#a handful of the bear + what we do in the shadows

[unholyhelbig]

Hi,

I love the fics and honestly think you’re one of the amazing writers in here.

I was wondering about the Wandanat x reader fic the beast you’ve made of me, I was wondering if there will be more parts ? As I read the last part there is on there and I wanna know what happens next

Center picture Cred: Jadiakallisti

Title: The Beast You've Made of Me [Part 5/7]

Ship: Female!Reader x Natasha Romanoff x Wanda Maximoff

Wordcount: 4,212

Summary: When reader wakes up in her own grave, she's suddenly aware of a past that spans lifetimes, but she's not the only one. Two Avengers are tasked with keeping readers past a secret, or at the very least, controlled.

Warnings: Blood, cannon-typical violence, mentions of pain, sweating, general mentions of pain, gun use, horrible grammar I don't proof read we know this

[a/n: hi! God, it's been months. I had a bit of writers block when it came to this one but I'm back on my Wandanat bullshit, so thank you all for your patience. Not sure how I'm feeling about this one.]

[ Part one | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven ]

Main Masterlist | Read my stuff on AO3 | Leave Requests

The Avengers compound had an extensive library that was settled with a thin layer of dust. Most of the editions were well past your time this go around. Not the dozens of other lives you had suffered through. The spines were bound in genuine leather and the pages crackled when you pulled them apart. You would wager that no one had been here for a long time, at least, not in the last decade.

Wanda’s hazel eyes tracked you from left to right, and then left again, as you paced the carpeted floor. Large stretches of golden sunlight were interrupted by her shadow, her silhouette suffering your constant movement. It was warm in here, much too warm for your liking. Your skin felt damp.

“Okay, you’re making me nauseous.”

Wanda had stood up during your last lap and you ran directly into her. Every spot where her skin touched yours burned viciously and you were thankful for the already present heat masking your blush. The Witch gently closed the book and you reluctantly let her take it from you.

“I fear that Grimms Fairytales are not going to be of much assistance here, darling girl.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but snapped your jaw audibly shut. Darling girl was bold. Sure, she’d sprinkled a few leg-weakening pet names in there, but this nearly seemed deliberate. Your mind was swimming too much to hold onto that life raft at the moment, so you let out an indignant huff.

Wanda had been tasked with watching you. Steve didn’t say it outright, but you knew that Thor’s visit had him shaken, figuring that if the woman in front of you could deliver some tilting blows to Thanos himself, she could probably handle you.

Natasha was buzzing with anger, nearly vibrating out of her skin. Her wife didn’t’ make a move to comfort her, explaining to you that when Natasha got like this, it was better not to poke the bear with a stick unless she wanted to lose a hand, or both.

It left the two of you in the library that had considerably less answers than you were anticipating. The mythology section of the collection was empty save for the book that Wanda had just pried from your hands. The only wolf had gobbled up a poor, defenseless grandmother before stealing her nightgown.

She watched you carefully for a few moments before she adjusted the pillow on a window seat and sat until she looked relatively comfortable. She’d taken your only distraction from the pain that still ebbed against your side from broken glass. You started to fidget.

“Come here.”

“What?”

She sighed and patted her lap, like the answer should have clicked in your head right away. It certainly didn’t. Not only were you searching her face, but your own mind for what she wanted you to do.

“When was the last time you slept?”

“This morning. I almost took you and Natasha out in the non-date kind of way.”

She scoffed again, murmuring a simple ‘come here, then.’ That left no room for argument. Your body seemed to give in when you sat next to her on the cushion, shoulders slumping with exhaustion. God- maybe you were tired.

Wanda guided you gently until your head was laying on her lap. You breathed in her scent, like fresh rain over lilacs. She carried the same floral shampoo that Natasha did, but somehow, it hung sweeter on her skin. You were tense, relaxing under her nimble fingers as she started to glide them in a steady rhythm through your hair.

A content sigh, laced with the smallest bit of a growl, escaped you as you finally gave in and curled closer to her. You could feel your eyes grow heavy, the comfort of her simple touch settling over you like a blanket.  

“Go ahead and sleep, baby.”

“m’don’t want to hurt you,”

“You won’t.” Wanda assured, “I’ll protect you.”

Affection bloomed from the center of your chest. You turned your head, looked up at her. There was so much care in her gaze. She smiled softly down at you, moved her fingers across the small scar under your right eye, a constant reminder of crumbled ice on a fateful day.

“Don’t give me that look. I mean it. Close your eyes, sweetheart. I’ll keep the memories at bay.”

Her reassurance seemed to be enough for you to give in to the remaining exhaustion, your cheek back against the soft fabric of her pants, breathing in that intoxicating scent. Wanda’s fingers continued to trace patters at the small of your neck, through your hair. You swore, you heard her release a hum in a melody you couldn’t place, before you allowed yourself to sleep.

Wanda Maximoff had known pain before. It attracted like a magnet, dutifully dragging the metal of unwanted memories back to the surface each time she got too close. She’d been good, she’d been bad, and most of the time, she conceded to being both. There was a thin line that she threaded, and Natasha Romanoff loved her immensely on either side.

There was anguish radiating off you in waves. She felt the emotion in her fingertips where they met your skin, so soft and pale with exhaustion. This was the first time in the last two weeks that she had seen an expression of peace across your features, and she quite liked the image.

The witch could feel your curse pulsing through your veins, just as much as she could feel your warm weight against her lap. You let out the softest bit of a whimpered breath and snuggled closer, as if she were your liferaft on a choppy sea.

She was growing exhausted herself. While she’d had a certain fondness for her godly teammate, his sneering display in the conference room had left her rattled. The sun that flowed through the room was warming her, but not to an uncomfortable degree. She leaned back on the window and closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of your steady breathing.

“You need to wake up, miss.” Wanda was leaden with sleep, eyes heavy and taking in lungful’s of grassy scent. The ground beneath her was damp, but soft, so she pressed her cheek closer to the moisture and tried to bat away the presence pestering her.

“Please, I’ll take no pleasure in leaving you. Not with it out here.”

It. Such a simple, yet vague word that ebbed away at the last of the tiredness that plagued her. Since she was a girl, even before the poking and prodding of Hydra’s sadistic minds, she could tell the difference between a dream, and reality.

Life had a haze to it, a softness around the edges that her dreams rivaled. They felt all the more real than her daily endeavors, and at first, that sent a steel rod of fear through Wanda. But, she’d grown to love the control she held over her dreams. They all meant something, perhaps more than her waking hours.

When she sat up, her head rushed with blood with a comfortable and familiar whoosh. The person kneeling next to her was a stranger. A slight thing with dark skin and cornflower eyes. They blinked curiously at Wanda. A long and scruffy beard hung from their chin, full of small flowers, embedded in the curls. They had a feminine figure, a masculine expanse of shoulders.  

They smirked at her. “You do not have to stare, miss. I am well aware of what I look like.”

“No, that’s not… I didn’t. You’re lovely.”

Blush had found its way to Wanda’s cheeks, and she allowed herself to be pulled to her shaky feet by the stranger. They smelled of sugar, and the slightest hint of cinnamon that reminded Wanda of a kitchen after a meal had been cooked. They smiled more genuinely this time, and the tension seemed to exit the conversation as soon as it had entered.

“What’s your name?” Wanda asked.

They frowned. “I don’t think I have one anymore. Now, we really do need to get a move on. Do you hear the thunder?”

She didn’t hear a thing past the bubbling stream and the desperate squawks of birds’ way up in the trees. These woods were lovely, but she had no time to ponder them. The nameless stranger took long strides towards their destination, and while Wanda hadn’t a clue what they were running from, she didn’t want to stick around and find out.

The stranger seemed to know where they were going, hopping easily over logs, and letting their bare toes curl into the dampness of the stream. Wanda’s fingers brushed across leaves, and rough tree bark. Though the compound was surrounded by forest, it was much too manufactured. This was wild, this made her want to howl into it’s silence.

“The beast has been pulling against us lately,” they explained, reaching a hand out and helping Wanda over a large, smooth boulder that had been warmed expertly by the sun. “For decades, we’ve known peace in our own right. As peaceful as one can be against their will. As far as prisons go, this is a beautiful one.”

Snowcapped mountains stretched far into the sky, into the endlessness of nature. She’d been imprisoned and this did not seem like one. There was room to roam, there were crops, and animals that stalked through the same trees they did. She had no right to judge-however- dreaming or not, their struggle was not her own.

“Come, I am not alone.”

Wanda was lulled with kindness, and well aware that nothing could hurt her here. She followed the Stranger to a small cabin that cut through the clearing in the forest. A stone well was nearby, as was the looming skeletal structure of a barn, slanted and rotten through.

The Stranger knocked and did not wait for an answer before pushing her way into the home. The same scent they carried bombarded Wanda with warmth. Oil lamps, and books were strewn about. It was cluttered, but comfortable. A fire crackled in a stone hearth, and a large-bearish man turned towards them, a book dwarfed within his paws.

A woman was at the stove, slowly turning a stews content around. She flicked glowing green eyes in their direction, lilting her head like a curious feline. Her movements were catlike and calculated, teeth pointed into little knives.

“They do not have names either.” The Stranger nodded solemnly.

“How long have you been here?” Wanda asked.

The bear man responded in his deep, jaded voice “Forever.”

“The dwarves, they tricked us. All of us.” The cat woman scooped broth, potatoes and carrots into separate bowls, the yellow steam curling around the oil lamp and it’s flickering flame. She frowned. “Something from each stolen in order to prevent Ragnarök.”

Wanda had heard that before. Thor said it; the second coming, an apocalypse of Asgard. It was the catalyst for your imprisonment in the first place. She was having trouble grasping the purpose of the stranger, of the cat woman and the bear man, and the place her conscious was lingering in now.

“Their chains were not strong enough. They needed elements from nature to make binds that would hold a Beast as large and dangerous as the one that they feared.”

Bear man hoisted himself from the sofa in front of the fire. He wedged a crutch under his arm that Wanda had not noticed at first. He walked with a limp and loomed above her, covered in hair, claws as long as her fingers. She gazed up at him, suddenly surrounded.

“The sound of a cat’s footfall, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, the sinews of a bear, the breath of a fish, and the spittle of birds.” The Stranger explained. They plopped down in a creaky kitchen chair, reached for the stew before the Cat woman batted their hand away.

“All of that… for chains?”

The Stranger sneered, plucking a flower from their beard and plopping the color in the middle of the bland stew. “It’s worked, hasn’t it?”

When she stirred, the sun had lowered significantly from its point in the sky. A sorbet glow moved across the discarded book of mythology and a blanket had been draped over her shoulders. She woke gently, as she always did, with a certain degree of elegance that evaded most of the avengers.

Natasha was at the one table in the room, her chin resting on her folded arms. She’d been watching Wanda for some time now; the slow rise and fall of her chest, the comfortable expression on her face while she held you. She still held you now, her grip tightening in her own sleep.

Adoration had replaced the anger in Natasha’s eyes from earlier in the day. Though, her knuckles were wrapped in a thin layer of gauze, a clear sign that she had taken most of her frustrations out on a punching bag in the gym without the proper precautions. Wanda fought the urge to press her lips against them, to soothe the pulsing pain.

 “She’s really taken a liking to you,” Natasha whispered. Her voice held no malice, no jealousy. It was like a soothing balm, despite the small frown that formed against her features. “I put myself between her and a literal God today. A friend.”

“It’s naive of us to think of her as helpless.”

You were curled so easily into Wandas side, soft snores escaping you. Your fingers had found purchase in the fabric of the blanket, pulling it close, wrapping yourself up. It was the most peaceful she had seen you since you’d met. She ached to hold you in the same way, but swallowed the feeling in exchange for letting you rest.  

“In the atrium the other day, she couldn’t take a punch. I think this version of her is helpless. If what Thor is saying is true, then she could bring about the apocalypse.”

“Yes, in Asgard.”

Natasha breathed out, traced her fingers over the soiled gauze. She couldn’t look Wanda in the eye when she used this pleading tone. She would fold for her wife, and fold for the girl that she held in her arms. They were much too persuasive.

“Do you blame her? She was prosecuted simply because of her lineage. The whole family was. I don’t think Loki is a good guy, especially after what he did. But when you’re born into a world that thinks you’re a bastard, a mistake, and treats you like one, it’s easy to fall into the projected legends, don’t you think?”

The spy let the statement linger. Her entire life she was trained to be a killer to the point where her own thoughts were blurred into nothing but a red ledger. It had taken Clint Barton to pull her out, one single person to rip her from a life of killing. Maybe you just needed someone to care.

A small, content whimper escaped you, and Natasha looked at the way the golden sunset highlighted your features. You’d pressed yourself even closer to Wanda, if that was possible. The Witch stared at you with a soft gaze.

“What do you suggest we do, darling?” Natasha asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“They are going to bring the fight to us, stop at nothing until they have her back in chains.” Wanda frowned, a small crinkle of frustration smoothing against her nose. “We bring the fight to them. We fell Asgard before they can fell us.”

Natasha’s warmth was inevitable as she adjusted your stance. Her amber scent filled your lungs stronger than it ever had before. All of your senses were on fire. Every inch of her lean figure was pressed against your back. She gently corrected your hips, aligning them with the target.

She was taller than you by a few inches, her breath hot on your cheek and smelling oaky. You struggled not to sigh into her.  That would be wrong. She was Wanda’s wife, and they were in a committed and happy relationship.

They both flustered you beyond comprehension. Wanda had her soft touches and her commanding tone. Natasha with her assured guidance and rumbling voice. The pet names, and the lingering hands had you reeling.

“Okay, kitten, it’s important to keep your arms slightly bent.” Her hands trailed down your arm, sending shivers that you couldn’t suppress up your spine. You could feel her grin, whole body flushing with soft pink color. “Good girl. Now you’re going to aim slightly left of your target and gently squeeze the trigger. You’re going to get some kickback, so watch your nose.”

You pulled in a steadying breath. Natasha’s hands wandered around your waist and to your stomach. Again, she corrected your stance. It was ever-so-subtle. You closed your eyes for a short moment, trying to focus before pulling the trigger.

It was loud, making your ears ring. The kickback was rough against your wrist, but Natasha held you steadily. The fact that she was holding you at all made you dizzy. You’d blown a few holes through the target at the far end of the range, all just south of the belt.

“Well,” She chuckled, leaning her chin against your shoulder. “That’s one way to do it. Not necessarily fatal, but I’m sure they’ll wish it was.”

You crinkled your nose and set the gun safely down as she had instructed. Everything about it felt unnatural but you wished for her to keep holding you close as she was. You knew that she was trying her best. Both she and Wanda were. But guns weren’t your thing. Neither was hand to hand combat or the blood tests, or the stretching days of sleep deprivation.

You were aching for your routines with Jennifer in the legal offices and the shitty lifetime movies and the sodium-filled takeout that the two of you would indulge in over box wine. All things that you took for granted. All things that you ached so heavily for you could cry. It was a pit in your stomach so dense you could almost feel it.

In fact, you could feel something. A cold sweat that you attributed to the proximity of Natasha started to collect in the palms of your hands and the small of your neck. But it was quickly spreading.

Natasha seemed to notice, moving her hands to your hips and frowning at you. “You alright, volchitsa?”

“I don’t like guns,” You swallowed the muted nausea, leaning your back against the nearest wall, reveling in the coolness. “Is it hot in here?”

“No, but you’re burning up.”

She was a spy. You don’t know how you thought you could get one over on her or ignore the sudden turn of your stomach, not when a sharp pain ripped through your middle and dropped you to a knee with an indignant huff. Sweat dripped off the tip of your nose. She stabilized you with a swiftness that only she could.

“I can’t quite seem to stop embarrassing myself in front of you, can I?” You whimpered out.

“No, you really can’t.” Natasha carded her fingers through damp hair, the motion soothing. “You going to knock out on me? Go to another time period?”

You grit your teeth, tucked your head “Don’t think so, this is different.”

It was different. Something was clawing deep within you, wanting to get out. The arm that wasn’t holding you up found purchase around your midsection as if it were trying to keep your insides in. She saw the desperation in your eyes. Must have, because you were moved back to the safety of your room.

You were not delusional. It was a prison cell, a fancier version of the holding container that they’d kept you in before. It was meant to keep you in just as much as it was meant to keep everyone else out. Natasha had tucked the gun in the back of her pants before leading you back here. Carrying you, perhaps. You’d been too disoriented to know.

“It’s… hot” You said again, curled in on yourself at the edge of the bed “You don’t think it’s hot?”

Before she could answer you were pulling your shirt off, pleased by the temporary relief that it granted you. Then the jeans and the socks. This left you in a pair of tight boxer shorts and a sports bra. The lights were too bright and your skin felt like it was crawling.

“FRIDAY.” Natasha called out, tracking you carefully “Can I get a reading on vitals, please?”

A mechanical voice recalled. “Body temperature: 232 Fahrenheit, Heart Rate: 325 BPM.”

“Perfect. Please send Wanda down right away.” Natasha dragged her gaze up and down your mostly nude body. “I believe I’ll need my wife’s assistance.”

“Right away, Mrs. Romanoff.” FRIDAY responded. “Temperature is now reading 245 Fahrenheit.”

Stupid fucking robot.

You’d turned on your side now, the sheets beneath you saturated in sweat. Your breaths had changed from soft pants to deep growls of discomfort. All you could feel was heat and sharp pains. This is what you had imagined death to feel like. These horrible waves of discomfort that were never ending.

“I think,” You turned your face into the mattress fully, snarling something deep and wild. Natasha’s hand was on your back as a grounding force. “fuck.”

“What is it baby?” She was pleading with you. A brokenness in her voice that you’d never heard from her before. One that you wanted to stop. You wanted everything to stop. “How can I help you?”

“You need to… leave… don’t want to hurt you.”

You repeated the same sentiment that you had with her wife just hours before. Natasha wanted to deny you. Of course, you wouldn’t hurt her. But then your spine shifted under her palm. Each vertebrae seemed to quake and clack together as if a handler had moved the handle of a whip at the base. You groaned and clenched your fingers into the fluff of the mattress at the motion. You were in insurmountable pain, and she could do nothing to stop it except obey.

“Okay,” Natasha whispered, not sure of herself. “Okay. I’ll be right outside that door. FRIDAY will monitor. Helen is on her way.”

She got a choked groan in response. Willing herself to leave was difficult. Closing the door behind her was worse. She found herself in the same observation room that was mute to your screams. Deep in her gut, she knew what was happening. It was logical. It was in all the horror movies. It would be impossible to witness much less go through.

Wanda burst through the corridor, her socks skidding on the linoleum. Natasha softened her crash landing with her shoulder, didn’t try to push her back but kept her from going further. She’d learned long ago that telling Wanda not to do something would get her nowhere. It would set her back ten paces, perhaps even twenty.

“What’s happening? propustite menya, ya khochu yeye uvidet'.”

Natasha shook her head, resolute. “It’s better if you don’t. She’s in pain.”

“And you’re out here?” a raw type of accusation surged through Wanda’s words, she moved to pushed past Natasha again, was stopped once more. She could overpower her wife, but knew better not to. Instead, nailing her with an exasperated glare. “Why?”

“She asked me not to, begged me. Y/n just figured out what she is and now it’s coming to the surface. She wants to lick her wounds in peace. We should grant her that at the very least, even if we want to storm in there and nurse her through it.” Natasha’s voice cracked, she blinked, looked away dejectedly. “She knows we’re here. Right here.”

Wanda crossed her arms over her chest, clearly unhappy, but conceding. She stalked over to the viewing window guiltily. Natasha felt as if you were more of an animal than ever, trapped within these four walls.

“Natasha?”

“Yeah, baby?” She couldn’t peel herself from the door, had her eyes clenched shut. There was a pounding headache.

“Where the fuck is she?”

That got her away from the wall, pressing her fingers up against the window, breath fogging the glass. Wanda was true to her word. The bed was empty. The containment unit was empty. The entire room was visible from where the two of them stood.

“FRIDAY I need a location on y/n?” She was met with silence, tepid green eyes meeting Wanda’s with nothing short of fear. “FRIDAY?”

With a fizzled snap, the lights flickered out, plunging the two of them into darkness. Natasha felt her heart in her throat for a single moment. A fearful and tense moment that instantly dried her throat in the pitch black. Her forehead thumped against the glass in annoyance. In defeat.

Behind the glass, something that suddenly seemed as thin as paper, two glowing eyes stared unblinkingly at her. Tracking her in ways that she could not track back. Warm breath fogged up the divider. She could feel it, touch it

“Shit” Natasha drew out the word. “Do you think she’s pissed I keep calling her kitten?”

Taglist💕: @dannipotatoo, @non-binary-frogking, @mysticalmoonlight7, @metanoiablxxm, @coxlong, @b3nzzzzz, @simpforlizzie, @delulu-bayolet-era, @dorabledewdroop, @crescentcrush, @roselockwood, @ellieromanov, @leenasayeed, @theowlappears, @pitifulbinx, @pepemyfantasy, @tekanparadiae, @skittlebum, @mariabeloskivismyoc, @natsbiggestfan1, @marvelwomen-simp, @cinffy23, @kyky-maximoff, @natalierushmansstuff, @bstvst, @lezzylover, @404-almostdone, @mishimrno, @maxidentbby, @shayarshucky, @merlinsouls, @neothepotato, @aliherreraaa, @olicity-boo, @tarathia, @thinking1bee, @shayarshucky, @bstvst, alowint, jono723, kaosrsing, gemz5, inarayofmoonlight, just4natasha, woow-ies,

[writesvani]

— f i c r e c s [ 🧸 ];

helloooo besties, it’s your resident caffeine-fueled, nicotine-infused, emotionally unstable writer back at it again. now, prepare yourselves for the absolute shock of the century—I have another hobby. and no, it’s not setting my life on fire for the plot (though, arguably, that too). it’s… reading. gasp. i know. groundbreaking.

because i am nothing if not a selfless, benevolent being, i have taken it upon myself to bless your eyeballs (and quite frankly, your entire soul) with my all-time favorite bts fics—aka the stories that have ruined me in the best way possible. some of these have been my emotional support system for years, holding my hand through the highs and lows, while others have only recently entered my life and immediately made themselves at home in the depths of my soul. either way, they all own a piece of my heart (and what’s left of my sanity). so grab your emotional support beverage, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into the chaos.

starting off strong, i decided to go with matilda by @babystrcandy—the fic that single-handedly made me fall in love with writing and reading all over again. matilda is emotional, raw, angsty, and painful in the most devastatingly beautiful way. it’s the kind of story that doesn’t just hurt—it carves itself into your soul, stays there rent-free, and makes you thank it for the privilege.

i could talk about the storytelling and narration of matilda all day, but honestly? i don’t think i’d ever do it justice. yeah, it’s painful—like someone’s slicing you open from the inside out—but it’s also comforting in a way i can’t explain. it’s everything.

read if you like: YOONGI X READER, brother’s best friend, angst, pining, yearning, childhood friends to lovers, smut, fluff, YEARNING (yes, it deserves a second mention), and found family, detailed storytelling, nostalgic feelings

moving on to the next masterpiece (but of no lesser value, obviously), my pick is throttle by @alphabetboyluvr. honestly, at this point, i’d recommend anything by this author—everything they write is straight-up art.

i remember reading chapter one a while ago, falling in love, and then... losing the fic. tumblr, we need to have a chat. but the universe (and my detective skills) led me back to this blog, and when i finally found throttle again, i was literally reading with my mouth OPEN. shooketh doesn’t even begin to describe it. dare i say… this author is THE best fanfic writer i’ve ever come across? yeah, i said it.

this story is beautiful—but not in a soft, fluffy way. no, it’s the kind of beauty that lulls you into comfort while something dark watches from the shadows. waiting. waiting. and then BAM, you’re wrecked. watching oc and jungkook fall in love, the build-up, THE GOD-TIER VOCABULARY—i swear, i wasn’t just reading, i was inside this fic. i felt every single word. and don’t even get me started on the angst. the pain. i could write a whole damn essay on why this work is perfection, but i’m seriously trying not to spoil everything, so just bear with me.

read if you like: JUNGKOOK X READER, insanely good descriptions, YEARNING, smitten jk, angst, pain (because we’re all masochists here, let’s be real), amazing plot, questionable characters making questionable decisions, love that consumes you, and SMUT (so good it deserves all caps).

side note: this author needs to write a book. like, an actual book. if they haven’t already, someone needs to force them because their potential is astronomical.

okay okay okay, it’s time for the next one, which, in my very humble yet undeniably correct opinion, is on par with the previous ones—kkangpae by @jungkoode.

i seriously debated whether to recommend this, off labels, or fmu (because everything @jungkoode writes is god-tier), but kkangpae ultimately stole my heart and refused to give it back. what really gets me about this fic (besides the top-tier writing style and chef’s kiss dialogue) is how insanely immersive and well thought-out the concept is. like, first of all, the descriptions? immaculate. even I—someone who struggles to visualize scenes in books—could picture every single detail in this fic as if i was right there.

but it doesn’t stop there. the concept is so elaborate that you can genuinely see how the entire kkangpae system functions. it feels real. like, if someone told me this was an inside scoop on an actual gang’s operations, i’d believe them. and don’t even get me started on the psychological depth of these characters—unparalleled. this author has mastered the art of explaining emotions through body language in a way that just hits.

read if you like: JUNGKOOK X READER, strangers to lovers, psychological depth in fiction, good dialogue, angst, smut, gang AUs, SLOW BURN, sexual tension so thick you need a knife to cut through it, immersive writing, and fresh, new concepts in literature

moving on to the next absolute masterpiece—older by @lovieku .

first of all, let me just say: this is the most delicious smut/pWITHp/destroy me but in a fuckable way fic i have ever read in my life. period. the build-up towards the actual… well, action (you know what i mean) is insane. this author nailed the ache of wanting something forbidden—the slow, torturous unraveling of knowing it’s wrong but being so consumed by it that you physically cannot resist. it’s giving longing, it’s giving temptation, it’s giving i am one second away from losing my goddamn mind over this person.

the pacing? immaculate. the narration? flawless. but my favorite part? THE INNER MONOLOGUE. jk’s pov in this fic??? chef’s kiss. we rarely get male character's pov in bts fics, so seeing his thoughts—his restraint, his YEARNING—oh my god. HE WANTED HER SO BAD BUT HELD BACK UNTIL THE VERY END. LITERALLY. UGH. UGH. YUMMY.

read if you like: JUNGKOOK X READER, age gap, forbidden romance, best friend’s dad au (yes, you read that right), smut, angst, smut again because it’s that good and i’m a horny rat, jk's pov in fics, and perfectly executed inner dialogue.

side note: yes, i am absolutely one of those people praying in front of a shrine for part two, even though i know it’s never gonna happen. but hey, gotta smile through the pain, right?

now, let’s all give a round of applause for one of my all-time favorite authors here—@kithtaehyung—and their god-tier fic hush, yeah.

now, i seriously debated which of their masterpieces to include. 3tan? minted? listen, i LOVE THEM. okay? i consume and reread them on a daily basis like they’re my emotional support system. but. BUT. i need to put you all onto something else. and that something is hush, yeah.

guys. listen to me. i was literally sweating while reading some of these scenes—yeah, it’s THAT hot. the build-up in this fic? everything. every glance. every look. every word. the tension is so thick you could choke on it (and honestly, i wouldn’t complain). the descriptions? top-tier. literally cinematic. i have no notes.

but real talk—why is this fic abandoned, again?? hello?? i need the next chapter like i need air. so i’m putting it here, sending all my prayers, all my manifestation energy, every ounce of spiritual strength i have in me for an update because if we never get it… i might actually die.

read if you like: TAEHYUNG X READER, smut, DELIRIOUSLY GOOD SMUT OKAY, tiny tiny bits of angst (lowkey, but it’s there), smut so hot you might combust, and absolutely insane, detailed, expressive writing.

okay guys, that’s enough for tonight. seriously, i am so tired i might just plop onto the bed and never wake up again. if this is my final message, just know i went out doing what i loved—screaming about fics.

but don’t worry, i’ll be back with more recs soon because i am ready to serve, okay? in the meantime, if you have any specific ideas for what you’d like to read, please ask. i’ve read a lot—mafia, ceo, werewolves, vampires, childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, mermaid AUs, you name it. so feel free to send an ask if you’re looking for something specific, and i will do my best to deliver a fic that perfectly matches your taste.

okay now. peace out. i am officially asleep.

[myrsinemezzo]

Haladriel Positivity Post

Why does Haladriel hit so damn hard for me? I’ve been wondering, and god knows we need some positivity on the ol’ timeline lately. So I’ll tell you my reasoning and please tell me yours if you read this and feel so inclined!

For me, it was Galadriel who made me watch the show. The image of her already diminished in an earlier Age in the face of the incalculable loss of her kin with that pile of helmets was so beautiful and so poignant that I sighed and said “Fine, Amazon. I will try it. Fine!”

My next thought was “why is this show romance coded with scruffy bargain-basement Aragorn? This mere Man cannot possibly be good enough for my Elf Lady!”

And then “Remember me?” And Halbrand struck Adar through the hand with that spear and I screamed and was all in. All. IN. Because Sauron and Galadriel go beyond the bare dualities of good and evil, shadow and starlight, pain and pleasure, beauty and corruption, warmth and freezing cold. They are both givers of gifts, but where his hand grasps and gropes for power with its four fingers, she denies that same desire for power and in so doing becomes greater, even more sublime(!) even as she accepts that she will diminish once more because of it. And the way TROP shows that and foretells it with so much care through the storytelling and cinematography and just everything is incredible to me. (I like run-on sentences like an over-enthusiastic 19th c. heroine, so sue me.)

To see everything play out in the context it does — not that his return is Galadriel’s fault, because Sauron/Halbrand/Annatar is the architect of his own demise — but that she is the spark that kindles the flame that ends in the crafting of the One Ring… That she then chooses not to be his queen but to become the ship’s bulwark for all of Middle-earth against his capsizing storm throughout the rest of the Second Age and deep into the Third Age is almost too delicious to bear.

That and they are just the most chemistry-laden brand of smoking hotness ever. That too, okay? 😅 that cosmic connection has sure inspired some amazing fic and art and edits and metas and everything else, amirite?

Anyway… i won’t ramble on more, but they are seriously it for me, and that won’t change anytime soon!! I would so love to know what made anyone reading this fall in love with them, as well :)

[smvtwitchmiller]

“Better get it right Miller” (one shot)

Summary: it’s that time of the month and Joel is a big flipping tease 🫦

Pairing: any!Joel you want x f!reader

***

***

“Better get it right, Miller. No fucking around.”

The strict tone you chose to playfully bark at him, made him smirk, he liked this dominant side to you, it made him tingle.

You were sitting back on a chair, legs apart, arm in between them cocky, ya know, like a man would.

“You better get it right Miller” you repeated with a mirrored smirk, knowing damn well he was fucking loving this.

“I like it a certain way, boy and you better get it right”

“Yes’ma’am” he chuckled, stirring the tea.

Yes, this was about tea.

It was THAT of the month. Boo. Everything was hurting. Your back, your belly, your boobs. Jesus Christ they hurt, and you needed a hot cup of tea to soothe your poor, aching soul.

You liked it a certain way and you’re sorry not sorry for protesting making it yourself but Mr know-it-all just HAD to make it for you.

Hearing the pouring and clicking, you became intrigued.

Walking over to him, you try to look over his shoulder, TRY to, the man’s as tall as a bear, so you appear on his side, trying not to show how defeated you are at your attempt to over shadow this monster of a man. Nonetheless you make him jump. Observing him like a hawk with a raised eye brow, tsking every so often as he made your tea, making him laugh.

“How’s it looking” you ask, pressing your body against his side, saying it through a smile yet still a little strict.

Side note: not wearing a bra was a good shout right now. My nipples hurt but tingle overload. My god this man smells delicious!

And we’re back!

“Well m’am I think it’s looking pretty good, it’s sweet and hot. Just how you like it” he grinned behind his beard facing the task at hand. “Right?” His head pointing to it, “What you think?”.

It WAS looking good, HE was looking good and my god you could not stop your hand if you tried, you grabbed his ass. Ohmygawd. It was delicious. You tiptoe up to dig your nose into the side of his neck and breathed him in and let out a soft moan. He jerked around to face you. “What the hell woman! Eyes up here. Hands off the goods”.

You both laugh. He presses his hardening dick against you. Fucking tease

“Just drink your damn tea so I can prove I can do it right” looking down at you with your doe eyes gazing at him with a pout

“Fine”. You huff

He holds your waist while you lean back to grab the cup. You take a sip.

Ugh, it was a damn good cup of tea! Of course it was! He made damn sure. He’s probably watched you make it a million times. Taking notes.

That, made you smile

“What you smiling at? I did good, yeah?” He smugly smiled, squeezing your hip.

“I mean…Yeah it’s ok”. you bite your lip to stop you from smiling.

He laughs “Bullshit! Yeah, whatever I did good!” While pressing your mound harder into his front, he started nuzzling your neck, his beard tickling you.

“Whoa whoa easy, got a hot cup right here dude”. He grabs the cup and places it down

“There we go, now can I continue?”…

What’s he doing to me! He knows aunt flow is here and nothings going to happen. Just a big fucking tease!

If you thought not wearing a bra was a bonus for you, with his hard torso pressing against you, stimulating your nipples, oh boy, this man took full advantage. He pulled your tshirt off throwing it behind you, kissed your neck hard, with his beard again tickling you, you let out a little chuckle, which made him grin, he worked his way down to your collarbone, then gently tilting you back further so he can attach his mouth to your nipple while thumbing the other one.

You wince and grip his shoulders tightly.

“Whoa whoa easy cowboy, it feels amazing but ya know, sensitive”.

“Oh shit, sorry darlin” he says through a chuckle.

He looks up at you smiling but still carries on, more gentle.

Hurts like hell but you could have died right there. The whole thing. So blissful.

You let out a few softened moans, biting your bottom lip. You let out a gasp “you still with me, darlin?” Saying it through his grin, while still gently sucking and nibbling your nipple.

“Hmm mmmm” you say faintly.

He nibbles down again. A louder gasp escapes you and you jolt your eyes open.

You dart them to his direction, he’s got a darkened gaze locked on you with the most devilish grin.

“You still with me?” He asks and carries on sucking your nipple.

“Yes” you breathed out. Still clutching at his shoulders. It’s a painful pleasure, the soreness of your swollen boobs and the tenderness of your nipples was all just too much. But damn it felt amazing.

Big. Fucking. Tease!

“You’re so- mean Mr Miller” is all you manage to whisper out as he makes you jolt from the tugs and nibbles.

“What’s that now?”. He looks almost smug knowing exactly what you’re referring to. Nothings gonna happen and he knows that! But he just loves seeing you squirm.

Bastard

“Such a fucking tease” you say, softly chuckling. He moves his mouth to the other nipple. Licking, sucking, the stimulation was too much.

Oh. Fuuuck.

This was divine.

He slowly starts to retract

What the hell Miller?

He pulls you up forward to face him, he places his head deep into your neck, breathing in your scent. He lets out a deep groan.

“It would be mean for me t’ carry on wouldn’t it?” He says with a hint of disappointment with a wide smile, still gripping your hips.

“For me or for you?” you laugh out as you can clearly feel his clothed hard on.

“You’re clearly torturing yourself, darlin” mocking his Texan accent.

That made him laugh, like belly laugh.

“Hey now, this is all for you, make you feel good…darlin” he, empathising the darlin

“Sure sure” rolling your eyes. “No good though when it can’t go further” you pout out, smirking.

“All in good time my love, all in good time” he says, stroking his hand over your nipple, teasing it, watching you get flustered and pissed off. “What did I JUST say?” You scoff out.

Slightly smirking at being told off, he then moves his bear claw of a hand to your belly. It’s so fucking warm. Just what I needed to soothe my aching stomach. Oh it’s just delicious.

Mother Nature you can go suck a dick.

[spnscripthunt-inactive]

LATEST ADDITIONS

6 August 2024

The Winchesters 1x13 - Hey That's No Way to Say Goodbye (READ NOW)

The Winchesters 1x01 - Pilot (READ NOW)

Gotham Knights 1x13 - Night of the Owls (READ NOW)

Gotham Knights 1x11 - Daddy Issues (READ NOW)

Gotham Knights 1x01 - Pilot (READ NOW)

We'll also be sending him the rest of the SPN scripts so they are available as a resource for aspiring/working TV writers.

[lullabyes22-blog]

"I think the cycle only ends when you find the will to walk away."

Got a lot of Q's for this in my inbox. Figured I'd just address them here.

tw: mentions of suicide, suicidal ideation

Re: the ending of S2:

Jinx did not die.

She symbolically killed her old self, and with it, her last ties to the past that imprisoned her. She understood that for her sister to move on and live her life - be happy without guilt - she'd have to renounce the bonds that held them together.

Her talk with ghostly Silco was the 'sign-off' she'd been waiting for, ever his dutiful daughter. Throughout S2, she kept hoping he'd haunt her, and in doing so, offer some impetus given her aimlessness. Maybe just straight up boss her around, and tell her how she's supposed to exist now that he's no longer there to be a (subversive if loving) guiding hand.

But it was the promise of time (as represented by Ekko) healing old wounds, and the courage to feel, as she once had - a hopeful child with a hopeful future - that allowed Jinx to commit impetus to action.

Her blimp-ship in the climactic battle is a tribute to Isha - but also to the child in Jinx's own fractured psyche: Powder. She's letting both little girls have one last hurrah before she takes care of business - and cuts off the last oaths, duties and commitments that bind her to a past whose parameters she's outgrown.

Better still, she knows she's got the capacity to outgrow them.

That was the point of Jinx's arc with Isha, and why, no matter my misgivings on Isha's character herself, I found Jinx's trajectory towards a more nurturing and fun-loving figure more life-affirming and positive than the straightforward 'Daddy's Villain Goes Postal' shtick.

It's even why there's a minigame titled Jinx Fixes Everything. It's Jinx, struggling and stumbling, as she tries to rewrite her narrative, and finds in herself the capacity to do good.

To fix things that seem irreparably broken.

And to understand why she's reached this stage, we've got to let go of our tendency to project our own stuff onto Jinx (precious meow meow, unrepentant terrorist, manic pixie crazypants, edgy hot psycho) and acknowledge the purpose she plays in Arcane's thematic structure.

Jinx's character comes off as a death-seeker, and that's no shocker. She is hounded by terrible guilt and loss. She's got blood on her hands, and ghosts on her heels, and no matter what she does, she can't seem to be rid of them. Her inner mind's fractured, her mannerisms ooze pure chaos, and she seems a creature of pure feral impulse and no mercy.

That's the Jinx we're accustomed to seeing in S1 - except that's also both the front she's most likely to put on during that timeline, and the persona that is necessary for her to inhabit to survive, as Silco's daughter and his top enforcer.

Then Silco kicks the bucket, she symbolically fulfills his dream by shooting at the Council HQ, she accepts that she must inhabit this path of shadows and loneliness (as symbolized by her starkly decorated chair in the tea party scene), she accepts the fragmented push-and-pull between past and present, and...

And now what?

Silco's given her a semblance of direction for six years, and he's gone. Vi, the sister she'd hoped would return, and whom she'd hinged so many childishly idealized hopes on, is herself traumatized, and afraid of what her sister's become.

Jinx has her shadows and her loneliness. Jinx is traumatized. Jinx is suicidal.

But Jinx is still, whatever else, alive.

And all living things need connections.

That's why we as the audience enjoy her little found family dynamic with Isha and Sevika. It's Jinx, taking the first tentative steps to reach out to people beyond Silco and Vi, and realizing, wow, she enjoys the pay-off.

And all throughout S2, we see Jinx growing more and more comfortable in this newfound space - even jealously guarding it at the expense of Zaun's liberty, and Silco's wishes, because she can't bear to lose what she's found.

And what she finds empowers her enough that, when Warwick shows up, she's actually willing to reach out to Vi, and call upon their family connection, because Jinx is learning the value of bonds, not as baling hooks of guilt, but as buoys to carry her forward.

That's the story Jinx's relationships serve to tell in S2. Each one shapes the choice she makes in the finale. Until she learns to accept the past (Vi), to lay the monsters to rest (Silco and Vander/Warwick), forgive herself (Caitlyn) trust that time heals all wounds (Ekko), and hope for happier new beginning (Isha), she'll never trust herself enough to just seize the chance.

Jinx's culminating arc is not about death, much less self-erasure. It's about resurrection, and embracing the sublime chaos of a freed mind, and a lightened spirit. That's what she craves beyond simple death, and what her baptism by fire, blood and riverwater, has been about.

Each trial grinds her down into someone else. Someone new.

Someone closer to who she is meant to be, rather than who she's expected to be.

That's why she's so glad to make the sacrifice for Vi. She's not dying as an act of self-immolation. She's giving her sister - the one who's proven she'll never give up on her - the ultimate gift, and showing Vi that she deserves to live.

She needs Vi to live, so Jinx, the persona, can finally die.

"He (Silco) didn't make Jinx. You did."

She's basically saying, "I love you, I will always be with you, but you are no longer responsible for my actions. Please move forward with your life, and grant me the choice to do the same."

It's two sisters embracing everything they've meant to each other, acknowledging the pain weighing them down on both sides, and welcoming the new so they can each slough off old paradigms and live life as a whole person - or at least take steps to remembering what wholeness feels like.

That's the reason the show's final shots linger on the Hexgate tunnels, Jinx's monkey bomb, and the aircraft.

It's the show's way of reminding us that Jinx has ascended to a different version of her identity - one removed from the past that haunted her. It's Jinx, finally striking out alone, away from the sister whose memory she clung so desperately to, and who was, in turn, horrified by her hand in making Powder a monster (perceived guilt or real, fandom may debate ad nauseum) due to past mistakes and abandonment.

The ending of Arcane isn't tragic. It's deeply hopeful, and serves as a reminder that no matter how damaged you think you are, and no matter how monstrous the world finds you, there are still ways to come back to yourself - or to walk the path toward a new you.

Jinx is symbolized by crows. Jinx is shown with firelights emerging from her mouth. Jinx is depicted holding a torch like Janna ushering in the winds of change.

Thematically, Jinx is change.

And the best way she can embody that change is to write her story, and make it her own.

[v6quewrlds]

❝ infinity, j. burrow. ❞  ‎ ‎ ┉  

‎ ‎ ⁎⠀┉⠀summary: the bengals suffer a devastating loss against the eagles. it takes everything within you to face joe, hoping you'll be able to remind him of his worth.

‎ ‎ ⁎⠀┉⠀author's note: wrote this so fast as soon as the request came in. ty to anon for requesting <3 it's a little sad. i'm gonna be honest, part of me wanted to write an argument where the guy wasn't throwing shit and breaking stuff. the other stuff was secondary lmao. another installment to the joe is a munch agenda.

‎ ‎ ⁎⠀┉⠀warnings: smut, please do not interact with my work if you are under 18. language, established but unlabeled relationship, sad!joey, he raises his voice but gets put right back in line, shower sex, kind of a pity fuck but we ball, romantic doggy style, cunnilingus, cum eating???, apologies as foreplay, sappy couple activities.

‎ ‎ ⁎⠀┉⠀pairing: joe burrow x reader.

‎ ‎ ⁎⠀┉⠀word count: 6.9k.

The stadium lights shone like a beacon of hope in a sea of despair, as the final whistle blew and the crowd's roar faded into a disheartened murmur. The Cincinnati Bengals had lost to the Eagles in a game that had started out so promisingly. You felt the weight of the loss in the air, thick and palpable, as you sat in the Burrow family suite, your eyes locked on the field. You knew Joe wouldn't be coming up to join you with a victory smile tonight.

As the players trickled off the field, you hugged Robin and Jimmy goodbye, the tension etched in their faces mirroring the tension coiled in your chest. They whispered their sympathy and concern for their son's mood before heading out to face the gauntlet of traffic. Your gaze followed them, watching as they disappeared into the throng of fans, and you couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy for their escape. You knew Joe would be less than pleasant after a game like this, and you steeled yourself for the long night ahead.

The family reception area was a hum of disappointed chatter and forced smiles, but your eyes remained glued to the TV broadcasting Joe's post-game press conference. You saw the tightness in his jaw, the furrow in his brow, and the way he clenched his fists when asked about the second half's collapse. Your heart went out to him, and you hoped that once you were alone, he would let you in, let you help him bear the brunt of his emotions.

You couldn't bear to watch as Joe lifted himself from the press chair to retreat back to the locker room. You waited, sipping on a warm soda that had gone flat, feeling the condensation slip down your hand and pool at your fingertips. The other girlfriends and wives offered you words of support, but you knew their hands were full with their own distressed partners. You were on your own in this.

A delicate hand rested on your shoulder, and you turned to see the concerned face of Chase Brown's girlfriend, whose name you couldn't quite recall in the haze of the angsty loss. The shorter woman offered a small, understanding smile. "It's going to be okay," she murmured. "They’re all pros. They’ll bounce back." You nodded, mustering a smile of your own. But you knew it wasn't just the game weighing on Joe. It was the pressure, the expectations, and the unspoken fears that came with being at the top.

The minutes dragged on, turning into what felt like hours, before the locker room doors swung open and a parade of burly, ego-bruised men began to make their way out. They were a mix of anger and defeat, each one avoiding eye contact with the small group of women waiting patiently. Your eyes darted to each face, searching for the one you knew so well, the one that could bring you a semblance of peace in this chaotic aftermath. He remained elusive, a ghost in the shadows of his own misery.

Your heart hammered in your chest, lip nervously bitten raw as you watched the locker room door swing open and shut with the rhythm of the exiting players. Your eyes searched the crowd, locking with the weary eyes of the coaches who offered you a nod of sympathy. Each nod felt like a punch to the gut, reinforcing the gravity of Joe's mood. When the hallways grew quiet, you remained the sole family member standing. The emptiness of the reception area echoed the silence in your chest.

After several empty minutes that stretched on toward forever, a Bengals staff member approached you. "Ma'am," he said, his voice thick with understanding, "Joe requested that I bring you to the locker room." You nodded, swallowed the lump in your throat, and followed the man down the corridor. The air grew denser with each step, the scent of sweat and defeat growing stronger. When you reached the locker room, Joe was exactly where you had imagined he would be: slumped over his locker, staring into the abyss of his open duffle bag.

The moment your eyes met, you saw his shoulders tense and you knew he was fighting to keep his emotions in check. "You ready?" You asked, your voice soft and gentle. He didn't answer, just looked up at you with a mix of anger and defeat that made you want to wrap him in a warm embrace and whisk him away from all of this.

As you stepped closer, Joe stood up, and you could see the exhaustion etched into his features. "Let's get the fuck out of here," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The harshness of his words stung, but you knew it was the pain talking. You took his hand in yours, giving it a gentle squeeze.

The two of you walked side by side through the exit path of the stadium, the clack of your footsteps echoing off the cold, concrete walls. You tried to fill the silence with gentle inquiries, but Joe remained tight-lipped, his jaw set in a firm line of anger. His hand felt clammy in yours, a contrast to the warmth of his usual touch. When you reached the car, he paused, his hand hovering over the handle. He looked at you, his blue eyes stormy with unspoken emotions.

"Do you mind driving?" he asked, his tone a mix of apology and defeat. You nodded, understanding that he needed the time and space to process. You slid into the driver's seat, your eyes gently sweeping over his tired form as he slipped into the passenger seat. The engine purred to life, and you pulled out of the parking lot, steering the two of you homeward through the deserted Cincinnati streets.

The silence in the car was heavy, broken only by the occasional hiss of the tires against the damp asphalt. Your thoughts raced, trying to find the right words to ease Joe's pain without triggering his already frayed nerves. You knew he was a man of few words, especially when he was hurt, but you had to try. "You played your heart out tonight, Joe," you said, your voice low and soothing. "The team will learn from this."

Joe's gaze remained fixed out the window, the streetlights casting shadows on his profile. "It's not just the game, babe," he finally said, his voice tight. "It's everything. The pressure, the criticism, the feeling that no matter what I do, it's never enough."

You squeezed his hand, your eyes never leaving the road. "You're more than enough, Joe," you said firmly. "They haven't given you much help since '22. It's a miracle you've taken them this far." Your words hung in the air, unanswered, but you could feel the tension in his body ease slightly.

Once you arrived home, Joe remained in the car, his hand still in yours. You waited, giving him the space he needed to gather himself. When he finally opened the door, you followed suit, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere in the car. As the two of you stepped into your quiet home, Joe's shoulders slumped and he let out a heavy sigh. You could feel the weight of his frustration, his eyes still holding the storm of his emotions.

Without a word, you led him into the living room, gesturing for him to sit on the plush couch. He sank into it, his eyes remained closed as you headed off towards the kitchen. You reached for one of the few beers stored in the fridge, figuring he could break his strict diet in the shadow of such a crushing loss. You handed him one, and as the cap twisted off, the sound echoed in the silence. He took a long pull, the tension in his throat bobbing with the effort of swallowing.

You sat down next to him, your hand resting on his knee, waiting patiently for him to speak. It was a dance you had done before, the aftermath of a tough game. The living room, usually a sanctuary of laughter and comfort, was now a battlefield of unspoken words and heavy sighs. The TV remained off, the only illumination coming from the moonlight that filtered through the blinds.

Finally, Joe opened his eyes, looking at you with a mix of anger and sadness. "We had them," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "We had the game in the bag and we let them take it." His eyes searched yours, looking for understanding, for validation. You leaned in closer, your hand moving to rest on his shoulder.

"You did everything you could," you said softly. "Sometimes, it's not all on you."

Joe's eyes searched yours, looking for a sign of doubt, but your gaze was steadfast. You knew he was a man who took his losses hard, especially when it came to football. It was his sanctuary, his escape from the world, and when it crumbled around him, it was like watching a piece of him break.

He took another sip of his beer, his eyes focused on the floor "It's not just the game," he repeated. "It's the whispers, the doubt. Everyone's watching me, expecting me to be Superman, and when I'm not, they tear me apart." Your heart ached for him, knowing he felt like the world was on his shoulders.

"You're human, Joe," you whispered, your voice filled with compassion. "You're allowed to have a bad day."

Joe's gaze met yours, his eyes searching for solace in the depths of your warm brown irises. He knew you were right, but it didn't make the sting of defeat any less potent. He took another deep breath, his chest rising and falling heavily. "But that's the point. I didn't have a bad day. I haven't had a bad day since I fractured my wrist." His words were laced with frustration, and you could feel the anger bubbling just beneath the surface.

You kept silent, watching as he stood up from the couch with a sudden jerk. "Dammit," he cursed, the bottle of beer clutched tightly in his hand. "I can't do this anymore." He began to pace, his long strides eating up the space in the room.

"Do what?" You asked, your voice calm and measured.

Joe's eyes flashed with anger, his pacing growing more agitated. "I can't keep carrying this team on my back," he said, his voice rising. "The front office, the coaches, they all expect miracles, and when I don't deliver because I have no help on the other end, it's like I've failed them." He stopped and turned to you, his expression desperate. "I'm tired of it."

Your heart ached with love for Joe. You knew the pressure he was under, knew the kind of man he was. A man who took every loss personally, who never blamed his teammates even when they deserved it. "You haven't failed, Joe," you said, your voice firm and unwavering. "You've done everything they've asked of you and more. You can't control everything out there on the field."

But Joe was on a roll, his emotions spilling out like a dam that had been holding back a flood for too long. "They expect me to be perfect, and when I'm not, it's like the world's ending," he continued, his voice rising with every word. "And what do I get for it? I get fuckin' thrown out there to face the press and tell them we're working on it, we're gonna fix it." He slammed the beer bottle down on the coffee table, the sound echoing through the room.

Your eyes widened at his outburst, the fear of his anger turning into something more volatile rising in your chest. But you remained calm, your voice a gentle reprieve from the storm raging inside Joe. "They're just doing their job," you offered. "They don't mean to put it all on you. You're just an easy target."

Joe scoffed, turning away from you. "Easy target? That's all I am to them. A face to put on the cover of the Bengals' shit show." His hands balled into fists at his sides, his knuckles turning white.

You stood, moving closer to him, your  hand reaching out to touch his arm. "Joe, you need to take a deep breath. You're working yourself up over this."

Joe spun around, his eyes flashing. "You don't get it!" he snapped, and you took a step back, your hand dropping to your side. It was a line the two of you had never crossed before, the sound of his raised voice a crushing reminder of the unspoken rule you had both agreed upon.

For a moment, the room was still, the only sound the distant hum of the city outside your windows. Then Joe's shoulders dropped, and the anger drained from his face, leaving only a tired, defeated man. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice cracking. "I didn't mean to yell."

"But you did," you said softly, your voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "And that's not how we agreed to handle things." You didn't mean to be harsh, but you needed him to understand that his behavior had crossed a line. "I know you're upset, Joe. But I can't be your punching bag. I'm not the reason why you're angry."

Joe's took a deep breath, his chest deflating as he nodded slowly, regret etched on his face. "You're right. I'm sorry." He stepped closer, reaching for you, but you stepped back out of his grasp, needing a moment to collect yourself.

"I know you're hurt and frustrated, but that's not an excuse," you said, your voice firm but gentle. "I'm here for you, but I need you to talk to me, not at me."

Joe's gaze dropped to the floor, his eyes brimming with regret. He took a deep breath, his chest heaving with the effort to keep his emotions in check. "You're right," he murmured. "I'm sorry." He reached out to you again, this time with a softness that you recognized. You let out a sigh of relief, letting yourself be drawn into his embrace. He held you tight, his body trembling slightly with the weight of his apology.

"It's okay," you whispered, stroking his hair. "I know it's hard. And I'm sorry this is what you're dealing with."

Joe nodded into your embrace, his breaths slowly evening out.

"I'm going to take a shower, okay?" You said, pulling away from Joe's embrace. "I need a moment to think." You didn't wait for his response, heading upstairs to your bedroom. You could feel his eyes on your back, heavy with regret and sadness.

In the bathroom, you turned the shower knob, letting the hot water cascade over you. The steam filled the room, wrapping around you like a warm blanket, but it couldn't wash away the tension that clung to you like a second skin. You stepped under the spray, letting the water beat down on you, the sound of it a white noise that drowned out the world outside. You felt the tightness in your muscles begin to ease as the heat seeped into your bones.

Midway through your shower, the bathroom door creaked open. Your heart skipped a beat, expecting Joe to come in, apologize again, but instead, you felt his hands on your waist, his body pressing against yours. You tensed, ready to pull away, but when he whispered, "I'm sorry," into your ear, you melted into his touch. His warm skin settled against your wet skin, and you allowed yourself to be held, to be a source of comfort for him.

The water rained down on the two of you  as Joe's hands began to move over your body, his gentle touch soothing your nerves. His lips found the crook of your neck, kissing tenderly, and you closed your eyes, letting his apology wash over you. The loofah in his hand glided across your skin, scrubbing away the sweat and anxiety from the game, and with it, the tension of the evening.

"I'm sorry," Joe murmured again, his voice barely audible over the shower. "I shouldn't have snapped." His hands moved to your shoulders, his thumbs pressing into the taut muscles, trying to ease the knots of your frustration.

You leaned into his touch, your eyes closed. "It's okay," you said, your voice wavering slightly. "We all have our moments." Joe's grip tightened, and you could feel his need to be closer, to erase the space between you.

"What did you think of the game?" Joe asked, his voice a gentle rumble in the confines of the shower. You could feel the tension in his body as he worked to scrub away the physical and emotional grime of the loss.

"You played hard, like you always do," you replied, your voice echoing off the tiles. "But the team's chemistry was off. On both sides of the ball." You knew Joe didn't need to hear about the interceptions or the fumbles, but rather, the underlying issues that had led to their defeat.

"Yeah, I could feel it," Joe mumbled, his voice tight with frustration. "It's like we forgot how to play as a team." You nodded, your eyes still closed as Joe's hands moved down your back, tracing the lines of your spine. "They're relying on you too much," you said, your voice firm. "You can't do everything on your own."

The loofah stilled for a moment, and you felt Joe's chest expand with a deep breath. Deciding to continue delivering your thoughts, you sighed and said, "The secondary needs to step up, and the coaches need to get their act together." The warmth of his hands resumed their gentle massage, a silent acknowledgment of your words.

"I know," Joe murmured, his voice thick with frustration. "It's just..." He trailed off, unable to find the words. You knew his thoughts well, the pressure of being a quarterback, the weight of a city's hopes and dreams on his shoulders.

When the two of you met, Joe was a 3rd string quarterback with no chance of touching a football during a game at Ohio State. You, a nutrition major, found his quiet confidence fascinating. As you grew closer, you saw the fiery competitiveness that fueled his ambition. When he told you he was transferring to Louisiana State with a real chance at being QB1, you knew it was a risk well worth taking. His meteoric rise to not only a National Championship but the Heisman and the first overall pick in the NFL Draft only proved the belief you had in him from the beginning. You weren't supposed to be here together, with Joe the face of an NFL franchise. But here you were, navigating the tumultuous waters of professional sports and superfame.

But tonight, as the hot water streamed over your bodies, the reality of your situation crashed down on Joe like a heavy wave. "I'm just tired of being the scapegoat," he whispered against your neck, his breath hot and urgent. "They expect me to be perfect, and when I'm not, it's all on me." Your heart broke a little more with each word, knowing he was right but hating that he felt that way.

"You're not a scapegoat, Joe," you said, turning in his arms to face him. "You're the best thing that's happened to this team in years." The sincerity in your eyes was unmistakable. "They just need to realize that you and Ja'Marr aren't enough to win games by yourselves."

Joe's expression softened, his eyes searching yours. "I know," he said, his voice barely a murmur. "But it's hard not to feel like it sometimes." You nodded, understanding his pain. "Let's not talk about the game anymore," you said, leaning in to kiss him gently. "You need to relax."

He pulled you closer, his hands moving over your body with a new urgency, the tension in his muscles giving way to a different kind of need. You could feel his desire, his desperation to connect with you, to lose himself in something that wasn't football. You kissed him back, your own needs rising to the surface.

The loofah fell to the shower floor, forgotten, as your hands found each other's bodies, exploring and reassuring. The steam grew thicker, wrapping the two of you in a cocoon of heat and wetness, the outside world fading away. You kissed with a passion that was both fiery and tender, your bodies moving in a silent dance of apology and understanding.

You felt Joe's hands move to your hips, pulling you closer, his arousal unmistakable against you. You wrapped your legs around his waist, your own desire matching his, as you found solace in the intimacy of your shared space. The water washed away the tension of the game, your movements becoming more urgent, more primal.

"Take your frustrations out on me," you murmured against his ear, your breath hot and needy. Joe's response was to push you against the cool tiles, his hands roaming over your wet body, exploring every curve and crevice. He kissed you with a hunger that spoke volumes of his need for release.

Without hesitation, Joe's hands found your breasts, his thumbs brushing against your hardened nipples. You gasped, your eyes closing as sensations of pleasure shot through your body. His mouth moved from your neck to your chest, kissing and sucking, leaving a trail of heat in his wake. Your own hands were busy, sliding down his back, feeling the taut muscles beneath his skin, your nails digging in slightly as you urged him closer.

Your kisses grew deeper, more demanding, as the water continued to beat down on you. Your legs tightened around Joe's waist, pulling him closer, feeling his erection pressing against you. The sound of your bodies colliding against the tiles filled the small space, echoing off the walls. You were lost in each other, the pain of the loss momentarily forgotten.

Joe's hand slid down your body, finding the apex of your thighs. He teased you gently at first, his thumb brushing through your slick folds as you moaned into his mouth. Your hips rolled into his touch, seeking more. He groaned, his own desire spiking at your responsiveness.

With a swift move, Joe lifted you off the tiles, carrying you out of the shower, water still cascading off your bodies. He sat you on top of the bathroom counter, not caring about the wetness. His need for you was all-consuming, a fiery hunger that only you could satiate. You watched him with half-lidded eyes, your breaths coming in short pants as his hands slid over you, exploring every inch of your wet skin.

Your kisses grew more urgent as Joe's fingers delved into you, finding you already slick with desire. Your back arched, a keening cry escaping your lips as he touched you with a precision that spoke of a deep, intimate knowledge. His other hand cupped your face, his thumb tracing the line of your jaw as he whispered sweet nothings into your ear. You could feel his own need, his cock pressing in between your spread thighs, demanding entry.

"Fuck me," you breathed, your voice a low, urgent plea as Joe's touch brought you to the brink of ecstasy. You could feel the tension in his body, the anger and frustration that had been building all night, now redirected into a passion that was as intense as it was raw. He didn't respond verbally, instead choosing to show you with his actions that he heard you. He slid into you with a smoothness that contrasted his desperation, filling you completely.

You each sighed at the feeling of Joe stretching your pussy open, a silent acknowledgment of the connection you shared, a bond that transcended the game, the expectations, the disappointments. You wrapped your arms around his neck, your legs locking around his waist as he began to move inside you. Each stroke was a declaration of his need, a silent apology for his earlier outburst, and a promise to be there for you.

Your bodies moved in rhythm, the sound of your skin slapping together mixing with your muffled moans and gasps. Your breath hitched as Joe's cock hit just the right spot, sending waves of pleasure through your core. You rocked your hips against him, urging him deeper, faster, your arms wrapped around his shoulders, fingers tugging at his dirty blonde hair. His gaze was intense as it held yours, the blue of his eyes almost black in the dim light, his pupils blown with desire.

Joe's mouth trailed kisses down your neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin, making you shiver with excitement. His hands gripped your hips tightly, guiding your movements, urging you closer to the edge. His own need was palpable, his breathing harsh and erratic as he thrust into you with a fervor that was both aggressive and tender.

"You're so wet," Joe growled, his voice thick with lust, as he pumped into you. You could feel his muscles tense with every thrust, the power behind each one a stark contrast to his gentle strokes from earlier. "So fucking wet for me."

Your nails dug into his back, urging him on. "Yes, Joey," you moaned. "Take it out on me." Your words were a catalyst, pushing him past his limits. He slammed into you, the sound of your bodies colliding echoing through the bathroom.

Your eyes never left each other as Joe's pace grew more frenzied, his strokes more demanding. Your head fell back, your eyes rolling back as the tip of his cock nudged at that soft muscle inside you that made your legs shake. Your walls tightened around him, a silent plea for more.

"You like that, don't you?" Joe grunted, his voice a gruff rumble that sent shivers down your spine. You nodded, your eyes fluttering closed as you moaned brokenly in response. His hand found the side of your face, tilting it to meet his gaze, the intensity in his eyes burning into your soul.

"Fuck yes, I do," you managed to gasp, your voice breathless with need. The feeling of Joe's thick cock filling you up was heavenly, the friction causing a delicious burn. You felt his thumb pressing against the side of your throat, a gesture that usually sent you over the edge, but tonight, you were holding onto the precipice, needing the climax to wash away the sting of his earlier words.

"Oh, baby, yes," you panted, your breaths coming in quick gasps. "Right there." The sensation was almost too much, but you craved it, needed it, to drown out the noise from the evening's loss. Joe's eyes darkened with hunger, and he pushed harder, deeper, hitting your g-spot with unwavering precision.

"I'm so sorry for earlier," Joe murmured, his voice a raw, passionate whisper. "You mean everything to me." His movements grew more deliberate, his eyes never leaving yours as he worked to bring you to climax. You felt the walls of your pussy clench around him, your orgasm building with every stroke.

"You're always so good to me," you breathed, your voice a sweet symphony of pleasure. "Don't ever doubt that."

Your words hit Joe like a sucker punch to the gut, the weight of his emotions suddenly too much to bear. He kissed you again, a deep, desperate kiss that conveyed every ounce of his love and regret. His thrusts grew erratic, his body trembling with the effort to hold back his release. Your eyes widened with understanding, and you leaned in, whispering sweet nothings into his ear as you matched his rhythm, your body moving in perfect sync with his.

"I'll spend every second of the rest of my life making it up to you," Joe said between ragged breaths, his eyes searching yours for forgiveness. You knew he meant it, that his love was as unshakable as the determination that made him the star quarterback he was.

Your own climax was building, the pressure in your core growing with every thrust. You could feel Joe's cock swell even more, his grip on your hips tightening. The world outside your bubble of passion didn't matter anymore. Only this moment, your connection, your love, and the release that was so close.

"I forgive you," you whispered, your eyes brimming with emotion as you felt the beginnings of your climax. You squeezed your eyes shut, your body tightening around Joe's cock, your pussy fluttering with each stroke. "Can't help it when you make me feel so good," you added with a small, breathless laugh.

The sound of Joe's harsh breathing filled your ears as he drove into you, his movements becoming more frantic. You could feel the tension in his body, the need to come, to let go of the anger and the pain. You tightened your legs around him, your heels digging into his firm ass as you urged him on with your moans. Your bare chests pressed against each other, gasping desperately into each other's open mouths as your inaccurate, sloppy kisses grew more feverish.

"I need you to come, baby," Joe groaned into your ear, his voice desperate. "Need to make it up to you." 

You felt the tension coiling in her belly, the heat of Joe's breath on your skin setting your nerves alight. You knew he was close, could feel his cock pulsing inside you. With one final, powerful thrust, Joe's grip on your hips tightened, and he came with a roar, filling you with his hot, thick release.

Joe's movements slowed, his cock still pulsing inside you, his breathing ragged as he kissed along your neck. You giggled softly, the tension of the evening finally beginning to dissipate. "I've got you," you murmured, stroking his hair gently as he caught his breath. "You don't have to make it up to me."

With a final, lingering kiss, Joe pulled out of you, the connection breaking with a slick pop. He stepped back, his gaze lingering on your brown skin and the way your chest heaved with every breath you took. "But I want to," he said, his voice still thick with passion. "I need to."

You nodded softly as your hands reached up to cup Joe's face, your thumbs tracing the lines of his cheekbones. "I know you do, baby," you said gently. You leaned in to kiss him, your love washing over him with a gentle warmth that seemed to seep into his bones. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you close as your kiss grew more intense, his tongue slipping into your mouth, tangling with yours.

"Gonna eat you out until you can't think straight," Joe said, his voice gruff with lust as he lifted you off the counter, setting you feet down gently onto the plush bath mat then turning you to face the mirror on top of the counter. He dropped to his knees before you, his eyes tracing over your smooth skin as he kissed your spine, your thighs. You felt your legs wobble slightly, but you remained standing, your hands planted firmly on the counter for balance.

Joe's tongue traced a line up your inner thigh, the sensation causing you to quiver with anticipation. His hand found your ass cheek first, giving it a gentle squeeze before moving to the back of her thigh, urging your legs apart. Your breath hitched as his warm breath danced over your folds, the anticipation of his touch almost too much to handle.

"We taste so good together, baby," Joe murmured, his tongue darting out to tease your clit. Your head fell back, a soft moan escaping your lips as he began to feast on you. His tongue flicked and circled, his mouth suckling you in a way that sent waves of pleasure crashing through your body. You could feel yourself getting wetter, your juices mixing in with his cum still leaking from your aroused pussy.

The feeling of Joe's mouth on you was almost too much, the intimacy of the moment washing away the last remnants of the day's anger and frustration. Your legs began to shake, your breaths coming in short gasps as Joe's mouth worked its magic. You watched the movement of his head in the mirror, his eyes closed in concentration, his cheeks hollowing as he took you in.

Joe's tongue slid into you, the sensation so intense you had to bite your bottom lip to keep from screaming. Your nails dug into the countertop, the pain grounding you as you felt your orgasm building again. He knew exactly how to touch you, how to make you forget everything except the heat between the two of you. Your  hips began to rock against his mouth, your body begging for release.

"Yes," you moaned, your voice echoing off the bathroom walls. "Just like that, Joey." 

Joe's eyes snapped open, looking up at you through the wet strands of his hair, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched you unravel. His tongue delved deeper, exploring your warmth, savoring your taste.

"I'm gonna make you come so hard," Joe whispered against you, his breath hot on your sensitive skin. You felt his tongue swirl around your clit, his teeth grazing the sensitive bud before his mouth closed around it, sucking hard. You couldn't hold back the moan that tore from your throat, the sound echoing off the walls of the bathroom as you shuddered with pleasure.

"Shit—I'm gonna come," you whimpered, your knees buckling slightly as Joe's mouth worked its magic. He held you steady, his simultaneously pushing you firmly against the counter and keeping your ass spread wide for him, his mouth unrelenting. You felt your climax build, a crescendo of pleasure that seemed to go on forever.

"Keep doing that," you panted, your body quivering as Joe's skilled tongue danced against your clit. You leaned heavily on the counter, your eyes squeezed shut as you felt the orgasm build, the tension in your thighs and stomach tightening. Joe's grip on your legs was firm, his mouth relentless as he brought you closer to the edge.

Joe whispered against you again, "Love eating this perfect pussy, love making you come," and your eyes rolled back in your head, the sensation of his mouth on your clit overwhelming. The pressure grew unbearable, your legs trembling as you held onto the counter for dear life.

"Yes," you hissed through clenched teeth, your hips jerking in response to Joe's skilled movements. The pressure built higher and higher until you couldn’t take it anymore. With a strangled cry, you came, your body convulsing in the throes of ecstasy. Joe didn't stop, continuing to lick and suck, drawing out your orgasm until you were left panting and boneless against the counter.

He licked you through your orgasm, savoring the taste of your mixed pleasures as you trembled under his touch. Your legs gave out, and Joe supported your weight from his spot on the floor, his face still buried between your thighs. You leaned into him, your breath coming in ragged gasps, your body still pulsing with the aftershocks of your climax. With a final, lingering kiss to your sensitive clit, Joe stood up, his eyes locking with yours in the mirror. You felt the heat of embarrassment under his gaze, your heart racing from the intensity of yiur lovemaking. "Thank you," you murmured, your voice hoarse from your moans.

"Don't thank me," Joe said, his own voice thick with emotion. You laughed softly as his tongue darted out in an attempt to capture one last taste of you. "Let me help you clean up," you offered, turning in his arms. Your thumbs wiped the corners of his mouth, smearing a bit of your juices onto his cheeks. He caught your hand, pressing a kiss to your palm before letting it go.

The two of you stepped back into the shower, the warm water cascading over your bodies, washing away the evidence of your passion. You took the loofah from the shower caddy, lathering it with Joe's favorite scented body wash—yours. You began to run it over his chest, your touch gentle as you worked your way down his body. His muscles relaxed under your ministrations, the tension of the evening dissipating with each stroke.

Joe's eyes remained on you, watching your movements with a quiet contentment that you hadn't seen in several long weeks. "You okay?" you asked softly, your voice echoing in the shower.

"Better," Joe murmured, his gaze dropping to your breasts, the water cascading over you, mixing with the soap. "Much better." He stepped closer, pressing you against the cold tiles, his hands taking the loofah from you. As the last of the soap fell from your bodies, Joe placed the loofah back in its caddy, his arms wrapping around your waist as he claimed your mouth in a searing kiss. You felt your toes curl into the mat, your body responding to him without hesitation.

Your heated kisses waned off into slow pecks and gentle nibbles as the warm water rinsed the soap away. Joe's hands trailed down your sides, tracing the curves of your body with a tenderness that made your heart swell with affection. He whispered sweet words into your ear, his breath tickling your neck, and you felt a smile bloom on your lips as you leaned into him, your bodies fitting together perfectly.

"Mmm," you murmured, your eyes half-lidded with contentment as Joe's hands roamed your body. He took his time, savoring your curves, his thumbs grazing the sides of your breasts and sending shivers down your spine. Your own hands slid over his shoulders, feeling the strength and power beneath your fingertips, a physical reminder of the man you loved. There was no heat to your movements, no rush of sexual longing. Instead, it was a gentle exploration, a silent reassurance that you two were okay.

"You're so beautiful," Joe murmured against your skin, his voice a low rumble that sent warmth pooling in your belly.

You chuckled, leaning your head against his chest. "You always say that."

"Because it's always true," Joe said, his voice firm. He kissed the top of your head, holding you close. You stood like that for a moment, the water falling over you. The anger and frustration of the evening had morphed into a gentle affection that filled the small space, dispelling any lingering tension.

The two of you finished showering, toweling off and wrapping yourselves in the plush robes that hung on the back of the door. As you brushed your teeth and ran through your individual night routines, Joe couldn't help but watch you move in the mirror. Your eyes sparkled with a softness that seemed to warm the room, and the way you moved, even in something as mundane as brushing your teeth, was mesmerizing.

Once you were both ready for bed, you crawled in, Joe pulling you into his arms. You lay there for a while, your legs entwined, just holding each other and listening to the steady beat of each other's hearts. The silence was comfortable, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos of emotions. You felt Joe's hand run down your side, his thumb tracing the curve of your waist before resting on your hip. You knew he was still thinking about the game, about his performance, but you didn't push. Instead, you offered your warmth.

"You know you played your best," you said after a few moments, your voice soothing as you stroked his chest. "It's just one game, Joe. You'll keep working, keep getting better."

Joe sighed, his blue eyes closed in an attempt to reach sleep. "I know," he said, his voice tight with exhaustion. "But I hate letting down the team, the fans, you."

You turned to face him, your hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "You didn't let anyone down," you said firmly. "Sometimes, things just don't go as planned. It's not your fault."

Joe nodded, his eyes searching yours, looking for the reassurance he desperately needed. "Thanks, baby," he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. "I love you."

You leaned in and kissed him gently, your lips a gentle balm to his bruised ego. "You know I love you, too," you said, your voice a gentle whisper. "And I'm in this for the long haul. Win or lose, I'll be here for pity fucks and cuddles. Whatever you need."

Joe couldn't help but chuckle, the tension in the room dissipating like mist in the sun. "Pity fucks, huh?" He teased, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Well, when you put it like that, it sounds kind of sad," you smirked, poking him lightly in the ribs. Joe's chuckle grew into a full-blown laugh, his shoulders shaking with the force of it. The sound was music to your ears, a melody of relief after the storm of emotions.

"Go to sleep, Joey. Tomorrow's a new day, and you're going to need your rest," you said, your voice soothing as you stroked his chest. Joe nodded, his eyes already drooping with exhaustion. The two of you lay there, your bodies entangled, until sleep claimed you both.

[verstappenverse]

Not Over Yet

Pairing: Max Verstappen x Reader

Summary: In the heat of a painful argument, you declare that your relationship with Max is over, leaving him desperate to hold on.

1.3k words / Masterlist

The deafening silence of the Monaco apartment was suffocating. The echoes of the fight still rang in the air long after the words had been spoken. Max sat on the edge of the couch, his fingers gripping the fabric so hard his knuckles were white. You stood across the room arms wrapped tightly around yourself, as if trying to hold everything together.

“We’re over, Max.” The words hung heavy in the room, each one feeling like a stone dropped into a deep well.

He looked up, his blue eyes wide with shock and disbelief. “What?” His voice was low, barely above a whisper, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

You turned away from him, unable to face the hurt in his eyes. The hurt that mirrored your own. “I said, we’re done. I can’t—” You struggled to keep your voice steady. “I can’t keep doing this.”

The argument had started hours ago—something small, something insignificant that had spiralled out of control like it always did these days. The never-ending travel, the constant pressure. You knew what you were signing up for when you fell for him, but lately, it felt like everything else in your life had taken a backseat. There were always missed dinners, cancelled plans, and nights where you felt like the third wheel to his love affair with the track.

Max’s eyes hardened for a moment, his pride kicking in as he stood up and paced the length of the living room. “You think I don’t give enough to this relationship?” He snapped, his voice rising. “I work my ass off every day, trying to make sure we have everything. I’m always thinking of you, even when I’m on the track. I—”

“It’s not about the money or the success, Max!” you interrupted, your voice breaking. “It’s about us. About how I feel like I’m always second to everything else in your life. Like I’m not as important.”

Max stopped in his tracks, his back to you as he exhaled sharply. He raked a hand through his tousled hair, trying to calm his emotions. “That’s not fair,” he muttered, his voice quieter now, but still laced with frustration.

You swallowed the lump in your throat, feeling the tears threatening to spill over. “What’s not fair is me feeling alone when you’re standing right next to me.”

He turned to face you, the anger in his eyes replaced with something softer. But it was too late. You couldn’t bear to look at him any longer. The weight of your decision pressed down on your chest, and you took a deep breath before you spoke again.

“We’re over,” you whispered. The finality in your voice made it feel real. “We have to be.”

Max’s face went pale. He took a step toward you, but stopped himself his hands twitching at his sides. He looked at you, really looked at you, for what felt like the first time in weeks. “You…you don’t mean that.”

“I do.” You choked on the words as soon as they left your lips. You didn’t mean it. Not really. But you couldn’t keep living in the shadows, couldn’t keep pretending like everything was fine when it wasn’t.

Max’s heart hammered in his chest the fear of losing you clawing at his throat. He had faced impossible races, gut-wrenching crashes, the pressure of the world’s expectations—but nothing compared to the panic that gripped him now. The thought of losing you, of truly being without you, was something he couldn’t handle.

He shook his head slowly, refusing to accept what you were saying. “No. No, we’re not over.”

You blinked back the tears, confused by the certainty in his voice. “Max, you can’t just—”

“I’m not letting you go,” he interrupted, his voice firm but low, almost pleading. “I know I’ve been…distracted. I know I haven’t been there the way I should. But you don’t get to decide we’re done. You can’t just give up on us. Not like this.”

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of you moved. The apartment felt too small, too full of emotions that neither of you could control.

You felt your defences crumbling, your heart aching at the sincerity in his voice. But the hurt was still too raw. “It’s not that simple, Max.”

Max closed the distance between you in a few quick strides, his hands coming up to gently cup your face, forcing you to look at him. His touch was warm grounding you in a way only he could.

“Listen to me,” he said, his voice softer now, desperate. “I know I’ve made mistakes. But I love you. You. You’re not second to anything. You never were. I’m an idiot for making you feel that way, but please…please don’t give up on us.”

You wanted to believe him, wanted to let the walls you had built around your heart crumble. But the fear was still there—the fear that things wouldn’t change, that this would be your life forever, always wondering if you were enough.

Max’s thumb gently brushed away a tear that had slipped down your cheek, his eyes searching yours for any sign of hope. “I can’t lose you,” he whispered, his voice cracking just slightly. It was rare to see Max like this, so raw, so open.

You closed your eyes trying to steady your breathing, trying to find the words to say. “Max, I just… I don’t know if I can keep going like this.”

He pulled you closer his forehead resting against yours as he took a deep, shaky breath. “Then tell me what to do. Tell me how to fix it. I’ll do anything.”

His words were sincere, and you could feel the desperation in his voice. It wasn’t like Max to beg, to be so vulnerable, and it only made your resolve weaken further.

“I don’t want us to be over,” you finally admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “But I don’t want to feel like I’m always competing for your attention either.”

Max pulled back slightly, his hands still gently holding your face as he looked into your eyes. “You’re not competing. I love what I do, but I love you so much more. There’s no competition.”

It was the first time he had ever said it so clearly, so bluntly and it took your breath away.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “I forgot about what really matters. You. Us. I swear to you, I’ll do better. I’ll make time for us.”

His sincerity was undeniable, and for the first time in a long time you felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe things could change. Maybe you could find a way to make it work.

You let out a shaky breath, leaning into his touch. “I don’t want to lose you either Max.”

Relief washed over his face and he pulled you into a tight embrace, holding you like he was afraid you might slip away if he let go. “You won’t. I promise you won’t.”

For a long moment you stayed there, wrapped in each other’s arms the weight of the fight slowly lifting as you both began to breathe a little easier. The future was still uncertain, and there would be more challenges ahead, but for now you were both willing to try.

And for the first time in a long time, it felt like the two of you were on the same team.

Max pulled back slightly, his lips brushing against your forehead. “We’re not over,” he said softly, as if he needed to hear it out loud.

You nodded, resting your head against his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart. “We’re not over.”

[fanged-fanfics]

Hello I was thinking what if shadowmilk lover can make themself tiny and like hang out in shadowmilk hair ALOT, when he about to get in a fight knowing it will take a while he just pull his lover out of his hair and give them to black sapphire where he know they be safe and he put shadowmilk's lover in his packet and keep a close eye on candy apple making sure she won't try anything to them.

☆ Mayhem In All Sizes — Shadow Milk Cookie x GN Reader HCs ☆

Genre: Fluff || they/them pronouns for reader || No warnings needed

──────.𖥔 ݁ ˖˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ──────

ᯓᡣ𐭩 When you first transformed into a smaller version of yourself, Shadow Milk had scooped you up and immediately began gushing about how cute it was. You were the size of his palm, and could perfectly cradle into his pocket

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Anytime you felt like it, he'd carry you on his shoulder, in a little bag, or even have you hide under his hat! That was when you had the idea to burrow into his hair and peek out when something interesting was happening

ᯓᡣ𐭩 There's been plenty of times where Shadow Milk would have to deal with some idiot, so he'd gently let Black Sapphire take hold of watching you for the time being while he went to make crumbs out of them

"Here, hold them if you please~!" Shadow Milk had sang, placing your miniature form into Black Sapphire's palms. "Of course, Shadow Milk Cookie! Consider it done" Black Sapphire said, saluting while balancing you on his shoulder. "Good, good! I'll be just a moment, my snooky-bear!" Shadow Milk called out to you, before turning to the stranger Cookie who had dared to insult him. "Nooww! Where were we?" Shadow Milk asked, voice dropping to menacing as Black Sapphire handed you a mini jelly snack

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Candy Apple loves to try to makeshift little outfits for you so you'll have something to do when in tiny form. Why not try modeling? Might as well, yeah? This one's even got a matching gloves set!

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Black Sapphire always bickered with Candy Apple over your head about it. This is a teammate, not some doll! Shadow Milk wanted you safe, not dolled up in something made out of tissues!

ᯓᡣ𐭩 While the two minions bickered, Shadow Milk was finally starting to come back. He dusted his hands off, cleaning crumbs off of his outfit. Once he saw you, his grin came back in full force, and you were scooped into his arms

ᯓᡣ𐭩 "There we go! No more of those idiots, dear! Just us again" The snickering jester said, nuzzling into the top of your head. You laughed a little, letting him carry you to his shoulder and scooting back into place. Black Sapphire and Candy Apple immediately straightened up at his arrival

ᯓᡣ𐭩 You got your way back into his hair, climbing up until you reached the top of his head. When you resurfaced, you poked out of the edge of his hat to look around. The deceitful cookie giggled at the sight, while Black Sapphire and Candy Apple were fighting over what to eat for dinner

[nekoashiii]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ For me?

‧✧̣̥̇‧ : Lads men when you give them what they were looking for.

No warnings for this post! Just posting something to hop back on tumblr, request me your ideas, I will do my best to write them all!

Ps I know this is bad but bear with me it’s been a year since I last wrote anything…

Part 1: sylus

⨯ ◞ Sylus

Sylus had been looking for a specific item, it was a protocore, one he had been looking for relentlessly, every wanderer he had hunted down or ordered someone to go after, lacked what he needed.

there was the noise again— you blinked up at the ceiling, sylus tripping over an open cabinet door at your apartment, if his biggest enemies couldn’t take him out, your bathroom would. “Too small and too tight, out for my blood” he complained.

He left you with no sleep that night, it wasn’t his fault really, nights were his morning and vice versa. you got out of bed and went to the living room, the room lit up with a notification buzzing from sylus’s phone, curiosity got the better of you and you leaned over, reading the message.

Unknown: “We didn’t find the protocore tonight either, sorry boss—“

Huh, how odd, you clicked on the message. There was a picture attached. that protocore’s shape looks like the one in the hands of the hunter association, you can attempt to get it. The idea of getting Sylus that protocore lingered in your mind, even as you yawned and rubbed the sleep from your eyes. It was the first time you had seen him chase after something, and as such seeing him frustrated was a rare thing.

— Wouldn’t it be interesting if you got to it first?

The Hunter Association was no joke, though. They weren’t the type to hand over rare artifacts just because you asked nicely. Still, you had your own ways of getting things.

Next evening at your shift, you went to look for captian Jenna

“Captain, excuse me! Protocore delta-6, I need it for the mission I’m going on, do I have the permission to borrow it?”

you suppose it did work, you had managed to borrow it, but still not safely secured as an owned possession. The second step of your plan was a bit more tricky, having to go to a field of wanderers and making the excuse of the protocore breaking in your bag.

…wincing as you walked back to your apartment, avoiding your neighbors, not wanting them to look at you while you resembled a wet homeless rat, muddy shoes and hair clinging to your forehead like a miserable pet being bathed.

Great, house was empty. No sylus in sight, tiptoeing to the bedroom you pulled out the gift box and sat on the ground, injury from the wanderer be damned, thinking about actually surprising sylus with something good gave you enough good spirit and motivation to wrap the gift up. As you placed the protocore on the plush bedding of the box, a shadow loomed behind you.

“Of all people…”

The voice sent a chill down your spine. You barely had time to react before Sylus was looming over you, his sharp gaze locked onto the protocore nestled in its plush box.

“Get out of my room!” You snapped, instinctively pulling the box closer, but it was useless. Sylus moved fast—too fast. Before you could blink, he was crouched in front of you, his fingers already curled around the edge of the box.

He didn’t take it, though. Not yet.

Instead, he studied you, eyes flicking over your disheveled state—the ripped sleeve, the way you shifted slightly to favor your injured side. His expression darkened.

“You’re hurt.”

“It’s nothing,” you muttered, attempting to brush it off, but he wasn’t listening. His hand darted out, grabbing your wrist with controlled precision. You hissed as he pushed your sleeve back, revealing the fresh wound underneath.

Sylus exhaled sharply through his nose. “You went into a Wanderer field.” That didn’t sound like a question.

You yanked your arm away. “It was for a good cause.”

His gaze flicked back to the box. “You stole that.”

“I borrowed it,” you corrected. “Technically… At first.”

For a long moment, he was silent. Then, in one smooth motion, he plucked the box from your grasp. You tensed, expecting him to scold you, but instead, Sylus just stared at the neatly wrapped gift, his fingers resting lightly on the edges as if he didn’t quite believe it was real.

“You did this for me?” His voice was quieter now, carrying something unreadable beneath the usual sharpness. Before his stupid handsome face returned to the usual smirk.

You shrugged. “I figured if you were gonna be obsessed over it, I might as well beat you to it.”

Something flickered in his expression— amusement, surprise, something softer you couldn’t place. He let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head. “You are getting brave kitten, doing dirty work? should I hire you as my assistant then.”

“You’re welcome,” you huffed, shifting to stand up. “Now, if you’re done being dramatic, I’d like to clean up and—”

You barely made it to your feet before Sylus moved. before you could step away one hand caught your wrist again—gentler this time. He didn’t say anything at first, just studied you, eyes sharp and calculating. Then, before you could protest, he raised your hand and pressed a slow, lingering kiss to the inside of your wrist.

Your heart did an embarrassing little flip.

[rizzanon]

07-2 | TO CARE OR NOT TO CARE

m.list | prev | next

It was time to leave, the evening air starting to cool as you said your goodbyes to the kids. Elliot, as usual, was especially clingy, wrapping his arms around you tightly as if he couldn’t bear to let go. You chuckled softly, ruffling his hair in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“Hey, hey, Elliot. What’s all this? I’ll be back tomorrow, just like always.”

His eyes, wide and full of sincerity, didn’t quite lose their worry. “I know you will… I know you’ll always come back, but I just—what if one day, you don’t come back?” He bit his lip, a deep uncertainty coloring his voice.

You couldn’t help but feel your heart ache just a little at how serious he was about it. Kneeling down to his height, you placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a smile as genuine as you could manage.

“Aww, Elliot. Don’t worry. I promise, I’ll always come back for you. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Your voice was soft, but firm, trying to reassure him as best as you could.

The tiny boy’s brow furrowed in doubt, but his hands loosened from your arm. Then, with a sudden seriousness, he extended his pinky toward you, his small fingers trembling just slightly.

“Pinky promise?” Elliot asked, his eyes never leaving yours.

You laughed softly, touched by how serious he was. Without hesitation, you linked your pinky with his, sealing the promise with a nod. “Pinky promise. I’ll always be here for you, I swear.”

Elliot’s face lit up, and for a moment, all his worry seemed to melt away. He grinned widely, “Pinky promise!”

You stood back up, brushing off your pants, feeling a lightness in your chest. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Elliot. Don’t cause too much trouble while I’m gone, okay?”

“I won’t! I promise!” he called as you turned to join the others, his voice filled with a childlike sincerity that almost made you want to stay longer. But you couldn’t.

You walked over to Caitlyn and Adrien, who were standing nearby, clearly enjoying the sight of the exchange.

“Well, well,” Adrien teased with a raised brow, smirking. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a little sidekick now.”

You rolled your eyes, laughing it off. “Please, he’s just clingy. He’ll be fine tomorrow, just like always.”

“You know,” Caitlyn spoke, her voice light but full of amusement, “I think I’m starting to get jealous. Elliot’s got a special bond with you.”

“He’s just a good kid.”

Adrien snickered, poking fun at you. “Good kid? He’s like your shadow. He’s probably got you wrapped around his finger.”

You chuckled, shaking your head as you glanced back at Elliot, who was still watching you with a hopeful look. “Please, you two. I’m just doing my part to make sure he’s doing alright,” you said, playing along with their banter. “And anyways, it’s not like you two are much better. Who’s the one with all the girls looking up to her like she’s a disney princess that came to life? And who’s the one who has most of the boys treating him like the older brother they never had?”

“Oh, stop it, you’re going to make me blush (Name)…!” Caitlyn squeals, and you just rolled your eyes at that.

Adrien scoffed, nudging Caitlyn. “Yeah, yeah, we get it, you’re Gotham’s sweetheart. Meanwhile, I’m just out here doing my best.”

“Doing your best? Please. Half the time, you’re just running damage control from whatever chaos you start with the boys.”

Adrien gasped dramatically. “I’ll have you know, I’m an excellent role model.”

You snorted. “For what? How to almost get into trouble but charm your way out of it?”

“Exactly.” Adrien winked. “It’s an art, really.”

You gave him a playful shove, laughing again. “Yeah, yeah. Sure, it’s all fun and games now. But don’t let this get in over your head.”

Adrien just grinned and shrugged. But then, with a knowing smirk, he glanced over at Damian, who was standing off to the side, observing you all with his usual quiet intensity.

“Fine, fine, you should get going,” Adrien said, voice filled with tease. “Wouldn’t want to keep your little brother waiting, would you?”

Your gaze flickered to Damian. There he was, standing stiff and awkward, his eyes narrowed but unreadable. The change in his posture, the silence, made you feel an odd tension settle in your chest. You couldn’t help but sigh, the weight of his stare pressing on you.

“Right, I should go,” you murmured, offering one last wave to your friends before walking toward Damian.

When you stood in front of him, there was a long pause, neither of you speaking right away. Damian shifted slightly, his expression still unreadable, before he broke the silence.

“So, when is Pennyworth coming?”

You didn’t even look up as you started walking, already preparing for his usual directness. “Alfred’s not coming.”

You felt the weight of his gaze on you, the confusion crossing his features despite his best attempt to mask it. “He doesn’t know you’re here?”

You shook your head, keeping your eyes ahead. “I didn’t exactly tell him I’ve been volunteering at an orphanage the past few days,” you said, keeping your voice light, dismissive, like it was nothing. “But knowing him, he probably already knows.”

Damian scoffed under his breath, clearly not convinced by your attempt at nonchalance.

“So, father doesn’t know about your… charity work?” His tone was matter-of-fact, and you froze for a split second, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

You froze in your tracks, your thoughts stalling for a split second. “Yes.” The words came out quiet, but firm. You couldn’t afford to let him see how much it bothered you. “And I’d appreciate it if it remains that way.”

Damian’s eyes flickered to yours, suspicion there for a moment.

“Why?”

You had to stop yourself from grimacing. It was a simple question, but the answer was anything but. You couldn’t just blurt out that you were volunteering because of a strange vision, because of Elliot, because you didn’t trust the orphanage’s warden. That would make you sound like a paranoid mess. Completely irrational. So instead, you let out a breath and gave him the simplest answer you could muster.

“Because I don’t want to.”

The words felt hollow the moment they left your mouth. You wanted to add more, but you couldn’t. You couldn’t explain any further, not to him. Not to anyone.

And then, silence followed. You both continued walking, the sound of your footsteps echoing in the quiet evening. Gotham was calm for now, the sky still holding on to the last of the fading daylight, with streaks of pink and orange bleeding into the dark blue horizon. The air was still warm, but a crisp breeze was beginning to cut through, making the walk feel colder than it should. Streetlights flickered to life, their glow casting long shadows across the sidewalks as the city slowly came to life.

You looked around, distracted by the mundane beauty of the city you thought you knew so well. Yet, it all felt somehow distant tonight.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Damian spoke again, his voice cutting through the silence.

“And what about the warden?”

You stopped in your tracks, a chill creeping up your spine at the question. You hadn’t expected him to bring it up so bluntly. You tried to mask your surprise, forcing a calm tone as you turned to face him. “What about her?”

Damian didn’t even flinch at your tone. “Don’t be stupid. The warden. I saw you freeze up the moment she walked in. So, what of her?”

You cursed under your breath. Had you really been that obvious? Then again, Damian was nothing but perceptive. You ran a hand through your hair, looking away for a moment, trying to hide the unease that had risen in you.

“I just don’t like her that much.” It wasn’t a full explanation, but it was all you could muster without sounding crazy. You hoped it would be enough.

But the excuse felt weak even as you said it.

Damian raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t press the matter further. He just tsked and turned away, falling back into his usual aloof silence.

You walked beside him, feeling an odd sense of relief that he didn’t push it, though it left you with more questions than answers.

The silence stretched between you, broken only by the distant sounds of Gotham settling into the night. It was comfortable in its own way.

You were grateful, though—grateful that he didn’t push you any further. You didn’t want to drag him into something you couldn’t even explain to yourself.

And after a long pause, you spoke up, your voice quieter this time. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone about today? About me volunteering with my friends?”

Damian glanced at you, not answering immediately. The corner of his mouth twisted, as though he was considering how much he wanted to humor you. “Hmph, whatever. But I’m coming with you from now on.”

Your head snapped toward him, baffled. “What?”

Damian glanced over at you, unfazed by your surprise. “Who knows what kind of nonsense you’re getting yourself into. I’ll see how much more foolery you can get away with. I’m coming with you next time.”

You stared at him for a moment, speechless, then let out a quiet laugh. “You’re just gonna follow me now?”

Damian just shrugged, the smallest hint of amusement flickering in his gaze, though his expression remained guarded. “Seems like it.”

You shook your head, still processing his words. “You’re serious about this?”

Damian gave you a flat look. “Do I seem like the type to joke?”

Fair point.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “You do realize this is just volunteering, right? It’s not some covert mission. We play with kids, help out whenever we can, and make sure they don’t cause too much chaos.”

Damian crossed his arms. “And yet, you still managed to get into an argument about heroes.”

You groaned. “That wasn’t my fault! Caitlyn started it, Adrien made it worse, and you—” You jabbed a finger at him, narrowing your eyes. “You absolutely made it worse.”

Damian smirked slightly. “Tt. If you were capable of defending yourself properly, I wouldn’t have had to step in.”

You scoffed. “Oh, please. You didn’t have to say anything. You just wanted to start something.”

He didn’t deny it, which only confirmed your suspicions.

After a beat of silence, Damian glanced at you again, his expression more neutral. “Regardless, I’m coming with you from now on.”

You sighed, watching him for a moment before shaking your head. “Fine. But no scaring the kids.”

“I don’t scare them.”

You shot him a deadpan look. “You glared at Elliot earlier just because he hugged me.”

Damian’s lips pressed into a thin line. “…He was being excessive.”

You stared at him, then just snorted, shaking your head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m being real,” he corrected. Then, after a pause, he added, “Besides… it’s not terrible.”

You blinked, thrown off by the sudden shift. “What’s not terrible?”

Damian averted his gaze slightly, as if the words were difficult to say. “This. What you’re doing. It’s… a respectable use of your time.”

For a moment, you just stared at him.

He wasn’t mocking you.

He wasn’t teasing.

He was being genuine, in his own roundabout way.

A small, warm feeling settled in your chest.

You bumped your shoulder against his. “Careful, Damian. That almost sounded like a compliment.”

He rolled his eyes, stepping away from you. “Tt. Don’t get used to it.”

And with that, you both walked in silence, the city stretching out around you, quieter now as night finally began to take hold of Gotham.

The morning sun crept over Central City, casting a pale golden light that contrasted sharply with the dark chaos at the crime scene. Barry Allen stepped out of his car, his CSI kit slung over his shoulder. The air was thick with tension, and despite the morning’s warmth, there was a chill in the atmosphere. Crime scenes always had this weight about them, but this one felt different.

The area was in an industrial sector, and the destruction was vast—an entire block had been decimated. Asphalt was cracked, streetlights bent and twisted like they’d been melted, and a few cars were overturned, their alarms still blaring in the distance. Barry squinted as he took in the sight. No eyewitnesses, no solid leads, just chaos and a series of barely discernible clues scattered throughout the scene.

Captain Singh stood with a few officers near the perimeter, his face set in grim determination as he watched the forensics team work. When Barry approached, the captain didn’t waste time.

“Allen. Thanks for coming,” Singh said, nodding at him.

“Of course,” Barry replied. “What do we have?”

Singh glanced over at the wreckage, his hands pressed against his hips. “We’ve got a mess on our hands. No eyewitnesses. Whoever did this didn’t leave any obvious traces of themselves—no sign of forced entry, no clear motive, nothing. Just destruction.” He gestured to the carnage around them. “Looks like a metahuman attack. Something… explosive, but we can’t find anything that matches the signature of any known metas.”

Barry took a step forward, scanning the scene. He could feel the familiar hum of his mind working faster, processing details with his trained CSI eye. The destruction was too precise, too… theatrical for a random meta attack. Barry narrowed his eyes as he walked toward the center of the blast radius, crouching down to inspect a scorch mark on the pavement. His fingers hovered just above the edges, careful not to disturb any potential evidence.

“This wasn’t a metahuman attack,” Barry said, more to himself than to Singh, but loud enough for the captain to hear.

Singh looked at him, brows furrowing. “What do you mean? This definitely feels like one.”

Barry stood, wiping his gloves on his pants, his expression thoughtful. “It’s not the kind of destruction we usually see from metas. Look at the placement of the damage—it’s deliberate, almost… artistic in a way.” He pointed to a section of the street where the cracks in the pavement were symmetrical, almost as if they’d been formed by a series of timed explosions, not some random burst of power.

Singh followed his line of sight. “So you’re saying this was someone else? Someone who isn’t a meta?”

Barry nodded slowly, stepping further into the scene, his eyes scanning every detail. “Exactly. And I think I know who.” He crouched next to a nearby overturned dumpster, carefully lifting the edge to reveal some scattered debris. “This looks familiar.”

Singh crossed his arms. “You’ve seen something like this before?”

Barry straightened, turning to Singh. “Yeah. We’ve seen this before. Trickster.” He didn’t need to elaborate much further—the name was enough.

Singh’s expression dropped slightly, his brows furrowed. “Trickster? I thought we had that guy locked up in Iron Heights?”

Before Barry could reply, another officer jogged up, his face tense. “I’m afraid not, Captain. Word just got out—Trickster was broken out of Iron Heights a few hours ago.”

Singh let out a groan, rubbing his temples. “Great. Literally what we need. Who knows where the hell he is now?”

Barry exchanged a glance with Singh before turning back to the scene. The Trickster’s style was all over this—chaotic but calculated, destruction meant to entertain him just as much as it terrorized the city. But something wasn’t sitting right.

“If he was broken out just a few hours ago,” Barry mused, “this means he didn’t have much time to plan. Which means either he had help, or this was meant to be a distraction.”

Singh exhaled sharply. “You’re telling me this might not even be his endgame?”

Barry stood up, glancing around once more. “Trickster never does anything small. If he’s free, he’s got something bigger in mind.” He turned to the officer. “Do we have any leads on how he got out?”

The officer shook his head. “Not yet. Prison security’s still trying to figure that out, but from what little info we’ve got, it wasn’t your usual smash-and-grab breakout. No external breaches, no power failures—nothing. It’s like he just walked out.”

Barry frowned. That only raised more questions. Trickster was smart, but he wasn’t exactly the subtle type. If someone had broken him out without setting off alarms, then it meant one of two things—someone with serious inside knowledge helped him, or Trickster had a new trick up his sleeve.

Singh sighed. “Alright, Allen. If this is Trickster, where does that leave us? What’s his next move?”

Barry scanned the destruction again, his mind racing. Trickster didn’t just cause chaos—he thrived on attention. If he was back in play, it wouldn’t be long before he made his presence known in a much bigger way.

“He’s not going to stay quiet,” Barry said, his voice firm. “This? This was just the opening act.” He turned back to Singh. “We need to find him before he takes things to the next level.”

Singh nodded. “Then let’s get to work.”

Barry crouched near a stack of toppled crates, his gloved hands brushing against the splintered wood. Most of the cargo had been destroyed in the blast, reduced to charred scraps and twisted metal, but something was missing. Trickster didn’t just cause chaos—he always had a purpose buried beneath the spectacle. Barry’s eyes narrowed as he spotted a shattered shipping label barely clinging to one of the crates. The faded logo still stood out.

Wayne Industries.

His brow furrowed as he shifted through the wreckage, inspecting the damage to the crates. Some had been completely obliterated, but a select few had been broken open with precision—not by the explosion, but manually. Someone had pried them open, targeting their contents specifically. Trickster wasn’t usually one for high-tech heists, which meant either he was working with someone smarter or he had a bigger plan in mind.

Barry turned to Singh, who was still surveying the scene with arms crossed. “Do we know what was stolen?”

Singh exhaled, shaking his head. “Not exactly. Just some high-tech stuff. We’re waiting on Wayne Industries to send over an inventory list.”

Barry frowned, stepping closer to the remains of the crate. He traced the edge of a deep gouge in the wood—clean, deliberate. Not random destruction. Trickster wasn’t just playing around this time.

“His MO might be leading him to Gotham,” Barry muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Singh shot him a glance. “Gotham, huh? Makes sense. If he stole something from Wayne Industries, he’ll probably need more from them. I’ll contact the GCPD, let the precinct know to keep an eye out for Jesse.”

Barry nodded, straightening as he surveyed the rest of the wreckage. There was still evidence to gather, but his mind was already piecing together the next step. If Trickster was taking his act to Gotham, then Barry needed to move fast.

He turned, already making his way toward his car, his jaw set with determination.

Looks like he’ll have to pay a friend a visit.

“So… You’re telling me,” Kon said, leaning forward, “you’re avoiding talking to her, but you can’t stop thinking about her?”

Tim shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering toward the window as he glanced at Kon. “It’s not that simple, Kon,” he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. “It’s… complicated.”

The manor was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of the wind against the old stone walls. The large, imposing structure loomed in the distance, casting long shadows in the late afternoon light. Tim sat in the library, his fingers absently tapping against the edge of a notebook that lay open in front of him.

Kon sat across from him, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head as he stared at the ceiling, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He had been trying, in his typical way, to pull Tim out of his spiraling thoughts. Not that Tim was particularly good at listening to advice. But Kon’s frustration was palpable as he watched his best friend overanalyze everything, as he usually did.

“How complicated can it be? Just talk to her, Tim. I’m pretty sure she’s not going to bite your head off.”

“She might as well.” Tim scoffed, rolling his eyes. He couldn’t help it��Kon was so simplistic, so carefree. “You don’t get it,” Tim said, his voice sharp, the frustration rising in his chest. “It’s not that easy. It’s not just about talking, okay? You don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know her.”

Kon frowned, clearly not understanding. He was the type of person who didn’t dwell on things, someone who made decisions on impulse. Talking to someone was easy for him. He couldn’t comprehend the way Tim’s brain worked—how each decision was weighed, every word analyzed, every gesture broken down into a thousand potential meanings.

“Yeah, maybe I don’t know her. But you’re definitely overthinking this, Tim. Just… just go talk to her. It’s not that difficult.”

Tim shot him a pointed look, not realizing how much tension had built in his chest. “It’s everything, Kon,” he said, voice barely controlled. “It’s the way we’ve never ever talked outside of missions or patrols. It’s the way we never have a simple conversation. It’s a thousand unsaid things, a thousand missteps. Every time we’ve been in the same room, I’ve been trying to find a way fix it, and it’s never as simple as just saying ‘hey, we need to talk.’ I don’t know how to fix it. Fix this.”

Kon’s expression softened, but his response was only more frustration. “But it’s (Name), Tim. You’ve known her for years now. She’s not someone you just ignore. I saw the way you looked at her that day at the cafe. It’s obvious you care. So why are you making it harder than it needs to be?”

Tim ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Because it’s not that simple. ” he muttered, voice tinged with frustration. “I just can’t mess this up—”

But before Tim could finish, the sound of the front door opening caught their attention. Both teens turned, the familiar silhouette of Damian Wayne emerging from the shadows of the hallway. He was dressed in his usual dark attire, a slight frown on his face as he made his way toward the door, clearly about to leave.

Kon’s curiosity got the better of him, and he leaned forward in his chair, the grin returning to his face. “Hey, Damian, where’re you off to?”

Damian shot Kon a sharp look, his eyes narrowing. “Wouldn’t you like to know, fool?” he snapped, his voice dripping with annoyance. He made no effort to slow his pace as he reached the door.

“Don’t bother with him,” Tim said, waving it off. “He’s just an asshole.”

But just as Damian reached the door, his lips curled into a smirk, and he paused for a moment, glancing over his shoulder at them. “Well,” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, “if you’re so curious, Timothy, why don’t you go ask (Name) then? Maybe she’ll be willing to tell you where we’re going.” He emphasized we, letting it linger in the air like a challenge.

Tim froze.

His entire body went rigid, his mind stumbling over Damian’s words as they processed.

Wait… what?

Damian was going to where you were?

Tim’s heart skipped a beat as his mind raced.

You weren’t at the manor?

Where were you?

And why hadn’t Tim known about it?

He should have… He should have known where you were.

Before Tim can question the younger boy any further, Damian has already made his way out.

Kon immediately sensed the shift in Tim’s demeanor. The subtle change in posture, the slight tightening of his jaw, the way Tim’s eyes narrowed in thought. It was all too familiar—the way his mind was racing, overanalyzing every word Damian had just spoken. Tim was caught in that moment where the world could’ve just stopped for a second, and he could process it all, but instead, it was as if everything was happening too fast for him to catch up.

“Do I need to—” Kon started, but Tim cut him off with a sharp, urgent tone.

“I already sent them the message,” Tim said, his words almost automatic, his brain already halfway to the next step. His fingers twitched at his side. “Let’s go.”

Without waiting for another word, Tim pushed past Kon, already heading toward the door. His mind was in overdrive, a storm of questions swirling through his head. Damian knew where you were. And if he was going there now… what did that mean for them? What did that mean for him?

“Tim, wait up,” Kon called, trying to catch up, but Tim’s pace never slowed. His thoughts were a whirlwind, and he couldn’t let Damian get ahead of him—not now, not when it felt like everything was slipping out of his control. Tim had to get to you first. He had to understand what was really going on. With you. With this. With everything. He had to fix it.

Tim wasn’t sure how they got here—crouched in the bushes outside an orphanage, watching his younger siblings through the railings like some second-rate stalkers.

Well, no.

He knew exactly how they got here.

One offhand comment from Damian had sent his paranoia into overdrive. Tim hadn’t even thought before acting. His body had moved on autopilot, his brain running through a thousand possibilities at once. And before he knew it, he and his team were tailing him to figure out where you were. Now, his friends were watching him with varying levels of concern, amusement, and exasperation.

A normal person—any rational person—would probably question why he had felt the need to drag his team into this.

Luckily, Tim didn’t keep normal friends.

Unfortunately, he did keep nosy ones.

“You know,” Bart whispered, shifting beside him, “normal people just say ‘hi’ to their siblings instead of full-on stalking them.”

“I am saying hi,” Tim muttered, adjusting his binoculars.

“This is not saying hi, dude,” Kon chimed in, his arms crossed as he hovered slightly above them. “This is ‘weird obsessive surveillance.’ Big difference.”

Cassie arched a brow. “Yeah, Tim. Not that I’m judging your methods, but why are we spying on your siblings?”

Kon leaned back on his hands. “She looks fine to me. Volunteering, playing with kids—kind of the opposite of suspicious, dude.”

Tim’s brows furrowed as he watched you kneel next to a child, helping them with something on the floor. You looked so at ease—comfortable—in a way he hadn’t seen in a long time. His grip tightened. “That’s the thing. She’s never done this before.”

Bart blinked. “What, helping kids?”

“No, volunteering,” Tim clarified. “She never mentioned it. Never showed interest in it before. No mention of it. No hints. No reason to be here.” His grip on the binoculars tightened. “And now, suddenly, she’s here? With him?” He gestured at Damian, who stood next to you, listening as you spoke. You were looking at him directly, face open and unguarded.

Kon scoffed. “Man, I know you have trust issues, but is her doing something like this without you knowing really that shocking?”

Tim exhaled sharply through his nose, trying not to bristle. They didn’t get it. It wasn’t just that you were here—it was why you were here, who you were here with. His mind raced through the possibilities, dissecting every expression, every shift in body language.

Since when did you do this sort of stuff with Damian of all people? Why was this the most relaxed he’d seen you in months? And why did the idea of Damian having an easier time talking to you than he did make something tighten in his chest?

“Maybe she just wants to do something good other than just being Batgirl, like Cissie.” Cassie suggested. “Not everything’s a mystery that needs solving, Tim.”

Bart hummed in agreement. “Yeah, man. Maybe you’re just looking for problems where there aren’t any.”

Tim shook his head. “No. You don’t understand. There’s something here.”

Tim hated that answer.

Because that would mean he was overreacting.

He knew how this looked. He knew he sounded paranoid.

But it meant something.

Everything meant something.

And maybe it wasn’t just about the volunteering or you doing this without telling anyone. Maybe it was about the fact that you were talking to Damian with an ease that he hadn’t gotten from you in months. Years.

Maybe it was the way you looked him in the eyes without coldness, without any hesitation.

Maybe it was because you were here with him instead of—

Tim inhaled sharply.

Was that what was bothering him? The fact that you were with Damian, talking to him, laughing with him, actually looking him in the eyes like it was the most natural thing in the world? ike he wasn’t just some impossible force you had to brace yourself against? Like he was just your little brother?

Because you didn’t look at Tim like that. Not anymore.

Maybe not ever.

“Oh, wow, he’s spiraling,” Bart whispered.

Kon smirked. “Yup. Called it.”

“Shut up,” Tim snapped.

Kon grinned. “C’mon, man, what’s actually bothering you? That she’s volunteering? Or that she’s with Damian?”

Tim scoffed, rolling his eyes. “That’s not—”

Bart gasped dramatically. “Oh my god, is Tim jealous of Damian?”

“Excuse me?”

Kon’s grin widened. “Oh yeah, no, I see it now. You’re totally jealous.”

“I am not jealous,” Tim gritted out. “I’m just—concerned. This isn’t normal behavior for her. Something’s going on.”

Cassie hummed, unconvinced. “Uh-huh. And that ‘something’ is…?”

Tim didn’t answer. Because he didn’t know.

But he was going to find out.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have much time to come up with a strategy, because before he could, he saw one of the kids tugging at your sleeve, whispering something to you.

“Uh, (Name)?” Elliot whispered, pointing toward the bushes. “There are four weird people staring at us.”

Tim barely had time to duck before your gaze snapped toward him.

He knew the exact moment you realized who was watching, because your entire face shifted into one of deep, exhausted frustration. You groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose before muttering, “Ignore them. They’re just weirdos.”

“Hey, wait a damn minute,” Adrien said suddenly, narrowing his eyes. “Isn’t that Timothy Jackson Drake-Wayne?”

Damian barely spared a glance toward the bushes. “That imbecile and his friends have been watching us for the past twenty minutes now.”

You turned toward Damian so fast Tim swore he could feel the irritation radiating off you. “You noticed them and you didn’t say anything til now?”

Damian arched an unimpressed brow. “You didn’t notice them?” He tilted his head slightly. “How perceptive of you.”

Your eye twitched. “I hate you.”

Caitlyn, ever the peacemaker, cleared her throat. “Sooo, are we just gonna sit here and let them keep spying on us, or…?”

You groaned, rubbing your temples, then marched straight toward the bushes.

Tim barely had time to react before you reached them, and stared down at the four teens barely hiding behind the bushes.

“Busted…” Kon muttered, before Cassie shoved him in the shoulder, shutting him up. “Ow!”

The sound of laughter filled the air. Children ran past, their small, eager feet kicking up loose gravel as they shrieked in delight. Conversations overlapped—voices blending together into an indistinct hum.

Somewhere in the distance, Bart, Adrien, and Kon were loudly arguing as they were playing football with some of the young boys there, whilst Cassie and Caitlyn were talking and effortlessly charming a group of girls. And even Damian—who had initially scowled at their presence—had begrudgingly been roped into Adrien’s antics, taking part in the scuffed football match.

And yet, despite all of it, amidst all of that, amidst the warmth and joy, there was you and Tim. Standing in a corner.

Silent.

You felt it acutely. Pressing down on you, sinking into your skin, threading through your veins. It had been there the moment your gaze landed on that familiar, yet distant, figure standing just a few inches away from you.

Tim.

You hadn’t expected him to be here. You hadn’t wanted him to be here.

And yet, here he was.

Standing in the periphery of it all, watching.

Watching the children play.

Watching his friends mingle with yours.

Watching you.

Your first instinct was to ignore it.

You had spent years learning how to ignore it.

Because this was Tim.

And Tim knew how to pick people apart.

Tim liked picking people apart.

His eyes had always been observant, always quick to catch the things no one else noticed. The slight shifts in body language, the tension in someone’s shoulders, the weight behind a hesitation—he saw it all.

And it took everything in you not to visibly tense under his gaze.

Tim had always been good at reading people. Too good.

His eyes had a way of seeing things no one else did, of picking apart truths you didn’t even realise you were giving away. And right now, you could feel his stare burrowing into you, scrutinizing, analyzing—

And you knew what that meant.

It meant that you had slipped. That somehow, in some way, you had left something exposed—some stray emotion, some unguarded expression—something that had caught his attention.

And that was a problem.

Because Tim Drake never lets things go.

It made your skin crawl.

The air between you two was suffocatingly tense, pressing against your skin like a thick, unshakable weight. Neither of you spoke, neither of you moved. Just standing there, existing, as if acknowledging the other would set off some kind of inevitable explosion.

You weren’t sure what you hated more—the fact that he was here at all, or the fact that you couldn’t even read a single thing off his face.

Tim had always been good at reading people, but he himself was hard to read.

But right now, right at this moment, it felt like there was something—something simmering just beneath the surface of his carefully controlled expression. And you hated that you couldn’t tell what it was.

What the hell was he thinking?

Then again—what did you even know about Tim anymore? What more could you possibly know about him?

Your fingers curled into fists, frustration swelling inside you like an unspoken scream, and you exhaled sharply through your nose, an exasperated sigh escaping before you could stop it.

You could walk away.

You should walk away.

But you knew Tim well enough.

Well enough to know that if you didn’t talk to him now, he would find another time, another place. It didn’t matter when. It didn’t matter where.

Eventually, he would corner you.

And you refused to let him have that power over you.

Not anymore.

Your sigh must have been loud enough to shake Tim from his own thoughts, because his head tilted slightly, his eyes shifting toward you. A flicker of something passed over his face—something you couldn’t quite place—but then it was gone, buried beneath that infuriatingly unreadable mask.

Because he was looking at you now, now, after everything, after all this time—

Like he suddenly cared.

Like he suddenly wanted to understand.

It made you want to laugh. To scoff. To spit something sharp and biting just to cut this tension in half.

Instead, you exhaled sharply, tilting your head to meet his gaze head-on.

“So. Why are you here?”

It came out flat. Cold. No anger, no warmth—just… nothing.

Tim blinked, almost as if he hadn’t expected you to address him first.

For a brief moment, you thought—hoped, even—that he wouldn’t answer. That he would realize this wasn’t something he could just waltz into. That he would turn around and leave, sparing you both from whatever this conversation was bound to become.

But of course, he didn’t.

“…Just wanted to know what you’ve been doing.”

That was all he said.

Like it was that simple. Like it made sense.

As if he could just say something like that and expect you to accept it.

You let out a breathy scoff, eyes narrowing slightly as your lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

“Wow.”

Tim didn’t react. He just stood there, waiting.

Waiting for you to say something else.

So you did.

“Why?”

Your voice carried a weight to it now. Heavier.

Tim’s brows knit together slightly, as if confused by your reaction. “Is it wrong for me to be curious?”

You let out a dry laugh. “No. But it is unlike you to want to know what I’ve been doing.”

And there it was.

The first visible crack in his carefully controlled expression.

It was subtle—the way his jaw tensed, the way his fingers curled just slightly at his sides—but you saw it.

You saw all of it.

And it made something bitter rise in your throat.

“Why is it unlike me?” he asked, voice quieter now.

You stared at him.

You stared at him.

Was he serious?

Was he actually serious right now?

Your breath came out slow and measured as you crossed your arms. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

Silence.

Tim didn’t say anything.

Didn’t deny it. Didn’t confirm it.

And that was answer enough.

Something in you cracked.

It shouldn’t have bothered you this much. It shouldn’t have.

But it did.

Because the way he was looking at you now—like you were some unsolved puzzle, like you were some missing piece he was only now realising wasn’t where it should be—

It pissed you off.

It pissed you off.

Because where the hell was this before?

Where the hell was this when it mattered?

Your fingers dug into your arms as you inhaled sharply, forcing down the words clawing their way up your throat.

“You didn’t seem to care before.”

The words left your mouth before you could stop them.

Tim visibly flinched.

It was small—barely noticeable—but you saw it.

You felt it.

And for some reason, that only made the frustration burn hotter.

Tim’s lips parted slightly, like he wanted to say something—like he needed to say something—but nothing came out.

Nothing.

You let out a breathless laugh, shaking your head. “Unbelievable.”

Tim’s hands curled into fists at his sides.

His face was unreadable, but you could see the thoughts racing in his head. You could see the way his mind was whirring, processing, analyzing—

Like this was some equation he just had to solve.

Like there was some answer that could fix this.

Tim was very quickly starting to regret this.

He hadn’t even had time to process being dragged inside before his friends had immediately assimilated with the environment.

Leaving him alone with you.

You.

He should be happy—relieved, that he was finally given the opportunity to talk to you.

Alone.

Without anyone interrupting you both.

So why—

Why was this so awkward?

Why was this so painful?

Why were you being so… cold?

So unlike how he’d seen you just a few moments ago.

Sminling, laughing.

Every bit of that had been erased from your face the moment you were left alone with him.

And Tim hates that.

Hates how you’re talking to him like he’s a stranger.

He wasn’t.

He definitely wasn’t.

Was he?

Your words echoed in his head.

Over and over and over again.

“You didn’t seem to care before.”

He should say something.

He should say something.

But the words wouldn’t come out.

Because what was he supposed to say?

What could he say?

That he had cared? That he had noticed you?

But his throat felt tight, words stuck somewhere between his mind and his mouth, refusing to come out.

You were standing right there, your arms crossed, eyes sharp and defensive, the tension so thick it was suffocating. And Tim hated it.

Why the hell couldn’t he just say the things he needed to say to you?

He had never had a problem speaking his mind before. If something needed to be said, he said it. If something needed to be done, he did it.

So why was it that, when it came to you, he was just… stuck?

His mind scrambled for proof, for evidence, for something to counter your words—he had checked in on your patrols, he covered for your mistakes, he had told you when you were being reckless, he made sure to tell you what not to do again—

Because of the missions.

Because the missions had to go smoothly.

Because it was his job.

Because everything had to go right.

Tim felt his stomach twist.

That wasn’t—

That couldn’t be the only reason.

That wasn’t the only reason.

So why the hell was that the first thing he thought of?

That wasn’t the reason he had done those things, was it?

No. No, that couldn’t be it. That wasn’t it.

He had always cared about you. Not just as an asset. Not just as a partner in the field.

He had cared about you.

Hadn’t he?

He did care.

Didn’t he?

He still cares.

Doesn’t he?

His fingers clenched tighter.

Why couldn’t he find the answer?

Why couldn’t he prove it?

Why couldn’t he just—

“You didn’t seem to care before.”

The words still rang in his head, bouncing off the walls of his skull, refusing to leave.

What did you think of him now?

What had you always thought of him?

Had you spent all this time believing he hadn’t cared? That you were—what?—nothing more than some afterthought to him? That you’re just some colleague to him?

Was that his fault?

Did he make you feel that way?

Did he do that?

The thought made him sick.

He needed to fix this.

He needs to fix this.

But how the hell was he supposed to do that when he didn’t even know where to start?

His breath was uneven now, his chest tightening—

“…I always cared.”

The words left his mouth before he could stop them.

You froze.

Your entire body went rigid, eyes snapping up to Tim in disbelief.

He didn’t flinch. Didn’t waver. He just looked at you—his expression unreadable, his hands still clenched at his sides. But his gaze was steady, as if he believed the words he had just said.

But did he?

Did he really?

Because you sure as hell didn’t.

And then—

You saw it.

You saw the desperation in his eyes.

And for a moment, you almost believed him.

Almost.

“Bullshit.”

And there it was.

The first crack in his carefully composed mask.

It was small—subtle—but you saw it.

And it made something sharp twist in your chest.

Tim blinked, actually taken aback by that.

“What do you mean ‘bullshit’?” he said, frustration creeping into his tone, a slight undertone of… hurt?

You shook your head. “I mean that’s bullshit, Tim. You didn’t care.”

“I did, (Name). I still do—”

And you hated how much he sounded like he meant it.

Hated how much you wanted to believe him.

Because what did he expect?

What did he think was going to happen here?

Did he think you’d just—what?—drop everything, smile, and act like nothing had changed? Like the years hadn’t happened? Like the distance between you both hadn’t grown into something wide and impassable?

That wasn’t how this worked.

But you knew what would happen.

Because you had seen it before.

Because this was what Tim did.

Because for Tim, every problem was a puzzle, a mystery to solve.

And right now?

Right now, he was trying to figure you out.

Trying to find some angle, some logic, some answer that would make all of this make sense.

And the worst part?

The worst part was that he genuinely didn’t realize that this wasn’t something he could fix.

That there wasn’t some logical answer to find.

That this wasn’t about some mystery.

That this was about you.

About him.

About you both.

About what you did and didn’t do.

About what he did and didn’t do.

About what was there and what wasn’t.

And suddenly, you were tired.

So, so tired.

“No, Tim.” You inhaled sharply. “Don’t. I’m not here to listen to whatever this is. The least you can do after following me like this is help out with the kids with your friends.”

Tim’s lips parted slightly, his expression shifting.

But you weren’t going to let him get another word in.

“You don’t have to bother yourself with me anymore. I’ll make sure of that.”

And with that, you turned and walked away, leaving him standing there.

Alone.

Tim’s breath hitched.

Because that—that felt final.

That felt like a goodbye.

Did you really think that was all you were to him?

A bother? A nuisance?

Did you really believe that?

And—fuck—had he shown anything otherwise?

He wanted to go after you. To make you hear him out.

But for the first time in his life, Tim didn’t know what to say.

And that realization was a punch to the gut.

It shouldn’t have hurt as much as it did.

But it did.

Because this was Tim.

Tim, who had always been too smart for his own good.

Tim, who had always known how to read between the lines.

Tim, who had always been able to see the things no one else could.

And yet—

Yet, when it came to you—

He was blind.

Or maybe he had just never bothered to look.

But right now, his eyes were wide open, and he was seriously looking.

And he was starting to see things he’s never seen before.

lol second part of chapter 7 🫣 this is definitely way shorter than part 1 but part 3 will kind of make up for it (hopefully 🥲) and also guys tim is one of my favs pls don’t be too harsh on him in the comments (even though he kind of deserves it in this series, but hopefully yall can see that it’s kind of reader and tim’s fault for whatever nonexistent bond they have going on, prob will have more backstory/flashback scenes to them soon) part 3 soon but not kinda soon but eventually

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[intromortal]

✷ OUT OF OFFICE ⸻ P.JS

your coworkers can't begin to imagine what goes on between you and Jongseong when no one's watching.

this work contains ⋆ smut ⋆ minors do not interact ⋆ workplace relations ⋆ jealousy ⋆ brat tamer jay ⋆ toxicity if you squint (it's okay this is freak central we enjoy it) ⋆ alcohol consumption ⋆ don't like don't read! ⸻ rules ⋆ m.list

length ⋆ drabble ⸻ 4.1k words

✷ NIA — heyyy... how y'all doin... quick snack before i finish the actual fic i'm working on

smut warnings under the cut ⋆

mean jay ⋆ choking ⋆ degradation ⋆ punishment ⋆ male masturbation ⋆ orgasm denial ⋆ oral (m!rec) ⋆ brief shoe humping if at all. more like mention of it ⋆ body shots but make it nastier ⋆ hair pulling ⋆ reader fucked around and found out ⋆ like two singular instances of praise

There is something about men like Park Jongseong—men in power, men who seem to always have it together and every situation under control—that makes you want to slowly strip them of their restraint piece by piece, as if playing jenga, until it all comes crashing down.

You take pride in knowing how to get Jongseong to crumble in a just a few moves.

"I told you to only wear that when we're around friends," Jongseong says as he follows you through the entrance, hot on your heels. He rids himself of the jacket that is making sweat drip from his hair and down his forehead, then pulls at the collar of his shirt.

You ignore the bark in his tone, and twirl around in front of the huge mirror in your living room. You wanted a floor to ceiling one, but the ceiling in your and Jongseong's apartment is so high, you had to request it to be custom made. Expensive, but worth the money, and you can't wait for it to be delivered. You have plenty creative ideas on how to better utilize it, ones you're sure Jongseong is also eager to put in practice. "Don't I look good, boss?"

You don't need to look back to know he's probably staring daggers right through your back. He hates when you call him boss with that little mocking tone you reserve only to get under his skin. You two have equal power in the company, he is not your boss and you are not his, but within the walls of your bedroom, you enjoy messing up the dynamics a bit.

The light from the overhead lamp catches the diamond decorating your ring finger as you smoothen down the silky fabric of your dress. The ring is proof of Jongseong's devotion to you, the sight of it a reminder of your time spent all the way in Italy, just the two of you in a beach resort with the dreamiest view.

Ever since the engagement— which was kept a secret from pretty much everyone— Jongseong had softened down. You don't know if it's the prospect of a life together, of a family, that's making him go easier on you during your most intimate times, but one of the reasons you fell for him in the first place is the never ending game of cat and mouse you two got accustomed to playing. One you aren't ready to give up yet, or at all for what matters.

So, you take matters into your own hands. If he hesitates to play, that just means you have to bring out the big guns.

"That was a business dinner, not some random brunch with your girl friends. You were not dressed appropriately." Jongseong walks up to you and grabs your waist with a roughness so uncharacteristic of him. Everyone knows him as calm and collected man, never prone to anger, heart of gold. Only you get a peek into this side of him, the more jealous and possessive one he keeps hidden in the shadows. Knowing it's something reserved for you only makes you want to poke the bear all the more.

"A very uneventful dinner, my girls' brunches are way more fun." You know the reason for his anger is not because your dress doesn't conform to whatever dress code was put in place long before you or Jongseong got into the business world. It's a front he's putting up, to not admit that what he really feels is jealousy. Jealousy because he had to sit across you, pretending you don't live at the same place, pretending he's not balls deep inside you every other night, pretending he isn't the man who proposed to you months ago. Jealousy because he had to see his very rivals openly flirt with you all night long, uncaring of the ring on your finger that should have been enough to keep them the fuck away from you.

He's mad because he knows you and how you love playing games, he knows you push him on purpose, and as aware of it as he is, he can't help but fall for it every single time, even when it means giving you exactly what you want.

He bunches up the cream colored silk in his fist, his wrist glimmering with the heavy watch you got him for his birthday, and the slight movement is enough to uncover what you are wearing underneath.

"Is this your idea of fun?" He laughs, and the sound is devoid of any humor. It makes a shiver runs down your spine, but it also tells you you are on the right track.

It's the same lingerie you wore for him on the night he proposed, the one he spent hours picking out during one of his business trips instead of resting at the spa of the five star hotel he stayed at. It's white and embedded with a shower of diamonds. The best money can buy for his own jewel waiting for him back home.

He specifically bought that one for the special occasion, claimed you as his in it that same night. And you wore it around the very men trying to surpass him, crossing your legs here and there to give them a peek.

Jongseong is an enjoyer of the finer things in life. The tiniest detail of his life is hand picked by him personally to display his refined taste. From the bedding he imported from across the globe, to his very personal wine cellar stocked by Mr. Sim's private collection, to the fragrances he wears daily, formulated with the help of the most talented perfumers. All of it has to fit perfectly to his taste and parameters. He is a man of sensations, the touch, the smell, the feel. They all awaken memories in his mind, that's part of the reason why the lingerie you wore the first time he made love to you as your fiance had to be perfect. But now you have tainted it.

And for that, he has to make you pay.

"Come on, it's just the panties. I didn't even wear the bra, so it doesn't count," you say, putting on your best pout. You know it's useless when you meet his gaze and find his pupils blown out, the warmth you're accustomed to being met with seemingly gone.

Jongseong's other hand slides up, feeling the dress under his palm, taking his time in cupping one of your tits. He's careful, almost sweet in his exploration. If his eyes didn't tell you another story, you would think the anger had evaporated out of his body. It's what tells you he's not letting you off the hook easily this time, but deep down, it's what you wanted all along.

You meet his hand with yours, smaller fingers caressing the skin of his wrist then sliding up to intertwine with his longer, thicker ones. You guide him to squeeze your chest, enamored with the way he looks at you, like you're the most beautiful piece of art he has ever laid eyes on. Like you're his and in dire need of a reminder. "It's nice right? Custom made in France."

He lets out a hum. Then, moves his hand to rest on your neck.

Your breath hitches. He barely applies any pressure, but the weight alone is enough to make you want more. You crave the fuzzy feeling that courses through your veins when you let Jongseong decide how much and when you get to breathe, the delicious lightheadedness that comes with it.

It's what gets you going, the knowledge that you could say your safe word out loud and he would drop his hand immediately. Knowing he would rush to reassure you and take care of you like he usually does. There's power in granting someone else your submission, and at the end of the day you both know it's you who is calling the shots.

You follow his hand again, pushing to get him to apply more pressure on the sides of your neck. Even when you know you're gonna let him do whatever he wants, you enjoy making him work for it.

He frowns, and you smile. You can practically guess what he's thinking: if he punishes you, he's giving you exactly what you want. But if he doesn't, he's letting you off the hook with not so much as a slap on the wrist. No matter what he does, you have already won.

Jongseong makes his choice for the night. His grip on your neck strengthens, and you wheeze when he brings his face impossibly close to yours, whiskey and mint breath fanning on your lips. There's a something in his eyes you don't think you have ever seen, the look of pure unadulterated fury. It looks much like obsession does, in the way it's icy cold and not burning hot like one would expect. It stings like dry ice, like frostbite.

He has never looked better, and your thighs move on their own, squeezing in search of relief. You bite your bottom lip to silence any sound threatening to spill out, but Jongseong sees right through you. He sees the raw lust overtaking your body even when you try to deprive him of the show.

"You enjoy pissing me off, don't you?" he asks, venom dripping past his lips. You want to kiss it off of him.

"You're—" He squeezes, and you gasp. You have to gather strength to finish your sentence. "Easy to piss off."

"I think I've heard enough from you tonight." He relents his grip on you, smoothing the wrinkled mess on your dress like he wasn't just choking you mere moments ago. "Go sit on the bed. Dress on, don't make me repeat myself."

You follow his instructions, much to your surprise, like your legs are moving on their own. Half the reason is the sternness in his voice, you can't recall a time when he has ever sounded quite like that. The other half you guess is curiosity, when it comes to punishing you, he rarely makes detours.

When you walk into your room, you find it tidy just like you left it before heading to dinner. Your side of the bed is overflowing with pillows while Jongseong's only has two. One is the pillow he uses when sleeping and the other one is heart shaped with a case printed with his favorite picture of you. You got it for him as a joke, half expecting him to laugh and then never think about it again. Instead, he treasures it like it's the most precious gift you could have ever given him, despite how poorly made it is. Even when most of the pillows on your shared bed end up on the floor during the night, he makes sure that one never does. You think if it came down to it, he would rather lay on the floor himself.

If Jongseong is pleased, he doesn't show it, because soon enough he walks into the room with two brown labeled bottles of red wine and stemmed glasses, not sparing you a single glance.

He takes his sweet time reading the back of each one, unscrewing only one bottle open. It's his way of getting back at you, making you wait. Each second that passes makes you more curious about what his next move will be, about how he is gonna punish you. Your eyes never leave his figure, his buttoned shirt doing nothing to hide how the muscles of his arms work as he untwists the cork. Your hungry gaze travels down, devouring him inch by inch, finding him already hard in his dress pants. No matter what he says, you know he enjoys this little game as much as you do.

"Can you be quicker?"

"I told you I've heard enough." The cap gives up with a pop. Finally. "No more talking unless I ask questions."

He pours a glass, then dangerously walks up to the bed where you are sat and hands it to you. "Open up."

It takes you a few seconds to comply, but ultimately, you do. You keep your gaze fixated on his as he tilts the crystal glass, pouring the bitter liquid down your throat. It stings on its way down, it paints your lips in hues of red.

When Jongseong removes the glass from your lips, you poke out your tongue to clean the mess left behind, gaining a hum of satisfaction from him. Still, it's not enough for him to voice out any praise.

He pokes his thumb into your mouth, lowering your jaw open to make sure you swallowed every last bit. The action is innocent to the untrained eye, but the execution is so charged with lust, it has you squirming on the edge of the bed. "Is the wine to your liking?"

You nod, but he quirks his head, waiting to hear you say it out loud.

"It's nice," you say, voice still rough from earlier.

"Good. That's good. I'm glad." He puts the glass down on the shelf facing the bed, right next to the bottles and the corkscrew. "Because you'll have more of it later."

He leaves you no time to process his words, grabbing a fist of your hair and pushing your face right on his crotch. The surprised gasp that leaves you is muffled against the cotton of his dress pants, and it takes you a second to understand what he wants you to do. "Stick your tongue out for me—yeah just like that."

He guides your head with his iron grip on your hair, letting you mouth at his clothed cock until his pants are soaked with your spit. It's messy and obscene, it leaves you wanting to feel his skin on your tongue, to get an actual taste. You want him to take his frustration out on your mouth, to use it like his own personal toy, and you make sure to show that to him.

"You're so dirty… look at you, so eager to please. What happened to all that attitude from earlier, mhh?"

You lick a long stripe, from the belt to the underside, putting more spit in it the lower you go, looking for any reaction.

When he bites down on his lip to keep a sigh of pleasure in, you feel emboldened enough to grab the button holding his pants together with your teeth, pulling it between them to signal him to take them off. Instead, he pulls your head off of him completely, ignoring your whines.

"Awww baby," he mocks, titling your head up. "You thought you'd get what you want so soon? You know better than that."

He undoes his belt and his pants, then leans back against the desk right behind him. "You've been such a bad, bad girl all night. I think you don't deserve to have fun yet. Am I wrong?"

"Please, I'll be good from now on." You look at him, glossy eyed. But he's way past the point of being impressed by your words. All you do with that filthy mouth of yours is lie anyway.

"We'll see about that." His shoulder relax with a sigh as he palms his cock briefly, alternating between squeezing the outline and stroking it, before dipping his hand down the waistband of his boxers. He takes it out, revealing the length to you too. It looks delicious in his hand as he gives it a few experimental pumps, the red tip glistening with accumulated precum, more abundant with each stroke. "Stay put where you are. No touching yourself until I give you permission. Understood?"

You're too lost in your own thoughts, too in awe of the sight before you to really register what Jongseong says. Your mouth waters as he works his hand around his thick girth, and you wish it could be your lips wrapping around it instead. Your hand runs down your body, still covered by the dress, looking to give yourself any sort of relief from the pressure that has built inside your belly, a feeling no amount of squeezing or grinding down on the linen bed sheets is enough to satiate any longer.

Jongseong catches you instantly, and stops moving his fist. In return, this snaps you out of your daze. "I said, no touching. Try that again and you're not cumming for a week. Yeah?"

"Yes. I'm sorry," you meekly say, snapping your hand away from your core like it burnt you. You believe him when he tells you that, because it has already happened. The first time he threatened it, you ignored it, convinced he wouldn't actually leave you dry and hanging. You learned the hard way Jongseong doesn't really take promises lightly.

"Good." He resumes his movements after ridding himself of his shirt, torso glistening under the light. He starts off slow and steady, deliberately showing off just how thick he is because he knows it's your favorite thing about his cock. It sits heavy in his hand, and every few strokes he squeezes, recreating the way your cunt clenches around him when he's buried in you to the hilt.

More than anything, it's the sounds he makes that really get to you. Jongseong's little moans and gasps might just be your favorite things in the entire world and being the one to rip them out of him is something you take pride in, it's your motivation to keep going when you're tired and spent. He sounds beautiful as he keeps jerking himself off, his hair slowly getting wetter and wetter with each movement of his arm.

The veins running down his length look fuller, and so do those on his arm. A sick part of you wants to bite down on the flesh of his biceps, leave your mark on him for everyone to see. There's no worse punishment than not being able to touch him, and after so many times he's tried to put you in your place, he might have actually cracked the code on how to get you to behave for at least a little while. Jongseong continues working on himself, his brows furrowed in pleasure and eyes closed, imagining who knows what.

It's only when he looks at you to check if you're keeping your hands to yourself, and finds you with your arms glued to your sides, eyes teary from desperation, that his movements falter. He throws his head back, stuttering through a chain of fuck fuck fucks, fist squeezing on his cock to stop himself from coming on the spot. He takes a few seconds to regain control, breathing so heavily you would think he just ran a marathon.

When he's sure he won't cum from your sight alone, he opens up his eyes again to take your disheveled form in. One of the straps of your dress fell down, and the silk got all bunched up at your waist, culprit panties on full display. Your makeup is smudged on your cheeks, but he thinks you look better like this anyway. He almost caves in.

"Come here," he says, but most of the anger and bark in his tone from earlier is just a faint accent. He's a weak man for you, unfortunately for him.

You get on all fours on the floor, literally crawling to be at his feet. He grabs your face to caress it, sweet and gentle, runs his fingers along your jawline. There is the faintest twitch of a smile on his features. He wants to cave in. "Do you know your place now, baby?"

The light hits your features in a way that almost makes you look angelic, but you're a much more devilish creature. And when you nod, the hunger in your eyes betrays you. Jongseong wants to cave in, but he doesn't.

He gives you a light slap, its sole purpose is to admonish you, not hurt. He grabs your face again, this time with more strength, and squishes your cheeks together. "But I don't think you do yet."

A hiccup leaves your lips when he lets go of his hold on you and turns to the shelf behind him, the little glimmer of hope you held out on now trampled under his foot. "Please— I'll be good, I'll listen to you from now on, I'll do any—"

Jongseong interrupts you, full glass of wine in his hand and an amused curl on his lip. "Yeah? Then prove it to me. Get to work." He lets some of the wine fall down his torso in little streams of red. It drips down his abs, the hard ridges shaping the flow of the liquid. It goes lower, and lower, and lower down his v-line and thighs.

You stare at the imagine, enamored with it, mouth watering as your eyes follow the droplets' descent down your fiance's body. You're so captivated Jongseong has to remind you to take action with another light tap on your cheek.

You lick a stripe of wine off of him, from his thigh to his pelvis, reveling in the way his leg bounces under the stimulation, under the sheer power of your sultry gaze locked on his. His Adam's apple bobbles when your tongue traces its way to his cock, red and angry from the edging he subjected himself to. You go to wrap your hand around the base of his length so you can suckle on his tip, coax more of that delicious salty precum you adore out of him, but his hand swats yours away.

"No hands, keep them behind your back. Show me how you use that mouth."

The order has you gushing in your panties, now too ruined to ever be worn again. Your thighs are slick with want, from all the wetness seeping out of your poor untouched cunt, from all the times you have clenched around nothing ever since the night started. You know the only way to cum is to follow Jongseong's orders until he's happy and satisfied with your compliance.

So you do. You bring your hands together behind your back, pretending an invisible restraint is keeping them out of the way, then bend forward to take his tip inside your mouth, giving it a few experimental sucks that have his hips stuttering to push more past your lips.

You take more in, trying your best to relax your mouth as you do so because he's so thick, but the sight of your struggle makes his throb.

"That's it. Good fucking girl. Such a good girl for me."

The praise hits you right where you need him most, and you can't possibly hold in the moan you release around his girth, the vibration making him throw his head back in pleasure.

He lets more wine dribble down his body as you work your magic on him, the liquid cold against his scorching skin. Some of it gets on your dress, staining it, and you think this might have been his plan all along.

"Aw. Look at your dress, now you won't be able to wear it anymore. What a pity," he groans. "So good, your mouth is too fucking good."

You double your efforts, and Jongseong coos at you. "Poor little thing, you wanna feel good too, don't you?" He sets the wine aside again, opting instead to push the hair out of your face so you have better access to his cock without anything getting in the way. "Wanna get a pillow to hump?"

You make a muffled sound of displeasure, and he laughs. Of course, he knows that's not what you want.

"What is it then?"

You think he's about to pull you off of him so you can speak, but he doesn't. He keeps you in place, mouth on his length right where it belongs, and instead expects you to voice your needs without a chance to breathe.

You want to tell him it's his touch that you crave, and you try your best to, but it comes out incomprehensible, a muffled jumble of sounds that don't quite hold any meaning.

"I'm sorry, couldn't hear you. Try again?"

Tears prickle your eyes, squirming in your spot, at his mercy and on your knees for him. You try again, with even worse results.

Eventually, he relents. His shoe moves, pushing under you, until it comes in contact with your dripping clothed pussy. Your reaction is immediate, a long drawn out moan at the smallest, faintest contact. He teased you for so long, you think even a brush could be enough to make you come undone. Yet, he makes you work for that too.

"Hump my shoe then, make yourself come if you want to so badly." He bends down, fist still in your hair to pull your head backwards. "But hold it until you make me cum first. After you swallow all I give you, then you get to let go. Understood?"

[harmonysanreads]

In Reca's ideal film, you'd be nothing more than a toy forced to spin at the twirls of a clockwork key ; a spectacle suspended in motion, complete allegiance to his direction, again and again in the palm of his hand. In that perfect shot, you would not rebel, fist against the surface of the screen in a plea to be leg go, no, you'd be easy to control.

“Do not be absurd, my dear! Has a bug chipped away at the film in your head? You would not survive a day away from my camera.”

The friction of his glove as it clasps onto the sinews of your arms clashes against the ricocheting waves of his voice in your ears. Cut! Cut! Cut! You need not return his stare to hear the panic reverberating through his head, just as he needs not respect a fraction of your personal space.

“My thoughts are perfectly lucid, director. I no longer wish to act under your guidance.” you push him back with a finger to his chest and he allows you to, his arms falling to his sides before rising with all the melodrama of a seasoned lunatic.

“What a way to say you wish me dead!” with a sweep, he's beside your stead.

“Have you forgotten your dream, my brightest star?” a brush of his breath against your ear, a firm grasp onto your wrist as it unfolds your hand towards the phantom of your wish, “What happened to that light that brought you to me?”

His presence, annoyingly, is as engulfing as it was the first moment you had the misfortune of meeting his acquaintance. A dwindling candle in a shadowed room, its flicker is too miniscule in comparison to the tenebrous monstrosity extending its talons towards the candle's light.

Contempt is the sole benefactor that keeps it alight, burning for a moment longer. A fruitless effort — rebelling is nothing more than running closer and closer to the dead end.

“It got snuffed out.” you tilt your head towards his pointed stare, in time to bear witness to the contractions of emotions vacillating in his eyes — building up up up before bursting forth in a supernova of laughter. Your feet nearly tangle amongst themselves as you try to move away from the disturbing sight, attempt thwarted by his insistent hand.

Reca's crackles slither to a burdened sigh, ruby eyes peek from between the crevices of the fingers of his free hand, “And, you allowed it.”

It should be incriminating for a sentence that calm to fizzle your nerves that quickly, “Non.. nonsense! It was you who clearly—”

Your heart jumps as the axis of your vision goes askance, red bleeds and paints the corners of your mind. “I did what?” the sting of his nails sinking into the flesh of your cheeks wakes you, “Come on, you can do it, love. Think. What did I do to you, clearly?”

“You... you made me into who I am today and, I can never even think of standing in front of the camera without your direction.” you heave.

“Brilliant! Just like this! If you continue performing this well, it won't be long before we can step up from these boring scenes and move onto shooting the truly heart-touching moments.” it is debatable whether your legs surrendered on their own or were forced to as the Memokeeper catches you, dragging along your limp form towards his vision.

“And when every scene has been shot, organized and edited to perfection, I'll keep it secure from everyone's grabby hands — for, this film is to be viewed by us alone.”

Hatred is the frailty of the weak, their last act of defiance before they embrace destruction. In Reca's hands, it is nothing more than a misdirection to achieve the most perfect shot, malleable to his whimsies.

[valentina-writes]

The Distance He Keeps - Part 2

Azriel x Reader

summary: Finally, you confront Azriel about why he is avoiding you. Later, you find yourself inside his mind, revealing a deep secret about your relationship (I'm really bad at summaries, it's been so long ugh)

warnings: drinking, slight hurt/no comfort, suicidal thoughts if you squint, swearing

word count: 3.4k | part 1 | part 3 | masterlist

A/N: I'm honestly so incredibly happy that so many of you liked the first part! Now, I love men who have the ability to just shut tf up, but Az brings this to a whole other level. So... uhm prepare for some frustration. I promise, he's not an asshole, just incredibly tortured. Anyways, I hope you like it and come back soon for part 3! xx

There was something drawing me towards the roof. A silent calling, a sixth sense attuned to him. Like the air was vibrating softly, showing me his direction. It had been a week since the dinner, since I had last seen him. But still, I was sure that this was new. Maybe I was going insane. It wouldn't surprise me.

I stepped outside onto the small roof terrace. It was near midnight, the sky above Night Court seemingly endless. Millions of stars twinkled down on me; I would never quite get used to the beauty of the nights here. A cool summer breeze hit me and the humming of Velaris reached my ears, the sounds of countless people moving through the streets. But I hardly noticed any of that.

Because there, sitting on one of the two chairs that barely fit on the tiny terrace, was Azriel. His shoulders were tense, his wings half unfolded as if he was about to lurch out of his seat and into the night. His shadows stayed close to him, as if they were trying to guard him. Aloofness was not rare to him, but vigilance like this, I had never seen on him at home.

How do I start? I asked myself. What do I even say? ‘Hey, you’ve been ignoring me and I miss you and I’m in love with you, please come back and stop this bullshit’? How pathetic. I had no plan. The past nights, I had tossed and turned in my bed, imagining our encounter. The only conclusion I had come to was that whatever I’d say, it couldn’t possibly get any worse. Hopefully.

"Don't mind me, I'm leaving in a second", he spoke out, still not turning around. His posture stayed rigid. There was no other indication of him noticing your presence.

Without thinking, I countered: "Oh, so now you're speaking again?". Azriel’s neck tensed. That came out a little meaner than anticipated.

He sighed. "Maybe".

I took the few steps to the other chair and slid into it. Hesitantly, I turned my head towards him. He still wouldn't meet my eyes. Azriel looked tired, his eyes half closed with bags underneath them. His long fingers were clenched around the armrests of his chair. It was evident that he was severely unwell. How long had this been going on for? Maybe I should have pressed harder when he started ignoring me, I realized, and not folded in on myself.

For a while, we sat in silence while I studied him. Then I couldn't bear it anymore. I swallowed the anxiety that had welled up inside me for weeks, tried to calm my flaying nerves. "What is going on, Az, are you okay? Please, we can talk about whatever happened. I miss you”, I pleaded, the last words only a whisper. I quickly shut my mouth before more words could escape my lips. Come back, I thought, come back to me.

The muscles in his jaw tensed and he dropped his head into his hands. "Don't say that. Don't make it harder than it already is".

Desperation grew inside of me. Even if he did not love me back, I would not bury our friendship without at least putting up a fight. “We can work it out. Whatever it is, we can face it together”.

His face twisted in a pained expression. “Cauldron boil me, I wish it were that easy”

"Is this about starfall?", I asked. Finally, our gazes met. Azriel looked defeated. "So it is?". He didn't deny it, so I assumed I was correct. "You're embarrassed at what happend, or what? Do you want to take back what you did and said? Is it because you're scared?". The shadows drew in closer around him, pooling around his chest and neck, as if to guard him.

His voice was agonized when he replied: "You don't understand. You just don't understand and I can't even be mad at you. But I can't be around you like this". Azriel had always been a man of few words, but frustration hit you hard. Why couldn't he give you at least some insight? "Then fucking explain it to me, Az! I can't take this anymore."

There was no hesitation in his voice this time. "Maybe I shouldn't have kissed you."

This felt like a blow to my stomach. All air was knocked right out of me. This day was the happiest I had been in years. I thought about it before falling asleep, in the bathtub and over breakfast. Again and again, I replayed this moment to make sure I hadn't made it up, to hold onto it. And now he was destroying it, crushing it, with a single sentence. Tears welled up in my eyes and I fought to not let them roll.

I hated myself for the crack of my voice, when I asked: "Was it that horrible? Did I disgust you much that you can't even look at me anymore?". Even if he didn't love me -

"Don't you ever think about yourself like that", he practically growled, "you, out of all people, have no business believing that". He was angry now, as if he couldn't even understand how I could think that. His words confused me. One second he said he shouldn't have kissed me and now this?

"Then what is it, Az? What happened to 'I will always find you'? Talk to me please. Make me understand", I begged. My hand reached out to thread through his fingers, but he escaped my grasp, stood up and leaned against the terrace fence.

There was a long pause. I almost thought he wouldn't answer. Then, quietly, almost desparately: "Can't you feel it?"

What did he mean? Why did he always have to be so cryptic? "I feel that you're drifting away from me and I can't get ahold of you. LIke I'm reaching out and begging and with every try, you float further away".

His hands gripped the banister so tightly his knuckles turned white and a sad smile crossed his face. "That's how I feel about you as well."

"What did I do wrong? Please. I'm right here, you're not losing me". I would plead on my knees before letting go. There was nothing I wouldn't do to get him back. Even if he regretted the kiss, I would not lose my best friend. My better half.

When he glanced back at me, the look in his eyes broke me. The spark in them was gone, the glint I had come to love dimmed. "You didn't do anything wrong. It's not your fault". The sadness seeped out of him, his shadows now concealing almost every part of him, except for his face. I had never seen him like this. "Please, give me some space. I - I'll tell you. Just this once, please". Without waiting for my answer, he jumped over the low fencing around the rooftop terrace and flew into the night. And left me alone with my thoughts. Only then did my tears start to run.

How did it go?

Fuck off, Rhysand

I woke up in the middle of the night, my throat dry, my heart hammering.

"Well, what the fuck am I supposed to do?"

The words that left my mouth weren't my own. Neither was my voice. What was going on? I still felt half asleep.

"I thought Y/N would figure it out herself. It was so painfully obvious in her memories, but she just didn't connect the dots. Pretty ironic considering her job". I couldn't focus on my surroundings, still only half conscious. All I could register were the big violet eyes staring at me.

Anger flared up at the other person's words, but it wasn't mine. I could feel it, but it was somehow...foreign. Rhys was talking to me, I realized. But it wasn't me, really. The body I was in was taller, the angle I saw everything from was wrong. And the hands that were brought up to sweep the stray hairs out of my eyes were tan, scarred and surrounded by shadows. I was inside Azriel's mind. Suddenly, I was wide awake. Why was I here? How did I even get into this situation?

"What was she thinking about?", Azriel asked. Rhysand gave me - no - Azriel a long look. Azriel was back at the townhouse and they were speaking about my previous talk with Rhys, it seemed. Curiosity took over the confusion within me. I longed to know what Azriel would say about me. Would he tell Rhys the reason for his behavior?

"I think you know. I'm not telling you. She screamed bloody murder at me that I had violated her thoughts like that". Disappointment lapped at me from within him. But there was something else entirely, too. Affection. Concern.

There was a long pause. Azriel started pacing the room. "You could make her some food", Rhys offered, "That should clear it up. Apart from the rather obvious method". Az' wings rustled behind him. He was uncomfortable. Blurry images of our entwined bodies came into his mind. They came and went fast, he quickly shoved each one away behind thick barriers. What did that mean?

"I'm not going to force her like that. She should decide for herself. And the "obvious method" as you called it, is not really an option to me right now". An image of me, naked in his bed blazed through his mental shields. By the Mother, what were they talking about? He breathed in deeply and vanished this product of his imagination. I grew restless. Why was he thinking about me like this, when only a few hours ago he had made very clear that he didn't even want to think about the kiss? Did he lie to me?

Azriel started pacing. His mind was racing. Shards of conversations with me came flying from his thoughts into my own. Dozens of made-up scenarios of him iniciating conversations that ended with me rejecting him. Which was weird, because why would I-

Rhy interrupted my - our thoughts: "Can you feel her? As her mate you should be able to have some insight into her mind".

All thoughts left my mind. Mate mate mate mate mate mate mate echoed through me. Azriel was my mate. My whole worldview shifted as I thought about our last conversation. Why didn't he just tell me? Somewhere far away from here I felt the blood rushing through my veins, my heart hammering against my ribcage. Mate.

"Not really, so far. Every now and then I can feel something, but hearing her thoughts or even seeing them... that only happened once". I longed to see what he had seen, but he had regained his composure. There was nothing slipping past his wards. A million questions raced through my head. Why couldn't I feel the bond? And since when did he know about this?

"Can I have a look? Maybe I can feel around and find out what the problem is", Rhys offered.

I felt him before I could withdraw from Azriel's mind. I didn't even know how to withdraw. Where was the path back to myself? Where did Azriel end and I begin? How had I even ended up here? I didn't know.

Soft claws stroked my consciousness - no, Azriel's. It felt nearly the same. Rhys dived into Azriel's brain, pulling me down into his thoughts with him, and sifted through memories, feelings, everything Az would let him see. Big parts of his brain were walled in, impenetrable.

Something here is different. He carefully dove through Az' brain and before I knew it, his invisible claws were stroking at my own walls. Interesting. Until he found what he was looking for. A tiny, softly glowing, thread, bound tightly to my thoughts, winding straight into the heart of Azriel's sectioned-off memories.

Go back, and for Cauldron's sake, talk to him, Rhys purred at me.

Azriel POV

I would never get used to the feeling of my brother combing through my brain, even after over 600 years. He was gentle and respected the heavy wards I had built over time, protecting my most vulnerable memories. The size of the walled-in part had grown considerably over the past years. But he was kind enough not to comment on that. Rhys moved along the outskirts of my brain until I could barely feel him anymore. But he was still there, somewhere. Somewhere... foreign. At the edges of my consciousness, a claw hit heavy walls. Walls that weren't my own. And then: a claw lightly stroking a thread that was welded to the essence of my being. A mating bond. Thin and fickle, not yet accepted. But it was there. And that meant that on the other side, behind thick walls... was her.

"Did you feel that?", Rhys asked after he withdrew from my mind. My shadows swirled around me, as if they had sensed something as well. They seemed elated, tugging at my hands and wings to get me moving.

"Yes", I breathed out, "thank you ". The smallest spark of hope ignited within me. I quickly shut it down. If it hadn't snapped for her yet, who was to say it ever would?

"The bond is most definitely not one-sided", Rhys explained, "I could feel her on the other side, but it has not fully snapped. Maybe because you've known each other for so long. What happened after you kissed at starfall? Maybe it takes a little more... closure.", he winked, sporting a wicked grin.

A low growl escaped my lips. He had no business thinking about my mate like this. She was my mate. Mine. The half-finished bond inside me flared up at his words, roaring with anger over his insinuation. If he ever so much as thought of her like this again, I would-

"Easy, man. Remind me to grant you a long vacation after you mate fully. You’re in desperate need of a good fuck". I breathed in deeply, trying not to tackle him to the ground.

It took all of my willpower to stay calm. "Can I stay here tonight?". There was no way I could sleep next door to her tonight.

"Always".

I left him there, went to the room I sometimes shared with Cassian and dropped onto my bed. As I stared at the dark ceiling, my thoughts circled back to another night.

I was drunk off her. She was beautiful everyday, I could barely take my eyes off her when she wore pajamas at breakfast. But today was a wholly different calibre. The dress she was wearing perfectly accentuated her eyes, and the glitter in her hair made her sparkle like she was a star herself.

"I will find you, no matter where. I promise". The words left my lips before I could think them through. She was too close to me. I had one glass of wine too much. Or maybe I was just sick of pretending.

"And I will find you", she replied. Her lips were slightly opened, the look in her eyes so vulnerable. A mirror of my own feelings. My shadows tugged at my suit's lapels, their whispers in my ears were delighted. This was it, the moment I had been waiting on forever.

Without my doing, my wings unfolded around her, shielding us off from the world around us. A breath later we were outside on a vacant balcony.

My ringed fingers shook slightly as I brought them up to her cheeks, cradling her face. Starlight reflected in her beautiful eyes and I wished I could drown in them. Her hands drew me in closer, her eyes closed. "Az - I...", she whispered.

Before I knew it, my lips touched hers. They were velvet on mine. Her hands threaded into the hair at the nape of my neck and she arched upwards. The only thought on my mind was her name, repeating like a prayer, while my lips moved softly on hers. Slowly, savoring every second, I parted her lips with my tongue. The moment our tongues touched, it was like a spark had been ignited inside me. A white hot feeling rushed through my veins and reflexively I moaned into her and pulled her closer. It was like a supernova inside me. Like something that had been missing from me my entire life was crafted with enormous force. And then I felt her. Her desire and wanting crashed down on me, amplified my own. My mate.

My knees threatened to buckle and the shadows swirled around her in ecstasy, threading through her hair, touching her arms and face.

And then the kiss ended and reality came crushing down on me with a force that knocked the wind out of my lungs.

She looked happy. Nothing more. There was no sign that she felt what I felt. No recognition that the Cauldron hat just welded our souls together, fused our entire beings into one. All my hopes shattered. My insides turned to ice and for a split second I wished I were dead.

Internally, I tried to reach out to her and tug at the string binding us together. But it was too thin, too unstable. There was no way for me to get ahold of it. Everytime I reached for it, it slipped from my grasp. I drew her into a hug to keep from breaking apart. But it was of no use. My hands started shaking against her back and my breath caught in my throat. I needed to go.

I pressed a kiss onto her forehead, before I withdrew from her embrace. Mumbling an excuse I barely registered, I forced myself to turn around and leave. With every step I took, I could feel my soul shattering into more and more pieces. In my room, I ripped my suit jacket off and threw it in a corner, didn't even bother to unbutton my shirt and instead tore it in two and threw it right after the jacket. I could still taste and feel her on my lips. In hopes of ridding myself of it, I tried to wipe her off of them. My hands came back red with lipstick.

The bond, still fresh, pulsed inside me and I felt her everywhere. Hell, I saw her in her mirror, through her own eyes, pulling off her dress and getting ready for bed, only a door away. I felt how tired she was, how happy she was. How fucking unaware she was that she was now the center of my world.

My shadows escaped from me, slithered underneath the door. They were agitated, longing for her as much as I was. Now, I felt how they pooled against her door, begging to be let in. I had just enough power over them to stop them from rushing into her room.

There was only one thing that would help now. I dug through my dresser. Mindlessly, I threw everything in my way into a pile on the floor. Until I found what I was looking for. A sinfully expensive bottle of very strong alcohol Cass had gifted me for solstice. Without thinking, I uncorked the flask with my teeth and drank until I gasped for air. And then I drank again. Anything to dull the ache inside me. The ache for her. Until I wouldn’t care anymore.

What a fucking mess. She was one of the few truly good things in my life and now that had been stolen from me too. Sometimes I felt like my life was one big single joke. No matter what, I never got what I wanted. I longed and pleaded and burned, but not once had life been playing fair with me. Maybe that was my curse. To give and give and never get anything in return.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I could hear the voice of my father, long gone. Did you really think you deserved her? You are nothing, boy. And I knew he was right. How blind I was to believe that I was good enough for her. How fucking naïve.

There was nothing I could do. The bond ached inside me, mocking me for my delusions. I laid down and hoped the world would go away.

series taglist: @tele86 @francesababyd0ll @rcarbo1 @willowpains @i-am--infinite @paintedbyshadows @mellowmusings @ashduv

[eepy-cookies]

Characters: Shadow Milk Cookie x G/N! Reader Content Warning: Angst, Hurt/Comfort Spoilers for Beast-Yeast episode 8 of the finale Disclaimer: If the characters are ooc, remember that this is made for fun. (ngl its been a while since I type a fanfic, but I am still rusty on that so bear with me, plus I found a post on twitter that SMC could also be Blue Moon Cookie but its just a guess.)

After the defeat of the jester that got away...

There was a memory in the distant past, WAY before he himself was created. Surely you have heard the tale of the first five cookies that were made before they become the beast cookies, a cookie one of the beast fell in love but...

The witches had to hide a terrible secret that if a cookie has the most missing incomplete ingredients, that said cookie is sick and cannot live until old age.

??? Cookie: "Um... Are you sure that there is a way to create a cure?"

??? Cookie: "There is a possibility I believe, as a fount of knowledge I will find the cure. But if I kindly ask"

(I remember the first meeting we have (Y/N) Cookie, it pains me to know this...)

That unfortunate cookie named (Y/N) Cookie has an incurable illness, due to the Witch's mistake, The Fount of Knowledge was desperate to find the cure for (Y/N) Cookie, the very first friend who greeted the pre-corrupted beast in a kingdom that was now long gone. One of them falls for that unfortunate cookie, their kindness, patience, and confidence they had charmed him even if he was at his lowest. He knew the pain in the future and yet, he yearned for more.

They both get along well, it was peaceful for them. He never felt any happier just being by their side, but not all happiness last much longer.

One day he was about to give (Y/N) Cookie a gift, a love letter that will never be opened and read.

???: "(Y/N) COOKIE?!" ???: "PLEASE WAKE UP!"

He stood there shocked, (Y/N) Cookie was on the floor struggling to get up. He knew (Y/N) Cookie was sick and yet their own health is getting worse by the minute, in a act of desperation he decided to look further into knowledge casting a spell on (Y/N) Cookie to keep their health in check, but as the years go by madness took hold of him and decided to cast a spell on them.

???: "My love...I am sorry...."

Madness CLEARLY took a hold of him.

Shadow Milk Cookie: "I can't afford to lose you! So I will make you as one of my puppets! Hehehe... HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!"

And yet...

Tears fell from his face, he drops down to his knees leaning closer to them.

He can't do it.

He can't harm the one he love dearly.

Leaving only behind a kiss on the forehead, and the unread love letter in their hands. He casted the spell that would last much longer in hopes to find a cure while he is away. After all he will just lie to himself that he killed them, it's no big deal.

----

Pure Vanilla Cookie: This must be the place.

Wizard Cookie: A coffin? Why this place?

Gingerbrave Cookie: !!! Look a cookie is inside!

Strawberry Cookie: Are they...still breathing?!

Pure Vanilla Cookie watch as the sleeping (Y/N) remained in the coffin, sleeping peacefully. To which he now understands why Shadow Milk Cookie was trying to preserve some of his energy, casting a life lasting spell was taking a toll on him even if he was sealed.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: I hope this spell allowed you to wake up...

With no other explanation another spell was casted, pure healing magic was casting on (Y/N) Cookie. Pure Vanilla Cookie witnessed this tragic memory, and yet he had to secretly admit, he is evil but his capability of magic was greater far from what he had imagined.

But all that's left was silence, and yet...

Everyone: !!!

??? Cookie: ...W....Wh....

Gingerbrave Cookie: Look their awake!

Pure Vanilla Cookie: (Y/N) Cookie..... are you awake?

(Y/N) Cookie: ...H...hung.....r..y...

Strawberry Cookie quickly pull out an extra supply of royal bear jellies and gently feed (Y/N) Cookie as the others watch in concern. In the corner of Pure Vanilla Cookie's soul jam they aren't the only ones who witness a miracle that was tragic yet so real.

---

Arriving at a safe in (Y/N) Cookie was put on a wheel chair carefully eating the jelly soup one of the cookies made, they themselves were confused knowing that they would pass on and yet here they are somehow alive, still sick but still living, as if someone was carrying the burden off from their shoulders.

(Y/N) Cookie looked at the letter that they kept and had not opened and kept it close to them at all times. They need to know what happen, what year is it, and most importantly...where are their only friends?

...

..

.

That night when everyone is asleep, (Y/N) Cookie wheeled their way to the balcony watching the stars holding the letter close to their chest. Wondering where did their friend go, glancing at the letter that was remained fresh despite how many years has passed. They opened the letter carefully just to give it a read.

But before they can actually read it...

??? Cookie: ...(Y../N) Cookie?"

That recognizable voice from behind, (Y/N) Cookie looked to see that what was once the one they knew was in a different appearance of a jester. They were supposed to feel fear and yet...

(Y/N) Cookie: ...Are...you.... Blue Moon / Blueberry Milk Cookie?

He walked closer to see if they are actually alive, (Y/N) is still sick but cannot walk properly. Their hands reached out to him, gently touching his cheek. His face was unreadable and yet...

Shadow Milk Cookie: Are you....awake? (Y/N) Cookie?

There was no voice is mischief or anything, just pure vulnerable voice he has left of them. (Y/N) Cookie nodded as he kneel on the ground gently yet carefully hugging (Y/N) Cookie hiding his face to their chest. (Y/N) Cookie gently hugged him back remembering the usual scent that they personally love.

His own body shaking which (Y/N) was crying in turn, wondering to themselves what happened to him when they are asleep for SO very long?

[beloveds-embrace]

(Poly mercenaries 141 x princess reader, time loop au

Masterlist | Part One | Part Two | Part Three)

The night stretched out before you, dark and endless, the sky yawning open like the mouth of a beast, its hungry maw swallowing the stars of ypur hope and happiness one by one. Clouds rolled in thick and heavy, smothering the moon in a suffocating embrace, leaving only the barest slivers of silver to carve shadows across the battlements. The wind howled, a low, keening thing that wound through the stone corridors like a mourning mother, wailing for something long lost.

Except there was no mother to cradle nor mourn you, and instead, you were left longing for an embrace you had only dreamed about.

You stood at the edge of it all, hands curled around the frozen parapet, your fingers numb where they gripped the crumbling stone. The cold bit at your skin, but you barely felt it. There was something else pressing against your ribs, something deeper, heavier, clawing at your insides like it wanted out.

You wanted to scream. You wanted to tear at your own chest, to crack open your ribs and let it spill out, let it bleed into the night, let it take you with it.

Instead, you just stood there. Silent. Watching the darkness stretch out in front of you, a vast nothingness where the horizon should be.

My fate…

Ghost found you like that, his footsteps swallowed by the wind, a phantom emerging from the night as if the darkness itself had conjured him.

You didn’t turn. You didn’t have to. His presence was a weight at your side, solid and unshakable, something that should have been comforting but only made the knot in your chest pull tighter.

There is no saving hand to pull me out of this nightmare.

“What do you want?” Your voice barely carried over the wind, brittle and worn, as if speaking was just another burden you had to bear.

“To talk.” He said simply, after a few seconds of letting the silence hang.

A sharp, humorless laugh scraped its way up your throat. It was a jagged, broken thing, brittle as the ice forming in the cracks of the stone beneath your palms. “What could we possibly talk about?”

Ghost didn’t answer right away. He didn’t need to. He just stood there, watching you with the same quiet intensity that had always unsettled you, like he could see past skin and sinew, past bone and blood, down to whatever ugly, raw thing was buried inside you.

“The weight you’re carrying,” he said at last. “I know what it’s like.”

Your fingers dug deeper into the stone, nails scraping against the frost. A thousand memories clawed at you from the depths of your mind, hands reaching, grasping, dragging you under. You swallowed hard against the rising tide, against the pressure building behind your ribs, against the suffocating knowledge of what was coming. What will always come.

“No, you don’t.” Your voice was hoarse, edged with something dangerously close to desperation. “You don’t know anything about me.”

Ghost turned his head, the faint glint of moonlight catching on the bone-white of his mask. Dark and fathomless eyes locked onto yours.

“No,” he admitted with a heavy sigh, a boulder letting tiny pebbles roll off it. “But I know what it’s like to feel trapped. To carry something so heavy it feels like it’s crushing you from the inside out.”

The words hit you like a blacksmith’s hammer to glass, and for a moment, you couldn’t breathe.

Your pulse thrummed in your throat, uneven and frantic.

“…And how do you manage it?”

A long silence stretched between you, thick as smoke, suffocating in its weight.

When he finally spoke, his voice was rough, low. “You don’t,” he huffed. “Not really. But it’s easier when someone knows it’s there.”

The breath you had been holding left you in a quiet, shuddering exhale.

Something inside you cracked. A fault line splitting open, raw and bleeding, a wound too deep to ever truly heal.

You turned away before he could see the tremor in your hands, not answering him. Yet you did not pull away from the heavy hand that settled on your lower back.

The next day, the training yard pulsed with the sound of combat, the sharp clash of steel on steel echoing against the stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and sweat, torches flickering like fireflies in the encroaching dusk.

You had not expected Soap to drag you here- his grip firm but not forceful, his expression unreadable save for the glint of something dangerously playful in his eyes. He pressed a wooden sword into your hands as if he expected it to be an extension of your own body.

“Ye need to let off some steam, lass,” he had said, his grin sharp as a whetted blade. “Let’s see what ye’ve got.”

You scowled down at the weapon, turning it over in your grasp as if it were foreign to you. In truth, it wasn’t. Kyle had made sure of that.

“This is ridiculous.”

“Humor me.”

Then, without warning, he lunged.

Your body reacted before your mind could catch up. The sword snapped up to meet his strike with a crack that rang through your bones, the force of it reverberating up your arm.

“Johnny-“

“Focus.”

His voice was low, edged with something almost serious beneath the usual lilt of mischief. He moved with the ease of a man who had long ago turned battle into a dance, each step precise, effortless, meant to lure you into his rhythm.

But Kyle had taught you better than that.

Soap pressed forward, relentless in his pursuit, his strikes calculated- each one meant to chip away at your defenses, to pull you from the depths of your own mind and into the present moment. And for a while, it worked. The world shrank down to the space between you, to the swift parry of blades and the hurried breath leaving your lungs.

He was fast. But you had learned patience.

A feint, a sidestep- his sword arced just wide enough for you to slip past him, your movements honed from nights spent training in the shadows where no one could see your failures. Kyle’s voice echoed in your memory, steady and instructive.

“Wait for the opening. Someone will overextend. Someone always does.”

And then-

Soap slipped.

Just barely. A misstep, a fraction of imbalance, but it was enough. You pivoted on your heel, catching him off guard as you drove the wooden blade forward in a strike that should have been impossible for someone with your supposed lack of experience.

He fell.

Not hard, not gracelessly- just enough to land sprawled in the dirt, a stunned laugh escaping his lips before he could stop it. His sword clattered beside him, momentarily forgotten.

The sight was so absurd, so unexpected, that something in you cracked- an uncontrollable, sharp bark of laughter tearing itself from your throat. Not the polite, measured sound you had been trained to offer at courtly affairs, nor the brittle, hollow one you used when masking your fear.

A real laugh.

Raw and nguarded- like the first breath after drowning.

Soap lay there for a moment, blinking up at you, his expression shifting from shock to something unreadable. Then he grinned, wide and victorious, as if he had won something far greater than a simple sparring match despite losing.

“There she is,” he said, voice warm and undeniably fond. “Thought I’d lost ye for a moment.”

The words struck something deep within you, a place untouched by kindness for longer than you cared to admit. Your laughter faded, the sound slipping through your fingers like sand.

Because for a brief second, you had forgotten.

Forgotten the weight of inevitability pressing against your ribs, the slow march toward your own doom. Forgotten that no matter how much warmth you found here, no matter how much these men made you feel something other than fear-

The noose was already waiting.

The library was a sanctuary of forgotten knowledge, steeped in the scent of parchment, ink, and candle wax. The towering shelves stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, their wooden spines whispering secrets of eras long past. It was the kind of place that felt untouched by the chaos outside its doors- unmoving, unwavering, eternal.

But you knew better. Even the strongest walls crumbled eventually.

Gaz sat hunched over a heavy wooden table, surrounded by a fortress of books and scattered documents. The candlelight cast flickering shadows across his face, highlighting the deep furrow in his brow, the quiet intensity in his eyes. His fingers traced over lines of text with purpose, as if the answer to everything lay buried within ink-stained pages.

“Still at it?” You murmured from the doorway, reluctant to step inside and disturb the peace- as if your presence alone is an unwelcome blight.

He looked up, startled at first, but his expression softened the moment he saw you. There was exhaustion in the curve of his mouth, but warmth, too- a small, steadfast thing you wished to cling to.

“Someone has to figure this out.”

Your stomach twisted. He was still searching for a way to fix things, to find the root of the rot before it consumed everything. You had known he wouldn’t give up easily, but seeing him like this- dedicated, determined, unrelenting- it was almost too much to bear.

You weren’t worth the effort.

You stepped inside, the floorboards groaning under your hesitant weight. The room felt too still, too safe. It was an illusion, just like everything else.

“And if it’s too late?” you asked quietly, not sure if you wanted to hear the answer.

Gaz didn’t even hesitate.

“It won’t be.”

His certainty twisted something sharp and aching in your chest. “I don’t know how you do it,” you whispered after a moment of stillness. “Hold onto hope.”

For a moment, he just looked at you. Not with pity, not with doubt- just quiet understanding. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, unwavering.

“Because someone has to.”

He reached for another parchment, but as he did, his fingers brushed against yours. The touch was fleeting, barely there, but it was enough. Enough to steal the breath from your lungs, to send a shiver through your bones.

Gaz didn’t pull away immediately. His eyes searched yours, something unspoken lingering between you.

“I promised I’d stand by you,” he said, quieter now, as if the words carried more weight in the hush of the library. “No matter what.”

Your breath hitched.

No matter what.

But he didn’t understand- none of them did.

Because when the time came, when the accusations struck like a blade to the gut, they would have no choice but to watch you die.

You swallowed hard, forcing the thought away, forcing yourself to focus on something else- anything else. Your gaze flickered to the mess of papers spread across the table, the careful notes he had scribbled in the margins. Names. Dates. Rumors.

He wasn’t just trying to stop what was coming.

He was hunting for the source.

“You’re searching for the ones who started the rumors.” You murmured, not a question, but an understanding.

Gaz nodded, pushing a book toward you. His handwriting marked the page, sharp and precise.

“Someone planted them carefully,” he said, low and angry. “The accusations, the whispers of treason, the claims that you’re planning to overthrow the king- it didn’t spread on its own. Someone wanted this to happen.”

You swallowed, the bile rising in your throat. As if you didn’t know- though you wondered, distantly, if they were the same people who might have thrown you into this cruel loop.

“And?”

He sighed, raking a hand over his face. “And they’re careful. Too careful. Most rumors start with someone- some courtier, some servant, someone who benefits from the chaos. But this? It’s like chasing smoke. Every trail leads to nothing.”

A chill curled down your spine.

“Then maybe that’s the point.” You said softly.

Gaz’s jaw tightened. He had thought the same thing.

“It’s deliberate,” he agreed. “Someone in the castle wants you to fall. And they’ve been planning it for a long time.”

The weight of his words pressed against your ribs, heavy and suffocating.

For all his searching, for all his determination, he didn’t see it- he didn’t realize that the trap had already been set.

That it was already too late.

(Yet despite that, you know that he would not stop even if he had known. And so you left and returned, bringing back a cup of tea for him. He deserved far more- but this was all you could do.)

Another day, it was Price who came to you in the garden.

The gardens that were a graveyard of wilted roses.

Once, this place had been a sanctuary. In the warmer months, the air had been thick with the scent of fresh blooms, petals kissed by sunlight, the gentle hum of bees floating lazily between flowers. You used to come here to breathe, to exist in a world that did not demand anything from you. But now-

Now, everything was withering.

The frost had crept in, coiling its fingers around every living thing, stealing the color from the world. The roses were brittle and shriveled, their once-soft petals curling in on themselves like dying embers. When you reached out, brushing your fingers along one, it crumbled at the barest touch, disintegrating into dust, carried away by the wind.

How fitting.

Price found you there, his heavy coat drawn tightly around him, boots crunching softly against the frost-kissed ground. His presence was a steady weight in the silence, solid and unshakable, but even that couldn’t chase away the cold sinking into your bones.

“You shouldn’t be out here.”

His voice was soft rumble, edged with something worn and knowing.

You didn’t look at him. Didn’t lift your gaze from the dying flowers. “Does it matter?”

“It matters.”

Two words, simple and certain. Two words that made something in your chest ache.

A bitter laugh curled from your lips, barely more than a breath of sound. “I’m tired, Price.”

Not just from lack of sleep, though that, too, gnawed at you. It was deeper than that. A tiredness that sat in your marrow, that wrapped itself around your ribs and squeezed until you could barely breathe. The kind of exhaustion that came from carrying something too heavy for too long.

Price sighed, stepping closer. His coat was pulled tightly around him, his breath misting in the cold air, but the warmth of him was unmistakable. “I know,” he murmured. “But you don’t have to do this alone.”

For the first time, you turned to him.

And for the first time, you let him see.

The dark circles beneath your eyes were deep into your skin, your face drawn and hollowed out by something more than just sleepless nights. You had always been quieter than others, but now there was a distant, almost vacant look in your eyes- like you were already halfway to somewhere else, somewhere no one could follow and they couldn’t pull you back from. A ghost walking among the living.

Price’s gaze swept over you, his expression tightening. Concern. Worry. Something sharper and heavier.

“I don’t… really have a choice.”

His jaw tensed, fingers curling into fists at his sides. “There’s always a choice.”

But not for you.

Not for the girl cursed to die over and over again.

Not for the traitor they were about to name.

And still- they didn’t know.

They felt it, though. In the way your already rare laughter had faded into something thin and distant. In the way your silences stretched longer, heavier, pressing down on the spaces between conversations. In the way your shoulders had begun to bow under the weight of something unseen.

They were worried.

Gaz had been watching you with sharp, searching eyes, digging through more books and newspapers, speaking in hushed tones, chasing whispers of something that was already too close to stop. Soap had tried- tried so hard- to drag you back into the present, to make you laugh, to remind you how to live. Even Ghost, so often a shadow himself, had begun hovering a little too close, studying you with a quiet intensity that made your breath hitch.

Still, they didn’t know what was coming.

They only knew that you were slipping.

Price was still watching you, his eyes dark with something unreadable. And then-

Warmth.

He didn’t pull you in abruptly. He wasn’t forceful. He just opened his arms slightly, a silent offering. And when you stepped forward, when you let yourself fall into him, he held you.

Strong, steady arms wrapped around you, anchoring you in a world that had long since started to unravel. His coat smelled like smoke and leather, the comforting scent of something unwavering, and you couldn’t bring yourself to stop the tears that rolled down your face. He didn’t speak, didn’t tell you it would be okay- because maybe he knew.

Maybe he felt it, too.

That this moment, this warmth, this small reprieve-

-was all you would get.

And then the dreaded day came, falling like a heavy stone in a well.

The throne room was suffocating.

The air pressed down on you like a vice, thick with the sickly-sweet scent of burning candles and the cloying perfume of the nobles. Their whispers slithered through the silence, a chorus of hissing snakes, their words curling around your throat like a noose.

You knew this moment.

You had lived it before, a thousand times over, the script written in blood and fate. You had stood here before- countless times, in countless lives, wearing different faces, speaking different words. But it always ended the same. But knowing did not make it easier. Knowing did not stop the cold, skeletal hand of terror from clawing up your spine, did not stop your breath from shattering into uneven fragments in your chest.

The king sat upon his throne, a figure carved from cold authority. His gaze, never once kind, now bore into you with something so unbelievably cruel. And then-

“You stand accused of treason.”

The words struck like a blade, slicing through flesh, through bone, through soul.

A violent shudder wracked through you. The world tipped, spun- became too loud and too quiet all at once.

“No-“

Your voice barely made it past your lips, hoarse and broken, a dying thing gasping for air. Your vision blurred, the candlelight smearing into gold and red, into something awful and wrong.

This couldn’t be happening.

Not again.

Not again.

(Please.)

You staggered back a step, heart hammering against your ribs like a caged animal, panic flooding your veins like poison. Every breath burned, sharp and ragged, too shallow, too fast, as if your lungs had forgotten how to work. You knew it would come and yet-

Please, no-

They were there, as well.

Price stood frozen, his broad frame locked in rigid tension, eyes dark as storm-tossed seas. His jaw clenched so tightly you swore you heard his teeth grind, his hands curling into fists so tight they trembled.

Soap was shaking his head, disbelief flashing across his face, lips parting like he wanted to speak, to demand an explanation, to fix this-

Beside him, Gaz’s brows had furrowed, horror flickering over his features before morphing into something darker. His gaze darted around the room, searching for the why, searching for the who, searching for the lie. Searching for the moment where everything had gone wrong, where he could still undo it.

And Ghost had gone still.

Not just physically, but something deeper- something inside him had frozen over, locked tight behind the bone-white mask. His hands flexed at his sides, fingers twitching, as if fighting the urge to grab a weapon, to intervene.

But they couldn’t.

No one could.

The horror clawed at your chest, cold and unrelenting. Your stomach lurched, bile rising in your throat. Your legs wanted to give out beneath you, but you forced yourself to stand.

“Please.” You whispered, but you didn’t even know who you were begging.

But before you could get more than that single word out, the guards stepped forward and cold, unyielding hands seized your arms. Chains closed around your wrists, and metal bit into your skin, heavy and final.

“No-“

Something inside you broke anew.

The breath fled from your lungs in a shattered, strangled sob. The weight of it- the steel, the accusation, the fate you could never outrun- crushed you, suffocating, drowning.

You thrashed before you could stop yourself, instinct taking over, panic overriding thought. Your body moved on its own, jerking, twisting, trying to escape, but the hands held firm.

“Don’t do this- please-“

The fear in your voice was raw, desperate, but the words fell on deaf ears.

No one spoke, and no one moved.

You turned, wild-eyed, to your mercenaries- please, please, please-

But the realization was already sinking in, slow and heavy as death itself.

There was nothing they could do.

Your knees buckled, but the guards held you up and began dragging you forward.

You gasped, sucking in a breath that never quite reached your lungs. Your fingers curled into fists, nails biting into your palms as your body trembled violently, the panic like hands around your tender throat.

You knew what would come next.

You knew the pain, the blood-

You knew the ending. And still-

“I don’t want to die.”

The words escaped in a whisper, barely more than a breath, a fragile, broken thing lost in the vast, unfeeling void of the throne room.

No one answered.

The chains pulled you forward.

And in that moment, as the weight of a thousand past lives bore down upon you, as your mercenaries looked on in disbelief and fury-

You knew.

It was already too late.