#after much searching and deliberation i settled on this gif

[councillor-roland]

For a moment, Roland though (or perhaps he just hoped) the distraction had worked. Undoubtedly it would be fairly short term, even if they got as caught up in each other as they were wont to do they would have to part eventually and Rhys had eyes, he'd see the damage. Still, Roland wasn't much for thinking ahead so he figured as long as it worked for a time he could figure out how to deal with it when the inevitable came up. For a handful of seconds, he gloried in the passion between them, the feel of Rhys' body and how they fit together so perfectly. He was truly rather desperate for him and while some distractions of varying kinds had been employed and worked a little over the last few weeks, Rhys was the only one that could truly satisfy that desire, replace that loneliness with true companionship, and in general return Roland to his usual self. Just their little time together so far had already done wonders for him and the more time he spent in Rhys' company the better he would feel. The world felt right again with Rhys in his arms.

Unfortunately, Rhys had clearly noticed the state of things before Roland's little maneuver as was made obvious the moment he pulled back from the kiss and asked. His hands slid to Rhys' chest, one settled very purposely over his heart as he glanced away, looking at the wall beside Rhys. "Can't we?" He asked, soft and half joking but a little desperate. Roland would very much like to sweep it under the rug but clearly Rhys wasn't interested in that. Roland stalled for a moment longer and sighed then shrugged, still trying to downplay it a little. "I told you the last few weeks have been trying. You're seeing the evidence of it. I've...spent a lot more time here than usual, not always in the best mood." That was an incredible understatement, to say the least, but Rhys surely didn't need to know how bad it had really been. "I didn't feel like admitting the cleaning staff. It won't take long to sort it all out, though." Then it could be like it never happened, at least Roland hoped so. He looked back at Rhys with a small hopeful smile, one hand lifted to cup his face, the other still against the witch's heart. "You're back now so none of it matters." He doubted Rhys would leave it at that but he could try.

Rhys had been so caught up in the simple pleasure of gazing adoringly at Roland once they’d settled inside the privacy of the suite that it had taken him a moment to actually take in the surrounding scene. It certainly wasn’t how Rhys remembered it. The shift in the atmosphere was enough to spark Rhys’ concern as his fears were confirmed. The aftermath of his departure had been just as explosive and torturous on Roland as he had worried it might be. No matter how many times Rhys had insisted that the break wasn’t going to be indefinite, that he would be back when the time was right (it wasn’t as if he could have put a time frame on the demands and complexities of coven leadership, after all), and that this was just something he had to do on his own. 

For the most part, that had remained true; the vast majority of Rhys’ time spent back in Mayfair had been filled to capacity with meetings, tutorial sessions, inductions, his own ascension ceremony and, unfortunately, having to attend family gatherings to discuss the ever-difficult subject of his mother and all the difficulties that accompanied her, even in her current state. (It had taken a little more of Rhys’ self-control each time not to suggest that all magical interference was halted and that nature took the course it clearly wished to, but that hardly seemed appropriate given the rather sombre mood already permeating the family home.) The lack of communication, however… well, that remained on Rhys’ mind, as it had throughout their reunion thus far, but the guilt surrounding it worsened tenfold as he briefly took in the extent of his departure’s impact. Before he could even attempt to comment on it, Roland had him against the wall with enough force to silence any coherent train of thought immediately. 

Rhys was torn as he returned the kiss. Though the gesture was a genuine display of just how desperate he was to remain as close to Roland as he possibly could to make up for lost time and opportunity, the nagging concern in the back of his mind grew louder with each passing second and as much of a relief as it was to finally have Roland pressed close, it wasn’t enough of a distraction to quell his rising agitation. Rhys indulged them both for a moment longer, savouring the sensation of how perfectly they fit together every time, no matter how much time had passed before reluctantly pulling back just enough to catch his breath. He wasn’t quite strong enough to pull away entirely; he’d missed Roland’s touch too much to deprive himself of it entirely. “What happened here, Ro?” The words were uttered softly, barely above a whisper as Rhys searched Roland’s gaze for clarification of its own kind; a hint of acknowledgement that this was something they needed to discuss, no matter how much of a relief their reunion had been thus far. He could have easily taken a glimpse for himself already – after all, a little clairvoyance often went a long way – but knowing Roland’s feelings surrounding Rhys’ more… subtle uses of his divination magic, the witch thought better than to add insult to injury. “You can tell me. I’m not going to judge you for it– we can’t sweep all that–” nodding towards the centre of the room, Rhys continued, “–under the rug when it’s staring us both right in the face.”

[stellarbit]

Two Faces pt 2

Word Count: 12.5k Pairing: fem!reader x Bad Batch, light Tech and Crosshair nods Warnings: SFW, bitch of a mother, crosshairs mood swings, Summary: You arrive back home with Clone Force 99 to prepare to be your senator sister's stand in at an upcoming event. Letting the Batch learn more about who you actually are. Part 1 note: hope y'all like it, thank you all who sent in requests for it and suggestions. I live laugh love for this shit man.

“Ensure our guest arrives safely on her homeworld. Report back once the Gala is at an end.” Lama Su instructed Clone Force 99, his inky gaze shifting to where you stood in line with them at the steps to the Marauder. “You are most welcome here on Kamino. You have an open invitation should you find a need for it.”

Since your sister’s appearance, Lama Su’s demeanor shifted from gritted tolerance to that of a generous host. Time spent at your mother’s side taught you a politician’s patience was rarely forthcoming.

You attempted a practiced smile, the kind drilled into you from birth. “That’s something I will truly keep in mind.” Lama Su bowed his head slightly and dismissed himself, retreating back into the hangar doors.

Left alone, neither you or any of Clone Force 99 budged and a heavy silence settled over the group. From the corner of your eye, you noticed a few heads turn your way. Looking anywhere but directly at them, you piped up, “Ready whenever you are, Sergeant.” Despite Tech’s reassurances that everything had worked out 'better than predicted,' falling back into rhythm with Clone Force 99 was proving more difficult than you had hoped.

Hunter was the first to move. “Alright then, let’s move out.” He turned and you all followed, with you trailing after Crosshair as the last of the group.

Midway up the stairs Crosshair turned and extended a hand to you - an offer of assistance and perhaps a peace offering. A gesture you walked right by. Crosshair retracted his hand and, mostly, kept his frustration in his throat.

They’d told you about their ship, a modified Omicron-class attack shuttle, but being on it was certainly a different experience. The smell alone disenchanted your anticipation. Touches of the different men were strewn throughout. A knocked over stack of history magazines, food wrappers, half used tins of gun oil, and what looked to be sliced up target practice sheets. It was fairly easy to see who left what, but oddly enough there was hardly a trace of Echo.

Tech caught your hesitant inspection and directed you to the passenger seats. “Sit here during take-off.” Tech pointed to a seat equipped with restraints. “Once we make the jump into    hyperspace, it will be safe for you to navigate the ship.” You silently took a seat, pulling the over-the-shoulder restraints into place.

Tech left for the pilot’s seat, Echo already in position as the copilot. Hunter positioned himself in front of a navigational screen, between the cockpit and your seats, while Wrecker and Crosshair accompanied you in the restraint seats. The restraints barely accommodated Wrecker’s size, causing his arms to push into your space as he sat on your left. Across from you, Crosshair stared you down.

In the hours between the confrontation with your sister and packing onboard the Marauder you’d deliberately avoided Crosshair. He, on the other hand, tracked you with that hawkish watch of his and didn’t take his eyes off you.

His watching you, deciphering you, was a part of him processing the shifted dynamics. Much like you trying to piece together how Tech found out your identity, Crosshair ran through your weeks together, over and over, searching for all the clues he’d missed. He searched your face as if the specks on your face would tell him. 

Mostly, he kept counting the scars on your face. One nicked across your nose, likely from his elbow cracking you across the face. Another cut through your eyebrow with a matching one sat on top of your cheekbone. Admitting to himself, it was difficult to discern which of his many blows might have caused these specific marks.

A large part of him actively ignored the thought of what bruises may be hidden beneath your clothes..

He grit his teeth as he watched you continue to pointedly ignore him. He thought bitterly, If you’d just told us from the beginning I wouldn’t have been so severe. Your eyes cut to him with a look as sharp as his. Crosshair narrowed his eyes, a silent challenge between you. Your only response was a twist of your mouth, looking away in disinterest. 

“Care to share what’s on that pretty little mind of yours?” The sneer in Crosshair’s voice had you closing your eyes, summoning your remaining patience. “Or do you want to keep us all in the dark?”

You rolled out your jaw, nodding through a deep breath. Settling on the sorriest excuse for a smile, you responded, “It must be difficult to never know when to shove off.” Your words elicited a low growl from the sniper, adding genuine enjoyment to your expression. 

Wrecker sat still, gripping his ill fit restraints and keeping his good eye on you with a sideways look. Unlike his brother, Wrecker had made no attempts to push you up to that point. While roughing up a reg during training was standard for him, realizing it had been you all along left him uneasy. The memory of how you had fought against his grip when he had you by the throat now churned his stomach.

The entire vessel shifted and blue light cascaded through the ship. “We’ve made the jump into hyperspace.” Echo announced from the cockpit.

Crosshair shoved himself free of the restraints and stalked off for the front of the ship. You attempted to follow suit, but your restraints didn’t release as smoothly.

Frustration got the better of you and you rammed your hands twice into the bars before Wrecker gently released the safety device. He crouched down to your eye level, anxiety pulling at him. “Listen, I didn’t know it was you under that armor.” He shook his head lightly. “And I’d do it again with any reg… But I-I’m sorry it was you.” Wrecker’s eyes searched the floor for something else to say.

His expression tugged at your heart just enough for you to cave. “Wrecker,” you leaned forward and touched his shoulder. “I’m not mad with you, you couldn’t have known and, honestly, would be weirder if you had.” Wrecker kept his gaze averted, guilt still eating him.

“I take offense to that.” Tech chimed as he walked over.

Ignoring him, you gently turned Wrecker’s face to you. “The only reason I’m upset is that you would ever think this was a game to me.”

His eyes went wide and his head snapped back. “No, no! I never said that!”

“Then why lie and play soldier?” Crosshair said simultaneously from his seat next to Hunter. Crosshair placed a toothpick in his mouth and reclined.

“Crosshair, stow it!” Wrecker snapped, pivoting on the balls of his feet. “You’re just making it worse.”

 You truly believed that coming from anyone else, the question might not have stung so sharply. But coming from Crosshair, it made you want to scream.

“You know what?” You took a deep breath and stood, gently nudging Wrecker aside. As you exhaled, you clapped your hands together, your attempt to stay calm crumbling as your voice escalated to a yell. “I’m sorry. I am. I am sorry for going along with your mix-up!” 

Crosshair grit his teeth and tensed in his chair, a snake ready to strike.

Puffing your chest out, you thrust a finger at him, “I wasn’t playing soldier. I want to join my sister’s guard, so my mother sent me to train. If no one knew I was here and I got the training, I was going to do just that.” You groaned at the thought. The edge in your voice ebbed as you lamented, “Letting you think I was my sister seemed like an easy alibi. I’m sorry I lied to you, but I’d do it again if I had to.”

The topic begged the question, what will happen now that they know?

Tech, not fully grasping the situation, interjected, “Requiring you to mask your presence suggests this wasn’t a decision she was happy with.”

That was not a road you wanted to go down with them. Waving the comment aside with a flippant hand you replied. “She had a different plan for my life. This was just her making sure I knew what I was getting into.” You were surprised at how convincing your tone sounded.

Hunter turned away from the navigational screen, leaning back with a foot propped up on his knee, clearly skeptical. “She had to have known you’d get the kriff kicked out of you with us—or worse. Why not just send you to train with your sister’s guard?

Your chest tightened at the question. “Mother only wants what’s best,” you lied smoothly. Gesturing towards them all, you added in a lighter tone, “Besides, why train with guards when I can learn from the elite?”

Leaning against the back of Hunter’s chair, Echo looked incredulous. “Have you ever even stepped foot in a training facility before?”

You hummed an affirmative, holding your breath, but with the eyes of unconvinced soldiers on you, you quickly exhaled and admitted, “No.”

“In that case,” Tech said, pointing a finger at you. “I’m impressed you managed to only get your nose broken once.”

“We broke your nose?” Hunter sat upright suddenly, surprise in his voice. You resisted the urge to touch your nose or glance at Crosshair.

“I chose this,” you stated firmly, pressing a hand to your chest. “I had chances to back out, and I came anyway. I’d rather you treat me like the clone you thought I was than look at me with pity.” You gestured towards Hunter, whose face was an odd mix of pity and concern. “Honestly, I’d prefer that,” you added, nodding towards Crosshair.

You had hoped the small gesture would serve as your own olive branch, but a glance at Crosshair told you it hadn’t worked. He maintained a tight-lipped frown, his expression stubbornly aggravated. The standoff between you two lingered until you took a step towards him, and he rose from his chair, meeting you halfway with a defiant stance.

“What more could you possibly want from me?” you demanded, hands flaring palms up. There was a raw satisfaction in shedding the veil of polite politics and expressing your true feelings. Voicing your frustration felt liberating, like stretching long-dormant muscles.

Crosshair tilted his head down to meet your gaze, the toothpick rolling to one corner of his mouth. His voice was low and steady, “You attacked me.”

Fury surged through you as you snatched the toothpick from his lips. “Attacked you?” you nearly shouted, incredulous.

Leaning in, Crosshair scrutinized your seething expression, face flushed and fists clenched. Then, unexpectedly, a barely there smile cracked his scowl. Now he was just having fun.

“Crosshair.” Hunter warned as he slowly started to rise. 

“You heard me,” Crosshair retorted swiftly, emphasizing each word, “You. Attacked. Me.”

Echo was too slow to intervene as you grabbed the lip of Crosshair’s chestplate. He snorted dismissively, and you were consumed by a silent, burning rage. Something primal snapped within you, and without words, only a fierce growl escaped you as you lunged at Crosshair, hands driven by pent-up anger.

Crosshair began to laugh, a mocking, bitter sound that only fueled your rage as Hunter grabbed him and pulled him back. Echo swiftly moved between you two, his arms outstretched to create a barrier. Your fingers slipped from Crosshair’s armor as you reached desperately past Echo, trying to get at the sniper.

Hunter, his frustration evident, shoved Crosshair further away and then spun around, pointing a finger sharply at you He then turned to address both of you, his voice raised over the commotion. “How many times do we have to break you two up?” His tone was stern, a mix of reprimand and exasperation reflecting the strain of repeatedly managing your confrontations.

As Hunter pushed Crosshair further away, Crosshair shot back a snarky, taunting remark. "If she could keep her hands to herself, we wouldn't need breaking up."

With a low growl, you threw the toothpick still clutched in your hand, watching it strike Crosshair squarely in the face. It was a minor victory, but seeing his annoyance flare was satisfying. Stepping back slightly, no longer trying to shove past Echo, you fixed Crosshair with a taunting smirk. “Ah, so that’s what’s bothering you. This is the first time a woman’s touched you without a medkit.”

Hunter, witnessing the petty exchange, rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Enough!" he barked, hand chopping in front of him. "We’re on a mission, and I need you two to not kill each other. If I have to keep you separated until we reach our destination, I will."

Notching his hand at his hip, Hunter sighed. Looking at you he shook his head. “Well, you certainly don’t act like a Senator.” Amusement lifted the tattooed side of his mouth.

“Or a soldier,” Crosshair added sharply, slipping another toothpick into his mouth. He watched you a second longer before giving a light scoff, “But good to know our little kitten has grown claws.”

‘Little kitten’ heated your face but Echo guided you away before you could take the bait. “If you haven’t stepped foot in a training facility,” he said, ushering you towards the front of the ship. “What about the cockpit of an attack shuttle?”

And with that you were distracted, allowing for the rest of the journey to pass in relative peace. Aided largely by the fact that you and Crosshair now had a ship and four soldiers between you. 

As the ship began its descent, Tech started detailing the time differences and adjusting for the local standard. Wrecker, seated beside you, yelled, “Yeah, yeah, we can tell it’s late.”

“Or really early,” you quipped, nudging him playfully. Truly, you hadn’t kept track. It turned out to be late into the evening.

Echo and Crosshair had swapped seats, positioning Crosshair in the copilot's seat and further from you. Sitting across from you, Echo leaned forward slightly, curiously asking, “Who do you think is receiving you?”

“Receiving me?” You parroted in confusion.

Wrecker nudged you playfully, flashing a grin. “Yeah! Who’s waiting for ya at the platform?”

Your eyebrows shot up as you glanced down, realizing you hadn't considered this. Normally, no one 'received' you unless your sister was visiting home. You managed a smile, easing into the conversation. “That’s not really a tradition of ours.”

“That’s odd,” Tech said, extending his neck out and raising his voice to ensure you heard him. “I read that the planet’s governor, that is your mother, is well known for her welcoming of distinguished guests.”

“Well, I’m not a guest,” you responded sharply, a hint of bitterness in your voice. With a forced laugh and a casual flip of your hand, you added to cover your misstep, “That is, I’m not just a guest, I’m family.”

As the ship landed and the restraints remained locked in place, Crosshair spoke for the first time in hours. “Looks like you’re wrong about that.” His tone made you strain against your restraining bars in attempts to see outside.

You were unable to see anything but the sky view of the hangar. But you were sure of it, if anyone was there it was your sister. The thought flipped your stomach.

As soon as the restraints unlocked—and Wrecker helped free you—you dashed for the exit. Crosshair was at the mouth of the exit when you pushed past him, hurrying down the stairs. Your chest heaved with anticipation as you spun around, searching for a familiar face, but your sister was nowhere to be seen.

As you were about to have words with Crosshair, your attention snagged on the sight of three clone troopers walking around the ship. Approaching you were two unmarked clones flanking a Clone Captain distinguished by teal blue markings.

CT-7569, the Captain assigned to your planet. The clone presence was meant to be a show of good faith by the Republic, but your mother treated them as ornamental. They ‘maintained peace’ by bolstering your mother’s security and accompanying important trade vessels. CT-7569 usually escorted your mother - you found it made her presence more tolerable. In the end, you and the Captain spent many mindless political gatherings in each other’s company.

As the Captain approached, you wracked your brain trying to recall the name he went by. Embarrassment set in as you realized you might never have known his name, despite having memorized his designation number long ago.

Pushing those thoughts aside, you stepped forward with a genuine smile. “Captain,” you greeted warmly.

“Good to see you back, Miss,” the Captain replied as he halted a few feet away, his men positioning themselves to his sides. His helmet shifted slightly, his gaze drifting past you. “I was wondering if you’d return. I hardly believed it when they said you went to Kamino.”

You edged closer, lowering your voice to a hiss. “How do you know about that?”

“You left with the Governor and Senator, but only they returned. Seeing as how that flight log only showed a trip to Kamino… well it wasn’t hard to figure out.” He chuckled, the sound echoing slightly inside his helmet as he reached up to remove it. The familiar features of the Captain started showing, all wrinkled by an amused smile. “So, how’d that conversation go?” he asked, referring to your discussion with your mother about your plans. His gaze then darted past you, doing a double-take. “Wait—is that the Bad Batch?”

You gave an empty blink. “The what now?” A smile wobbled your lips. They certainly never mentioned that.

CT-7569 nodded, letting out an impressed laugh. “Experimental Unit 99. They call themselves the Bad Batch.” His eyes held a touch of shock before he shifted to a questioning look at you. “This is definitely a story I want to hear.”

“Captain,” Hunter greeted, stepping up beside you with Echo on his other side, while Tech positioned himself next to you. Wrecker and Crosshair presumably took places behind you, maintaining their distance. They all kept their helmets on, reminding you of the edge ‘regs’ put them on.

CT-7569 straightened up, his accompanying clones mimicking his posture, and he replaced his helmet. “I’ve heard good things about your squad, Sergeant. Good to meet you, men.” He extended a hand to Hunter, and they clasped each other’s forearms in a soldierly greeting.

“Thank you, sir.” Hunter nodded

As the Captain and Hunter exchanged pleasantries, you desperately thought back for the Captain’s name. You had faint recollections of hearing it in passing or his men occasionally dropping formalities. Those snippets were vague but persistent, hinting you were just a syllable away from full recognition.

The Captain looked back to you and the name clicked in place. He began telling you something, but your thoughts were far from his voice. Instead you were lost in the thought of having treated the clone before you, a soldier who offered you kindness when that was beyond the scope of his mission, as just a nameless soldier. You were always polite and grateful for their support and the respect you had for clones inspired you to protect your sister, but you’d rarely thought of who they were beyond soldiers.

And with him, you were practically friends.

“Miss?” The Captain’s voice finally reeled you back in. When he saw your focus return he said, “The Governor gave no orders for your arrival, but we can take the men to our barracks wing to settle in.” Pivoting to his men, he began giving orders to escort Clone Force 99. 

You quickly cut in.

“Howzer,” The name immediately silenced him. He seemed caught off by the sound of his name on your tongue.  “There is plenty of room in my wing. I’ll show them up.” 

He opened his mouth to respond, but you pressed on, “The Governor didn’t issue orders because their mission requires discretion. An empty wing is more suitable than a barrack on full display.” You’d taken some liberties speaking for your mother, but he didn’t need to know that. Instead you added, “Which reminds me, why are you here if she gave no orders.”

Howzer chuckled warmly. "I spotted an inbound ship from Kamino on the flight manifest this afternoon. I figured it was you and couldn’t resist the chance to see you limping off of a ship.” The sentiment made you laugh. He added, nodding his head, “Just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“She held her own,” Hunter came up beside you with a hand on your shoulder. “Even got the better of one of us once.”

“Twice.” You quickly corrected, earning a disgruntled noise from the sniper behind you. The curious tilt in Howzer’s helmet, from behind you and back, made you smile.

“Well then,” Howzer relaxed, a smile in his voice. “We’ll leave you to it. I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned to depart, but you reached out and grasped his arm to stop him. He looked from your hand to your face.

“Thank you, Howzer,” you said earnestly, sliding your hand down to his and giving it a warm squeeze. “For being my friend.”

His helmet shifted back slightly, caught off guard once more. After a brief pause, he nodded and returned the squeeze gently. “No need to thank me,” he responded lightly.  “Just a perk of the job,” he addressed you by name and you could have heard the wink in his voice. You realize he might have never said it before. Howzer turned away with his squad following. As they walked off, one of the troopers elbowed him lightly, only to receive an aggressive shove in return. 

“I think I might be sick.” Crosshair murmured from behind you.

You snorted, looking over your shoulder at him. “Feeling queasy, huh? Maybe it’s just your batch going bad,” you teased, giving a playful nod to the nickname you had just learned. Crosshair groaned and Echo coughed to hide a laugh. Bad joke.

“Oh, c’mon.” You gestured for them to follow. “Let’s get to bed.”

Your family home was an architectural marvel built into the side of a mountain, its expansive windows offering a panoramic view of your planet’s capital city below. The residence had been in your family for generations, serving not just as a home but as a political hub, given your family's long history of public service. Though not every generation produced a Governor, there always seemed to be someone who utilized the sprawling estate as a political stage. Under your mother and sister’s tenure, it had practically transformed into an embassy.

Nestled on the quieter, mountain-facing side of the house were your private quarters. Your room, located at the end of a secluded corridor, offered a reprieve from the politics of the main halls. The other two rooms along your corridor remained mostly unoccupied, reserved for the occasional guest, a benefit of your mother's preference to keep you out of the public eye.

You paused at the door next to yours, explaining the solitude of your hall. Extending a hand towards the spare room, you said, “Either room can accommodate your squad, but feel free to use one or both.”

The group exchanged looks, weighing their options. Echo mumbled something about needing a break from the usual barracks scent, but ultimately, they decided to stick together. Their loyalty to one another reminded you of the times your sister would stealthily retreat to your room during her political campaigns. On especially tough days, she would stay the night, and in the early, dark hours of the morning, you would both slip away to the nearby hot springs.

The memory used to be a safe haven for you. Now it left you feeling oddly cold.

After bidding the boys goodnight, you retreated to your room. Setting aside a bag for the morning, you prepared for a much-needed early soak in the warm springs.

Waking well before dawn, you were eager for the comforting waters. From the back of your closet, you retrieved an old rope ladder with patches of fabric woven into it—evidence of years of repairs. Hardly necessary now, the ladder had been a crucial part of your escapades during your younger years, when you were more tightly bound by your mother’s expectations.

Your room opened onto a quaint veranda, bordered by sturdy stone balusters. This railing, carved from the mountain itself, served as your usual escape route.

As you’d done numerous times, you tied the rope off and unfurled it over the ledge of the terrace. Peering down, you were reassured to see the ladder hanging just a few feet above the   ground. Despite the 100-foot drop, a few firm tugs on the knots confirmed it was secure. Bag slung over your shoulder, you straddled the railing, preparing to make your descent.

“That would not be advisable.”

The unexpected voice sent a jolt through you, your arms instinctively gripping the railing to prevent a startled fall. Pressing your face against the cold stone, you scanned for the source of the interruption.

The veranda wrapped around the building, with each room opening onto its own curved section. There, leaning casually against the railing of the adjacent balcony, were Tech and Hunter. Hunter rested his elbows on the railing, a cup of caf hanging between his hands, while Tech leaned his hip against the railing, also sipping his drink. Both were wearing a set of black casual clothes, a long sleeve shirt and pants. It was Tech who had called out to you.

Tech adjusted his goggles, scrutinizing the rope ladder with a critical eye. After a moment, he relaxed slightly and nodded to himself. “The multiple repairs, along with the current condition of the rope, significantly compromise its integrity. If you attempt to climb down, the likelihood of the rope failing is high. You would fall from approximately,” he paused, his gaze measuring the drop, “68 feet.”

“You don’t know that,” you muttered, rolling your eyes as you climbed back onto the safety of the veranda.

“Care to test that theory?” Tech retorted, an amused challenge in his tone, though he already knew your answer.

Instead of responding, you walked over to the stone wall divider, where vines clung and crawled up its surface. Grabbing one, you used it for leverage to hoist yourself onto the railing and then climbed along the railing to their side of the veranda.

Hunter, witnessing the muscle memory in your movements, took a leisurely sip of his caf. "Does that come from having a sister too?" he commented dryly, watching as you landed beside them.

You snorted, “More from young rebellious years.” Glancing around, you noticed the absence of the other men

“Still asleep.” Hunter answered your search, gesturing a thumb over his shoulder. Hunter stood to face you, half sitting on the railing and looking you over with a raised brow. “What exactly were you doing?”

You nodded towards the treeline and the forest beyond. “There’s a hot spring not too far up the mountain.” Tech set his cup on the stone handrail and pulled out his datapad, tapping a few buttons as you continued, “My sister and I used to sneak out from time to time for a dip.”

Tech, always the analyst, chimed in, “I am picking up a heat signature a kilometer out.” He pivoted, scanning in other directions. “This mountain must have volcanic properties to create such a natural phenomenon.”

Impressed, you hummed in agreement. “You’re not wrong—”

“I seldom am,” Tech interjected, still focused on his device.

“—the mountain was once a volcano,” you finished, matching his flat tone.

Tech, now fully absorbed in geological data, murmured, “Fascinating how such places become sanctuaries over time.”

Hunter half-sat on the railing as he watched the sky beginning to lighten. Following his line of sight, you asked, “Are you two always the first ones up?”

“We’re terrible sleepers,” Hunter replied, throwing a knowing glance at Tech. “Tech’s brain doesn’t have an off switch.”

Tech rolled his eyes as he switched from his datapad to the device on his forearm. "And his heightened senses make him easy to disturb," he explained, tapping a few buttons before squinting at the screen. "So, yes, to answer your question—Hunter and I are usually awake before the others."

You heard Crosshair before you saw him. “Not for long with your prattling.” Crosshair appeared, pushing through a fabric curtain. Despite the dim morning light, he squinted as he joined you outside, his gaze shifting between you as if searching for an unsaid clue. Finally his eyes looked you over and he sucked on a tooth, asking, “Here with our orders so soon?” You didn’t miss the lighter tone in his voice. He was joking with you.

Well that’s a good step.

The early hour dampened your mood for bickering, so you forced a smile instead of biting back. “You are as lovely in the mornings as I’ve dreamt.” you quipped, immediately regretting your choice of words by the look he shot you, avoiding his smirk by pretending to brush dirt off of your sleeve. “On the note though, we can expect a droid with our instructions sometime-”

“Mistress?!” A panicked,metallic female voice echoed from your quarters. 

“Now, apparently,” you huffed, impressed yet annoyed by the droid’s timing. “Just a second, 9-E!” you called back to the protocol droid now audibly clattering through your rooms. The three men barely had a moment to react before you turned back to the ivy-covered wall. “Another reason to be glad you stopped me,” you tossed over your shoulder as you climbed.

By the end of the next hour, your family’s silver protocol droid was leading you and the Batch to your mother’s salon. It was the room she formally received visitors in and her typical venue for confrontation. You were particularly worried about the latter category.

“9-E,” you said, holding the droid back by the shoulder just before reaching the salon's doors. The droid swiveled its head to face you, and you gave its shoulder a reassuring pat. “I need to speak with my mother alone. You can come by afterwards, okay?”

The droid seemed to fuss for a moment but ultimately nodded, its voice a mix of concern and programmed calm. “Try not to provoke her this time, Young Mistress. She is in good spirits this morning,” it advised before waddling away. 9-E had been a loyal fixture in your life, often acting as a stand-in nanny. You respected its reverence for your mother, which is why you spared it from witnessing the more challenging family moments.

“What exactly are we walking into?” Hunter mumbled to you.

“Nothing to worry about.” You reassured, but you had a feeling your face didn’t match your tone.

Pushing open the heavy salon doors, you stepped into a room bathed in morning light, offering a panoramic view of the capital. The salon was meticulously arranged with luxurious decor that spoke of your family’s political heritage. At the far end, your mother, the Governor, stood two steps up by a large window, her silhouette framed against the cityscape.

The tall woman stood in a deep purple dress with an overcoat of similar color, all with golden embroidery. Her eyes combed the lot of you as you approached, her expression undeniably cold. There were no witnesses present so there was no show to put on.

In fact, the lack of guards or attendants did not bode well for the conversation.

You paused at the base of the steps leading up to where she stood, the rest of Clone Force 99 arrayed slightly behind. They all stood firm with their helmets tucked under their arms.

“Good job on the prompt return,” she said, cold yet perfectly polite, as if she were addressing a droid rather than her daughter.

“I would never keep you waiting,” you responded, maintaining the formal veneer.

Her lips twitched in what might have been a smile on a more congenial face but came off as a grimace. “You’ve already done so,” she said crisply. “Come here.”

Not wanting to further prove her point, you immediately ascended the steps. She reached out abruptly, her fingers clamping around your chin with a firmness that bordered on painful. Slowly, she moved your face side to side examining the marks, some still pink, on your face. Her lip curled. “The only thing you had going for you,” she murmured disdainfully, releasing your face with a sharp flick of her wrist.

Turning her gaze on the men assembled a step below, she gestured towards you without looking back. “Surely, the Prime Minister instructed you not to coddle her.”

Hunter, Wrecker, and Tech exchanged uncertain glances. From where they stood, it did not look like they coddled you. Crosshair and Echo kept their eyes on your mother. One was coiled for her next move while the other knew better than to take his eyes off an unpredictable politician.

Hunter didn’t recall Lama Su giving that directive and he didn’t have the political finesse to know what answer your mother wanted to hear. His eyes slid to you once more, before answering with cautious formality. “We trained her as rigorously as any member of the Republic's forces, Governor.”

Your mother's attention drifted downward contemplatively before returning to you with a subtle nod. Waving a hand at you, she managed a disappointed smile as she addressed Clone Force 99. “And that is all an elite clone force is capable of?” She held up a finger, considering something for a moment. Without further comment, she moved gracefully around to your back.

Her hands felt cold and foreign, you barely resisted the urge to lean out of her probing touch. With pressure she slid her hands over your shoulders and down your back, probing for vulnerabilities. Occasionally her hand grazed a bruise, at which you tensed but didn’t react further. Then, her fingers found their mark—just behind your shoulder, a spot still tender from Crosshair drilling into you.

As the pain sharply cut through your muscle, you instinctively jerked forward. Your mother's firm grip on your shoulder kept you in place as she pressed harder into the tender spot. The discomfort escalated until a grunt of pain escaped you, at which point she finally eased up. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed movement among the clones.

"There we are," she crooned, her voice chillingly soft as she pushed you toward the troopers. "My apologies for questioning your efficacy."

You hardly stumbled, but cleared your throat against the still present ache in your shoulder. Straightening out, you kept your eyes averted. You’d withstood your mother’s treatment your entire life. You let yourself believe it served a purpose. Whether it was to raise you to her standards or simply to prove her point. This felt different. Humiliating you served no purpose at this moment. After a lifetime of this, you thought, perhaps it’s just what you deserved. 

Finally, you looked at Clone Force 99 thinking you’d find them at attention, trained into stoicism. Instead, they no longer stood in line. 

Crosshair was further out than the others, mid-step, nearly mid-bite and restrained only by Wrecker's firm grip on his shoulder. Wrecker himself stood uncharacteristically still, his usual demeanor replaced by seriousness. Wrecker was holding Crosshair back, but you’d be forgiven to think he was urging his brother on. Beside him, Hunter and Echo mirrored each other’s posture, frowning with fists clenched at their sides, looking like they were about to snap. At the end of the line, Tech maintained the most composed state, though a slight frown tugged at his features as he held a finger to the light on his goggles.

Theirs was more of a reaction than most who had witnessed a glimpse of your mother. These men barely knew you and they didn’t think you deserved this.

They didn’t deserve to see this.

You offered a smile to the men who barely knew you. None of them moved as you tucked your hands behind your back and faced your mother. 

She didn’t bother meeting your gaze, rolling her eyes away as to not entertain whatever confidence struck you. “The Gala is tomorrow evening, you will be briefed later.” Later, her always had a vague way of leaving you waiting. “Make yourselves scarce until then.” She waved you off, turning to face the cityscape again as if you and the situation at hand were little more than a minor inconvenience in her day. 

You gave a respectful bow and swiftly made for the door. Without hesitating, you passed directly between the members of Clone Force 99, not waiting to see if they offered any form of courtesy to your mother before following you.

You all stayed silent until you made it back into the corridor.

“Now you see the reason for the rope ladder.” You said lightly as you led them away.

Echo quickened his step to match yours, a look of concern - if not anger - on his face. “What happened there? That woman is your mother?” He gestured incredulously back towards the salon, shaking his head “She’s... she’s cruel.”

“Always has been.” you replied with a shrug, not bothering to hide your truth anymore. “I’m just sorry you saw it.”

“Someone like that shouldn’t be leading people.” Echo asserted.

You didn’t stop walking, but managed to side eye Echo. “She’s not like that with others.” That answer didn’t calm the cyborg.

Tech chimed in from behind, his datapad beeping softly. “It’s surprising she hasn’t been exposed on the Holonet with that kind of behavior.”

“You’ll understand once you see her tomorrow. There’s no surprise in it.” you scoffed, leading them further away from the scene.

The group murmured amongst themselves, clearly troubled by the encounter. Wanting to shift their focus from your mother, you planned to seize the opportunity presented by the early morning chill in the air.

As you approached your rooms, you spun around, effectively blocking their access to their quarters with a playful stance. They all looked so somber.

“Enough of that.” You said sternly, but there was a lightness in your chest that you hadn’t felt in ages. They remained in similar shades of uncertainty. 

The absurdity of it all hit you —the idea that your mother, with just a small show of herself, could unsettle a group of battle-hardened soldiers. These men faced deadly threats without flinching, yet here they were, shaken by the woman who raised you. The stark contrast between their usual bravado and their current discomfort was ridiculous, really.

Laughter burst from you, resonant and unrestrained, filling the stone corridor. Echo muttered something to Hunter that you didn’t catch, but it only fueled your amusement further. Your sides began to ache, pulling at a tender bruise, yet you continued to chuckle through the discomfort. For a moment, you thought you’d never be able to stop.

Wrecker’s brows were the first to lift as he surveyed his brothers’ reactions. You covered your mouth with your hand, another laugh threatening to bubble out. Crosshair and Tech shared a look of confusion and evident disturbance. The sight of Tech’s furrowed brow and slightly open mouth pushed you over the edge again.

As the last waves of humor receded, you clutched your sides, threw your head back, and expelled one final, drawn-out sigh. A lazy smile spread across your face as you met their gazes once more. Shaking your head, you teased, “You face droid armies and risk your lives every day.” You gestured dismissively towards the direction of your mother’s salon. “And one measly Governor ruffles your feathers?”

A short pause passed and Tech said in a flat tone, “I think I am glad to not have had a mother.” Echo groaned, covering his eyes with his hand, but you found the sentiment funny.

To shake the residual tension, you sighed, “Listen, I really don’t want to dwell on her right now. Instead…” You slid back a few steps, nodding over your shoulder with an adventurous glint. “Come with me to the hot springs?”

Wrecker perked up first. "The hot springs?" His interest was evident as he shared a smile with his brothers, but Hunter remained reserved, arms crossed, his expression tight.

"They're worth the hike," you coaxed, waving them to follow. "It's not far, and it's the perfect way to unwind."

Hunter's brow furrowed as he considered the risks. "We don’t know when the Governor might call us back. It's best not to stray too far," he advised pragmatically. With a heavy sigh, he added, "I'll stay back, keep watch for any messages."

"Same here," Echo interjected, raising his scomp-link arm slightly. "Besides, long soaks really aren't my thing anymore."

You looked hopefully at the remaining three. Wrecker pumped his fist in the air, clearly eager. Surprisingly, Crosshair, despite his sour look, gave a shrug. "I’m in," he said, placing a toothpick bobbing between his lips.

Tech pulled his datapad out, but gave a quick wave. “I will join as well. I'm curious about the natural phenomenon." He paused, pointing a finger at you. "However, we're definitely not using your ladder."

That comment drew a wary look from Wrecker. "Ladder?" he asked.

Which made sense once the lot of you stood at your veranda’s railing. Tech and Crosshair were down to their blacks, the closest You’d just finished pulling up your ladder when Wrecker stepped back. “On second thought, you guys go ahead. I’ll stay here.” He said uneasily.

You spun on him. “What?!” 

Hunter clapped him on the shoulder, chuckling. "Come on, Wrecker, it's not that high."

Tech stepped up beside you to peek over the railing. “That’s about 20 feet too high for his comfort,” he clarified, diagnosing Wrecker’s hesitation. “He's not great with heights.

Wrecker rubbed the back of his neck, his discomfort apparent. “Yeah, I’ll pass this time,” he admitted, resigning himself.

“Alright,” Echo interjected, heading back inside. "Let’s go find some food then," he suggested, inviting Wrecker to join him in a more comfortable pursuit.

Hunter pushed off from his spot leaning against the railing. “You three have fun, but don’t be too long.” He followed after Echo and Wrecker, pausing at the doorway to your quarters to sigh, “Just don’t kill each other.”

The annoyed sound Crosshair usually made at such comments didn’t come. Looking as bored as ever, Crosshair was busy scoping out the ground below. His lack of response felt underwhelming. He passed a cool look at you before silently grabbing for the bag he and Tech brought. From it he pulled a grappling hook and a descent device.

Tossing the device at Tech, Crosshair tossed the bag over his shoulder. “I’m going down first.” He pointed a finger at Tech. “You get to carry her down.”

The three of you ventured to the hot springs, Crosshair notably silent for the duration of the journey. Once there, Tech immediately scoped the surrounding area. The hot springs were a true miracle of the mountain. Nestled at the bottom of a hollow, a handful of pools steamed off into the branching hanging above. The pools were all interconnected, hot water bubbling between them and lapping against the smooth stones lining their boundaries.

This quiet nook, forgotten by all but you, was your sanctuary. The cloud forest and warm waters felt like a personal sacrament, and sharing them with someone, especially Tech with his eager fascination, filled you with a sense of happiness. A feeling that quickly vanished upon looking at Crosshair. The residual smile fell from your face. He wasn’t looking at you but his face was one of disinterest.

The spectrum of Crosshair you’d witnessed over the course of a few days made you realize how little you truly knew the men of Clone Force 99. You’d expected their reaction in various shades of Tech’s reaction. Annoyance and skepticism you’d prepared for, not this sudden coldness.

Only a few hours prior he’d seemed at least cordial for the first time since learning the truth. Now, he seemed unable to even look at you.

 When it came time to shed your outerwear, Crosshair’s reaction was sharp. A sweeping look of you sent distaste across his features, and he turned away, leaving abruptly. Tech dismissed it as just another example of Crosshair’s stubborn nature, but to you, it felt deeply personal.

You checked yourself before entering the waters. Outside of a few bruises he would’ve known about, there was nothing scandalous about your bathing suit.

Moving from his perch at the edge of the pool, Tech dipped into the waters next to you. He shook his head, gesturing to where Crosshair had stood. “Problem?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, determined not to let Crosshair's attitude dampen the moment. Leaning back against the warm rocks, you turned towards Tech, who was now unguarded and bare in the water. “Perhaps one,” you said with a light tone, your eyes inadvertently scanning his exposed skin.

Your eyes roved Tech’s bare upper body, thankful for your already present flush from the springs. As Tech lifted his goggles to defog them, you peek beneath the water's surface and your face heated at the realization that he was completely nude. Once his goggles were back in place, he caught your gaze. “And what would that be?”

“You are naked,” you pointed out, an amused undertone in your voice.

Without missing a beat, Tech replied, “And your clothes are transparent.” His response made you snap your attention to your own attire. To your horror, Tech was right - the wet fabric had gone see-through.

Tech glanced down at himself, seemingly puzzled, then shrugged. “As I have never partaken in such recreation before, I merely followed your example” The bubbling waters filled the brief silence that followed. Tech’s gaze flicked from your chest back to your eyes, his expression marked by genuine confusion. “What is the issue?” he asked.

Not even a shadow of understanding graced his face, he was devoid of any of your engrained reservations. It occurred to you that perhaps the social nuances of nudity were lost on clones. What use would trivial embarrassment serve for soldiers?

Tech’s gaze dropped to your chest again, but you saw nothing lewd in his attention. In place of the lechery you’d expect, his expression only held curiosity - as if your skin could tell him what you weren’t. Here was Tech, a battle seasoned soldier, sharing a moment of innocence with you free of the judgmental social expectations you were trained to abide by. The realization took away the anxiety you felt.

Chuckling, you managed to speak through your amusement, “They’re not supposed to be transparent, you know.” Your humor softened into a warm smile as you observed Tech’s puzzled expression. “It’s generally good practice to wear something a bit more... substantial when you’re swimming.” You waved a hand over your transparent clothing. Winking at him you added, “Or at least when you're in mixed company.”

Tech absorbed this information, his head tilting slightly as if filing away a new data point. “Ah, social norms?” he queried, more intrigued by the learning opportunity than embarrassed by his faux pas.

“Yes, exactly,” you agreed, your smile lingering. “But honestly, don’t worry about it. It’s just us here, and it’s actually quite refreshing to just relax about it.” You appreciated his unguarded state, a rare departure from his usual precision.

Nodding in understanding, Tech’s slight smile suggested he was becoming more comfortable with the situation. Adjusting his goggles he cleared his voice. “I will take note,” he responded, his voice carrying a hint of amusement now joining yours. A hue of pink came to his complexion - whether it was due to the warm waters or the new information you weren’t sure.

You watched him for a moment, the scientist in him always observing, always analyzing. It was endearing and made him all the more fascinating.

 “Speaking of relaxing,” you said cautiously, curious about his thoughts beyond his duties. “Have you ever thought about what you’d like to do when the war is over?”

Tech paused, his gaze drifting off across the steamy water. “I haven’t given it much thought,” he admitted slowly. “There always seems to be another mission, another objective. But, I suppose...” his voice trailed off as he considered the question more seriously.

“An adventurer, maybe?” you suggested playfully, watching his reaction.

Tech looked at you, surprise registering on his face before it softened into contemplative curiosity. “An adventurer,” he repeated, rolling the idea around in his mind. His smile reappeared. “Exploring new planets, studying uncharted ecosystems without a firefight waiting around the corner—that does sound appealing.”

Your conversation drifted into a comfortable silence you both relaxed into. Eventually Tech announced it was time and you got to work heading back. You gave yourself plenty of credit for keeping your eyes above Tech’s waist as you gathered yourselves. Enough credit to indulge yourself in fully devouring the sight of him in his blacks as he led the way back to the grappling line.

Tech tugged his damp blacks into more comfortable angles before crouching in front of you, offering to carry you as he had on the way down. The first time you’d protested, this time you gladly climbed on board.

Securing your arms around his neck you chuckled, “And this really isn’t heavy for you?”

Tech scoffed, bouncing you into position as he stood. “You should not be surprised. After Wrecker, I am the strongest of my brothers.” Your brows raised at his use of ‘brothers’ as well as the fact of his strength. “Any concern is unwarranted, I am more than capable of carrying you.”

Your reply came in securing your still damp hold on him and that was enough for Tech to launch you both towards your veranda above. 

Showcasing his tactical skills, Tech expertly got you up and over the railing without so much breaking a sweat. 

"You were right," you exhaled, releasing a breath you hadn't realized you were holding as Tech helped you down from his back. Laughing lightly, you admitted, "You were right to carry me." Referring to your initial push to rappel on your own.

Tech straightened to roll out his shoulders. "I would get used to it if I were you," he remarked, a playful edge to his voice.

Dropping the bag from your shoulder, you squinted at Tech. “Get used to what?”

With a confident tilt of his head, Tech smiled. "The fact that I am typically correct." His tone, imbued with humor and self-assurance, sent another flutter through your stomach.

A familiar voice came from the open doors of your quarters. “I am glad to see you are taking your duties seriously.” Your sister’s voice spun you around. Her eyes were focused on the forest beyond, leaving it to guess whether she was addressing your or Tech.

Stepping out from among the drapes, she wore a floor-length light purple dress, cinched at the waist with a golden chain and her hair pulled back by an opal comb. The sight tightened something in your chest. Given that you were summoned to be her stand-in, her presence at home was unexpected. “I didn’t think you’d be here,” you admitted.

She glanced over Tech as she stepped towards you, with her attention lingering before she finally looked at you. “The hot springs?” She asked with a raised brow.

“We had the time,” you replied simply.

Humming thoughtfully, your sister pretended to smooth her dress, keeping her focus on you as she dismissed Tech. “You may leave us, trooper.” Her newfound, cool demeanor you’d first witnessed on Kamino was jarring to say the least.

Tech didn’t immediately leave, but looked at you first. His eyes darted between yours with something like concern and a silent question in his attention. Acutely aware of your sister’s scrutiny, you offered Tech a smile of assurance. He returned the gesture with a nod and promptly excused himself. 

He was most likely still in earshot when your sister asked in a cool tone edged with criticism, “What are you doing, sister?”

“Waiting on Mother’s instructions.” You hadn’t expected to sound as snippy as you did.

By the way her eyebrows settled, neither did your sister. Maintaining eye contact, she waved a hand at the doorway behind her. “I meant with the clones.” She shook her head, frustration furrowing her brow. “This stunt of yours is going too far.”

“This stunt of mine?” You recoiled slightly, genuinely confused. “What do you think I’m doing?”

Your sister began pacing the veranda, rubbing her forehead and shaking her head in frustration.. “I thought you were getting some-” Her hand whipped around flippantly, “-Latent rebellious phase out of your system,” she scoffed, looking skyward before fixing her gaze back on you. “But now I’m beginning to think you…” Her voice trailed off as she stopped, pinning you with a stern look. 

She approached with hands outstretched to capture your face. Her warm palms gently pressed on your face, a cherishing touch. “Negating your duties to this family is one thing. Fraternizing with lab experiments is another.”

Lab experiments.

The connection wasn’t instantaneous, after all, it was unthinkable that your sister, who had always been the epitome of compassion, could utter such a callous phrase. When her meaning sank in, you took a step, perhaps the first one ever, away from your sister. The morning sun caught on golden threads sewn through your sister's dress, giving her an off putting halo that chilled you.

Throughout your life, where your mother’s efforts were indifferent, your sister exemplified compassion for others. To hear her now, casually dehumanizing an entire race, was like seeing a stranger in her guise. Hearing your mother through your sister, wearing such a familiar face, gave you pause.

Something fractured inside you, and it sharpened your voice to a jagged edge. “How could you say something like that?” 

Suddenly, her face softened into the warm grin you adored. With a sound of concession her hands waved around her head in submission before falling to her sides. “I’m just saying you were born for more than this.” Pulling you close again, she planted a kiss on your forehead, like you were a wayward child.

A vein of anger pulsed through you as you shoved her off. “And what exactly was I born for?” You challenged, barely restraining the bite behind your tone.

Your aggression didn’t dim her smile; she brushed off your rising ire with one calm word, “More.”

“Now,” she announced, clapping her hands together as if to dispel the tension. “I’m here to ensure everything is in order for the Gala.” Without checking to see if you followed, she began walking back inside, detailing the timeline for the next day. She never looked back, so accustomed was she to your lifelong habit of trailing behind her.

Anchored in place, you watched her disappear into your quarters. ‘Lab experiments’ kept turning over in your thoughts.

Beyond the sisterly love that always bound you, it was her opinions, thoughts, and motivations that you so sought to protect. She aimed to improve people’s lives and be the voice of your planet’s needs. Without her selfless, kind drive—or even the calculating leadership of your mother—you knew you could still support your people and protect your sister by becoming her shield.

But this new facet of her, the glimpses of a harsher woman unknown to you, troubled you. Supporting your sister and raising her voice above your mother’s was one thing. Supporting a voice that echoed your mother’s was another entirely.

Compared to participating in whatever pageantry your mother and sister had planned, scaling the ivy-covered wall beside you looked was the more appealing option. 

Your sister called your name, finally prompting you forward. You could dwell on your family after the event.

The Gala was to be held in a hall open to the public, whereas the rehearsal took place in the privacy of a separate, more secure hall. Typically the venues were one in the same but with your standing in, necessary precautions were taken.

While you managed the rehearsal, Howzer briefed Clone Force 99 on the layout and security protocols of the structure.

Having finished surveying the building’s perimeter, Howzer led the squad up a switchback staircase carved into the mountain. “This is the last access point to the building and, coincidentally,” he noted as they reached the top stair, “a backdoor for tomorrow.”

The stairs led to a rocky outcrop that overlooked the hall where the event would be held. The hall was dimly lit, with staff attending to last-minute preparations.

“It’s an impressive structure,” Hunter remarked, walking to the edge of the outcrop. He knelt down, scanning the windows and balconies below through his binoculars.

Based on Tech’s research, neither the Governor nor the Senator had heat on them. The entire estate was designed to be impenetrable, and as far as Hunter was concerned, everything was in order and controlled. Hunter stood to face Howzer, rolling a shoulder towards the estate behind him. “This seems pretty straight forward, why the extra security?”

Howzer thought, nodding through a long inhale, “The Governor doesn’t do anything without necessity.” He paused, but could only shrug, “But I can’t say. She hasn’t indicated any specific threat.”

Having been on a similar line of thought as Hunter, Echo was the next to question with a question. “Why are clone troopers stationed here anyways?” Clone troopers went where there was unrest and instability; conditions that did not describe your planet. Yours had been stable, if not outright prosperous, in the war so far. 

“This planet exports more raw energy than most planets in the Mid Rim combined.” Howzer explained. “From what I’ve been told, when the war started and sides were being chosen, the Republic wouldn’t risk losing this planet’s energy supply so they’ve done everything possible to placate the politicians here.”

He continued, “Plus, having Clone troopers escort the major energy shipments? It’s a smart move for keeping away Separatists and pirates.”

For most of the afternoon, Crosshair had kept his attitude subdued. Whether it was due to a lack of commentary or abundance of restraint was anyone’s guess. Eventually, his patience waned, and he couldn’t help but interject, his voice dripping with disdain.  “And where does being a glorified bodyguard come into play?” There was no curiosity in his question, only pure condescension.

Howzer shifted his weight, a muscle feathering over his jawline. Looking Crosshair over he mused, “Seeing as how we’re in the same boat for the next two days,” Scoffing, Howzer turned his attention back to venue below and continued, “Why don’t you let me know when you figure it out?”

That earned a laugh from Wrecker. Almost knocking Crosshair off balance, Wrecker knocked him with an elbow and chuckled, “He gotcha there, Cross.”

A snarl rippled over Crosshair’s lips, twisting into a mean smile. “So you enjoy playing lapdog for a few prissy politicians?”

“Prissy is one way to put it.” Tech added under his breath as he lifted his scanner in the air.

A smile softened Howzer’s features as he noticed a familiar figure stepping out onto a balcony. "Like I said - it has its perks," he said, his gaze fixed on the scene below. The two of you were discussing something with your sister holding a datapad between you while 9-E trailed you.

Crosshair followed Howzer's gaze, his annoyance cooling slightly as he spotted you on the balcony. The sniper clicked his tongue and stepped back from the ledge.

Tech, still fiddling with his scanner, noticed the change in Crosshair and found you. He watched you for a beat, glancing between Howzer and you, before tucking his device away. “It looks like they are nearing the end of their preparations. This would be a good opportunity to head back.” It was all the prompting his squad needed to start moving towards the stairs.

Howzer didn’t immediately move, his eyes dropping away before locking back on you. “Tell me something,” He said, voice dropping low. “How’d she take it?”

The question sent a pulse of silence through the men as they exchanged looks. Howzer  faced the group, tapping the scar that marred his left cheek. “I saw her face.”

“Running to her defense?” Crosshair's voice was sharp, tinged with scorn.

Echo passed Crosshair a disapproving shake of his head. Sounding impressed, Echo was the one to answer, “She handled herself like a soldier.”

That was the answer Howzer expected, but still his shoulders fell. Howzer's expression softened slightly, though a hint of sadness lingered. "Prissy doesn't even begin to cover her on a good day," he muttered, more to himself than to the others.

In the limited time the Captain was stationed on your planet, he’d caught on quickly enough to your family dynamics. 

Initially, the Senator had seemed the most approachable. She was amiable, respectful, and appreciative of the clones' efforts, contrasting sharply with the Governor’s dismissive air. Whereas, you were distant, something Howzer took as alignment with the Governor’s sentiments. Rumors even made their way through the barracks that it was the Governor that kept you away, that she deemed clones unworthy of her daughter’s company. Howzer shut the insubordination down, but he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought the same thing.

It wasn’t until the first conference Howzer attended with your family that his perspective changed. The conference kept the Governor distracted and gave you the first real chance to approach him. Your humor surprised him, your unabashed admiration for the clones even moreso. After an evening with you, he found himself in your company at every opportunity. While your leash was tight, more so than you probably even realized, you definitely knew your way around your restrictions.

Once Howzer heard how the Governor spoke of you and your ‘lack of ambition’ Howzer understood he only saw a small part of the whole. After a time she grabbed your arm so hard you winced, he worried about what she did when there weren’t witnesses. In the end, Howzer decided it wasn’t his place to comment. Even as a Captain in the Grand Army of the Republic, he was only a clone trooper.

So, he kept things professional, maintaining a safe boundary with you. Yet, he indulged your questions about training and duties, even encouraged you to get training if that’s what you felt your path was. When you didn’t return from Kamino, that safe boundary quickly felt like a noose on your neck.

Your safe return felt like a second chance. Howzer wouldn’t be a silent bystander again.

“You know,” Howzer addressed the group but looked directly at Crosshair. “We were made to take hits. Clones are trained all our lives to take this well.” He walked past the men, bumping into Crosshair on his way, adding, “Makes you wonder, doesn't it? What taught her to handle it so well?”

This was the first time a reg left Crosshair silent and the first time he resented his ability to see so far off. He didn’t want to look at you.

That evening, you returned well after dark. Exhausted, your feet ached, your back was sore, and your mind thoroughly numbed from your sister’s constant instructions. You didn’t even bother with the lights as you made your way through your quarters.

Slumping down on to the edge of the bed, you began pulling at the tight shoes your sister chose for you. As you bent, a twitch ran through you that flared pain in your shoulder. It reminded you of all the reasons your shoulder was sore and why you were staring at a pair of ugly, golden slippers.

A burst of rage sent the slipper soaring into the wall ahead of you. Unsatisfied, you ripped the other off and chucked it toward the open veranda doors, where it landed just short of the outside. 

Annoyed with yourself, you retrieved the shoe, and as you neared the door, you caught the drift of voices outside. With soft steps, you continued onto the veranda for a better listen.

Hunter’s stern voice made it through the wall first. “Crosshair, calm down.”

“No,” Crosshair snapped, his voice as furious as when you had headbutted him. “He knew who she was and didn’t say anything. He got us into this situation.”

Great, you inwardly groaned. They’re talking about me. Discomfort bloomed in your chest, sending prickling anxiety up your spine. They were fighting because of you.

Echo interjected, his tone just as firm. “The Prime Minister got us into this, not her. And you’re only making it worse with your attitude. Keep it to yourself. We have a mission to do and she certainly doesn’t need it,” he snapped, footsteps receding as he presumably walked back indoors.

As you strained to hear who was left, Tech’s reasoned voice floated over. “I hardly see how my knowledge of her identity caused any problems.”

“Oh, don’t act so innocent.” Crosshair fumed. “You knew, and because of your silence, I—We could’ve handled things differently.

Tech sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation in his voice. “I merely respected her decision to train without interference.”

“And look where that got her,” Crosshair retorted sharply, his voice dripping with bitter sarcasm.

At that you sucked in a small breath. 

Tech started to push back when Hunter finally stepped in, “We’re done here. Tech, Wrecker, inside. Crosshair, stay out here and cool off.”

From the sounds of it, the others retreated inside and the solitary grumbling confirmed it for you. As softly as possible, you walked to the railing. You swallowed what you could of your anxiety and leaned over the balcony to peer around the ivy wall.

Sure enough, there Crosshair was, head in hands, leaning on the handrail. Catching him in this small moment of silence felt like seeing something you shouldn’t have. The moonlight illuminated him, bouncing off his hair enough to give him a glow. He was beautiful.

“What could you possibly want?” You jumped when Crosshair’s sharp tone cut through the silence. He dropped his hands and met you with an irritated look.

The first thing that came to mind spilled out, your nerves getting the better of you. “I want a lot of things.”

Crosshair shifted his weight onto one elbow, twisting in place to see you better. “What?” The tone in that one word sounded like a larger, more insulting question.

Swaying from the balls of your feet to your tiptoes and back, you considered tossing yourself from the balcony rather than saying another word. Staring out over the forest beyond you were slow to think of anything. Hesitantly, you started, “I want… this Gala to be over.” You turned a smile on Crosshair, hoping the humor would crack his scowl. 

It didn’t.

“And I want to apologize.”

That caught his attention. His sour expression pinched with confusion. He straightened, resting his hand on the railing. “For what?” he asked skeptically.

Taking a sidestep in his direction, you took another jab as lightening the mood, crooning, “Don’t get your hopes up, it’s not for headbutting you.” His face didn’t change and the grip he had on the railing went white, spiking that prickling anxiety again. Crosshair said nothing, pushing away from the railing to leave. 

“Crosshair, wait!” You scooted to where the veranda met the dividing wall.

“Save it.” He growled without looking back.

His walking away, dismissing you, not giving you the time of day - all of it broiled a rage deep seated within you. A rage that had been festering inside you since childhood. The very same flood of rage that sent your shoes flying earlier. One of which you still held in hand.

Chucking the slipper as hard as you could, it found its mark on the back of Crosshair’s head. At an abrupt halt, he stood frozen, then slowly faced you. Where the moonlight once brought out a beauty in the man, now darkened an already angry glower.

“What was that for?” His voice was dangerously low.

Refusing intimidation, you curled your fingers into the air in front of you. Through gritted frustration, you said, “Because I’m tired of you being an ass! You’re angry with me so just-” Your hands fumbled in front of you, making angry shapes as you worked out the last words, “Just say it!”

Crosshair said nothing, going silent as he took two long strides, gripped the railing with one hand, and vaulted himself around the wall with fluidity. You managed to get out of his way as he danding on your side without a sound. He didn’t move any closer, but even feet away he stood over you. 

Not backing down, you were the one to close the distance, doubling down by saying, “Say it to my face.” He dodged the finger you thrust in his face.

The two of you stood like that, on the cusp of something angry, for almost a moment too long. As if neither of you had fully thought this through. Thought through what to say or how to say it. Especially seeing as your typical mode of conflict wasn’t on the table.

His jaw clenched a few times before he spoke and, much calmer than you expected, Crosshair said, “You should have told us who you were.”

Your frustration bled into desperation. “Crosshair, please, this isn’t a game to me. If I wanted to train, I had to-” On instinct you reached for his arm but he stepped out of reach before you made contact.

You both froze with your hand still hanging between you. Simultaneously, the two of you broke eye contact to look at your hand and when he didn’t swat your hand, you reached for him again. And again, he evaded you.

“Crosshair.” You said slowly. “What is going on?” His avoidance seemed like anger, but his sidestepping made you think again. “Why are you avoiding me?”

“I...” Crosshair’s voice trailed off as he fell back a step, something flickering in his eyes. He tried to look elsewhere, but you stepped into his line of sight. A little jolt ran up his neck, almost taken aback by your persistence. What little control he had over himself seemed to be slipping.

Careful of the boundary you toed, you held his gaze while extending a hand to him again. His eyes didn’t falter, but the breath he held told you he knew what you were doing. With the caution of handling a wild animal, you gently touched his forearm. The muscles in his jaw went tight at your touch.

In a voice reserved for your sister, gentle and patient, you pushed softly, “It’s more than not telling you, isn’t it?”

The moonlight softened Crosshair’s brown eyes to a pale hazel and revealed a flicker of whatever fight he had with himself. “If I had known who you were-”

“You wouldn’t have trained me?” You cut him off, too eager to know his inner workings.

His mouth opened just enough for him to say, “That’s not it.” For only a second, had you blinked you’d have missed it, his eyes scanned your face.

You didn’t need to ask to know it was marks on your face he sought.

“No.” A dawning realization tilted your head. You weren’t sure if you were flattered or offended. “You wouldn’t have used me like a punching bag.”

Like a child caught in trouble, those pale hazel eyes widened. This was, perhaps, a shared realization.

“Are you avoiding me because you’re ashamed?” Crosshair didn’t respond, his silence a confirmation as he looked away, unable to meet your gaze. 

“I… I don’t want to hurt you,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Not more than I already have.”

His confession pushed your hand from his forearm to his hand, balled into a tight fist.

“Look at me,” You urged gently, wedging your fingers into his. “Crosshair.” For a long moment, he remained still, then slowly, he found your eyes again.

You shook your head with a weak smile, the weight of his guilt adding to your own. Squeezing his hand you made your own confession. “I am sorry-”

“Don’t-”

“No.” You said firmly, squeezing again. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to drag you all into this. I just…” A crack in your voice made you pause. Coughing through it, you continued, “I just wanted to be more than I am.”

Red hot shame burned tears into the corners of your eyes. The hold you had on his fingers, sat loose in yours, suddenly felt like an imposition. For weeks he was forced to be in your company. Now you forced him away from his duties to be another unwilling participant.

You slipped your hand from his at the thought of doing anymore damage. Your retreat made it no farther as an armored arm slung around you.

Crosshair pulled you close, trapping you under his chin. The sound of crickets was dampened by his breathing and drowned out entirely when Crosshair spoke.

“Don’t apologize to me or anyone else for that matter.”

The moment was fleeting. Before you could fully register or react to his words, Crosshair let you go, stepping back to give you space, his expression perfect neutrality. The feel of his arm lingered around you and kept you speechless as he lightly swiped a thumb over your eye. 

When all you managed were a few blinks, his lips pulled slightly to one side. “That’s not a good look for you.”

Warmth spread through your chest when he made a swipe over your other eye. You chuffed at the soft gesture, but gently pushed his hand away. While your touch still lingered, you playfully tugged his hand to the side, as if inviting him to dance.

Angling a smile up at him, you asked, “And… who can’t keep their hands off of who?”

Crosshair’s smile vanished as he rolled his eyes and groaned, pulling his hand back. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

You palmed away any remaining tears, chuckling as you stepped back. “Oh, get over yourself.”

There was a beat of silence before you both laughed. It was the first time you heard him laugh softly. The lingering warmth from your brief, shared laughter made the cool night air more bearable.

“As fun as this is,” Crosshair drawled, taking another step away. He flashed you one last disarming smile before turning on a heel to leave. “I think someone needs her beauty sleep.”

Your stomach fluttered as you watched him walk away. Seeing him so relaxed and even playful made his tease feel unexpectedly charming.

With a light laugh and a wave, you called out, “Go away, Crosshair.”

Alone on the veranda, you wrapped your arms around yourself, absorbing the night’s calm. The day had been the longest you’d had in a long time. And at the end of it all - you somehow felt good. Making amends with Crosshair made you feel hopeful that whatever tomorrow brought, you were ready for it.

Whether the men of Clone Force 99 knew it or not, they were changing your life forever.

taglist: @bruh-myguy-what @havocsix2havoc5 @thebadbatchfan @rhyscosmos @euphrosyn3 @a-rose-of-amber @reader3 @gingermeowmeow @noraantilles @tbbtechlover @fruityfucker @sparks0918 @patat-gurl @locamoka-blog @gvnthesia @astralqueenoc @the-adventures-of-alex-aurelius @faborriku @galaxyquirks @bimboshaggy @starlightaurorab @commanderblood @froggygal @bbuckysbeardd @baddest-batchers

[strayrockette]

Haunting at Arrow House: Chapter 2

Thomas Shelby Masterlist

Masterlist

Summary: The mysterious door is finally opened and unfamiliar face enters the mix.

Warnings: Some weird sounds and touches from the resident ghostie woahstie, tension, rising fear and paranoia

Pairings: Thomas Shelby x reader

A/N: Another fic I can finally get rid of after almost 2 years of sitting inside my drafts and head.

—

I made my way to the kitchen, thoughts of last nights events playing on a loop in my head—the thumping noise from behind the walls, the cold that had seemed to seep up through the very floor, and that unmistakable scent of whisky and cigarettes that had hung in the air, long after I’d searched for its source. None of it made sense. I tried to reason with myself. It had been a long day of unpacking and moving in. My mind was tired, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar. It wasn’t unusual to imagine things when you’re that exhausted.

But the thoughts persisted, swirling in the back of my mind like shadows refusing to settle.

As I moved around the kitchen, making coffee and preparing breakfast, my gaze kept straying to upstairs, where the large oak door taunted me—the one Jake had pointed out was stubbornly locked. I hadn’t given it much thought yesterday, too focused on unpacking and settling in, but now my curiosity had been fully piqued. What could be behind that door? A forgotten storage room? An old office? The more I tried to push it out of my mind, the more it called to me, an unanswered question hanging heavy in the air.

For now, I shook the thought away and focused on the tasks ahead. The day promised to be productive, and after breakfast, I threw myself into organizing the rest of the house. Arrow House, with its high ceilings and large windows, had a strange beauty to it, despite the dust and the echoes of age that clung to every corner. By midday, the kitchen was neatly stocked, and the living room had begun to take on a cozy warmth. I had even found a place for the old typewriter Anne had been so spooked by. I set it on a vintage desk I’d discovered tucked away in the attic, its keys silent, waiting.

As I moved through the rooms, tidying, arranging, and trying to settle into this new life, the hours slipped by quicker than I expected. Before I knew it, the sun had moved high in the sky, casting long shadows through the windows. That’s when the doorbell rang, the sound sharp and sudden, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I opened the door to find Jake standing there, toolbox in hand, his smile warm and easy. He looked out of place against the looming backdrop of the house, like a spark of life in an otherwise forgotten world.

“Ready for round two?” he asked with a grin.

“Absolutely,” I replied, returning his smile. “I’m dying to see what’s behind that door.”

We walked together down the hallway to the oak door, its worn surface and heavy frame feeling more imposing now than it had before. Jake set his toolbox on the floor and knelt to inspect the lock. As he worked, I kept busy with small tasks, arranging books on the shelves and straightening the pillows on the couch, but my mind was elsewhere. My ears strained for any sign of progress.

After a few minutes, I heard the faint, satisfying click of the lock disengaging.

Jake turned to me with a triumphant look. “We’re in business,” he said, standing up. “Let’s see what this door’s been hiding.”

With a slow, deliberate motion, he pushed the door open. It creaked loudly, as if protesting the intrusion after years of silence. I peered inside, my breath catching in my throat. The room was dimly lit, with only a thin beam of sunlight filtering in through a small window on the far wall. Dust hung thick in the air, disturbed by our movements.

The space was sparse—a large mahogany desk sat near the center, an old leather chair behind it, and bookshelves lined the walls. Most of the books were hidden beneath layers of dust so thick I could hardly read their titles. The air inside felt stale, as if the room had been sealed off from the rest of the house for decades. The silence in here was different from the rest of the house. Heavier. More oppressive.

Jake stepped inside first, his footsteps leaving imprints in the dust on the floor. “Looks like it hasn’t been touched in years,” he remarked, running his hand over the desk. His fingers came away gray with dust.

I followed him inside, my eyes scanning the room. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, though I couldn’t pinpoint why. I pushed the unease aside, focusing on the task at hand.

We started clearing away the dust, opening drawers and sifting through papers. There wasn’t much to find—old invoices, receipts, and correspondences from the previous owner.

Jake’s voice cut through the silence, “Hey, check this out,” he called from one of the bookshelves.

I hurried over to find him crouching by the bottom shelf. He had discovered a hidden compartment, cleverly disguised behind a row of old, forgotten books. Inside, we found a small collection of photographs and documents. Some were of the house itself, its once-pristine exterior gleaming in the sun. But others were of people—people I didn’t recognize.

One photograph, in particular, caught my eye. It was a faded image of a man standing in front of Arrow House, his face set in a stern, almost grim expression. There was something eerily familiar about him—the sharp jawline, the piercing eyes. He looked so much like Thomas Shelby, though younger and maybe harder in some way.

I held the photo out to Jake. “Does this man look familiar to you?”

Jake studied the picture for a moment, his brow furrowed. “That’s definitely a Shelby,” he said slowly, “but it’s not one of the brothers I know. Could be a relative, maybe from way back.”

A cold chill ran through me as I looked at the photograph again. There was something about the man’s eyes, something that unsettled me deeply. I could almost feel them watching me, even from the faded image.

As the afternoon stretched on, the sense of unease in the room grew. I could tell Jake felt it too, though neither of us said anything. There was something about this house—something lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

Jake finished up his work and packed away his tools. “We’ve found enough for one day,” he said with a grin, though there was a tightness to his voice. “I’ll come back soon if you need any more help.”

I thanked him and saw him out, but my thoughts were still racing. The typewriter, the photograph, the hidden room—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle, but I didn’t yet know how they fit together.

That night, as I climbed into bed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the house was watching me. The silence felt alive, like it was listening. I pulled the blankets tighter around me, hoping the warmth would chase away the chill that seemed to settle in my bones.

But sleep didn’t come easily. Every sound felt amplified—the groaning of the old timbers, the distant rustle of the wind against the windows. Shadows seemed to shift and move on their own, flickering just at the edge of my vision. I lay there, eyes wide open, staring into the darkness, until finally, exhaustion began to pull me under.

Just as I was on the edge of sleep, I felt it—a soft touch on my shoulder, so real it jolted me fully awake. My heart pounded in my chest as I turned my head, but the room was empty.

“Hello?” I whispered into the darkness, my voice shaky.

No response. Only silence. The kind that presses in from all sides.

I reached out, my hand brushing over the spot where I had felt the touch. Nothing. But I knew what I had felt—it had been too real, too tangible to be my imagination. I sat up in bed, scanning the room, but all was still.

It took a long time for my racing heart to calm, and even longer before sleep finally claimed me again. And even then, my dreams were restless, filled with half-formed images of the house and its secrets.

tag list: @mysticalpandora @ultimatreality @lovecleastrange @watercolorskyy @rockerchick05 @lyarr24 @queenlondyn @sl-ash-er er @literishdegree99 @kimi01985 @literishdegree99 @psychadelichues @embystarr-blog

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Slowly (Wrecker x F!Reader)

There are two versions of this story. The M!Reader version is available here.

Word Count: 1329

Warnings: NSFW, Minors DNI, some implied size difference, ass grabbing, unprotected PiV, facesitting, blowjob, fingering, alludes to the events in TBB S3E4, aftercare

A/N: Wrecker has been holding it together for Hunter while they search for Omega. Now that she and Crosshair are back, tensions are somewhat high as they figure out how to be a squad and family again. You decide it’s time someone took care of Wrecker. Established relationship. 

You met up with Wrecker when he and Hunter finally returned to Pabu. He was clearly pleased they’d found Omega, or rather, she found them. He had some mixed feelings about Crosshair being back, but you knew he missed his brother and despite the hurt, he still felt happy.

“Stay with me tonight,” you suggested. 

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” he replied with a grin. 

You both bid Hunter, Omega, and Crosshair goodnight as they got settled. You walked hand-in-hand to your small home. It felt cozy, but Wrecker was a bit of a mess. He and Hunter hadn’t really paid attention to any self-care while they darted around the galaxy. He admitted that with the stress of it all, he hadn’t really slept much in the last few weeks. You helped him undress and threw his clothes in the washer while he got in the shower. You joined him not long after and worked him into a lather.  He groaned as you tried to massage out some of the kinks in his back. He gave you a tired smile and kissed you, his big hands reaching around to grab your ass.  You felt eager warmth between your legs and looked down. As if you needed to do that to notice what was happening to his body.

“See something you like, big guy?”

“Always,” he replied as you turned off the water.

“We don’t have to do anything tonight if you’re too tired,” you reassured as you dried each other off.

“I know,” he said. “But I missed ya and this shower’s been invigoratin’.”

“Then let me take care of you, Wrecker.”

He blushed and rubbed the back of his head and nodded almost shyly.

“How about you get comfortable in bed and I’ll throw your clothes in the dryer?” you asked.

“I can take care of the clothes,” he insisted.

“You’ve been doing so much,” you replied. “Let me. You get ready.”

You took your time with the laundry. You wanted him to have a chance to relax and get comfortable. He greeted you with a grin as you walked into the bedroom. He was laying back on his favorite pillow, a soft blanket covering him from the waist down. It didn’t cover much though.

You turned the lights down a bit so that the room filled with a warm glow. Wrecker sank into the mattress further while you crawled into bed next to him. His body was always on the warmer side and he tossed the blankets further down the bed. You took your clothes off and he grinned as he watched. His strong hands traced up and down your body as his lips devoured yours. You were slow and deliberate as you kissed your way across his jaw and down his neck. Wrecker let out a soft grunt as you left a little hickey in the crook of his neck.  You kissed down each arm and smiled softly as you kissed the palm of each hand. 

“You’re almost teasing,” he said, pulling you closer so he could kiss your lips. “Lemme at least taste that sweet pussy of yours for a bit.”

“If you insist.”

Wrecker chuckled and whispered, “Want ya on my face.”

He adjusted his position and squeezed your ass as you kneeled above his head.  He gently pulled you down and you gasped as your clit met his wet lips. Everything about Wrecker was strong and that included his ability to fuck your entrance with his tongue and his ability to suck on your clit. He was never too rough. He followed a familiar pattern. One you missed in his absence. You took in a deep breath and traced the scars on his head while he lapped you up. You were getting too close too fast.

“I don’t wanna finish yet,” you managed.

Wrecker lifted you up off his face slightly and smiled at you.

“That’s alright,” he said. “However you want me.”

You grinned and climbed off him, kneeling between his legs.  You took the head of his cock in your mouth and traced a heart pattern on the underside with your tongue. You licked him from base to tip while fondling his balls and taking him in your mouth as far as you could. You did your best to relax your jaw and felt him reach forward to caress your cheek with his thumb. 

“Feels so good,” he moaned.

You kept going, your hand now wrapping around his cock and slowly pumping him while your head bobbed. Wrecker let his head fall back and eyes close at the feeling and you released him.

“You need my pussy, Wrecker?” you asked.

“The sooner the better,” he replied. 

You straddled his lap and lined him up before slowly sinking onto him. Wrecker always loved that feeling. Nice and slow. He didn’t quite fit in all the way in certain positions, but he never minded and never pushed. He just liked watching you ride him. Wrecker let out soft groans at the sensation of you grinding on him. You found a nice leisurely pace and hummed as he played with your nipples with one hand and his other hand added some stimulation to your clit.

“Aww kriff,” he let out. “Close. Hold up. Lemme help you catch up.”

Your hips stopped and he played with your clit some more, easing you closer to orgasm and slowing down his own just enough. When you felt ready, you started riding him again and several strokes later you were hit by waves of pleasure. You moaned as you rode through every wave, only opening your eyes to look down and see him grunt through a smile as he painted your walls. 

You caught your breath and laid on his chest as he began to soften inside you. He rubbed your back and nuzzled the top of your head. You eased out of him and reached for a towel. You cleaned both your bodies up, but Wrecker had ideas for a bit more thorough job.

“Come here, love,” he said. He picked you up and carried you to the shower again. “Let’s rinse off.” 

He turned on the water and you each took in a deep breath as the warm water hit you. Wrecker gently traced your body and his with a washcloth. You got out and dried each other off again and he decided to carry you to bed. You pulled on some underwear and tossed him his favorite boxer briefs. They were covered in hearts and fireworks. He liked keeping them here. Something only you and he would ever see and made with the softest fabric. 

You laid down together. While Wrecker was usually the big spoon, you laid on your back first. He rested his head on your shoulder and held onto you. Your arms laid over his shoulders and you kissed the top of his head. 

You rubbed his back and murmured, “Love you.”

“Love you too,” he replied. He gave you a gentle squeeze. You held each other in the darkened room. You saw a clear night sky and stars peering through the window. You always looked at them while he was gone and knew he was somewhere among them.

You were brought back to the moment by Wrecker kissing your chest. You looked down and smiled at him. He took your hand in his own and kissed the back of it.

“Somethin’ on your mind?” he asked.

“Just looking at the stars. Glad you’re home.”

“Me too.”

You kissed again. He laid his head on you again and you rested your cheek on the top of it. Eventually Wrecker moved to spoon you. He knew laying on top of you resulted in at least one of your limbs falling asleep eventually. He wanted to feel you tucked against him. It wasn’t long before you were both sleeping soundly and Wrecker was finally able to rest with you in his arms.

Tagging: @sideofhorny @dukeoftheblackstar @staycalmandhugaclone

[hellish-hyperfixation]

valentines day kisses | bang chan x male reader

You and Chan had been dating for quite some time now, and you felt it was the right moment to reveal your relationship to the public.

requested

word count: 700

reblogs and comments are always appreciated^^

a/n: it's pretty short.. and only for Chan, but I hope you'll enjoy it nonetheless:)

Once in a blue moon, Chan would bring you along to his lives, as a treat to both himself and his viewers. As far as they knew, you were a friend from outside of the K-pop industry, and that was beyond exciting for them. Of course, he knew better. To him, you were his wonderful boyfriend, and bringing you along was simply one of the best ways of spending time with you while working.

This particular live was on Valentine’s day, and you had prepared a little surprise for him. Since your three year anniversary being together, Chan had brought up the idea of going public with your relationship a couple times. Over the course of a few months, with much discussion and deliberation with all the other Stray Kids members and the company (he still had duties to fulfill as a leader as much as he did as your boyfriend, after all), he decided that he was ready to come clean to the public whenever you were.

With this in mind, you decided that Valentine's day was the best time to make it happen. You watched as Chan read through comments and responded to few, warming people up for the stream. He sat at the edge of his bed (the bed the both of you were asleep on less than an hour ago), gesturing and chattering animatedly. You sat on a chair at his desk behind the camera, waiting for—

“—and today, I’ve brought along a special guest!”

Your cue. 

“Hello, everyone! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” You gave your typical greeting as you popped your head into the vicinity of the camera. You sat on the bed next to Chan as he scooted over to make you more space, purposefully sitting close enough to leave little to no room between your bodies. To add to the close proximity, you threw your arm around his shoulder and placed your chin on his shoulder to look at the small screen of his phone together. If Chan went quieter than usual, nobody seemed to notice as the chat filled with greetings for you, which you returned. 

The livestream went on as usual, Chan recommending songs, then you, then taking some requests from Stay, with banter and chatting in between. Only was it about halfway through that the tone shifted. 

“That was ‘Nothing’ by Bruno Major! Definitely a go-to for Valentine’s day. I think it’s your turn to choose a song now, no?” Chan glanced over to you, pink dusting his cheeks at how close your faces had gotten. Your lips curled up to form a cheshire grin. 

“How about ‘Kiss Me’ by Ed Sheeran?” 

“I’m not sure if I’ve heard of that one before… Let’s hear it!” He didn’t seem to suspect anything as he searched for the song, and you took the opportunity of him looking down at his phone to wink at the camera. 

Settle down with me

Cover me upCuddle with me

Lie down with me, yeah

“Oh, it’s this song!” His eyes lit up with recognition as he began to sing along. 

“And your heart's against my chest, Your lips pressed to my neck”

“I'm falling for your eyes, But they don't know me yet”

And your plan was unraveling perfectly.

“And with a feeling I'll forget, I'm in love now”

“Kiss me like you wanna be loved”

Before he could even begin to sing the next line, you leaned in and planted the lightest peck on his cheek — hardly more than a brush of your lips against skin — and pulled back just as quickly. Chan whipped his head around to look at you, eyes wide and lips parted slightly. You merely grinned in response to the shock and leaned in to kiss him once more — only this time on the lips. When you tried to pull away, Chan’s lips chased after yours.

When he finally pulled away, he was flushed and smiling wide. 

“That’s why you were being so suspicious!” He exclaimed, hiding his face in his hands. The red on the tips of his ears was still visible. Adorable. 

It was safe to say, after the stream ended, more kisses were shared. 

[aikrus]

The Way We Lie, Steal, and Die

this amnesia!izuku au has been bouncing around my head for ages, so I wrote a scene for it. if anyone likes it and wants me to write the rest maybe it'll give me the motivation to actually write it lol

“I know it may be hard to believe, Midoriya-kun, but these sessions are for your own benefit.” 

Glancing up from his notebook from where he sat cross-legged in the corner of the long couch, the silent boy glanced once from where Aizawa sat on the other end to Hound Dog’s desk. “I’m certainly glad you feel that way; I imagine this would be a lot less enjoyable if you had other motivations.” 

The dog-mutant sighed and closed his own notebook. “Maybe you can help me understand, Midoriya, what the broader context is.” Inui was grasping at straws and he knew it; honestly when he’d heard about an amnesiac student needing therapy he’d been overwhelmed with the responsibility of it, but when he heard it was Midoriya Izuku, the same boy who’d nervously visited his office after the first day of school right before he was leaving to stutter out an introduction and ask for his autograph, all he’d wanted to do was give him back the memories of all the other heroes the boy had surly met. 

What he was greeted with the next day was not a nervous hero fan, rather he found a withdrawn and somewhat spiteful boy who had no interest in mandated therapy. “These sessions are whatever you make of them; if what you need from me is just a quiet and safe place to work then you can feel free to use the desk or even just the table.” 

Each of the passed three sessions were the same; after their initial re-introduction Midoriya would sit on the farthest part of the couch, place a pillow on his lap, and work semi-silently reading and writing in a composition book. 

“The problem is that I don’t need anything from you; I don’t even want your time.” Making the first eye contact since they’ve met Inui searched deep into his blank expression, “If it were up to me I wouldn’t be here.” 

“Why is that, do you think?” He couldn’t help but ask. He saw Aizawa level him a scandalized glare and he felt a little called-out, too late though as the damage was done. Midoriya hummed one long tone before going back to reading the notebook on his lap. So much for progress.

A tense silence settled over the room after Midoriya’s curt response. Hound Dog shifted uncomfortably in his chair, feeling the weight of the boy’s indifference. The version of Midoriya sitting across from him was a far cry from the student he’d heard so much about—this boy had no spark in his eyes, no eager determination to help others, no nervous stuttering or wide-eyed enthusiasm. There was only cold distance.

Aizawa, watching from the corner, leaned forward slightly. “Midoriya,” he began, his voice even. “No one’s forcing you to change, but you should know that we’re here to help you. You’ve been through something traumatic, and it’s okay to ask for support.”

Midoriya’s eyes flicked toward Aizawa, his expression unreadable. He closed his notebook with a deliberate, almost defiant motion and set it down beside him. “I don’t need help,” he said, voice low but firm. “I don’t need to remember who I was. That person—he’s gone. Why is everyone so desperate to bring him back?”

Hound Dog frowned, feeling the weight of that question. He glanced at Aizawa, who remained silent but vigilant, then returned his gaze to Midoriya. “You’re still you, Midoriya,” he said softly, choosing his words carefully. “We’re not trying to bring someone else back. We’re trying to help you.”

Midoriya shook his head, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “I don’t want to be him,” he muttered. His fingers clenched into fists as he spoke. “He—he was, he’s not who I am. He’s definitely not who I want to be, getting into trouble like that. Someone that weak, an obvious liability, I don’t need that.”

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, but before he could say anything, Hound Dog leaned forward, his voice gentle yet steady. “Midoriya, that’s not true. You were strong—are strong. You’ve faced more than most people your age ever will. And no one expects you to go through it alone.”

Midoriya’s expression hardened, and he stood up abruptly, pacing to the window. He stared out into the school grounds, hands trembling slightly. “I don’t understand why you all care so much. That person you’re talking about—he doesn’t exist anymore.” He turned back, eyes cold, almost accusatory. “Why can’t you just let me be who I am now?”

Aizawa finally stood up, his tone low and controlled. “Because who you are now is someone who’s running away.” His words were sharp, but there was no anger behind them, only concern. “I understand wanting to forget, but you don’t have to erase yourself to move forward.”

Midoriya flinched at that, a flicker of something—anger, maybe, or fear—crossing his face. His voice came out strained, barely above a whisper. “Maybe I don’t want to move forward. Maybe I don’t want to be a hero anymore.”

The weight of that admission hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Aizawa’s eyes softened, but Hound Dog remained still.

Midoriya swallowed hard, turning his back to them again. “Everyone expects me to be something I’m not,” he continued, his voice shaking slightly. “But I can’t—I don’t even know how.” He glanced around their faces, taking in the slight signs of horror in them and felt his anger burn; his eyes sparked green when he spoke. “I never asked for this! This school, if you can even call it that, is a saw trap of fake education! I didn’t sign up for this, and I don’t know who in their right mind would.”

A long pause followed, broken only by the ticking of the wall clock. Aizawa stepped closer but didn’t touch him, keeping his distance out of respect. “Midoriya,” he said quietly, “no one is forcing you to be anything. You have choices. But closing yourself off from everyone? That’s not strength, it's not even a choice, it's avoidance.”

Midoriya’s shoulders tensed, and he glanced back over his shoulder. “You don’t get it.”

Aizawa’s gaze softened. “Maybe I don’t, but I’m not giving up on you.”

For a moment, the room felt unbearably still, like the air had been sucked out of it. Midoriya looked down, lips pressed together in a tight line. He didn’t respond, but something in his posture eased—just barely.

Hound Dog spoke up gently., “You don’t have to figure everything out today. Just take your time. We’ll be here.”

Midoriya didn’t say anything, but he slowly returned to his seat- the anger in his movements less sharp. He picked up his notebook again, though he didn’t open it this time. The silence stretched on, but there was a small sense of progress, a crack in the wall he had built around himself.

For the first time since the session began, Midoriya looked up, meeting both Aizawa and Hound Dog’s eyes. There was no gratitude or warmth in his gaze.

[bumblesimagines]

Under The Moonlight

Part 4

Request: Yes or No

~~~

The blue of the sky clashed with orange and pink as the sun began to set. The vibrant gold rays provided a fleeting warmth before the cool of the night could take over. (Y/N) watched the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon, as he typically did back in Greenland. His mother would sit beside him, weaving baskets and telling him stories of his ancestors and the Gods. Her (E/C) eyes would look different in the light and her skin would look warmer. He wondered, as the sun escaped his vision, if she had been watching it too. If she longed for the return of her son unaware he'd been sent to war. 

His mother had always been his guiding light. His protector. His teacher. A woman who had gone through much and remained triumphant. A woman who would do anything for her family. It'd been her sword that had cut down the Christian who attacked their home. Her hands that tended to (Y/N)'s wounds. Her feet that walked the miles to Erik Thorvaldsson's home. Her arms that carried her son there. (Y/N) owed it all to her. And there was nothing he wanted more than to lean on her shoulder and hear her voice once more. To see her once again before her illness could claim her.

Leaves and twigs crunched and broke behind him. He continued staring forward, even as a hulky figure settled down on the grass beside him. Harald peered up at the darkening sky and spotted the stars beginning to appear one by one. Propping his knee up, he rested a sore arm on top and looked at the man beside him. He looked peaceful. Harald smiled at that. And when (Y/N) turned to look at him, his smile widened. (Y/N) stilled and averted his eyes, thumb running back and forth over the back of his hand. When he lifted his eyes again, his lips twitched upward into a small, subtle smile. Harald's heart swelled. (Y/N) was finally starting to warm up to him.

"What is King Canute going to do?" (Y/N) asked. Leif had gone to the warlords with his plan and after deliberation, King Canute dismissed him in favor of searching for something more favorable.

"I have reason to believe he'll go with Leif's plan. It's risky and will cost us if it fails. The other Jarls, however... They haven't come up with anything of value."

"The other Jarls are fools."

"Maybe," Harald chuckled, resting his other hand against the grass. "But they know more about England than you and I."

"What else is there to know? A boy sits on their throne and the enemy awaits right outside his gates." (Y/N) said, eyes shifting onto the castle in the distance, barely visible from their spot on the hill. Built from stone and barely reaching the sky. It looked more like a prison than a home. "Storming the castle will be like taking a toy from a child."

"I'll be taking more than his castle. I was promised his head and I will have it," Harald muttered, his fingers curling into fists. He looked- or rather glared- at the horizon. The bursts of orange and pink had slowly begun to give way to the dark blue of the night. "My brother, Sten, was part of the Kingsguard. King Æthelred slaughtered him, his own protector." 

(Y/N) considered his words. He knew loss well. He knew what it felt like to lose a home, to lose a friend. But he'd yet to feel the grief and pain of losing a sibling. Leif, Torstein, and Thorvald were all healthy young men. And he was sure it'd take many years for death to even get a hold of Freydis. "You believe taking the boy's head... will be justice enough for you?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"What if this boy can undo his father's wrongs? Sons aren't their fathers. Leif is a good example of that."

"And you? Are you like your father?" Harald asked softly, hesitating before he reached out to place his hand over (Y/N)'s, fingers gently running over his skin. (Y/N) looked down at their hands, slowly turning over his and feeling Harald slip his fingers between his. 

"Yes, I am." (Y/N) muttered softly. "Leif turns away from the violence. He's never wanted to be like our father. He's never wanted the darkness that brews in Erik. I guess I'll eventually face the consequences of that darkness."

"You are a good person, (Y/N). Someone bred from this... 'darkness' wouldn't weep over their fallen friends. They wouldn't have returned to the marshes for Leif. They wouldn't have given themselves up to protect Freydis." Harald told him gently, giving his hands a squeeze. (Y/N) raised his head to look at him. Harald gazed into his eyes with a sweet smile, slowly inching closer and closer.

"It's growing late." (Y/N) abruptly said, untangling his hands from Harald and pushing himself up from the ground. Bidding Harald a good night, he began heading back to camp where many Vikings had already settled into their tents for bed. Only a select few remained awake, speaking with others or roaming around the camp. (Y/N) approached the spot the Greenlanders had secured for themselves, finding them sound asleep. He smiled to himself and settled down beside his brother, resting his head on the makeshift pillow. Leif rolled over to face him and cracked open his eyes, offering him a tired smile and lifting his arm so (Y/N) could sleep underneath the blanket. Shuffling closer to his brother, (Y/N) let his eyes flutter closed once the blanket draped over him.

                    ➸        ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸

The following morning, King Canute had chosen to execute Leif's plan. But they first needed to prepare for it. So (Y/N) found himself helping the others build what Leif called ships. Long and smooth wooden boards that they'd lie on and use to move through the water undetected. The idea of those so-called ships had earned hearty laughs from Arne Gormsson and his friends. But Leif had ignored them, confident in his plan. Building had taken them all day but it was of no worries to them. They needed the cover of night to set the plan in motion.

Standing amongst his friends, (Y/N) inhaled and exhaled deeply, pushing arrows into the quiver and silently praying to the Gods for victory. If Leif's plans failed, they'd all die and the massacre would go unavenged. His sister would be left with two less brothers and his mother would lose her only child. The families of their friends would be left without their children, lovers, and parents. If they won... they'd have the honor of saying they helped King Canute take London. And they could go home to their families and have a warm meal.

"We've come a long way, my friends," Leif said, setting his hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder and giving it an affectionate squeeze, gazing over his group of friends. "And I am fortunate. And grateful." 

"We are blessed by the Gods, who alone know our destinies," Skarde smiled, placing a hand against Leif's cheek and looking over his friends. Shakily inhaling, he nodded to himself. "If this is where we say goodbye on Earth, then it is only a quick farewell as we will hail each other soon in Valhalla." 

"Valhalla." Njal smiled and Liv slung her shoulder over Leif's shoulder, gazing at him fondly as she repeated the word as well. (Y/N) chuckled and stepped forward, slipping an arm around Njal's waist and leaning his head against the man's chest.

"Valhalla.." He repeated softly, feeling Njal rub his arm. The group stared at each other for a moment longer before smiling widely and leaning in for a group hug, giggles and laughter escaping them. They squeezed each other tightly and allowed their hug to linger as Skarde pressed fleeting kisses to their foreheads. (Y/N) leaned back and inhaled deeply, whispering one last quick prayer to the Gods above before they walked to the water.

Taking his wooden board from Harald and setting it in the water, (Y/N) waited for the others to get on their boards before they moved forward, laying on their stomachs and using their hands to push them forward through the waters as night fell over them. They reached the first dock with guards stationed at it. Harald reached for his crossbow and slipped onto his back, loading it and aiming as he went beneath the dock first. A guard stood up upon noticing him, squinting through the darkness. But before he could speak, Harald shot him and he fell to the ground with a mere grunt and thud. Njal and Skarde did similarly with the other two guards, leaving the dock without anyone to protect it.

Liv and (Y/N) left their boards to retrieve supplies while the others located the two rowboats at the dock. Tossing the ropes and wire down to them, they continued until they had the necessary amount of supplies before rowing quietly down the river. It didn't take long for (Y/N) to spot the bridge in the distance, made visible by torches. He reached up to his necklaces and ran his finger over the bones, keeping his breathing steady. 

"Tarps," Leif whispered back to them and they leaned down, using the tarps they'd taken from the dock to cover themselves, leaving only one person to row. They waited beneath the tarps, listening to the sound of water and insect trills. After a few minutes, he felt a tap on his leg and the boat slowed down. He lifted the tarp off his body and glanced up at the underside of the bridge.

Quickly climbing onto the small wooden platform keeping the support beams above water, he extended a hand to the others to help them climb on. Taking the supplies from the boat, they worked quickly and quietly. Once finished, the boats continued on with only two people onboard. They remained still, glancing at each other. But when no horns echoed through the air, they knew they were in the clear. For now. 

Climbing onto a wooden beam, the land around them began to appear more visible as the sun began rising. And soon, he heard a horn go off and bells began ringing. Lifting his head, he spotted numerous boats sailing over the horizon, just as Leif had instructed, with three ships sailing faster than the others. (Y/N) looked back at his brother and met his eyes, giving him a small nod before he reached down to take the axe from Liv. They began getting into position and waited, listening to the orders being shouted by the Saxons as they scrambled to prepare for an attack. Soon, an order was called and the chains beneath the bridge moved, lifting spikes from the water. But they remained still. Even as the sound of swords and axes slamming against shields began and King Canute stepped onto the bridge on horseback. When more Vikings were on the bridge, they began, axing away at the wooden beams to weaken the bridge. 

Once satisfied with the amount of wood that had been chipped away, (Y/N) hoisted the axe to his hip and looked up at the sound of hooves passing over. Sharing a look with Skarde, (Y/N) caught the rope he tossed to him and began fastening it around the wood. King Canute would keep the Saxons occupied long enough for them to get their task done and then he'd draw out King Edmund to trap him on one side of the bridge. 

"The tide is turning," Skarde called softly and (Y/N) turned his head to watch the rushing water turn in the opposite direction. With the tides turned, he heard the sound of shouting and soon, the sound of steel meeting steel. Hopping down from the beam, (Y/N) ensured the rope would hold one last time before he retrieved an arrow and tied a wire to the end of his arrow, and then tied the other end of the thread to the rope. Once the three boats were close enough, he lifted his bow and aimed for one of the shields on the third bow before releasing it, watching it soar through the sky and hit the shield. Arrows began falling down over the boats but the ropes had already been fastened.

The boats began rowing away, using the tide and the ropes to pull on the bridge, causing the wood to creak and break. The arrows stopped suddenly and (Y/N) held his breath, releasing it with a yelp when the arrows descended down on them. Archers on the bridge pointed their bows down at them, releasing arrow after arrow and effectively shooting down Tomas. (Y/N)'s gaze shot up to Njal, eyes widening when the blonde man staggered backward, coughing up blood before he fell into the waters. Liv screamed beside him, tears quickly flooding her eyes. (Y/N) wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her under the bridge, being mindful of the chunks of wood falling down. But they couldn't stay there for long. The bridge continued creaking and groaning, bits of wood falling down as it began leaning over. But not fast enough. 

Leif climbed back on and began axing away at the beam he'd tied the rope around, aiming to quicken the process. (Y/N) quickly moved over to help him, hearing another grunt and looking over his shoulder in time to see Skarde fall into the murky waters. With an enraged cry, Liv ran out from under the bridge and lifted her bow toward the archers, successfully hitting one of them but at the cost of being shot in the shoulder. Wailing in pain, she stumbled back and fell into the depths. 

The scream caught in (Y/N)'s throat, breathing becoming labored. The sound around him turned distant and his vision blurred from tears. The axe fell from his trembling hands, falling onto the ground with a muffled clang. Fingers wrapped around his arms, Leif's distant shouting reaching his ears as he was pulled from the beams and toward the water. 

"We have to jump!" Leif yelled over the sound of the bridge falling apart and the cries of battle. The sound returned to (Y/N) and he grounded himself, staring at the rushing water before diving in with Leif as the bridge finally collapsed. He heard the water rushing around him, pieces of wood hitting his body. A shot of panic rushed through him, kicking his legs wildly and breaking through the surface. Hands suddenly grabbed his arms, heaving him up and onto a boat. (Y/N) coughed, feeling someone gently rub his back as he hacked up the water he had accidentally inhaled.

"We did it, (Y/N)!" Turning his head, (Y/N) met Harald's eyes but his gaze shifted onto the bridge in the distance. Broken right in the middle. Just as Leif had planned. 

"We did it..." He breathed, a small smile spreading across his lips. His friends' sacrifices hadn't been in vain. 

Many of the Vikings continued further into the castle to steal and ravage, Harald among them. But (Y/N) chose to reunite with his brother, checking him for injuries and thanking the Gods when he found none. Together, they began searching the banks of the river, looking for their friends. And soon, they heard the familiar sound of Liv's voice. Immediately quickening his pace, (Y/N) spotted her. She was drenched and staggering, completely out of breath. (Y/N) soon saw why.

"Njal... Skarde..." (Y/N) whispered, falling down onto the muddy ground and feeling the tears overwhelm his eyes. There his friends lied, drenched and dead. The waters had wiped away the dirt and grime off their faces but the sickly pale color of death had already begun settling in. They'd left Kattegat with six and they'd have to return with only three. (Y/N) gently brushed the hair out of Njal's face and looked over his face. They looked peaceful, almost as if they were merely sleeping. 

"I got them out of the river... but I could take them no further," Liv explained, sniffling and staggering before collapsing in Leif's arms, pained whimpers and sobs escaping her.

"No, no, no, Liv." Leif quickly tucked his arm under her knees and lifted her up. "She's hurt, (Y/N)!"

"The shoulder, Leif, she was shot there." (Y/N) sniffled, wiping away the tears with the back of his hand and getting up on his feet. Standing beside the two, he gently pulled back on Liv's coat and winced at the blood. "Come on, we need to get her to the healers." 

                    ➸        ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸

"She has been shot with a double-barbed arrow. You cannot pull it out of her without killing her immediately." The healer explained, wiping his hands clean of blood. Liv lied on one of the cots, covered in sweat and shuddering violently. She'd snapped the arrow after being shot, leaving part of it sticking out of her shoulder. Leif gently dabbed her forehead with a wet cloth as (Y/N) softly stroked her brown hair, watching her wince every so often. "If it stays, the flesh will rot and she will die slow." 

"What if I push it through?" Leif asked softly, peering up at the healer.

"She's too weak to survive it." The healer shook his head, giving them a pitying look and standing to check on the other injured. Liv swallowed and opened her eyes, staring up at them as her lips quivered.

"Do it." She croaked. "The arrow."

"You're not strong enough. It'll kill you." 

"Let me decide that." Liv pleaded softly.

Leif frowned, cupping the side of her face. "I can't lose you, Liv." He whispered, stroking her cheek with his thumb. (Y/N) watched them, noting the pain in Leif's voice as he spoke. 

"You won't," Liv assured, the trembling in her body growing by the second. Leif inhaled deeply and lifted his eyes to look at his brother. (Y/N) nodded and Leif sighed, reaching for his knife and holding it to her face. Biting down on the leather around the knife, Liv released a muffled groan as (Y/N) gently moved her onto her side before shifting so he was crouched down beside her. Leif stood and walked around the cot, leaning over her and reaching down to place his fingers on the part sticking out. Liv weakly wrapped her arms around (Y/N), watery eyes looking into his before she tucked her head into his neck.

"Easy, Liv, easy." (Y/N) whispered softly, cringing and closing his eyes as Leif pushed the arrow out. Liv shrieked and cried out, fingers curling and gripping tightly onto (Y/N)'s clothes. Leif grimaced, continuing to push until the head of the arrow stuck out on the other side of her shoulder. Gripping the head, he pulled it out as Liv continued to cry. (Y/N) carefully set her back on her back and grabbed some bandages to wrap around her shoulder before she could continue bleeding. Leif gently pried the knife from her mouth and set it aside, sitting at the edge of her cot and dipping the cloth into the water again before dabbing it against her forehead.

"She'll be alright, Leif."

"I know," Leif murmured. (Y/N) stood up and sighed, reaching over to rub his brother's back before stepping back and exiting the tent. 

Many Vikings had taken up residence within the walls of the castle but the castle could only contain half the army. Those who remained outside of the walls moved their tents closer to the castle and celebrated the victory with ale and food. A proper feast would surely be held the following day once the castle was secure and all the nobles were captured. (Y/N) didn't expect any less from his people. 

Moving through the camp, it didn't take long for him to spot Harald sitting by a fire, hands lifted to warm himself. He stared at the fire with a scowl on his face, glaring at anyone who stepped near him. (Y/N) inhaled softly and walked forward, taking a seat beside him on the log. Harald glanced at him, scowl fading. "Greenlander.."

"I assume you're sitting here pouting like a child because the Boy King lives?"

"Am I that obvious?" Harald chuckled dryly and dropped his hands, resting his arms on his knees instead. With a heavy sigh, he bitterly spoke, "King Canute has robbed me of justice." 

(Y/N) watched Harald stare into the fire, his anger shifting into a look of disappointment. He'd been unable to get justice for his brother, (Y/N) could only wonder what ran through his mind. So, in an effort to keep him occupied, (Y/N) touched his necklace. "Remember when you asked about this?" Harald looked away from the fire, quirking a brow at him and nodding.

"I remember you ignored me." 

"Yes, well," (Y/N) chuckled and Harald smiled. "When I was a boy, a bit before we were attacked, my mother gave me this thread to wear. She said for every creature you kill, you will wear one of their teeth as a reminder that you survived. It was a tradition started by her father's father. So, after I killed a fox, I added my first tooth to the thread." 

"So, all of these are..." Harald trailed off, straightening his back and leaning in slightly to look at the necklace more closely. He lifted his hand to gently trace the thread and teeth.

"Some are foxes, wolves... bears." 

"Bears?"

"Bears." (Y/N) nodded with a wide smile, dropping his hands onto his legs. "My mother's necklace is long but my grandfather's nearly reached to his knees."

"Really? He must've been a good hunter."

"Well..." (Y/N) cleared his throat and leaned in, bumping his shoulder with Harald's. Harald felt his breathing slow at the proximity, eyes flickering down to his lips. "His necklace had human teeth."

"What?" Harald blinked, eyes snapping back up to his as he gaped at him. (Y/N) stared at him, a grin slowly forming on his face before he broke out into laughter, reeling over and clutching his side. "You- You're lying? You little-" Harald clamped his mouth shut but he was unable to contain the smile spreading across his lips. (Y/N)'s laughter died down into giggles and he wiped away tears. 

"Don't worry, Prince." He giggled softly. "Only half of them were human." 

Before Harald could respond- or react-, someone called for him. Harald glanced back at them and sighed heavily, rising up from the log and looking back at him with one last smile. (Y/N) watched him walk away, licking his lips and lifting his hands to his necklace once more to undo the knot keeping the necklace tied around his neck. Slipping one of the bear teeth from the thread and standing, he stepped over the log and walked toward Harald.

"Prince!" Harald paused and turned, tilting his head and watching him step closer. Taking his hand, (Y/N) set the tooth in his palm and looked up at him. "Keep it as a reminder that you won a war, even if you didn't get the justice your brother deserved." 

Harald stared at it for a moment, features softening. He smiled and curled his fingers around it, bringing his fist up to his chest and over his heart. "Thank you, (Y/N). I'll treasure it."

[thyme-in-a-bubble]

sunflower, chapter thirteen

summary: in which they go to bone town 

warnings: having a nightmare, crying, fear of abandonment,  penetrative sex, a bit of dirty talk, praise, creampie, crying after sex

word count: 1810

∼ gentle reminder that feedback, but especially reblogs are the way you support writers on here ∽

masterlist | join my taglist

previous chapter - series masterlist - next chapter

Glancing up, you looked over Spencer’s sleeping form once more, before looking down again at the sketchbook in your hands, checking to see if you’d gotten his hair just right. It had gotten a bit longer now, beautifully sprawling out over the pillow. Scratching a few more hairs onto the paper, you’d gotten it just right.

Taking a moment to stretch the hand that had been clutching onto that pencil for way too long, you were suddenly startled by Spencer waking up with a gasp. It took a moment before he noticed you sitting there in the corner and immediately took a sigh of relief.

“Hi,” he said quietly, letting a few tears run down his cheeks.

Jumping out of your comfortable position in the armchair, you moved to sit on the bed beside him, “it’s okay, you’re okay.”

Grasping your hand, he took a few deliberate deep breathes, “it was, um, I had a nightmare.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“I, um… it was about Gideon, my old boss… and then Blake… and then-…” holing his focus on your hand, he muttered, “they all left me. Just like my dad did.”

Staying quiet, you just leaned over to wipe his cheeks.

“Everyone that’s ever meant something to me has left,” looking up at you, he whispered, “it’s only a matter of time before you leave me too.”

“Why would you think I’d ever leave you?”

“Because I love you, and people that I love tend not to stick around.”

“Spencer,” you called his attention, “I am not going anywhere.”

Scooting closer to him, you tugged a piece of hair behind his ear and continued, “the way that you make me feel, I’ve never experienced that with anyone,” moving your hand down his arm, you leaned closer to him, “I love you so much,” softly pressing your forehead against his, “I’m not gonna leave you. The only way that’s happening is if you kick me out.”

“God, I love you,” he breathed out and then pressed his lips against yours. The beard that he’d grow during the recovery scratched you slightly, but in a pleasant way. Feeling his hand travel up your back, in order to get you closer, you swung your leg over his hips and straddled him.

As soon as you were settled down in his lap, he slipped his tongue past your lips and danced it over yours. Pressing your body closer to his, you couldn’t help but grind against him ever so slightly, making him hum into the kiss. Feeling him quickly grow hard under you, your movements grew more persistent.

Softly moaning his name into the kiss, he pulled away slightly, “fuck, we should probably slow down a bit.”

“Why? Am I hurting you?” you moved back to look at him properly.

“No, Y/n, you are definitely not hurting me, just, if you wanna slow down, we can,” bringing his hands down to a safer zone, he rested them on top of your knees, “we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“Do you not want to?”

“Of course I do, I just don’t wan-“

“You’re not, trust me,” picking one of his hands up and placing it on your side, dangerously close to your boob, “I want you.”

“You sure?” he searched your eyes.

“Yeah, Spencer,” you leaned down again to kiss him, “I need you.”

Kissing him deeply, he inhaled sharply as you started your hips movements again. Gliding your hands down his chest, once you reached the bottom of his shirt, you tugged it up. Parting, he carefully helped to remove it. Nervous that that might have done something, you asked, “are you okay?”

Letting the shirt fall on the mattress beside you, he smiled, “yeah, I’m fine.”

“Promise you’ll tell me if you are in even an ounce of pain?”

Slipping his hands under your shirt, “I promise.”

Leaning down to plant kisses all over his jaw, carefully skipping the neck and down to his chest, he played with your tits, squeezing them lightly, ending in a slight pull on your nipples, making you roll your hips.

Sliding your hand down to his groin, you palmed his hardness through his pants, “can I please take these off you? It’s really not fair that you’ve seen me naked, but I’ve barely seen you.”

Chuckling lightly, he replied, “I’m not gonna stop you.”

Crawling down the bed, you took them with you, pulling both his pants and boxers off, leaving him completely naked. His cock sprang free, hitting him in the stomach. “Fuck, you’re so beautiful,” you tossed his clothes to the floor.

Keeping your eyes locked on him, you hurriedly took your own off. It wasn’t pretty, but it was fast, even though you almost got stuck ripping your shirt off, the two of you just giggled through it.

Soon you were on top of him again, still giggling lightly, although that did die down when you realized just how bare you both were. You could feel everything.

Grabbing a hold of your hips, he grinded you harder down on his dick. Closing your eyes at the pleasure shooting through you every time the pressure was just right on your clit. Reaching your hand down, he quickly grabbed it, making you open your eyes and look at him, “wait, there’s a condom in the drawer on the right,” he breathed heavily.

“We can, but I’m on the pill, so I’m great if you just wanna…” your offer was cut short as he pressed his fingertips against your clit.

Rubbing in slow circles, “if you’re okay with it, then so am I.”

Not needing any more foreplay, you grabbed a hold of his cock. Hovering, teasing your entrance, you slowly sank down on it, till you were filled to the brim. Your legs quivered slightly on the way down. It didn’t hurt. Even though you knew that you weren’t exactly a nun, you were still a bit nervous about it hurting. But it didn’t. Not to say that it felt the same as riding a toy, this was very much different. Even just knowing that this was Spencer and not just some inanimate object lit a fire deep within you that you couldn’t quite explain.

When you were completely settled on him, you didn’t move, taking a moment. Brushing his hand over your thigh, he breathed out, “fuck, you feel amazing,” then looking you directly in the eye, he reassured you, “take your time.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle lightly at his sweet words, causing your walls to clench down on his dick, making him inhale sharply, “what’s so funny?” he smiled.

“Nothing’s funny, I just love you so much.”

Moving his hand further up your thigh, he came to touch your clit again, making it hard not to rock your hips. Looking down at him, brows slightly furrowed, mouth agape, you unconsciously slide a hand over your body, coming to rest at your left boob, cupping it and pinching the nipple.

Slowly you started moving your hips, letting out shaky moans.

Fuck, it felt incredible. Only just begun, but the high of it all made the end creep up on you that much faster than you expected. Whining his name, he cooed at you, “you’re doing so good.”

Keeping his hand’s movements up on your tiny bundle of nerves, you started lifting your hips further up, until just the very tip was in, and then you eased your way down again. Finding a good rhythm, you kept it deliciously slow, feeling every single inch of him.

Feeling not far off from cuming, you moaned out, “Spencer, keep doing that, I’m-, oh fuck!” arching your back, you let go. Supporting yourself, with a flat palm on his abdomen, keeping yourself upright, your hip buckled, desperately riding out your orgasm. Never stopping, he kept on stimulating you until you almost had you rip his fingers away from you.

Panting, you crumbled, laying down on top of him and rolling your eyes shut.

Stroking his hand down your back, he slurred, “I knew that would feel amazing, but fuck, that was so much better than I imagined.”

Your legs were trembling on either side of him. Keeping your face smooshed into his shoulder, you moved your hips ever so slightly, wincing slightly at the overstimulation, though it only lasted a few moments, hearing Spencer curse under his breath made your recovery quick.

Picking up the speed, you kept your upper body low, staying close to him. Feeling his fingers dig into your sides, maybe in an effort to help you along or maybe he just couldn’t help himself, you enjoyed the feeling of his control for just a moment until you remembered the state he was in. Reaching down to remove them, you brought them up and interlocked your fingers with his.

“You-, “you choked out amidst your moans, “are not allowed to do that.” Hovering above him, looking deeply into his eyes, “let me do all the work.”

Tightening his grip on your hands, he smiled, “yes, ma’am.”

Giving him a quick kiss, you then stayed right there, completely close, sharing his breath, observing every single one of his reactions. It wasn’t long before you saw his eyes struggle to stay open, and panting out a question, “where?”

“Inside, please, I want to feel you, I want all of you.”

It was almost like you could see straight into his soul as he came. Doing his best to keep his eyes open, you kept up your movements, milking him of every wonderful drop, the sensation only made you smile. Coming to a stop, you stayed there for maybe a little longer than necessary, not wanting to part from him. You closed your eyes. Jesus Christ, you loved this man.

His breath returned to normal after a bit, but yours didn’t. It certainly got more regular, but it also became wobbly. It wasn’t until you opened your eyes again to see a slightly blurry Spencer looking up at you with worry, that you came to learn why.

“Y/n, are you okay?”

“What?” you breathed out shakily.

“You’re crying,” he pointed out, letting go of one of your hands to touch your cheek, “was it, oh, I’m so sorry,” he carefully pulled out of you, there forth slowly letting his cum leak out and drip down onto his lower stomach.

Confused you wiped your eyes, “I’m not sad, I don’t know why I’m crying, that was amazing.”

“Oh,” he smiled.

“I love you so much,” you cried, laughing lightly at the silliness of your reaction.

Letting out a soft chuckle, he too became all teary-eyed, “I love you too.”

Whipping your cheeks and planting kisses on them as well, he kept on whispering the proclamation on repeat, well after your tears had stopped.

next chapter

© 2022 thyme-in-a-bubble 

[prettygreenpills]

hey! can i request marilyn thornhill smut

i have two plot ideas you can choose

1.reader is deliberately teasing her in class and yk.. after class

2. reader is flirting with someone else to make her jealous

hi! i chose the first one, so here you go!

Detention

warnings: punishment, teasing, teacherxstudentreader!, jealousy, + smut at the end.

You settled at the desk and looked in front of yourself. There was Marilyn standing by her desk and between the plants. As you looked at her and she looked at you, you just smiled and sent her an air kiss. Marilyn smiled and then the class started.

You weren’t paying attention to your girlfriend at all. You were pretending that you were listening to her but in fact, all you had on your mind was how could you get her angry side. Smiling when an idea crossed your mind, you looked at Marilyn who was searching for an eye contact.

Not paying any attention to what she was saying, you opened your legs a little. Marilyn looked between your legs just for a second, but that was enough for her to realize that you were not wearing any panties and you weren’t wearing a bra neither. Marilyn looked you into your eyes and you just smiled innocently, trying to pretend that what she was talking about made you suddenly interested in the class and you weren’t going there just to tease her.

“Miss Y/l/n, please stay after the class. The rest of you is dismissed,” Marilyn said and you kept sitting on your place. When you were sure about that everyone from the class left, hearing the doors close shut, you smiled.

“What is it?” You stood up from your chair and walked over to her table where all of the plants Marilyn kept were. You just stood there, searching for some eye contact and when Marilyn stepped closer to you, you went on. “Why did the class end so soon? How will you explain that to the principal?”

“I will tell her I am sick. And since you use to help in the nursery, I asked you to stay and help me. Now. Why aren’t you wearing any underwear with a skirt like that darling?”

“Do I have to?” You asked back, making Marilyn just smile. It wasn’t that kind smile, it was mostly an angry smile.

“What if someone sees you like this?”

“Only you do,” you didn’t let her continue and that make Marilyn grab you by your jaw.

“Acting like a little slut, aren’t we?” Marilyn asked and she let go of you, walking past you. You just turned to see what she was doing and when she locked the doors of the classroom, you knew that she is thinking about the same thing as you. “I think my little girl needs a punishment, doesn’t she?”

“Maybe?”

“Bend over the desk, your legs parted."

You were a little scared of what did Marilyn want to do to you, but as much you were scared, that much you were excited. You turned, facing the desk and bent over it. You teasingly slowly parted your legs and turned your head to the side with your eyes closed.

"Now. You will count for me. You deserve to be punished.”

“Okay-“ you almost didn’t finish the word and Marilyn already hit you “O-One-“

“Good girl,” she praised you. “Go on.”

“Two!” you screamed this time and you heard how the blood was bubbling in your ears. Marilyn kept going and she slid her fingers into you really smoothly. “Oh shit-“

“Keep counting.”

“Three-“ you breathed out and Marilyn kept fingerfucking you. Your eyes were shut and you were enjoying the mixture of pleasure and pain at the same time.

Soon when you didn’t know if you were at 12 or 15, you gave up. You were just laying all limp on the desk and what woke you up was Marilyn’s tongue.

“Oh-“ you moaned when she showed her tongue into you and you closed your eyes.

Marilyn took your ass cheeks and she pulled them open so she had better access to your cunt. You moaned at the feeling of her tongue and you closed your eyes.

“So good-“ you moaned out and shut your eyes. Since Marilyn couldn’t speak, she just hummed against you, sending vibrations through your body, bringing you closer to the edge with every hum she let out.

You were so turned on by the spanks you have received and Marilyn surely knew that. And the fact you were in case and a hot redhead was behind you eating you out, made your legs shake.

“Close aren’t we?”Marilyn asked you and you nodded your head. She knew that you had kinks and she knew what kinks did you have. Marilyn shower her fingers inside of you and she sucked on your clit, making you moan out louder than before. “Clenching so hard. All for me?”

“Yes. Please-“

“Shh,” Marilyn just hushed you and then she kissed you onto your ass. She also left there a bite and you moaned out in pleasure clenching your walls around her, feeling how your head was pulsating.

From this woman, you didn’t need too much. She knew what to do to make you cum and when she touched your body, you knew that you’re release wasn’t far away.

“Marilyn- please- im close-“

“You really don’t need too much, do you?” She laughed at her own question and she showed her fingers deeper inside of you, making you clench as hard as it was possible.

With a loud groan, you clenched your muscles and you started feeling dizzy. Since you were knew in these sexual things, you weren’t trained that well to hold it in, it took your short time to cum. And Marilyn knew it.

“Please-“

“Cum,” she whispered. You let your head fall limp and you didn’t know how, your eyes rolled back into your scalp and your souls left your shaking body on the table. Or it just felt like it.

“Good girl, such a good girl. We should do more spanking if it makes you cum this fast.”

“Yeah-“ you breathed out and then whined a little louder, so Marilyn covered your mouth with her hand.

“Now darling. get all cleaned up. Here are the keys. I’ll be in my office soon.”

“Thank you Marilyn,” you thanked her and with little difficulties and shaky legs, you stood up and started walking towards the doors.

“You’re very welcome love.”

[moonmaiden1996]

Silent Pursuit- Chapter Six

River Cartwright could hardly believe his luck. A few nudges—carefully calculated and flawlessly executed—had fallen into place, leading him to this moment: escorting you home along the quiet streets. Shirley’s lapse in judgment had irritated him at first—she’d been tasked with keeping Trent detained at the restaurant, distracted enough to ensure the man wouldn’t interfere. But in the end, Shirley’s predictable vices had worked in his favor. Her failure had been a fortunate slip, one that allowed River to insert himself into your evening just as he’d envisioned.

The streets were silent now, the last bus long gone, leaving you no choice but to accept his company. The fifteen-minute walk to your flat was more than enough time to gently shape the narrative—one of trust, safety, and the promise of something more.

“Thank you for walking me home,” you said, your voice carrying a note of gratitude that made his chest tighten with satisfaction.

“Glad to make sure you’re safe,” he replied, offering a disarming smile. “Especially with that oily little prick lurking around.”

You winced slightly, your discomfort playing perfectly into his hands. “Yeah… I really need to start trusting my judgment better.”

“I think your judgment’s fine,” he said softly, a flicker of warmth threading through his tone. As you reached your door, he watched closely, noting the slight tremble of your hands as you searched for your keys.

“Good night, then,” he murmured, his voice low, deliberate. He fished his phone from his pocket, angling it so the taxi app glowed on the screen. He knew you’d notice—knew you wouldn’t be able to let him leave like this, in the cold.

“I was actually going to order some Chinese,” you said suddenly, hesitation coloring your voice. “Would you want to come in for some? I feel bad for making you walk me home. At least you could order a taxi and wait inside—it’s freezing out here.”

His lips curved into a gentle, almost shy smile. “A Chinese sounds perfect,” he replied. Victory.

Inside, your flat welcomed him with a cozy warmth, a space that was unmistakably yours. It was smaller than he’d imagined, cluttered in a way that suggested a life lived fully but chaotically. He took it all in with careful deliberation: the well-worn books on the shelves, the row of plants on the windowsill, the mismatched pillows on the sofa. Each detail was noted, cataloged, and weighed against the vision he’d been building for you—no, for both of you.

It was charming, this little haven of yours, but temporary. Soon enough, you’d outgrow it, and when that time came, his place—spacious, meticulously chosen—would be waiting. He’d already picked out where your favorite chair would go and which corner would house the bookshelves he’d build for you. A home designed with you in mind from the very beginning.

As you handed him the menu for your favorite takeout spot, he watched you with quiet intensity. Your every movement, the way you tucked a stray hair behind your ear or smiled absently at a fond memory, was a piece of the puzzle he was assembling.

“What do you usually get?” he asked, though he already knew. He’d memorised your favorite dishes weeks ago.

“Oh, I always order way too much,” you admitted, laughing self-consciously.

“I do the same,” he replied, his grin easy, reassuring. “It’s the best way to guarantee leftovers.”

As you tapped out the order on your phone, he let his gaze wander, feigning casual interest in the room. In truth, he was drinking in every detail, building a picture of the life you led—a life he intended to step into fully, soon. The pictures on the walls would one day include him, the plants would sit on their new windowsill in his home, and maybe—if the future he envisioned took root—there would be small toys scattered here and there. A family. His family. It was an idea he hadn’t allowed himself to entertain fully until you, but now it felt inevitable.

You settled onto the sofa beside him after clearing some stray items, the air between you warm and increasingly comfortable. He knew how to steer the conversation, gently probing with questions that drew out your dreams and fears. Each answer you gave only confirmed what he already believed: you were perfect, a puzzle piece that fit seamlessly into the life he had planned.

“Tonight must have been a lot to handle,” he said, his tone soft, sympathetic. “How are you holding up?”

You sighed, your shoulders slumping slightly. “I’m… mostly embarrassed, I guess. And a little rattled.” You gave him a sheepish smile. “Sorry you got dragged into all that. Trent was… just a mistake I should’ve avoided.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” he replied, his voice a balm of reassurance. “He’s the one who crossed the line. Men like that… they’re disgusting. I’m just glad I was there.”

As he spoke, his hand brushed against yours, resting lightly. The contact was intentional, carefully calculated, and he noted the way you didn’t pull away.

A flicker of suspicion crossed your face, though, catching him off guard. “Wait,” you said slowly, “how did you know his name? I don’t think I mentioned it.”

For a split second, his mind raced, but he offered a reassuring smile, his tone easy. “Maybe I overheard it when he was causing a scene at the café. He doesn’t exactly keep his volume down.”

You hesitated but nodded, the explanation settling. “Yeah, that sounds like him. I need to work on my judgment.”

River leaned closer, his voice softening. “Your judgment is fine. You just need someone who respects you. Someone you can trust.”

Your gaze dropped to your hands, where your fingers rested lightly against his. “With you… I feel safe.”

The words sent a pulse of satisfaction through him. “I’m glad you feel that way. You can always trust me. I’ll look out for you. Always.”

The doorbell interrupted the moment, and he forced himself to mask his irritation as you rose to collect the takeout. When you returned, the tension from earlier had eased, and you both ate together, with some old tv show playing in the background you had put on. You didn't want to talk, just have company and for River that was more then fine, it allowed him the time he needed. By the time the meal was done, you were in a cosy glow and River was ready for the next step.

“It’s later than I realized,” he said, checking his phone with a feigned start. “I don’t want to keep you up.”

You hesitated, your expression flickered with sadness, but then you smiled. “Thank you… for everything tonight.”

He stepped closer, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. It was a risky move but you were full and sleepy, you felt safe now and wouldn't fight the small gesture. For River, he wanted nothing more then to pull you to him and plant a claiming kiss on you lips to push that sadness away, but for his plan to work he needed to remain stead fast. His fingers lingered just long enough to feel the heat of your blush rise against your skin. “Anytime. Maybe we can do this again? Just the two of us.”

Your smile deepened, your cheeks glowing. “I’d like that.”

As he stepped into the cool night air, satisfaction settled over him like a second skin. Tonight had been another move forward, another step in a game only he knew was being played. His mind was already turning over the possibilities, each piece falling into place. You trusted him now—soon, you’d depend on him. And once that door opened, there would be no turning back.

Work has been a killer and I am having to write in small bursts but this weekend is the first time in two weeks I was able to sit down and edit and look through my messages/requests.

Please let me know what you think. Like. Comment. Request.

[headoverheelsforramsey]

The Ring Fiasco

Book : Open Heart (post series)

Pairing : Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Meera Bose)

Summary : When Ethan misplaces his engagement ring, Meera and her girls come up with a plan to teach him a lesson.

Category : Fluff

Warnings : None

Rating : General

Word Count : 2041

Trope : Friends Intervene, Jealous

A/N : This fic was originally written in August of last year, but I was waiting for CFWC's you go girls event to post it and then accidentally deleted it while making space for notes during finals week. 🤡 So I wrote this very quickly and on very less amount of sleep, so please be kind. Participating in @choicesficwriterscreations You Go Girls Event, @choicesflashfics Week #31 prompt, which will appear in bold and @choiceschallenge-may2023 : Engagement. Happy Reading. ❤️

Meera stood near the nurse's station, not so secretly watching her fiancé talk to an overly friendly woman. She forcefully tore her eyes away or she might just blow up from jealousy.

“Damn Bose, if you wanna stalk someone atleast don’t make it that obvious,” Jackie handed over her tablet and stood beside her.

“Ooh! Stalking? Sounds fun! Who is the target though?” Sienna followed shortly, smiling at the nurse at the station and picking up a patient report.

“It's nothing guys,” Meera sneakily looked up at Ethan and the mystery woman, but it was enough to draw the attention of the two other doctors.

“Yikes!” Sienna remarked, as the woman in question laughed at something Ethan had said, playfully hitting his arm.

“Jeez, go easy on the PDA, the man has a ring on him,” Jackie followed.

“I know!” Meera sighed.

"But who is she?" Sienna asked, quickly stealing a glance.

"That question has been burning in my mind since morning!" Meera replied. "Who is she and why the hell is she flirting with my fiancé?"

"Should I reverse image search her?" Jackie suggested, "because it looks like the identity of this mystery woman is eating your soul."

"Who, she?" a third voice made Meera look up, she was greeted with Tobias' smug face. "That's Dr. Emily Chester," he informed.

"Who?" the girls said, collectively.

"Professionally or personally?" Tobias asked, but Meera's glare didn't make him wait for an answer.

"Both. Got it. Professionally, she is one of the biggest names in endocrinology. Personally?" Tobias deliberately stopped enjoying Meera's agony a little too much. "She was at Hopkins, a couple years junior to us, and she had a huge thing for Ethan."

“And?” Meera pressed for more information. “What about Ethan?”

“In true Ethan manner, he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, too heartbroken over she-who-shall-not-be-named and walls too high and thick to let anyone else in.”

“But what is she doing here?”

“I hit up Kyra, apparently, she will be joining as an attending, as Dr. Stanley is stepping back to go into research after receiving a grant from NIH,” Sienna informed. “She was supposed to join from Monday but decided to come in today to settle in before starting work, Ethan is showing her around.”

“Nice! She hasn’t changed at all,” Tobias smirked and was immediately met with three angry glares, “I… I think I’m being paged… be right back,” Tobias exited.

“The settling in excuse is utter bullshit!” Meera said.

“Agreed! She just wants to get into his pants,” Jackie stated.

“Jackie! Don’t say stuff like that!” Sienna reprimanded.

“What? It’s the truth!”

“Don’t listen to her! Kyra texted she can cut their tour short and get Ethan back in the office under the ruse of a meeting,” Sienna showed Meera her phone. “What do you say?”

“I don’t know Si, it seems a little far fetched, and besides I trust Ethan,” Meera looks at him once again, enthusiastically speaking about the latest testing technology, completely oblivious to the flirtatious looks he receives from his audience.

“You are a better person than I am,” Sienna squeezed her hand.

The familiar sound of a pager made Meera look down, “I gotta go, my intern’s paging 911.”

The remaining two doctors get to work, and shortly after Ethan walks up to them, Emily Chester following him like a puppy.

“Good morning Dr. Varma, Dr. Trinh,” he greeted.

As Jackie fixed him with a stone cold glare Sienna put on a fake smile and greeted him back.

“I was meaning to introduce you to Dr. Emily Chester, the newest addition to our Edenbrook family. Dr. Chester, this is Dr. Varma one of our finest young attendings and Dr. Trinh who is already board certified in internal medicine and is now pursuing a fellowship in pediatrics,” as Ethan made introductions, pointing to each of them, both Sienna and Jackie noticed something unusual. They looked at each other making sure that they weren't imagining things.

“I thought I saw Meera here?” Ethan asked.

“She is busy, you know saving lives, managing a team being freaking awesome,” Sienna blurted out.

“What she means to say is Meera has a consult,” Jackie tries to avert, “and so do we. So if you’ll excuse us.”

With a small smile and a curt nod the two of them disappear around the corner. Ethan stares at their retreating figures, confused about what just happened and amused at the very weird conversation he had.

“Did you see it? Please tell me I’m wrong,” Sienna said.

“Nope. You are correct, it's missing,” Jackie replied.

“We need to find Meera ASAP.”

The two of them didn’t have to wander the halls of Edenbrook much longer as Meera’s angry Ramsey-like voice blared through the hospital floor.

“The incompetence is unacceptable! You work with literal life and death, so you can’t afford to make mistakes,” Meera shouted at an intern who seemed like she was about to cry.

“I’m… I am… sorry Dr. Bose,” she mumbled timidly.

“Sorry? What am I supposed to do with your sorry? Apologize to that man’s wife and kids…” “Okay, that's enough,” Sienna stopped Meera before she could continue with her rage fest.

“I think Dr. …,” Jackie glanced at the intern’s ID badge, “Baker has learned her lesson, and we can continue with our day.” With that she dispels the crowd that had formed.

“That was very unlike you,” Sienna said, worried.

“And very like Ramsey,” Jackie added.

“I don’t know guys, Emily Chester just doesn't feel right to me, and I might be taking it out on the wrong people,” Meera sighed.

“Yeah about that…” Jackie shared a look with Sienna, “we found out something.”

“Ethan doesn't have his engagement ring on him.”

“Wait a second. Pause and rewind … what did you just say?”

Jackie and Sienna quickly update Meera about all the incidents and their findings.

“But why?” Meera asks, hopeless.

“Told you men are no good,” Jackie says and quickly receives a nudge from Sienna.

“Look we don’t know, but I believe there is an explanation,” Sienna consoles her fellow dolphin.

“I… I can help,” the intern from before said shyly.

“Not now Baker!”

“I mean I… might know why Dr. Ramsey didn’t have his ring on.”

The three older doctors stare at her.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.”

“Spill. Now,” Meera said.

“Okay,” the intern takes a deep breath before steading herself, “I had to call a code blue on the third floor today, and I panicked. There weren’t any attendings or senior residents nearby, so Dr. Ramsey came in. I saw him removing his ring before slipping on gloves and taking over CPR.”

Meera visibly relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“See! I told you there was an explanation,” Sienna chimed joyfully.

“But why hasn’t he put it back on?” Jackie retorted.

“He might have just forgotten. He is the chief, cut him some slack, Jackie.”

“It might be a mistake,” Meera said thoughtfully, “but he needs to learn a lesson. Baker, did you see where he put the ring after removing it?”

“In his pocket!” Dr. Baker replies without wasting a second.

“Good! Get me your intern friends, I have a plan,” Meera smiled mischievously, the wheels of her brain already turning.

Later that day Meera crossed the atrium, she looked at her watch, according to the intel she had collected from Kyra Ethan was supposed to be here any minute. Five minutes later she spotted him descending the stairs, undoubtedly followed by none other than Dr. Emily Chester. They make eye contact and Ethan smiles at her, taking long strides to reach her. Meera looks over to Baker from the corner of her eye, who was hiding in plain sight. It was time to set her plan in motion.

“Hey! I have been trying to catch you all day, where have you been?” Ethan said, holding Meera’s hand.

“Hi, I know, it’s just been one of those days,” Meera replied, smiling.

“Anyways, I wanted to introduce you to Dr. Emily Chester, world renowned endocrinologist and a fantastic diagnostician as well.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

“Likewise, Dr.?” Emily looked at Ethan to complete introductions.

“Dr. Bose. Our best diagnostician, head of the DT, my favorite mentee, and my fia…”

Right on Meera’s signal, a horde of interns led by Baker swarm Dr. Chester.

“OH MY GOD! Aren’t you Emily Chester?!” one said.

“You are literally my medical hero,” another one added.

“I am so fascinated by your latest paper,” a third joined.

As the crowd separated Dr. Chester from the couple Meera takes advantage of the chaos and stealthily picks up the ring from Ethan’s pocket.

“What is wrong with them?” As Ethan is about to reprimand the interns, Meera brings his attention back to her.

“Babe don’t you think you are missing something?”

Ethan’s brows furrow, he thinks about all the important birthdays and anniversaries, date nights and meetings, when unable to come to a conclusion he follows Meera’s gaze to his fingers and notices the missing ring.

“Christ!” he curses under his breath. “Listen rookie, trust me this was an honest mistake…” he searches for the ring in all his pockets.

“Looking for this?” Meera holds up the ring in front of him.

“Look, Meera I am deeply sorry, I meant to put it back on after running a code and one thing happened after another and it slipped my mind. I am extremely sorry, it won’t happen again.”

“I know babe,” Meera smiled. “But I’m not about to hand it over to you that easily.”

“Don’t do something stupid rookie,” Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose very familiar with the mischievous gleam in his fiancée’s eyes.

Meera went down on one knee, holding the ring in hand. The entire hospital had been gushing about Meera’s reverse proposal to Ethan by the dreamy Lake Louise a couple months back, so when given the chance to witness it in person and with the power of the Edenbrook rumor mill, quite a crowd had gathered around, clicking pictures, cheering and hooting.

Ethan shaked his head, a smile lining the corner of his mouth.

Meera looked at Emily, enjoying the look of pure disbelief and surprise on her face.

“Dr. Ethan Jonah Ramsey, will you let me be a colossal pain in your ass for this lifetime?”

Ethan joined Meera on the ground, “a hundred times over.”

They kiss with the Edenbrook crowd going feral. Everyone comes up to them to congratulate the happy couple.

As the crowd thins out Dr. Chester speaks, “well I guess congratulations are in order, “ she smiles politely. “But I’ll have to say, I had never imagined Dr. Ethan Ramsey would tie the knot.”

“I agree with you Chester, I had never imagined myself as well, but what can I say she brings out the best in me,” Ethan replied grinning ear to ear at Meera.

“So when's the wedding?”

“In a month,” Meera informs.

“In a month!” Emily shouts, surprised, “don’t you think it’s too soon?” She looks at Ethan, convinced that he has been wrongfully roped into a marriage.

The couple chuckle, a knowing look between the two, “we have been engaged a long time now,” Ethan said.

“This is the third proposal between the two of us. I just meant to include our Edenbrook family and that also means you, now that you are supposed to join us as well,” Meera fixes Emily with the most innocent smile and earnest look.

Dr. Chester matches her smile, “well, then I won’t keep you two from your celebrations. I’ll sign the papers on Monday, Eth…,” she stops, quickly rectifying herself, “I mean Dr. Ramsey.”

As Dr. Emily Chester moves away, their friends surround them.

“That was one hell of a way to prove a point,” Sienna declared.

“Yes you might have just peed all over him to mark your territory,” Jackie joked.

“Great idea!” Meera exclaimed. “Let’s save that for when he misplaces the wedding ring!”

As the entire group breaks into laughter, Tobias says, “you are in for a rollercoaster ride, my man!”

“I know, but she is so worth it,” Ethan says, kissing Meera, deeply.

Thank you so much if you have read till here, it means the world to me. Hope to see you go on other different adventures with me, Ethan and Meera, till then sending love and hugs your way! ❤️

Perma : @starrystarrytrouble @quixoticdreamer16 @coffeeheartaddict2 @liaromancewriter @tessa-liam @gryffindordaughterofathena @crazy-loca-blog @zahrachoices @bex-la-get @potionsprefect @schnitzelbutterfingers @a-crepusculo @custaroonie @aishwarya2 @jamespotterthefirst

Ethan x Meera : @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @takemyopenheart @mvalentine

+ @openheartfanfics , @choicesficwriterscreations , @choiceschallenge-may2023 , @choicesflashfics

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed. 💜

[kilojulietsierra]

Slow Ride - Chapter Four (Hangman x OFC)

The final chapter is here! Enjoyed this one so much and I hope y'all did too.

Chapter One - Just in case you need to start at the beginning!

18+ Content

~~~

Jake woke up arms wrapped around a rumpled pillow and not the warm body he had expected. He was laying on his stomach, arms folded around the pillow and breathing in the name brand fabric softener Sadie used. It took his brain a second to catch up to what had woken him up. Then he focused on the soft, repetitive motion of Sadies fingers stroking up and down his spine.

He hummed in appreciation, eyes still closed. "What're you doing?"

Sadies fingers froze, "Sorry."

Jake hummed again, a little deeper, "S'okay, don't stop." There was a long silence before her hand began to move again. "Mmm, feels good."

"Sorry I woke you up though."

"You're okay baby. What're you doing awake?"

Her hand slowed but didn't stop, "Woke up and couldn't go back to sleep."

"Hmm." Was his only response. They stayed like that for some time before he spoke again, his voice strained as he stretched and flexed under her ministration. "What time is it?" He hadn't opened his eyes yet.

Sadie rolled over, "Little after three." When her hand came back to him it settled on the back of his neck, her fingers returning to a similar, repetitive motion.

He hummed again and finally moved, stretching an arm out towards her, "C'mere." wrapping her up and dragging her to his side of the bed. Sadie went easily and sighed deeply as he tugged her underneath him, his weight settling over her and his arms framing her in. Without pause he was kissing her, slow and sultry, deeply. With one hand moving to bury into her thick and messy hair the other stroked over her bare arm, "Keep doing that thing with your hands."

Jake could feel her smile as he spoke against her lips as much as he could feel the breath rush out of her as he pressed her further into the mattress. His body covering hers completely as they kissed and touched eachother.

They stayed that way for a long time until Sadie stretched underneath him, humming as she pulled away from his lips, "You should be sleeping." Her fingers scratched through the short hairs at the back of his head.

"Too late." His lips moved to her neck, his grip on her tightening, "This is more fun."

She chuckled quietly, bringing a knee up and sighing as Jake easily settle closer to her, into the cradle of her thighs. "You're going to be tired."

"I'll be fine." He mumbled into the soft skin just below her ear, his hips canted experimentally.

She groaned and one hand moved to dig into the muscle of his shoulder, "Jake you need sleep." Her argument was halfhearted if the way she was breathing was anything to go by.

"I'll sleep on the plane." He rocked his hips against her, slow but more deliberate. "Need you more."

"Jake…" She sighed out his name as she fidgeted beneath him.

He was awake enough now that she could hear the smirk in his voice, "You wanna argue some more or you want me to make you cum as many times as I can before I have to leave?" He spoke with his lips ghosting over hers, waiting patiently for her to respond. As soon as he felt her lips move beneath his he purposefully ground his erection into her, both of them groaning at the friction of their clothes between them.

He couldn't help but chuckle, where as he had expected her to come back with some sort of snarky response she instead wrapped her arms firmly around his neck, rising up to take claim his mouth again.

Soon it wasn't Jake grinding his hips down into her, but instead it was Sadie lifting up and searching for more of the delicious friction she apparently craved. He recognized the pitch in her moans and he got a wicked idea. Moving smoothly he changed his position so that one of his thighs settled between hers, pressing down against the heat between her thighs. He whispered in her ear, pausing to lick and kiss and suck on it slightly, "Go ahead baby, you wanna ride it?" He bit her earlobe when her hips instantly jumped, dragging herself up the length of his thigh. "Get yourself off before I even get my dick out?" He pressed his thigh tighter against her and she responded by hooking her leg around his and chasing it.

In one smooth motion he flipped them, rolling onto his back while keeping her exactly where she was only this time she was on top of him and he had his knee bent at an angle that had her dry humping against him almost instantly. She kept her arms tight around him and her face buried against his neck where he could hear every breath, whine and moan up to and including the choked, muffled cry as she came.

Jake wrapped his arms around her middle and kept her pressed tightly against him, "Jesus…" He felt the tremor roll through him in anticipation but he noticed the look on Sadie's face.

"I can't believe I just did that." She buried her face in his shoulder, embarrassed.

"Stop…" He twisted to kiss her temple and nearly growl in her ear, "You're so fucking sexy," He sucked her earlobe into his mouth again and slid his hands under her shirt, "You drive me fucking crazy." Jake reached for her hand and gave it a gentle tug, not forcing her but guiding her, reaching down to place her hand over the raging hard on their early morning teasing had given him. "Feel that?" He drug her hand the length of him and groaned when her fingers wrapped around him through the material of his shorts. He kept her hand moving over him, "See what you do to me darlin'." He pulled her face to his and brought her down for a kiss.

Sadie nodded, a little bolder again. Her hand moving on its own now from his erection to his naked torso. "You can't count that one, since technically I did it myself."

Out of nowhere Jake laughed, full and loud, louder than either of them had been so far that morning. Arms holding her tight he rolled them again, putting her on her back and pinning her to the bed, "You literally drive me crazy."

Just like that they were making out again, this time hot and heavy, Jakes hands groping at her ass and breasts as he pulled he pulled her shorts off, devouring her in the process. Moaning and gasping for air Sadie moaned every time Jake swiped his tongue into her mouth and curled it around hers. Her hands fumbled as she fought to shove his shorts down and Jake lost all train of thought when she took him in her hand.

He growled into her shoulder and fucked into her hand a few times before he regained some control and reached to swipe a couple fingers through her dripping wet opening. "Tell me you want me baby, tell me how bad you want me." He pushed two thick fingers into her as she stroked him base to tip in a firm grip.

Sadie moaned into another kiss, "You know I do…" She gave him a tug trying to guide him where she wanted him.

Jakes response was to pull her hand from around his shaft, lace their fingers together and pin the hand above her head. "Look at me darlin'"

Her eyes snapped to his immediatly and the way her eyes fluttered and rolled as he entered her inch by inch made his toes curl.

"Feels so good." Sadie threw her head back in pleasure, fighting to keep her eyes on his.

Finally bottomed out inside her Jake sighed a little himself. "Yes you do sweetheart, feel so fucking good." And with that he was driving into her, bottoming out with each thrust causing them both to gasp and claw at eachother. After a few moments Jake grabbed at her shirt and pulled, "Up." He pulled the well worn shirt over her head with ease and laid out over top of her again, skin on skin this time, and he kissed her. "Put your arms around me."

She did as she was told but her arms were limp.

"No, hug me. Hug me tight and hold on."

Sadie looked confused but complied and gasped in surprise as Jake sat up, taking her with him as he sat back on his haunches and the position sunk him even deeper into her.

"Yeah, just like that. Hold on." Arms still tight around her he began lifting her up and down, bouncing her on his cock as she whined in pleasure.

"Don't stop. Please don't stop." She was beginning to move on her own now too, grinding against him every time their hips slapped together.

Jake chuckled and reached down to palm her ass and gain a little extra leverage, "I won't stop. Trust me. Feels too good." He ended with a growl as her fingers fisted in his hair and he realized his mistake. It really did feel too good. "Fuck darlin' you're gonna make me cum."

"Not yet, not yet, not yet…" She could only repeat herself as he bounced her over his cock,

"Don't worry hun, I won't, not yet." He got a wicked idea then and shlid the hand on her ass a little further. The pad of one finger teasing over her asshole. Jake mouthed at her chest before he asked, "Can I play with you here baby?" He brought his hand to his mouth and gave two of his fingers a sloppy lick before returning to rub at her asshole in soft, little circles. "Is that okay?"

The humming sound she made was uncertain.

"You can say no, it's okay." He removed his hand and instead changed the angle of her hips so that her clit rubbed against him.

"Maybe…" Her answer was strained and breathy, "Just a little, like you were."

"Okay baby." He kissed her deeply, before licking his fingers once more and returning them to circle the tight little puckered hole in time with the drag of his cock. Jake had a petty good idea how it felt from the sounds she was making and the way she was chasing another high, "Is that good baby? Feel good?"

"Mhmm." Was all she could get out as he added a bit more pressure and simultaneously began slamming his hips up into her. It only took seconds for her to fall apart crying out his name. Jake had to clench his teeth and fight to keep himself together as she fell apart around him.

Jake was holding her close, one hand holding her steady and the other soothing up and down her back, "Good girl." He kissed up the side of her throat as she caught her breath, "Such a good girl."

Eyes a little cloudy Sadie fought to focus on him with a giggle, "Stop…" She smoothed a hand through his messy hair, "You're gonna make me all horny again."

"Oh yeah?" Jake eyes fluttered closed at the feel of her hand in his hair. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears, "You like me saying that?" He tipped her head into a kiss, "You like me telling you how sexy you are, how hard you make me? You like being a good girl and cuming all over my cock and moaning my name?"

"Jake…babe…" her town was warning but her nails were scratching gently up and down his back, in a motion very similar what had started all this to begin with.

"God, I love the way that sounds." He caught her lips again as he laid her back on the bed and began to rock into her again. He had bought himself a little time but the feeling of her fluttering pussy around his cock and her arms wrapped tight around his shoulders was working him up quickly.

Sadies voice was airy when she giggled and reached up for a kiss, "I love the way most everything you say sounds."

Jake was beaming when he kissed her back. He'd bet money that her blush was burning bright as she admitted that little piece of information in the dark. He played up his accent as he spoke into her ear, "Oh darlin', you better be careful. Saying stuff like that does things to me." He accentuated his point by snapping his hips into her and picking up a fast and hard pace, chasing his own release and doing his damnedest to take her with him one more time.

~~~

"You don't know the time frame?" Sadie sat back against the headboard as Jake pulled a clean set of clothes out of the bag he had grabbed out of his truck in the early morning light.

"Should be quick." He tucked himself into his obnoxiously revealing boxer briefs as he pulled up a fresh pair of tan uniform pants. "In and out." He left the trousers undone as he pulled out a sharp, white t shirt, "I'll try and call you when he head back."

She watched his muscles flex and contract with the motion of shrugging into the tight undershirt, "Don't get my hopes up Hangman."

He caught her eye as he snapped his ribbon board in place on his uniform shirt at the foot of her bed, "I said I'll try, which I will."

Sadie was enjoying watching him get dressed, and based on the way he kept looking to make sure she was watching, Jake was enjoying it too. Despite what they both knew it meant on this particular morning.

There was something calming about they way he seemed to be going through the whole process on muscle memory alone. "What're you thinkin' sweetheart?" Jake had stood up to his full height, raking his hand through still damp hair before was fastening his cuffs.

With a soft smile Sadie slid out of bed and walked to stand in front of him in only the t shirt she had slept in. Without asking she reached out to start doing up the buttons of his shirt. "I was thinking that I kinda like this."

Jakes eyes were glued to her fingers as she carefully buttoned each button. His own hands with nothing else to do settled on her waist, "I kinda like it too." He met her eyes when she glanced up at him, "I could definitely get used to it."

Now that she had finished the buttons he took over and tucked in his shirt and fastened his trousers. He dropped a quick kiss to her lips as he leaned down to grab his shoes and and gear bag off the floor. He gently guided her out the bedroom ahead of him and all they way out the front door after he'd done up his shoes and grabbed his truck keys.

It was still early and a dull grey out that morning, the cool grass felt good on her bare feet. She crossed her arms over her chest, a little bashful about being in her front yard in only a t shirt.

Jake unlocked the truck and tossed his bag on the passenger floorboard then turned back to her. Without a word opening up his arms to her so he could wrap her in a tight hug, "Give me a kiss." He whispered in her ear before pulling back only enough to capture her lips.

They stayed there a long moment before Sadie pulled back, eyes a tiny bit glassy, "Okay hurry up and get out of here so I can miss you."

Jake chuckled, and held her gaze. "Is that what your Mom said whenever your Dad left for a deployment?"

She rolled her eyes and wouldn't meet his eye. "Maybe"

His smile doubled and he tugged her closer again, "I'll see you when I get home, 'kay beautiful."

"Sounds good." They kissed one more time before Jake gave her ass one quick squeeze, flashed her a wink and walked around to the drivers side door of the truck.

She stood in the yard and waved at him as he pulled down the street. And once he turned at the stop sign she headed back inside to start a pot of coffee and try to get through her day like any other work day. If she fought back a few tears she was grateful the world was still too empty and quiet for anyone but her to notice.

~~~

Friday could not get here soon enough as far as Sadie was concerned. All she wanted to was hide on her couch with a stiff drink and binge watch something mindless for two days.

She'd lost track of how many times she had almost called her mother to ask for advice. How the hell does a person deal with this feeling? This not knowing? Unwilling to suffer the inquisition that would awaken, Sadie had opted to seek out Penny instead. The older, more experienced woman welcomed her with a hug, a cold beer and a knowing smile.

Now as she sat at her desk, counting down the last hour and a half of her work day, it seemed the only thing her brain could focus on was the window overlooking the palm tree lined street outside.

When the zoom call chime sounded from her desktop her teeth automatically clenched in some sort of twisted pavlovian response. She checked the ID and finding it unfamiliar checked her calendar and saw no more meetings for the week. Cautiously she answered the video call and as the sreen glitched and pixelated into and out of focus her heart jumped into her throat.

"Well hello there sweetheart." Jakes smiling face was there on her screen, a little laggy but there. Blonde hair unstlyed like he had just got out of the shower and a black tshirt showing through his unzipped flight suit.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Damn, good to see you too darlin." He arched his eyebrows and crossed his arms across the table in front of him, but still he smiled.

"No, I mean, yes but…" Sadie groaned and took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. "Jake it is good to see you, really, but there is no way you are allowed to be skyping me right now."

Jake's smile doubled and he licked his lip, "I told you I'd call, so I'm calling." When her stare did not weaken Jake chuckled, "Okay, okay, I may have kicked a couple E3's out of the room so I could sneak a quick call. Not the end of the world."

"Remember you said that at your court marshall."

"Y'know, here I thought I'd surprise you, get to see my girl all happy knowing that I'm coming home safe and sound… But no, all I get is yelled at."

Sadie finally smiled, It didn't take a genius to know that Jake "Hangman" Seresin was a tad dramatic. "Okay, I'm sorry." She stared at his face for a moment, still smirking and staring straight back at her. Before long she was shaking her head but really smiling, the backs of her eyes burning.

"There's the smile I wanted to see." Jake leaned in close to the screen, "But as much as I hate to admit it, you're right I'm not technically supposed to be here," He ignored her eye roll and added, "See you soon baby." He smiled, winked, blew her a kiss and the call was ended.

Sadie stared at the blank screen, still smiling and fighting back tears.

She was in love with Jake "Hangman" Seresin, and he was coming home.

~~~

The poor guy, it wasn't his fault, he was just a financial advisor doing what he was paid to do. Advise his client. But as nice as he seemed and as competent as he surely was, Sadie could not focus on a single word coming out of his mouth. It felt like she'd been staring out the window all day every day for almost a month now. Nothing could hold her attention for long, especially not trust fund meetings.

Jake had said "see you soon", not tomorrow, not in a few days, soon. And that was last week. At this point Sadie was starting to feel less hopeful and more annoyed.

She snapped her attention back to the family across the table, still discussing among themselves. She checked with her assistant to her right, he shook his head in return. A signal she hadn't missed anything important. Almost immediately her mind started to wander again, it was beginning to piss her off, she was better than this. She was a professional.

As her eyes skimmed along the plate glass walls of the meeting room movement caught her eye out by the entryway. She couldn't quite see from where she was sitting, just the refelction on the glass, someone coming in the door, the color white.

Forcing herself to pay attention she focused now on the mother of the family, who was insisting the shares be equal while her husband argued. Sadie was about to interrupt, remind them the point of the meeting to begin with when one of the front desk staff knocked on the open door.

"Sadie, someone is here to see you."

Sadie nodded, "I'll be with them in just a moment. "

"Umm, actually, it seems important. I think you should come out front." There was something about their face that Sadie couldn't quite read.

Excusing herself as politely as possible Sadie left the meeting room and walked towards the front desk. She stopped in her tracks when she saw what was so important.

There, in the lobby of her office, was Jake in his dress whites and a smile to match.

Sadie didn't say anything just walked straight up to him and jumped into his arms.

Jake chuckled a little as he caught her easily, picked her up off the ground in a tight hug, before setting her on her feet and kissing her. Right there in front of everyone.

Sadie couldn't even pretend to care, simply wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him back between smiling and laughing. "You're back." She whispered against his lips.

He kissed her once, "Told you I would be." He kissed her again and wiped the tear threatening to fall from the corner of her eye. Again, he kissed her, this one a little longer and a little deeper, before finally pulling away. Only leaving a half a step between them and his arm still secure around her waist, he shifted his focus to the small crowd of employees that had gathered, "If y'all don't mind, I think I'm gonna steal her away a little early today." He looked from them to Sadie and then back, "Come to think of it, she might not be coming in tomorrow either."

"Jake!"

Before she could say antything else Jake grabbed her up bridal style and carried her out the front door, both of them laughing.

Out on the sidewalk Jake was smiling wide as could be, "I have always wanted to do that." He laughed as he dropped a kiss on Sadie's lips on his way to his truck across the street.

Sadie was smiling too, so wide her cheeks hurt, arms wrapped around his neck, perfectly content to let him carry her. "Your Mom made you watch "Officer and a Gentleman" too many times huh?"

"Don't hear you complaining Darlin'." He set her on her feet gently by the trucks door.

"Not complaining." Sadie, arms still wrapped around his neck, looked him up and down suggestively, "Definitly not complaining."

Jake was basking in her praise when her next comment hit him square in the chest.

"I mean it's not quite as good as the Marine's dress uniform, but still pretty good." She was laughing before she even got the last of the words out.

Before she could say anything else Jake had her scooped up again in a heartbeat and spun on his heels, heading back across the street. "Okay, that's it I'm taking you back."

"No! Stop!" Sadie was smiling and laughing so hard her cheeks hurt, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding." She squealed a little as Jake dropped her back to her feet. "You look…" She sobered for a second, tugging Jake back towards his truck, "You look really good." She bit her lip as she looked him over.

"That's better." Jake smirked as he backed her up against the driver side door for another, longer, dirtier kiss. "You should be nice to me. Haven't seen you in a month and I wasted like an hour getting into these things for you."

Sadie chewed on her lip, "I'm very glad you did." She tugged him down for a kiss and after, with their lips barely touching she asked, "How long does it take you to get out of them?"

Jake's smile was absouetly sinful when he opened the door and crowded her to crawl in. Whispering in her ear, "I don't know, let's go find out."

THE END

Taglist :@kajjaka @emorychase @misconceptionmistress @emma8895eb

[countrymusiclover]

38 - Back to Mystic High

Part 39

Her Life Means Everything

@mrs-fanfiction-2001 @the-big-bad-klaus @queenieala @samsgirl93

Entering the front door of the boarding school I rushed forward flinging my arms around the familiar face of Matt Donavan. "Oh my gosh Matt. It's so good to see you!"

"I've missed you, Mads." He hugged me back now wearing the sheriff's badge that belonged to my mother.

Resting my hand over it he locked eyes with me while I listened to his heartbeat. I thought once I had my humanity back on the urge for blood would die down. "She would have liked to see it was you who took her place."

He smiled as footsteps approached us from another hallway. "I'll do my best in her memory, Maddie." Turning my head Klaus was leaning up against the wall tilting his head to the side having us follow after him.

Alaric had gathered all the students to talk about two missing girls from my old high school. Crossing my arms over my chest Alaric stands at a podium. "Now, I'll need a few of you to volunteer to go to Mystic Falls High under the guise of an exchange program meant to improve relations between our schools, which, unfortunately, is necessary, given recent events. Now, I give you permission to compel them, to gather materials form locator spells, because any information we can get will make all the difference."

"I'll go with them. I basically know every inch of that place." I stepped up volunteering to join the teens.

Alaric and Klaus shared a look knowing I was right to go with them. As long as I could keep my hunger under control. "Sure that would be a great help, Maddie." So it was settled that we were heading back to my old school.

Lizzie insisted on being the leader, reminding me so much of my sister. "Okay, here's the deal. Landon, you talk to any of the people you still know from when you went here. Hope, you try to not deliberately alienate the entire student body while the rest of us save the world."

"This isn't a contest, Lizzie." Hope rolled her eyes staring towards Nikola.

"You're right. It's a mission for a hero and her league of... - whatevers." She replied before glaring at her.

Kaleb shrugged his shoulders leaving. "Yeah. Screw that. I work alone."

"MG, I need your compulsion kill. Would you like to be the Robin to my Batwoman?" Lizzie replied, grabbing the other vampire's hand.

MG corrected her before they left. "Actually, Batwoman doesn't have a Robin."

Turning towards Hope and Nikola I clasped my hands together having a good idea of where to start. "Alright Hope go make friends with the cheerleaders. While Nikola, Landon and I search around."

I slowly walked behind the pair likening in on their conversation. "This is the senior hallway, where I spent much of my formative years stuffed in every locker... except this one. That one doesn't open. On your left, you'll find the bathroom. It's where I had my first kiss with a toilet."

"I'm sorry to hear that. My mom said that she wants my sister and I to know what it's like to be normal for a day." She replied, glancing up at him.

Landon nodded, slumping his shoulders. "So you'll probably fit in with the popular people. Since your mom was the popular one."

"From what my mom says our aunt Caroline was...so i'm not sure which sibling I am." Nikola sighed before he reached for her hand.

She looks at him softly explaining back. "Yeah but I'm not like Dana. I'm just super protective of my sister and my family. I'm just stuck being the hero to my sister like I have to be the one who is stuck feeling useless. I know my dad wasn't liked very much around here. But when me and my sister started at the Salvatore School no one knew who we were...until it came out and everyone sees us as freaks."

"I like spending time with you, Nikola." Landon stops turning to face her, taking both of her hands in his. "You aren't a freak to me. And if they see you that way then we can be a freak together."

My phone rings in my pocket so I put it to my ear hearing Matt and Ric arguing in the woods. "They're vampire bites, Ric."

"If they said they didn't do it, they didn't do it. End of story." Ric fought back.

Matt clearly wasn't having it since Nik didn't hang up the phone. "No, actually, it's just the beginning, because now I have to put a -year-old girl in this body bag, then lie to her parents about what actually kill her. Or maybe you forgot what it's like to be on this side of that conversation."

"Hello love, I need some assistance here." Klaus replied with a chuckle through the phone.

Hanging up the phone I turned to Landon and Nikola. "I'll be back. The sheriff found something." They nodded before I vamped out of the school.

"Maddie, how are things going at the school?" Ric asked.

"Still searching - oh crap!" Throwing my hands in the air I halted in my tracks recognizing the dirt mark where the girl Dana's body was supposed to be. The spot where Nik gave me humans to feed on yesterday. Running my fingers through my hair I closed my eyes recognizing a girl's body that I had fed on that looked a lot like her.

Matt stepped up noticing that something wasn't right with me. "Maddie, are you alright? You seemed off about this. Is that blood on your chin...when was the last time you fed?"

Wiping it away with my hand I sucked in s breath feeling light headed. Klaus gently got a hold of my arm glaring towards the new sheriff. "What exactly are you implying there, former quarterback? Because if you're about to acuse my wife of murdering a little high school girl. I'd suggest changing it before I rip your tongue out!"

"Woah woah, Klaus. Let's not turn to violence." Alaric raised his hands up getting in between the three of us looking back at Matt. "Matt come on you can't possibly think she did this. She has good self control and all the vampires at the school are told not to drink human blood."

He sighed just trying to do his job. "I'm sorry to say it, Ric. But I have to be the one to hide this stuff and I got a call from the ice cream shop about having to clean up blood. Saying that they saw someone matching your guys description enter the back of the store."

"Matt, I-" I started to say something until Nik cut me off using the sire bond on me.

"Don't say a word about yesterday, Maddie!"

Alaric was still focused on Matt to notice what he had said. "Look, let me call the kids to see if they have anything new." The four of us ended up finding an abandoned vehicle where I covered my nose smelling something foul.

Matt opened the glove compartment glancing my direction. Nik and I stood away from the vehicle not saying a word. "Looks like I was wrong..."

Alaric called the group after hearing Lizzie answer. "Hi, Daddy!"

"Hey, thought I'd call, check in, see how things are going." He explained to the group on the other end.

She attempted to lie to him. "So good."

"Really? Define "good," Lizzie, because I don't think that involves me tracking down Dana's body to the glove compartment." Alaric raised his voice, staring at the dead evidence we found.

Turning my back to Matt I bite my lip feeling my fangs appearing as he argued with one of his daughters. "Listen, Dad, it's fine. We cracked the case. It's a spider. But, like, a big, huge, nasty spider. And MG's comic books know how to kill it."

"Comic books? Really? Lizzie, listen to me, whatever you're thinking of doing, don't, okay? So just tell me where you are, and Matt and I will be right there." Ric ran a hand through his hair not liking their plan at all but she hung up the phone not saying anything. The four of us headed back to the school where I went into the kitchen opening the fridge seeing some blood bags inside.

Shutting the door quickly I press my face into the cold door hoping that things will get better. Footsteps entered the room and I didn't have to move my head to know who it was. "Go away Matt!"

"Maddie, I want to apologize for accusing you earlier. We've grown up together so I should have more trust in you-" He started to explain but I cut him off.

Spinning on my feet I showed him my vampire face making him take a few steps backwards. "I'm a monster, Matt. I live for the urge of blood. No matter how much I try to be better - it's a part of me now. I've been trying to not rip the blood from every human because it's what my kids should learn. That killing is wrong...but I can't...I'm not the same human I was...I'm as worse as Klaus was!"

"I'd suggest you leave, Donavan." Klaus's voice brought me back to reality. Matt exits as I collapse into the waiting arms of my husband. He wrapped his arms around my waist holding me close and just letting me cry. Using his vampire hearing to listen in on the conversation in the hallway

Matt attempted to make a threat even though he knew any of the supernatural kids could take him out easily. "I've been doing this too long, Ric. If your kids are a threat, I'll be coming for them."

"If you threaten my kids, Sheriff, I'll be the one coming for you." Alaric came back with the same force not wanting anyone to hurt his girls or the rest of his family.

Klaus heard the sheriff start to walk off until the wooden floor creaked meaning he had stopped. "I just wanted to say that Maddie wasn't right when she said that she was almost like Klaus before he had his kids..."

"I agree with you, Matt. Klaus used to be the worst person in Mystic Falls and now...he's helping to make the future better and it's because of her." Alaric smiled softly glancing into the kitchen seeing Klaus holding Maddie in his arms. "Her life means everything. Her heart allowed him to love and become a better person. Her entire being has made him more human than I ever thought was possible."

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Slowly (Wrecker x M!Reader)

There are two versions of this story. The F!Reader version is available here.

Word Count: 1267

Warnings: NSFW, Minors DNI, some implied size difference, ass grabbing, unprotected PiA (reader giving), blowjobs (both giving), handjob (reader giving), alludes to the events in TBB S3E4, aftercare

A/N: Wrecker has been holding it together for Hunter while they search for Omega. Now that she and Crosshair are back, tensions are somewhat high as they figure out how to be a squad and family again. You decide it’s time someone took care of Wrecker. Established relationship. 

You met up with Wrecker when he and Hunter finally returned to Pabu. He was clearly pleased they’d found Omega, or rather, she found them. He had some mixed feelings about Crosshair being back, but you knew he missed his brother and despite the hurt, he still felt happy.

“Stay with me tonight,” you suggested. 

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” he replied with a grin. 

You both bid Hunter, Omega, and Crosshair goodnight as they got settled. You walked hand-in-hand to your small home. It felt cozy, but Wrecker was a bit of a mess. He and Hunter hadn’t really paid attention to any self-care while they darted around the galaxy. He admitted that with the stress of it all, he hadn’t really slept much in the last few weeks. You helped him undress and threw his clothes in the washer while he got in the shower. You joined him not long after and worked him into a lather.  He groaned as you tried to massage out some of the kinks in his back. He gave you a tired smile and kissed you, his big hands reaching around to grab your ass.  You looked down. As if you needed to do that to notice what was happening to both your bodies.

“See something you like, big guy?”

“Always,” he replied as you turned off the water.

“We don’t have to do anything tonight if you’re too tired,” you reassured as you dried each other off.

“I know,” he said. “But I missed ya and this shower’s been invigoratin’.”

“Then let me take care of you, Wrecker.”

He blushed and rubbed the back of his head and nodded almost shyly.

“How about you get comfortable in bed and I’ll throw your clothes in the dryer?” you asked.

“I can take care of the clothes,” he insisted.

“You’ve been doing so much,” you replied. “Let me. You get ready.”

You took your time with the laundry. You knew he was particular about how he got prepared when he was on the receiving end. He greeted you with a grin as you walked into the bedroom. He was laying back on his favorite pillow, a soft blanket covering him from the waist down. It didn’t cover much though.

You turned the lights down a bit so that the room filled with a warm glow. Wrecker relaxed into the mattress further while you crawled into bed next to him. His body was always on the warmer side and he tossed the blankets further down the bed. You took your clothes off and he grinned as he watched. His strong hands traced up and down your body as his lips devoured yours. You were slow and deliberate as you kissed your way across his jaw and down his neck. Wrecker let out a soft grunt as you left a little hickey in the crook of his neck.  You kissed down each arm and smiled softly as you kissed the palm of each hand. 

“You’re almost teasing,” he said, pulling you closer so he could kiss your lips. “Lemme at least taste that sweet cock of yours for a bit.”

“If you insist.”

Wrecker chuckled as you kneeled next to him. He leaned down and took your length in his mouth and squeezed your ass. Everything about Wrecker was strong and that included his ability to suck as he slowly bobbed his head, his chin brushing your balls each time. You took in a deep breath and traced the scars on his head. You were getting too close too fast.

“I don’t wanna finish yet,” you managed.

Wrecker pulled away and smiled at you.

“That’s alright,” he said. “Want ya to come in my ass anyway.”

You grinned and lightly pushed his shoulders encouraging him to lay back again.  You grabbed the lube out of the nightstand drawer and worked his tight circle of muscle, making sure he would be plenty slick. He pulled his legs up a bit further and let his knees fall back at the feeling. You kissed his thigh before taking the head of his cock in your mouth. You barely take half of him before he hit the back of your throat. You did your best to relax your jaw and felt him reach forward to caress your cheek with his thumb. 

“Feels so good,” he moaned.

You kept going, fingers that had worked his hole now wrapping around his cock and slowly pumping him. Wrecker let his head fall back and eyes close at the feeling. 

“You need me to fuck you, Wrecker?” you asked.

“The sooner the better,” he replied. 

You lined yourself up and gently pushed inside him. Wrecker always loved that feeling. Nice and slow. His legs relaxed and you rubbed the back of his thighs as you fucked him. Wrecker let out soft groans at the sensation. You found a nice leisurely pace and hummed at the sight and feeling of your cock moving in and out of him. He reached to stroke himself in time to your hips as you fondled his balls and continued to fuck him.

“Aww kriff,” he let out. “Close.”

“Wanna see you explode,” you said.

Several strokes later and Wrecker grunted, painting his stomach and chest with cum. The sight was nearly enough to send you to bliss. Your balls tightened as they bounced against his ass with each thrust and you came inside him.

“Love watchin’ you like that,” he said as he looked at you fondly.

You eased out of him and reached for a towel. You cleaned both your bodies up, but Wrecker had ideas for a bit more thorough job.

“Come here, love,” he said. He picked you up and carried you to the shower again. “Let’s rinse off.” 

He turned on the water and you each took in a deep breath as the warm water hit you. Wrecker gently traced your body and his with a washcloth. You got out and dried each other off again and he decided to carry you to bed. You pulled on some underwear and tossed him his favorite boxer briefs. They were covered in hearts and fireworks. He liked keeping them here. Something only you and he would ever see and made with the softest fabric. 

You laid down together. While Wrecker was usually the big spoon, you laid on your back first. He rested his head on your chest and held onto you. Your arms laid over his shoulders and you kissed the top of his head. 

You rubbed his shoulders and murmured, “Love you.”

“Love you too,” he replied. He gave you a gentle squeeze. You held each other in the darkened room. You saw a clear night sky and stars peering through the window. You always looked at them while he was gone and knew he was somewhere among them.

You were brought back to the moment by Wrecker kissing your chest. You looked down and smiled at him. He took your hand in his own and kissed the back of it.

“Somethin’ on your mind?” he asked.

“Just looking at the stars. Glad you’re home.”

“Me too.”

You kissed again. He laid his head on your chest again and you rested your cheek on the top of it. Eventually Wrecker moved to spoon you. He knew laying on top of you resulted in at least one of your limbs falling asleep eventually. He wanted to feel you tucked against him. It wasn’t long before you were both sleeping soundly and Wrecker was finally able to rest with you in his arms.

Tagging: @sideofhorny @dukeoftheblackstar @staycalmandhugaclone

[vlandixi]

Son of Jinpachi Mishima, Heihachi inherited the Mishima Zaibatsu and expanded it. He had a son with Kazumi Mishima, Kazuya Mishima. Kazumi died during childbirth. Heihachi trained his son in Mishima-style Kararate. Deeming him unworthy to succeed him, Heihachi threw his own son into a ravine. But Kazuya miraculously survived and now has limitless hatred for his father. Years have passed and Heihachi organizes a martial arts tournament, Tekken, to see his son's abilities.

Heihachi was defeated by Kazuya in the previous tournament and was thrown into a ravine like he himself had done to his own son years ago. But Heihachi survived. He now wants revenge on Kazuya and recover the Mishima Zaibatsu. He then signs up for the second Tekken.

Family stories... Heihachi reclaimed the Mishima Financial Empire by defeating his son. Seeking to further develop the MFE, Heihachi organized the "Tekken Force", the MFE's private guard, and sent them to settle conflicts and cultivate undeveloped land to feed the world's poorest regions to gain support from world leaders. Fifteen years later, a secret Tekken Forces excavation of ruins in Central America reveals an unusual discovery. They were annihilated by a mysterious being. Heihachi realized that the mysterious being might be the legendary God of Battle, and took steps to realize his life's purpose, capturing the god of battle and ruling the world. One day, a 15-year-old boy named Jin Kazama visited Heihachi. Learning that Jin was his grandson and listening to what happened to his mother Jun, Heihachi concluded that the God of Battle fed on the "strong souls" of others. Heihachi trained Jin to use him as bait to attract the God of Battle. When Jin had just turned 19, Heihachi announced to the world that the third 'King of the Iron Fist Tournament' was coming. At the same time, he noticed that Jin, the youngest of the Mishima line, was beginning to manifest the same "dangerous power" as Kazuya. Heihachi decided to get rid of Jin once he became the God of Battle in order to put an end to the MFE's damned destiny.

Two years ago, Heihachi failed to capture Ogre. He sent his researchers to collect blood and tissue left by Ogre to try to create a new life form by combining its genetic material with his own. The experiment failed, Heihachi learned that he lacked the Devil Gene, necessary to combine Ogre's genome with his own. To obtain the Devil Gene, Heihachi searched for Jin, who had transformed into a demon at the last tournament. During his search, Heihachi discovered that the body of his son, Kazuya - who had been killed 20 years earlier - was stored at a cutting-edge biotechnology company called the G-Corporation. Heihachi ordered the Tekken Force to raid G-Corporation to recover Kazuya's remains. They infiltrated the G-Corporation, the operation seemed to be a success... until Kazuya, revived by the G-Corporation, intervened and made it fail. Heihachi needed Kazuya or Jin's bodies to create his new life form. After much deliberation, a wicked smile appeared on his lips. The following day, the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4 was announced, with the added bonus of the Mishima Zaibatsu

Leader of the Mishima Zaibatsu and sponsor of the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4, Heihachi Mishima. Having lost to Jin Kazama, Heihachi found himself surrounded by a group of Jacks at Honmaru. Heihachi and Kazuya began to fight together against them but Kazuya fled and Heihachi was held back when the Jacks exploded. The monstrous explosion would have killed a normal person, but Heihachi was no ordinary and he had managed to survive. A month later, Heihachi learned that someone had taken control of the Mishima Zaibatsu and was planning to organize a King of Iron Fist Tournament 5. Heihachi, fully recovered from his injuries, decided to enter the Tournament. “I don’t know who’s behind this but the Mishima Zaibatsu is mine!” »

Heihachi lost consciousness when the Jack military unit he was facing self-destructed. When he came back to his senses, the King of Iron Fist Tournament 5 was already over. As he was returning home without knowing what had happened during the tournament, the Tekken Force ambushed him. Shortly after, the Mishima Zaibatsu announced the 6th King of Iron Fist Tournament. Furious to learn that Jin had taken control of his company, Heihachi decided to enter the tournament to take back what was his.

[osaemu]

WORKING OVERTIME FT. NANAMI KENTO

✩ ‧ ˚. synopsis: you give nanami a massage after he comes home safely from shibuya.

contents: fem!reader. established relationship (marriage). mostly reverse comfort.

you know better than anyone that kento hates working overtime. to him, every extra minute spent at work is essentially another minute taken out of his precious time with you. 

which is why you start to worry when its thirty minutes past six and he still hasn't come home.

you pace back and forth in your doorway, peeking out the window every other second to check for kento's car. he had told you that he might be back late from shibuya, but his definition of late is anything over two seconds after six. 

you check your phone for the thousandth time, face falling in disappointment when you still don't see a text from kento. normally, you wouldn't be this worried, but you had overheard some of his sorcerer coworkers talking about how risky the shibuya mission was, even for high ranking sorcerers like kento.

it's a little frustrating, honestly—your husband's out fighting for his life, and you can't even shoot him a text to see if he's okay (gojo's mentioned that the reception aroudn curses was terrible, and none of your prior messages have even sent yet).

but thankfully, the universe decides to put you out of your misery when a familiar knock sounds at the door. less than a second later, you fling open the door and your husband's tired, beat-up face greets you in return. once kento's dark eyes settle on your ecstatic face, his features soften.

"sorry i'm late," kento murmurs, leaning against the doorframe as you jump into his open arms. his shirt is caked with blood, and there's a crimson bandage on the side of his face, but it doesn't matter. he's finally home, and he's alive.

"why didn't you text me?" you huff, burying your face in his shoulder. kento's warm, almost disturbingly warm, but you suppose that's expected after a mission like that. "i thought you died."

kento smiles and laughs softly, pressing his lips to the top of your head before replying. "sorry, sweetheart. my phone broke. again."

"you shoulda texted me from gojo's phone then," you mumble stubbornly. kento's face falls at that, and you look up at him, confused. "what is it?"

"gojo isn't..." kento starts, but he shakes his head before finishing his sentence. "gojo isn't with us at the moment."

his wording seems slightly off, but you can tell that whatever happened was pretty bad. you pull away slightly, searching kento's face for answers. "what do you mean?"

kento sighs, shoulders slumping slightly as he meets your worried eyes. "they got him."

your eyes widen. "is he dead?" you whisper, hoping for the best and fearing the worst. thankfully, kento shakes his head, but the words that follow aren't much better.

"not dead, just... contained," he murmurs, walking past you to the kitchen counter. kento extracts a bottle of whiskey from one of your many cabinets, popping it open and pouring the amber liquid into a glass. he looks over at you, raising an eyebrow. "d'you want a glass?"

you nod, taking a seat by the counter and resting your chin on your hands. "yeah, thanks."

a moment later, kento hands you a half-filled glass of whiskey before taking a drink of his own. his dark eyes are distracted, not seeming to focus on any one thing. there must be a lot on his mind, and as you sip your whiskey, you deliberate on what to do next.

"can we go to bed?" kento says after a couple seconds. you look over at where he's standing, back resting against the wall. "i'm pretty tired."

"that's probably a good idea," you agree, following him to the bedroom. when you get there, he says something about taking a quick shower and changing, and you nod idly and lie down in bed. a while later, he returns, hair wet and clothes half-on. 

kento sits on the edge of your shared bed, elbows resting on his knees. he doesn't say anything, so you roll over and trail your fingers down his back. 

"you're really tense," you say quietly, slipping your fingers up the back of his shirt. "d'you want me to massage you or something?"

kento exhales softly and nods, turning his head to look at you. his eyes are softer than before, and you gently tug him fully onto the bed. "lie down on your stomach." he obeys, off-blonde hair falling into his eyes as he does so.

you start kneading his back with your palms, feeling him slowly relax beneath your hands. "shit, that feels so good," kento breathes, pressing the side of his face into the mattress and laughing quietly. "right there, sweetheart. right there."

a couple minutes go by in silence, which is only broken by the occasional grunt from kento. his earlier stoic demeanor remains, but he feels a little less distant and a little more at ease.

"thank you," kento says softly, turning his head to meet your eyes. the dim lighting from your bedside lamp illuminates his tired face, but the gentleness of his expression overshadows his obvious exhaustion. "what would i do without you?"

you smile and bend over him, pressing your lips to his. "who knows?"