#alpha companions burn out

[not-poignant]

Hi! For the OC asks, could you do #2 & 12 for Caleb as well? I am gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for more information about him lol

2. What's something about your OC that people wouldn't expect just from looking at them?

That he's a very competent intellectual and philanthropist who is in the process of completing his PhD when we meet him.

Caleb often comes across so grounded and flirty and even 'business class' that his mannerisms sometimes mask the fact that he's ultimately someone who staunchly believes in omega rights to the point that he's doing his PhD in Omega Sciences. He doesn't talk like an activist, in fact sometimes he behaves like the opposite of one, and so I think people who meet him or who look at him and how much he loves fashion etc. would come to other conclusions about his job (like Faber did!) or about his interests.

Caleb knows that and he likes that, lmao.

12. Is your OC self-destructive? In what ways?

Broadly, no, not at all. Caleb makes smart decisions that often further his business prospects, but isn't prone to over-working destructively and believes in a good work-life balance.

He's not a drinker, he's not someone prone to destructive relationships and he's had a pretty privileged existence where he's been raised to respect the people around him, including himself. He's someone who believes he has inherent value as a person, has very few self worth issues, and folks like that generally aren't prone to self-destructive behaviours!

Caleb might make some dumb decisions for someone he loves though...

~

From the edgy OCs meme

[phyrestartr]

Their Burning Bodies Keep Us Warm (1/2) | Sukuna x M!Reader

W/C: 3.4k #NSFW, top!Sukuna, bottom!Reader, ABO dynamics, cannibalism, mentions of sex trafficking, mentions of cults, questionable relationship, suggested Stockholm syndrome, post-apocalypse, enemies to friends to lovers, angst, drama, gore, typical zombie shite, not rlly edited kekw SORRY

tags: @flowersatwork @tr4nniez @kamote-kuneho @prettorett @better-imagination-9

You ran. Even when your lungs tore apart, your legs burned to ash, your mind split and ruptured, you ran. 

The destination was simple: anywhere. Anywhere away from the hell hole you'd been swept up into–a camp full of soldiers getting hopeful little bugs stuck in a honeypot with promises of safety and a life well-lived despite the end of the world. A colony. A chance to stop hoping to simply survive. 

But that wasn't what happened. You and so many others were victims of a breeding ring–a puppy mill, so to speak. One where those able to bear young were forced to. One where a hivemind fooled the naive into thinking this was all for the ultimate goal of repopulation, for a chance to reclaim the world should the infected finally fall.

Yet humans, as smart and powerful as the hive claimed, had already lost once, and now twice as they lit their humanity ablaze for the greater evil of satisfying twisted desires under the guise of necessity. You couldn't take it anymore. 

So, you ran. 

Then, you saw a light. Just faintly. It whispered promises of warmth in the cold deadness of Winter's night; you couldn't help but be drawn to it like a moth to a flame. 

But that meant someone was inside, too, which could be a blessing or a curse–if they found you, sidling up to the house, listening for signs of life or unlife, they could turn you in to the men chasing you; on the other hand, you might find a friend. A companion. A safe person to sleep by at night. To eat with. To talk to. That'd be nice. 

Your daydreams shattered when the voices of those soldiers echoed in the empty streets of the town you'd found yourself in. You peeked from your perch by the front door of the house, and ducked out of view when you saw two bobbing lights flicking and scanning over the snow. 

Shit, shit, shit. You swallowed thickly, trying to thick through the frost biting you and the snow melting on your bare arms. What were the odds they'd be able to follow your scent? All the way down to the spot where you hid beneath the front steps? It was hard to track another when it was raining, so snow had to be the same, right? So why were they coming closer and closer, why were their voices becoming hushed and their words rushed, why were they–

The door above you slammed open with the unmistakable sound of a gunshot. You covered your mouth with a shaky hand, hoping the boom coupled with your stalker's shocked, angry barking (just one voice?) stifled whatever pathetic squawk you garbled out. 

It must've. Because the person--the man--standing on the weather-worn deck above you laughed, and stepped down the creaky stairs with heavy, lazy steps before following that soldier's voice. 

Go, go, go. You forced yourself to move, pushing yourself up the steps under the cover of barked threats and the outbreak of a fight. You thought men like that stuck together. That they'd help each other out with delivering omegas back to one another. That they'd invite him to join their diabolic cult–especially when the thick scent of alpha filled your lungs.

You swallowed thickly, your inner omega going wild with curiosity and wonder and a need to curl up in the musk and laze in it all day, but your petrified self picked up the slack and kept you in motion, kept you scrambling for a place to hide. Staying the night was the plan–you wouldn't be able to survive outside, not like this. Not with a t-shirt, worn joggers and runners being your only defense against the cold. 

What happens in the morning? He'd no doubt catch your scent. He'd no doubt realize he had an unwelcome guest. What would he do with you? What would he do to you? 

“I don't care,” You breathed as you jammed yourself into the darkness of a bedroom closet and burrowed into whatever lay on the floor. “I don't care.”

And that was true; being a slave to one was better than being a slave to many. 

–

His eyes shone red.

You weren't sure if you woke in the night to find the demon. You didn't know if your dreamscape simply enjoyed tormenting you. But the burns left by that searing, glowing gaze were real. 

He stood there. Features melded with shadow. Body engulfing the snowy light of night. Staring down at you. Quiet. Still. Inhuman. 

Only your shaky breathing filled the thick, damp void of silence his presence brought. What were you supposed to do? What were you supposed to–

He closed the closet doors, and his lumbering footsteps sauntered away.

–

When morning came, the stranger was not so willing to leave you alone. 

You thought you were being quite crafty, quite sneaky with how you planned on escaping; you waited for sounds of his to stop in a far-off room, then you donned yourself in whatever gear and warm clothes you could find in the closet, and then you carefully, so so so carefully, opened the closet doors and–

“Leaving already, little omega?” A deep, playful voice taunted from the doorway of the room, just out of sight; if you pushed the doors all the way open, you'd see the man standing in the doorway to the left. 

But your hands fumbled alongside your heart. Your voice died in your throat. 

You were caught.

A large hand gripped the side of the closet door and pulled it open. You stumbled backwards, heart shattering from its frosted paralysis to jump into overdrive. 

Because the man, the alpha standing before you, was unlike anything you'd seen before. 

He was tall. His shoulders stretched wide and, judging from the strain of his shirt, his build was formidable and downright predatory. Muscle shifted and adjusted under an expanse of gilded skin everytime the beast moved, changing from looming over you to leaning against the doorframe. Maybe in an attempt to make himself smaller. More likely because of his cocky laziness. 

The smirk plastered on his face bore the same arrogance, too. As did the care in brushing back his hair and actually looking presentable in the guts of a fucking apocalypse. But maybe he relished in the anarchy. You could only assume so much from tattoos marking his skin and the mirth gleaming in hellborne eyes. 

“Go on,” the man drawled, hooking a thumb into his belt, bringing your attention to the thick knife strapped to his side, “Let's hear your pretty voice.” 

“I wasn't gonna stay,” you choked out, and the demon in front of you smiled wider. “I just–I saw your light, and–” 

“And you walked on in without even knocking.” He sighed and shook his head. “Kids these days.” 

“M'not a fucking kid,” You bit out, surprising the both of you with your venom. You thought you'd lost it long ago, but maybe not. 

The man laughed, showing off his brutal, jagged canines. You swore you saw red staining them. 

“You've got some bite, huh? Like that in a bitch.” He stepped closer, and you tried to meld into the wall of clothes behind you, but failed to escape the calloused hand that grabbed you by the jaw and forced your head up, down and around as he inspected you like a piece of meat.

You tried to pull away, tried to turn your head to break free from his grasp. “Don't fucking touch me–”

“Hah. This how you tried to get those alphas off of you?” He taunted, grinning at your sudden wide-eyed stare. “No wonder they used you up like a–” 

You headbutted him and kneed him in the dick before pushing past him and running. Your head pounded thanks to your stupid opener, but at least it worked. Now, you just had to get out of the damn house and–

“OMEGA.” 

–and escape from the devil chasing you. 

His growling voice ripped through your skull like a chainsaw revving to life as you threw yourself down the stairs and out the front door. You slipped and slid, nearly falling and breaking your fucking neck on the porch, but you caught yourself and made a break for the street as the thundering of footsteps clamoured after you. 

Churned snow painted in sour shades of rusted red greeted you. You could almost envision the struggle, the stabbing, the warmth bleeding from their bodies as they died for their selfish desires. It chilled you, gave you pause–and that's where you fucked up. 

The horizon reeled and spun when a heavy body crashed into you and pinned you to the ground. You gasped, straining to catch the breath that'd been punched from your lungs, failing to stop the burning in your chest as your face froze against the pavement. 

“Wily little cunt, huh?” The stranger breathed, rage and amusement fighting through his words. “You bring that much fight to the sack, omega? Hey?” 

You tried to rip free or push him off or something as he taunted you, but you couldn't. You were trapped. Again. Again.

“Fuck you,” you spat. “I'd rather fucking die than–”

You froze. The slow, stuttering shamble of footsteps pricked your ears before low, ungodly moaning and wheezing rattled through the streets. The noise was quiet, but so loud to a frightened deer. 

“Lookit that,” your captor whispered, leaning down to your ear, “Guess God heard your prayer.”

Your heart hammered. “Get off, get off.” Your voice quaked and broke as you thrashed beneath him. “Please.” 

“Thought you said you'd rather die.” His knee ground into your back and you bit back a yelp. 

“Please.” The diabolic gasping came closer, became more frantic as the thing saw you. You couldn't see it, but they always got so fucking excited and loud when they saw fresh, living meat. You knew it was coming. 

“Ah-ah, can't let you go. Your buddy won't be able to catch up and end things for ya.” The stranger cackled something hideous and unnerving. “That'd be a right fucking shame.” 

“Let me up,” You begged.

“Not yet.”

It got closer.

“Please!” 

“No.” 

Just a metre away, now.

“I'll stay.” 

The scent of alphan approval washed over you.

“Good pet.”

You were pulled up and off the snowy ground with ease as soon as you submitted. You even vaguely saw the man kick the undead back with ease, sending it toppling over into the snow and stuck on its back like a helpless turtle. Its motor functions were shot in this weather. It probably wouldn't be getting up for a while. 

You wondered if you were going to suffer the same fate: stuck on your back, unable to move, at the mercy of a sick freak you accidentally met while running away from other lunatics. You were doomed. But at least you were alive. At least you'd be warm.

The pink-haired menace locked up the door before throwing you down onto the couch with little grace. You would have been more mad if the purring roil of the fireplace didn't breathe warm gusts of comfort over you. And, well, you weren't being dragged into a bedroom and tied down. Not yet, at least. 

The make matters worse, the man didn't really say much. Just closed the blinds and ensured the entrances and windows were secured while you sat still and quiet, patient lest you suffer a worse fate. 

He glanced at you over his shoulder before returning to the task at hand. “If I wanted to kill your sorry ass, I woulda done it last night,” he said into the quiet of the room. 

You remembered those eyes staring down at you. How inhuman and evil they were. How much fear they bred in you. And now, you had to accept how real that was. 

He sat down on the coffee table in front of you and leaned towards you, resting his elbows on his knees, holding your gaze with his own. 

“Here's what's gonna happen,” he said, low and dangerous. “I'm gonna let you stay. Real nice of me, yeah? I'll give you food, water. Keep you warm, keep you safe from all the bullshit going on outside. Sounds good, doesn't it?” 

You looked over his face, brows furrowed, heart pounding so loud you almost couldn't hear him. But you nodded for fear of what he'd do otherwise. 

He smiled, satisfied. “Good. And in return,” he started, letting a hand slip up to your knee, “You'll make like a good little whore and keep my bed warm. Fair deal, don't you think?” 

You nodded. It wasn’t like you had a choice, anyway.

–

Sex with the man–Sukuna, as you’d come to learn–wasn’t the worst thing imaginable; for one, he had some level of patience and tact when it came to stretching and lubing you up for your occasional “duties,” which put him in your “good book” right away (Christ, your standards had fallen so low). 

Secondly, he didn’t make you participate. He’d command you in the same way each time (“face down, ass up, don't bite”), and he'd have his way with you. He never made you kiss him. Never demanded you speak. Never bullied you. He seemed like he just wanted to stuff his cock somewhere warm and forget about the world for a bit.

And you didn't really mind it. Sometimes. you almost looked forward to it. Sometimes, you let little noises escape when he railed you into the bed with reckless abandon. Sometimes, you wanted his hands on you just a little longer. 

Because when he wasn't fucking you, he might disappear out of the blue and leave you all alone, only to return a week later with supplies and clothes, unperishable goods and other random odds and ends he found along the way. Once, he even found a retro game store and scooped up an endless supply of gameboy advance and colour games and consoles. Another time, he carried home a bag full of weather-worn books. 

What'll it be today? You wondered when you caught sight of the man wandering back up the steps. He cursed under his breath as he messed with the lock for an eternity, and you took the opportunity to scurry away from the living room to put some distance between the two of you just in case; at this point, you didn't expect him to hurt you, but wild animals were unpredictable, even when seemingly domesticated.

“Fuckin' shit-ass door,” Sukuna grumbled as he nudged it open before kicking it closed and locking up. “Need to fix that shit.” 

You peered down at him from your perch halfway up the stairs and watched him saunter around, heavy boots clunking on the floors you just washed as he looked around. You had to wonder who the hell had taught him shoes inside was okay. 

“Where the fuck is that little bitch,” he mumbled, walking out of your line of sight. He traipsed through the bottom floor thoroughly before walking past the stairs again, pausing, rewinding, and meeting your patient statre. “The fuck are you doing?”

I don't want you to bite me; I don't know if you'll randomly kill me if you're in a bad mood; I don't trust you like that, all ran through your head, but none felt like a good option to admit to. So, you shrugged.

Sukuna sighed, loud and laced with an aggravated growl. “Downstairs. Now. Need you to do something.” 

Your brows furrowed slightly. Normally, you weren't asked to do much. The sudden command had your skin itching. 

“Now.” 

“Coming.” You tried to control the quivering of your legs on your descent to him, and just prayed he didn't notice. 

He stared down at you with narrowed eyes and a bit of a sneer before he leaned over, sniffing for your scent, circling around you a few times, and finally rubbing his wrist against your neck to half-heartedly re-mark you. 

You cleared your throat. “Is that it?” 

Sukuna scoffed and turned away, grabbing the medical bag from the kitchen cabinet and dumping it on the counter. “You know how to sew, yeah?” 

“Well, yeah. I can sew.” You approached warily as he gestured you closer. 

“Hah. Good to know you're not completely fucking useless.” He sat down heavily onto a bar stool and shrugged off his jacket and shirt before turning his back to you; a long, jagged gash marred his skin with trails of dark, gooey ichor and scarlett smears. Whatever had happened was serious.

“Holy shit,” you breathed, scrambling to look through the medical bag to find something, anything, that seemed like it'd help. You found some essentials: gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic cream, disinfectant wipes. But you'd definitely need more than a few dinky wipes to deal with his back.

You felt his eyes on you as you puttered around the kitchen, grabbing this and that and some other things before returning to his side with salt, bottled water, and booze in-hand. 

Sukuna quirked a brow. “The fuck is all that for?” 

You jumped a bit when his voice interrupted your whirling thoughts. “I–gonna, um, try to make some kinda…saline. To clean it.” You cleared your throat again and set the mostly-empty bottle of sake by him. “That's for…y'know.”

“Loud and clear,” Sukuna sighed, dreading what was to come, and took a long, long drink from the bottle.

You pursed your lips and nodded to yourself before starting to mix the salt and water together in the bottle. You weren't sure what the ratio should be, but you figured there wasn't necessarily a limit, not when you were lacking isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. You'd be sure to mention it to him next time he went out. 

“So. This'll…suck,” you warned, voice nervous and weak. 

Sukuna sighed again. Took a swig again. Then ripped his belt from his waist, folded it a few times, and bit down. 

He gave you an unenthused thumbs-up, and you found the nerve to jab a hole in the plastic bottle cap before spraying your makeshift saline solution against the wound. 

You nearly shit yourself as Sukuna growled with the force of a jet turbine. Faintly, you heard the creaking groan of leather crackle from his mouth as his teeth sank in deep. His canines probably already pierced through the material. 

“I know,” you whispered, actually feeling badly for the animal keeping you prisoner. “I know.”

You took your time cleaning the wound out, being sure to remove any sort of gravel or shrapnel embedded into his flesh. Luckily, the gash looked worse than it actually ended up being. It bled a lot, but it didn't cut all the way through to his ribs or beyond. Talk about lucky. 

When a majority of his trembling and snarling ebbed, you hazarded the question: “So…how’d this happen?” 

Sukuna groaned, and you almost smiled. “Fell off a fucking roof. Hit a sign on the way down.” 

You cringed at the thought. “Well. It's…not that bad.” You drenched the wound with another round of salt water before patting it dry.

“Yeah? Then no stitches,” he half-declared, half-asked. 

You gave his back a pitying look before reaching for the needle. Sukuna scoffed and muttered colourful obscenities when he saw your fingers snatch up the tool before disappearing behind him again. 

“Fuck me.”

“Sorry,” you offered softly, trying not to laugh. 

You saw his knee bounce in trepidation as you wiped his skin and the needle down with those cute little towelettes. You kinda felt bad for him. Healthcare in the apocalypse was a bit lacklustre.

As carefully as you could, you pushed the needle through his skin, and tried not to gag at the obscene feeling. The sound of his fist hitting the countertop helped ground you, though, and helped keep you on task stitch, after stitch, after stitch, after–

You set aside the tools and cleaned off your trembling, crimson-stained hands as best as you could before applying whatever ointment you could under gauze, and finally bandaging his torso up. Sukuna's eyes followed you, but you couldn't bear to look at him, quietly afraid of what he might do if your unsteady gaze met his; but that wasn't acceptable, judging by how he grabbed your arm and stopped you from turning away to clean up the mess. 

You looked at him, then, eyes laser-focused. Every shift pumped your veins with ice. Every flick of his attention sent electricity down your spine. Every silent word his lips failed to commit to filled you with dread. 

“Thanks,” he said. And he let go. 

[mellowumbra]

~Beautiful edges~

An alpha!Abbywerewolf! x afab!omega!reader

SMUT SMIT SMUT MDNI

will have smut, like prolly gon be nasty need holy water smut. plot! slowish burn. alpha, only female alpha you've ever met. Smut is not under the cut but will be expressed!

⚠️ warnings: porn with plot!! dom!sub dynamic, breeding(r!receiving), vulgar words, VULGARITY, descriptions of genitalia, breeding kink, werewolfheat/rut! overstimulation (r!receiving) power and strength kink

Shummary: meeting an alpha was easy. Trying not to fall in love with one? Harder than it looks.

Here is to ALL YALL freaky sob's that just want to see Abby as a werewolf,,,, I love y'all so much

Also I'm SO SORRY THIS TOOK MY MONTHS FORGIVE ME

~~~~

Relocating to the WLF had taken some time to feel somewhat normal and you owed your life to them. You were accepted as one of them, when you were first alone and near death. Omega's in the wilderness alone was a death sentence, but you managed to make your life here wonderfully enjoyable. As close as normal got, it all flew straight out the window when you met Abby Anderson.

Was it strange to meet a female alpha with unbridled power, skill, and rage? Absolutely. Did she scare the ever loving shit out of you? Absolutely. But that didn't stop you from perking your ears to listen every time her name was mentioned.

Abby was a force of nature, she commanded respect without needing to utter a single word. Six feet of muscle and piercing blue eyes that glowed gold and opulent when her wolf appeared. Everyone in the WLF knew about Abby, and were either terrified, infatuated, or a little bit of both. She worked for Isaac, as she was trained and worked like a dog in combat. She led the most dangerous of patrols under Isaac, the man who allowed the WLF to keep you safe, who sent her out to do his worst work.

Being an unmated alpha made it even more..interesting...

As soon as her name entered your airspace, words passed around about the alpha's skills during her rut. You could not stop the onslaught of other companions dishing tidbits during these conversations. Hell you couldn't go anywhere in the past two weeks and not hear about Abby Anderson, the most "skilled" alpha in the entire WLF. You were even more curious to why a female inherited an alpha title. You wondered why you hadn't heard her name sooner, and you soon figured out why. Abby had been in a relationship, and a serious one at that. But, that was over, from what the other omegas in your rounds gossiped about. You were surprised to hear that Abby had been dating a male, a one of almost equal rank as her. Her most recent "pursuits" were women.

You rolled your eyes at Arya's gossip and finished suturing a deep abdomen wound from your most recent patient. The man smiled at you, thanking you for the dressings and ointment. "Hey y/n," Arya says, your other medical assistant and friend catches your attention.

"Yeah? Whatcha need," you ask, wiping down your med tray and discarding a dirty needle.

Arya then asks you if you need to stay longer or if you need to head out. You reply no, you've got nowhere to be. Arya quickly discards her medical garb and ducks out, the sun already set. You sigh and work on seeing if anyone other WLF member needs to be attended to.

Something overpowering and strange enters your sense just after. It makes you stop, startled by the sudden thick air. A strong scent, almost hypnotizing. Abby Anderson is sitting on the bed across from you, blue eyes fixed on your figure. You start, now taken aback at how she appeared almost soundlessly.

"Jesus Anderson you scared the shit out of me," you swore, walking over to inspect a large shoulder wound running from her shoulder to mid bicep. Her muscles glisten with sweat, a now failing stitch job visible against her skin. Her honey hair in a signature loose braid, freckles dotting her neck and shoulders, clad in a gray tank top that exposes her skin to the blistering sun. "Sorry, is' just a habit," she breathes, "I didn't mean to startle you."

Her smile is dizzying but wanton, skin too white. She's in pain.

"It's alright, what are we looking at huh? A mighty alpha needing some help?" You tease, lifting her arm to assess her shitty patch job. Abby hissing at the pain or the figurative jab, you weren't sure.

You smile quietly, adding in a few words of "Alright gimme a second, I can fix you up."

"Thank you y/n, if I tell Manny that his stitch job was shit he'd take it personally," she chuckles dryly to avoid the grimace of you cleaning her wound with alcohol.

The stench almost clears your nostrils of her overpowering scent, almost. With a steady hand, you begin to swiftly move a needle through her flesh. The skin gave way easy to the needle, signalling she must've avoided coming here for a few hours, at least.

"You avoided coming in here, at least since before dinner," you say brazenly.

Abby puffs a quick breath through her nose, unhappy with the answer you've settled on.

"Maybe I did."

You can feel her eyes on you, this whole time. She follows the movements of your fingers, you can hear her nose purposefully inhale quickly at least once, and your cheeks heat at the sudden interest she's taken in you. Her scent is making your mind do flips, alphaalphaalphaalpha repeating in your head by your unhelpful wolf. Your hands almost shaky by the end, Abby rolls her shoulder with the new bandage applied.

"Keep that one for at least the next 2 days, or until you've noticed its leaked through your bandage. Keep it as dry and clean as possible," you instruct.

Abby just flashes you a blinding smile. "You do a good job, I feel better already. Thanks doll," she flashes a wink at you, smirk in her eyes.

That wink makes your ears turn red, palms suddenly sweaty. You roll your eyes to act nonchalant, placing a narcotic in her hand.

"Take these no less than 12 hours apart with food, and I mean it Anderson, with food," you say, fingers brushing one another's as you close her fingers around the pills. A resounding shock zaps through your fingers as fast as lightning, snapping her head up at you. Her eyes flash red just as fast, replaced by their usual blue.

Your eyes are wide, hand zinging from some unseen energy. Abby thanks you silently with a nod, hands stuffed in her pockets, and rushes off.

-------

Ever since that day in the infirmary, Abby is never out of your sight. During inventory rounds with your other med students, led my Abby's surgeon father, Dr. Anderson. She's always just looming. Your friends start to ask questions when the blonde walks into the infirmary one day, looking as healthy as ever.

You stare curiously as catch her eye, when she throws another wink at you. All your other friends blush and try to look busy.

"You don't look in pain Anderson?" You question, raising an eyebrow.

"No," she chuckles, "but I do want to ask if you had any extra isopropyl alcohol on you? One of my buddies managed to get blood all over a cell, and we need a cleanup," she says, so casually.

You start, but manage to stutter out a response.

"Um y-yeah we have some but it's not here yet, I can bring it to you in an hour or so?" You question, to which she just nods and winks at you.

"Find me in the FOB on the first floor sugar!" She calls out, leaving you a blushing mess.

----

Some time later, alcohol in hand, you make your way to the FOB, when a sharp pain in your abdomen makes you lean against a wall in a back hallway. You shake your head, trying to clear your head as your wolf has taken over, screaming for help. Panic ensues. You know any willing male werewolf will hear you, and you sink into a corner.

Someone rounds the corner, and you can't see who it is as your vision is blurry with tears. You turn your head away to ease the embarrassment. The same overpowering scent you remember from two weeks ago invades your mind, and your wolf goes nuts. It's Abby, and she knows exactly what's happening.

SMUT I REPEAT SMUT

"I'm so sorry please don't come closer pleaseAbby," you beg through near tears, your heat blinding and painful. Quick breaths through your nose accompanied with full body shakes makes Abby growl lowly. She knew you needed to be claimed, the pain unbearable for her future mate to endure. A rumble in her throat makes you tilt your head towards the ceiling, breaths coming in faster. That growl is pure power, pure dominance. The fear in your heart of her power comes through your eyes and Abby realizes your fear, and it hurts. Your intoxicating scent fills her nose like a fog, your fight against a need to be taken care of slowly failing. Your heat and scent flies down to Abby's pelvis, unable to stop the whirlwind of arousal she feels.

"Hey, hey look at me," she commands, power still in her voice. She's knelt to your eye level. Don't be sorry baby. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise y/n, I promise. Please, let me take you somewhere safer," Abby begs. Alphas don't beg, they command. Her beg, plea has you staring in her eyes, desperate to believe her.

You pant, fear still swirling in your eyes. Abby just offers her hands, warm and calloused. After not saying anything, she slowly lifts you into her arms. Eyes lidded, mouth slightly parted, your heat addled brain screams at the feeling of power and protection. You can't help but inhale deeply at her scent, your core aching for more. Abby slips you into her room.

"Y/n, please," Abby begs. "I want to help you." Her eyes are a tinge of gold, showing her alpha side. She puts her forehead gently to yours. "I know you have feelings for me," she breathes. "But I won't do a thing unless you say it's okay."

Tears streaming down your cheeks, your eyes widen in surprise. You're lucid for just a second. "Oh god Abby, I-I don't know what to say," you groan, embarrassed. Your heat is blinding, a near total body and mind need to just be taken care of.

"I won't do anything you don't want baby," she cooes, her pet name undoing your resolve.

You take a deep breath and swallow, knowing that all you've wanted is for Abby to make you hers. And only hers.

"I want to be yours. I want to be only yours," you admit, cheeks darkening. "Please tell me you feel this as strongly as I do," you rush out, fully vulnerable.

Abby's turn to be wide eyed is short lived before she lands her lips on yours, desperate and hungry. "I want nothing more then to make you my mate. I- want- nothing more -than to fuck you into -this bed- for hours," she groans as you moan into her mouth. Her lips are warm, your arms reaching out to tangle in her blond hair. Your heat is begging, burning like a fire under your skin. You whine pitifully, Abby now fully aware of your need.

"I know darling, I know," she whispers. Abby lays you down on her bed, kissing you with a new ferocity that made you tug at her clothes. Feeling her strong abs run over your now bare chest made you bite her lip, a low growl coming from Abby's throat. Her mouth kisses down your neck and reaches the softness of your chest. With lips and tongue, she sucks your nipple between her teeth, licking it as it grows in need. Moaning at this was music to your alpha's ears. Your breasts are damp with spit and raised pink nipples fall in her mouth as she attends to one after the other.

She pulls your pants off, letting your heat racked body shiver at the sudden coolness. Her eyes flash a deep gold now, looking you over, a wanting moan leaving her lips.

"You have no idea how long I've been wanting to see you like this, how long I've been wanting to do this with you," she groans, the obvious bulge in her cargo pants making your mouth water and brain go fuzzy at her words. Her hands sink into your skin, pulling the flesh as she drags her hands down your stomach and over your thighs. Your cunt is wet, glazed over with slick and need. Pink lips swollen at the want of satiation. She kisses you, hand reaching down to palm you, gathering your wetness along her fingers. Your pants have turned into whimpers, into breathy moans.

"You're so wet for me, my precious mate," she cooes, dominance leaking through her words. "I wonder how wet you'll be when I sink my cock into your wanting pussy," you moan at her words, pulling off her pants. A small gasp leaves your lips as her member springs out of her boxers.

"That is a dick of an alpha for sure," you breathe out, hearing Abby chuckle darkly at your surprise. Its shaft covered in small veins, her pink head leaking precum at the sight of your naked body. Abby leans forward on her elbows, soaking up more of your slick on her cockhead, her kisses to your lips bruising. Your scent is making her drunk, the end goal of this mating lost. Ignoring her own desperation, Abby sinks below your waist and licks a long slow strip up your center, capturing your clit in her mouth to softly suck.

"I'm not fucking you stupid until your come all over my face, my pretty mate" Abby groans.

Her name leaves your lips in a yelp, unfettered moans follow. Her tongue is masterful, her lips covered in your shiny arousal. Up and down she moves her tongue, taking time to let herself tongue fuck you, dipping into your wetness. Latching onto your clit, she sucks soft pressure and swirls her tongue. With nothing to grab onto, you resign to tugging at your alpha's long blonde locks, legs high above your head, resting on her shoulders. The muscles in her back flex and stretch as she fucks you.

"Abby, o-o-oh fuck Abby baby pleaseplease alpha please," you moan and moan, dragging your hands through her hair.

At the mention of her title, Abby growls and picks up her pace. You feel the band in your belly tighten and snap within seconds as your orgasm washes over you in a blissful wave. Your toes curl and back arches off the bed, head thrown back in a long and loud moan. Abby continues to fuck your aching cunt into overstimulation, your legs shaking and breath uneven.

"Baby, baby I can't-can't take it anymore," you whine and moan. Abby doesn't stop but unlatches herself and slaps your pussy lightly with her palm.

"You're going to take what i give you angel, and you're gonna say thank you alpha," she hums and holds your jaw with her hand. "Okay baby?" She asks.

"Yes baby," you say softly, lips puffy as Abby captures them in a deep kiss.

"Thank you alpha," you admit shyly, peeking at her reaction through your lashes. Her breathing is ragged, hair undone and messy. Her eyes are a fierce gold, desire evident.

It didn't even take a minute before she slowly sinks herself into you, squelching sounds accompanied. Snapping up her head to you, she examines your features for any sign of pain. Your eyes are half open, lips parted in an O.

"Are you hurt?" She questions, stilling inside. You slowly shake your head, gripping her shoulders and wrapping your legs around her waist. With that, Abby slowly moves through your now sopping cunt. Her breath is short, focusing on not coming too early. You wrap around her like a vice.

"Fuck-fuck fuck baby you're so wet, so tight so warm you're so perfectfuck you are soperfect," Abby moans.

You moan at her praise, tangling your fingers in her hair, reveling in the closeness of your skin. Held up by her strong arms, the muscles in her biceps flex by your head.

"Hold on tight princes," Abby whispers into your ear, nipping at the skin.

Her thrusts start slow and languid, drawing out loud moans at each bury inside you. Your moans only get louder as her Hips snap back into yours at a near brutal pace, relishing in the wet sound of skin on skin. Abby examines your fucked out state of bouncing breasts, loud breathy moans and profanity.

"Fuck Abby fuck ABBY fuckfuckfuck my alpha fuck my alpha," you moan out, whining at the feeling of her cock stretching your walls to a beautiful feeling.

"Markmemarkmeplease baby breed me please baby please," you whine out, surprising Abby at your vulgar confession.

"Yeah baby? Fuck you'resofuckingwet, you take my cock so good baby you want my pups baby? Want me to breed you like a good puppy?" Abby moans, as the slap of wet skin fills the room.

"I bet you'd like me to breed you, huh baby?" Your fucked out smile gives her the answer she needs. "Yes abby please baby breed me please don't stop," you whine.

"Dirty girl, I knew you'd like that," Abby seethes as she bites your neck, sweat on her brow.

"You wanna be all round and fuckin full for me?"

"please Abby please baby yes yes yes!" you exhale a loud moan from your chest, as she leans forward to kiss you hungrily.

In a fast motion, she flips you on your belly, arching your back and pressing your cheek into the soft mattress. Your ass on display as she spreads you to see the slick drip down your thighs. You shake your ass slowly, all shame gone, wanting to be bred like a bitch in heat.

Her hands find your hips again, fucking into your cunt immediately like the world was ending. Muffled moans and screams come from your lips, Abby moaning at your soaking pussy sucking her in and milking her cock for all it was worth. Listening to your moans go up in pitch and your cunt get tighter and tighter told Abby you were so close to coming.

"You'gon come for me baby? Come all over my cock baby, c'mon you can do it. Cream all over my cock my good puppy," she rushes out, hands pulling you back to bounce on her dick.

"Fuck-ff-fuckfuck Abby I'm gon come 'my god I'm gonna come," your legs shake and let your orgasm push Abby into hers. Abby grabs your stretched out hand and squeezes it, to ground you. White hot pleasure consumes you and the heartbeat between your legs races.

You yell her name and moan a loud FUCK, drool sticking to the side of your cheek.

But abby wasn't done yet, your pleasure just comes first.

Abby's groans grow higher and higher, as your pussy pulses around her. As she feels you completely tighten around her, Abby's orgasm explodes. She feels her cock swell and a euphoric feeling washes over at the feeling of her breeding you completely full.

"Fuck baby, fuck baby ohgod," Abby moans as she collapses against your sweat drenched skin. You moan back weakly, shivering at her slow kisses up your back.

"You're so beautiful baby, gonna be so beautiful for me," Abby whispers, pulling out slowly to your disappointment.

"Fuck princess look at you," the alpha groaned, skilled fingers pulling your puffy pink lips apart to watch her cum drip out of your overstimulated pussy. You whine again, sensitive to her touch.

She coos, kissing the swell of your ass cheek.

"Come here princess let me hold you," Abby coaxes, slowing moving your body to lay between her legs. She softly kneads your back as you lay, breathing in her scent. Soft kisses to your forehead manage to lull you into a dreamlike state.

"Rest my precious mate, I've got you baby," Abby breathes, wrapping her strong arms around your figure.

Maybe falling in love with an alpha isn't hard after all.

[swissmissficrecs]

A-Z Johnlock Tropes

This time it's all the tropes in my favorite fics! Limited to one fic per author, and I tried to include other authors than on my A-Z classics list.

A lternate Universe(s) - A Vintage Exceptionally to Your Liking by EmmyAngua (95K, E): A love story across alternate dimensions.

B DSM - Shames and Praises by s0mmerspr0ssen (51K, E): D/s AU with Dom!John / sub!Sherlock.

C rossover - More Things Than Are Dreamt Of by 1electricpirate (37K, M-E): HP crossover with Wizard!John / Muggle!Sherlock.

D omesticity - Where Else Would I Be? by cwb (34K, E): Retirement in Sussex with flashbacks.

E stablished Relationship - Breakable Not Broken by MissDavis (227K, E): Dealing with permanent injury together.

F uture - Software Malfunction by tiger_in_the_flightdeck (16K, E): Sherlock is a Companion android with a malfunction.

G en - The Green Blade by verityburns (72K, T): Serial killer casefic.

H istorical - The Beast of Baskerville by Mildredandbobbin (74K, E): 15th Century/fairy tale AU.

I llness - On Pins and Needles by 7PercentSolution, J_Baillier (588K, G-E): Sherlock contracts Guillain-Barré syndrome.

J ealousy - White Knight by DiscordantWords (69K, M): Sherlock fakes a relationship with Janine, to John's distress.

K idfic - Intentions by KeelieThompson1 (216K, G-M): Sherlock discovers he is the father of 10-year-old John.

L ongfic - Sketchy by serpentynka (876K, E): Johnlock and Mycroft/OMC slow-burn casefic(s).

M agical Realism - Shatter the Darkness (Let the Light In) by MojoFlower (109K, E): Sherlock is a djinn.

N SFW - The Great Sex Olympics of 221B by XistentialAngst (58K, E): Sherlock and John compete to see who's better at sex.

O megaverse - The Illusion of Control by starrysummernights (253K, E): Alpha!Sherlock / Omega!Johnwith mpreg.

P arentlock - The James Holmes Chronicles by prettyvk (338K, T-E): Sherlock and John raise Moriarty's son.

Q ueer Representation - The Adventure of the Consulting Woman by DancingGrimm (56K, E): Trans character assists in a case.

R etirement - Through the Clouds by Mazarin221b (20K, E): Sherlock and John retire to Sussex.

S oulmates - Colors by Quesarasara (140K, E): When you meet your soulmate, you finally see the world in color.

T eenlock - The Frost is All Over by Chryse (148K, E): 19th-century AU, Sherlock is an Earl's son and John is a commoner.

U ndercover - Corpus Hominis by mycapeisplaid (47K, E): Posing as a couple at a spa retreat.

V ampires - Bleed Me Out by antietamfalls (87K, E): Vampire!Sherlock with whump, hurt/comfort, and fluff.

W hump - All the Best and Brightest Creatures by wordstrings (188K, E): Moriarty is back and out for blood.

X enomorphism - Names for the Galaxy by evadne (191K, E): 22nd-century Alien!Sherlock.

Y enta* - May Your Heart Purr Like A Bumblebee by destinationtoast (14K, M): Harry helps Johnlock happen.

Z oomorphism** - The Horse and His Doctor by khorazir (128K, T): Vet!John and Horse!Sherlock.

*Used here to mean a female character playing matchmaker. Y-word tropes are hard, you guys!

**Not sure this is technically correct, but I'm using it here to mean fics in which a character has animal form. Z-word fanfic tropes are also hard and I already used zombies on my previous list!

[jacaranda-bloom]

THE LOST LIST FIC REC

I recently came across a list of fave fics that I thought I’d lost. It’s from years ago when I first started reading fic and I’ve been going on a wonderful trip down memory lane re-reading them all, so I thought I'd share 20 of them with you.

Some of these were well-read at the time they were posted, but haven’t been making it onto more recent rec lists. Some are tropes that aren’t as popular anymore. And some of them are pretty obscure with low readership, but each one holds a special place in my fic journey.

Hope you find something new and enjoyable, or get to revisit an old fave xx

*Please ensure you read the tags and author's notes for all fics.

(quiet like a fight) fingers laced together | decadent | E | 17k

Louis is a kitten hybrid in a cruel world. Harry's family is worried he's lonely and buys him Louis as a companion. Or the one where it's a whole new world for them both.

infinitely all for me | swallowsmateforlife | E | 10k

The Alpha Louis has been betrothed to since he was 14 finally comes of age and Louis is delivered to his home. Or the one where they figure it all out.

No Turbulence Please | wetdandelions | E | 5k

It's just Harry's luck that his rut hits right before his concert when he's stuck on an plane where his best friend is the only omega. Or the one where Louis doesn't mind helping Harry out.

trusting things beyond mistake | sarcasticfluentry | E | 10k

Harry wants to see if he can come without touching his cock, but things don't go as he'd planned. Louis, his flatmate, comes home and finds him in a compromising position. Or the one where Harry ends up getting more than he bargained for.

river flows in you | sarcasticfluentry | E | 10k

Louis goes into heat early and part of their tour gets rescheduled. Or the one where Harry fucks him through it.

Make Tea, Not War | howdoyouwhisk | E | 21k

"Is he the messiest?" "Yes." "Does he do the washing up?" "Never." "Does he make his bed?" "Never." "Hopeless, hopeless flatmate. Would you rather be with one of these guys?" "Nope!" Or the one where Louis attempts to become a better flatmate, much to Harry's dismay.

let me make a thing of cream and stars | missandrogyny | E | 25k

Louis and Nick host the most popular show on BBC Radio 1. The audience loves their shenanigans, which is why Louis is currently trying to interview singer (and frequent star of his sexual fantasies) Harry Styles, while Harry planks over him. Or the one where Harry is a rock star who is infatuated with Louis' bum, among other things.

you burn with the brightest flame | sarcasticfluentry | E | 34k

Harry and Niall are betas, Louis and Zayn are omegas, and Liam is an alpha. At least Harry thought he was a beta. When Louis goes into heat in the X Factor House, everything Harry thought he knew is turned upside down. Or the one where everyone gets more than bargained for.

Always Come Back To You | whoknows | E | 29k

Three years after 1D split the hysteria has died down somewhat. People don't care as much when Harry and Louis catch up for lunch, like good friends do. But when Louis publicly comes out and says he has a boyfriend (which he doesn't), he's naturally expected to present this mysterious boyfriend when he shows up to an LGBTQ+ charity event. Or the one where Harry volunteers to be Louis' pretend boyfriend and there might be a lot less pretending than either of them expected.

Unraveling | D1ona30 | E | 10k

Louis' birthday wish comes true. Cue the chaos. Or the one where Harry can read Louis' mind.

led by your beating heart | missandrogyny | E | 34k

He should delete. He should really delete the number. He and Louis shared nothing but brief small talk in the bathroom, nothing significant, nothing worth risking his career over. The smart move here is to just delete, forget about 'Cute Lou from the Loo' and move on. Of course, Harry hits call. Or the one where Harry's in One Direction, Louis isn't, and they reconnect over a game of 'Call or Delete'.

In Dreams | dolce_piccante | E | 24k

When Harry moves to a new city, his new flat comes with a number of sweet, anonymous gifts and surprises that brighten his days. Could it be a friendly ghost? Another friendly presence in his new building is his tattooed neighbour, Louis, who seems determined to put a smile back on his face. Or the one where Harry's a teacher, Louis is a tattoo artist, and being neighbourly takes on a whole new meaning.

Special Topping | LoadedGunn | E | 13k

'Who would even want so many pizzas so late at night?' Harry wonders before the door opens. Oh. Apparently short guys with shaggy brown hair and a scruff and bright blue eyes and heart-stopping smiles. That's who. Or the one where Harry delivers pizza, fashion student Louis creates chaos in his flat, and it's totally inevitable that Harry finds himself drawn into the middle of it all.

One Day To Believe In You | mediaville | E | 8k

Harry blinks and has the nerve to look surprised. "You think about me when you get off?" "Yes," Louis says. He wonders how hard he'd need to punch himself in the face to knock himself out. "Often?" "Yes, Christ, Harry," Louis groans. "Probably eight times a week for going on six years now. On average, you know. More when we were touring, less when I've been visiting family. Anything else you'd like to know?" Or the one where Louis can't lie.

Is This Seat Taken? | Lainy122 | E | 36k

A borrowed suit from Zayn, a cigarette and the right attitude, and Louis went from security breach to misplaced celebrity instantly. He could practically see the wheels in the security guy’s head switch from ‘could be dangerous’ to ‘could get me fired’. L.A was so predictable. Or the one where Louis poses as a seat-filler and Harry is a superstar at the event he sneaks into.

Breathe Me | elsi_bee | E | 26k

Louis is forced to attend a week long meditation retreat. The meditation coach is not quite what he was expecting. Or the one where Louis and Liam are songwriters, Harry might be a giant hippie, Niall plays guitar, and Zayn is dark and mysterious.

Make A Run, Cause Some Rebellion | whoknows | E | 9k

As a general rule, kitten hybrids are small and disinterested in what other people want them to do, slightly evil and at least a little manipulative. Louis prides himself on being all of those things to varying degrees. Or the one where Louis lives with Liam, Harry is Liam's annoying hipster friend who Louis can't stand, and there's a fine line between love and hate.

Foolishly, Completely Falling | dea_liberty | E | 8k

Now that he’s actually gone and done it, there seems to be no way of going back - no rinse and repeat, no ctrl+alt+del, no abort button, no help to be had. He’s fallen into a black hole and he cannot seem to find a way out. The black hole is also known as Tumblr. More specifically, it’s known as Tumblr’s Larry Stylinson tag. Or the one where Louis becomes a Larry shipper by accident.

Hiding Out In The Kitchen | LittleMousling | E | 28k

Harry's in an internationally famous boyband with his three best mates, he gets laid on a pretty regular basis, and he's headed to Australia in a week. He doesn't need anything else in his busy life, and he certainly doesn't need a boyfriend. Or the one where Harry likes coffee, Louis works in a coffee shop, and maybe having a boyfriend wouldn't actually be a bad thing at all.

Hate Me To The Moon | harrystylesandstuff | E | 84k

The last thing Harry wanted was to spend his entire summer stuck with his dad's new fiancée and her kids, especially when he learns she's a very religious dictator, raising a sixteen year old nun and a clean cut potential priest ass kisser. That is until Harry finds out his future step-brother is actually the rude stranger he caught sucking off a guy in a pub. Or the one where Harry is a sexy nerd, Louis is a great actor, and they both pretend to hate each other's guts to convince themselves they're not feeling things future step-brothers shouldn't feel.

Hope you find something to enjoy!

[driftsart]

could we get a backstory on your soundwave if They do have one?

Sure!

Soundwave was "born" in Iacon and lived with his father Soundblaster. Soundwave barely remembers anything about his father, but most of the remaining memories are of his father rebelling against the higher ups, and him telling Soundwave about the harsh reality of Cybertron. His last memory of him is that of his father being taken away, after that moment, Soundwave was on his own.

Soundwave later began his job, working as Senator Ratbat's assistant. Senator Ratbat was a egoistical narcissistic and selfish senator, who barely bothered to care for his assistants. He was well respected amongst the rest in cybertronian government, but Soundwave despised him with every fiber of his being.

Soundwave would often come up with solutions to many of cybertron's biggest problems, and would ask Senator Ratbat to share them, in hopes of creating a better and equal Cybertron. Ratbat refused to even read the solutions, and would remind Soundwave that he was just a mere assistant, and to know his place.

Later on in his work, he stumbled across Shockwave, a young loner senator who's mind was always somewhere else.

Soundwave and Shockwave quickly became good friends, and Soundwave decided to share his ideas with Shockwave. Unlike Ratbat, Shockwave was a much less respected senator, most senators looked down upon him because of his weaknesses, including his obsessions with science, his tendency to lose focus on his job, or how he was always in a day dreamy trance while working. Although he tried to share Soundwave's ideas, no one would bother to pay attention to him.

After years of going unheard, Soundwave became tired of being treated as someone unimportant. After being dismissed by Ratbat yet again, Soundwave, angered, violently ended Ratbat's life, and attempted to escape, only to be found and captured.

As a punishment, Soundwave was sentenced to the gladiator pits of Kaon, where he would serve until fans payed enough money to buy his freedom. In the pits, Soundwave met Megatron, who at the time was nameless, D-16. He'd escaped the mines only to be caught and sent here. Soundwave quickly felt pity towards Megatron, and they became great friends, Soundwave being there to defend him, since D-16 didn't know how to fight at all. In the pits, Soundwave became more and more violent, his ideas for a better Cybertron included getting rid of higher ups in a violent way. D-16 was always there however to drive him away from those thoughts, even to this day.

After both left the gladiator arena, he offered Megatron the option of taking him to live in Iacon, where Soundwave met up with Shockwave again, and met Orion Pax, a new friend of Shockwave's. Soundwave never got too attached to Orion, especially since Orion was Alpha Trion's adoptive son, and Soundwave had grown to hate Primes. His distance with Orion grew even more when he found out that Orion was to become the next prime after Sentinel, who Soundwave despised the most. Tension between Orion and Soundwave grew more and more afterwards.

When the war started, Megatron originally wanted Soundwave to become the leader, but Soundwave refused and instead offered to be his most loyal sidekick and friend, keeping an eye on anyone who tried to harm him.

How he got the cassettes/companions

Ravage: not a cassette, but Soundwave's companion. Soundwave found Ravage in one of cybertron's many dumps (trash is disposed of by either burning or shooting it up into one of cybertron's moons, since some wild inhabitants like scraplets use it as a form of food). Ravage was a damaged battle robo-cat, which were used as entertainment or for soldiers, Soundwave rescued him before he was disposed of. He's been extremely loyal to Soundwave, and later on becomes the decepticon mascot, and currently lives a quiet life mostly inside the decepticon's ship after years of service alongside the decepticons.

Rumble and Frenzy: around mid way into the war, Soundwave visited one of Cybertron's wrecked and abandoned cities, where two abandoned little mini bots were found. Soundwave pitied them and took the baby bots in.

Lazerbeak: Lazerbeak was a wild Robo-bird who was used for experiments in one of cybertron's many harsh labs. Soundwave found the him in a wrecked lab where Lazerbeak was trapped in one of the many cages. He was the only one to survive out of the other test subjects in that wrecked lab. Soundwave quickly took him in and cared for him. Lazerbeak has been a very loyal sidekick and works as a spy.

[navybrat817]

Heat Inducing

Pairing: Alpha!Steve Rogers x Omega!Female Reader Summary: Steve gets what he wants by any means necessary. Word Count: Over 400 Warnings: Implied noncon, dark themes, a/b/o dynamics, implied forced bond, fighting, light choking, could be considered drugging, Steve Rogers (he's a warning, okay?) A/N: For @cockslutpadalecki 's Fifteen Sentence Challenge (prompt in bold) and can be considered a companion piece to Bucky's First and Last.❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Header by yours truly. Banner by the lovely @sgt-seabass and divider by the wonderful @firefly-graphics. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

One day, you would come to accept that Steve Rogers was stronger, faster, and more determined than you would ever be, but it would only happen with you kicking and screaming along the way. You should’ve known the alpha only asked you into his office once most of the other agents left so he could get you alone, like he intended to from the moment he decided you would be his mate. You managed to get a lucky punch in before he knocked you to the floor and straddled you, shoving a shiny, red pill into your mouth before his massive hand covered it and forced you to swallow.

You didn’t know it yet, but it wouldn’t be the only thing forced down your throat today by the time he was done with you.

Unshed tears burned your eyes as he finally let you breathe, coughing and gulping in air as you wished you could throw up the offending, heat inducing capsule. Life wasn’t easy or kind to omegas and you weren’t foolish enough to think anyone would help you should yell for it. Because who would stand up to Captain America, the very hero who helps everyone?

Steve caught your fist when you thrashed beneath him, squeezing hard enough to remind you that he could turn your bones to dust if he wished. Instead of looking angry like most alphas would at the attempt to not submit and get away, he smirked.

You froze momentarily when he leaned down and whispered proudly, “Bucky’s omega was a fighter, too, but he got her in the end thanks to me."

You hissed and shouted an impressive string of obscenities as he tore your clothes away, your body growing warmer with each passing second and your will to fight slowly starting to fade. The hand suddenly around your throat cut off your next insult and you half expected the alpha to make a remark about your language or how he'd wash your mouth out.

But he surprised you by releasing you and stating with a smile, “I don’t care if it takes all night, you will submit."

A bitter laugh escaped your lips before you said, “I will never willingly submit to you, Steve Rogers.”

As he flipped you onto your stomach with a growl, you stared at the door just a few feet away and knew you would never taste freedom again.

So, that happened. Hehe. Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Steve Rogers Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[missalenkos]

Today, I was rewatching The Hunger Games and watching the love triangle between Peeta, Katniss and Gale got me thinking of the last lines of Mockingjay and one of the main reasons I love Shenko so much (yeah, there's a connection, I promise).

"On the night I feel that thing again, the hunger that overtook me on the beach, I know this would have happened anyway. That what I need to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself".

There are loads of differences between the situations and characters, I know that. I also know Shepards can be different personality-wise depending on the background we choose, if we tend more to paragon or renegade and so on. However, I still think they all share the fact that there's a huge responsibility on their shoulders and that they all will do whatever it takes to end the Reapers. Yeah, Paragon/Renegade Shepard will have different ways of going about that but, despite what our personal headcanons might be, the truth is that in-game, all Shepards end up working for Cerberus and destroying the Alpha Relay because that's what they think they NEED to do. We also talk a lot in fandom about how Shepard seems (maybe unknowingly) almost suicidal in the sense that they will throw themselves almost blindingly into anything because, again, that's what they NEED to do.

And, of course, it couldn't be any other way, because as Anderson says in the opening scene of ME1, that's the only kind of person that can protect the galaxy.

However, although they are special, the people surrounding them are almost as equally important and while, yes, it's great and necessary to have all kind of friends and companions, what they really need is a cornerstone, someone to hold the kite so they won't drift too far away, someone who can contain their fire so they won't end up burning. Being that cornerstone is not easy, because, sometimes it will mean saying "yes, let's freaking steal the Normandy" and "let's go on a crazy adventure", but sometimes it will also mean asking the hard questions, calling them on their bullshit or saying "lets stay home for dinner (because you need to get some actual rest)".

And that's Kaidan. No one could be that cornerstone better than him because he's thoughtful, caring, gentle, capable, straight forward but ready to own his mistakes, has himself already sorted out and has his own moral compass.

People like to hate him for this, but I'm 100% convinced that it's actually what Shepard needs in the long-run.

Actually, he's the only companion that was hand-picked by Anderson, and I'm sure he knew exactly what he was doing there by having him in the same crew as Shepard.

And, well, that's it. Just another reason to love our canadian biotic brought to you by Katniss Everdeen 🤷🏻‍♀️

[whatifitookalilnap]

I Burn For You

Chapter 1: Anything Can Happen

(Pairing: Korra x Asami)

(The Bridgerton au is officially here. Okay fair warning this is OMEGAVERSE so if that's not your thing it'd probably be best to skip this bad boy. However I will say that there is some major plot in this fic, omegaverse is just an addition. This fic includes Alpha Asami and Omega Korra because I like to be different. I'm going to try to make the dialogue Bridgerton ish mainly because I want everyone to yell 'make haste' and I wanted to challenge myself. In this au bending exists but the Avatar does not so Korra is a normal waterbender. Their social season is in Caldera (Rich people Fire Nation Capitol) instead of London like the show. As per usual the ao3 link will be posted right after this. Apparently I forgot to post this on tumblr so I feel a tad insane now?? Anywho please enjoy!)

"All I am saying is that there is no reason for my breasts to be touching my chin. Whoever decided this is the design necessary for women in high society despised us all," Korra grumbled.

"You may not be wrong, but I beg of you to keep your complaints about society to a minimum. I have enough to worry about this season," Jinora sighed.

"Yes, yes, I am well aware. I'll strike you a deal. While we are in Caldera, I will limit myself to one complaint about high society per day," Korra offered.

Jinora seemed to consider this proposal before nodding her agreement. Korra knew she'd see things her way.

"I accept your terms," the airbender agreed.

"Notice that we are not in Caldera yet, therefore I am still allowed to complain. I do wish they could have just let us fly in. I don't think I'll ever get used to travel by carriage," Korra frowned as the whole carriage jolted from yet another bump in the road.

"That is another very good point. I am unable to get used to riding by carriage myself. I miss Pepper terribly and it's only been a few days," Jinora pouted.

"I wish for nothing more than to have my polar bear dog with me. Naga is very likely going absolutely ballistic right about now. She can not stand confined faces," Korra sighed.

Unfortunately, one of the many rules of the social season is that all debutantes must arrive in carriages. The animal companions have to arrive in Caldera by ship. Thankfully the ship should arrive two days after the first ball season, which is tomorrow. They will be reunited with their animal companions soon enough.

Korra poked her head out of the window in the carriage to get a quick view of the scenery. They were starting to see a couple of small buildings, so they had to be getting close to their destination. She had to admit, it's a beautiful day out. Rare is the opportunity that Korra isn't completely surrounded by the harsh chill of the Southern Water Tribe. She may as well soak it all in while she can.

As Korra was starting to get lost in her own head, she heard a quiet sniffle. The waterbender quickly leaned back into the carriage to see the woman right in front of her tearing up for what felt like the hundredth time since they left the South Pole. Korra moved from her side of the carriage to sit right next to Jinora. The waterbender very quickly wrapped her arms around her dear friend.

"I understand how worried you are over Pema, but I beg of you to remember that she is doing much better than she was last year. She's eating solids again, she can stand, and she's been staying awake for much longer now. They predict she'll make a full recovery by the end of the year. If something happens, your father will write. Do not worry yourself over things you have no control over," Korra insisted.

Jinora leaned her head against Korra's shoulder and took in a deep breath. The waterbender sighed and rested her own head on top of Jinora's. Even if she's trying to comfort her friend, Korra's also been rather worried over Pema's condition.

"I never imagined that she would fall ill the year I'm supposed to make my debut into society. Do you not think it is a bad sign of some sort?" Jinora desperately asked.

"I think that you are thinking far too much. She is recovering. I urge you to focus on the positives," Korra insisted.

"I suppose you are right. I wish she was here with us," Jinora sighed.

"As do I," Korra agreed.

Truthfully, Korra's not even supposed to be here whatsoever. If Pema hadn't gotten sick, she'd still be back in the Southern Water Tribe. Though she and Tenzin insisted Jinora debut into society this year, they knew they'd be unable to chaperone. Korra had been more than happy to step in their place when asked her to.

While Korra is trying to think of anything else that could comfort her, the carriage suddenly lurched forward. Korra quickly grabbed onto Jinora to prevent them both from slamming their face into the seat right across from them.

Korra quickly stuck her head out the window in order to inspect whatever the hell was going on here. The footmen immediately hopped out of the carriage to inspect the damage.

"Spirits, I nearly got a concussion! Are you alright?" Korra worriedly asked her friend.

"Yes, I am fine. Are you?" Jinora frowned.

"I am quite alright, thank you," Korra breathed out while trying to calm her beating heart.

The footmen were thankfully able to steady the carriage, but now the issue is what the hell is happening and whether it can be fixed. It is so Korra's luck for the damn carriage to break down miles before reaching their destination.

To add even more stress, an unfamiliar scent reached Korra's nose which unfortunately signaled that they are being approached by a complete stranger. Damn, it was an alpha too. Korra could hear a voice speak, but the words were hard to make out. Then she-oh sweet spirits the voice is getting closer.

The fact that the voice came along with an unknown alpha scent is so close to where Jinora is made Korra spring into action. Her inner omega is incredibly protective, to the surprise of absolutely no one. Korra bent the water from her water skin into a sharp icicle. She saw a figure she didn't recognize at the window and that is when she decided to strike. Then very similarly to the way one would wield a knife, Korra pressed the sharp tip of ice out the window and into the unknown woman's neck.

"State your business at once," Korra hissed.

Korra almost gasped out loud when she saw exactly who she's pointing the icicle at. The woman she's about three centimeters away from killing is undeniably gorgeous. Bright green eyes stared right back at Korra with shock in her eyes while her silky black hair is tied up out of her face. The dress she's wearing is simple but clearly is made from expensive fabric. Even her scent is still pleasant despite the fact that there's an icicle pressed against her.

"I simply noticed your wheel had fallen off. I have a spare and the ability to replace it myself. Unless, of course, you choose to follow through with puncturing my neck with that icicle. While I may be a biased party, I would strongly advise against it. If I am stabbed, that would mean neither of us will be moving quickly for quite some time," the alpha woman calmly told her.

The waterbender looked down to see the woman does, in fact, have the exact wheel this carriage needs to start working again. So, admittedly, Korra was just a little bit too hasty with her whole stabbing agenda. She quickly transformed the icicle back into water and gave the stranger a very awkward smile.

"My apologies, I tend to get rather on edge when we travel alone," Korra awkwardly admitted.

"No need to apologize, I find a surprise attack to be rather exciting. Truly, you made my entire day," the woman grinned.

Spirits, she has a beautiful smile. Korra coughed into her hand in an attempt to hide the blush she knew was overtaking her face.

"Come on Jinora, let us get out of here so that our carriage can get fixed at once," Korra demanded.

Korra quickly hopped out of the carriage with Jinora in tow. The stranger was already on her knees to start fixing up the wheel. That certainly surprised Korra given how the dress the alpha is wearing is not cheap. The dress is already getting dirty but this very obviously rich woman is paying no mind to it. Korra assumed she was going to have one of her servants do the dirty work.

"I would like to thank you for assisting us with the wheel. We certainly would have been stranded without your help. My name is Jinora, and the one with murderous tendencies is Korra. Who might you be?" Jinora giggled. Korra scowled and shoved her elbow into her friend's stomach while the stranger let out a quick laugh.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Asami," the woman told them.

"Is it correct of me to assume you are going into Caldera for the upcoming social season?" Jinora asked curiously.

Judging by the clothes, the carriage she just stepped out, and the very expensive tools laying at her side, all signs pointed to yes.

"That I am. I take it you ladies are going as well to try your hand in the marriage mart?" the woman inquired.

"It will be my first season, yes. I am quite excited," Jinora smiled.

"I wish you the best of luck. And you?" Asami asked, now looking directly at Korra.

"Oh goodness no, I am far too old for that. I am merely Jinora's designated chaperone for the season. I am to return to the Southern Water Tribe the moment she is married anyhow," Korra snorted.

"Now I am worried the marriage prospects are rather bleak for me, given that we appear to be the same age. Just how old are you?" Asami asked.

"Well firstly, it is frowned upon to ask an omega their age. Second, I'm seven of twenty," Korra told her.

"If you are too old then I must have one foot in the grave. I turned eight of twenty but a month ago," Asami laughed.

"You are an alpha, you will be perfectly fine. That courtesy does not extend towards omegas like myself. I have readily embraced the spinster lifestyle," Korra joked.

That's just the way society is, and not just among nobility. Female omegas, male omegas, and female betas all got the short end of the stick because they can bare children. It's completely ridiculous, but that is how this insane world works.

"Ah, those utterly archaic rules never made much sense to me. It is not like omegas or female betas have a shorter life expectancy than the rest of the world," Asami scoffed.

"I could not agree more! What about you? Will you be trying your hand in the marriage mart this season?" Jinora asked while shooting glances at Korra. The hell is she staring at?

"Oh I doubt it. So many of my friends give me grief for it, but I prefer to marry for love instead of financially beneficial reasons," Asami explained.

"It makes perfect sense in my opinion. There is not much of a point in settling when you do not have to," Korra shrugged. Asami glanced at her before giving the waterbender a small grin.

"Precisely," Asami nodded.

There was a moment of silence, and Korra hoped conversing with this beautiful, kind, and interesting stranger would be over. She is still rather on edge to speak to people she does not know, no matter how attractive they are. Like always, Korra did not get what she wanted.

"You mentioned you are Jinora's designated chaperone this season? I do not believe I have seen you around the ton before. What are your familial ties here?" Asami asked lightly.

Granted, this is a fair question, one that Korra imagines she will be asked quite a bit in the upcoming weeks. Given that designated chaperones to the debutantes must have some biological noble relation, it makes sense that she would be curious. It's not like Korra's ever been seen in the ton before.

"You would not have. My parents pulled away from society years before I was born. My uncle is Lord Unalaq," Korra told her.

"The baron? Father of twins, one boy one girl?" Asami asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yes, that would be one," Korra unfortunately admitted.

"My condolences," Asami told her with a sympathetic smile.

Korra threw her head back and laughed. Asami grinned at the reaction, probably grateful she took the jab against her uncle well. Clearly, her uncle has not changed since they last saw each other.

"So you two have met," Korra grinned.

"Oh yes. I have done business with the man on several occasions," Asami nodded.

"Out of the two of us, I think you are the one who suffers the most by his hand. It is very easy to be his niece when we live on opposite sides of the world," Korra smirked.

"Yes, he is an acquired taste. Though I will say, the man is an excellent waterbender. It clearly runs in the family," Asami said with a teasing smile aimed at Korra.

A light blush painted her face at the reminder. Man, she really needs to work on that whole lunging first instinct.

"I really am quite sorry about that. And I do appreciate you being so willing to help us after my, you know, attempt on your life," Korra awkwardly sighed.

"I assure you, I am only teasing. Like I said, I found it quite exhilarating. I do not think my heart has ever beat that fast in my entire life," Asami laughed.

"I believe we may have two very different definitions of exhilarating," Korra smirked.

It really is quite relieving to know that the alpha really didn't seem too bothered over her near death experience. As Asami continued to work on the carriage, Korra found conversation between them to be more and more natural as time went on. It only felt like a split second had passed by when Asami stood up and proudly announced the carriage had been fixed.

"How much does that wheel cost? I should have enough to pay you back in full," Korra said while already moving to get her coins.

"Please, keep your money. I do not wish to take anything from you," Asami said while shaking her head.

"Are you sure I can not give you any money? You should get some form of payment for your troubles," Korra insisted.

"The knowledge that I helped a beautiful lady such as yourself to get to your destination safely is all the payment I need," Asami grinned.

Oh, Korra couldn't help it, she had no choice but to laugh. The alpha's smile only widened upon seeing Korra's reaction. Noble women are so damn dramatic.

"My, that was a good one. I would suggest writing it down," Korra giggled.

"I do hope we will meet again, Miss Korra," Asami smiled.

"For the sake of your health, it would probably be best if we did not," Korra laughed as she stepped into the carriage after Jinora.

The coachmen ushered them all out of there once the footman closed the door behind her. Korra turned to face Jinora and a very coy smile greeted her. The waterbender immediately became defensive and crossed her arms. She did not like the look Jinora is giving her.

"That woman was positively smitten over you," Jinora grinned.

Korra's cheeks took on a small shade of red despite her very intense eye roll.

"Please, she was just friendly," Korra scoffed.

"No no, she was friendly with me. You were an entirely different story," Jinora said.

"What could you possibly mean by that?" Korra sighed.

"She kept asking questions about you the entire time she was fixing the carriage. The woman only acknowledged my presence enough to be considered polite but she could not stop talking to you. Her attraction to you simply could not be more obvious," Jinora insisted.

"You must stop reading those romance novels. They are utterly ruining your perception of reality," the waterbender scoffed.

"Just because you are the blindest woman on the planet does not mean I am," Jinora smirked.

Korra closed her eyes and put her hands over her ears. You know, like a mature and responsible adult.

"La la la la I can not hear you," Korra childishly yelled.

"You are impossible!" Jinora laughed as she lightly shoved Korra.

The waterbender fought back a smile at seeing Jinora act all giddy again. She supposes it's not so bad to be the butt of the joke if it gets Jinora's mind off of worrying over Pema. The things Korra does for family.

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

"We have arrived, ma'am. We shall wait here until you two are finished," the footmen said.

"Thank you, we should not be here longer than thirty minutes," Korra told the footmen with a polite smile.

With that, the two girls took off into the ton in Caldera. The place is bustling, as she expected it to be. Everyone's trying to get last minute items to show out for the first ball of the season so tensions are certainly high. Korra and Jinora had a bit of a different mission in mind.

They're currently on the hunt for a new quill and some ink. Aunt Kya loves collecting them so the duo decided it would be a nice thank you gift for allowing them to stay at her house for the season. Given the rather tragic circumstances that's fallen upon her as of late, Korra and Jinora only hope it can give Kya a bit of happiness.

"By the spirits, it can not be. Korra? Jinora? Could it really be you?" a voice called out.

Both named women turned around to see the faces of two men she thought she'd never see again. There stood Mako and Bolin in the flesh. They looked incredibly well too. The alpha brothers are adorned in fine suits where even the buttons look expensive. Now how in the hell did they find the money for that?

"I can not believe it! You two are truly here!" Bolin yelled before sweeping the two girls up into a big hug.

The two of them immediately wrapped their arms around the alpha man that pulled them into an embrace.

"Mako! Bolin! Oh, we were worried sick about you two! What on earth happened to you two? And where on Earth did you get those clothes?" Korra exclaimed as she pulled back from the hug.

"That is a story for another time. There is a terrible gossip monger here in Caldera known as Lady Whistedown. Let us just say it is best if that particular story did not get out. As for our new found riches, as it would turn out, I am the oldest alpha relative of an earl who passed away some time ago," Mako sighed.

"Earl Mako. I quite like that," Jinora giggled.

"And is there a reason why my best friend in the entire world is not embracing me after not seeing me for the past six years? What, you are simply too above me now that you have a title?" Korra teased with a raised eyebrow.

"I am a man of title who is unmarried. I do not wish to leave either of you in a compromising position," Mako explained.

Korra does appreciate the thought, especially with Jinora being on the marriage mart. Her, on the other hand!

"Oh please, I am a spinster! An old maid, if you will! I am getting my damn hug whether you like it or not!" the waterbender grinned as she readily embraced him.

"You are anything but an old maid, Korra," Mako laughed while returning the hug.

"That is what I keep trying to tell her. She is not one to listen to others," Jinora dramatically sighed.

"Are you two terribly busy? We simply must catch up if you have the time," Bolin insisted.

"We are looking for a gift for our aunt. I urge you boys to join us," Korra smiled.

The brothers nodded and tagged along on their little adventure. During this stroll, Korra learned that Bolin had managed to marry into one of the most influential families in their entire ton. Not only that, but he managed to get himself a love match. To top it all off, his wife is currently in her third trimester with their first child.

Mako, on the other hand, has been working tirelessly managing his estate as an earl. It really doesn't surprise Korra that the man is still single. He's always found romance and marriage rather trivial.

Korra could not be happier for them. She knew Bolin always wanted to find the love of his life and raise a family of his own. Not only did his dreams come true, but he's able to accomplish it while being wealthy.

Even with Mako unmarried, she is very happy for him as well. He has always been agonizing over providing for his brother and making sure he has everything he needs. His struggle for money has always been his biggest stressor in life. As an earl, he finally knows comfort. If anyone has ever deserved such a title, it's Mako.

By the spirits, she had been worried about these boys. Back when Korra was one of twenty, the two of them disappeared with absolutely zero explanation. No warning, no note, they simply left their home one day without trace. For years, Korra had feared the worst. She's never been happier to be wrong in her entire life.

Once they got Kya's gift, the boys escorted them back to their carriage. Unfortunately, Bolin and his wife would not be able to attend the first ball of the season due to the fact that she has a minor cold. While it's nothing serious, given her heavily pregnant condition, it's best for her health and the baby's for her to rest until she's fully recovered. Mako will thankfully be in attendance, so Korra will not have to face the storm alone. The boys helped Korra and Jinora into their carriage and gave them a final wave goodbye.

Kya's home was a mere few minutes away from the bustle of all the shops in Caldera. Korra grabbed onto the gift they bought for her and braced herself. She did not know what kind of state their aunt would be in. Jinora shot her a quick look before entering the home of their aunt who looked...perfectly fine?

"It is quite possible it could be my imagination, but does Auntie look a tad, what's the word I'm looking for?" Jinora mumbled.

"The complete opposite of mournful?" Korra offered.

"Yes, I suppose that would be a rather accurate description," Jinora agreed.

Kya seems to be in a wonderful mood. She's excitedly scurrying around the mansion, giving proper feedback for the maids to decorate the house, the woman looked like she was in her element. That wouldn't be considered unusual if Kya's wife hadn't died three months ago.

Given the fact that those two had a love match, Korra and Jinora were worried but understanding that she may not be up for hosting them this year. However, Kya insisted that the girls stay with her for the season. It was only natural to assume Kya was incredibly depressed and needed the company.

Clearly, that theory has been shot.

Kya looks absolutely radiant despite her black dress and onyx jewelry. Both the young omega girls are well aware that Kya always hosts the first ball of the season, so they knew they would be walking into a bit of chaos. They simply hadn't expected Kya to be handling said chaos so well.

Before either girls could even attempt to alert Kya of their presence, one of the maids gestured to the duo standing awkwardly at the entrance. Their aunt immediately lit up and practically sprinted to greet them.

"You girls are truly a sight for sore eyes! Oh, how I have missed you both terribly! If only Ikki could be here, then I would get to spend time with all three of my nieces," Kya wistfully stated.

Both Korra and Jinora accepted the fact that Kya absolutely crushed them in a hug, mainly because they were too shocked to move. Of all the things they were preparing themselves for how Kya would act upon seeing them, this was not on the list.

Korra and Jinora shot each other a look before wrapping their arms around their aunt. She supposes that this is better than wallowing in grief, but it's still rather alarming to see Kya so elated after such a tragedy.

"I simply could not be happier the two of you are here! Oh come in, come in, let us get you girls settled first and foremost. How was the journey here?" Kya asked them.

"It went quite well Auntie. Oh, we got you a little something. Just to say thank you for sponsoring us this season," Jinora smiled while giving the bag with quills and ink.

"Oh, how sweet! You girls didn't have to," Kya insisted.

"We wanted to. We are very grateful, after all," Korra assured her.

"Come, it is almost lunch. We must catch up. I want to know every single thing about your lives since I have last seen you," the older omega told them.

They spent the next couple hours doing just that. It's great catching up with Kya. It honestly feels like ages since she's seen her.

Kya had to leave them to their own devices for a while in order to get more hands on with the set up of the decorations for the ball tomorrow, so Jinora decided to drag her around the mansion to explore. Korra is quite curious to know the ins and the outs of her of the place she will be calling home for the next few months.

As they were making their way to the ballroom, a maid with various pins on a silver platter caught Korra's eye. Upon closer inspection, Korra realized that there are three groups of pins. One with alpha symbol, one with the beta symbol, and one with the omega symbol.

"Jin, do you know what those pins are for?" Korra asked while pointing at the platter.

"Everyone is required to wear the pins for the first ball that correlate with their secondary gender," Jinora told her.

"Interesting. I will simply take one of the beta pins. Oh, perhaps I could swipe one of the alpha ones," Korra pondered.

"You absolutely will not be doing that. Why would you even want to?" Jinora asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It is not like I will be participating in the season. My secondary gender as an omega is no one's concern but my own," Korra huffed.

Korra really does understand why the pins are necessary. It can be difficult to tell who is what secondary gender given the formal attire. People tend to dress according to their primary gender. In other words, all the men wear the fancy suits while all the women wear incredibly uncomfortable dresses regardless of secondary gender.

The main issue arises when it's difficult to identify alpha women or omega men. It certainly doesn't help that balls are in confined spaces packed with dozens of people, allowing scents to intermingle so much so that it's hard to identify who smells like what.

The pins are simply there to identify who is compatible with who. This is mainly to avoid alpha's attempting to court other alphas or omegas trying to catch the eye of other omegas. While pairings with two alphas or two omegas are not impossible, they are incredibly rare.

Usually, omegas can not stand the way other omegas smell in heats and it is very rare for them to even be attracted to another omega scent. It is the exact same situation for alphas. Plus, those two pairings naturally can not end up with biological children so they are frowned upon heavily by society. So sure, Korra understands why the first ball needs to identify who is who.

Point of the matter is that Korra is not participating in the season. Therefore, it is her most sincere belief that she should get to do whatever the hell she wants. It doesn't matter what pin she wears. Not like she's going to be married before the season's over.

Korra was snapped out of her internal musings when Jinora rolled her eyes. The waterbender fought the urge to smack her upside the head for that.

"By the spirits, you make it seem like being an omega is something to be ashamed of with how much you try hiding the fact that you are one," the airbender huffed.

"You know very well that is not what I am trying to imply. Obviously, living life as an omega can and should be done with pride. However, I can not deny I wish I had been born a beta. I envy them greatly," the older omega admitted.

"And just what is so wondrous about betas?" Jinora asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You can not seriously be asking me such a question. A world with no heats? Or ruts? No three weeks of pure agony taken away from me every year? You can simply be in full control of your body at all times? Oh, the things I would do for that life to be my own. Betas are the biological winners of the human race," Korra boldly declared.

"Perhaps, but they certainly are not society's winners," Jinora reminded her.

"I suppose that is true," Korra agreed.

It's rather unfortunate, but many betas desperately wish to be an alpha or omega. Alphas are always the ones with the most money, most control, and most respect. And omegas are the supposed 'ideal' partners for said alphas. The compatibility with their heats and ruts play a major factor into this preference.

While betas do have scents, many of which can be quite pleasant, they always pale in comparison to the scents of alphas or omegas. Plus, they do not have the instinctual animalistic urges like the other secondary genders so it's much more difficult for betas to keep up during ruts or heats.

Some betas want to be the powerful alpha, and others want to be the omega that ends up married to the powerful alpha. Given alphas and omegas heavy preference for each other, betas usually end up with other betas.

"Shame we always seem to want what we can not have," Jinora hummed.

"Unfortunately, that just appears to be a part of the human condition, Jin," Korra pointed out.

"I do understand what you mean about feeling jealous over the simplicity of being a beta. Heats alone are practically unbearable," Jinora sighed.

"They really are. I swear to you if I have to spend one more heat alone, I will have no choice but to knock myself unconscious every time so that I can get a bit of peace," Korra snorted.

"Oh please! And when exactly was the last time you spent your heat alone?" Jinora scoffed.

Korra rolled her eyes at the question. Given the fact that Korra isn't even in a courtship, heat partners are a necessity. She is one of the many unfortunate omegas that have heats so intense that they are in utter agony unless someone is there to help them sexually. It's never anything serious, just someone to keep her content during her heat so that she doesn't actually kill herself from the pain.

Really, it's no big deal. Jinora unfortunately can not benefit from heat partners due to high society's insistence that she must remain a virgin before marriage as an omega. Her heats are rarely worse than Korra's, but it's very obvious they're more intense than most heats tend to be.

"I will have you know I had to spend my last heat alone," Korra pouted.

"What ever happened to Tahno?" Jinora asked.

"The bastard ended up needing to travel north and only told me two days before my heat was set to arrive. The best part is that he knew of the journey for months," Korra scowled.

"How inconsiderate. I never liked that man," Jinora scoffed.

"Me neither," Korra agreed.

"So you simply worked through your heat alone? Must have been the first time in a while," Jinora pointed out.

"Not entirely. I had to take suppressants. I was in too much pain, they were the only things that helped," Korra guiltily told her.

"Honestly, Korra, you know how terrible those things are for your health. They merely weaken your immune system and ruin your fertility," Jinora scolded her as if Korra wasn't already well aware of this information.

"It was only the third time I have ever taken suppressants. I would need to use them much more than that for there to be any lasting impact. If it makes you feel any better, I was cleared by Auntie that nothing changed with me right after my heat," Korra assured her.

"You are just lucky. Come on, let's see what our options are for gowns during the ball tomorrow," Jinora insisted while dragging her away.

Ah yes, gown fitting. Someone kill Korra now.

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

Korra fidgeted uncomfortably with the sleeve of her dress as she stood in line to get into her own damn temporary home. Despite the fact that Jinora and Korra live in the place where the ball resides, only the lady of the house can actually stay inside. Her and Jinora have to stand outside in line with the rest of the attendees.

The waterbender tried not to look so damn uncomfortable in what she wore, but she really can't help it. The dress she's wearing is a light shade of blue with gems sprinkled all over. Her matching tiara, necklace, and earrings matched the dress and were just as sparkly. It didn't suit a spinster like her at all. Korra tried wearing one of the plainer dresses that was just fancy enough to be appropriate for a ball, but Jinora practically shoved this dress on her.

Finally, the line started moving. In an attempt to distract herself, Korra decided to mess with Jinora. It's what the little brat deserves, after all.

"I'm going to wear one of the alpha pins," Korra whispered into her friend's ear.

"See, people like you are exactly why those pins are necessary," the airbender hissed into her ear.

Korra giggled as they reached the woman carrying the platter with all the pins. Before she could even pretend to swipe an alpha pin, Jinora quickly snatched two omega pins before yanking Korra down the steps.

"You are as stern as your father," Korra smirked as she fastened her pin at the top of her dress.

"Take that back. Take that back at once," Jinora hissed playfully.

"Oh sorry, can not hear you over the fact that you have to meet the Fire Lord now," Korra grinned.

To Korra's extreme delight, Fire Lord Izumi seemed absolutely captivated by Jinora. As she should, of course. Jinora is simply perfect. Seeing the Fire Lord's obvious favor towards the airbender caused suitors to flock to her almost instantly. And so the games begin.

Korra stood at her side, looking and acting as the intimidating chaperone she is. No suitor is safe from her judgmental stares or intrusive questions. Honestly, it's quite fun being so pushy. This is probably one of the only times alphas and beta men will cower before her, so Korra is going to enjoy this little power trip while she can.

The moment Jinora got swept off to the dance floor is when Mako made his grand appearance. Korra immediately made her way over to the firebender. They still had a lot of catching up to do, after all.

As the two of them were casually chatting about how their lives have been going in the years they haven't been able to see each other, Korra spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Oh fuck this guy.

Making direct eye contact with her is none other than Lord Unalaq. Korra's most detested uncle. The rotten apple of her eye. And now he's walking towards her. This will not be fun for Korra.

"Lord Mako, Korra, what a pleasure it is to see you both. I hope the two of you are quite well. Now, Lord Mako, if you do not mind, I would like a moment alone to speak with my niece," Unalaq told them.

Mako gave her a questioning look, waiting for confirmation if he really should leave. Korra resisted the very strong urge to sigh. She supposes that a little confrontation with her uncle would be inevitable. Might as well get it over with.

"Go ahead, I'll meet with you in just a moment. Family matters to discuss and all," Korra nodded.

"Alright then. Have a most pleasant evening, Lord Unalaq," Mako said with a rather stiff smile.

"And you as well, Lord Mako," Unalaq said.

They waited for Mako to get out of earshot before starting a conversation Korra knew would be insufferable. Unfortunately, it was unavoidable. Spirits only knows her job is going to be hard enough without his interference.

"And just what are the likes of you doing here? You certainly can not be attempting to try your hand at the marriage mart. We both know you are far too old for that," Unalaq smirked.

"Is it not obvious? I am attending a ball," Korra drawled.

"You know exactly what I mean. Do not get smart with me, girl. People like you do not belong in high society," Unalaq scoffed.

"Well, given the fact that many people in this crowd are just like you, I think I would rather be shot in the head than belong in a place like this," Korra said while rolling her eyes.

"You are as arrogant and abrasive as your father," Unalaq scowled.

"And you are as rude and unsettling as your children. Apples never fall particularly far from the tree, now do they?" Korra quickly shot back.

"Why are you here, Niece?" Unalaq asked very impatiently.

Korra decided that she's been mean enough. For now, that is.

"If you must know, I am simply here to assist Jinora with her first season. I am unsure of whether or not word has gotten to you about Pema falling ill. I am here in the place of her parents. Once she is married, I am to return to the Southern Water Tribe," Korra explained.

Unalaq seemed visibly more relaxed after this information which is a shame, mainly because Korra never wants to have a positive effect on her uncle in any way. As tragic as it is, this is a necessary price Korra must pay for peace.

"Very well then. I merely wanted to make sure we are on the same page. You must join myself and my children for dinner sometime. We are family after all," Unalaq hummed.

"To my great dismay," Korra deadpanned. Unalaq ignored the jab. It's not like he disagrees, anyways.

"In that case, I shall leave you to it. I do hope you know I will be rooting for Jinora. The sooner she is married, the sooner I never have to see your face again," Unalaq smiled in the slimiest way possible.

"That is certainly one thing we can agree on," Korra drawled.

Unalaq merely rolled his eyes and walked away. Finally. Korra was about to make her journey back to the Mako when she gave a glance over to Jinora to check if she is alright. Jinora was already looking at her. She smiled at Korra then gave her a wave. The older woman immediately started making her way over to Jinora.

Before coming to Caldera, the two of them decided to make a distress signal in case a suitor started making Jinora uncomfortable. A nod and a thumbs up meant Jinora was fine, while a smile and wave meant to get her out of there immediately. The airbender looked relieved when Korra made her way to the them.

"Honestly Jinora, what is the matter with you! How hard is it to stay at my side?! It took a mere moment of me looking away for you to completely disappear! I have someone waiting to be introduced to you! We must go at once!" Korra snapped, playing into the bitchy chaperone role.

"My apologies Korra. I am very sorry to trouble you, my lord, but I must follow her. She is my chaperone, after all," Jinora said, feigning disappointment.

"Oh come now, can she not stay for even a moment longer?" the irritating lord asked.

"I am afraid not. She operates on a tight schedule," Korra frowned.

The unknown lord looked down at the omega pin on her neckline. Then, the damn lord grabbed Jinora's wrist and held on tightly. It was not enough force to hurt the younger omega, but it was certainly enough to keep her in place. It would appear that since Jinora's designated chaperone is an omega, the bastard thinks can do whatever the hell he wants.

"What is the harm in letting us talk for just a minute more?" the lord asked insistently.

Korra clenched her jaw as she tried to think of her next move. They're in a public space with eyes everywhere, so it's not like the man can do serious physical damage. It's still a major problem that he's essentially holding Jinora against her will. Korra didn't know what she could do to make this guy let up without using force. Fortunately, she did not need to do anything at all.

"Lord Haroh, I must speak with you at once," the soothing voice snapped sharply.

To Korra's extreme surprise, the voice came from the woman who helped fix their carriage. Asami's sudden appearance startled Lord Haroh to the point that he loosened his grip on Jinora. It was thankfully enough for her to break free and rush to go behind Korra.

"Lady Sato, a pleasure," Lord Haroh managed to say.

"Indeed. And I am quite thrilled to make your acquaintance again Lady Korra. Lady Jinora," Asami smiled kindly.

There's no way. There is actually no way that the woman who already saved her from being stranded is saving her again. And damn does she look good doing it. The dark red dress was simply too stunning for words. The glint of the alpha pin on her sleeve caught Korra's eye at once. Spirits, it should be illegal to be that attractive.

"Lady Sato, while you know I am always happy to talk business with you, but can it not wait?" Lord Haroh asked. At this, Asami stepped right in front of Korra and Jinora.

"No, this is urgent. I look forward to seeing more of you both later on tonight, but this is of the utmost importance. I do hope you understand," Asami told them.

"We would never want to interrupt a serious business matter. We shall leave you both to it," Korra said while yanking Jinora away.

"I can not believe we are seeing her again so soon! It must be your lucky day," Jinora teased.

Korra was too freaked out to comment on that. If Korra felt guilty about nearly killing Asami before, she's damn near depressed over it now. Not only is the tall woman gorgeous, but she managed to save her and her friend twice now.

Korra glanced over her shoulder to find that Asami was already looking at her. Upon noticing her gaze, Asami smiled and gave her a slight nod of acknowledgement. Korra very gratefully gave her a nod back. Thankfully, they managed to find Mako just a moment later.

"Honestly, I was wondering where you have been. I assumed you got lost," Mako snorted.

"Oh do not even start, Mako. We got a little held up," Korra huffed.

"What do you mean held up?" Mako asked.

"One of the alphas got a tad too insistent. Korra had to come help me and he refused to let me leave until Lady Asami intervened," Jinora rushed out.

"What? Where is the bastard?" Mako frowned while scanning the crowd.

"Do not do anything stupid. He is right there," Korra said, pointing out Lord Haroh still talking to Asami.

"Huh, so you were talking about Lady Sato," Mako mumbled.

"Oh? Is she not Asami?" Korra asked in confusion.

"Yes, her name is Asami Sato. What a coincidence it is that one of my closest friends managed to get you out of such a bind," Mako told her.

Wow. Having a last name is pretty rare, even among nobility. Asami Sato is a very interesting character, Korra is certain of that. Wait, friend? Why on earth would Asami want to be friends with Mako? Maybe she met Bolin first or something.

"Interesting. I for one can not believe she would associate with the likes of you. How did you two meet?" Korra asked.

"Well first of all, you associate with the likes of me so I can not help but wonder what that says about you. Second of all, she actually took me under her wing when I ended up getting my title. It was quite easy for her to figure out I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, so she helped me turn into a competent lord. I did not even have to ask her to. She simply saw me struggle and wanted to help. I would not be where I am today without Asami," Mako told her.

What, so now Asami just helps strangers succeed without asking for anything in return? This woman is too perfect, there has to be something terribly wrong with her.

"It is an admirable trait to be so willing to help those in need," Korra acknowledged.

"Oh, of course you would say that," Jinora laughed. Korra scowled and nudged her friend with her elbow.

"What is so funny?" Mako asked the still giggling airbender.

"Asami actually helped us once before. The wheel on our carriage broke and Lady Sato was kind enough to give us a spare and replace it," Jinora smiled.

Mako's eyebrows practically shot up to his hairline once she explained how they met. Then he got the most shit eating grin spread across his face before he burst into laughter.

"I can not believe it, you are the carriage girl! Oh, Asami mentioned meeting you," Mako cackled.

"And just why did she say?" Korra asked, unable to fight against the curiosity.

Truly, Asami probably thought Korra was psychotic. After all, she gave the poor woman a near death experience upon their first meeting. Even so, she had an irrational desire to know what Asami thought about her.

"What is said between alphas, stays between alphas. It is an unspoken rule, you see," Mako smugly told her.

"Well the spoken rule is that you do what I say or else I beat you up, so tell me what she said at once," Korra childishly demanded.

"I do not see why it matters so much, you know I-finally! By the spirits Kai, I thought you forgot about the ball altogether," Mako sighed.

"I am a busy man, Mako. I am here now, am I not?" the young alpha man sighed.

"No one needs your excuses. Please, meet a couple of old friends of mine. This is Miss Korra and her charge, Lady Jinora," Mako introduced.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both. I," Kai started, but then trailed off as he stared at Jinora.

If Korra was stupid enough to believe in something as ridiculous as love at first sight, this must be it. This Kai fellow is looking at Jinora as though she personally hung all the stars in the sky. Jinora is not doing much better herself. For a girl so calm and poised, her cheeks turned a light shade of pink and she struggled to say anything at all.

"May I have your next dance, my lady?" Kai managed to blurt out

"Indeed you may, my lord," Jinora told him with the most dazzling grin.

Mako and Korra watched as Kai escorted Jinora to the dance floor. Honestly, the two of them look positively giddy to be around each other. It was as cute as it was alarming.

"Did you just see what I just saw?" Mako asked her.

"I believe I did, yes," Korra mumbled.

"I do not think I have ever seen Kai quite so taken with anyone, especially not so soon upon meeting them. He is an obnoxious little brat once you get to know him, but he is not typically so eager to interact with strangers," Mako noted.

Oh, damn. The waterbender was too awestruck of the sight before her that she forgot to interrogate the boy. Korra opened her mouth to ask a couple questions about Kai, but was soon cut off by another voice joining the conversation.

"I swear if I ever have to speak to Lord Haroh again, I'm poisoning my own drink just so that I never have to deal with him again," Asami drawled.

"Ah, the hero joins us at last," Mako smirked.

"That man has always been utterly insufferable. I am quite sorry you had the misfortune of meeting him," Lady Sato sighed, turning to Korra.

"She is completely right. You know I-oh dear," muttered Mako as he stared behind Korra.

"What is it?" Korra asked.

"I must go at once. If a woman named Lai comes up to you, I was never here," Mako hissed as speed walked away.

"What on Earth was that all about?" the waterbender asked.

"It would appear that Lai has officially arrived. The girl is absolutely smitten over Mako and keeps trying to gain his affections. She was quite persistent last season," the alpha told her.

"Huh, infatuated with Mako. So tell me, what is wrong with her?" Korra snorted.

Asami laughed at the jab against Mako. Korra, embarrassingly enough, felt a surge of pride course through her at the accomplishment.

"I would like to thank you for the interference with that lord, Lady Sato. It would appear the only opinion Lord Haroh respects is another alpha's," Korra grimaced.

"It was no trouble at all. And please, just call me Asami, there is no need for such formalities. Any friend of Mako's is a friend of mine. Besides, after nearly puncturing my neck with an icicle, I would say we have already been rather close," Asami teased.

Korra blushed at the memory of her overreaction. Truly, she's just relieved that Asami doesn't seem to hold it against her. The taller woman is even joking with her about the near death experience. Korra supposes that if Asami can find humor in the situation, so can she.

"Honestly, Lady Sato, you focus far too much on the past," Korra playfully huffed.

"This happened two days ago," Asami said with a raised eyebrow.

"And is that or is that not considered the past?" Korra smugly asked.

"I must admit, you have an excellent point," Asami laughed.

"You will come to find that I always do," Korra grinned.

Honestly, the omega assumed Asami would only chat with her for a couple of minutes before going off to find a friend or some other familiar face. Instead, the two of them spent most of the night talking about anything and everything. Korra doesn't think conversation has ever flowed as well as the ones she has with Asami.

Then the orchestra started to play one of her all time favorite songs. Auntie really did know her too well. It brings back so many wonderful childhood memories for her.

"Ah, I absolutely love this song. My poor father had to suffer as I stood on his toes while I was learning this dance," Korra said while giggling fondly at the memory.

"Well surely we must dance, then. I do ask you tell me in advance if you need to stand on my toes. I would like to emotionally prepare for that," Asami smiled while extending her hand. This woman is insane.

"I do not even have a dance card," Korra told her with a raised eyebrow.

"Neither do I. We already match," Asami grinned, knowing full well as an alpha she doesn't need one.

Korra laughed and accepted her hand because honestly? Why the hell not? Korra's a spinster, she has no use for propriety. She's just going to have to ignore the fluttering in her stomach when Asami's hand made contact with her own.

Jinora, who is still dancing with Kai, made eye contact with Korra approaching the dance floor with Asami. The airbender's eyebrows practically shot up to her hairline at the sight. Korra grinned and winked. An amused look overtook Jinora's music as she continued on with her dance.

Naturally, because apparently Asami's just loveliness incarnate, she is a very good dancer. She is such a good dancer, in fact, that Korra hadn't even realized that the song they came here for already ended. They were halfway through the second song before she had noticed. Asami Sato is truly something else.

The two of them got refreshments right after that second song ended so Asami continued on with her story of how her father almost blew up her childhood home. Just like when Korra was conversing with her by her carriage, Asami makes time fly. Before she knew it, the ball was winding down.

"I know I already said it, but I would just like to say that I truly am sorry for almost hurting you when you found us stranded. I can not thank you enough for helping us, even after I acted the way I did. Especially when you saved us yet again," Korra sincerely told the taller woman who was preparing her exit.

Asami's gaze softened at the sincere apology Korra gave her. The waterbender tried not to think about how pretty her expression is.

"I assure you I never once held it against you. It was my honor to be able to assist you in your time of need," Asami gently told her.

Yeah, no. She really is too perfect. She has to be a mass murderer or something.

"Though I do think you were wrong the last time we spoke," Asami mentioned.

"Me? Wrong? Absolutely preposterous," Korra grinned.

"Yes, it may very well be a once in a blue moon situation. After tonight, we managed to spend an extended period of time together without you causing me any bodily harm. Perhaps you are not as bad for my health as you thought you were," Asami smiled.

"That is certainly progress if I ever heard it," Korra laughed.

"Indeed. Now that I am fairly confident my health is no longer at risk with you, I simply can not wait for our next encounter," Asami told her.

"You can not get too comfortable, I am a bit of a wild card," Korra playfully warned.

"I have no doubt about it. I look forward to making your acquaintance once more, Korra," Asami smiled.

"Do make sure you get home safe, Lady Sato," Korra grinned.

"Well if that is your command, then I suppose I simply have no other choice," Asami laughed.

The alpha bowed her head before exiting the ballroom with the rest of the attendees. That was one hell of a ball, no doubt about it. Korra drifted back to Jinora and Aunt Kya to wait for the rest of the stragglers to head home. Once the final guest had left, Jinora practically fell on the wall right beside her.

"I simply must get to bed before I collapse from exhaustion," Jinora dramatically whined.

"Agreed, and I was not even dancing for half as long as you did. Perhaps society does have a point. I am old," Korra groaned. In her defense, she has been moving around constantly to watch Jinora like a hawk.

"If I hear the words 'I am old' come from your mouth ever again, I am going to smack you. Now before you two retire, I would like a dance," Kya grinned.

She gestured to the orchestra who then played out a song meant for three people to dance to. Korra laughed and shook her head at the familiar tune.

"Really? After these many hours of dancing, you insist upon one more?" Jinora asked even though she was already falling into step with the music.

"Oh please, that was you girls dancing with potential suitors. Now, you're dancing with your favorite aunt. I can assure you that dancing with me is much more exciting," Kya laughed.

Jinora and Korra glanced at each other and as the song continued on. She's not entirely wrong, of course. Kya is probably one of the most interesting people on the planet. Those lame suitors simply can not compare.

As the three women giggled and twirled around the dance floor, Korra had to come to the realization that she has already been enjoying her time here in Caldera. She was able to reunite with old friends, is very likely gaining a new one with Asami, and most importantly is that Jinora is absolutely thriving. A little bit of silly dancing with family is quite deserved.

Perhaps the social season in Caldera won't be so bad after all. What could possibly go wrong?

[theprettynosferatu]

One would think once the heart has beat its last and everything grows gray, when year by year, decade by decade emotions dull and what was once vibrant feels so far away, that tedium would also have the decency to become muted, a shadow of the real feeling. Belladonna was very aware of the fact that, of all things, tedium was the one that remained. It’s just business, she told herself as she flashed a carefully measured smile. Not too inviting, not at all threatening: the perfect smile that seemed to say hey, I’m just like you, I’m on your side, so why not hear me out?

We’re all together in this. In this house. In this gated community. In this business. In this world inside the world, away from the day to day of hundreds of thousands of schmucks that had no idea how reality worked, of the value of handshakes and conversations in back rooms, of the dance secreted away from their sight. I’m one of you. You can trust me.

It worked. Of course it did. Belladonna had practiced it, perfected it. She wore a thousand faces like so many dresses. Everyone wore masks, of course: at the office, at home, in bed with a lover… but only a handful of beings in the city truly knew the importance of a pleasant, believable deception. Only a few beings knew their survival depended on it, not just their prosperity. Only a few dead glided among the living.

She shook the man’s hand. Her servants could finalize the legal details. She politely declined a platter of pastries being offered by some anonymous waiter. She had what she had come for, and yet she had to stay, to keep up appearances. Such banalities were unbearable. In another age she would have killed the time luxurying in the looks of the men and women around her, in their barely concealed desire. Her dress was certainly one that called the eye, and she was well aware of the effect her long, red hair and her pale, smooth skin had on the cattle; but now she saw sex for what it was: just another tool in her extensive arsenal. Too much attention was a danger all in itself, and toying with people could lead to unexpected and unwelcome attachments. She was older now. Wiser. 

Belladonna wished others of the kind understood things like she did.

Something was off, however. Sure, she wasn’t courting attention but some degree of fawning was inevitable. And yet, on that night, eyes weren’t on her. Interesting. Who, she wondered, could be stealing the light?   

Ah, a latecomer. Belladonna looked for a secluded spot. Peoplewatching was as good a way to while away the dull hours as any other, and much safer than some.

A few things stood out immediately. Belladonna couldn’t quite put her finger on a certain… air. The young woman had a way of moving, a manner of holding the gaze of everyone around her, both seductive and challenging, almost like she knew herself to be a prize that only the very best could win. Her dress certainly was a calculated affair: classy, perfectly tailored, without a single detail left to chance, even in those moments where a less educated mind could believe it saw an accidental flash of thigh. Nothing about this woman was accidental. But no matter how carefully she wore her mask, Belladonna had decades of experience ready to pierce it. 

Poor foolish men, groveling around the newcomer. They couldn’t know, of course. The brunette beauty did a marvelous job hiding it, but to Belladonna she might as well have been wearing a neon sign. This woman was not interested in men, unlike her companion. Oh, silly man, trying so hard to feign attraction, to posture as what some idiots called an “alpha male”, to show off the beauty hanging on his arm. Absolutely pathetic. Even if some could not see his true self, anyone could realize that next to her, he was completely, hopelessly outclassed. 

Intriguing. Something to burn a few hours on, at least. Such things came rarely enough, and were not to be wasted. Belladonna moved slightly to catch the ensuing conversation.

It took her less than five minutes to map out the dynamic. This girl was good. Suspiciously good. The men were like silly peacocks, trying oh so hard to impress her, to be worthy of her attention, to earn a look, perhaps even a word or, in very measured cases, a slight smile. And in trying to impress her they bragged. They spoke and spoke and soon weren’t measuring their words, letting small morsels of information drop at her feet, like offerings before a goddess. That much was common enough- many men, in her experience, were often eager to worship, to cast away the role of masters of the universe to bow and be stepped on. No, what was remarkable was her reaction.

She was training them.

The brunette rewarded information with tilts of her beautiful head, with a sidelong glance, with a hint of a smile. She punished obvious tall tales with indifference. And all the men around her were wrapped around her fingers, dancing for her without even knowing they were being drained slowly, skillfully, hoping against hope for a treasure they would never, ever lay their sweaty hands on. Like conditioned dogs, they picked up on what worked and what didn’t, revealing more and more of themselves, of their supposed accomplishments, their deals, their holdings, their secrets.

It was beautiful.

One predator knew another. This woman was a predator, even if it wasn’t in the way Belladonna was a predator, which raised uncomfortable questions.

No one was that good without training. And Belladonna knew all the operators in Montevideo already, so this girl, with her pretty accent, was a newcomer. Not kindred. Maybe a ghoul? If so, whose? Belladonna quickly made an inventory of the players who could have imported a first-rate spy. “Could” was a long list. “Would”, however, was a much smaller category. The Montevideo Camarilla kept things local as much as possible. The city stood because it had been born and molded by the will and vigilance of the Prince, and she wouldn’t allow some outside actor to just wander into town.

Belladonna watched the unknown figure brush her hair under her ear and launch a look at a boy that might as well have been a nuclear strike. He would be spilling every dirty secret he had before the night was done, and she wouldn’t even let him lay a single finger on her smooth, pale skin. She would haunt his dreams for years to come, maybe for the rest of his life- and he would be, to her, another faceless, nameless mark.

Professional admiration aside, Belladonna knew she had a duty to her kind, to her sect, to the one that made her. Perhaps a little personal curiosity as well, but the point was clear. This woman could not go unwatched, but so far there wasn’t anything to throw up the chain, to the Prince or the Sheriff. It only made sense that Belladonna took on the issue herself.

She listened in for a second and heard it. Drusilla. The woman went by Drusilla.

  

Dru had only been at this particular elite social gathering for just under thirty minutes, and already she could tell that she’d been to dozens, maybe hundreds, just like it. She slid into the all-too-familiar rhythm.

The social elite here were just like the social elite back in the States: obsessed with appearances. It was therefore important that she kept up her own. That was, after all, why she was here. She was there with the son of some… corporate bigwig or other, as the poor boy’s date. She was on the job.

She had been hired by the boy’s mother to be seen accompanying him at numerous events and gatherings in order to hide the fact that he was, in fact, a homosexual. Such deceptions as that were child’s play to her. After all, had she not successfully hidden that fact about herself all these years?

Despite herself, she couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly as this thought crossed her mind. Indeed, even now, she had several men fawning over her for a chance at winning the privilege of her attention. A few of them, she could see, believed themselves capable of coaxing her into their beds that very night, the poor fools. They were so adorably pathetic.

It was in the midst of playing one particularly eager and foolish young heir to some such family empire, carefully filing away all the little details the loose-lipped idiot threw her way in the vain hope of impressing her, that she noticed the beautiful redhead in the room. Something didn’t add up, although she couldn’t say exactly what. The woman was somehow in the party and outside it, above it. She was holding down conversations, making everyone feel special, while also keeping an eye around, sometimes almost tilting her head as if she was listening to music only she could hear. Her mind was hard at work even as her smile, her gestures, her every movement entranced those around her. They would all feel as if they were the only one in the room to the redheaded woman, but Drusilla could tell her true attention was anywhere but on the gaggle of courtiers that had suddenly accumulated around her.

Who was this woman? Drusilla would have to do a bit of discrete digging.

“...a great patron of the arts…”

“...real estate, I believe…”

“...inherited lands in the countryside…”

It made no sense. Everyone seemed reluctant to talk about her, and everyone had their own theory of exactly what she did, who she was. Most of the men she had asked had given her a look of befuddled confusion, as if she was asking about the moon, or why the stars shone at night. This woman was a given to them, her presence not only expected but welcome, even if no one could articulate precisely why. In a world where everyone kept a mental folder about everyone else—if not a literal one—such fuzziness on the details, such a laissez-faire attitude was impossible to explain. If she was a player, and she clearly was, why was no one following her every move? How could someone be both a sun and a shadow?

Drusilla’s date gave her the signal. It was time to go. His social obligations fulfilled, he had no desire to spend one more second pretending. Dru faked relief, while silently lamenting the sudden stop to her real work, her discreet gathering of information. Well, at least she had gotten something valuable. 

The redhead was named Belladonna.

Coming home felt, to Dru, like the clock had struck midnight and suddenly she was surrounded by pumpkins. Gone were the lights, the art, the beautiful dresses. As expected, Luis was loitering in her block. Old City was not her kind of place, but the social dynamics were simple to map out, and it had a certain code of honor. No one hurt someone from the barrio, unless gangs or drug deals were involved, and Luis was very firmly planted on the “user” side of the drug equation. She bitterly thought about that sort of proletarian chivalry: up there, in the world of big deals and luxury, no such rules were in place. Luis, reed-thin and almost shaking, asked her for the usual “whatever you can spare”. She felt a mixture of disgust and pity, seeing this man, this creature reduced to something that approached a human but didn’t quite get there. Pitiful, sure, but she didn’t intend to part with a single cent of her hard-earned money.

At least her apartment felt like something close to herself: an oasis of taste in a sea of gauche misery. What it lacked in location, it made up for in size. Still, it was only a stepping-stone. She had no intention of lingering in the lower bowels of this new city. In fact, doing some quick math, she felt she was a few events—or one big blackmail—away from ditching the apartment for something better suited to her status. At least she had a view of the sea—or rather, the port—through her bedroom window. The living room window, however, offered a different kind of entertainment, as it overlooked two competing drug houses. That window had been her education on the finer points of low-class diplomacy. She had studied the comings and goings, the relationships between the rival dealers, even the secret rendezvous that the sister of one dealer had with the cousin of the other, in some sort of crass parody of Romeo and Juliet. Amusing, but not worth the annoyance of their late-night music and occasional street fights. Dru couldn’t wait to get out.

She sat cross-legged on her bed. She closed her eyes and started her work: sorting names and faces, relationships both stated and hinted at by looks, body language, simultaneous absences from the party, errant comments. It was a detailed filing system that left no trace, no evidence. It existed only in her mind, blessed by an outstanding memory and years of diligent training. It was there, in the sifting of the information, that real gold could be found, if not now, then probably later, when just the right seemingly innocuous tidbit or rumor made everything fit together in the shape of a dagger to be wielded.

However, Dru found herself having a hard time focusing. She had no reason for the feeling, but she couldn’t shake it: that subtle, needling sensation on the back of her neck, as if she was being watched.    

Belladonna slotted the SD card into her laptop. She hated this—hated feeling like a child, needing to learn the latest computer formats and lingo. She had always prided herself on not being one of those old timers that still marveled at the combustion engine, but lately… trying to follow technology was like trying to paint on a running river. She detested that culture seemed to be gathering the same mind-numbing speed. Fads and backlashes and the backlash to the backlash to the new normal just before a newer, shinier normal took hold. It was all a blur. Time used to be measured in decades. The twenties, the thirties, the forties: that made sense to her. Now, however… a year might as well be a decade, and anything five years before might as well be prehistory. It was darkly humorous: the efforts she was going through proved their own necessity.

She had called in too many favors in places too dark to admit she had done it for reasons beyond any rational interest. It had started as curiosity, sure, but it had quickly evolved into something else, something she couldn’t put a word to, almost like an echo of an emotion she would have felt long, long ago. Before she knew it, she had been building a case for this girl, had found herself rehearsing how she’d approach her own maker with the request to…

No. This needed to be played carefully. The risks were too great to rush it. And yet, she knew, deep down, that she was rushing. Every report, every video, every bit of intelligence her associates sent her reinforced the urgency of the matter. She needed Drusilla in her life– no, she needed her by her side. She watched the latest batch of videos, the captured phone conversations, the photographs. She read the hour-by-hour report of the girl’s activities. That the most interesting parts were not included was a testament to Drusilla’s potential value.

The girl never wrote anything down. To the creeps following her, she was just a particularly talented high-end escort. But Belladonna could tell there was a different game being played, a complex web of actions, seductions, smiles, relationships carefully monitored and calculated, all in her head. Even seemingly random encounters only furthered the girl’s goals. In two months she had moved up from the Old City to a respectable Downtown apartment. A stranger in a new land, she moved inside society with the deadly elegance of a shark on the hunt. Even when she did pull the trigger on a crucial piece of information, she didn’t outright say anything: the playful hint that she might know something, a choice of words, a smile was enough to make others act as if she had them in a vise—which she often did, even if she didn’t state it. It wasn’t just effective. It was elegant. Drusilla danced where others punched.

Her value was evident. But was she everything she seemed to be, or was Belladonna perhaps putting a bit too much of herself into her evaluation? She couldn’t say. Distance made everything less certain, and Belladonna had made it a point not to appear at any functions Drusilla would attend. Why? Another element that, if she looked at herself coldly, revealed that her own judgment was not to be trusted. She needed something more solid, a controlled, tangible proof of Drusilla’s talents.

What was needed, she decided, was a test.

It would be hard to engineer, and that only made it more interesting. Soon, Belladonna was smiling like she hadn’t done in decades.

In purely pragmatic terms, Dru didn’t have to attend the party. She had built her own network of confidants, fools, and lovestruck, pitiable people. Her new apartment was beautiful, and she kept collecting secrets, keeping them close like beautiful crystals in a necklace of opportunities. She only dropped one of those gems when she was absolutely sure it would lead to the right payoff, and her eye for openings was impeccable. Some members of the higher classes saw her as a charming conversation partner; others like something more akin to a friend; a few as an occasional paramour. She only liked women, of course, but every now and then she would take on a male client if the price was right and, more importantly, if the client moved in the right circles: it was in the small talk after they had their fun that the real rewards were hidden, and that made pretending to enjoy the act almost bearable. People tended to lower their guard after sex. Perhaps that was why she agreed to go to this latest party: even though she didn’t need to help the poor closeted man that had been her introduction to the hermetic world of the elite, she felt a pang of pity for him. She knew, after all, what it was to fake attraction to people and it was, in the best of cases, exhausting.

It was a smaller affair than she had expected, with fewer guests than usual and the luxury taken to an almost comical extreme. It bordered on being tacky, without actually crossing that invisible line of taste. Still, something felt slightly… off. She filed this fact away as she did all others. One never knew what seemingly useless observation would turn out to be the key that opened many doors.

There was one notable presence. Hovering on the margins, engaging as little as possible in the banality of the whole thing, was the woman. Belladonna. Drusilla hadn’t seen her for almost a year. Interesting.

Drusilla entered the battlefield with special zeal. Armed with smiles, furtive looks, seemingly innocuous questions, fake ignorance and the kind of looks that birthed dreams, Dru did some of her best work. She knew Belladonna was watching, and she wanted to impress this woman, this riddle at the center of so many webs, this seemingly invisible pillar of so many schemes, deals, falls from grace. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason. The redhead was alluring in a different way, one Dru couldn’t exactly name. It wasn’t just aesthetic attraction, although that certainly was part of it– it wasn’t even desire, exactly. Whatever it was, however, felt overwhelming. As much as Drusilla knew she was performing, it felt too good to stop. There was an element of dance, of theater, of the peculiar joy that came with knowing the eyes of someone fascinating were on her.

It was when the party was winding down and a few guests had excused themselves that a nondescript man in a suit approached Drusilla. One look told her all she needed to know: this man was dressed to blend in, his expression unreadable, his movements designed to deflect attention away from himself. He was one of those invisible men that often worked as the hands and mouths of the truly powerful. 

“You are cordially invited to a drink in the study,” he said. He didn’t need to say who issued the invitation. Drusilla’s heart skipped a beat. Finally.

She followed the man through a few hallways, beyond doors once locked, now opening for her. Soon she found herself in a room lit entirely by the silver moonlight entering the window.

Drusilla’s body froze. There was a maelstrom of contradictions raging inside her. The alabaster beauty in a black dress, her legs crossed, her green eyes seemingly glowing in the penumbra, called to her, told her without a word that this was a good thing, that everything was okay, that everything would always be okay. And yet another part of her, a lower part deep down in her lizard brain, screamed for her to flee, to seek shelter, to get out immediately and never look back. She found herself trapped between two opposing impulses, and she felt something like loathing towards her own fear. Hers was a world of beauty and strategy, of calculation and play: the panic in the pit of her stomach felt to her like the bestial intrusion of instincts she had no intention to acknowledge. Then Belladonna smiled, and the fear was washed away like so much dirt during a cool spring rain. She almost laughed at her own fear, so silly when contrasted with the calling of that smile, those gestures, those deep, green eyes.

“Drusilla, it is such a pleasure to be able to speak with you. Please, make yourself comfortable. We should have done this sooner!”

“Thank you. Belladonna, right? I’ve heard so much about you!” 

Not the most elegant start, but it would do. Dru felt the heat on her cheeks and knew she was blushing. She sat across from Belladonna and suddenly felt slightly self-conscious. It was alien to her, but looking at this woman, her poise, her almost perfect stillness and class only made her every movement feel superfluous, fidgety, clumsy.

“Quite a motley crew our host has gathered tonight, don’t you think?”, said Belladonna.

“It’s certainly a very interesting group.”

“Interesting? Good choice of words. Agreeing with me without revealing any true feelings about your fellow guests. But surely you must have more to say than that. After all, you were quite the social butterfly out there tonight.”

Drusilla felt a strange sort of relief. This was a player talking to another player, not a mark to be fooled. It felt invigorating to sense someone seeing the world through the same lens she did. It also felt like a challenge, an invigorating bit of sport. Might as well throw up a big flare, raise the stakes.

“Oh, I’m a bit tired. Many stimulating conversations. And your hand must be tired as well.”

 

And there it was, just for a second, a flash cracking through the mask. It wasn’t quite a smile, but Belladonna’s expression had spoken volumes. She was taken aback by Dru’s boldness, and delighted by the surprise. 

“My hand? What do you mean?”

“Well, it seems to me directing the whole choreography is more tiring than just being another dancer. And your hand… small gestures, but they relayed their messages well enough. People suddenly excused themselves to leave room for new conversation partners, dull men introduced this guest to that guest, a waiter interrupted a talk at just the right time… all because of those seemingly innocuous, subtle hand gestures.”

“Fascinating theory. But this isn’t even my party.”

“True. But whose party did we attend? Our dear host welcomed the guests, gave a rather lackluster toast to all present… and then might as well have vanished. His demeanor was not that of a man comfortable with his surroundings. Indeed, it felt as if he barely knew any of the guests, let alone enjoy the company of anyone there. Nor was he shaking hands and making deals. He was adrift. Whoever crafted the guest list, it certainly wasn’t him.”

“I see…”

“And then there’s the matter of the decor, the menu, the whole aesthetic dimension.”

“Oh?”

“It was tasteful… and it wasn’t. It went almost too far, to the point that I gather some people might find the symbols of prosperity a tad… gauche. But it didn’t go far enough to be an aesthetic choice, it wasn’t decadentist but it wasn’t measured. It was a party at odds with itself. Like a painting with two radically different authors. If I had to guess, I’d say you found yourself in a conundrum. It had to look enough like it was his party, but he is, at heart, a man devoid of good taste. You couldn’t abide by all his choices and added some measured class to what, I suspect, would have been a gold plated monument to excess. He had to be the face of the party, the name on the invitation. But it wasn’t truly his event. It was yours.”

Belladonna threw up her hands and smiled, the rehearsed gestures of a child caught in mischief.

“Guilty. I can’t throw my own parties, I’m afraid. Too many people get offended if I don’t invite them, or scrutinize the guest list to glean what my future… endeavors might be. I must say, I’m quite impressed, Drusilla. I see your socializing was indeed time well spent. I trust, of course, that you’ll keep this little fact between us–”

“I’m terribly sorry, but… I wasn’t done.”

“Oh? Did you manage to find some more tasty secrets?”

“Too many, in fact.”

“Too many? What do you mean?”

Drusilla took a deep breath. Time to go all in.

“Let me tell you what I don’t get. Why would you invite the head of the company that got the license to repair the toll roads and his former business partner, whom he stabbed in the back? Not to mention that partner’s secret lover, who in turn had to share the party with her former friend from university, who also happens to be the one person that knows about her bisexuality? And why was that friend’s former professor present, who just so happened to have slept with her while she was her student? And why was that professor’s wife present when she is putting on a brave face despite her secret illness? And speaking of illness, it appears you invited the doctor who misdiagnosed her five years ago, costing her valuable time. And the lawyer who managed to bury that same doctor’s malpractice accusations. Not to mention the one man who was, as far as I can tell, an intelligence officer. Now, I didn’t learn all this tonight. I did my research beforehand, and had many of my suspicions confirmed by their words, their looks, their silences. But like I said, too many secrets. What are the odds that such a concentration of betrayals and shadows would happen naturally? Close to zero, I would say. No, the guest list was curated… but why? Why would you create this… nexus of threads?”

Belladonna’s face seemed like a statue’s. Not a hint of emotion.

“You know why.”

“I don’t. I mean, surely…”

“Just say it. Your instinct is correct.”

“It was for me. A puzzle. A chess riddle with living pieces.”

Belladonna rose to her feet. Somehow, she appeared taller than she was. She seemed regal, intimidating and strangely comforting in her expression. She gently put her cold hand on Dru’s cheek.

“So beautiful… so full of potential… so… now.”

Drusilla felt a chill run down her spine. It wasn’t just how cold the goddess’ hand was. There was fear and a strange, deep longing she couldn’t entirely comprehend, and something else, something she had been trying to hold back since the moment she had first entered the room. Desire. Her body wouldn’t be denied any longer, and Dru had to make a titanic effort to keep from squirming. When Belladonna sat beside her, Drusilla felt every inch of her skin screaming for more of that cold touch, begging to be taken.

“You were right, of course. I needed to be sure, you understand.”

“Sure? Sure of what?”

“That you are all I thought you were. Oh, and you are. All I believed and so much more… Ah, but I’m rambling. My apologies. What I mean to say is you have so much potential, and you are doing so, so well… On a rather limited stage. But you can feel it, can’t you? You are ready for more. You know it somewhere deep inside you: there’s something else out there. In the shadows. And I might be mistaken, but… you don’t have to do it to survive. The gathering of information, the deductions, the seduction. You could just be an escort. But you need to do it. It’s more than your livelihood. It’s part of who you are. You enjoy it. You like knowing, and holding that knowledge like a weapon, even if you rarely use it. You feel that power… intimately.”

Dru felt naked. Vulnerable in a way that normally would make her panic. But Belladonna’s tone was… gentle. Genuine. There was no judgment there, no self-interest, not even a slight hint of malice. Drusilla was being seen, truly; and for the first time, she wanted it. She felt something odd, something she hadn’t realized she needed before. She felt less lonely. She felt dazed, desired, intrigued.

“What do you mean, a… what was it? A limited stage?”

Belladonna looked down.

“Ah. That… You are ready to see the grander game. But to do so… you need to trust me. I know you’re just made for it. And all will be worth it in the end. Do you think you can trust me to guide you?” 

It was phrased as a question, but to Drusilla it was everything but one. It was a certainty. She could trust this woman. She wanted to trust her, to believe her, to be guided by her. She could sense a truth behind the words, vague as they may have been. Beyond that, there was no way she could even think of denying the woman anything. Not when her green eyes were on her, not when they were so close that she should have been feeling her breath on her face. She needed to follow her, no matter where the path led. The destination would be worth it. Belladonna had said so. Words failed Drusilla, and she noticed she had forgotten to breathe. Instead, she nodded. Yes. Yes. She would give in. She would follow, heart and soul.

The kiss was inevitable, predictable as a hurricane slowly moving to shore and no less powerful. Belladonna’s lips were suddenly warm, and the world around them faded like a castle of sand caught in a storm. Dru couldn’t tell where she ended and the perfect woman began. They felt as one, as if Belladonna’s inexplicable brilliance was inside her, reflected by her, filling every inch of her. She felt loved and desired, seen and contained, safe and wild in a frenzy of freedom she had long denied herself. There was no need to hide, no need to pretend. No masks, no witty deflections, no artifice. She was at once on fire and perfectly still, like a star in the night sky. She was the center of Belladonna’s universe, and Belladonna’s body was the one guiding point, the place she had always craved without knowing, the home she had always been meant to return to. 

Their hands explored each other, setting skin ablaze with each touch, with every gentle brush of their fingertips. Drusilla’s ideas of the power of independence evaporated in an instant. Companionship. Sharing. Support. Their value asserted itself as Belladonna moved down her body, kissing her neck, her clavicles, her breasts. Drusilla felt every kiss as a gift and a reward. Part of her knew she didn’t deserve to be treated as a queen by this goddess; part of her felt it was her due, her right, the just compensation for her beauty, her skill, the many, many nights of hard work. When Belladonna went on her knees and kissed her legs, Drusilla felt at once like a sovereign and a servant. She nodded, an unspoken agreement between them. Yes, you can go higher.

It was like being caressed by silk. Belladonna went slowly, savoring every inch of Dru’s skin, playfully kissing, nibbling, licking. Even on her knees, she exuded power, and Drusilla’s body was like a musical instrument played by a master. No matter how much Dru wanted to scream, to beg for Belladonna to go faster, higher, to quench the need between her legs, the woman kept teasing her, denying her, keeping her in the most beautiful of agonies.

Then came the sting, right on the inside of her right thigh. It lasted barely a whimper, and everything changed. Drusilla had never partaken in drug use, but she felt the way she imagined the best heroin might make her feel. She was both floaty and perfectly aware, enveloped by a sense of intimacy deeper than anything she had ever experienced before. She felt Belladonna deep inside her, and herself fading into her, a welcome dissolution of the self into something greater. There was no her, not really. There was only the peace and pleasure of a comforting us. Every sensation was shared, every possible wall shattered. She drifted in that oneness, letting go of her vanity, her pride, her loneliness. If all were one under God’s gaze, then Dru felt she had found her private heaven, with a beautiful divinity all for herself. She felt special, chosen, valued… and also ravaged, taken, conquered. And it all felt simply right, almost obvious. This was what she existed for. 

When it stopped, Dru felt like a newborn being torn from her mother’s arms. She also felt faint. Dizzy. Barely holding on to life. And still, if that sensation had been a herald of death, it was death she desired more than anything.

Belladonna looked different. Flush with life. Calm, yet concerned.

“Drusilla… stay with me. Don’t let yourself drift off,” she commanded. With a graceful gesture, Belladonna opened a small cut on her own breast. She put Drusilla’s head on her lap and leaned over her, the bright red wound right over the brunette’s face.

“Now drink,” she said.

And Drusilla did.

She suckled on that breast and her body tensed up, suddenly invigorated by a red, golden light. The Universe shrank down to a single, perfectly brilliant point. Everything else was out of focus, irrelevant. Where once death had taken a slothful hold, life, or something like it, coursed like lightning. It was more than intoxicating. It was necessary. Vital. All that could ever matter, all that could ever hold any value. Power, beauty, success… they were pale imitations of the sheer overwhelming sensation of complete dominion over the fundamental power of existence itself.

But this too had to end. Belladonna, firmly but gently, pulled back and held Drusilla tight. She knew what would come.

Pain.

It would have been too much, if not for Belladonna’s embrace and her words; words Drusilla couldn’t comprehend but reached her somewhere deep in her chest, as if from another world. In the comfort of her arms, Drusilla felt she could endure this… whatever it was. She could endure anything.

And so it was that Drusilla died.

Then, she opened her eyes.

It was like she was seeing for the first time, as if she could now hear a music she had been deaf to, notice a color invisible to her before. Only then was she truly aware of Belladonna’s true beauty, of the dance-like grace of her every movement, the real hue of her deep eyes, which held galaxies within them. It was almost enough to distract her from the hunger. Belladonna made a quick call while Drusilla looked around herself, taking in the real perfect aesthetics of the room. She barely noticed she was shaking.

Belladonna held her hand.

“Don’t be afraid. Sustenance is coming,” she said. “Welcome to the grand stage,” she added with a smile. Drusilla couldn’t help but smile back.

When a servant walked in, veins coursing with blood, heart loud as a drum, Belladonna gave her a reassuring squeeze. Drusilla smiled a new smile, the smile of a predator.

She knew exactly what she had to do.   

Did you enjoy this story? You can support my work at patreon.com/prettynosferatu

[fantasy-relax]

Sweet alpha Dangerous Omega

Part 1 Part 5 Part 6

She knew that her dear Cassandra would make the right decision as soon as her heat ended, however Alcina couldn't kill you, in three months her daughter would go into heat again and she would continue to have them all her life. Mother Miranda had already told her how harmful it was for an omega to go through heat alone, while the company of the family lessened the symptoms over time, they needed a mate, although an alpha was the basic inclination if there was a deep emotional connection a beta or even another omega could be good partner.

But Cassandra had never shown interest in sharing her heat with anyone and Alcina would never force her. When they began to get worse, she turned to Lady Beneviento for medicine, but the mutation that her daughters had accelerated their metabolism, what they took was burned off in a couple of hours if they were lucky or minutes in most cases, the rapid change caused more pain than benefit so it was better not to use it.

Company was the best option, her sweet Daniela brought in a maid who had been favored by Cassandra in the hope that she would be accepted at least as a temporary partner. Five minutes passed before the lifeless body was thrown out of the room, a broken neck fast and effective.

Alcina could only listen helplessly to the grunts and sobs of her daughter for the last three days that her heat period lasted.

That's why she couldn't get rid of you, despite how much it irritated her to admit it, your presence had brought great relief to her daughter and in the same way your absence had seriously affected her.

So, she had to put up with you, your chivalry and obedience when dealing with her pup helped a lot.

“Our Pup needs time and space to make a decision”

“She already took it, this peasant will only be a pet to deal with her discomfort, end of the story”

Ignoring the Beta's comments, Alcina looked at the alpha who was looking at the ground with her head lowered.

“Poor pup”

Frowning in irritation, Lady Dimitrescu speaks firmly.

“Pay attention when I speak to you, beast.”

Your posture changed, but your eyes were still on the floor.

"That was fast"

Alcina rolled her eyes, dismissing the unnecessary concern of her beta, who was too soft on you just because Cassandra's omega was too, both useless instincts.

----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------

“Pay attention when I speak to you, beast.”

You raised your head and stood firm, keeping your eyes glued to the floor, showing that you were attentive to what was being said to you, but without being impertinent, an action learned thanks to your mother.

You didn't understand why you weren't dead yet, you failed again, Cassandra had been clear to her displeasure, you weren't worthy of being her mate.

You took a deep breath, trying to hold back your tears. It was enough with your alpha's cries echoing in your head.

What did you do wrong?

You just followed the omega's wishes.

Comfort and company were what she wanted, so that's what you gave her.

You took care of her, you gave her everything she asked for, you obeyed her orders and she was never dissatisfied with your actions during the heat.

Still, it wasn't enough.

Why are you never enough?

-------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ---------------------

“Because you have proven to be useful for my daughter's well-being, I have decided to employ you, so from now on you will live here as a mating companion for her, you will have a room separated from the other maids, the moment a complaint about you reaches my ears, I assure you that I will make you regret it for weeks, Bela will be in charge of you, out of my sight."

Bela approached you when her mother went back to review her papers on her desk, for a moment she thought you were going to complain, but you remained silent.

“Follow me, I'll take you to your room.”

The medicine had accelerated your healing allowing you to walk without any problem, your nutrition was something that would take longer, you were not starving, but it was obvious that you weighed less than you should, you reached her chin something to be expected since alphas tended to be tall with an ease in developing muscles, there were alphas in the town who were taller than her, but how different was it with women or was it your poor diet that affected your development? What was biology and what was it by circumstance?

Well, there is good place to start her studies.

"Miss Bela?"

"Actually, is Lady Bela or Mistress. Remember that, now what it is?"

“Is there anything I can do instead of uh being a heat partner? I just don't think Lady Cassandra wants my company... she has already been clear with her decision."

You avoided looking at her eyes and even tried to make yourself look smaller, everything about you showed submission. Could it be a learned behavior? Had you really lost all desire for dominance?

“In the town i also worked as a lumberjack and carpenter. I know how to hunt too, could I work like that?”

She thought about it Relia complained about the lack of experienced labor, in addition to the fact that at her age she already needed an apprentice to relieve her and the majority of the workers under her command did not reach her standards, perhaps you could serve, the traps you had Installed were excellent and the cabin you lived in while old was in good condition, she had to admit that you had some skill.

"You will be Cassandra's mating partner, there is no way out or change in that, however, having you do nothing for three months is unproductive, tomorrow I will give you a tour of the castle and I will take you to the groundskeeper so that she can give you work. Rest for today."

Again, it seemed like you were going to contradict, but you kept quiet, entering the room with her.

“Your bed, the closet has some uniforms, but I'm not sure they are your size. Anyway, tomorrow we will also go to the seamstress to take your measurements. You have a personal bathroom. You won't use the communal for obvious reasons.”

Approaching you with one hand she lifted your face, you continued to avoid looking at her.

“You are the only alpha in the castle, there are unbonded omegas and betas, step over the line and you will be punished appropriately, am I clear?”

You nodded and she let go of you.

“I'll come as soon as the sun rises tomorrow you better be ready.”

She left you alone in your new home.

----------------------- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------

“Really, Cassie? You finally find someone that your omega accepts, you have a romantic and intimate moment only to throw it all away seconds after your heat ends, I can't believe it."

Cassandra felt the pain in her head increase as she listened to her sister's complaints as if it wasn't enough to have to deal with her omega's complaints. At least Daniela's voice was silenced by the bathroom door.

“You hurt our alpha, you were cruel and rude!”

“She's lucky I didn't tear out her throat.”

“Alpha did her job well and you despised her again!”

“The cowardly bitch didn't even give me a kiss with tongue.”

“Because it wasn't what we needed!"

“The only thing an alpha is useful for is sex, that's what I wanted but the useless bitch didn't have the courage to do it.”

“WE WANTED COMPANY, WE WANTED SOFT TOUCH AND CARESES THAT WOULD BEAT THE COLD IN WHICH WE HAVE BEEN TRAPPED ALL THESE YEARS, ALFA DID IT WITH FERVOR AND ADORATION AND AGAIN YOU DENIED HER THE APPROVAL SHE WANTED.”

“I DON'T NEED ANY OF THAT, YOU ARE THE WEAKEST PART OF ME, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO CAUSES ME MISERY AND PAIN BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID NEED TO HAVE A PARTNER”

“WE WISH ONE!"

“IF YOU WANT IT SO MUCH, WHY DID YOU NOT CHOOSE ONE YEARS AGO?”

“EVERYONE WAS UNSUITABLE WE FINALLY FOUND THE ONE WHO IS PERFECT FOR US AND YOU DON'T DO YOUR PART”

" MY PART? YOU ARE WHO-

“Well, what does it matter, it's Bela's property now.”

What?

“What the hell are you talking about Daniela?

"She said that she was interested in her and was going to ask Mother for permission to keep her in the castle under her supervision. Surprisingly, Mother accepted under some conditions, they are talking to her now but in the end is her problem now."

“Like hell she is, she's mine, I found her first.”

“You threw her out, you lost the right, but if you want to fight for your lover-”

“Fuck it, that bitch is of no use to me.”

"If you say so"

She doesn't care, she doesn't give a fuck about you, you are a pathetic starved dog willing to lick the food thrown at the floor, you are only good for a quick fuck but you are such a fucking coward to do it.

Bela can do whatever she wants with you she. doesn't. care.

Now if her omega will stop whining.

[hailuchiha]

DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT

!! MINORS DNI !!

!! 18 + NSFW CONTENT!!

!! ALL characters involved are ADULTS ; NO minor characters!!

incest; heat; belly bulge; omegaverse; alpha!itachi; omega!reader; brosis; sibling incest; claiming bite; heat sex;

wow 2.2k words... this sorta turned into a beast of a fic

Heat

It was one of those pleasant rare moments when the oldest Uchiha siblings could spend time together. Sasuke was gone on a week-long training camp with Team 7, their mother was away on a diplomatic mission, and their father was spending more and more hours at the police force head quarters.

Itachi, the firstborn and the alpha, and his younger sister were left to their own devices, although both siblings loved to take the chance to just chat and hang around. After just having completed a long mission, Itachi was allowed some rest period, and he was content to hang out with his sister. The second-born Uchiha on the other hand, happily readjusted her plans to fit around just living in domestic bliss with her older brother.

One day, Itachi couldn't really muster the energy to get out of bed. It wasn't common for him to be lethargic, but he assumed it was okay to sleep in one day. No harm in that, right?

Being the caring sister she was, the omega didn't go to check on him when he wasn't already the backyard working out when she came down in the morning. But by the time noon rolled around, when there was still no sign of life coming from his room, she gave up on giving him space and went to his room. She was worried!

When there was no response to her knock, she creaked the door open and slipped inside. Itachi lay in bed, his breathing was deep and a bit laboured, his forehead clammy. She approached the bed, wincing upon the sweat-soaked, shivering form of her brother, and reached out to touch his sweaty forehead. Despite somewhat expecting the heat, she yanked her hand back with a hiss.

As she rushed out of the room to get a cool bucket of water and some hand towels, she tried not to berate herself for having left him unchecked for so long. She put on some soup, leaving it on low heat so it would be ready by the time he awakes.

That done, the omega returned to the room with the required items and perched next to him on the bed. She soaked the towels in the cold water and took one out, wringing the excess water out of it. As she placed it on Itachi's burning forehead, her worried gaze met his tired one.

"Poor aniki... You're running a high fever," she said, stroking his face as he hummed quietly.

"I would've been fine after a day's rest, sweet sister," he said, but his voice cracked from lack of use.

The omega clicked her tongue and shushed him, replacing the now-warm towel with a fresh cold one.

"Just let me help. Don't be stubborn."

XXX

Later, when his temperature had cooled down enough and he was able to sit up in bed, his sister quickly left to fetch the soup. She brought it on a tray, along with breadsticks, a tablet for the fever, and a tall glass of water.

They sat in companionable silence as the omega slowly fed her older brother the soup, occasionally dipping the breadsticks into it to give him something more solid to munch on.

As soon as he'd finished the soup, she gave him the medicine, which he downed with the remaining water.

"Thank you, dear," he sighed, voice stronger now, as she stood up, leaning down to grab the tray off his lap and pressing a kiss his forehead in the process.

"Please, don't be ridiculous, aniki. Who else would've taken care of you?" she said with a huff, but immediately grinned at him when he raised an elegant eyebrow.

"I'll check in on you later. Just call me if you need anything," she said, placing a few of his favourite books beside him on the bed before taking her leave.

XXX

True to her word, she finished up some tasks that needed doing, and went to check up on Itachi the moment she returned home.

It was later in the day, and the sunlight streaming in from his window wasn't doing much to light up the room. The omega didn't want to turn on the light in his room in case it disturbed his sleep, but approached his bed anyway, and checked his temperature.

Itachi was burning up again. Way worse than in the afternoon. She frowned, thinking she should have taken him to the hospital to start with!

As she started to move away, a vicelike grip tightened around her wrist. It felt like the heat from Itachi's skin was searing her. She yelped, trying to snatch her wrist away before she even realized what was happening.

The grip simply tightened and she was yanked down.

Only as she was sprawled over Itachi's body burning with fever did she realize that her brother must be awake. That, or he must be having a nightmare.

"Itachi?" she called out, trying to keep her voice from shaking.

Instead of a verbal response, she was rewarded with his face burying into the crook of her neck as he inhaled her scent deeply. She made a strangled sound as he started nosing at her scent gland, making her body react to the maddening touch. His arms gripped her tightly against him, her squirming seemingly feeding in to his desire.

"Y-You're in heat-!" she said uselessly as the realization hit her, her own senses being invaded by the overpowering mix of his own scent and heat addled pheromones.

"Mine," he grunted against the skin of her neck, before licking a burning stripe from the nape of her neck to her jaw.

She shuddered in his hold, her body shaking with need, reacting to his touches and alpha pheromones, too busy trying to shake off her desire to hear his words.

The world seemed to tip at the edge, and then her back bounced off his mattress before her vision was filled with her older brother hovering over her. His eyes were glowing red, the sharingan having spun out of control, and his fangs were on display as he panted, slack jawed.

Time seemed to be still for a long moment, and then his clawed hands were ripping at her clothes, slicing into them as if scissors into paper. The omega gasped in sock at the precise slicing. His sharpened claws could have easily sliced into her supple skin, but she didn't have a scratch to show for it. Her large breasts heaved as she attempted to catch her breath, her legs trembling where Itachi had held them open to crawl between them, as her pretty clothes surrounded her in tatters on the mattress.

His hands twitched on her waist, as if he was trying to hold his alpha back, but the omega could see in his vacant expression that her brother was losing. The alpha had taken over, and it would get what it wanted.

Even as she slid her legs open wider in invitation, she could not believe what she was doing. She wasn't the one in heat, but the eldest Uchiha's pheromones were pushing her to the edge, drawing her omega out.

And all her omega wanted was to please the alpha, to be owned and feel complete.

He hadn't even touched her, and her cunt was throbbing with need, slick and wet from the need to be filled. Itachi's nose twitched, a hungry smirk pulling at his lips as he no doubt caught the scent of her wetness.

He raised a hand, bringing it down with wet plap as she smacked her wet folds. Y/N's mouth dropped open, a loud groan spilling from her lips as her cunt throbbed for more even as Itachi pulled his hand away to lick and sniff at her wet juices covering his palm.

"P-Please, aniki," she couldn't help but plead, knowing in the back of her mind that she should feel pathetic for begging like this, but at the same time, not giving a damn right now.

She must have been too distracted in her desperation, mind too hazy seeking for pleasure, because her gaze widened at the sight of his fat, gloriously long cock as it filled her vision. When had he undressed?

Not that it mattered. She just needed him in her sopping, needy pussy right now.

As if on the same page as her, Itachi pulled her leg over his shoulder, making her cunt stretch prettily, before lining the thick, mushroomed head of his cock to her lips. He didn't wait, didn't care about meeting her gaze as he pushed in, eyes glued to his fat cock stretching her needy little whole; watching it twitch and throb to accommodate him, too greedy to push him out.

His eyes closed, he gripped her hips, his nails digging into her soft flesh, as he slammed in past the barely-there resistance thanks to how wet her cunt was, burying himself to the hilt with a groan, his balls slapping her ass. His sister was a mess, under him, babbling and making soft sounds, her pussy fluttering prettily around his fat girth.

He knelt between her legs, knees digging into the mattress on either side of her waist as he repositioned her to hike her hips onto his lap. The alpha grunted as she continued to babble, wrapping her leg loosely around his waist before adjusting the other one back onto his shoulder. With her practically bent into half, he pounded into her slowly, his cock twitching at the sight of his thick cock filling her, stretching her out over and over.

The omega was a mewling mess, writhing under him, her back arching with each thrust as he picked up the pace. Feeling his mouth water at the sight of her massive tits bouncing with his each movement, he removed a hand from her trim waist to cup and grope her soft breasts. As she moaned, asking for more, Itachi groaned upon noticing the bulge his cock made in her belly each time he plunged in, seeming to hit deeper upon each hit from this angle. His alpha roared at the sight, becoming more needy, screaming to claim her now.

Unable to hold back anymore, Itachi once again gave in to his alpha, leaning down to hover over his sweet sister, feeling his cock bury deeper into her, and kissed her, licking into her slack mouth. When he pulled away, he saw the dazed look in her eyes, her lips slick with their drool, and the sigh made him throb, wanting to paint her walls with his potent seed.

"Fuck," he cursed under his breath, watching her just take everything he had to give, making needy sounds as if asking for more. "It's like you were made to take my cock."

Wasting no more time, he bent his head, slotting his lips over her scent gland, licking the burning skin of her neck before sinking his fangs in.

XXX

The smell of his heat seemed to fill the house, like their mingled scents wanted to announce their mating. Mikoto had been surprised, even flustered at first, right after she'd returned, but soon, like Fugaku, she seemed to come to terms with it pretty quickly, not even bothering to question her eldest children.

While both brother and sister tiptoed around their parents, with the omega going to any lengths to keep her marked neck covered from sight so as not to rub what happened in their parent's faces, they soon realized that perhaps their parents weren't that worried or upset.

"Isn't Sasuke set to return in a couple days?" Mikoto said nonchalantly, breaking the silence at the breakfast table.

Itachi and his sister caught each other's eye before looking curiously at the their mother, while Fugaku sipped his tea.

"Hn. Hatake sent a note. They'll be returning tomorrow afternoon," their father replied, not bothered by the silence from his children.

"Good, good," Mikoto hummed before sipping her tea. "Both of you, be prepared," she continued, flicking her gaze to her kids briefly. "After Sasuke returns, we'll announce your engagement. There will be a formal banquet soon after, so see to it that you're prepared."

Fugaku merely raised an eyebrow as his children gave him wide-eyed looks. He could sense where this was going.

"I-Is this a punishment? We're so sorry, mama, papa," their daughter said, looking guiltily between them. "It's my fault I didn't realize aniki was in heat."

"Little sister," Itachi called out sternly just as Mikoto clicked her tongue.

The older omega set her cup down a bit too hard, before fixing her daughter with a look that meant business.

"Don't you apologize. Never apologize for taking care of your family," she waited till her daughter met her gaze. "The same goes for you," her eyes shifted to Itachi. "These things happen sometimes... It couldn't be avoided this time. But I don't want you hung up over it."

"Your mother's right," Fugaku added, with a stern tone, although his eyes were kind. "Besides, we need to move on quickly and make the best out of this situation. Now that you're bonded, it would be cruel to make other matches for you."

Itachi met his sister's gaze, smiling softly upon seeing her looking more relaxed now, as if their parents words were just what she needed. In all honesty, hearing his father and mother accept and support them really took off a heavy weight from Itachi's shoulders, so he could understand where his sister's relief came from.

"Understood, father," he said. "It is the best course of action."

"We'll be ready," his omega said.

prompt filled for this anon's request

A/N: this was such an interesting scenario! thanks anon and hope you enjoy! also, might return to fix typos whenever i notice them

[gabessquishytum]

Mobster!Alpha Hob mates with In-the Dark About The Criming!Omega Dream.

Hob runs one of the largest crime families on the Eastern seaboard. He is not a nice man, surrounded by not nice men and women. He allows for no dissent or stepping out of line. And he will (violently) protects every omega that makes it to him who requests protection.

Dream is Hob's pretty princess omega. He dresses for Hob's pleasure & desire. He's beautiful and the hottest arm candy in Hob's social circle (of scary men).

Hob has money and is obesssed with Dream - his happiness; making sure he has everything he wants; making sure no one makes him uncomfortable or scared. They are traditionally mated, but actually in love.

More to the point, Dream doesn't really know what Hob's business is - Hob purposefully keeps the seedier side of things away from his princess; and Dream doesn’t care about anything be loving his (masterful) Hob.

An upstart gang makes a move against Hob - injuring Hob, killing some of his people, and kidnapping Dream. The last thing Dream sees as he's grabbed and knocked out is Hob bleeding and unconscious; last thing he remembers before he wakes up again is screaming Hob's name. Dream might not know the full extent of Hob's "business," but when he wakes up naked in a glass cage, what he does know is that Hob will come for him --- as long as there is breath in his lungs(; as long as he's still alive).

I really like this set-up!! Spoiled princess Dream who knows that his beloved husband is rich and powerful and maybe not very nice, but he's nice to Dream, and that's what matters. Dream doesn't ask questions. He's busy with his own stuff, dressing pretty for his alpha, doing his art projects, taking Hob’s knot. He loves Hob so much, and he loves the life that they have together.

Well now Dream is forced to confront the reality of who he's married to. He's in this cage, he's being threatened with torture and terrible degradation. When the gang ask questions about Hob’s business, Dream can't even answer because he doesn't know anything! But he wouldn't say a word even if he did know. All he thinks of his Hob, if Hob survived the attack, if he'll come soon. His captors expected Dream to be broken and begging by now but all he does is murmur Hob’s name hopefully, tracing the letters on the glass.

Hob had to physically fight to get out of the hospital when he woke up. They kept trying to sedate him, saying he was risking his life if he left the hospital. But Hob is an alpha with a goal. He's getting his omega back, by hell or high water. And he is NOT in a good mood when he and a few trusted companions bust into the basement where Dream has been kept. The gang members are gunned down and Hob’s team quickly work to free the omega.

Hob is in a bad state but he can still pick Dream up and carry him up the stairs, soothing and licking his bond mark the whole time. He holds Dream constantly for the next few hours, even at the hospital. And he bites anyone who tries to separate them. Dream is traumatised but happy to be in Hob’s arms. For a little while he thought he might never be Hob’s princess ever again. Now he's sure they can put the whole thing behind them.

Hob practically wraps Dream in cotton wool from that day on. Although he's completely open about how he makes his living now, he never lets anyone from that side of his life near his precious omega. He has Dream under strict protection. He even gives Dream his own little weapon of choice, of course the prettiest and most expensive he can find. Only the best for his darling.

Dream is far tougher than he looks, and Hob knows that. But that isn't the point. He's sworn to love and protect his omega, and to provide for him. So he's going to spoil Dream in every way that he can. Seeing him in that glass cage confirmed what Hob already knew: he'd burn the world to a pile of ash, if it meant making his Dream happy.

[livesincerely]

a little sneak peak at the sequel/companion to my other fic, this time with alpha!Eddie and omega!Buck

WIP. Mature themes but this part isn’t explicit.

Original fic here

00000

“—ck? Buck. Buck. Evan.”

Buck blinks, then blinks again, and the world comes back into sharp, angular focus.

“You with me?” Eddie asks, because Eddie’s standing in front of him again, one hand curled around his shoulder, firm and grounding. “I lost you for a second.” He frowns, then asks, “Why are you just standing here?”

“You told me to wait for you,” Buck murmurs, a little helplessly. “You told me to stay.”

Eddie inhales sharply.

“Jesus Christ, Buck,” he says in a rough, rasping voice. His hand tightens around Buck’s shoulder, his eyes deep and dark, and that decadent smell of cocoa-richness teases at his nose. “I’m gonna have my hands full with you, aren’t I?”

“Sorry,” Buck says, lowering his gaze. “I know it’s a lot.”

“You don’t have to be sorry,” Eddie says. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It’s my heat,” Buck explains, or tries to. His tongue feels thick and clumsy in his mouth. “It makes me all…”

Eddie’s hand slides up his neck to cup around his jaw, his thumb grazing over his cheek.

“Dropped you like a sack of bricks, huh, querido?” he says in that same, raspy voice.

Buck feels himself flush. Instead of searching for any more words, he just nods.

“Okay,” Eddie says. “Hey, look at me.” Buck’s eyes dart up immediately. “Thank you for telling me. For trusting me with this.”

Buck doesn’t know what to do with the praise. He shifts on his feet, then stammers, “It’s— I mean, it’s you, Eds. I’d trust you with anything.”

Eddie’s eyes shade even darker.

“We should—“ Eddie stops, waits a beat, lets out a slow breath. “Let’s move this to the living room, yeah? Easier for us to talk if we’re comfortable.”

I would sit down right here on the floor if you wanted me to, Buck thinks, but he knows better than to say that kind of thing out loud. Not when Eddie’s already putting up with so much of his weirdness, and so patiently.

He manages an attempt at a jerky nod and Eddie’s palm presses against the small of his back, leading him into the living room.

Buck settles gingerly into one corner of the couch, fingers digging into his thighs. Eddie settles next to him—close, but not nearly close enough, but also way too close, actually, the phantom heat of his body just enough to tease at him—and the weight of his gaze is like a physical thing, unrelenting and inescapable.

“Buck,” Eddie says after several long moments of silence, and he shouldn’t be allowed to sound like that, all whiskey smooth with just a hint of growl. “Sweetheart, come here.”

Buck’s on him in an instant, tucking himself under Eddie’s arm and curling as close as he can, whimpering softly.

“Shh,” Eddie soothes, leaning back until they’re reclined against the cushions, legs tangled together. “I’ve got you. You just gotta tell me what you want from this. How I can make this okay for you.”

Buck opens his mouth but nothing comes out, the words trapped somewhere in his throat. He whines, high and trembling, the beginnings of tears stinging at the corners of his eyes.

“Oh, Buck,” Eddie murmurs. “It’s okay, cariño, I’m right here. But you’ve gotta let me help you.”

“It’s too much,” Buck disagrees, and it is. It’s infinitely massive, this yearning that burns inside of him, threatening to crack him open and shake him apart. “I’m too much.”

“Evan,” Eddie says. “You are never too much.”

“But—“

“Never,” he says firmly. “Now tell me.”

[satancopilotsmytardis]

Always welcome your ramblings! Dabi looks sad when he's saying " I thought you'd like a new toy..." 🥺

*cackling* oh, that's not being said TO Dabi, that's AFO telling Tomura he got him a gift 😈

Warning Dead Dove: human/sex trafficking including underaged characters, kidnapping, enslavement, dehumanization, implied non-con, Stockholm syndrome

In this AU, Dabi was born as a rabbit omega, which was not the child that Endeavor wanted. Dabi still tried very hard to live up to the responsibilities of being the firstborn son and to become an alpha (in a leadership sense, not by changing his secondary sex) so he could be worthy of taking over the pack someday even as a rabbit. But at 12, while he was out training to fight (something Prey are of course not supposed to do) when he was attacked by a group of Predators. In the struggle, the mountain was set on fire, and he ended up in a coma for several years.

When he woke, he found out that Enji had sold Dabi that night to those people, and the burning had broken that contract and left Endeavor with a kid he still didn't want and couldn't get a good price for. However, he fully hit puberty while he was in the coma, and it is 100% confirmed now that he's an omega, which is interesting enough that one organization is willing to buy him. Dabi tries to escape, but still ends up being sold and being "trained" to be a companion. He's stuck there until he hits his 20s where, given how bad his skin has continued to get over the years with the staples and darkening of the scars, that organization is desperate to sell him either as a companion or butcher him for meat.

In walks AFO, who knows, that's Endeavor's kid who supposedly died 8 years ago, and, well, Tomura did just destroy his latest toy. So he buys up Dabi and gives him to Shig as a new plaything to be used, or eaten, at his heir's discretion.

Of course, Tomura is immediately taken by the strange bunny, and Dabi soon becomes his favorite pastime. And of course, Dabi eventually learns to cope with his new life, though he never forgets the chains locked around his neck

[critter-rarepair-reccs]

Hello and happy Friday to you all! Midway through May now and this week we have mighty list for you all; twenty-one fics that feature a variety of different and unique AUs! As always, you can find them below the cut and if you check any of them out, I encourage you to leave kudoes and comments to spread the rarepair love 💕

The Changeling by maybetwice (5,899 words, Teen) Pairing: Queerplatonic Fearne Calloway/Orym Warnings: None

Orym is given to the feywild as a child, and grows up as a changeling in the service of Morrigan, companion to Fearne. Its so funnn, the speculative feywild and its politics (pre canon-Morri), Orym's desparate grip on his identity, and how things change and shift, Fearne trying to help but not quite understanding

Reccer Says: The characterization *chefs kiss, the world building, its very fun. Atmospheric, fairy tail esque? The sworn oaths and loyalty *chefs kiss chefs kiss, you love to see it every time. And! It's part of a series!!! So there's more >:D

your touch's so sweet (throw me in the water) by quinn_of_aebradore (1,872 words, Teen) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord)

Evil AU polyam, Bren visits Fjord for the night and they discuss things (and also have a fun night)

Reccer Says: Sexy evil au brain go brrrrrrrr

steady lodged between beast and god by Junkyard_Rose (6,737 words, Mature) Pairing: Lucien Tavelle/Essek Thelyss (Luciessek) Warnings: Suicidal ideation (first half)

After cognouza, Lucien is the one who comes back. The M9 leave him with Essek, who convinces Lucien to (take a second chance) work as his bodyguard. They sort of start to figure things out

Reccer Says: Its kind of a little Lucien's worst nightmare, but also a soft third(?) beginning? Essek trying to be the mirror that Caleb was, and extending the hand, and Lucien is taking it, extremely brrrrrrrr

Shame on a martyr claiming friends by thought (1,641 words, Teen) Pairing: Dorian Storm/Verin Thelyss Warnings: None

Crack played straight, arranged marriage between two second sons who have older, overshadowing brothers, and a desire to carve out a place outside their family's expectations (heheh)

Reccer Says: Its just fun! And honestly, yeah? Yeah! They have a lot of common ground on siblings and their desires to prove themselves to their family's legacies. Also sharing the wish to sidle out of a very awkward room lol

first bloom by flappingduster (3,484 words, Teen) Pairing: Queerplatonic Beauregard Lionett/Essek Thelyss Warnings: None

Essek and Beau are together (romantic) but then they figure things out at separate, but are still close friends (qpr). Essek has complicated feelings when Beau asks for dating advice for a girl she's met

Reccer Says: Complicated Relationship and Feelings brrr

a home where my heart is by DesertLily (1,252 words, Teen) Pairing: Jester Lavorre/Beauregard Lionett (Beaujes) Warnings: None

Jester sends Beau a text asking her out. Beau over analyzes it and goes to Fjord for advice.

Reccer Says: Very cute!!! Beau is a disaster and I love her.

this is a promise (with a catch) by Anonymous (42,357 words, Explicit) Pairing: Orym/Dorian Storm/Will (Dorymwill) Warnings: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics

Orym and Will are together in an alpha/alpha relationship. It’s perfect, except that Orym’s ruts are difficult and he can’t stand to be around Will during them. And then, set up by Fearne, Orym mets Dorian, an omega in need of a heat partner, and things spiral out from there.

Reccer Says: The sex is hot, the relationships are so wonderful and sweet, the world feels so real around them, and the twist at the end is incredible.

burn, scourger, burn by Anonymous (1,362 words, Teen) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss (Shadowmauk) Warnings: None

Witcher AU, Essek is Yennefer, Molly is Jaskier, and they both have been cast aside by Caleb as Geralt. Allied with Astrid and Wulf, Essek seeks out allies and finds himself watching one of Molly’s performances.

Reccer Says: It’s such a brilliant AU in so few words, the history built perfectly in that small space. The emotion, the layers of it, are so delicious.

warm, unalone (come settle down) by Meridas (20,811 words, Teen) Pairing: Queerplatonic Mollymauk Tealeaf/Yasha Nydoorin Warnings: None

A modern AU in which queerplatonic partners Molly and Yasha move to Zadash to start a soft, domestic life.

Reccer Says: Truly one of the sweetest, fluffiest series out there. QPP Circus Kids are soooo important to me and this series is a large reason for that. You can FEEL the love between Molly and Yasha, the depth to which they care about and for each other. It’s just. So so tender. Also! Baby the Cat beloved. And a very nice side of Widomauk fluff!!!

Something Happened On The Way To Heaven by SweetSilentSteps (24,014 words, Explicit) Pairing: Orym/Dorian Storm/Will (Dorymwill) Warnings: Minor Depictions of Violence

A retelling of Ladyhawke (1985), featuring Orym/Will as the cursed couple and Dorian as the jail escapee.

Reccer Says: Absolutely amazing character voices! It's such a fun read! I enjoy this more than the original movie.

(sing another) song for the lost ones by elanoides (21,453 words, Teen) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: None

Fjord crashes in a small seaside town, meets The Mighty Nein, and finds he isn't lonely anymore.

Reccer Says: This is such a cozy comfort read for me. 10/10.

Advanced Book (And Heart) Stealing by Attila (2,776 words, Teen) Pairing: Kima/Allura Vysoren (Kimallura) Warnings: None

The first time Allura checks out a book Kima needs for her thesis is an accident. The second, not so much.

Reccer Says: This is a hilarious story with fantastic character voices and several laugh out loud moments! Also very cute.

a hundred years still in my pocket by burningafterdark (3,360 words, Explicit) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: None

Fjord and Caleb have sex in Caleb's office.

Reccer Says: I love the post-canon vibes, I love how the established background Polynein colors their conversation, I love how comfortable the two feel together. It's also just well written sex!

Shut Up And Take My Money by Attila (14,024 words, Teen) Pairing: Jarrett Howarth/Vex'ahlia Warnings: Descriptions of blood, off-screen violence, off-screen healing of a gun shot wound

Vex needs to hire someone for the (money laundering) coffee shop. Jarett is a perfect fit - and attractive to boot. The question remains: is he a fed?

Reccer Says: This fic is hilarious! It feels like Vox Machina!

Spitfire by kitthekazoo (1,352 words, General) Pairing: Scanlan Shorthalt/Vax'ildan (Vaxlan) Warnings: None

Vax meets Kaylie, Scanlan's 8 year old daughter.

Reccer Says: Lovely!

teakettle love (i'd do anything) by redhoods (6,360 words, Explicit) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: None

Fjord takes care of Caleb when Caleb forgets to take care of himself.

Reccer Says: It's so soft........ such lovely character voices!

houses, homes by Ffwydriad (2,414 words, Teen) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: Implied off-screen transphobia, homelessness

Caleb and Veth are on the streets together, and then move in with Yeza.

Reccer Says: I really enjoy trans!Veth and how the Caleb/Veth/Yeza relationship builds!

and coffee the morning after by impossibletruths (2,546 words, General) Pairing: Keyleth/Pike Trickfoot (Pikeleth) Warnings: Blood*

Keyleth and Pike meet in their apartment building's laundry room. Their relationship builds from there.

Reccer Says: It's so cute! It just feels lovely!

*Keyleth meets Pike when Pike's scrubs have blood on them.

it starts with an earthquake by impossibletruths (13,520 words, Teen) Pairings: Percy de Rolo/Pike Trickfoot/Vex'ahlia, Kima/Allura Vysoren (Kimallura) Warnings: None

Vox Machina's Conclave Arc, but make it post-apocalyptic.

Reccer Says: Absolutely amazing character studies, great plot, and a wonderful way of making things feel hopeful even in the apocalypse.

Free as the birds that fly with weightless souls by impossibletruths (5,643 words, Teen) Pairing: Keyleth/Kashaw Vesh (Kashleth) Warnings: Prominent themes of grief and mourning

Keyleth and Kashaw fall in love during their art collaboration.

Reccer Says: Beautiful.

End Racism in the OTW; you and me and some l-o-v-e (all good things come in threes) by mischiefseven (8,594 words, Teen) Pairing: Shaun Gilmore/Keyleth/Vax'ildan (Vaxlethmore) Warnings: Off-screen violence, aftermath of violence

Vax finds Gilmore's Glorious Goods and finds himself in love with both Keyleth and Gilmore.

Reccer Says: This is one of my favorite fics of all time. I highly recommend it!

Thank you for joining us this week’s recc list! All the love to everyone who submitted a fic 💕 All enclosed recommendations were submitted by the community via our submissions form, which you can find here. All fic information is as it was provided by the reccer, so it may not be accurate to the author’s intent or the precise contents of the fic itself. Please assume good intent from all parties 💕

Submissions for next week’s list are already open! We’ll be featuring Hurt/Comfort. If you have any you’d like to highlight, you can send them in here. The week after that, the theme is PC x NPC and the weeks after that we’re taking recommendations for Proposals & Marriages and Oneshots! Submissions for all of these themes are currently open.

If you want more rarepair fic, check out @cr-summer-wildflowers and their event collections on ao3! If you want some friendship after all this romance, take a look at @critter-genfic-events and their recc lists! And if you’re interested in everyone’s favorite wizards, you can’t go wrong with the lists at @aeor-is-for-reccing !

Thanks all and have a lovely day/night/timezone! 💕