him cheerfully.

He looked at you and smiled, but the other guard lunged at him, waving his sword.

"Marcus look out!" You pointed at him.

He managed to avoid the lunge at the last moment and hit his opponent in the back with the handle of his sword, causing him to stumble. As he lunged at him again, Marcus drew his pugio and knocked his sword out of his hand with both sword and pugio. And with a really neat move, he cut his neck. The stone walls were covered in a red, rusty-smelling liquid. You ran over to the iron bars and grabbed them. Marcus wiped the blood from his face with the back of his hand and looked at you. He looked at you with an intense gaze, his brown eyes sparkling.

"My lady." He said in a soft, velvety voice. "Forgive me for being late." He reached his hand through the bars to touch your face. "How could he imprison you in such a vile place? Did he hurt you?"

You grasped his hand with both of yours and kissed it. "No, I'm alright, don't worry." You forced a smile.

"How can I not, my love? My beloved. My soul. My breath." He then let out a sigh of relief, stroking your chin with his thumb. "Thank the Gods I found you safe and sound." He then gripped the iron bars and jerked them angrily, cursing.

"That man has the key," you said, pointing to one of the guards lying on the floor. Marcus went to him, bent down, and turned his lifeless body to check.

"Geta? Is he okay?”

"He is for now. We don't have much time, though. We need to get out of here now." He took the keys from the man and approached you. He unlocked the cell, setting you free. You took a step towards him and reached out to hug him.

"My lady, there is some blood on me-" You wrapped your arms around him, resting your head on his chest. "...and I'm not very clean." He finished his sentence with a murmur.

"I don't care." You said, closing your eyes and hugging him tighter. You ignored the blood smearing your cheek from his armour and the smell of it.

He lifted his hand to touch your hair, but his hand was covered in blood. He clenched his hand into a fist and wrapped his arm around you, inhaling your scent without touching you. He then pulled back.

"Aurelia, we have to leave, now." His voice was firm.

You nodded and walked towards the stairs while avoiding stepping in the puddle of blood on the ground. Marcus noticed your nervousness and wrapped his arms around you, lifting you into his lap. You looked at his face as he walked up the stairs with you in his arms. He looked very serious and stern, and you could guess what he was feeling, and what he was thinking. It must have been hard for him to find you in a situation where he almost lost you somehow, and to fight to make sure that didn't happen. To kill someone every time, to have blood on his hands. But for Marcus, finding you safe and sound was enough, he didn't care about the rest. He walked through the countless guards lying lifeless on the ground and carried you out in his arms. You were angry that he had to kill them because of Macrinus. It was all his fault, so many people had died because of him so far. Marcus lowered you to the ground beside his horse.

"It may be a bit of a rough ride, but try to hold on, will you?"

You nodded. "I can manage.”

He smiled and moved the saddle back a little so you could sit on it. He then settled in front of you. You put your arms around his waist. Marcus took hold of your arms around him. "Hold on tighter, princess."

Even though you couldn't see his face, you knew he was smiling. He grabbed the horse's reins and kicked his horse forward. You wrapped your arms around him as tightly as you could. With each jolt, your cheek bumped against his back.

"Where are we heading now?" You asked.

As you passed the Colosseum, you noticed the sun was setting over the hills ahead.

"First, I'll take you to the Curia Julia."

You tilted your head to get a better look at his face. "I'm not coming with you?"

He raised an eyebrow and looked at you out of the corner of his eye. "No, Aurelia, I've got a few platoons of my soldiers heading to the area around Macrinus' villa. We need to get ready for the upcoming skirmish."

"You're going to fight the Praetorian Guards?"

He sighed, “I hope not. But if it's necessary to finish off Macrinus, yes.”

You swallowed, nothing was over yet. "Why Curia Julia?"

"Geta is there with the other consuls. The rest of the guards will be guarding them. It's the safest place for you right now.”

Marcus pulled up his horse near the stairs of the Curia Julia. He dismounted and then led you down. A few of the guards came over and nodded at you.

"If there's any trouble, make sure you keep Princess Aurelia and Emperor Geta safe." He spoke to one of them in a firm tone.

"We shall protect them with our lives, general! You just finish him off!" The man put his hand on his chest. "Vae victis.”

Marcus replied. "Vae victis." Then he mounted his horse quickly and looked at you.

"Come back safely!" You said, looking at him.

He nodded and turned his horse around, kicking it forward. You watched him leave until he was out of sight.

"This way, my lady," the guard said.

You felt abandoned as you climbed the stairs with him. Soon you heard a familiar voice.

"Sister!" You looked towards Geta's voice and your eyes widened in surprise. He was wearing a black cloak over regular attire. And what's more, he was in an official building like the Curia Julia with it.

He hugged you and pulled back to look at you. "I was so worried about you, are you alright?"

You nodded your head, it was a little strange to see him like this. "What happened to your fancy toga and crown?"

"Your husband's ingenious plan." He said, rolling his eyes. "Come, rest inside. Your face is as white as marble." He put his arm around you and pulled you inside.

As dusk fell, Marcus was urging his horse to a rapid pace, hastening towards Macrinus' villa. What he saw coming down the hill wasn't quite what he'd expected. His troops had already arrived and it was clear that a battle had taken place and probably been won, but Macrinus was nowhere to be seen.

"General!" One of the soldiers recognised him.

Marcus looked around and noticed Cato in the distance, who was wounded near the carriage ahead. Felix and Aris came over to him. "What the hell happened?" He asked them.

"Sir, the plan worked, but Macrinus wounded Cato and then they attacked us. We managed to kill them all, but unfortunately, he escaped and we couldn't stop him."

"How do you mean he escaped?" Marcus’ voice was like a roar.

"Octavius and a few soldiers went after him, sir."

"Which way did they go?"

"That way," Aris said, pointing down the hill.

"I'll go after them. All of you gather around at once. Take the wounded ones to the Field of Mars."

"Sir, what about them?"

Marcus looked in the direction he was pointing and saw the members of the senate who were loyal to Macrinus. They were looking at him with a look of concern on their faces.

"The rest of you, take them to the Roman Forum and wait there for my arrival." He said, looking at them from a distance. "Can you confirm that the other troops are still controlling the entrances and exits to the city?"

"Yes, sir. The city is currently sealed off."

"Good." He said, pulling on the reins of his horse, which reared up with a loud neigh. "Make them assemble at once and get moving!" He commanded.

As he rode, perhaps faster than he had ever ridden before, determined to catch Macrinus at any cost, he realised that he missed his horse, Dromos. He promised himself that when all this was over, he would return home and see his old friend again. And then he could go out riding with you again. However, at the moment, he just had to focus on finding and getting rid of the source of all his recent problems. Before long, he heard the sound of swords clashing, so he rode towards it. He saw his soldiers and the guards were fighting, but they seemed to be getting along.

"Octavius is following him, sir!" a soldier pointed ahead. Then he killed the guard he was fighting, and he jumped on his horse to follow his general. The other one did the same too.

Marcus was soon excited to realise that Octavius was running after Macrinus on foot. He was very close. Marcus called out to the soldiers behind him.

"Block his way!”

They did as he said and rode their horses around either side of Macrinus, to block him from going any further. He realised this and started running backwards. Marcus seized the chance and leaped off his horse to capture him. They ended up rolling on the ground together. Macrinus tried to fight back, but he was so tired that he gave up and collapsed, taking a few punches to the face from Marcus in the process.

The others walked towards their General. All of them stared down at the panting, treacherous, sixty-year-old dark-skinned man. Marcus drew his sword, Macrinus cursed, crawled back. But Marcus did something that even surprised himself. He thrust his sword into the ground right next to Macrinus.

Octavius touched his shoulder, "Sir." There were a lot of questions in his tone.

‘We're heading to the Roman Forum. Bring him along."

The soldiers looked at each other, confused.

"But sir..." Octavius protested.

"This cunt must be punished by the emperor Geta himself."

Macrinus gave a hysterical laugh, but it was clear he was upset with that decision.

"You don't deserve a painless death," he said, looking at him. "I'm sure the emperor has far more creative ideas for you."

The atmosphere in the Curia Julia was palpably tense, with everyone visibly anxious and on the brink of exhaustion. The noise was unbearable and it was giving you a headache. But Geta was determined. He had no intention of sending anyone home yet. This will be solved today, he said. He made you sit in the imperial seat that belonged to Caracalla, since you were exhausted, you didn't object, despite Julia's glare. Furthermore, it was clear that the Consuls had other matters to discuss, and did not care the fact that you were sitting there. Fortunately the murmuring of the crowd was soon heard outside, and everyone turned their heads in the direction of the footsteps approaching the hall.

Your heart pounded with both excitement and nervousness. You felt immense relief when you saw Marcus a short while later. Geta leapt to his feet and looked at him, his eyes wide open. Since you focused on Marcus' face and only later realised who he had brought to the middle of the great hall. When Macrinus fell to his knees on the floor, the consuls first looked at him in astonishment and then started shouting.

"Traitor!"

"He should be beheaded!"

"Throw him from Tarpeian Rock!"

Geta raised his hand and they all fell silent. You and Marcus looked at each other from a distance, wondering why he hadn't killed him. However, he was in a good mood and you were grateful to finally see his sincere smile.

"General Acacius." Geta called him. "On behalf of the Roman people, I am grateful to you for capturing this traitor and bringing him before me, before the Council. He will be judged here, before Roman law, and his final sentence will be given. The council is now in session."

"Your Majesty," someone stated. "I am afraid a council session is not yet feasible in these circumstances. Since your crown is absent and the attire you are wearing is not fit for this occasion. Furthermore, I must point out that it is inappropriate for two women to be present at this time. I demand that the necessary conditions be imposed."

And they all murmured, some agreeing and some objecting.

"Denied!" Geta said firmly. The man frowned and sat down. "Even without my crown, my true identity remains unchanged. Also, the women you are referring to are my mother, your empress, and my sister, your Princess, Aurelia."

Marcus looked at him with a confident half-smile. You could see the pride in his look.

Geta continued. "If there are no other ridiculous objections I will continue. You have all been waiting here all morning, so I will formalise things for the sake of Rome before I tire you out any further."

He silenced the murmurs and continued. His speech took everyone by surprise, including you. At the end of the session, the verdict was reached: Caracalla was declared a tyrant, and all his decrees, orders, wills, and other belongings were declared null and void. Macrinus tried to object several times, but no one dared to stand up for him or support him. Now it was his turn to be punished.

"He was really into training these gladiators and investing in them. Then I'd like to give him a fitting punishment." Geta said with a grin. Then he turned to him. "You will be thrown into the Colosseum, along with the rest of your followers. Your fate will be decided by the gods and the people of Rome." He looked at the guards. "Now get him out of my sight, I don't want to see his ugly face anymore."

Ignoring the pleas of the councilors who had helped Macrinus, Geta closed the session and everyone began to murmur once more. He came over to you, a big grin on his face.

"I can't wait to see that wretched Macrinus in the Colosseum tomorrow!"

You smiled in response. "You did well, brother."

He smiled widely. Marcus approached you both. Geta looked at him.

"Acacius, I'm surprised you didn't kill him, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad. It'll be fun tomorrow!" He said, clapping his hands. He winked at you and then went over to his mother.

You looked at Marcus. "I think it's finally over now. We can rest easy, can't we?"

"Yes, my lady," he said, holding your hand. "It's over now.”

You just stared at each other for a while, speaking through your eyes. The councilors left the hall, murmuring, while Geta and his mother had a brief argument. All of this faded into the background for you.

"Looks like we'll be spending another night on Palatine Hill."

Marcus smirked. "One last night. Then tomorrow we'll be heading back to the villa, our home."

You smiled. "Thank the Gods. I miss our home so much."

"I know, me too. Shall we leave now? I need a good bath, and as my wife, you can help me, can't you?" He smirked.

You lifted your head to whisper in his ear. "Anything you wish, my love.”

You arrived at Domus Severiana in the late afternoon. As soon as you stepped into the courtyard, you ordered the slaves to prepare the balneum for you two.

The stone walls of the balneum were softly caressed by the soothing steam of the hot water, while a variety of flowers floated on the surface, their sweet scent creating a tranquil atmosphere in this spacious bath house.  Marcus was in the water, his head thrown back and his eyes closed. You were right behind him, running your slender fingers over his flesh, rubbing his arms and shoulders, helping him to recover from the fatigue of the day.

"Your healing touch has refreshed my body and soul," he murmured. Then he took your hand and brought it to his lips, his collarbone, his chest, running it all over his body. Then he turned towards you, his movement causing some of the water to spill over. You swallowed as his eyes traveled over your naked body, your heart racing with excitement. He reached out for you, grabbed you around the waist, and pulled you into the water. "Now it's my turn to touch you.”

This time the water overflowed, and a lot of the flowers on the surface ended up floating away.

You giggled as Marcus ran his lips along your neck to your collarbone. "You meant to touch me with your lips? But I am in the water, so how are you going to touch the rest of my body I wonder?" You asked playfully.

"I sense a challenge." He murmured, his warm breath brushing against your collarbone. "I shall accept." He then grabbed your hips and lifted you, placing you on his shoulders. His head was between your thighs, your heels touched his back. You moaned with pleasure and laughed as his lips touched your folds. Your back arched instinctively as you felt his tongue in your most sensitive spot. You gripped his grey hair tightly with your fingers.

"Marcus! I am going to- ow!"

"Isn't it too soon, my love?"

You looked down at his face and saw that he was grinning.

"No, I meant to say that I'm going to fall, not come.”

He pulled his head back, supported your back with one hand and lowered you down onto the edge of the tub. "I've been a bit busy, I must have misheard." He grinned again. Without getting out of the water, he pulled you closer and continued where he left off. He stuck his marvellous tongue out and licked your most sensitive spot. You gasped and hitched your legs around his head, drawing him closer. He rolled his tongue up and down as he used his hand to probe at your lower lips. His beard tickled you as your breathing quickened. Adrenaline flooded your body as your pulled on his hair, bringing him closer, as he sucked and consumed you mercilessly. You bucked into him and he responded in turn with a little nip. You threw your head back as you gasped once more, feeling like you were losing your mind. Shaking, sweating, your entire body pulsed with pleasure as you clamped your legs around him.

You moaned loudly. "I am definitely coming this time!"

"Come for me, my love. Let me taste you.”

And immediately after his command, you came with a loud moan. Marcus kissed your belly and grabbed you by the hips, pulling you into the water. He kissed you on the lips with great passion, you wrapped your arms around him. The water made everything a little slippery, but Marcus was determined to grip your hips roughly, puling you closer. You wrapped your legs firmly against his waist, feeling his need press against you in the most delicious way. You couldn't stop your moans with each and every thrust and neither could he, and you began to feel him deeply inside you, he thrust deeper and deeper, pushing you both closer and closer to the edge. He grabbed your hair, gathering behind the nape of your neck and pulling your face closer, claiming your mouth with his teeth and imploring tongue. And you came for him once more, moaning into his mouth. He then reached his climax right after with a groan.

Breathing heavily, you slumped in the tub, he was holding you close, kissing your chin then beneath your ear. You listened to the peaceful sound of water echoing off the damp walls until your breathing calmed. Without pulling out, he wrapped his arms around you and you rested your head on his shoulder. Once your both breathing and racing hearts had calmed, he stood up and led you out of the tub too.

On the following day, the capital of Rome was on the brink of witnessing one of the most momentous days in its history. The Council's decision, Geta's proclaiming absolute emperorship to the entire populace, was followed by the announcement of the execution of the traitor Macrinus and his supporters in the Colosseum.  As the sun reached its zenith, people were making their way towards the colossal structure, engaged in quiet conversation.

The emperor's carriage soon arrived near the Colosseum, where the people greeted Geta with great enthusiasm. You and Marcus were in the other carriage, which you got out of together and waved to the people who were cheering your name. The trumpets were blown, and as you walked towards the Imperial tribune, the announcer called out Geta's name. Everyone stood up and cheered him enthusiastically.

“Caesar! Caesar! Caesar! Caesar!”

Geta raised his hands and gave them the salute, then turned to you and held out his hand. And then they announced your name. You took Geta's hand and stood next to him.

"Princess Aurelia!"

The crowd clapped and cheered even more enthusiastically. You placed your right hand on your chest and saluted the crowd. It was then time for Marcus's name to be announced.

“General Marcus Justus Acacius!”

The crowd roared his name over and over.

“Acacius! Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!”

Marcus gave them a smile and a salute in return. Caracalla's seat has been removed and two seats have been added on either side of the emperor, as per his orders. At Geta's gesture, you took the seat next to him, and Marcus sat next to you.

And the trumpets sounded again. The announcer cut them off and carried on:

"For his treachery against the life of the Emperor and the Roman Empire, Marcus Opellius Macrinus is declared an enemy of the people. He has been stripped of his membership of the Senate and all those who aided and abetted him will bring to the arena in chains today, to face judgement, your judgement, people of Rome!"

When the iron gate sprung open, Macrinus and his supporters were brought into the middle of the arena in chains. The crowd booed them.

"Traitor! Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!"

The Announcer called the crowd to silence, listed his crimes one by one, which Macrinus replied with a smug smile.

Crowded roared. “Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!”

Geta stood up and went over to the balustrade. But then he glanced back at you and beckoned you over. You looked at Marcus and stood up, grabbing his hand and pulling him along with you. He didn’t resist and followed you.

"What do you think, sister? Mercy?"

All three of you were looking at Macrinus. Julia, who was watching you from behind, seemed angry with Geta for not calling her mother to his side. She crossed her arms and made a face.

Looking at Macrinus from a distance, you shook your head. "No mercy." You said firmly.

Geta smiled and looked at Marcus. "Acacius?"

"Having mercy on the traitor is a betrayal to the innocent!" Said Marcus without taking his eyes off Macrinus. You smiled and held his hand, he was so right.

Geta put his arms up. "The gods have spoken!" And then he lowered both hands down. The executioner nodded and separated Macrinus's head from his body in a single stroke.

The crowd cheered. It was the first time you'd ever felt so relieved that a man was dead. Marcus let out a deep sigh, feeling the same way. When it was the turn of the other traitors, they shared Macrinus' fate too. Marcus leaned towards Geta. "Speak to your people, Your Majesty, show that you are a true emperor. They need it."

Geta looked at him, then nodded. He took a deep breath.

"The people of Rome! I promise you that from now on I will restore Rome to its rightful glory! During my reign, there will no longer be any Romans who are hungry or poor. I pledge that no Roman rights will be infringed upon, and that all will enjoy equal conditions. I promise you, as your emperor, that I will strive to make Rome the greatest empire in the world!"

You and Marcus looked at each other as the crowd continued to cheer and applaud, their enthusiasm growing. This was precisely what you had hoped to hear. It seemed that the people were also pleased. You admired Geta's personal development and believed with all your heart that he would do what he promised.

Now it was time. It was time for you and your husband to return to your home in peace.

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