#ah the parade i miss her | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

defrosted69 · 1 year ago

Text

My Laker star (Lesserafim)

++++++

I had this custom story made when I was watching the game and realized that Lesserafim was at the building. so it may not be perfect and I have decided to change it up a bit. (7k words)

"Y/N McDaniels with the ball. He faces up against his opponent and goes into a smooth crossover, faking right and then slicing diagonally to his left. His defender is slow to react, and he blows past him with a step to his right, going up with the layup. He puts it up with authority, sinking the shot, and the crowd goes wild as the Lakers take the lead!"

"McDaniels on defense now, his opponent trying to drive to the hoop, but Y/N stands his ground and uses his superior length to contest the shot, and it's a miss!"

"McDaniels has been on fire tonight; nobody has been able to stop him. He gets the ball on the break, and he's one-on-one against his defender. He puts the ball down and drives, beating his man and going up for the layup, but his opponent puts a hand on the ball and tries to block the shot. It could have been a foul, but the refs let the play go on! McDaniels brings it down and puts it up again, sinking the shot! Another bucket for McDaniels!"

"McDaniels has it at the top of the key. He sees LeBron James open down low, and he makes the perfect pass, whipping it down the court with lightning speed. LeBron jumps up to meet it, and he throws the ball down with authority, and the crowd goes wild as the Lakers stretch out their lead. McDaniels and James are working great together tonight, and the crowd loves it!"

The huge ovation from the audience caused Kazuha's phone to ring, surprising her members who were gathering their breath after packing their belongings. With their hard work and sacrifice, the world has gradually acknowledged the ability of six girls who only wanted to play on stage.

"Zuha, What are you watching? Sounds like a parade there?"

Chaewon, their leader, inquired as she sipped her drink. When the firm gave them a ton of work, they didn't grumble and instead went out to perform with their hearts out, giving as much as their fans gave to them. To them, being an artist is not as simple as it appears. Some must make significant sacrifices in order to make their debut and demonstrate their skills. Because the sacrifices often may not equal the return, being a successful artist sometimes need luck.

"Ah, Sorry Unnie…my bad hehe.."

As a brilliant smile came on Kazuha's face, she murmured humbly. She was so engrossed in what she was viewing that she forgot about her surroundings, but can she really blame herself? When someone is completely absorbed in what they are doing. They tend to lose sight of the people around them and concentrate only on what they are doing. In this example, Kazuha was watching a thrilling Los Angeles Lakers game.

"Hearing the sounds…is that a basketball game Zuha?"

"Oh yeah Unnie."

"Eeeppp!! Is that the Lakers?! Girl let me watch!"

Yunjin dropped her luggage and sat next to Kazuha, her gaze fixed on her phone. The viewing tool for the game was minimal, but for die-hard fans like Kazuha and Yunjin, it was far superior to watching streams with so many strange adverts plastered left and right on a website.

"Eh? Yunjin, you watch basketball?"

Sakura inquired, closing her suitcase carefully. Sakura has already checked her suitcase three times to ensure that everything she needs for their short holiday is in there. Her suitcase was more ordered than their Maknae's luggage, who wasn't even packing and was sleeping. Sakura sighed as she began organizing their Maknae's stuff and placing everything in her suitcase.

"Of course Kkura Unnie. I have a few friends in New York who are basketball Junkies. Heck, I used to play basketball with them a few times before."

Sakura nodded in agreement as Yunjin's response demonstrated his familiarity with basketball. Given that she grew up in New York and discovered that their culture was much different from the society to which they were used. Sakura, on the other hand, knows basketball for two reasons. One is that in the early phases of her career, she was urged to do insane things in order to be elected, and basketball was one of them. She still suffers nightmares when she tries to remember those events. The second is that her childhood pal is now a basketball player. She last heard from him when he moved to the United States to play collegiate basketball, and after that, all forms of communication were cut off.

"Eh? You used to play Basketball Unnie?"

"The opposing team is looking to get an easy layup off of a fast break. McDaniels races back down the court to do his best to stop the play, but the defender is already airborne, ready to dunk the ball into the basket. McDaniels jumps, putting his body on the line to try to reach the ball. He tips it with his fingertips, and LeBron James comes soaring in from behind, blocking the ball and preventing the opposing team from scoring. McDaniels and LeBron high five as they force a turnover."

Yunjin nodded her head as her mouth formed an oh shape as she just saw an amazing play from the king, Lebron James.

"Yeah. Basket is literally a part of American culture there so yeah. Anyway, What's the age of Lebron again? He isn't suppose to be doing this things at year 21! My god…"

Yunjin was left speechless and at awe by the amazing feat Lebron James was showing. But Kazuha was more focused on the efforts of the other player. Y/N McDaniels. Kazuha knew that Lebron was the one who erased that easy layup but she knows that Your the one who prevented it to even making it graze the rim at all.

"Well He's Lebron Unnie. What can you say?"

As the opposition team requested a timeout, Kazuha laughed gently. Growing up, Kazuha was a tremendous basketball lover since her father was a huge basketball fan. Either the A or the B. The NBA or the Premier League. She recalls becoming exposed to the game of basketball during the 2009 NBA Finals. It was Game 6 of the NBA Finals, and Kobe and the Los Angeles Lakers were giving the Boston Celtics a fight for their money. Kazuha saw his father so engrossed in the game that she imagined herself in the stadium with her father, watching the game. Some would claim it's dull to watch, and who could blame them?

10 guys try to get a ball and score on each other and it just repeats over and over again. What's so fun about that? Add in the stereo type that Girls don't like basketball because it's too simple just makes Kazuha love the game even more.

Basketball became her method to hang out and interact with her father over time, since they were both die-hard Lakers fans. The Lakers have long been popular across the world, thanks to Kobe Bryant. His fame, combined with his influence, made the Lakers renowned all over the world, as it is constantly rated first in the world. So it's no surprise that the majority of the individuals Kazuha knows are huge Lakers fans. It is, after all, the city of angels..

"Hmm.. That guy McDaniels seems familiar and good too don't you think Zuha?"

Yunjin inquired as Kazuha nodded. Throughout the game, Kazuha was analyzing every player's mistakes and excellent plays, and in her opinion, you were the one with the fewest bad plays and the most team plays. Of course, she recognized your name; after all, you were the first rookie to lead your team to the Western Conference without any assistance.

"Of course Unnie. He's actually the only rookie to bring the lakers to the west conference finals when Lebron, AD, Dlo and Reaves were all injured. He went head to head with the Golden State warriors and got the respect from Curry, Klay, Draymond and even Kerr. Obviously the lakers lost because He was just a rookie but he made Golden state question their defensive scheme to stop him. "

Kazuha's words were full of pride in them as she spoke with confidence. She will never forget the headlines you made during that series and it was the buzz until the season ended. Expectations were set high for you following your next season and you didn't dissapoint at all.

"Oooh he sounds like a problem. So did he perform well his next season? Last year? Did he?"

Yunjin eagerly asked as Kazuha smiled and nodded her head.

"Yeah Unnie. He actually destroyed all expectations and showed the world and the team that he's legit. There were concerns about his fit with Lebron and AD but he showed them that he's a team player."

Everyone was taken aback by her remark. Few individuals can swallow their pride, especially in basketball, where many players are overly full of themselves and want to prove that they belong in the NBA. With the added pressure of playing with LeBron, your faith in yourself was unshaken, and it just fueled your desire to win.

"Seems like an amazing player. Also… He's kinda cute in a way.."

Yunjin said as she eyes you from Kazuha's phone. Chaewon sighed and gently smacked her arm reminding her that they are idols and not any ordinary people.

"Yah Huh Yunjin. Don't do anything stupid when we go to the states got it? We're still idols remember that."

Chaewon's leader side was showing as Yunjin could only laugh at her remark. Of course Yunjin was only half joking about her comment on you. Again, the word there is Half joking meaning, in a sense, she was admitting a small truth in her words.

"I know I know. I'm just half Joking Unnie hehehe~"

"Yah Yunjin."

The two began to do a playful banter as Kazuha was once again focused on the game. Sakura finally finished fixing the luggage of Eunchae who happens to wake up from all the noise her Unnies were doing.

"Did..did I miss something?"

Eunchae yawned as she slowly stretched her arms up trying to wake her body up.

"Not much. Just the typical chaos your used to Eunchae. Also, try to lessen your clothes in your bag. You have more clothes than me."

Sakura scolded their youngest who just cutely smiled at her as she knows that Sakura would listen to her no matter how much she scolds her. After all, Sakura loves her too much.

"It's fine Kkura Unnie. It's cold there in America and it's better to have thick clothing right? Hehehe~"

Eunchae did have a point as autumn has finally started in that country. But then again, Sakura knows that Eunchae would be spending a lot of her allowance in buying clothes there so what's the point of her grabbing many clothes when she will just buy new ones there? This somehow confused Sakura but she still had to scold her for it.

Meanwhile, the game concluded for the victory of the Lakers despite them struggling earlier on with their shooting which was always been the problem. There was this crazy conspiracy that all shooters that come to play for the Lakers suddenly forgot how to shoot the ball into the net. Of course seeing the terrible 3 point shooting of the Lakers pissed Kazuha off. But then again, the lights are the brightess in Los Angeles so that could be a huge contributor to why some of their players shoot bricks.

"Everyone! Have you all packed your stuff? Remember, we're going to watch the Lakers game in a few days from now after our short vacation in New York."

Their manager arrived in their dorm suprising everyone with what she just said. Kazuha's eyes widen hoping that she wasn't hearing things just now. Everyone was frozen shut as Chaewon tried to confirm what they all heard.

"Wait Unnie. We're.. We're going to watch an NBA Game? The lakers?"

Their manager nodded her head confirming that they infact heard the right thing.

"They Invited you girls to watch their game against the Clippers. And they also have you girls buy whatever you want in Los Angeles NBA store."

"Shit Man I'm tired.."

You sat in your place behind your locker as the squad pulled off a hard-fought triumph against the opposition. Playing on the road has always been difficult since the supporters would be cheering on their squad, which may be detrimental to any team. So you have to be prepared to perform well and bring your best against road opponents, otherwise the media will either condemn or acclaim you. There was no middle ground.

"Well we got the dub, that's all that matters. Now we have a 3 day rest before we return home and play against the Clippers"

Austin Reaves, your teammates spoke making you sigh deeply. Even though that team was in the same city as yours, they have been quite the nuisance with all the noise they have been making in social media. Sure some of those don't really affect you too much but the fact that ESPN always hype them up like that have achieve something annoyed you. For you personally, your a person who doesn't really have a talent to basketball at all.

You just worked your ass off to where you have been.

"Nah like they probably gonna play like it's Game 7 or something against us again."

Anthony Davis added to the group. Even though AD was a very dominant starting this season, there was. A few instances where he would dissappear in the 2nd half of the game and it's either Lebron, Dlo, Austin or you has to carry that slack up. But considering the start of this season, he's playing like a Defensive player of the year so far and the most important thing is that he's healthy to start the season.

"Don't let all that get in your heads. They wanna start putting all this in your head so that when the game arrives, you will be shaken"

As LeBron talked, the atmosphere in the room calmed down. He has always been admired and idolized by many people, and his skill set at his age just serves to reinforce why he is regarded as an all-time great in the sport of basketball. Not only that, but he has been an excellent mentor to you from your first year with the team. His training routines were difficult, but you kept going because you didn't want to be pleased with an alright outcome; you wanted a greater result.

"Alright Guys. Great win today but for now, let's all rest and pick up our practice once we returned to LA okay?"

Coach Darvin said as everyone nodded at him. He may have been doing some questionable lineup for the past 3 seasons but right now, with you at the starting lineup, he finally found the recipe to win games and close them out. Coach Darvin also has been a big part of your rise to all star level as he has been training you on and off the court about Basketball and about life as a whole. You got nothing but respect for him. As everyone was preparing to leave the arena and head to their hotel, Austin pulled you to the side confusing you.

"Hey man, let's walk around New York shall we?"

"For what?"

"Oh come on don't be a party pooper. This is the only time we get to New York you know. Come in dawg, I just wanna walk man."

You sighed at his recommendation. As weird as it sounds, This was the only time you'll visit the Knicks this season as the second time you'll meet would be in your home court. Most of the time, you'll face a team at least 3 times but for this season, You'll only face the Knicks twice. And New York has always been an iconic place in the whole world so why not visit it around right?

"Alright, alright."

"That's my brotha right there. Alright let's go."

Austin Changed his outfit to his regular clothes and by that, it mean his hoodie and pants. No fancy clothing or anything like that. Austin in your eyes has always been a simple man but you could guess that a huge part of that is his place of birth and growing up in.

As you two exited the arena, you were welcomed with a massive edifice and a plethora of lights that represented New York City's nightlife. You were surprised at how many people flocked to this location despite the large crowds. The numerous digital billboards drew your attention as award shows and musicians were advertised on the colorful billboard.

"This is so different than LA…"

Austin could only laugh at you remark as he couldn't help but add in his own joke.

"You should visit Arkansas, you'll be greeted by cows and beautiful grass than this."

"Sounds relaxing in my opinon."

He laughed as both of you continued to walk. Many kinds of act was caught by your eyes ranging from magic tricks, mimes and the one that caught your eye is a bunch of people dancing to some Korean music.

"Hey, why are there so many people dancing to a song they can't understand."

Austin looked at you rather annoyed and in disbelief. He was kinda caught off guard with your question as he took a few seconds to answer you.

"Dude, Music transcends language. It's a universal language that no words needed."

"Right…."

You realized how stupid you looked asking that question so you just decided to ask a different question this time. Something more reasonable.

"Then what music is that?"

"That's Kpop bro haven't heard of it?"

He looked at you with an eye raised eyebrow. He looked rather quite suprised by you not knowing Kpop since it's kinda blowing up in the west. Even kids nowadays nows Kpop and have many Kpop artist on their Spotify Playlist.

"Sorry I haven't. Educate me AR"

"Fuck you man. I'm older than you, But basically Kpop is Korean Pop. That's it. It has many groups doing many category of that genre."

"Such as?"

"Cute, girl crush, retro and many more. Some are experimental"

You were quiet suprised by the many genres of one music has but you have to consider that Kpop is a pop music and pop Music can vary from time to time depending on what the listener wants.

"I see…I wonder if Jen achieved being an Idol…"

"Who?"

You shook your head not wanting to confuse AR further. You just smiled and nodded your head.

"Sounds intriguing"

"Oh it is. Anyway, buy me a New York Hotdog rookie"

"But I'm already in my Sophomore year."

"Did I stutter?"

You groan at him and walked away from where he was standing. You can see him enjoying the people dancing to Kpop songs and for you, it was interesting to say the least. It's music was something you haven't heard yet and it's not bad to try something new once in a while. Perhaps you should take this Kpop music a thing a chance and who knows, you could end up enjoying it.

As you approached the food truck with Hotdog on the menu, your eyes searched for the neighboring hotdog stand. But something else drew your attention away from the menu. You noticed the merchant attempting to communicate in English with a female wearing a hat and mask. You could see the bewilderment and fear in her eyes. You sighed as you noticed a long queue forming behind her, so you sped your feet and stood behind her, hoping to assist her.

"Is everything okay Miss?"

You asked as she look behind you and you saw her look up from her height as her changes to look of confusion and worry to amazement.

"Uhh… Food.. Eerr….want..This.."

She was trying her best to communicate with her broken English as she pointed at the Hotdog with bacon in them. You immedietly knew what she was trying to say as you nodded and spoke her order.

"Sir, she's ordering 5 Hotdogs with bacon toppings in them."

And just like that, the vendor sold her 5 hotdogs which she payed well for. It wasn't much of a big deal for you helping her but in her eyes, she was so glad someone from a foreign land helped her.

"Ah thank you very much~"

Her voice was high pitched and you would though that she was a singer with how her voice sounded.

"It's no problem miss. Hope you enjoy your food"

"Ah, You too."

It was preety obvious that English wasn't her primary language as you can hear the forces accent in her words but you didn't pay mind to it as you just nodded your head as she left with her food and you ordered your own. You pulled out your wallet hoping that it wad empty but you forgot your a millionaire athlete as you cursed AR.

"Damn you Austin!"

Kazuha was lounging on her bed, watching highlights of the Lakers vs. Knicks game that had just ended. Despite their hunger, they waited for Chaewon to return with their New York Hot dogs with patience. Kazuha was so engrossed in the game highlights that she couldn't help but replay the highlight of the Lakers' action every time. But her heart would race as the scoreboard went from 2 to 7 down in an instant.

She is aware that the Lakers have a tendency to forget how to shoot, especially in crucial times, but based on the clips she was viewing, the Lakers were able to hold themselves to catch or tie the score. But, among the Lakers players she was watching on the phone, her gaze was drawn to you since your team's performance usually amazes her. She knows you had the ability to take over and fire as many rounds as you want, but you weren't pressing the trigger. Kazuha understands that basketball is a team sport, not an individual sport, and that getting the team involved in a play is what important in basketball.

"I'm back!"

Chaewon's voice made everyone look at her with a grin as their leader was back safely with food at hand. Eunchae ran out of her bed quickly as she rushed towards Chaewon sniffing the food in her hand.

"Gimme gimme gimme please~~"

Eunchae's cuteness was over the roof for Chaewon but Sakura once again scolded her.

"Yah, Eunchae Wait for everyone okay?"

Eunchae could only pout her lips as Kazuha pauses the video on her phone and went towards Chaewon with a small grin seeing her safe.

"Welcome home Unnie. How was your English skills?"

Yunjin smirked hoping to hear great news from her but Chaewon just simply chuckled and scratched the back of her head signaling that something didn't go well for her.

"Hehe… I kinda fumbled my English when I was speaking with a local. Hehehe…"

Chaewon shyly smiled as she felt embarrassed by what happened earlier. Everyone knew that Chaewon was confident in her English as she was practicing really hard for it and Kazuha knows it too. So for her to say that she failed means that Chaewon needed more practice. Sakura distrubuted the food to each one of them as Yunjin asked Chaewon.

"So how were you able to order this then Unnie?"

Their attention went to Chaewon who suddenly got embarrassed with their stares. For her, it felt she was the center of attention and she wasn't familiar with such feelings.

"Oh umm.. A tall person helped me out. I was kinda scared at first since he looked so tall but he ended up helping me out."

"A tall person? What does he look like Unnie?"

Eunchae asked seemingly intrigued as everyone else. Chaewon tried to recall your feature but the only thing she could remember was how nice you were to her.

"He's tall. I feel like he's an athlete and he's nice too."

Sakura widen her eyes as she immediately asked

"Does he look Japanese?!"

Chaewon shook her head making Sakura sigh and look away dissapointed. Kazuha noticed this and perhaps there was something more than what meets the eye for her.

"Well anyway, we should start getting ready after we eat as our flight will be tonight alright?"

Chaewon reminded them all that they still need to fly to LA since the Lakers invited them to their game. Kazuha suddenly got excited once again as the though of seeing you and the team as whole got her feeling excited and nervous at the same time.

After a few days of seeing Los Angeles and shopping at the NBA store, it was finally time to meet the Lakers and witness their game versus their hometown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. When they arrived to the Staples Center, Kazuha was overjoyed. She never imagined witnessing a statue of Magic Johnson in front of her eyes, yet here she is. She took out her phone and began photographing the iconic Magic Johnson, but she was surprised when Mr. Magic appeared in front of them.

They were all looking uo to him who showed a sweet smile at them as they all shook their hands with him. Lesserafim was one of the tallest kpop idol group in south Korea especially Yunjin and Kazuha but standing next to Magic Johnson made them look like average people.

"It's nice to see and meet you girls. Congratulations to your shows Ladies. Can we take a picture?"

Despite him being tall, in their eyes, Magic Johnson was a big ball of sunshine who's smile radiates infront of them. But Kazuha was the most thrilled one when Magic himself asked for a picture with them. Her smile was reaching her ears as Magic Johnson told them to enjoy the lakers game which they will.

Their Manager told them to follow them as they will be guided to the Lakers court which at this point, everyone was excited to see but Kazuha was the most thrilled one. Wearing a custom jersey given to them by the Lakers, getting welcomed by a laker legend, taking a picture with him and now seeing the court first? This was a dream come true for Kazuha.

"Zuha your excitement is showing through your smile."

Sakura said as a chuckle escape from her mouth. Kazuha shyly blushed but smiled happily as her excitement was just off the roof right now. From watching the Laker on her TV and Phone to actually sitting Courtside and walking in the laker court was her dream come true.

"How can I Unnie? This feels so surreal and its my dream come true!"

Sakura could only laugh at her as they were walking the halls of the Lakers. Painting of the great players who wore the purple and gold was hanged on the walls as Yunjin and Kazuha were happily explaining who these players are. The rest were happily listening as they finally arrived at the court of the lakers. The arena was empty as the game wasn't until 10pm tonight. It was here that the girls realized how small they really are compared to NBA players.

"Wow… The rim is so tall.."

Eunchae said as she looked up the rim like it was a big giant tree infront of her. Yunjin chuckled and patted her shoulder.

"Thats why the NBA athlete are crazy good. Imagine shooting so far or even getting into the rim."

Eunchae nodded as the group spotted a few of their fans as well as they greeted them and had a chance to interact with them. Sakura smile quickly dissappeared when she noticed their fans jersey number familiar with her and a name that she was familiar with. Chaewon noticed this as she talked to her.

"Is everything Okay Unnie?"

"H-Huh? O-Oh yeah.."

Sakura returned her smile like usual but something didn't sit well with Chaewon. Meanwhile, Yunjin decided to take picture of them as a whole with the Lakers logo behind them. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to step foot on an NBA court and even walk on it. Their manager told them that the lakers have a suprise for them which got the girls intrigued. Eunchae wanted to know what the suprise is but instead, their manager told them that she can't reveal it yet as it will happen during the game.

The girls then went to their seats waiting for the game to start as the crowd was finally filling up the arena. One by one the players were coming out of the locker room and into the court as Chaewon and Yunjin gasped seeing a familiar face. Kazuha smiled happily to see her favorite player out and Sakura gasped seeing a ghost of her past.

"Y/N?!! YOU'RE AN NBA PLAYER NOW?!!"

Yujin's voice was so loud that despite the many people, you heard her as your eyes landed on her. You widen your eyes in suprise seeing Jennifer on the Courtside with a different hair color but you were damn sure she was that Girl you know back in New York. You smiled and went near her seat as Yunjin did the same. Kazuha was shocked that her favorite player was acquainted with Yunjin as Yunjin Rushes towards you hugging you tightly making the girls shocked.

"Y/N! It really is you!!"

Her tight embrace made you feel your chest getting crushed and the air shortening as you breath.

"J-Jen.. I.. Can't breath.."

"Opps. My bad hehe."

Yunjin chuckled as she let go of you. She looked you up and down looking so proud of you as her smile was the proof of that.

"Wow look at you, already an NBA player huh? Damn Daniels, I didn't know you were like that."

"What can I say? I'm guessing you made it too right?"

"You bet! Look look! My jersey is custom gifted by your team!"

Yunjin happily showed you her jersey which you were at awe from. You begin to question why the office didn't told you that a Kpop artist was in the building and more importantly, it was your friend Jennifer. Yunjin called upon her members as they made their way towards you. Chaewon was shocked because the person that helped her out back in New York was you.

"Hey guys meet my friend Y/N McDaniels."

They waved at you as Chaewon smiled at you cutely. Your eyes landed on Chaewon and her eyes immediately made you feel like you have seen her before.

"Have I… Seen you before Miss?"

Chaewon nodded as Yunjin gasped in suprised.

"Oh my! So your that tall person that helped her in that Hotdog stand?"

You nodded your head as Chaewon smiled and bowed at you thanking you for that time of helping her.

"I'm Kim Chaewon. Nice to meet you and thank you"

Her voice made you blush right away since you thought it was charming. Your face flushed with embarrassment as you realized what had happened. You were staring at five attractive females in front of you, and the notion made you feel self-conscious.

"Oh umm.. N-Nice to meet you too.. I-I mean nice to meet you all…"

Yunjin noticed your shy demeanor as a smirk appeared on her face. She playfully nudged you as she found a way to tease you.

"Hohoho~ Look at this, this guy is getting flustered~"

"W-Well why wouldn't I? I'm infront of 5 beautiful ladies."

Yunjin was taken aback by your response, as her cheeks grew rose-colored and her eyes widened. Her heart began to beat faster, and her pupils became wider. This sensation was familiar to her, but she didn't expect it to happen to you.

Kazuha decided to take over as she smiled and offered you a handshake which you accepted.

"Hi, I'm Nakamura Kazuha. I'm a fan of yours."

Kazuha brightly smiled and that alone made you blush even more. There was this pulling string towards Kazuha that got you staring at her beauty. Her smile was so bright that it lighten up your mood even though your not sad yourself.

Chaewon saw that you and Kazuha were staring at each other as she decided to grab your attention with a cough. That snapped both of you as you and Kazuha pulled each other's hand away from each other. Both your cheeks were blushing as Chaewon smiled and offered a handshake.

"Hi again. My name is Chaewon~"

Her cute voice reall got your heart racing and it got you feeling different. You shook her hand and just like Kazuha and Yunjin, her hand was soft and fluffy to touch as your blush only gotten redder.

"Thank you again for helping me."

"A-ah no it's nothing.. Anything to help."

"That's so cute to hear. Hehehe~"

If your think your cheeks couldn't get any redder, it just got redder. Chaewon has this cuteness factor which got you captivated and cling to her. In all honesty, she's quite dangerous for your heart as she could effortlessly grab your heart without you resisting.

"Me! Me! My turn! Me next!"

Eunchae was enthusiastic to meet you as Chaewon pulled away shyly. She herself felt lost in those eyes of yours as she blushes a little and looks away. Eunchae happily and energetically shook your hand which made you smile happily.

"Hong Eunchae!! Hehehe~"

She was really cute with her smile but what got you was her energetic aura that she was showing. She was like a pure ball of energy that just make you smile. In a sense, it made you feel like you need to protect her from the harshness of the world.

Last but not the least was Sakura who smiled happily at you as you shook her hand.

"I'm Miyawaki Sakura. Nice to meet you."

"Hi Ms. Sakura. Are you Japanese?"

"Yes I am."

"Ohhh just like Rui."

Sakura stood frozen upon hearing your word. Everything was starting to line up for her as to why she was given the jersey number by the lakers. Her suspicions could have been answered as You notice her staring blankly at you.

"Sakura? You alright?"

"H-Huh? O-Oh yeah. I'm fine. Is this Rui… Named Rui Hachimura?"

"Yeah."

That was it. Sakura was right all along. Rui Hachimura is here in the NBA. Her eyes began to dart everyone trying to look for him as Yunjin decided to slip in to talk to you again.

"Well you know our seat Y/N, that means you know where to look at hehe~"

Yunjin's words was kinda filled with teasing and a little bit flirty as Kazuha and Chaewon got what Yunjin was planning too. Chaewon was filled with worry about her Idol career if she was to get into a scandal with you. Kazuha on the other hand felt jealous that Yunjin was a step ahead of her when it comes to getting to know you. She pouted her cheeks as she looked down a little annoyed by herself.

"Alright, alright. Well I hope you enjoy the game guys."

You smiled once again before returning to the court warming up with your teammates. They returned to their seat as all of them began asking Yunjin how she was familiar with you. Sakura on the other hand was solely focusing her stare at one player, and his jersey number 28. She was feeling a mixed emotions seeing him as she has many questions more than answers.

"どうして私を捨てたの?"

(Why did you leave me?)

The buzzer sounded and the atmosphere was filled with energy coming from the lakers fan as a whole. Lesserafim was shocked to see how passionate the fans of the lakers were but they immediately got themselves immerse into the game.

When your name was introduced, Lesserafim was hyped up cheering you on as Yunjin and Kazuha took Out their phones taking a picture of you on the big screen.

youtube

After trailing and suffering from the 1st half, Lesserafim realized how stressful it is to watch a game for the Lakers and how great it feels to comeback from a huge lead. They could feel the intensity of the game and the support of the fan cheering on.

"Wow this is… So this is the feeling of Live NBA basketball.."

Kazuha said as her dream of being in the NBA has finally happened. It was dream come true for her seeing NBA players up live and seeing you up close.

"I think my throat is getting dry from screaming earlier…"

Eunchae remarked, making the others laugh. What she claimed was correct since they had entirely forgotten that they were Kpop Idols while immersed in the game. Sakura was screaming her lungs out trying to defend the Lakers from questionable fouls, Chaewon was trying to understand the game but she was also cheering and defending the Lakers, Kazuha was explaining the game to her but she was also cheering you on, and finally Yunjin was cheering and reacting to every play with her heart. Her expressions were spot on.

But despite the hardship, the Lakers managed to take a win against their hometown rival and was able to snap their 11 losing game streak with them. Their manager then decided that it was time for them to get the suprise they were anticipating. She smirked as she called Lesserafim over. Excitement was evident on their faces as they suddenly walked down to the tunnel as they were standing waiting for something.

And that something was unexpected to say the least. You came out holding their Album and a pen as your sweet smile made them know what your goal was. Yunjin was more than ecstatic to sign the album as she slowly began planning on how she'll write her number on the album. Kazuha was blushing as this was her one chance to get you more than just a player and as a friend. Perhaps down the line that friendship could evolve to something beautiful. Chaewon was feeling a little nervous as she was contemplating on whether or not she should be bold or keep her thoughts to herself. She wanted to know you more and be friends with you because she has this weird attraction towards you. Eunchae wants to have an NBA all star friend so she can boast it to her friends back at home.

But Sakura found this as an opportunity to find more about Rui. So when you went towards them holding their latest album, you kinda felt self conscious about yourself.

"Heh, Lesserafim Huh? Guess you girls have an NBA fan now."

Your words was all the thing they need to feel like they are on top of the world. Kazuha couldn't be more happier when you spoke those words. To her, this was the biggest dream come true for her. She couldn't be more proud of herself.

Chaewon was smiling ear to ear because she felt proud of their team as a whole. All their hardship and sacrifices has been paid off because now, they are being recognized by people who are adored and idolized in the world. That's not a feat that should be overlooked.

Yunjin on the other hand couldn't help but be proud of herself and to you. She knows the hardship you went through to get through here and she also have to give herself a pat on the back for this one. Her journey wasn't easy as well and there were many times where she though of quiting but she didn't. She pushed through and her determination proved to be rewarded.

"Can I have your autographs?"

You asked them and they happily complied. You were feeling nervous about getting your album signed by the artist themselves but you noticed how Yunjin turned the album around and wrote something else as a Smriks appeared on her face.

"Don't show this to the camera okay? It's my number~"

That made you blush as your eyes widen looking at her. Kazuha knew Yunjin already did something to make you blush so she did the same thing. After signing from the front, she turned it around and wrote her own number as she looked up to you blushing shyly. She quickly turned away with a blushing face but no words were needed to know her intentions.

Chaewon sighed as she already knew what those 2 did but she ended up doing it as well. After all she also has her own goals with you so this time, she choose to be a little selfish.

"That's my gift for winning tonight. Hehe~"

Again, Chaewon's cute voice really got you like a blushing mess as she was very dangerous for your heart. Eunchae followed what her Unnies did but instead of her number, she placed her IG account there.

"You have my permission to talk to me hehe~"

Eunchae's silliness made you chuckle as you almost forgot that 3 beautiful idols handed you their number like it was nothing. Sakura wrote her signature and didn't turn the album instead she asked you.

"Is Number 28 gonna walk here?"

"Oh Rui? Yeah he will. He's just busy doing some interview right now but he'll be here"

"Thank you and congrats on the win."

Sakura smiled as you thanked her and smiled as well. You took picture with the group and signed their custom jersey as well before they could depart in the arena. Yunjin and Kazuha wanted to stay with you more but their manager told them that they have to return back to their hotel now. As sad as it seems, everything wasn't in vain as they gave you a way to connect with them. It made you feel a little sad that you could have spent more time with them but that little time was enough for you.

You looked back at the album and you smiled a little knowing that something could start with this chance. But as you look further on the album, you saw an unfamiliar hand writing that says…

"MY LAKER STAR"

Rui just finished his interview and was feeling great after that win. He was smiling ear to ear until a familiar person made him stop walking. Sakura closed her eyed before opening them and showing a bittersweet smile. A smile that hold so much emotion but has no happiness.

"It's been a while… Rui.."

"Sakura…."

#kpop #fanfic #fluff #kpop fanfic #le sserafim #lakers #basketball #Youtube

301 notes · View notes

kathlare · 22 days ago

Text

crossroads of the past

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: Set amidst the vibrant energy of race day in Austin, the chapter explores the internal struggles of Lando Norris as he wrestles with unresolved emotions and the weight of an unexpected upcoming reunion.

Wordcount: 1.3 k

Warnings: just fluff

full masterlist // request over here!

October 22nd, 2023 - Austin, TX

The dry Texas heat hung over the Circuit of the Americas like a heavy blanket, even in the morning. Lando leaned against the side of the flatbed truck, the one they'd all pile into for the driver parade. Around him, engines roared faintly in the background, and the buzz of fans filtered through the paddock. The energy of race day always had a distinct pulse to it, but today, his mind felt... elsewhere.

—This fucking heat, man,— Charles muttered, running a hand through his damp hair as he leaned against the same truck. —Why does it always feel like we're about to melt here?—

Lando chuckled, dragging a hand through his own hair. —At least it's not humid. Could be worse.— His tone was light, but his head was far from the conversation.

The group of drivers waited together, some talking animatedly while others scrolled on their phones or sipped water. Checo, standing with his arms crossed and a small grin on his face, looked particularly content.

—What’s with the smile, mate?— George asked, his British accent cutting through the air as he nudged Checo lightly. —Did you finally bribe Christian to let you swap cars with Max?—

The group laughed, but Checo waved a hand dismissively. —No, no. Just excited for next week.—

—Ah, Mexico,— Alex chimed in, nodding thoughtfully. —Always such a good crowd there. They love you, don’t they?—

Checo smiled proudly, his chest puffing slightly. —Of course. It’s always special to race at home. My family will all be there, Stella too, and her side of the family is coming as well.—

At this, Lando’s ears perked up. His grip on the railing of the truck tightened slightly, though he kept his face neutral.

—Amelie’s coming too, I imagine?— Charles asked casually, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

Checo nodded, not noticing the way Lando stiffened beside him. —Yeah, of course. She wouldn’t miss it. She’s been busy with projects this year, but family’s family. She’ll be there.—

Lando’s chest felt tight, like the heat of the Texan sun had turned inward and was pressing against his ribs. He turned his gaze to the horizon, pretending to focus on the distant grandstands, but his mind was already racing. Amelie. He hadn’t seen her since July at Penelope’s birthday party, and even then, they hadn’t exchanged more than a stilted greeting.

It was hard not to let her name pull him under. Amelie. A name he’d tried to push out of his head more times than he could count, only for it to find its way back like a stubborn echo. Every time he thought of her, it was like opening an old wound—one that never quite healed, no matter how much time had passed.

Lando swallowed, forcing himself to stay rooted in the present. But Checo’s words had stirred something in him, a restless energy he hadn’t expected. Next week in Mexico. She’d be there.

For a moment, the noise around him seemed to fade. Lando stared ahead, his jaw tightening. He tried to remind himself how things had been left between them: messy, unresolved, and painful. Yet, even with all the bitter memories, all the fights and misunderstandings, there was a spark of something else—a longing that he couldn’t quite shake.

—You alright there, mate?— George’s voice snapped him back to the present. Lando blinked, realizing he’d been gripping the edge of the truck a little too tightly.

—Yeah, yeah,— he said quickly, forcing a grin. —Just zoned out. Heat’s getting to me.—

George raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. Around them, the conversation shifted to strategy, tires, and turn specifics. But Lando’s mind was stuck on Checo’s words. Family’s family. She’ll be there.

He didn’t need a reminder of how close Amelie was to Checo’s family—or to her sister Stella, who had practically become his surrogate big sister during his early F1 years. For better or worse, their paths were always intertwined, even if he tried to avoid it. And now, he’d have to see her again in Mexico.

The last time they’d spoken properly felt like a lifetime ago. It was May 2021, right before everything crumbled between them. She was busy filming Wicked, her star rising higher than ever, while he was in the thick of the F1 season. At the time, it felt like their lives were moving in completely different directions, and Lando had convinced himself that walking away was the best choice. He’d even told himself it was mutual—she was too busy, he was too busy—but deep down, he knew better. He’d hurt her. And in the process, he’d hurt himself too.

And then there was Penelope’s birthday in July. That fleeting moment when they crossed paths again, and all he could manage was a pathetic, awkward “hi.” She hadn’t looked angry, but she hadn’t looked happy to see him either. Just indifferent. And somehow, that hurt more than anything.

—You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?— Charles’ voice cut through his thoughts, quiet enough that only Lando could hear.

Lando turned sharply, his face flushing. —What? No. Who?—

Charles gave him a knowing look, leaning closer so the others wouldn’t hear. —Amelie. Don’t bullshit me, mate. You’ve had that same look on your face since Checo brought her up.—

Lando groaned, running a hand through his hair. —Fuck off, Charles.—

—Relax,— Charles said with a smirk. —I’m just saying, maybe you should talk to her. It’s been what, two years? You can’t avoid her forever.—

—We don’t talk for a reason,— Lando muttered, his voice low. —And it’s not exactly the kind of thing you just... fix overnight.—

Charles shrugged, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the truck. —Maybe. But if you’re still thinking about her this much, maybe it’s worth trying. You’re not the same guy you were two years ago. At least, I hope not.—

Lando didn’t respond, but the words hit him harder than he wanted to admit. He wasn’t the same guy he’d been in 2021. Or at least, he hoped he wasn’t. Back then, he’d been impulsive, selfish, and too wrapped up in his own insecurities to realize what he had until it was gone. Now, two years later, he’d like to think he’d grown up—at least a little.

But would Amelie see that? Would she even care?

—Alright, lads, time to load up!— one of the organizers called, gesturing for the drivers to climb onto the truck.

As they moved into position, Lando’s thoughts were still spinning. Next week, he’d see her again. He didn’t know how, or when, or what he’d even say to her, but he knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.

This was his chance. His chance to prove to her—and to himself—that he’d changed. That he could be the guy she needed, the guy she deserved.

And maybe, just maybe, he could fix what he’d broken.

30 notes · View notes

fictionallystable · 10 months ago

Text

Rating: Mature

Fandom: Call of Duty (Video Games)

Relationship: Phillip Graves (Call of Duty)/Reader

Characters: Reader, Phillip Graves (Call of Duty), Original Male Character(s)

Additional Tags: Author Has Played Call of Duty, Childhood Friends, Miscommunication, Mutual Pining, Civilian!Reader, Pre-Canon, Jealousy, Angst, Kissing, Mild Smut, Time Skips, Brother's Best Friend, Toxic Family Dynamics, Eventual Smut, Drama, Misunderstandings, Getting Together, Minor Age Gap

Words: 9,080| Chapters: 4/5

Authors: @orphancains & @collinnmckinley

Chapter 4: The Engagement Party

Chapter Summary: You're invited to Matty's engagement party and run into a familiar face—only for everything to seemingly fall apart.

A/N: agian we are extremely apologetic for the late update. life got hectic for both of us and hit us like a bus. and we were too exahsted from everything to even think about writing. but here we are!!! with a longer chapter to make it up to yall!! we really hope you enjoy this one c: only one chapter left to go ;) (likes and reblogs are appreciated <3)

the fic can also be found on AO3

tags will be updated!!

You felt nauseous at the thought of returning home for Matty’s engagement party. You’d been living out of town, happy with your job as an architect even if it meant you sometimes went months without seeing family. But you preferred it that way, with less judgment from your parents for choosing to postpone your own engagement yet again.

With your boyfriend Richard’s arm around your waist, you braced yourself for the booming cheers from your mother and father when they saw you. Immediately, they enveloped you in hugs and shook you with delight.

“[Y/N], oh, it’s so good to see you! We’ve missed you so much.”

“The drive must’ve been tiring, huh? How’s work been, Richard?”

“[Y/N], your figure looks great! And that skirt is gorgeous!”

Ah, yes. The skirt Richard picked out for me.

Your mother’s wrinkled, smiling eyes rubbed your back as you made your way to the living room for a drink, while Richard stayed in the hall with your father, enraptured in more dull small talk. The stiff smile you had kept carved on your face all this time suddenly melted into a real one when you saw Bear, your dog, laying on the ground.

You knelt down immediately to pet him, forgetting the drink your mom was getting you. You rubbed your hands through his long, brown fur as he wagged his tail back and forth. He panted excitedly, leaning up trying to lick your cheek. You laughed. “I’m glad you’re looking good, Bear,” you said to the dog. He had been staying comfortably with your mother for the past 6 months, enjoying her leftovers but far away from you. Every night, you wished you could cuddle up with the dog. But Richard insisted that no dogs be allowed in your apartment.

“ I can’t handle all the hair, especially with it sticking to my suits. And I doubt you’ll have the time to clean up after a German Shepherd’s furballs with your workload ,” you remembered he sourly sneered while he unpacked your boxes all those months ago.

“And Matty?” you asked your mom when she handed you a cup of soda and ice in a red plastic solo, while Bear rolled over on his back elatedly.

“He’s outside entertaining the guests with Elaine.” Your mom grinned. “Her parents seem to be very happy with our arrangement.”

You tried to smile, but a grimace cracked through instead. Ever since you graduated high school, your mother and father had insisted you get married quickly. Matty seemed to have no issue finding the right girl to propose to. You, on the other hand, well… you couldn’t see yourself with Richard. He was protective, he remembered your anniversaries, and he always made the time to take you on dates, to remember your favorite flowers, and always paraded you with pride at his own work parties. But the thought of saying “I do” to the man made your chest bubble with anxiety. And maybe even dread. Sometimes he was too protective, interrupted you too much, and sometimes took his sarcastic jokes too far to the point of cruelty. You were sensitive, ever since your adolescence. But… you could get used to it, right?

“Oh, that’s great news,” you muttered in reply to your mother.

Your mother leered at you from the corner of her eye. A mischievous but scrutinizing twinkle in her eyes. “Yes, it’s just a matter of time before you and Richard have your very own—”

“I should go say hi to Matty, yes?” You got up quickly and brushed the wrinkles from your skirt. “And of course, to my future sister-in-law…” you sputtered out as you scurried past your mother.

When you stepped out onto the back garden, you were hit once again with the warm, thick heat of the Texas night. You saw your brother from behind, with his arm around Elaine, whose long, pin-straight hung like a curtain from behind her, and a cold beer in his hand. You saw they were laughing while they chatted to an older man and woman you didn’t recognize, crinkled skin and silvery but pin-straight thin hair that Elaine had. From what you could guess, they must’ve been Elaine’s parents.

It was hard to hide your joy at seeing your brother. You sauntered up to your brother, wanting to catch up with him. Last time you’d seen him, he’d been arguing with your dad about the very idea of proposing to Elaine. He wanted to wait another couple of months, but your father insisted Elaine would start to get impatient and would find another husband, another arrangement. Your brother had stormed off that day, driven away in his car, uttering nothing more than a “Not now!” at you when you had asked if he was okay.

“Matty!” you called out to your brother from where you stood. Your smile couldn’t get any wider. Yes you spoke with your brother every week when work let you, but it's been a long while since you last saw your brother in person.

So when he heard your voice calling his name, he turned to see you standing there, at your parents backyard porch, waving to him excitedly, he couldn’t help but let out an airy laugh and immediately started to make his way to you. You did the same and both met in the middle as you scooped you in a hug lifting your feet off the ground. Oh how he missed his baby sister. Although all grown up.

Seeing how excitedly Matty basically ran towards you, it made Elaine chuckle and shake her head. She knew how strong the sibling bond you and your brother shared, and she found it extremely endearing and adorable in a way she can never experience, as she was the only child.

As Matty let you down on the ground again, Elaine made her way to greet you. When you saw her you couldn’t help but hug her too. You liked Elaine, she was like a sister you never had, and you couldn’t be happier for both of them.

“It’s so good to see you [Y/N]! We missed you so much” Elaine told you, her smile was bright and contagious. You couldn’t help but to mirror her excitement and feeling.

“It’s good to see you both too! I’m so sorry I couldn’t get earlier work got in the way, and we packed at the last minute-” you expressed how regretful you were about how late you arrived. You truly meant to arrive earlier, to help your brother and his wife-to-be with the arrangement of the party, but the universe had other plans for you.

Before you went on a tangent, Matty cut you off with his usual reassuring demeanor.

“Nonsense! You’re here and that's what matters.” Elaine nodded, as Matty’s hand came around her shoulder. They truly looked like a couple made for each other.

“Oh! Before you go or do anything, I gotta show you who’s here!” Matty said, his excitement meant trouble. For some reason you were worried.

“Oh there he is! Just the man I was looking for hah!” Matty was looking over your shoulder when he spoke.

As you turned around like any normal person would do to see who your brother was talking about, the air was knocked out of you immediately as your eyes landed on him.

“Phil…” you sputtered out, quiet enough for it to be a whisper.

Phillip Graves stood a few feet away from you, far enough to reach in a couple of steps. And that's what he did when your brother called him over. The Phillip Graves was standing in front of you now, except now he was older. His hair was still the light brown, almost blonde hair that had as a teen. His tan skin now was littered with a few scars, on accenting his cheek bone. You remembered he was tall, always athletic, as a kid from playing varsity football and soccer. But now, he had filled out muscles under his burgundy t-shirt and light-wash jeans. And he still towered over you just enough that you had to peer up to meet his blue eyes.

With a surprised, almost confused smile, he repeated your name back to you.

“Phillip... Phil…” you breathed out, still in disbelief. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Of course he’s gonna be here, silly! He’s my best friend, I couldn’t have a wedding without him being my best man can I?” you’re brother jokes. Before you could say anything to him, you heard a distant voice calling his name. He answers “coming!”, but not before bidding you both to have a good time and catch up.

He knows how much Phil meant to you, and he knows for sure for the past fifteen years how much you tried to forget him.

You watched as your brother and his fiancee in his arms went to tend to the other guests, before turning to Phillip, who’s smile grew into one of his beaming ones that you’d grown familiar with as a teen. “Hopefully seeing me ain’t a bad surprise.” He winks at you teasingly before smiling softly. He gestured to the plastic, white porch table nearby. “D’ya wanna sit?”

Tentatively, you took a seat across from him at the table. He looked around, almost looking bored, as he took a drink of his own beer bottle. But you knew Phil. He wasn’t disinterested. You could tell from the way he was bouncing his left leg in slight nervousness.

“So, how have you been [Y/N]? I heard you became a big shot architect in Seattle! Not gonna lie, I thought that you’d become a famous artist with her own exhibit all across the country.” Phillip genuinely sounded happy and surprised, leaning back in his chair, hands intertwining on his torso. A habit he picked up during his time away from home in the Marine Corps.

You smiled at him. He recognized that as the one your mother trained you to show new people. It only got sweeter—and prettier—as you grew older, he thought. It suited you even as you were no longer a little girl and now a beautiful, grown woman. Graves’ heart strings tugged, and for a split second, and only for that tiny moment, he was taken off guard.

“Yeah.” You paused but only for a second. “Things turned out differently. But I can't complain.” That sweet smile still plastered on your face. Phil couldn’t believe it, how much you’ve changed, how much you’ve grown. How beautiful you’ve become-

“Things… didn’t end well the last time we saw each other.” He was lost in thought again but your voice brought him back.

“Or rather didn’t see.” You murmured.

He knitted his brows in confusion. “I’m not following.”

Annoyance began to stir inside you. You huffed and looked away.

He nearly stammered his words. “From what I last remember; we had a blast at your birthday party, Matty gave you a puppy, the one that he’d been planning months to get for you. And I—”

“And you left.” Your eyes, returning to him and now darker with hurt, pierced straight into his eyes, and your silky voice cut him like a sharp knife. “Practically the next day.” “Without saying a single word to me about your enlistment that day.” A sad, but bitter, smile adorned your face, eyes cast downward. As the memories of that day continued to unfurl for you, a dormant resentment continued to bubble in the depths of your viscera.

“You didn’t even bother to say goodbye to Matty properly let alone me.” Your voice was softer now, but he could still see the hurt behind your eyes. “Much less to my parents who—”

“Listen, [Y/N], I didn’t—” He clenched his jaw and dragged his chair closer, hoping to keep his voice low. He felt embarrassed to be having this conversation with you in the first place in your parents’ backyard. And he especially didn’t want Matty to know you were talking about this with him. Still, he felt he owed you an explanation. “I didn’t want to scare you….” he stops and looks at you, in his eyes an emotion you have never seen before swims, you can't decipher it, but it somehow looks familiar. “Or hurt you for that matter.”

He shook his head, crossing his arms across his chest. He scoffed, just barely audible to you. “But be realistic for a moment. What did you expect me to say to you? ‘Hey, kiddo, I’m off to join the Marine Corps. Might die or get a limb or two blown off. Make sure you do your homework and don’t stay up too late playing video games with Matty! Bye!”

Phil couldn’t help being defensive of his actions that summer, a bit too defensive even to his liking. He sighs and continues with a bit of a calmer voice. Phil knew that his answer wasn’t half-assed, but he still knew they could be biting. Although he didn’t want to reopen old wounds, he also didn’t want to lie to you. Especially not now that you were no longer a child, and not just Matty’s kid sister. “I did what I thought was right, for you… and me. And I wouldn’t change it if I had to do it again. That’s the truth.”

You blinked. You couldn’t help but hear something alien in his voice, a tone so unfamiliar in your memories of him as kids. Was it sorrow? Remorse? Pain? You couldn’t figure it out. But you know it was something not to be pushed any further. As a kid you never understood why he did what he did, but as you grew older, somehow you knew that as a child everyone’s decisions were outside your range of understanding. You had accepted what happened. Or at least you thought you did. But today that young girl returned, took back control your body and mind, and you found yourself spluttering these words to Phil.

Sitting with his own answers, you sat in silence. You watched as he leaned back and eyed you carefully. His eyes were still the same baby blue ones that always gazed at you with brotherly affection all those years, the ones that sparkled when the Texan summer sun’s rays cast on them. But now you felt a hardness radiating from behind them, one that would make anyone else cower and feel smaller. Years in military combat had definitely changed him and his gaze. Indeed, you did feel like he was studying every inch of your face and body, scanning you as if trying to profile you, maybe like he did with the captured combatants in whatever war in which he fought. You tried your hardest to return the intensity of his stare, but it was hard to compete with the icy look in his eyes.

But behind his colder eyes was a burning curiosity that he was successful in concealing from you. It was a curiosity he didn’t expect to experience tonight, because he never expected to see you, Matty’s beloved little sister, again. In all his memories, some more faded and fuzzier than others, you remained a little girl whose clothes were stained with paint and fingers sometimes still smudged from soft pastels or even charcoal from your art. In his mind, you still had baby cheeks and wore Matty’s old hand-me-down clothes and hoodies. But before him, he never expected Matty’s little sister, now a woman, to be sitting before him. He almost wanted to curse himself for immediately noticing when you walked to the table how your curves fit the skirt you wore. And when you sat across from him, he caught himself glancing more than once at your chest when your arms folded just beneath it.

He clenched his jaw. God, if Matty even caught the places his eyes were traveling when he saw you, he was sure he was going to get his ass kicked and his face pounded in by Matty’s notorious fist. Grown up or not, you were still his sister. And this was also still Matty’s engagement party, and he couldn’t ruin it. And you were clearly still torn up about his sudden, unannounced enlistment all those years ago. This was not the place or time to be thinking of… other things.

What disrupted his curious gaze from roaming over you was a sole tear that began to trickle down the corner of your eye. Just one, and one that you quickly wiped away with your hand before it could ruin much of your makeup. But it was enough to know that, once again, Phil had made you upset. He internally wanted to bang a fist against the table. He was hoping you would lash out at him, he would let you burn off some of the steam that you couldn’t when you were both kids, he knew how much you controlled your rage, and he wished you would finally let it out even if it was on him. Let you both make fools of yourselves that night, so he could feel less remorse. But instead, the silence from you that he was me with was damning him more than he could expect.

When you refused to say anything, Phil anxiously whirled the cold glass bottle in his hands. “But, I was also an idiot,” Phil spat out suddenly.

Your furrowed brows softened, noticing how Phil’s eyes melted into what you couldn’t intercept at first. But you soon realized it was a miserable mixture of hurt and regret. “I just wanted to get away from my folks, you know. Even though they were hardly ever home, I still felt like they controlled every aspect of my life. So…” He breathed out. “So, I’m sorry.”

“I get that,” was all you said as you mindlessly twirled the bracelet around your wrist. As you did so, his eyes glanced down at your hand on the table, the same ones that were always covered in stubborn faded blue and yellow hues of paint. He swallowed when he noticed that, unlike Matty whom he’d spoken to earlier, you had no ring on your left hand. Before you could notice, Phil quickly glanced back up at your face, and was relieved to see that your harsh scowl from before had melted away. “I just wish you could’ve told me that then. But I… I get that I was too young. We were both pretty stubborn when it came to talking about anything serious, but we cared—”

Before you could finish, you heard a booming voice call out your name. You turned and saw Richard beckoning you to where he stood, while your parents stood to the side and grinned giddily together. Suddenly the whole party had grown strangely quiet. Beside the ice cooler, you noticed a bluetooth speaker playing a familiar soft rock song. One that you distinctly remember as the one Richard played in the car after your first date together at the theme park, and the same one you two danced to in his old apartment when you both were tipsy one night.

You got up from your seat. Next to you Phil also suddenly wondered why so many eyes were on you and this unfamiliar man. You started walking toward him and your parents, wondering what in the world was happening, and why your boyfriend was standing in the middle of the backyard like he was about to give a speech. Oh no, I've seen this scenario happening in public one too many times. This does not look good…. Your internal monologue was put in a pause when you looked around to find your brother, and when your eyes landed on his and his fiance, you knew with one look they did not seem pleased of what was going on.

“[Y/N],” he started. “We’ve only known each other for a few months…”

“I can’t fucking believe this,” Matty muttered from a few feet away from where Phil sat.

Phil blinked a couple of times. His gut was telling him he knew exactly what was going on, but he himself couldn’t believe it. Not after he just reunited with Y/N a few minutes earlier.

Elaine tried to calm Matty down silently, but Matty was furious. “I specifically told them not to pull this shit, not on this occasion. Jesus fucking Christ.” Elaine didn’t need to hear him say it, but she knew who he was referring to when he said ‘they’.

Richard continued. “But you’ve made me a better man, a man with bigger, better ambitions, a man who can see himself becoming a family man. Beyond just a businessman, a partner, a rock to lean on, someone who could build a home with you and raise a family together.”

When he got down on one knee, you felt your heart stop and all the muscles in your body seize. You tightened your jaw, dormant rage igniting all over again. You didn’t know if you wanted to run away and flee the scene or smash Richard’s head with the beer bottle from a nearby table, but you felt as though your shoes were glued to the dry grass. “Y/N,” he said as he took a ring out of his jacket pocket.

You looked up frantically and saw your mother on the verge of happy tears and your father with a proud grin but his hands tucked in his suit jacket’s pockets, much like when he is negotiating a business deal at work. You knew immediately that this was not simply Richard’s doing. No, you had told Richard as recently as last night at bedtime that you would rather wait at least when you hit 30 before even considering marriage. This was your parents handing you off to Richard, hoping and desperately trying to have their wealth merge with Richard’s own family wealth. Just like you feared in every conversation you had with your mom and dad, you feared you represented nothing more than a simple pawn in another one of your dad’s business deals.

You glanced back down at Richard, the sour sneer on your face growing harder and harder for you to conceal. You could feel your hands trembling now by your side, and the cup of soda in your hand threatening to get crushed.

“Will you do me the honor of letting me call you my wife?”

You heard murmurs and all around you from the backyard. The night’s spotlight was now on you, no longer on Matty and Elaine, and that made you grind your teeth even more. You didn’t want extra attention. It was bad enough that suddenly your childhood crush crashed the party and made you relive your teenage hormones and heartbreak. Richard and your parents both knew how uncomfortable you felt coming back home, and suddenly they decided to make you have to answer a marriage proposal in front of all your relatives, friends, and neighbors.

You glared down at Richard, who was oblivious to the storm raging in your mind. “You’re out of your fucking mind,” you spat out, with a low and harsh voice, but still loud enough for everyone to hear. You whipped your head up furiously to glare directly at your mom and dad. “And you two! You two are unbelievable. You should be ashamed of yourselves!” Your throat ached from how harshly you growled at them.

Without another word, not even a “no” to dignify Richard’s proposal, you threw your cup of soda at Richard’s face. The half-melted ice-cubes and cold Sprite made him flinch and get back up to his feet quickly. A chorus of gasps erupted from behind and around you.

“You spoiled brat!” your mother shrieked. The disdain and disappointment on her face was one so familiar, but one that still brought your heart racing anxiously and your lips to quiver. Your father stood frozen in shock beside her. He himself didn’t expect you to react in such a way. He thought tonight would be another business success for him. “Do you know how much we had sacrificed for you? And you decide to act like a child? When will you grow up?l!”

“THIS IS INSANE!”

Your eyes snapped to the source of outburst and landed on Matty standing near where Phil and you had been sitting. Phil remained at his seat watching all of this unfold with amusement, as Matty was walking towards where your parents had been standing, with determination of giving an earful to them most likely, but before he could start what he had to say your voice decided to come out on its own accord.

“Oh mother… How can you still be so stubborn about this? How could you pull this stunt at Matty’s engagement party, your own son's engagement party? Do you have no shame? Either of you?” Your voice determined and harsh. Even your mother was taken aback by your bold retort. Her speechlessness only allowed you to continue your tirade. “I told you at least a hundred times that I don’t have any plans to get married anytime soon. But you didn’t listen! That doesn’t surprise me; you hardly ever listen to me. But at least have some respect for your own goddamn son! Who has been nothing but an obedient child to you! Both of you! And this is how you treat him?! The least that you could have done was ask him and Elaine if this was okay with them!”

Your mother was stunned, the blood having drained from her face and her hand clutching her handbag tightly as she gawked at you. You’ve never been this brave with your words. You never talked back to either of your parents in all your youth. And if your father wasn’t just as speechless, he would’ve given you an earful, and even threatened you to remove you from inheritance. But you didn’t care, your patience ran thinner and thinner each year and this new stunt made all that remained evaporate in a matter of seconds.

You knew you couldn’t come back from this. The realization that there was a chance you’ll probably be shunned and even maybe disowned after this. You had run out of words, so you simply ran from the scene. Your spilled red cup of coke laid on the grass, something the ants in the yard would later indulge in. You bolted into your family’s house, your childhood home, which was mainly empty with everyone mingling in the evening out in the yard. You went into your room on instinct, but noticed your mom and dad had converted it into an office space for their work. Your jaw dropped as you realized they never kept your room the same way they had adoringly preserved Matty’s. You tightened your grip around the door knob. You wanted nothing more than to trash the room, break the desk that sat where your bed once did, and stomp on bookshelves that once held your comics and artbooks but now held folders of boring white paperwork.

But instead you fled to your brother’s room across the hall. You knelt down beside his bed, kicked off your shoes, and buried your face in a pillow. You let out a muffled scream. After a few seconds, your scream morphed into pathetic sobs. You knew you were surely staining Matty’s old pillows with your makeup, but you didn’t care at that moment. At that moment, it felt as though you time-traveled back fifteen years in your old home, crying your eyes out into your beloved brother’s pillow.

‿︵‿︵‿୨ ୧‿︵‿︵‿

Phil watched as Matty slouched on the plastic lounging chair outside. Almost everyone had left. Your mother and father stood near the backyard fence, arguing desperately about what to do next after you had ruined their evening. Richard stood next to them but remained mostly silent and merely listened to them. Elaine, Matty’s fiancée, trudged into the house in search of you. Meanwhile, Phil took a seat across from Matty, who ran his hands through his beard and squeezed his eyes shut momentarily out of frustration.

“Cannot believe they would fucking do that on tonight of all nights,” Matty groaned out.

Phil let out a low whistle. “Yeah definitely didn’t expect to see [Y/N] throw a cup of soda at some random guy.” It would almost be laughable if it weren’t for the fact that he had seen tears once again streaming down your face when you darted inside. “So, that was actually [Y/N]’s boyfriend or—”

“Unfortunately,” Matty spat out. “I can’t stand the guy. But our parents love Richard even though he’s a huge asshole to her half the time.”

“Huh…”

Phil tried to recall the man. He was tall and athletic. He seemed like the type to weight lift, worry about trends in luxury suits, and track his meals’ calories to keep up with his appearance and health everyday. His dark hair was slicked back with some gel, and his jaw was sharp and pronounced. His sharp, aquiline facial features reminded Phil of some of the college guys who would apply for internships to work for his dad’s firm during summers back when he was a kid. But something about him made Phil’s skin crawl. He wasn’t sure if it was the fact that his entire personality seemed like a masquerade of wealth and opulence, or the fact that he was dating you , had the gall to propose to you , while also being an asshole to you, according to Matty at least.

“I can’t say I blame her for throwing the soda at him,” Phil snickered quietly.

Matty almost cracked a smile at this. Suddenly, he remembered why he called Phil his best friend for so many years of his life. “Trust me, if I could’ve thrown one too, I would’ve.”

Your father suddenly bellowed your name. “Come out! We need to have a talk!”

Phil and Matty quickly glanced at each other, worry coating both of their faces. They expected Elaine and you to come out together, Elaine probably holding a box of tissues and your eyes still swollen from crying. But instead, no one came out of the backyard door. They waited several seconds, until your father stormed toward the door to head inside himself. Richard trailed behind him, not nearly as full of energy. It seemed the would-be fiancé was still feeling dejected, even if the soda from early had already dried.

“Unbelievable,” your father growled, the door of the house slamming open violently with a bang.

Phil and Matty both got up quickly, following the man. They found you and Elaine sitting in the kitchen, you nursing a cup of warm tea and Elaine sitting next to you still attempting to console you. Your father rushed toward you, grabbing you by your shoulders, forcing your gaze away from your cup of tea and to his own red-beet face. The force of his grasp made your elbow knock into the mug, tumbling it to the ground with a sharp crash.

Elaine gasped sharply before stepping back in shock. Meanwhile, Bear emerged from the living room, his bushy tail stiff in the air in alert and his pointed ears slicked back against his head. He growled and barked furiously at the sight of your father grabbing you. Agape, you stared back at your father in horror, feeling all the muscles in your body suddenly become paralyzed in fear.

“How can you throw away your future just because of your own stubborn self-righteousness?! Didn’t we raise you better than to act so selfishly?!” your father yelled into your face.

Matty quickly grabbed your father’s arm, grabbing him by his gray blazer’s stiff fabric, and pulled him off of you. “Your dumb plan for the night was botched from the start, dad,” he sneered out. “She clearly doesn’t want to marry Richard and this was supposed to be our engagement party to begin with!” he looked at Elaine for a second saying that.

The graying wisps of hair on your fathers were now disheveled and sticking up, his sagging and wrinkled face now flushed with a furious red. He balled his fists as he spoke back to your brother. “What she did, regardless of what day it was, to Richard was unacceptable. Would you ever imagine Elaine treating you in such a way? No, of course not! Because [Y/N] is acting like a child, and an insolent one at that!”

He turned back to glare at you, taking one step further forward. “Richard, come here,” he said, his glower locked on you not wavering.

The tall, dark-haired man strode beside your father. You couldn’t read the expression on his face. You had wounded your ego and in public in front of your friends and family, something he would seldomly allow without biting back. But he remained quiet ever since his botched proposal. Usually he would yell back, make a scene, demand he stay in a hotel for the night, after arguing with you over nonsense. But his silent, narrow-eyed stare bore down on you and made you feel uneasy. There was nothing calm or passive about it.

“So, why don’t we start over, hm? Why don’t the two of you go to the living room to discuss and… reconsider Richard’s proposal once again, yes?” Your father’s gritted teeth betrayed the false air of diplomacy he was trying to prop up.

“I don’t think—” Your brother was caught off.

“[Y/N],” your father said more sternly this time. “Now.”

Your brother wanted to continue to protest, but he knew your father would not take no for an answer right now. Not with his fists balled up and his face as red as it was. So Matty, Phil, and Elaine watched breathlessly as you and Richard walked to the living room by yourselves. Phil noticed how your hands shook ever so slightly, even while you kept your lips pursed and tried to straighten your blouse, desperately clinging onto any semblance of composure before talking to your boyfriend.

Breathing out an exasperated sigh, your father, the man Phil used to revere so much as a child, began to step outside back to the yard. “There better still be some drinks in the cooler. I need one right now,” he muttered. Your mother followed him, obediently, to avoid the thick air of tension that was suffocating everyone in the kitchen.

Phil couldn’t help but let curiosity get the best of him. While Elaine consoled Matty in hushed voices and picked up the broken glass on the kitchen tile, Phil drifted away from them. He could hear Elaine telling Matty that it was okay, that they could hold a smaller, more intimate engagement party next week with just close friends. He knew that he, too, should be trying to console Phil. But he was worried about you. He just couldn’t believe your family was pressuring you to marry.

Phil stood just outside the living room beside its entrance, leaning on his side against the wall and focusing on the little he could hear. Bear padded up to Phil. Much calmer now, the German Shepherd sat down and looked up at Phil with a panting smile. Phil wanted to smile and pet the dog, but instead brought his finger up to his own lips, hoping the dog wouldn’t alert everyone to what Phil was doing.

“—how embarrassed I was left feeling! In front of everybody!” It sounded to Phil like Richard was still furious, still left with his pride injured. He was on the verge of yelling, but kept his voice somewhat hushed. Maybe to avoid drawing even more humiliation to himself tonight.

Your voice was less hushed, a little bolder. “We’ve barely been dating long enough to begin even thinking about marriage, Richard! I told you I wanted to wait!”

Phil carefully peeked into the room just enough to see that the two of you were standing and you had refused to sit on the couch. Richard towered over you, clearly trying to intimidate you. You were trapped between him and the untouched couch. You nervously ran your hand through your hair as Richard continued roughly gripping one of your shoulders with one of his hands. The sight of his hands on you like that made Phil’s skin crawl and stomach lurch. He tried his best to control himself.

“[Y/N],” Richard began again, clearly still annoyed. “You already made a scene with the first proposal. But I’m not giving up on you . And so is your father—”

You scoffed at this and rolled your eyes.

“So, please. Just stop being so stupid and stubborn for a second, and just say yes so we can both move on ”

You stayed quiet. And Phil’s mind was racing in the midst of your silence. Was it possible you were actually considering it? He remembered you when you were younger, as a kid. You were stubborn, yes, and very outspoken. It’s what stopped any kids from picking on you or your art. But you also never betrayed your own goals, your own ideas and feelings, for the sake of someone else’s preferences. Even if that meant getting into ugly fights with others and giving your mom and dad the silent treatment for weeks. It was one of many qualities in you that Phil remembered admiring, and he hoped that it was a quality that had never diminished during these last fifteen years.

Phil didn’t want to admit it, but he also felt sick to the thought of you getting engaged just when he had finally reunited with you. He felt a nauseating feeling in his gut at the idea of you marrying this, clearly, arrogant guy. Phillip Graves himself was arrogant at times—sassy even, but when it came to the people he cared about, he was never arrogant. When it came to you, he could never be arrogant.

Finally, you did answer. “I already said my thoughts on the subject, Richard,” you said firmly. At that moment, you hoped Richard and your father would respect your wishes more than anything. Once again, you felt like nothing more than a pawn. “I already said no to you once. And now I’m saying it twice. Do I have to say it a third time?”

“Well, neither of us are getting any younger, [Y/N]. If you’re as serious about this relationship as I am, then you should at least be considering marriage with me. If not, then what’s the goddamn point of this? Of any of this with you?” He placed both his hands now on your shoulders, shaking you just a little. “What do you even want out of this?”

Your face seemed almost serene. You didn’t frown, nor did you nervously smile or even produce a grimace. You placed your hands on his that were squeezing your shoulders, gently sliding them off of you and placing them back to his sides. “After tonight, Richard. I can’t give you a straight answer. I don’t know. After this scene you tried to pull despite everything I told you, I can’t say I see a future with you anymore.”

Richard leaned away, almost repulsed by your answer. He scoffed in disbelief, shaking his head furiously. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Are you breaking up with me? ”

Phil would’ve started laughing if he didn’t give away the fact he was spying on you and Richard. But he also wanted to beam with pride at seeing you stand up for yourself despite Richard and your dad not ceasing in urging you two to get married. He was glad to see that you never lost your fiery side as you’ve grown.

“I guess that’s what it is,” you mustered out. “If you can’t stay in a relationship with me without getting married immediately just to make our parents happy, then maybe we just shouldn’t be in a relationship.”

Any shock was replaced with fury. Richard began seething. “You can’t be so goddamn dumb, [Y/N],” he growled out. “Why are you throwing all of this away? We could’ve had a future together, a built home, a nice family. And you’re throwing it all away just because you wanted to make a point about waiting ?!”

You scoffed. “A nice home where you’re calling me an idiot for sticking to my values. Yeah, sure.” You tried to step beside him to walk away, to finally leave this conversation behind and head back to the family that cares about you.

But instead Richard grabbed you by your forearm, whipping you back toward him and forcing you to face him again. His eyes were now no longer narrow with disdain but wide and dilated with rage. It was a look you only saw on rare occasions, mostly when you had screaming matches after you would “ruin the mood” when he’d try to have sex with you, drunk out of his mind, after one of his work parties.

“Let me go,” you muttered, your annoyance desperately trying to mask any fear that could be detected in your voice.

Suddenly, Richard grabbed your face with a hand, squeezing your jaw and cheeks as he did. He forced you to look at him, even while you desperately tried to pull his hand off you, scratching his forearms and trying to push him away. Phil’s heart began racing and he could feel the blood coursing through his body grow hotter. He couldn’t believe his eyes, but all he could focus on was how the solemn look in your eyes was now replaced with one of terror and shining with wet tears beginning to form.

Richard’s fury continued. “I never thought you could be this stupid. Do you even realize what you’re doing to your—”

Phil had enough. He rushed into the room and in what felt like a flash he pushed Richard away from you. You fell onto the couch, watching in horror as Richard tried to fight back against Phil. Sure, Richard was strong and big. But Phil’s hand-to-hand combat had been refined over the years in the Marine Corps. With little struggle, he managed to subdue him, and within seconds, Richard was pinned to the ground. Phil was successful in knocking the air out of Richard, leaving the man breathless and writhing on the floor.

“What the fuck ! Get off me!! ” Richard growled through gritted teeth.

Phil smirked for a split second before ignoring him. He let Richard crumble to the ground before he went over and tentatively kneeled in front of Y/N. He saw once again furious tears pooling in your eyes threatening to fall . He placed a gentle hand on her knee and gazed up at her. “You okay [Y/N] ? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

You shook your head, your own hand traveling to your jaw where Richard had roughly grabbed you. “No, I’m fine.”

He nodded in understanding, still looking at you carefully. While he watched you, he felt Matty and Elaine rush into the room, confusion written on their faces. They saw your small form still sitting on the couch with Phil crouching in front of you while Richard was still getting up from the ground, catching his breath.

“Th-thanks, Phil,” you said quietly. “I… didn’t know he was gonna lash out like that.”

“ He what ?!” Matty demanded. “Richard, what the hell did you do to my sister?!”

Richard was now back on his feet, he breathed out deeply and glared at Matty. Then he straightened his shirt and painted on his usual smug look of contempt he carried. “I broke up with her. If she’s not taking this relationship seriously, then neither will I.”

“What a load of bullshit,” Matty practically spat the words in Richard's face before grabbing him by his collar. Elaine watched in horror too, scurrying away to the side. Matty dragged him out of the room until both you and Phil lost sight of the two of them. Knowing Matty and his long-lasting hatred for Richard, you were sure he was kicking him out of your parents’ home.

“Dad is going to be furious,” you mumbled to yourself, but Phil could hear you loud and clear.

He took a seat next to you on the couch, deciding not to touch you further. He had to remind himself that you were no longer a 12 year old girl, he had to restrain himself from holding you . Yes, you two were very close when both of you were mere teens . But it had been years since you last spoke. Fifteen years to be exact, he didn’t know if you ever counted the days but he did, for some reason that even he couldn’t explain it to himself. He couldn’t overstep his boundaries. So he just pulled his hands back to his lap and sat there, trying to console you as best as he could.

“He’s not always like that… but when he is it gets too much ” you breathed out. Phil tried to listen but he was also acutely aware of how your hand, albeit sweaty from your nerves, felt on his much rougher, larger one. “Matty never liked him. But mom and dad adored him for some reason.”

Phil sighed out. He wished he could say something comforting, something that would chase all your anxieties and fears away. But all he could do was sit there and listen to nothing and everything all at once . Feeling your heat radiate from your side, and he sits besides you only a hair of a touch away. He could lean in and hold you close, and the thought made his heart flutter with nervousness. From here, he could smell how your hair smelled like roses and coconuts—

Before he could drift further away he had to snap back to reality with you still sitting next to him solemnly. How could he think that about you? You were his best friend’s sister for goodness sake… but was he in the wrong to think of you as the pretty woman that you have become? Yes he considered you as a little sister back in the day, but that was a decade and half ago. But now? His heart told him one thing but his brain said something else.

You always carried your emotions on your sleeves. If you were happy, your face would be brighter than the sun. But then if sad, a cloud would particularly be looming over your head. When you were flustered, your face would be brighter than the fresh tomato that his parents would have the cooks pick up from the farmers market And if you were angry, oh man that was something to witness. That was why he always loved teasing you and making you laugh, to get that reaction and to see those emotions. He admired them. But in your grown-up state, he noticed that trait in you lessened. It was as if you were trained to wear a mask that would hide all your emotions. Even now, watching you sit there waiting for the unknown, you try to mask your emotions, hide them in a box and lock it. And discard the keys somewhere where no one can find it. And it hurt Phill to see you in this state. He couldn’t decide which one was worse; having you go through the trauma of facing your now abusive ex boyfriend, or that you were forced to masquerade your emotions.

“I knew the guy for like half an hour, but… yeah, I can say he seems like a dick.” He pursed his lips, but raised his eyebrows when he heard and felt you start to chuckle. “Pun intended” Phil smirked as he looked at you.

“He reminds me of a guy I met back when I first joined MARSOC,” Phil continued. You tore your teary eyes away from your hands and looked at him, listening intently. “He was big and burly too, but he actually was much more considerate. Hated bullies. Always lending the rest of us a hand if he could see we were struggling.”

You held back a snort. You couldn’t imagine Richard enduring something like Marines training, much less being generous and looking out for others if his skin was on the line. But as a child so many years back, you also couldn’t imagine Phil joining an elite fighting team. Not because he couldn’t work in a team, but because you only saw him as your brother’s best friend who just seemed to play football and video games—not shoot guns and hunt down dangerous men. So, you asked him more. While your mother was off trying to calm your father down, and your brother was getting fresh air to cool down with Elaine, the two of you stayed on the couch. While he did, Bear padded over to both of you, laying down at your feet and surely feeling sleepy already. Phil finally had a chance to reminisce out loud on some of his training days and some missions with the MARSOC Raiders—at least the parts of them he was allowed to tell others about. He even remarked how he had left the Raiders, now working with others to form a new PMC, hence why he was back in Texas.

While you sat listening and while your tears dried, you couldn’t help but feel admiration bloom inside your chest for him. Admiration and… something familiar you still couldn’t put your finger on. Yes, you were thrilled to have him back in your life, someone you might’ve called your best friend as a young girl. You felt some nostalgia, of course. You felt like you were truly back home for the first time, even after visiting home a few times already after moving in with Richard. Still, while he spoke and you listened intently, you couldn’t help but admire how his lips moved when he smirked as he remembered something cheeky he did, or how his brows furrowed tightly and his jaw clenched when a difficult memory flashed for him. Or how he’d sometimes run his hand across the side of his head, his light brown hair getting disheveled for just a few moments without his knowing. It made you smile for a few seconds before returning your focus to his words. But even while you concentrated on him and his stories, you couldn’t ignore the fluttering of butterflies in your stomach and the way your palms sweat when you noticed him gazing at you several times.

For a moment, it felt good to disconnect from your world, from the drama and yelling of your parents and Richard. Delving into Phil’s past several years away from your hometown felt like finding an oasis in a harsh, unforgiving desert. Your racing heart that you felt when Richard had glowered down at you in furious disbelief moments ago had diminished, now a comforting lull in your chest as you listened to Phil’s familiar voice. But it was short-lived, and it made you realize, yes, this was just one night, when your parents both walked in.

Your father’s face was less red, but the tired look in his eyes made you know that he was still disappointed. “Your mother and I are heading to bed.” He pursed his lips into a thin line when he looked at you. He had so much he wanted to say to you, so much he wanted to yell too. But your mother next to him nudged him with her elbow and cleared her throat. He shook himself out of his death stare and instead looked at the man beside you. “It was, uh… good to see you, Phillip. Please give your father my regards when you see him. It’s been a while since we’ve emailed each other.”

Phil nodded curtly but said nothing in response. Next to you, he could feel how tense you still were. He didn’t want this conversation to drag on any longer. Without another word, your parents left the living room, finally retiring to their bedroom up upstairs. But replacing your parents’ spot in the living room’s entrance came Matty and Elaine.

Elaine yawned. “How are y’all not tired yet?”

“We’re going to be heading to the guest room in a bit. But by all means, let me know if you need anything. Just knock on our door or give me a call. I’m here.” Matty gave you a reassuring smile.

Phil glanced down at his watch—you remember it as the same rolex that his dad had given him for his sixteenth birthday and that Phil only begrudgingly accepted.

“Jesus, time sure flies. It’s already one in the morning.” He huffed, feigning sleepiness, and looked at you with pursed lips. He placed an earnest hand over his chest. “I’m sorry to have kept you awake so long, [Y/N].”

You shook your head frantically. “No, don’t apologize, Phil. Catching up on what you’ve been up to has meant the world to me.”

Hit with sudden realization, Phil widened his eyes slightly. “[Y/N], do you need a place to sleep tonight?” The thought of you returning to your hotel room with your furious ex-boyfriend made his chest tighten.

You shook your head. “No, I’ll just be sleeping in Matty’s room for the rest of my stay. So I'll be hanging around here for a while.” You honestly weren’t in a rush to return to Seattle immediately, just to have to see Richard glowering at you from every corner of his apartment. He was going to have to find a new roommate quickly.

Your brother wrapped his arm warmly around Elaine, bringing her sleepy body closer to him comfortingly. “See you two around,” he said before turning around and heading up the same stairs your parents had climbed earlier.

Phil got up from the couch, and you followed. You straightened your skirt as he rubbed the back of his neck, almost sheepishly. “Really, I mean it. I hope I didn’t bore the hell out of you, [Y/N].”

The two of you began to walk to the front door, Phil pulling out his car keys from his pockets. “No, Phil. I’m being honest. Just getting to sit and hear you speak for a while has really helped me. I’m—I feel a lot better now. Thanks to you.” You watched as he opened the door but then you realized he also is technically only visiting town. “Wait. Do-do you have a place to stay?”

He paused. He shut the door that he had left slightly ajar before, as he turned to look at you. “Oh, yeah I’m staying back at my parents’ place. They rent out the first floor as an AirBnB sometimes, especially since they mostly spend time with my uncle in St. Augustine in Florida. But they’re letting me stay on the second floor now that I’m back home for a while as I work things out.” He smiled warmly. He couldn’t help but find it endearing how you worried where he was staying as well.

You let out a soft sigh. “Good.” You were relieved to hear not only that he wasn’t staying in some sketchy motel but that it was back in his childhood home, where you and him had spent so much time watching TV and pranking Matty on your weekends off of school.

He leans in slightly. “That’s right,” he said in a low voice. “If you wanna come by tomorrow, we can hang out. I’ll even cook you something.” He smirked.

You felt your heart leap and your face heat up furiously. You prayed that he couldn’t tell how flustered you felt. You tried to play it off smoothly. You tried to suppress the huge grin from growing on your lips and said, “I’ll think about it.”

Phil nodded and turned the doorknob again, getting ready to head out. “You better, or I’ll come by and snatch you myself.”

Your heart did backflips again at this. The image of eating dinner with him flashed in your mind, and you felt like your brain was short-circuiting. But you had to say something back, you had to answer without melting down. You desperately kept your composure but let out an airy laugh, one you hoped didn’t give away your nerves. “Goodnight, Phil. I’ll see you later.”

You followed him, stepping outside to your front porch as you watched him heading back to his black sedan parked by the side of the house. You couldn’t help but watch him as he walked with the same confident strides from when he was your childhood crush, his keys jangling in his hands.

As he pressed his car key’s FOB and and his car beeped, unlocking, he turned and glanced at you. He felt breathless as he saw as your hair blew in the cool nighttime breeze. But he didn’t want to give away how he, too, was gazing at you for too long. “Go inside, [Y/N],” he laughed. “You’re gonna catch a cold like that.”

You groaned and rolled your eyes. “Just making sure you’re gonna head out safely, Phil,” you called back, feigning annoyance. He shook his head and chuckled as he stepped into his car, headlights turning on and engine rumbling.

You turned around and headed back inside, closing the front door but quickly scampering to the window to look through the blinds until you saw his car disappear down the road.

Even after chatting with him all night, you still couldn’t believe Phil Graves had somehow returned to your life.

#cod x reader #phillip graves x reader #cod fanfic #phillip graves fanfic #phillip graves x you #phil graves x you #phil graves x reader #graves x reader #Authors Has Played Call of Duty

56 notes · View notes

dark-frosted-heart · 10 months ago

Text

The Fairytale Keeper's Final Assessment - Roger (Premium End)

This is the 1st anniversary event and is in his POV.

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this

Roger: Kate, I’d die of boredom without you. I’d miss you. So stay as a fairytale keeper.

Kate: Roger…

Roger: So, what are you going to do, Kate? Continue being a fairytale keeper? Or are you going to say farewell-to me.

Kate: I…

Roger: How about I give you an extension. I’ll wait for you at Crown Castle ‘til midnight. If you don’t want to be a fairytale keeper anymore, then you don’t have to come back.

Kate: Don’t need to come back…?

Roger: Yeah. I’ll just write “NO” on the agreement letter and that’ll be it. Alright, I’m heading out. Make a choice you won’t regret.

–

Alfons: So, you just abandoned Miss Kate? You’re the worst. Just like how the hunter abandoned Snow White. You’re a heartless, muscly glasses-wearing walking egoist!

When I got back to the castle, I grabbed Al, told him the whole story over drinks and he fired complaint after complaint.

Roger: You got some nerve hurling insults at me while ignoring how much of an ass you are yourself. Kate wouldn’t have been able to make a choice if I was there. And if I stayed, I would’ve been in trouble.

Alfons: Don’t tell me you were going to bring her back by force?

Roger: Hmmmm………?

Alfons: Oh this is not good. You’ll always be an egoist.

Ice clinked in Al’s glass of whiskey.

Roger: Al. I’m definitely egotistical, but that doesn’t mean my head’s empty. We’re all cursed, part of Crown, and killers. It’s a parade of misery and disaster. It would’ve been better if she stayed uninvolved.

Alfons: Well, I agree with you on that point.

Roger: And yet… There’s lots of things you can’t give up on. I’m sure the same can be said for you.

Alfons: … I don’t know about that. My glass is empty, so I shall be taking my leave. I hope that losing Miss Kate will make you fix your ways.

Roger: Haha, thanks.

–

How much time’s passed since Al left?

It’s not even because of my abnormally sharp hearing, but the clock sounds really loud.

(30 minutes ‘til midnight)

(What if Kate doesn’t come back?)

I’d definitely miss her a lot.

And then rationalize it as “it is what it is”.

(As we get older, we get a whole lot more decisions to make)

Five minutes ‘til midnight.

—The sound of Kate’s voice and footsteps reach my ears.

Kate: Roger!

(Ah…)

Roger: “Welcome back” Kate.

I looked up at the clock and saw that it was exactly midnight.

Kate: You must have felt a little worried. About how I might not have come back.

Roger: Well, maybe a little.

Kate: I was troubled. I mean…I have friends, and I was pretty useful as a postal worker.

Roger: Hm, I see. So why’d you come back with Liam?

Kate’s eyes dart side to side.

Kate: Well…um…it just happened that way.

Roger: I heard something like “tell it to Roger straight!”

Kate: !

Roger: Well?

Kate: The truth is…I couldn’t stand being alone so I went to see Liam at the Scala Theatre. I hung out with him…to kill some time.

Roger: Why?

Kate: Because…

Roger: Because?

Kate: Because…I wanted you to think about me of course.

Roger: …

Kate: Saying what you want, leaving everything to me… I…You know there was a chance we would've never seen each other again, right?

Roger: Yeah

Kate: You knew and yet you left just like that.

Kate started tearing up.

Kate: I thought…you’d want to spend more time with me.

(Really…this girl)

The day I met Kate, I tried to draw a line between us and have her live wisely.

A brief time at Crown as a fairytale keeper should’ve been enough.

(And yet)

~~ Flashback ~~

Kate: I still don’t have an answer on whether your betrayal was evil or not. Therefore— Can I not continue to think about it while being by your side?

~~ End flashback ~~

Kate said that and tried to get to know me and Crown.

(Nothing’s changed since that day…)

(No, she’s been chasing after me incessantly)

(Ah, damn it…)

(Everything about her’s so cute. It can’t be helped)

I drew closer to Kate and pulled her into a hug.

Kate: Ro…ger?

Roger: I still want to be with you. Let’s stay together, Kate.

Kate: I’m not doing this because you told me to. I’ve…made my decision.

Roger: Pfft, hahaha. Nice. I love a woman who can think for herself. But, do you really know what this means? If we’re together, then that means you’re gonna be at my mercy.

Kate: Bring it on. I still want to know more about you and Crown. Besides…I still haven’t proved that love exists yet.

For me, love’s something that has no proof. So I don’t have any faith in it.

What we call love is a dysfunction of the brain or a misunderstanding caused by sexual desire.

That’s my definition of love—Kate wants to prove me wrong.

(It's like saying you stayed for me, isn't it?)

Whether Kate’s affections can be called love is something yet to be seen.

Roger: In the meantime, let’s kiss.

Kate: ……Huh?

Roger: Didn’t you hear me? Kiss. Kissing. You like that, don’t you? Kissing and being affectionate.

Kate: O-of course not!

Roger: I thought you really liked me if you kept chasing after me.

Kate: That’s because…it’s my duty as a fairytale keeper.

Roger: Such a hard worker. I’ll talk to Victor about giving you a raise.

Kate looked at me in annoyance.

(You’re so cute)

Roger: Well then, let’s start with this “again” form here. Let’s get along, Kate.

I held out my hand and Kate grasped it in hers.

Kate and I are connected.

Once again, with a certain temperature.

–

Fairytale Keeper’s Letter of Agreement From here on, Kate will continue her role as the fairytale keeper. Because she’s a valuable dog, or assistant, in my research on curses. Beyond that, I’m simply curious -Roger Barel

–

(Kate’s POV)

It was a few days after I chose to continue my role as the fairytale keeper.

I had suddenly received a notice from Her Majesty the Queen. Kate, I’ve heard much about your work. Thank you for everything. Therefore, I would like a reliable woman to assess something. Whether Roger, who is cursed, is suitable for Crown.

#ikemen villains #ikevil translations #roger barel #ikevil roger #ikevil #ikevil jp

56 notes · View notes

miranyx1337 · 11 months ago

Text

Alastor x angel reader

FEATHER chapter VI

Tags: fluff (for now ) enemies to lovers, kissing, being protective, cuddles, sleeping problems, flirting, possesive reader is an angel, fem reader

Alastor POV

From window of the radio tower, I observed a silvery creature maneuvering through the crowd gathered under the hotel. It adeptly gave lessons in hand-to-hand combat and tips on outsmarting celestial entities. I lounged on a small rolling chair, resting my feet on the table.

Unexpressed frustration and anxiety engulfed my thoughts as I discarded another chewed-up pen. Knowing that the silvery feather hidden beneath the floor was inherently linked to its owner tempted me even more, to test its intriguing properties.

Her energy brought an unwritten relief to my shackled soul. Increasingly aware of my addiction, I shredded another pen. My hand searched the bottom of an empty drawer for the next victim. Perhaps a real victim would soothe his nerves? The taste and warmth of blood, screams, and insane doses of adrenaline always helped in moments like these.

One of the slender male figures often and closely positioned near the angelic being. it seems like he has chosen MY girl for a lunch.

With a snap of fingers transported to the company of my dear cannibalistic friend and the likely place of a future crime

’’Oh Darling, you are hiding again," her clawed fingers adjusted the slightly crumpled coat. "Everyone gathered here thanks to you, and you rot in the radio tower," she retorted disgusted.

"I'm sorry, Rosie, I was busy."

Alright, alright, but now I'm interested, who is she?"

Of course, she could only be talking about the laughing Y/N leaning her elbow on the young cannibal.

My patience is definitely being tested this day

‚,Then let me introduce you." I grabbed her arm and quickly approached to interrupt the cheerful conversation.

Rossie’s suggestive head motion clearly signaled the youngster to disappear and attend to something usefull

And this, my dear, is Y/N," - I calmly introduced, as if presenting another sightseeing spot. "Our guest from heaven."

"Oh my, so you are truly from heaven?" she replied, as if big wings weren't evidence enough. Our little angel apparently enjoyed some attention, parading cheerfully in her true form.

Yeah, it's nice to meet you, miss." Her gaze halted where I held Rosie under the arm.

"Oh, what miss? I'm Rosie, dear friend of Alastor." Too bad she had to reveal the truth so quickly; I would have liked to see if angelic beings can feel such emotions as jealousy.

"I see you're really skilled in combat."

I wouldn't say that. I can quickly spot opponents' weak points, including my brethren," she emphasized her allegiance.

Now uncomfortable questions could start, but I had already discussed it with Charlie. Y/N was declared as a founder of the ,,heavenly resistance against executions’’ and to show her support, she descended into darkness with the princess of hell.

We stared intensely at each other, and Vivien sensed the tension, letting go of my hand.

"Being honest, I've been watching you all day. Really, you are a lovely creature, and if I'm not mistaken, I could smell Alastor's perfume on you."

Ah, that intrusive and sensitive cannibalistic nose. I must admit, as always, reliable in reading situations.

"Ah yes, Y/N and I had a meeting last night to discuss some training issues." I explained

Yes, I can feel she needed to deal with your experience issues. And a 'holo hole' was the one to actually entertain you?"

A what now?"

I guess Y/N wasn't as embarrassed and angry as me for this improper remark. In the end, she was an angel. Her pure laughter entertained everybody around." "Oh sorry, I just ahahahah ."

Overlord lady starter to laugh with her

I thought it was the right moment to exit the conversation.

I wouldn't want to interrupt you, ladies, but Y/N and I still have some things to discuss.

Instantly, the smile disappeared from her angelic face. She took a more upright position, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I guess so."

Rossie said goodbye to Y/N with a quick smile and a hand on her shoulder, then immediately found herself another interesting occupation.

A heavy silence fell as I led her toward the radio tower. My demonic shadow trailing behind us definitely got too excited, like a dog seeing its owner. A whole day without her was definitely too long. I let the angel through, then closed the door behind us.

"Listen, Y/N."

An unexpected kiss interrupted me, decidedly more intense than the one initiated by me. My hands automatically moved to her waist to pull her closer, but she abruptly stepped back, leaving me unsatisfied.

"What's wrong with you? You hate others' touch, can't stand affection and romantic Things , but let me kiss you around?!"

Could she decide in what mood she wanted to be today? - ,, Y/N, let me explain everything."

"Alright!! I'm listening!"

"It's a curse. Since I ended up in hell, a curse hangs over me... when I get close to someone and form a bond it makes me a slave to them. That's why I desperately avoided closeness."

Of course, it was a lie, but it was the only explanation I came up with for the morning events. The sweet angel's knowledge of hell was limited, unaware of soul contracts or how punishments imposed on sinners worked; I could easily manipulate the truth.

I stepped closer, placing my hand on her cheek.

But you are different. You are kind, good, and lovely. For the first time I could trust somebody this much ." I continued

"You're lying. I don't know if you're someone I can trust," she said.

"Y/N, why would I lie?"

"I don't know, maybe your kiss will turn me into a demon?"

"What?

There was a bedtime story for young angels; if they acted bad, a demon would welcome them in their sleep instead of their mothers, and give them a goodnight kiss to turn them into a hell creature ."

"I've never heard a bigger nonsense since Charlie's hotel idea," - I couldn't help but laugh at this silly anecdote - And did you think these chains were a sign of turning into a demon?"

"Maybe," she said, apparently embarrassed.

"Haha, oh my dear. If you want, I can prove you every night that my demon kisses won't change your cute appearance." I leaned in to practically whisper those words

#alastor imagine #alastor radio demon #alastor x you #alastor x y/n #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel x you #alastor #alastor x reader #hazbin hotel alastor #hazbin spoilers #alastor fanfiction #hazbin alastor

103 notes · View notes

literatecowboy · 5 months ago

Text

The Rattlesnake County War

Following a botched cattle rustling job, a lone surviving outlaw finds herself thrust into a conflict between ranchers bigger than any she'd been embroiled in before. A Sheriff!Price x Outlaw!Reader fic; MDNI please; reader is AFAB and she/her pronouns are used but should otherwise be ambiguous (if I can be more inclusive/there is somewhere where I can improve on making her more "friendly" to readers let me know pls!) Warnings: hanging, angst, death, stabbings, references to guns and shootings, execution, etc. Eventual smut. I intend to write 2 versions of this fic - more information can be found in the masterlist.

1. Hanging Offense

1869, Somewhere on the Colorado River

“Cattle rustlin’ is a hangin’ offense, miss. You know that?”

You sat straight-backed in the back of the prison wagon, hands shackled, as it bumped down the dusty dirt road.

“So’s horse rustling,” you shouted over the rattling of the wagon, looking pointedly at the sheriff’s deputy as he walked beside the wagon, leading your horse. He was a young Black man who wore his hat low over his eyes and showed respectful deference to the muttonchop-toting Sheriff who drove the wagon.

“One horse - which mind you, we’re taking along for safekeeping, in comparison to one thousand head of cattle. Does that strike you as being equivalent?” the sheriff asked, turning back to look at you. You fixed him with a stony glare.

“You took the lives of my men and the rancher got his cattle back, so yes, I’d say this is unfair. I’d like my horse back so I might go on my way,” you said. “My guns should be returned to me as well.”

“You put a shot in between my legs, miss. Not sure if arming you would be beneficial to my health.” the deputy piped up, tugging on the reins as he walked and making your horse, Whiskey, balk.

“Learn to control a horse, asshole.”

“That’s Deputy Garrick to you, miss.”

As the prison wagon rattled into town, the dirt of the road became mud. Men lining the wood plank sidewalks gawked as you were paraded by. You noticed few women, and those that you did paused to gawk. The sheriff laughed.

“With how few decent women there are around these parts, half of these men might ask you to marry them yet. Welcome to Rattlesnake Point, miss!”

—

Hours later, you sat in your cell on the threadbare cot, watching the sun go down through the windows. The door opened and the sheriff looked up from his desk, a smile crossing his lips.

“Ah, Mr. Riley. To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?” he asked, rising from the desk and extending his hand. The two shook hands and Mr. Riley produced a wound measuring tape before stepping toward your cell.

“Good evening, Sheriff Price. If you would permit me, I would like to measure this women for the coffin I expect will need to be constructed for her, given her charges.” Mr. Riley said, offering you his hand.

“Miss. Would you mind standing for me?” he asked, unwinding the measuring tape. It uncoiled like a snake waiting to strike, its end brushing back and forth against the brick floor.

“Go fuck yourself.” you spat, your heart thumping in your chest at the thought of death so close.

“Now, miss, that’s no way to speak to Mr. Riley. He’s a fine undertaker, the finest this town has ever seen. Find it in your heart to make his job easier, or else I may have to enter your cell and measure you myself.” Sheriff Price said.

“Come in here and it’ll be your coffin Mr. Riley constructs.” you hissed. Mr. Riley smiled and rewound the tape, slipping it into his pocket.

“You seem to have imprisoned a wildcat in place of a woman, Sheriff. It is of no consequence - we can bury your body wrapped in canvas.” he said, turning to leave with a tip of his hat.

“My apologies, Mr. Riley. If I might ask a favor - if you see Deputy Garrick, would you ask him to return to me? I’ve no doubt he’s at Mr. MacTavish’s watering hole, but our work is not yet done. I would like an extra guard on watch tonight - I suspect this one to be a flight risk.” the sheriff said.

“Of course.”

—

The night passed, but not without event. The walls of the jailhouse were brick, as was the floor, and try as you you did you could not dislodge them. The bars in the window were sturdy and did not budge when you tugged. The ceiling was too high for you to reach, even standing on the flimsy cot.

The Sheriff merely sat and watched you, not lifting a finger to stop you as you searched out every avenue of escape you could. He had bested you. Your men were dead - not a soul could come to your rescue.

You slept for a few hours before being awoken at dawn by the cell door opening. The Sheriff was gone. Deputy Garrick stood in his place.

“Miss, it’s time. Please, come quietly so that you might die with your dignity.” he said softly, almost gently, reaching out his gloved hand. You stood slowly and stepped cautiously from the cell, your gaze finding the window in the wall near the front of the room. Sheriff Price stood leaned against the prison wagon outside, and his gaze met yours. He offered you a pitying smile as if you were some hapless little woman who needed to be disciplined.

With a growl, you turned and launched yourself at the deputy.

—

It took the combined might of Sheriff Price, Deputy Garrick, and Mr. Riley to wrestle you into the back of the secure wagon, kicking and screaming and spitting and biting and clawing. By the end of it they looked thoroughly unkempt and to your chagrin, thoroughly amused.

“A wildcat indeed. It’ll be interesting to see if she can fight a rope,” Mr. Riley mused.

The ride to the hanging tree was over quickly. A crowd had assembled to watch, despite the early morning, and you glared silently at them all, having been muzzled following the earlier scrap. You were not given the chance to walk - Sheriff Price hefted you over his shoulder and marched you beneath the noose, standing you on the flimsy chair before slipping the rope over your head. The Deputy was entrusted to watch you as he climbed onto a barrel and fished a paper from his pocket to read your charges.

“While unfortunate that such a beautiful member of the fairer sex feels the desire to engage in criminal behavior unbecoming of Christianity, it is imperative that she be punished for her crimes as any other…”

As the Sheriff droned on, dust was kicked up in the distance and the sound of hooves on the dirt road pounded closer. Before you could fully make out the figure riding hard in your direction, a hood was pulled over your head and all you could see was black.

“…and may God have mercy on her soul.” the sheriff finished. Your heart tightened, as did the noose around your neck. The noise of approaching horses was drowned out by the sound of blood rushing in your ears. This was the end.

“Stop! Stop this execution, now!” a voice shouted out. “Those were my steers she stole, and I am commanding this to stop!”

You tensed, awaiting weightlessness. The deputy behind you froze - you could feel his hands tighten on your arms. Sheriff Price called out to the figure.

“Mr. Marshall, what is the meaning of this?” he called out. You could hear him jump down from the barrel he stood on and pass by you, leaves crunching as he approached the man.

“I don’t wish for her to be executed. Her men are dead, her gang has been eradicated. My steers are safe. There is no need for this - and I have many things to ask her.” the voice, who you assumed to be Mr. Marshall, said.

“You would ask me to set free a livestock rustler - why?” Sheriff Price asked. Their voices quieted - you could no longer hear what they were discussing. The bag was lifted from your head, then the rope pulled from your neck. You sucked in a deep breath, stumbling down from the chair and falling to your knees in the grass.

You caught sight of a young, attractive man standing before you. He offered you his hand, but you ignored it and stood on your own. Your boots left indents in the dirt.

The deputy cut your hands free and you stretched your wrists, looking around. The crowd had largely dispersed, heading back to town and grumbling about missing out on the promised entertainment. Your knees wobbled.

“I’ve been told that you might be the solution to a…problem Mr. Marshall and I are afflicted by,” the Sheriff said, folding his arms across his chest as he eyed you, obviously unconvinced.

“So you delay my execution? So I can be a tool for you to use and then discard? Hang me now and get it over with,” you demanded. Price sighed.

“As much as it pains me to say it, this…opportunity would earn you a full pardon,” he said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that if you want to bring the Lord’s justice to sinners, you don’t call upon a saint.”

—

You passed back through town sitting proud on your own horse this time. Whiskey, your large, strawberry roan mustang, was a mean mare. She had given the Sheriff and each of his men trouble as they brought her to you, only calming when you offered her some sugar from your pocket. Deputy Garrick had earned his first bruises from her after she had thrown him the previous day when he tried to ride her out of your sight.

Mr. Marshall and Sheriff Price rode on either side of you. As you passed the jail, you slowed Whiskey to a stop and gave the sheriff a pointed look.

“My guns?” you asked. Mr. Marshall seemed to be about to speak but the Sheriff shook his head.

“You’re lucky that you’re even on horseback, miss. You get your guns back, there’s nothing stopping you from putting lead in between my eyes and running off again,” he said. You sighed.

“I’m a woman of my word, sheriff. Mind that I might not be able to assist you as efficiently without my guns at my side,” you said, urging Whiskey on once more and riding in front of the men, who glanced at each other warily.

—

Mr. Marshall had lead you to a saloon.

Sheriff Price looked hesitant as you hitched your horses out front but did not leave your side regardless. As Mr. Marshall was about to pass through the swinging doors, he grabbed him by the shoulder.

“Here? Are you sure?” he asked, glancing around. You watched curiously, leaning against the saloon wall, arms folded across your chest.

“Where do you think I’ve been getting my information? Men from the Old Kingdom come here all the time, but the owner’s got no love for loyalists like them,” Mr. Marshall said. “Feeds me info from time to time.”

Pulling free from Price’s grasp, he shoved his way into the saloon. You followed without sparing the Sheriff a glance.

It was rowdy in the saloon for the mid afternoon. That morning’s work was done unusually early for the cattlemen and they sought to pass the rest of the day with drink. The piano sang from the corner as men stumbled about, finding their places at the bar or at gambling tables. Women of ill repute lined the railing overlooking the first floor from the second level, fanning themselves or smoking as they sought their marks.

The presence of Mr. Marshall had caused a mild stir, and you quickly realized that the men of this bar were no friends of his, though Sheriff Price’s presence seemed to dissuade the clientele from approaching him. You observed as a table of men, upon catching sight of Mr. Marshall, stood and exited the saloon. They mounted their horses outside and rode away rather quickly, which raised the hairs on the back of your neck. Something didn’t feel right.

“Barkeep! Where’s Mr. MacTavish?” Mr. Marshall called out as he approached the bar, tossing the bartender a coin.

“Cellar, sir. Does this have to do with the spirits you requested for your dinner party?” the barkeep asked. Mr. Marshall nodded. The barkeep eyed you up and then Sheriff Price, his brow furrowing.

“Very well. Head on downstairs,” he said, turning to fetch another drink.

—

The cellar was large which only slightly surprised you. A town containing as many cowboys as it did needed to be well-stocked with drink. As you followed Mr. Marshall deeper into the cool, lantern-lit depths, the sound of a thick Scottish accent boomed off of the kegs.

“James Marshall! It’s good tae see–” Mr. MacTavish froze when he caught sight of Sheriff Price. “You brought the Sheriff? And a lass? What’s going on?” he asked, how brow furrowing and his head cocking.

“I think she’s the perfect solution to our problem, Johnny. I let John here in on it too, and he agrees with me. There are others counting on us - we’ve never had an opportunity like this before.” James Marshall said, gesturing to you as you stood with your hands on your hips.

“Hold on, now, I still haven’t been told what exactly this problem you keep mentioning is,” you said, your brow creasing. John shook his head at the other two men.

“Not here, too many ears. Later tonight, let’s meet at my office. The others will be there too. In the meantime, I’ll explain to our…asset…what’s been going on here,” he said, turning to leave the cellar again.

“I’ll be there. See ya later, gentlemen. Lass,” Johnny said, tipping his hat to you. This made the Sheriff scoff, but he said nothing as you climbed the stairs back up to the saloon. You were the first to push through the swinging doors, and as you fiddled with your saddle, a shout sounded from down the street.

“Marshall! Get over here, boy!”

Sheriff Price’s head jerked up at the same time as yours. You watched as a big, burly man, one of the men who had hurried out of the bar earlier, stormed up to Mr. Marshall. Two other large men flanked at him.

With one punch from the burly man, Mr. Marshall was sent to the ground, hollering and clutching his nose. The man wasn’t done, though, and aimed a hard kick at his ribs. The other two flanking him were quick to join in.

You were quick to the defense of the man who’d saved your life, rolling up your sleeves as you stomped over toward Mr. Marshall’s attackers. You aimed a punch at the big one, clocking him hard in the chin and sending him stumbling back a few steps as you flexed your fingers, eyeing the others.

“You vagabonds! Stop, now!” Sheriff Price roared, surprising you with his speed. He pulled you away from the fight, shoved you to the side, and stood over Mr. Marshall, glaring down the attackers. One of them laughed, making the others chuckle too.

“You ain’t got no authority here!” he laughed, shoving Price in the chest. He staggered back a step, his chest heaving as his hands balled into fists.

“One more step and I’ll put you in the ground,” you growled, surging forward and putting yourself in front of Price and Marshall. The big one grabbed for you, but you took a step forward and swung at him, landing a strong punch and stepping up to land another. This set them off again, and someone swung at you, connecting with your nose and sending you falling onto your ass beside Mr. Marshall as he groaned, blood gushing from his nose.

The three turned on Price then, aiming punches at him and trying to grab him to force him to the ground. As you scrambled up to rejoin the fight, Mr. Marshall grabbed your hand and shoved a hard, leather-bound handle into it - a knife that had fallen during the crisis.

“Should’ve sold your land, Marshall! Should’ve left before you died in the fucking dirt!” someone yelled, making someone else laugh. You were on your feet in an instant and plunged the knife into the back of the neck of one of the men who was getting the better of Price. He gurgled, dropping to the ground as blood gushed from the wound.

This made another one of the attackers whirl around in surprise, but this time, you were ready. You yanked the knife from the dead man as he toppled to the ground and plunged it into the man’s throat with a scream as you tackled him.

The Sheriff and the remaining man were stunned still now, but the third attacker regained his composure before the Sheriff and bolted for his horse. As you tried to yank the knife free from your victim’s neck unsuccessfully, he mounted up and tore off leaving only dust in his wake.

You stood up slowly, your chest heaving. Before you could recover, Sheriff Price grabbed you by the shoulders and shook you fiercely, the blood of your victims rubbing off onto his hands.

“What the fuck have you done? You just started a war! You killed them!” he roared, shoving you back into the dirt and drawing his pistol. You scrambled away from him as he aimed at you. James was in front of you before you could blink, his hands up.

“Lower the gun, sheriff! They would have killed me. This woman saved my life!” he yelled. Sheriff Price, looking disgusted, shoved his gun back into his holster.

“And she’s just doomed countless others.”

---

@sprout-fics

#call of duty #cod modern warfare #cod mw2 #cod mwii #cod x reader #captain price x reader #captain john price #captain price #john price #john price x reader #female reader #reader insert #fem reader

46 notes · View notes

cerseimikaelson · 25 days ago

Text

Episode Five: Sound of Music [AO3]

[A/N: "Christmas market" was the prompt chosen by the poll I made for Episode 5, so I hope you enjoy and thank you to everyone who voted!]

They say to never bet something you aren't absolutely certain you are willing to lose.

In Athena's case, time.

One might argue it was an easy decision all around, given that she, as an immortal being, had an infinite amount of time to spare. Truthfully, that was her reasoning when she made that blasted bet.

The greatest irony of all was that she thought herself so crafty, too. She had finally found a way to get Viola to read those books on battle strategy that had been collecting dust on the girl's nightstand for about a month.

"If you finish them and write a report by the end of the week, I'll take you to the Olympian Christmas market that opened this week."

Viola's eyes had lit up, and Athena had walked away fully confident that her daughter, who couldn't sit still for five minutes at the time and hated "the stuffy, yellow tomes you force upon me, Feathers" would never fulfill her side of the bargain. This little wager was ingenious.

Athena made her first error in judgement since that travesty with Napoleon and Waterloo.

Viola aced Athena's quiz on the material. She provided keen, insightful and intelligent remarks that Athena wanted to be mad about but at the same time she just... couldn't. After all, it would be absurd to be mad at the girl for doing what was asked of her, right?

Viola, for her part, observed her dilemma with thinly-veiled amusement.

"Your expression is so I-just-ate-a-lemon-thinking-it-was-an-orange." she said, practically oozing smugness. "So, my dear Feathers, I believe I am owed a Christmas venture."

And so Athena found herself trying to navigate the hustle and bustle of the market, grey eyes watering at the sheer amount of lights that shone like beacons from seemingly every direction. The scent of mulled wine and baked sausages and fresh honeyed pastries on sticks (Athena had honestly no idea what they were called) assaulted her senses.

Viola, of course, was in her element, beaming as she nearly dislocated her neck trying to take everything in at once. Her ability to fully immerse herself in the joys of the mundane never ceased to inspire a substantial amount of awe in Athena.

Not that she'd ever tell her that. The girl didn't need any more ammunition to cause mischief wherever she went.

"Oh, what should we do first?" Viola was literally bouncing off the balls of her feet, and she hadn't even had coffee yet.

Not good.

"Ornaments? Pastries? Wine?" Viola wriggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Athena raised hers.

"If you honestly think I am going to allow you to consume alcohol, then you and I must reacquaint ourselves. You're seventeen. The other day you talked my ear off about the Olaf marshmallows in your hot chocolate."

Yes, Athena knew who Olaf was now. The Disney Jar had striked again.

"Don't rain on my parade, Feathers." Viola pouted, but obediently led them both to a booth where a kindly-looking satyr with holly hanging from his horns was selling steaming cocoa in paper cups.

“Hi, Peter. We’ll take two, please.” Viola greeted.

“Ah, I was wondering what was taking you so long.” the satyr (Peter, apparently) said pleasantly. “Here I was thinking you decided to skip your chocolate fix today.”

“Peter, seriously, the day I fail to show up for my chocolate fix is the day you report me missing.” Viola deadpanned. “I just had to get this one out of the house and it took me a while.”

Peter just then noticed Athena for the very first time. Eyes widening to the size of saucers, he nearly leaped out of his skin, almost scalding himself with the hot drinks he was pouring in process.

“My Lady Athena!” he let out a nervous bleat that resembled a panicked goat. “My sincerest apologies, I didn’t see you. I mean- not that you’re easy to miss. No, that sounded wrong. I was just-“

“Getting some cocoa?” Athena cleared her throat a little, reminding him of the task at hand.

“Yes, yes, of course.”

Viola waited until they had left the flustered satyr behind to bite back a snort of amusement.

“You really should get out more, Feathers. It’s kind of alarming that people are this fazed to be seeing your face in public outside of a temple or a library.”

Athena opened her mouth to tell her this was deliberate, but she couldn’t help but notice the hushed whispers and hastily-diverted stares aimed at the two of them as they walked by. It was in moments like these that the goddess was keenly aware of just how much her daughter resembled her. Browsing through the Christmas market side by side was a domestic activity she wouldn’t have engaged in for anyone else, and it was sure to fuel the gossip mill for the weeks to come.

“You’re rather popular.” Athena noted as a trio of dryads bundled up in fuzzy white mittens waved cheerfully at Viola. They vanished in an instant when they saw Athena’s eyes on them, though, as if terrified she’d turn them to stone.

“Those are the nail techs at the beauty lab.” Viola supplied. “Sweetest girls in the world, honestly. They’d get along with my Faerie friends like a house on fire. All it would take is one ten-minute conversation about this season’s fashion. Who said clothes don’t bring people together?”

Athena was so caught off guard that Viola openly talked about her Fae connections (a Topic she never even skirted around) that she almost missed the arrival of a god.

“Well, well, well.” Poseidon greeted, sea green eyes twinkling with suppressed mirth as he took mother and daughter in. “Can’t say I expected to run into you guys today.”

“Feathers drives a hard bargain, but I won.” Viola supplied without a hint of discretion.

Athena choked a little.

“Good for you, baby owl.” Poseidon grinned far too jovially. He was holding a half finished stick of blue cotton candy. That probably had something to do with his unusually cheerful demeanor.

“Are you on a sugar high?” Athena demanded incredulously.

“It’s Christmas, Athena! What makes the most wonderful time of the year, well, wonderful, if not a little indulgence?” the sea god argued. “Besides, I’ll eat anything blue.”

Athena and Viola’s responses just about summed up their entire personalities.

“Artificial food coloring is so unhealthy.”

“Moldy cheese included? That’s blue too, isn’t it?”

They glanced at each other with identical unreadable expressions for several moments before turning back to Poseidon as though nothing happened.

“So, who are you here with?”

As if on cue, three more of the Eldest Six (as the first generation of Olympians was largely known as) showed up through the throngs of market visitors.

“Sibling bonding exercise. I stan.” Viola said as she enthusiastically waved at Hades, Hera and Zeus.

Athena, remembering her manners and having been blessed with all of the decorum her daughter hadn’t inherited, chose a much more subdued and appropriate greeting.

“Father.” she inclined her head in Zeus’ direction. “My Queen, Lord Hades. I trust you’re enjoying the festivities.”

“Why are people walking around with those large canes? The percentage of people with visual impairments shouldn’t have grown so exponentially. Besides, what’s the purpose of those canes if they are being waved around instead of touching the ground?” Hades grumbled with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his thick, black trench coat to stave off the cold.

All his question earned him was five vacant looks. Hades left the Underworld about as often as Athena left her study, but at least Athena had her siblings (and now Viola) to keep her in the loop. Hades, on the other hand, if Persephone didn’t correct him was liable to show up to a meeting in a velvet waistcoat, complete with a pocket watch and monogrammed handkerchief. As a result, following his train of thought occasionally posed a challenge.

After a minute, Viola snapped her fingers.

“Oh, I got it!” she exclaimed. “Selfie sticks.”

“Ah.” the other four gave a collective sigh.

“Sticks for one’s self?” Hades asked, totally confused. “For what purpose? Is it another cosplay thing, like those kids with the scars on their forehead and the oversized glasses?”

“Who have you been talking to?” Zeus shot his brother an incredulous look as they resumed walking at a leisurely pace, Poseidon taking Hades aside to explain what a selfie stick was and how it was, in fact, completely different from a cane used by the blind.

The sight of Viola’s favorite coffee shop logo on one of the booths, Cookies and Cream, Coffee and Steam (widely known as the Four Cs because apparently the all-powerful immortals hadn’t bothered with spelling lessons) sparked an idea.

A brilliant, absolutely thrilling, never-been-done-before-but-totally-should idea.

Having made sure Hera’s attention was captured by an array of beautiful, handcrafted ornaments a couple of booths over, Viola whipped around and honest to gods smacked Zeus on the shoulder.

“What?” the King yelped as he turned on his heel with wide eyes.

Athena, Poseidon and Hades stopped whatever they were doing (the former admiring the enchanted icicles hanging off a nearby building and the other two arguing over the health hazard that was walking without watching where you were going while holding a giant stick above your head) to stare at them.

“Go over there and buy a toffee hazelnut latte.” Viola said simply as though she hadn’t just issued a command to the King of the Gods.

Athena’s jaw dropped open, but no sooner than she could so much as breathe a word of apology, or ask the demon child what in the Underworld she thought she was doing, did the words register.

Apparently Zeus found himself in a similar predicament, because he didn’t immediately bring out his master bolt to fry them all to a crisp (taking the entire market out with them for good measure).

“A what?”

“Hera’s favorite coffee.” Viola explained impatiently, looking around to make sure the goddess in question was still out of earshot.

Zeus honestly didn’t seem to know what he was expected to do with the information so unceremoniously smacked into him (literally!).

Athena could painfully relate.

“Why?” he asked, briefly glancing at his brothers as though willing one of them to step forward and explain this concept to him, pretty much like they had just done for Hades and the selfie sticks.

Athena would take the selfie sticks.

Viola’s eyes narrowed into slits in a distinctively Athena-ish manner that the goddess felt a spike of alarm to see mirrored on another’s face. Was that really the effect her own death stare had on people?

“Because she’s your wife and it’s Christmas and it’s freezing and she will love it.” Viola listed as though explaining why the sky was blue to a kindergartner. “And if you are so disinclined, I will just ask Hades to buy it for her.”

Zeus’ eyes widened, while Hades perked up at the mention of his name.

“Oh, I would be delighted to be of service.” the god of the Underworld said in a falsely sweet tone.

“No one is asking you for anything, Hades.” Athena interjected before her father could lose his temper, shooting the dark god a pointed look.

Unbelievably, it seemed to be the only incentive Zeus needed. Glaring daggers at his brother, he pretty much sprinted towards the booth, his large strides carrying him over easily.

“Men.” Viola scoffed under her breath. “Jealous heathens, the lot of them.”

“I have no idea what just happened, but I am going to treasure it forever.” Poseidon looked like Christmas had come two weeks early and his present was his little brother getting bossed around by a moody teenager. “He fell for it, hook, line and sinker! Please do that again!”

“Don’t ever do that again.” Athena emphasized loudly to cover his voice. “It’s a downright miracle he didn’t blast you to bits!”

“Tis the season.” Viola batted her eyelashes, unrepentant as they come, and Athena suppressed a groan. She had walked in on that one.

“Viola, whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t.” she pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a migraine coming in.

“You can’t tell me those two can’t use a gentle nudge in the right direction!” Viola protested.

“You call this,” Athena pointed at Zeus, who was returning with a reindeer patterned coffee cup in hand, “a gentle nudge? You just pushed them off a cliff with no parachute!”

Whatever Viola was about to say never made it out of her mouth, because in that moment Hera also rejoined their group, lotus blue eyes already searching for her husband.

“Is everything alright?” she asked.

“Great.” the five of them responded at once, causing the queen to do a double take.

“What did you get?”

“Um, it’s for you. Toffee hazelnut.” Zeus answered, wearing the look of a person that was ambushed by somebody he thought was an ally.

Hera blinked in surprise.

“You got me coffee?”

“I did.”

“And not just any type of coffee, but my favorite?”

“I know your favorite coffee!” Zeus responded with way too much outrage for a person that had discovered this information all of two minutes ago, in Viola’s humble opinion.

Not that it mattered. Allowing him to take the credit was kind of the point of this little operation.

Hera glanced at the cup for a second as though expecting it to sprout antlers like the dancing reindeer.

“Oh. Well, thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.” she said, apparently trying to fit this tragically unprecedented incident into some existing category in her head. As Hera reached out to grasp the cup, her fingers brushed against Zeus’ (neither of them were wearing gloves) and Athena was astonished to see a faint brush gracing both the King and Queen’s cheeks.

She could feel Viola by her side practically vibrating with barely suppressed elation and just about lost her mind there and then.

There was no way this had actually worked. It defied all manner of reason. And yet there was no other plausible explanation for the fact the two rulers of Olympus were standing there shuffling their feet like love-struck, awkward teenagers instead of collected adults that had been married for thousands of years.

“Well, then, this has been fun, but we still have so much to do! Places to be, people to see and all that.” Viola broke the silence theatrically, ignoring Poseidon and Hades who were doing a spectacularly poor job at hiding their grins behind their palms. “See you later!”

And once again before Athena could even think to protest, her daughter had looped her elbow through hers, leaving the others behind until they disappeared in the bustling crowd.

“I still can’t believe you did that.” Athena grumbled a good three hours later, after they had been to seemingly every activity in the market, with the exception of the gigantic ice rink that the wisdom goddess didn’t even consider trying out.

She was already well aware that with her feet on anything other than solid ground, she had all the grace of newborn Bambi learning to walk (Disney Jar… don’t question it… just don’t).

The last thing she needed was broadcasting her utter lack of skill to the rest of the pantheon by hanging off the railing for dear immortality.

Viola had only relented after Athena had agreed to take her to listen to the choir of carolers at the main square, underneath the holographic angel ornaments whose gold and blue lights glittered like a canopy of shooting stars.

“No, you can’t believe you can’t say I told you so because my plan worked.” Viola retorted, not even looking at her. Her grey eyes were fixated on the empty platform with an almost hungry intensity.

“And what was your plan exactly? Test out my endurance by giving me a heart attack?” Athena wanted to know.

“I am going to get the big guy to show his wife the attention she deserves. Hera is a catch and deserves more appreciation from all of us, especially Zeus. She’s the one handling all the meetings with the Fae ambassador, you know. If it weren’t for her cunning Rochus Cerfas would have sold Olympus for scrap metal.”

There was so much to unpack in that absurd statement that Athena found herself momentarily lost. But before she could dissuade her daughter from whatever scheme she had concocted today, or persuade her that meddling with anyone’s marriage, let alone the one of the King and Queen of the Gods was obscenely stupid, the lights dimmed and Viola clutched her shoulder in an almost painful grip.

“Shush! It’s starting!”

Take a look at the goddess of wisdom getting shushed by a teenager.

Athena was seriously beginning to question the fabric of reality. Having a kid was an one-way ticket to an existential crisis.

The first notes of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas began to ring across the packed square, the tune stirring something familiar and soothing, like your favorite threadbare blanket or watching the first snowflakes land.

Despite the lack of any surprise that came with hearing songs that had been sung a million times before, Athena found herself strangely comforted by the classics. The feeling of a warm body tucked next to her also contributed to it. She usually had no one to enjoy this part with every year. All the other gods were either paired off, had children already, or just went with their friends. Even Artemis got dragged out to buy a trinket or two by Apollo every year, usually silver and deer-shaped. Athena, as a technical only child and a maiden goddess, was used to her outings being strictly solitary.

But this year she had Viola, with her unique brand of chaos and frankly hilarious commentary. Viola, who considered snowman shaped marshmallows the highlight of her day. Viola, who didn’t let Athena skip out on this moment in favor of sticking to her usual routine, no matter how tried and trusted.

It took a while before Athena recognized the feeling blossoming in her chest, deep inside, as gratitude.

She turned around, not sure what sentimentality was about to barrel out of her lips and embarrass her, but just then the last verse of White Christmas echoed through the speakers.

"And may all your Christmases be white..." the baritone singer concluded, drawing out the final note. A beat of silence, and then the amassed crowd clapped and cheered.

Athena would have thought Viola would be the loudest of them all, given her previous reactions to Let it Snow and All I Want for Christmas, so it was the silence that snapped her out of her thoughts.

What she saw stunned her. Perhaps even more so than any stunt the girl had ever pulled, no matter how daring.

Viola, whom Athena had never, ever seen cry, who had been yelled at by Zeus in front of the entire Council, who had raged over the injustice of being sent to Olympus from the Faerie realm without being asked, who had even shouted at Athena's face it wasn't at all curious nobody could stand the goddess, had tears running down her cheeks.

And it must have been the holiday madness getting to her, because Athena felt her heart lurch at the sight, something tight and uncomfortable, like Viola crying was a personal offence, something wrong she had to rectify.

"Why are you crying?" It came out half panicked and half accusatory, as if Athena couldn't really decide between the two moods.

"My eyes are just wet, Feathers." Viola hastily wiped them.

"Does your stomach hurt? I told you hot chocolate isn't meant to be guzzled down like that, but no, who ever listens to-"

"My stomach is fine, Athena." Viola cut her off with a hint of her trademark impatience. "I just... really loved that song. I'd only ever heard carols like, once or twice before, and it was usually a drunken retention. Off-key, the lyrics all messed up. I am just glad I got to hear the real thing. It was a dream come true."

Athena blinked, trying to process this. Each word Viola said sparked about five follow-up questions. She sorted through them in record time, promptly realizing the blank space in the center couldn't be filled with assumptions.

Whatever she was missing, it was the size of Santa’s sack of presents.

"I am afraid you've lost me." Athena admitted honestly. "Are carolers and choirs not common in Faerie? Didn't you ever hear them for Christmas?"

Viola's eyes widened before realization sank and her shoulders tightened.

"Oh. I thought you knew..." she mused.

"Evidently I don't."

"Feathers, there's no Christmas in Faerie."

Athena stared. This was the first she had ever heard of this and it simply didn't make sense.

"Are there religious concerns or something?" she asked, completely floored. From what she knew of the Fair Folk, they were as famed for their revels as the Olympians. That they would entirely miss out on a whole month of festive activities was bewildering at best.

"The Faerie realm only knows one season, Athena. Eternal spring. It's called the land of blooms for a reason. Haven't you heard the tales? The faeries of old luring unsuspecting wanderers deep into the woods, to lay on the softest grass and drink the clearest water and smell the sweetest flowers?"

"Of course I have." Athena persisted, mind racing. "But I didn't think it was quite so literal."

"Well, it is. All true, in most respects anyway. Faerie knows not the bite of frost nor the heat of summer nor the tart kiss of autumn, as the poets say." Viola rolled her shoulders like there was nothing unusual about the conversation. Athena would have believed it had her eyes not looked so fathomless. "It's a land where things always grow. That's why they are so powerful, you know. There's no shortage of things to trade with the other realms, and even if attacked or under siege, their people will never have to ration their food. Strategically speaking, it's a huge advantage."

The key points in this analysis honestly shocked Athena more than anything else that day.

"I can't believe I didn't know that. Nothing I've ever read about the Fae mentioned such a thing."

She had known of course that the Fae were formidable allies and deadly enemies to have. Hell, it was the entire reason she had worked so hard to secure their support. But she never could have imagined she had missed something so essential about the people she was trying to get to her side.

"It's not like you could have visited. The Fae love their secrets. They are isolated and don't trust strangers.” Viola bit her lower lip, contemplating the next words carefully before saying them out loud. “Honestly, the fostering programs are probably a good thing. Even getting them to agree is an accomplishment. Hopefully in time they'll accept enough people to open the crossings. Then you can sign a new treaty."

To be hearing this from the very child Athena sent away as a toddler, all because of said program's existence, honestly was mind-numbing.

It wasn't often that Athena genuinely didn't know how to respond to something.

"You... you're being very nonchalant about this." she finally found her voice.

"I thought about it a lot." Viola said. "I was pissed as hell in the beginning. I mean, don't get me wrong, I still think there's a lot of stuff that could have gone down better. But on the other hand this is the mythological world. When was anything ever simple? Not to mention, everyone who fought in the Wars would have been really fucking proud to see where we are now. So many generations grew up hating the other pantheons, full of bigotry and taboos. To them, exchange programs and foster families and field trips were on the same league as Star Wars. To us, it's our reality. I am proud of what has been achieved. And I want to contribute in that too. Even if it means sacrificing things along the way."

A new feeling reared its head, outshining all others, and this one Athena knew very well.

Pride.

It usually followed a tiring but productive training session, a well-fought battle, a victory rally, an honorary feast. But out of all those times, which were beyond measure considering how long Athena had already been alive for and how long she had yet to live, this was probably one of the few that the feeling was directed at someone other than herself.

Wholly. Completely. Every drop of it.

All for her. Inspired by her.

The sarcastic, meddlesome, precocious, daredevil, stubborn demigoddess.

Viola. Her daughter.

Who was now staring at her with undisguised trepidation, waiting for Athena to respond. Because that was the expected course of action during a conversation after one party had finished talking.

Athena may not have been in a position to verbalize everything that was happening in her head, (it would take several long nights of reflection for that, with strong tea and an unexpected ally in Aphrodite, the love goddess’ facade giving way to a softer, gentler side that only revealed itself for Ares and her own kids) but something told her Viola understood anyway.

Her baby owl was ridiculously perceptive, after all.

“Come along, then. Your spiel earlier has me curious about the merits of ice skating. Just kindly make a solid effort not to break your skull on the ice.”

See you next Tuesday for Episode 6!

@sarnai4, @firinniee, @appolinyou, @appolinyou, @greekmythstan

@justahumanmessingaround, @toshj13, @angelfoxlove, @i-love-ulysses-butterflies, @mythology-lover

@celestialbeanies, @darwizzylover, @kasios9, @z-eusie, @mer-acle

@motherofheroes, @childofthepeacocks Baby Owl is working hard to give you the appreciation you deserve

#athena #athena goddess of wisdom #greek mythology #greek gods #olympians #zeus #hera #zeus and hera #poseidon #hades #athena as a mother #christmas #christmas market #winter themed #baby owl series #athena epic

19 notes · View notes

zqmbiescorpse · 2 years ago

Text

GLADIATOR, PART 3

johanna mason x female reader

a/n: i feel like they part is really wordy lololololol, also everytime i try to proof read i get very bored, so i will do it eventually (probably)

summary: after winning the 72nd hunger games, quite a name had been made for you in the capitol - quickly becoming a favourite across panem. because of this, naturally, you find yourself thrown back into the horror of the games due to the 3rd quarter quell, representing district 5 one last time. though, not all is lost, fellow tribute and close friend, johanna mason of district 7, finds herself in the same position.

tags: graphic depictions of violence (sometimes), johanna mason, katniss everdeen, peeta mellark, finnick odair, johanna mason x female reader, catching fire, mockingjay part 1, mockingjay part 2, 72nd hunger games, 75th hunger games, gore, eye gore, detailed descriptions of eyeball squishing, disabled reader, female reader, reader is missing an eye, reader is missing limbs, missing fingers, traumatic events, blood, choking, johanna mason needs a hug, rebellion, slow burn, mutual pining, scared of feelings, fluff, angst, making out, kissing, confessions, peeta has his prosthetic leg, maybe smut idk, tension, awkwardness, wlw, i love johanna so much

warnings for this part: making out, kissing, some angst

word count: 3.5k

(part 4) (masterlist)

The tribute parade was definitely something. Experiencing it for the first time, three years ago, it hadn't seemed so bad at the time - possibly due to the overwhelming anxiety and fear that kept you from processing any other emotion. However, going through it again made you realise how ridiculous the whole thing was. You hated everything about it. Sure that it was a humiliation tactic provided by the Capitol for entertainment, you had observed each of the various tribute outfits and were unable to detect anything that looked decent. Aside from the dazzling black material, which caught aflame, worn by Katniss and Peeta, everybody looked as stupid as they felt. How were your stylists allowed to do that to you?

In all honesty, it was a major struggle to keep a straight face, at that point you were just completely over it and couldn't take it seriously, eventually accepting the fact that you were dressed disgustingly. During the parade you found yourself distracted, fortunately, concerned with one thing. Johanna. Especially after the previous night, she remained prominent in your mind throughout the entire day and you were quite desperate to see her again.

You'd caught a few glimpses of her, each time you did you fought with yourself to stifle a laugh, although, to her credit, she managed to pull off the outfit in an odd way. Maybe it was because you found her extremely attractive, but even dressed as a tree, Johanna looked exceptional.

You were waiting in the lobby of the apartments with your stylist, mentor, and the male victor of your district, Gus. He was about 20 years older than you, the greys scattered in his hair growing more obvious with each day. The two of you weren't close and you hadn't discussed alliances with one another, assuming that in the arena you would be going your separate ways, which you were fine with, you didn't mind Gus at all, he was a nice guy.

"Ah! You both did so well today! Y/N, Gus, you looked amazing!" Your stylist, whose name you hadn't bothered to retain, announced delightedly, clearly very pleased with her work. She clasped her hands together and smiled widely before suggesting all of you return to the District 5 apartments for a meal, to celebrate.

Politely, you declined. You feigned exhaustion, excusing yourself and going on ahead with the intention of hiding away by yourself for a few hours. You said you were tired because of the hard work you'd done today, playing it up massively, yet, your mentor bought it and let you go.

You approached an elevator at the far end of the corridor, failing to see the victors from District 12 and their mentor enter it. About to step in, you finally noticed that you wouldn't be alone, becoming hesitant at the presence of Katniss and Peeta. Haymitch caught your eye with a look of reassurance, he was encouraging you to join them.

"Y/N Armstrong, District 5." While the idea of leaving them be and getting on the next elevator sounded a lot more appealing to you, Haymitch didn't give you the opportunity to decide for yourself, loudly declaring your arrival before you had the chance to back away.

"There's my favourite warrior," he joked as you nervously made your way, standing by his side to create some distance between yourself and the other victors.

"Hello, Haymitch," you spoke with an easily detectable awkwardness, causing your cheeks to heat up slightly at how strange you thought you'd sounded.

Similarly to most winners of the Hunger Games, you'd been given a nickname relevant to your triumph, branded by the Capitol for all of eternity. To them, you were known as the warrior, or, more commonly, the gladiator. Someone who was a ferocious fighter and absolutely brutal during a battle of life and death. Unfortunately, it was an accurate description considering the circumstances of your victory, but you found it funny how gladiators were usually slaves, trained and forced to fight, and weren't predicted to live long lives. The latter half you found you related to more.

Normally, hearing people call you that made you uneasy, cringing each time you were addressed as such, yet, when Haymitch called you that you knew it was him poking fun at the Capitol - mocking them, not you so you didn't mind it at all. Besides, you were close enough that you found some humour in his methods too.

Not much more was said, the atmosphere was uncomfortable and it didn't help that you could feel both Katniss' and Peeta's eyes constantly on you, both of them staring at your injuries.

"I'm not a fan of prosthetics," you blurted, brushing off any insecurity you had, faking confidence while you smiled at them. You sensed the comment had broken some of the suspense, since the elephant in the room had been acknowledged. Sometimes you walked around without even an eyepatch covering your socket, shortly after the tribute parade you removed the one given to you, discarding it. Consequently, you were feeling quite exposed standing there with people, who were pretty much strangers, the old wound on display for them to see.

"If I didn't need it to walk, I wouldn't either," Peeta spoke up, a welcoming warmth to his voice. You appreciated his response, the both of you were able to relate to each other, him wearing a prosthetic leg due to an infection that made him need to amputate. At least you could say that you and Peeta were somewhat friendly. You knew that Haymitch was probably pleased, happy that you were taking the plan of rebellion seriously by attempting to connect with the District 12 tributes.

"Why don't you wear them? If anything, you're just putting yourself at a huge disadvantage." That was the first time Katniss had ever said a word to you, her tone harsh, communicating suspicion and uncertainty perfectly. For some reason, you were getting the feeling that she wasn't very fond of you. Then again, untrusting and closed off was a large part of who Katniss was, understandably, so you didn't take it to heart.

"I like how it makes them uncomfortable." You were totally honest, having your injuries on show often satisfied you in a weird way, refusing to let the Capitol disguise what they did to you.

You could tell Katniss was a fan of your response, something in her face changing, it relaxed a little as suspicion morphed into respect. Imprinting a positive impression, the air felt a lot clearer than before and you felt you could breathe better, any anxieties about the situation disappearing.

Little conversation continued but you still felt that you'd managed to make a good amount of progress today regarding alliances. Then, the elevator doors slid open, allowing Johanna to saunter through them, that frustratedly amused expression, which she commonly wore, present. She briefly acknowledged you, enough to make the blood start rushing. You could tell that she was up to something, intrigued and glad to see her, you watched on intently.

"My stylist is such an idiot. District 7, lumber…trees. Ugh, I'd love to put my axe in her face." She rambled on, anger seeping through her words while she let her crimson hair flow free and removed any extravagant jewellery inconveniencing her.

The image of Johanna axing someone in the face. No matter how hard you tried to not be attracted to the idea of her doing that, you couldn't stop thinking about it. You too hated your stylist for what she made you wear, consequently seeing no issue with what the fired-up redhead was saying. God, just the thought of it made you feel…something.

Seemingly lost, drifting away in the daydream, you'd missed the part where Johanna got undressed and was now completely naked in front of the four of you, flashing everyone standing in the elevator. You'd heard that earlier on in the day, Finnick had approached Katniss in the same playful manner, more subtly since he didn't strip off. It was a way of lightly intimidating her, observing how she would react in an uncomfortable situation; having some fun at her expense yet seeing whether the person they were risking their lives to protect was worth it.

Haymitch and Peeta were clearly enjoying themselves, shamelessly taking in everything Johanna had to offer. On the other hand, you struggled to not stare at her stunning body, her bare chest perfectly in line with your sight if you were to look ahead like a normal person. Your eyes fixated on every spot around your area that wasn't the person in front of you, you were a flustered mess, blushing all over, now feeling rather warm.

Although what she was doing was not aimed towards you, Johanna took notice of every reaction you were having, relishing in how nervous she made you feel, every smidge of red splattered on your cheeks was because of her, and she was proud.

You could almost smell the disgust radiating from Katniss, unimpressed by Johanna's stunt, she tried seeking support from you as together you'd discovered a newfound respect for one another. She expected you to be equally repulsed, only to find that you were trying so desperately to not pass out because of Johanna. Katniss bit her tongue, rolled her eyes and came to the conclusion that you were into Johanna, though, at least you were being more respectful about it. Haymitch and Peeta gawked while you had the decency to look away, even if it was because you felt awfully tense and awkward due to the attraction and feelings you had for her.

With the rise of a perfect brow, the fierce woman gave one last glance at everyone, winking at Haymitch, the pair exchanging knowing looks. Sensing her departure, you quietly let out a sigh of relief, having been holding your breath, allowing your heart rate to regulate. Regaining confidence, your vision altered itself from a top corner of the elevator to what you expected to be an empty space ahead of you. To your surprise, Johanna remained unmoving, her dangerously mischievous eyes already on yours.

You had no chance to inquire, her hand wrapped tightly around your wrist, her grip firm, practically dragging you away with her - a delighted cheek plastered to her face.

"Thanks! Let's do it again sometime!" marvelled the domineering woman, her voice getting lost to Peeta and Katniss while she made her way into the hallway, a very confused, uneasy you trailing behind, sort of against your will?

"I was supposed to get off ages ago, this isn't my floor," the sudden realisation hitting you, displaying stupidity since this was unmistakably not your floor.

"No, it's my floor, and you got off at the right time, with me. We're going to my apartment," Johanna informed you, leaving no room for protest.

At that moment, she spun around to face you after leading on in front, finally releasing the hold she had on your reddening wrist. However, she made sure to run her thumb gently over the mark, sparking jolts of an electric sensation down your left arm, then she dropped your hand.

"Why?" Your voice was laced with bewilderment. There was an additional something you were meaning to vocalise, but any recollection of what it was disappeared once you were faced with the naked woman again.

"Johanna, I can't believe you're wandering around without any clothes, shouldn't you, yknow, put something on?" Fumbling your words here and there, a cloud of scarlet dust crept its way back up your neck.

"Well why do you think we're heading back to my room?" She mocked, inching closer to you, whispering, “What is it, baby? Do you not like my body?”

You froze, slightly wide-eyed, a feeling of dread at the lack of ability to think of something to say. Johanna just laughed.

“Okay…whatever, let’s hurry up then. I mean, what if someone sees you?” You finally responded, purposefully ignoring some parts of what she’d said, apparently more embarrassed than she was.

“You’ve already seen my plenty,” She smirked, her pointer finger jabbing into your shoulder, “So has Katniss, so has Haymitch, so has Peeta. It doesn’t bother me, I’ve been seen in worse states anyway, crying, shaking, covered in the blood of others, right? And the whole of Panem saw that.” The seductive expression never left her face while she was talking, a huge contrast to the words coming out of her mouth, the sinister undertones lacing them.

Johanna witnessed a change in you. She was enjoying the teasing and seeing you tense up every time she took a step closer to you, until getting any closer wouldn't leave room to breathe. Although it was doubtful that she would ever confess it, she disliked seeing you sad, and you were looking pretty dejected after she reminded you of the world you were living in, having been immersed in whatever was occurring between you both.

Eventually, you had gotten back to her apartment and Johanna wasted no time getting dressed into a more casual attire, disappearing into her closet. Her room appeared identical to yours: same rectangular shape, same double bed with the same luxuriously styled sheets, same window, and even the same bedside table.

"Is everything alright, Johanna?" You asked, growing ever more curious as to why she brought you all the way here.

"Mhm, yeah, why'd you ask?" She called back, still out of sight.

"Because…is there a reason why you wanted me here?" You could only imagine how timid you sounded, glad that she couldn't see you fidgeting about.

"Was you expecting something? I bet you thought you were gonna get lucky," Johanna almost howled, reappearing suddenly.

"What? No… we're friends… I don't know, maybe I thought you needed something…" Your voice trailed off, each word getting harder and harder to hear, almost a fearful whisper as you awkwardly laughed your way through your speech.

The unique effect Johanna caused whenever she was around you was extraordinary - a tense thrill that you could never want to dispose of. It was humiliating how you seemed to melt into a goopy, uncoordinated puddle on the floor each time she gave you the time of day. Considering the less-than-ideal world you lived in, not many things brought joy to your life, hence your strong attachment to the short-tempered tribute from District 7, thus, it would be a total lie to pretend that you weren't expecting anything to happen.

Seeing her on the opposite side of the space, you were caught in her cheery gaze, provoking a smile to form on your lips. This seemed to satisfy her ever-growing playful mood.

"Well maybe I do need something, baby…" Johanna suggested, a nonchalant grin gracing her alluring features.

It was aggravatingly slow. She wasn't even that far from you. Yet, Johanna took her sweet, sweet time moseying over, each step she took closing the gap keeping you apart.

"Whatever it is, I can try my best to help. I'm always here for you and stuff…" You claimed, the nerves rapidly ramping up. Fully aware that advice and a conversation weren't what the enticing woman before you desired.

An approving hum tickled your ears, Johanna was now so near to you that you could feel her warm breath on your lips, mere centimetres apart from hers. You were desperate to close the gap but couldn't bring yourself to do it, something was stopping you from finally putting an end to all the agonising tension. Maybe it was the fact that you couldn't possibly fathom the idea of someone as beautiful as Johanna expressing a romantic interest in you. Maybe her bringing you back to her room, backing you into a corner, was just another teasing gesture that in a few moments would be over and everything would die down the moment things started to feel serious between you and her.

"What is it, pretty girl? What are you thinking?" Johanna almost whispered against your lips, a whole new wave of red coating your cheeks.

Lacking a response, the beautiful woman took it upon herself to cup your face in her soft hand, feeling the heat radiating off your skin, while she gently tilted your chin, forcing you to meet her gaze. You observed an odd mix of emotions, her eyes suggesting seduction, lust, desperation, longing, yet, there was also uncertainty and fear.

"Johanna…please…"

As much as she was giving in to your pleas, Johanna was giving into herself, she'd been craving your affections and couldn't hold herself back any longer, though there was an isolated nervousness to her that was hidden excellently, you didn't notice a thing, too excited and wide-eyed her lips meeting yours.

It was barely a brush, a soft press, sudden feelings of hesitancy present again and the kiss did not last long. You felt quite satisfied, having managed to feel her lips against yours, even though it was short - yearning for more. Sparks ignited your entire bodies because of the tender moment, spurring Johanna on.

Her mouth soon connected back to yours, crashing into it hungrily, her tongue swiping across your lips, which you parted, accidentally whimpering into her mouth. This kiss continued to deepen, becoming bruising, you couldn't help but feel like she was being a little rough, not that you minded, triggering a similar amount of passion from you.

The past three years have brought a strange relationship into your life through the likes of Johanna, it had been very gradual, for starters, not seeing her as much as you had wanted caused your friendship to build at an excruciatingly slow pace, the romantic feelings that came later were danced around for far too long - tensions constantly high, the desire for one another ever-growing

Her hands roamed your body, fingers trailing around your hips, she grasped at your clothes and guided you backward pushing you flush up against the wall in her apartment. Clearly the more dominant out of the two of you, Johanna seemed to be in control, leading the kisses and the occasional touches over each other's aroused bodies.

Breaths were few and far between, more concerned with keeping the movement of your lips entwined; like your mouths were glued together, impossible to part, the simplicity of inhaling and exhaling became their least significant thing. But you did part, eventually, not wanting to lose the closeness, your hands remained tangled in her dark hair and Johanna left a series of pecks around your lips, regaining air every other second.

The erratic atmosphere came to a halt, presenting an opportunity to calm down. Faint pants could be heard, but that was all. A grin stretched across your face, wide and hopeful, never breaking eye contact with a content Johanna. She wasn't smug, amused, or teasing, appearing genuinely pleased. It was a moment you could bask in for hours, a golden glow basking you both, in her arms, playing with her luscious locks, reshaping the spikes that added so much to her personality without fail.

And then, she pulled away.

Immediately, you could sense something was wrong. The previously loved-filled eyes looking down at you in a memorised trance turned sinister, the happiness washing away and being swiftly replaced by…regret?

You could feel a shake against your waist, her smooth palms let go and she retreated back into herself. A distance had been put between you, physically and emotionally.

"Johanna, what is it? Did I do something wrong? Are you okay?" Whereas the words would usually come tumbling out of your mouth due to nervousness caused by a silly, awkward crush, here, you were stumbling and stammering because you could see the cogs turning in Johanna's mind - caught up in her own dreadful thoughts, a painful expression flashing her features.

She didn't respond. Growing worried by the second, you tried to move nearer, consequently, Johanna became infuriated, the intense anger she would aim towards everyone in the Capitol, a side of her you hadn't witnessed directly.

"You need to leave, go, I don't want you here!" She yelled, repeating it until her throat went sore and her eyes started to water from frustration.

Initially, you stood there, perfectly still. To understand would take a while. It was obvious how scared she was and that frightened you, you struggled to comprehend the abrupt change occurring so drastically, your world crashing down around you. The sweet bliss and sheer joy you had felt were rare, the last time you had felt so happy was hard to recall, however, your naive heart was being crushed by the one who had made it beat so freely.

Your stomach turned, nausea corrupting your senses, the shouts for you to leave never ending, and getting through to Johanna was impossible. Tears flowing, streaming down your cheeks, you made haste, slamming the door as you left - consumed by sorrow and bewilderment.

That night, you didn't get much sleep.

#johanna mason x reader #fanfiction #x female reader #finnick odair #katniss everdeen #lqbtqa #peeta mellark x reader #the hunger games #catching fire

369 notes · View notes

mochaintherain · 2 years ago

Text

Demense

Summary: You change your team lineup of starter characters. The subsequent Aftermath, revolving around a cryo user.

Word Count: ~1k

CW: Heavy religious themes, implied cultish behavior, (implied?) religious trauma, SAGAU

Add. Tags: Kaeya, Creator!Reader, unreliable narrator, reader is Not present in this story as a character.

Author's Note: Not proofread! I've no idea how to use Tumblr or format on mobile </3 please help me. did I miss something I DUNNO (´_ゝ`) WHERE EVEN AM I anyway kaeya is so babygirl

Never had Kaeya assumed the Gods would favor him. Not after the promise he made, the bonds he shared with both his fathers—his brother, and how easily his patchworked life tore beneath his feet, his right eye a constant reminder of all his failures.

So when Aether, Amber, and Lisa extended a hand toward his figure, purple light enveloping his being, bubbling with warmth that mended the bitterness of his past, and opened his eyes to the heavens—

How could he not become Your believer?

Soon, he would travel the entirety of Mondstat, escaping his duties whilst discovering treasures, receiving divine gifts: goblets, circlets, feathers—and participating in...rather strange rituals. You made him carry a hefty bag of mora and flowers, gems, remants of slain regisvines, to the zenith of Starsnatch Cliff before imbuing him with unknown strength that coarsed through his veins.

Aether called it an "initiation", to forever be acquainted with divine blessings, to be Yours. He affirmed the sole reason he'd been able to save Dvalin, the entirety of Mondstat, was due to You, granting him the privilege of becoming a vessel.

"...Vessel, huh?" The word stuck to his tongue like a bitter saccharine. Even worse--You seemingly vanished, leaving he and his comrades hollowed by Your absence. After a desperate letter and trek sent back home, the reception back in the City of Wind was nothing less than suffocating.

A small gathering of vision wielders greeted them at the gate, welcoming them home. Yet, the sun never penetrated his body. The bite of sheer cold blossomed in his veins, making him tremble with every step he took—the first of many which he had to be conscious of; and breathing, keeping his heart beating, leaving him winded and dizzy. Your gaze took away his autonomy, rendering him a spectator in his own corpse, but You left him with the most joyous of dreams and slumbers; abandoning him forced everything back into his muscles, and he scrambled to remember what it was like to be alive without you. However, that was hardly the worst part.

His friends who cheered at his safety—

their smiles did not meet their eyes.

Instead, replaced was envy, resentment, and the brewing notion that he was a fraud, tricking the Creator and seducing You into loving him. They swirled, in vile concoctions, behind each of their pupils. Yet they paraded around him like he, himself, was divinity. Did they all wish he never came back? Would they tear each other apart for a chance at Your Grace?

Maybe his death was an opportune moment.

Unfortunately, he lived.

"Welcome back, everyone. I'm glad the Creator brought you back safe and sound." Jean bowed slightly, relief written on her lips.

"Hmm...go on and rest for now. Tommorow, you can tell us what all your travels uncovered." Albedo smiled, nodding at him and Lisa in particular.

Klee bounced on the soles of her heels, waving her hands to the weary travelers. "Yay! Kaeya's back! And Amber and Lisa and Mr. Honorary knight!" she cheered, beaming.

"Ah...why don't we all go back to the cathedral? I can heal you all of any injuries!" the deaconess suggested, a strain of a smile forming on her face.

"...Welcome back," Diluc muttered, most likely dragged along by the Acting Grand Master.

"Hey, on the way there, why don't I sing you all a song? No wine in exchange!" The enigmatic bard hummed, giving them all a wink.

Kaeya heaved a ragged breath, forcing a small laugh out his lips. "Sorry, but I think I'll pass. I'd much rather rest at Angel's Share," he responded, ignoring the pointed glare from a certain redhead. "After all, the Creator never afforded us any sort of wine; I'd certainly die if I had to spend another day without it."

"Huh...?" Barbara said, "b-but, Sir Kaeya—"

She was interrupted with a solemn headshake from the librarian.

"None of us are hurt," Lisa reaffirmed, "let him be...We'll tell you everything."

The Calvary Captain huffed, breaking away from the group and stumbling into the tavern, his countenance morphed into the expression he held all those years ago, when he first received his vision.

Haunted.

Nothing had changed since his leave, though there were far less customers than usual. Did the other citizens feel You vanish too? Or was that a curse reserved only for the puppets You deemed fit for control?

"Charles, the strongest, if you please."

Alcohol had left his throat burning, a reprieve from the sudden, chilling, desolation. After his "ascension", he was no longer the same man. In gazing upon him, You stole away a piece of his soul, a void only able to be filled by You and You only.

It wasn't too long before the bar's door opened again.

"What are you up to, Kaeya?" Diluc stayed near the entrance, not bothering to move toward the stools.

"I'm not in the mood," he hissed, downing his glass too quickly to savour.

Diluc forewent the usual quips he'd aim toward his brother, settling in a silent scrutiny. He was never one to favor the Gods. They stood in one another's solitude, drinking until the "Darknight Hero" woke to dusk.

Then, Kaeya was truly alone. Truly, utterly alone, with not even the eyes of which he'd come to expect. After all, he, a barely devoted follower, could never stay in the Divine's gaze forever.

Even so, the ache in Kaeya's heart screamed that the Gods had forsaken him again; being a vessel was far more merciful than being 'Kaeya'. Because if he wasn't a vessel, he was emptier than he'd ever been.

And when Lisa wrote to him, musing about how his Prototype rancour ended up in the hands of the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, how strong she was—he knew he'd been discarded.

...

If he were more pious, would You deign to look at him once again?

#genshin fanfic #genshin impact #kaeya alberich #sagau idea #sagau #religious themes #genshin imagines #genshin x reader #sagau kaeya #genshin cult au #self aware genshin #kaeya x you #kaeya x reader #genshin impact sagau

212 notes · View notes

ato-catto · 2 years ago

Text

Requested by: @justmewoo

What If I'm Not Enough?

Piccolo x reader

Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth/sadness/turmoil

You looked beautiful, holding baby Bulla to your chest while you and Bulmaz gushed over the newborn with the other Z fighter wives.

Piccolo crossed his arms against his chest in an attempt to subdue the growing feeling in his chest, watching you gently press a bottle nib into the mewling infants mouth, bouncing and shushing her- lulling her into a sleepy feed.

His dark pupils widened slightly, his heart thumping just a little harder. You looked so ... happy.

Come to think of it, you were the right age for motherhood. Not that he could give it to you. Piccolo glowered slightly, turning away from you in a mixture of sadness and shame.

You two could never have a family. Namekians were not built that way- to reproduce with a woman.

Gohan noticed Piccolos dark look and hunched shoulders and smiled at him.

"What's up, Mister Piccolo? You look like someone just rained on your parade!"

Piccolo let out a slow sigh. "I'm fine." He lied. He felt awful.

Gohan frowned, and placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. Sympathetic to what he didn't know-- yet. "Piccolo you look miserable. What is it? You can tell me, ya know?"

Piccolo turned away and looked out at the horizon over Capsule Corps pools. "She looks so happy with the baby. And I can't give her that." He said, his voice deep and quiet.

Gohan glanced over at you, watching you play with baby Bulla, smiling happily while you shook a little silver rattle. He sighed.

"Ah. I'm sorry Piccolo. I guess that wouldn't be on the cards for you guys, huh?"

Piccolo tensed and his frown got deeper, his arms tightening across his chest. "Clearly not."

Gohan didn't know what exactly to say- he couldn't relate to the predicament at all, watching Pan fly about with her Uncle Goten and Trunks. "Maybe you guys could consider adoption? Or, oh! You could vomit up an egg..? Apparently Namekians do that."

Piccolo grimaced. "I would rather not." He grumbled, his antennae drooping. "It wouldn't be our baby. It would just be mine."

Gohan nodded. "True. I'm sorry Piccolo. I don't know what to say."

Piccolo didnt need him to say anything. His mind was already made; Slowly pull away from you until you found another human you could copulate with.

Even if it broke his heart- he wanted you happy.

And you seemed happiest around children and babies. Your maternal instincts shone out from within you like a whole new type of power. You looked the part, acted the part.. it was destroying him to see you go without a family.

Every time you came to visit him over the next few weeks, he pulled away from you everytime you tried to fully wrap your arms around him to embrace him. Confused, you kept to yourself the rest of the week, thinking perhaps he didn't want to be touched at the moment.

Before you left one night, you turned to kiss him goodbye but was met with a stony glare. "Piccolo, what is with you at the moment?"

Piccolo just turned away, once again crossing his arms defensively over his chest. "Nothing. I'm not acting any differently than I normally do." He grunted, refusing to make eye contact with you.

"You have kissed me in almost two weeks, and everytime I try to even touch you- you pull away like I have some awful disease."

He didn't respond, he just turned and walked into his home, letting the door click shut behind him. What you took as a purely rude and hateful response was actually the big stoic Namekian hiding the welling tears threatening to spill.

He had hated every second of the last few weeks, but in his eyes it was for the greater good.

But he loved you so much it was ripping him apart.

You went home, a cloud of thunder hanging over your head . You sobbed into your pillow when you tried to sleep, your soul starved of the love you had been so used to for the past three or so years. You missed the Namekians touch, and murmered compliments and gentle kisses.

Did he not love you anymore? Had he grown tired of you?

The relationship was not sexless- despite Piccolos absence of a manhood. There was a passion there that was irrefutable. It wasnt the absence of passion whatsoever.

Perhaps... perhaps it was because you weren't biologically compatible. He could give you a baby and you couldn't bore him a family.

The realisation hit you in the gut- this had started the day he saw you with Bulmas new baby girl.

You tore out of bed and shoved on your shoes, running to his home across pitch black plains, only lit by moonlight. "Piccolo!" You cried, his door opening before you reached it. His onyx eyes sparkled in the silver moonlight, his body language still guarded.

"What are you doing here so late? It's not safe at night-" he began, staring down at you with forced indifference.

"Piccolo- we don't need a baby to be happy. I love you- us! - just the way we are. If we want a family we can go through other means," hot tears stung your cheeks and you pleaded before him, watching his scowl melt away from his face. "But please! Don't leave me! I need you."

Piccolo dropped to his knees and hugged you against him so hard you felt your spine pop in several places. He let out a single huffed sob and buried his pointed nose into your hair.

"I'm stupid." He growled, shaky breaths making his shoulders tremble. "I'm so stupid. I'm sorry."

You wrap your arms around his neck. You had missed this closeness so much. "You were stupid. Don't ever think I would give you up for anything else. You are perfect just the way you are and I wouldn't change you for the world."

"But you looked so happy with Bulla.. and you always talk about being a mother." Piccolo pulled back to swipe your tears away with his thumbs.

"I also talk about being a chef." You giggled through tears. "It doesn't mean we have to do it now, right away, or even ever."

He watched your smile before it spread to him, his little fangs poking over his lip. "You're right. You're always right, somehow." Leaning forward, he placed his lips on yours, kissing you with the power of two weeks of missed kisses.

After all, there was always the dragon balls. ;)

#piccolo x reader #x reader #dbz #anime #piccolo #requested #thanks for the request!

280 notes · View notes

tqmies · 2 years ago

Note

Can I request Mark + College or Fake dating + prompt 42?

Rush | Mark Lee

Part of Tqmies 1K Event!

college & fake dating au, 42. “Who’s laughing now?” “…Clearly not you. You’re crying, dear God.” wc: 1k Note: why choose an AU when we can have both ?!

"I want to piss off my parents - Which isn't illogical, by the way - so what better way than to drag you into it?!"

"Is this supposed to make me agree?" You quirk a brow, tapping a nail on the desk in front of you. And your wearing a frown, taken aback by the sheer audacity of the male in front of you, who you haven't spoken to in years, asking you for help.

"It'll only be for a bit! I'll parade you around for a bit, make my mom blow up in her chair, and then we'll fake break up!"

"I'm missing the part where I benefit from this.. And why me anyways?" You loll your head to the side, its not like you were a particularly bad influence or anything. You were nice, hard working, and a good student. If anything, you were a mothers dream for their son.

"My mom hates your mom."

Ah there it was, the moment of truth. You and Mark's mom had attended high school together, and from what you know, the two weren't fond of each other at all.

But your mom held no ill intent towards Mark, would Mark's mom hate you? How immature, doesn't sound too far off of what your mom would say.

"Still don't see what I get from it." You shrug, going back to your book.

"You'll get to date me." He points at himself, eye brows raised as he's dead serious. He thought of himself as a catch, why weren't you jumping at him?

You want to laugh in his face.

"And I'll pay you."

"Now we're talking." You nod, not one above being payed off. Hey, you'd done far more questionable things for as little as twenty dollars.

But being faced with someone as affluent as Mark, you're sure you'd get a check out of this.

Which is why you're now standing beside him as he shoves his hands in his pockets, waiting for his parents to get the doorbell. You had to admit it, you were kind of nervous.

Not that you really liked Mark or anything, but you weirdly felt pressured to win over his parents.

The door opens and you're met with Mark's dad, and he offers his a son a curt nod before he turns towards you. "Oh, will you be joining us for dinner tonight?"

The smile is wiped off your face. "He didn't tell you?"

Mark's dad shakes his head, and Mark avoids any direct eye contact with you. Oh you were going to piss Mark's parents off, that's for sure. Mark's dad just turns and heads inside, the two of you following after.

You enter behind him into the kitchen, where Mark's mom is. Her eyes widen among seeing you, "Mark, honey, I didn't know you were bringing a guest."

"Ma, this is my girlfriend."

You expect steam to blow out of her head, for her to angrily rage and demand you leave, to even start cursing out her son.

But she does none of that, instead offering you a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you. Mark didn't tell me we were having guests, or else I would've cooked up something special."

You shake your head, unable to stop yourself from returning the kindness. "The food smells amazing."

Why'd Mark want to piss off such nice people anyways?

The evening goes pretty well, and Mark thinks that he's not getting his moneys worth. He had bet by this time at night that you'd be getting ran out of the house as he got berated for dating you.

But none of that is happening, in fact his mom looks happy as ever. She doesn't mind your mother either, she had to know by now, you had even given her the names of your parents when she asked. So why was she keeping it together so well? Didn't they hate each other?

You tell Mark's mom your major and she jumps up. "Oh wow, so pretty and smart. How did my son manage to snag you?"

You just nervously laugh, shrugging playfully. "I don't know either."

"Mark usually brings home such trouble makers." She shakes her head as she cuts into her food. "It's a relief to see he found someone so good for him."

Mark slams the door as he climbs into the drivers seat, and you can tell he's mad. And really, you can't blame him, seeing as his parent's didn't seem pissed off at all.

"Well, guess your genius plan didn't work out after all, guess I'm just too likable." You make a snark comment, crossing your arms.

Mark leans his head against his steering wheel as you continue.

"Tried to use me to piss off those sweet people! Jokes on you, Who's laughing now?" You mock, facing Mark when he doesn't respond.

Instead you notice wet tears fall off his face, the sound of sniffling as well. You grow confused at that. ".. Clearly not you. You're crying, dear God."

He wipes as his face aggressively as he sits back up. He looks at you as he scoffs. "My parents don't like anyone, okay? Even if they didn't care about your mom, I knew they'd find something to pick at you for. They always comment on my date's outfit or their manners."

"Oh wow, I'm sorry Mark. That's really shitty." You respond.

"But the one time I try and piss them off, they like you?" He says, bewildered. "Not a single bad thing to say? And it's all for a girl that I'm not even dating. God, I'm such a loser, why did I think this was a good idea? How am I going to explain that I let the one good thing I had go?"

You assume he's referring to you not showing up anymore, and for as little as you know the boy, you find yourself sympathizing. "I can always show up again, if that helps."

He nods a little, "Sorry I dragged you into this."

You can't believe you ever agreed to this fake dating thing, but something you tells you that you'll be sticking around longer that you intended.

#tqmies 1k event!#mark lee imagine #mark lee #idk what this #brain fart #mark lee nct #nct mark #nct mark imagines #nct mark drabble #mark lee drabble #mark lee drabbles #mark lee fanfic #nct drabbles #nct scenarios #nct fanfic #nct mark lee #nct dream #nct fluff

117 notes · View notes

serene-sun · 2 years ago

Note

Could you write 43 with aether and sodo (match made in heaven I know), and also 10 and 51 please? Ty <33

43: threesome

10: use your words

51: breeding season

𝕮𝖚𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕶𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖉 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖆𝖙 ・₊✧

Warnings: virginity taking, anal fingering, ghoul heat, threesome, breeding kink, knots, small cnc, slight begging, small quintessential manipulation, blood, biting, marking, dewther, I might of missed a few

There’s an uncommon word that sometimes floats around the ministry, like fog rolling in the morning hills.

A word that’s whispered around along with excited eyes, like a secret waiting to be revealed.

The word is so common, yet so forbidden and sacred, so used and forgotten, that it earns both smiles and glares.

A word that starts and ends sermons, a word that breaks relationships and builds them back.

A word ghouls love to hear, a word papas fear, a word that makes sinners peer, a word that disappears…

What could be so frightening yet so loved? Was it bad? Was it holy? Unholy? Or, was it dangerous?

Ah yes, it’s a lovely day in the ministry. The sun shines through the stained glass, a parade of color painting the brick walls.

The siblings of sin roam the halls, some greeting their friends and ghouls, some giggling laughing when a flirtatious papa would comment on their behinds or chest.

The ghouls were out, the sun was out, the clouds were out, but so was a new rumor.

Rumors spread like wild fire in a gated community, doesn’t have to be negative, in-fact most of the time everyone liked hearing them and using them to better communicate and connect with one another.

Take the south hall rumor as example, it is said to hold a special room for pleasure. Maybe even the rumor about the north gate halls haunted painting, it’s said that a crying woman will crawl out from his frame and cry for her husband.

Everyone used ministry gossip for good, but the ghouls were a different story.

Once they heard something new, they would immediately investigate. Like the time it was rumored that primo had infact kept secret of having a Prince Albert, they had to be sure. And in the end, they were not disappointed with their findings.

Although they say curiosity killed the cat, the ghouls sure are rule breakers.

Once the haunting bells tolled above the immense cathedral, siblings of sin and ghouls alike spilled into the dark wooden pews.

Usually, nobody would be without a friend, but this time the gathering eyes quickly found the new lone duckling that had found herself sitting quietly alone in the shadowed corner of the unholy Chappell.

The sun begun to be swallowed by the valley, the red ambience and pink whispery clouds painting the stone and marble walls through the floral story telling glass.

The ghouls eyes never leave her, they look her up and down, studying every rise and fall of her chest with every batt of her eyelashes.

They all take in each frame of her, how the colors of the evening paint her chest and cheeks.

This sister is different, she’s not dressing in the usual suggestive and sinful style as the rest. She doesn’t have her chest or shoulders revealed, the only skin you can see is her rosy face and her soft hands holding a black pearl rosary.

Although the murder of ghouls leave thoughtful glares on her skin, two particular ghouls spark a special interest somewhere else.

Aether can sense it, he feels the emotion radiating from the girl. He senses her purity, her devotion, and her sense of faith. Aether understands why she is receiving such looks, why she’s so rare. He crosses his legs, feeling the warmth behind his dark mask lead more south.

Sodo catches his eye on aether who clears his throat and fixes his vest, now he’s interested. The fire ghoul looks over, and his eyes immediately fixate on the bust of her Chest under the black novitate uniform she wears. His eyes then travel up to her soft lips, so flush and full. Sodo gathers his thoughts, and leans back in the pew from over aether as the organ starts to sound his howling song.

Every curve.

Every ounce of flesh.

Every single slice of skin.

Every movement.

Aether and sodo meet eyes, internally damning themselves from prying on such an innocent thing.

By time papa has entered the pulpit the ghouls have flehmening to Aether and Sodo, sensing their lust through their bond.

Aether winces, a little embarrassed.

Sodo just looks to the other side of the chamber pretending he didn’t see anything.

Soon, the bells toll once more and everyone is released.

“Sodo.” Aether bites at the eager ghoul, stern and his brows knit.

He grabs his wrist, he feels how fast his pulse beats, how hot to the touch his skin is, his eyes flash a spark of anger at him stopping him.

Aethers strong, but not as physically strong as sodo. He tugs, but the fire ghoul quickly runs and disappears into the crowd in an instant.

Aether rushes to his feet.

An eager, or feral, ghoul is never something you want to work with. They can easily be triggered, rather it be in anger or sadness, there is no accurate prediction of what it will be. And now, that they see such rare innocence, they are on the edge.

Aethers trying his best to catch up with the fire ghoul, the worst thing aether could think about in the moment was not the embarrassment of his aching cock but the safety of the poor girl who was no where to be found.

The quintessence ghoul hunted down the fire ghoul to the deep dark depths of the ghoul wing.

The halls nobody roams, the halls that are occasionally lit with candles and old paintings, the halls that have darker windows, the halls that are forbidden for lower class.

Aether hears a faint yelp, and the feeling rush straight down to his forming knot.

How has this been triggered?

Why now? In such urgency?

Aether turns the corner, and smells fiery appetite.

Sodo has let his mask fall down to the floor, and his golden strands lay across his black velvet attire. He’s already pulled her veil off and exposed her chest and shoulders.

Aether freezes, his eyes meet with the fire ghoul and panic. He can tell sodo cares, and that the feral needing flame deep inside his soul uncontrollably takes over him.

It’s like fire across his skin, it lights and spreads like wild flames in a forgotten wood.

Aethers breath hitches, it reverberates into a hard groan as his mind plays tricks on him.

Join, join, join, join

It persuades him, the voices control him and force his legs to drag across the stone floor and into the corner of the hall.

The girl whimpers, the fire ghouls fangs piercing her neck.

A drop of blood trails down her skin, and stains her white collared dress.

Sodo ruts into her, he has a hand around her neck gripping and leaving more blood to coat the ghouls lips. His other hand is kept around her neck, it’s pressing her against him, keeping her in his grasp.

Aether blocks the view of the woman, and grabs a hand full of the fire ghouls locks. He tugs it back, earning a cry from the sibling as his elongated fangs pull from her ripped skin.

Sodo grunts, he’s out of breath and he’s thirsty for more. Aether watches the crimson mix with his saliva, and cascade down his chin and neck below his uniform.

Aethers head aches, it pounds hard enough to knock him back. He’s under a dizzy spell that returns his vision darker and primal.

The fire ghouls practically foams at the mouth, trying to escape from Aethers grasp. He snaps and bares his fangs at the ghoul with a growl.

I will kill you.

He’s serious, and he’s ready to have his way. But aether is not too far from that as well.

Sodo forces the sinner down with him, he stays on top of her as she lays to the stone. She claws and she tugs at the stone floor, but there’s little to any sign of escape.

Aether falls to his knees, and he feels himself trapped behind lust just as sodo was. He sees no sign of him behind those eyes, there is only the feeling of domination and control.

Aether stares into sodos eyes, he sees how small his pupils have gone, how long his claws and fangs have grown.

There’s a tug at his uniform pants, and Aethers brought back to reality. He’s stunned that the sister of sin is tugging at the zipper, her lips quivering and her hair sticking to her sweaty face and her eyes begging.

Please, please do something.

Aether is far from perfect, but this…this is perfect. This moment is all he has needed for years, out of all of the orgys and experiences he’s had over the centuries aether has never needed this as bad as he did now.

As for sodo, out of all of the soldiers, princes, princesses, kings, queens, maids, even gods he’s had sex with he has never had such a feral need to ruin such innocence as now.

Aether doesn’t stop the girl from pulling out his aching cock, she strokes it while Sodo rips off her habit.

Her fingers are so soft, delicate, and so fragile against his aching length.

Aether lets out and unexpected loud whimper at the feeling of her jerking. She holds his thick base, and slides her hand up to the tip, and back down.

“Use-!” She mutters, a sudden sensation of two long burning hot fingers pushing deeper into her ass.

She yelps, feeling the unpredictability fast thrust from the ghoul.

Aether takes the chance to stop staring at her tits and start fucking her mouth. Aether stuffs himself inside her, and feels his red hard tip press downward on the back of her throat. Her cheeks naturally such against his shaft out of panic.

Sodo removes his two fingers, and quickly fumbles with his belt buckle. He groans, feeling the pressure in the air hit his skin as he frees himself.

She feels his hard length smack against her ass, and quickly does the fire ghoul straighten up and shove himself deep inside the depths of the sister.

Sodo whimpers, he’s tearing up fast, the feeling of her tight cunt clenching around his long cock is too much to handle.

Aether takes his mask, and gently pulls it off his head and sets it on the floor.

The woman gags on his cock, and aether smirks. “Aw, too much love?” Aether mocks the pitiful thing.

Aethers not like sodo, he’s not a lustful zombie. Sodo feels tears fall from his cheeks, he’s crying because it feels so good.

Sodo starts pounding her, hammering her insides anomalistically fast. Sodo mewls, his cheeks are red and pale, his hair messy against his half exposed chest.

The fire ghoul leans down, his stomach pressing into the back of the sister. Sodo’s claws dig into her flesh, they tug and tug leaving red streaks.

“Aw babe, why so sad?” Aether furrows his eye brows, and mocks the look on sodos face.

Sodo shakes, his lip quivers as he roughly breaks the poor girl under him.

“N-n-ne!” Sodo tries to speak, but all that comes out is a bunch of vowels and notes that fall from his lips.

“Use your words.” There’s a sudden word from the girl, as she takes aether out of her wet cavern.

She smirks, sodo doesn’t like that.

The ghouls brows knit, they turn angry and possessive.

“You’ll regret that when my knot forces you to cum, and make a mess.” Sodo bites back, his trance i broken by the slightest bit of anger.

Aether chuckles, and he notices how sodo starts fucking her harder, slower, deeper. The girl cries, she feels his aching cock stretch her insides.

Aether brings her lips to his, and kisses her soft rosy lips. He licks her bottom lip, lets a fang drag across the skin, threatening to pierce it.

Her breath is caught as aether drags a nail across the round of her breast. She shakes, it’s all too much. The furious demon fucking her insides, the delicious kiss on her lips, and the sensation on her chest.

She feels her lips tingle, a hot haze fills her atmosphere and she feels light headed.

“Breathe it in, you’ll feel better.” Aether leaves her lips, and she pouts as her eyelids flutter.

She feels like heaven, all of the pain turns into pleasure, and a smile quickly appears across her face.

Sodo tightens his grip on the sister, and he shoves his formed knot past her entrance, and deep into her cunt.

The fire ghoul winces, he feels so good, such a strong and sudden heat makes him miserably warm and happy.

Her jaw hangs low, and her body won’t allow her to take another breath, she clenched on his length earring a groan and a slap to her ass.

Her hands grips at Aethers vest as she looks into his eyes for any hope of salvation.

Aethers smiles, and shakes his head, “feels so good hmm? Feel his cum stuff you full? Yeah?”

She’s all stars, and far above the clouds in heaven in pleasure.

She’s definitely not going to be teased for being a, “virgin”

129 notes · View notes