#always checking if i haven't been removed and blocked

[tavvattales]

I want to spoil Scara and Capitano.

Probably make some tea. OOO, Tanjiro kinnie mode on in here. They both deserve something good.

Maybe also give them homemade cookies. Make it in a little lunch box with a small note on it. For scara, put it secretly in his office after he had a mental breakdown. And for Capitano, same as scara but he is exhausted after finished his work.

Gave them secretly cuz the reader is shy/have anxiety/etc, of course they know who gave them the box.

Ye that's all, thanks btw <33

Gifts for You

GENSHIN IMPACT Character x GN!Reader Headcanons

Characters: Scaramouche, Il Capitano(separate)

Pairings: Scaramouche x GN!Reader, Il Capitano x GN!Reader

Warnings: None

Taglist: @stygianoir @kurobakachan @hikomisan @silverwritesthings @minty-stays-tired @genshinparty

If you like what you read, come check out my Discord!

Click below for more~

"Scaramouche" Kunikuzushi

Dusting some flour off your nose you sigh proudly, hoping the cookies would be just to Kunikuzushi's liking. Quickly finishing up the final touches of your gift, you top the cookie tin with a bow and a small note,

"Kuni,

Please stay safe.

Yours Truly"

Smiling, you make your way toward his office, thankful he wasn't there. Placing the tin upon his desk neatly, you turn around and let out a small gasp of surprise. Meeting your gaze was Kunikuzushi leaning on the doorframe with a smirk playing on his lips.

Feeling your cheeks grow pink, you attempt to walk quickly past him, avoiding his eyecontact, but he stops you, blocking the doorway, "Not so fast," Kunikuzushi starts, "I knew it was you leaving me gifts," he says teasingly, causing your geeks to grow more red as you turn your head to meet his playful gaze.

Yet you begin to notice an air of sadness around him, and squinting your eyes, you realize he had been crying. Out of instinct, you reach up, touching his cheek softly, "You've been crying...," you say meekly.

Flinching at your touch, his eyes falter, and turning his head away, he removes his arm from the doorway to let you pass, "It's nothing," Kunikuzushi explains quietly ushering you out the door, but you stop him.

Wrapping your arms around his neck you hug him softly, kissing his cheek, "I'm always here for you...," you murmur, "I love you."

"I love you too..."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Il Capitano

Brushing off your apron you go to hang it up, smiling happily at the little cakes you had made for your lover, Capitano. He'd never admit to his fellow Harbingers his love of sweets, so only you know this side of him. Packing them up carefully, you leave a little note for him.

Capitano,

Please rest and don't overwork yourself.

Yours Truly

Grinning like a fool in love you sigh happily, content with the way the cakes turned out. You had been hoping he hadn't been working hard. Being always worried about him, you regularly prepare gifts like this often.

Making your way quickly to his office, you peek your head through the slightly ajar door. Gasping softly, your lover is hunched over his desk, painfully obvious he is snoozing. Shaking your head and smiling to yourself, you tip toe over to his desk, placing the small cakes down before a hand grabs your wrist.

Yelping in surprise Capitano immediately lets go realizing it had been you, "Ah, my apologies, love," he says groggily letting out a stifled yawn underneath his mask.

Feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety, you turn to leave, but his gentle voice stops you, "Leaving already?" Capitano asks, making you stop dead in your tracks, "I...uhm," you start, getting flustered. And upon seeing the little cakes, he ushers you to sit down, and you oblige, "You're still leaving these for me..." he says affectionately, removing his mask to take a bite, "Delicious as always, my love."

Seeing the tired look in his eyes, your frown, "You haven't been sleeping well, have you?" you ask, and he chuckles at your sharp eye. Nodding at your question, you begin to pout, "Let me brew you some chamomile tea to go along with those cakes then," you say quickly getting up.

"No, allow me to take care of you this time."

[she-who-fights-and-writes]

Do you have any advice on how to write consistently and stay motivated?

Me, who is probably the most inconsistent writer of all time:

How to Write Consistently (From Someone Who Does Not Write Consistently)

This may sound odd; why would someone who has trouble managing their own consistency in writing give advice on how to do just that? Well, for me, I feel like people who have no trouble staying on track with their writing really don't understand the struggles that other writers go through when trying to keep consistent with their projects.

Hopefully, these things that I do may help all of you, too!

1. Find Out the Difference Between Writer's Block vs. Procrastination

Check out my post on how to overcome writer's block here!

One of the most frustrating things that happens when I haven't worked on a project in a while is that once I finally return to it, I write 2,000 words in one sitting!

Discovering that I hadn't actually been suffering from writer's block and could've been working on my WIP easily for all that time is infuriating! I had nothing but my own procrastination to blame!

How have I learned to tell the difference?

Trying to open my WIP file every day, as well as taking notes about where I left off, has been a big help. That way, I can be 100% positive that I either do/don't have writer's block on this section, and can brainstorm things that I want to write next.

Of course, I am definitely not consistent with this. Life happens! It's not possible to expect someone to do something every day, especially if it's so dependent on the unpredictable flow of creative juices. But being at least a bit aware of where I left off has been a big help!

2. Your Phone is Your Enemy!

My phone is the biggest distraction that keeps me from writing. I can have my computer open in my lap with the Word Document of my WIP open for hours and still never get anything done because I'm scrolling on my phone.

It's tough because I normally don't recognize I'm distracted until it's too late; after all, I'd only opened my phone to check a text, or put on my writing playlist, or look up a fact I wasn't sure about.

That's why removing my phone from my reach always helps lots; by using my own laziness against me--since I don't want to get up and go get my phone--it helps me stay focused on the task at hand.

If you need your phone next to you, consider downloading a focus/study app like Forest that will help you stay on track!

3. Have a Back-Up Project!

Writing frequently is the key to keeping yourself motivated and consistent, and if you have writer's block on one project, it can be very easy to slip into a huge gap of time where you don't write at all...and the longer you don't write, the harder it is to get back into it.

Whenever I find I have writer's block on my main project, I write fanfiction or other side projects to keep my writing muscle exercised. I tend to lapse BIG TIME when I don't write, so keeping myself on track with other writing things prevents me from going months without even touching any of my WIPs.

Keeping consistent is one of the most difficult parts of writing, so don't beat yourself up over it if you have trouble! I'm not sure if these tips are helpful, but I hope they can prove useful to those who struggle with the same issues as I do!

[faeryarchives]

UWAAAA CONGRATS ON THE MILESTONE!!!!!! Quick (unrelated?) note I think you're very cool and seem like a fantastic person to hang around with (+ thank you for feeding us content to gush over!!)

I was gonna ask for no. 100 “There is nothing I would change about you.” with Jamil for your event if you're down for that!! :O (gender neutral please :D)

Have a great day <3333

omg thank you so much anon i feel so happy ahihi i am really glad that you guys are enjoying my works too 🥺

you are perfect (gn!reader)

“there is nothing I would change about you.”

everyone has their own bad days - tripping over air, getting burned from drinking hot coffee and getting splashed by rain water etc. and tthere are several things that can cheer someone up after having a bad day such as buying their favorite food or talking it out right? right.

so why do you still refuse to get up from your bed? jamil couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.

after gym class, the second year was approached by grim saying that and he quotes that - "(name) has been holing up in their bedroom and wouldn't get out. even the ghosts are getting worried - can you check up on them?" and when he got at the ramshackle dorm with your favorite snacks and drink on hand, his heart ache hearing your cries through your door.

being accustomed from always hanging out in your room, jamil just casually opened the door but the look on his face is not so casual but worried seeing you buried under your blanket.

"(nickname), you don't have to blame yourself for what happened today okay? you just had a very bad day." his voice resounding through the quiet room as his hand gently removed the blanket from you, (eye color) eyes meeting worried charcoal grey ones.

"jamil..." tears start to well up again around your eyes, memories of today's events rushing back in your mind. the vice dorm leader couldn't help but to feel bad - hand reaching out to pull you into his warm embrace. "it's okay, let it out. i am here and ready to listen, my treasure."

"it's because i fucked up so bad jamil. i always try my best to belong here even though i am not originally from this world so no one would make fun of me for being magicless or weak without my friends. but i can't even i achieve anything on my own. why can't i change myself - why am i so useless?"

quiet sobs turn into loud wailing, pouring all the worries and problems that has built up inside of you to your boyfriend. no one could imagine how heavy each of your responsibilities are and he really admires you for being able to achieve your goals.

"you are not useless okay?" jamil gently grab your shoulders making you face each other, his heart aching to see you hurting. he gave you a smile before giving you a soft peck on the cheek. "(name) it's already a big thing that you are here because you keep saving each one of us." you could feel his voice becoming softer and softer each word.

"you saved me. you don't need to change for anyone. there is nothing i can change about you. that is why -" a ray of sunlight reflected the tear escaped through his eye making you gasp.

"you are perfect just the way you are, don't think less of yourself okay?"

"thank you, jamil. really, but stop crying or else i'll cry too!"

"ahahah, sorry sorry. come on eat up or i'll finish them all." cries turn into joyous laughter as the two of you decided to spend the whole afternoon watching your favorite show and soon - you fell asleep on jamil's shoulder. the male brushed his hand on your cheek and kissed your forehead with a smile.

"sweet dreams, my treasure."

ueueue i got a writer's block at the last minute and by the way the event will extend until may 22 >< i haven't been able to update due to personal reasons im so sorry 🙏

[evansonfilm]

My Girl

Pairing: Chris Evans x ex!reader

Summary: Chris had to find himself in order to love you properly.

Warnings: Cursing, drinking, ANGST (my favorite) but with upright ending, tiny fluff

A/N: English isn't my first language; all mistakes are mine. Also, I haven't written in a long, long, long time, I'm rusty. ):

Masterlist

It was funny.

When you agreed to attend Scarlett’s mini party, never in a million years you imagined yourself spending the rest of the night sulking on the back porch, nor you imagined yourself wanting to cut off your ears because of the slow music inside the house that brought back so many memories. Not necessarily bad memories, but the ones you wished to forget.

But it was also your fault. Of course, he’d be here. He was a close friend to Scar as much as you were to her. You should’ve known he would be here. But then you hoped Scar would at least get the idea that you don’t want to be in the same room as him. You were friends with her longer than he was, after all.

However, everything still ended up here. You at Scarlett Johansson’s back porch, drinking champagne from a huge mug, blocking the slow tune from inside the house and praying you would not run into Chris Evans. It was really, really funny.

Then as if you were living inside a satirical film, the porch door opened, and soon, an all too familiar scent engulfed your senses. You clenched your eyes shut as if you were making a face to the imaginary audience of your comedy show.

Chris fucking Evans, you thought.

“Hey,” Fuck, you missed that voice. Smooth and accented.

You only gave him a nod, slouching back to your seat. Please, don’t make any small talk, please, don’t make any small talk.

“Aren’t you cold? Here,” Chris tried to remove his jacket, but you shook your head at him, taking a sip from your mug. Damn, you should’ve brought the whole bottle with you. “You sure? I don’t mind.”

You did not answer. Instead, you continue looking at the small patch of flowers in front of you. Purple and pink; pretty, pretty flowers.

“Um… how have you been?” He asked. You cursed him inside your head.

“Busy.” was your answer. He nodded.

“Yea… great films, by the way! Congrats on your Globes, too.” You knew he had no idea how to talk to you— it was too obvious by his awkward tone. You just don’t know why he’s still trying to.

“Thanks.”

“Uh… would—“

“Why are you here?” You cut him off. “What do you want?” You instantly felt bad for snapping; he was just being nice, but you were not in the mood for chit-chatting. Small talks and exes do not go together, you strongly believed that.

“I just wanted to check on you,” he sighed, already knowing where this is going. But he’s the one to blame; he knew he had hurt you the last time you were talking. Nobody in their right mind would talk to an ex willingly.

“Well, I’m okay, thanks. You can go now,” you fake your smile, sparing him a quick glance. He looked good. Dammit.

He sighed once again, occupying the seat across yours, his own beer clasped by his large hand. “I was also hoping we could talk,”

“About?”

“Just… anything. You know, like our usual chats,” he smiled fondly.

You scoffed. “We don’t have any ‘usual chats’, Chris. We haven’t talked for years! Please, I don’t wanna talk, just leave me in peace.” His name tasted bitter on your tongue, but his heart skipped a sweet beat when you said it. Oh, the parallels.

“Okay, let me just… um, can I at least talk?” He pressed. “Please?”

“Whatever,” you rolled your eyes, taking a sip. You could finish your mug of champagne to have the excuse of getting up and leaving the porch, but you decided against it.

“I’m sorry,” he started. “Gosh, I’ve always wanted to say that, but I didn’t know how to. I know I hurt you, and I hurt me, too. The breakup— it was stupid and sudden and...”

Your stare sent chills down his spine. He knew you were two seconds away from scoffing and telling him to fuck off, so he stopped. He needed to find the right words first.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I spent months trying to construct my apology, but now I’m here, I’m just rambling like a proper idiot. I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know what I’m doing.”

“That all?” Quirking an eyebrow, you look into his eyes, ignoring the increasing rate of your heart.

“No, please, I’m sorry. I just… I don’t want to fight again. But I feel like I’m walking on eggshells here... like I’m a second away from saying the wrong words and fucking this up more than it already is.” Chris admitted.

“You are,” you confirmed with a sarcastic laugh. “It would be easier if we just stop this nonsense altogether, Chris.”

“I’m not giving up on you for a second time, please,” He took a big stride, kneeling in front of you and grabbing your mug to place it on the table and to gather your cold hands into his. “Please.”

“What?” You were annoyed now. How could he? Did he think it was okay to be near you, let alone touch you? But really, how could you? How could you feel the familiar warmth of his touch?

“I only wanted to tell you that I was wrong. That I couldn’t really be happy without you. I wasn’t truly complete when we were apart. I was wrong because I thought a breakup would be healthy for us. I was wrong because I chose to be selfish. I was wrong because I thought I won’t hurt you as much I hurt myself,” Tears glistened his eyes. His fingers were also shaking against yours. You could feel his pulse racing with his words, but you said nothing. So he continued, “I was wrong in so many ways. I know that now. I have hurt you in more ways than I thought I would that I wished every single night I could turn back time and alter the past, but I can’t. All I can do now is make it up to you because that’s what you deserve. You deserve a real man; a better man.”

If the situation was easy, you would laugh and rub the fact that you were right on his face, but it was not. You’ve done hundreds of romantic films in your life, but not one script has ever taught you how to act in a situation similar to your current state now. How do you deal with this?

“But you were wrong as well. You were wrong about me being strong enough for us. You were wrong about me being brave enough for us because I wasn’t. I learned that in the most difficult way. I had to hurt you to see how much I needed you,” Chris let out a sob, tears dampening your entwined hands. You could only stare ahead, afraid of the threatening buds of tears in your own eyes.

You should feel victorious. You've pictured this moment over and over again for the past years, subconsciously knowing your love was strong enough to bring you back together. That he'd find his way back to you. But you couldn't.

You only feel the pain. His pain. It was too late.

“Please, say something.”

“What do you want me to say?” Your voice made his blood run cold. It wasn’t angry; it was empty. Emotionless, and thousand more times worse than anger. It was challenging him to say more, to beg more, but how could he when he couldn’t even swallow the painful lump in his throat?

“Anything, please!”

“What, Chris, what? What do you want to hear? I’m not the same ever since you left. I don’t know what to say— I can’t even look at you!” Now, you were angry. You pulled your hands back, standing up to leave the porch but Chris was quick to grab your hips and lean your body against one of the porch’s pillars.

“But why? Please,” As if time stood still, his hands found their homes; one holding your waist, one cupping your cheek.

Letting your tears fall, you painfully admitted, “Because I’m pretty sure if you say 'My girl?' now, I would still answer 'Always.'— because two years later, I still fucking love you like you never broke my heart, Chris.”

Then it was followed by silence. Closing your eyes, you stifled your sobs as your hands tried prying him off your body, but he wouldn’t budge. You tried for the second time, but it was still to no avail.

“Let me hold you, please,” he whispered against your head. “I’m empty without you.”

“This doesn’t fix anything, Chris. It doesn’t change the fact that you walked out on me— on us!” You know there was no point in arguing with him, but he at least needed to know your thoughts.

“I know. God knows I’d spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you allow me, but please, let me hold you for a little longer.” With that, he wrapped his arms around your frame, pressing his face against the space between your neck and shoulders and inhaling your scent. Ah, the smell of home.

You were not going to lie. You missed the feeling of his arms around you; his warmth engulfing you as his heart beats with yours. You went years with this, then years without this. Never in anyone’s wildest dreams, you would refuse to be in his arms. It used to be your safest place— it is your safest place.

“And I love you,” he muttered after a short moment of silence. “Better now, stronger now.”

“You can’t promise that, Chris. You can’t promise feelings,” you challenged. “You also loved me before but it didn’t end well.”

“I’m not promising anything, darling, I’m simply sharing what I learned in the two years we weren’t together.” He kissed your neck. You wanted to pull away.

“You would hurt me again, we both know that.”

He shook his head, pulling back a little to look into your eyes so you know he meant the next words that would leave his lips. “I would but I would never leave you again. You’d probably hurt me, too, but we know better now,”

“I think you’re reaching. It's impossible—“

“Not when you’re away from the one you love the most! I learned everything in the most painful way possible, y/n. And although I know it was my fault, I learned that all I really needed to be happy was you.” He finished. That hit a nerve.

You two really had something, hadn't you?

You took a sharp breath. “How do you know that?”

He was confident. “I just do.”

But so were you. “You thought you did two years ago, but you didn’t. I don’t think it’s any different now.”

He shook his head, leaning over once again to tuck his head in your neck. Then slowly, you felt his body rumble with soft shakes as small sobs took over his frame once again. This made your lips quiver and your eyes fill with tears.

Chris pulled away with wet eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't know how to love you then," his words came out with a sob, shaky fingers gently brushing stray hairs out of your damp face. "I'm sorry, baby."

You shake your head as more tears continue to fall from your eyes, mumbling a firm, "I don't want your apology."

"I know," Chris sighed. "I know, sweet girl."

"Then what is this, Chris?" You challenged him.

He bit his lip, leaning his chin against your forehead and leaving multiple kisses along your hairline. "This is me telling you that I may not know how to love you right two years ago, but I do now. I do now, baby."

That silenced your sniffling. You searched his somber eyes, desperately seeking any sign of lies, still reluctant of the man in front of you— the same man who broke you, but all you saw was honesty. A longing man so frail and delicate, but honest.

Who were you to lie? This was all you wanted since the breakup; for him to realise his mistakes— for him to come back to your arms because even if he had hurt you, you both knew you were each other's persons. One way or another, you were two puzzle pieces meant to be together.

But what if it was too soon? What if you were being too soft? You still remember how you screamed, "If you leave that fucking door, I will fucking hate you." and how he left without looking back two summers ago. What if it was too soon?

Chris noticed your lack of response— his anxiety slowly kicking in. He, too, had a series of your unhealthy fights flash in his head, but he ignored it, analysing your eyes instead.

When you didn’t answer after seventy-two— as he counted— long seconds, he softly added, “Only if you’ll have me again.”

It was promising, but it was still scary. You remember how beautiful your relationship was, but it burned too quickly, and the events following its end were too much; too heavy, too painful.

“But you hurt me,” your voice was small. It broke his heart, knowing it was true. “You broke me.”

Chris could only let his own tears fall. If only he knew how to be the right man for you— to be vulnerable for you, to be open, to be truthful. However, he was young and afraid.

“I spent months going through millions of questions. Was I not enough? Did I not love you enough?” you continued.

“No, baby, you were more than enough— I was the one who—“

“I should hate you for choosing yourself. You left us broken because you were scared you’d forget how to be alone. That’s too fucking stupid, Chris! You don’t spend three years with someone and suddenly decide you’ve had enough of them,” your voice gained strength, silently taunting him. He winced.

He couldn’t decide if you were angry or sad. Either way, he knew you’re still hurt, but he was relieved you were finally speaking.

“I should hate you— I promised I would hate you!” you exclaimed, breaking your speech with a sob. Chris tried to pull you back against his chest but you resisted. “But I can’t because I love you. I love you so fucking much, it’s fucking me up.”

“One more chance, baby. Please,” he begged.

It was too soon. Too soon. Too soon.

“Give me a reason why.” You returned his pleas with your own.

“Because I’m pretty sure if I say, ‘My girl?’ now, I’d be hoping you’d answer with, ‘Always.’ because two years later, I finally know how to love you beyond all my fears. Beyond all our fears.” He closed his eyes as he put his forehead on yours.

You laughed despite your tears. It might be too soon— too risky, but does it really matter when you know you love him, and that you would never stop doing so?

It doesn’t.

“One more chance, Evans,” you chuckled softly, enjoying the proximity between your bodies. It was all too cliche; how your hearts seem to be beating in the same rhythm, and how your closed eyes seem to produce more tears. Happy tears, this time. “Fuck it up, and that’s it.”

“I won’t,” Opening your eyes, you finally see his smile again. “I love you.”

You grinned, brushing your lips against his. “Kiss me, you doofus,” And man, did he kiss you. There were no sparks or slow motion; there were only you and him, and your salty lips and sloppy tongues in each other’s embrace. It was perfect.

“My girl.” Chris sighed against your lips. You smiled.

“Always.”

[bigskydreaming]

The court of owls is a really good villain for Dick because they're directly trying to stripe Dick's agency entirely, something that he has always valued deeply and it's a core part of his character.

But DC doesn't usually like

Use that direct approach with it and idk i feel they could be always a shadow and a threath to Dick, lingering around.

And being such a numerous group, It could be used as an excuse to us unite the family around Dick a little more. Knowing he has been manipulated before, knowing they know their identities, always checking if Dick doesn't appear fearing he was taken... But trusting him to let him live his life

Idk. I just feel is so wasted as a concept...

YES EXACTLY EXACTLY.

I have such a love/hate relationship with the Court of Owls as a concept because it thematically ties PERFECTLY into Dick's core character themes and ongoing struggle to protect his personal autonomy, retain his sense of agency over his own life and actions.

Like their blatant view of him and approach to just exploiting him as a tool is a perfect encapsulation of so many of his most pivotal stories and arcs, as well as a great commentary on the classism that's embedded into EVERY version of his origin story, and has shaped how his life has been jerked around at the whims of rich and powerful people since literally before he was ever born.

The problem is exactly what you describe:

DC never lets any of that MATTER in any of the Court of the Owls stories. They just gloss completely over it all, and like....its part of my grievance with Talon stories in fandom too because like I've gone into my other issues there at length, but another key element of why I'm not a huge fan is the way people act like Dick being brainwashed into being a bad-ass super-assassin its like.....

Okay, I'm sorry, but that's just kinda boring to me? We've READ that story, a million times. Dick gets brainwashed by the enemy and becomes a huge threat has been done like, so many times. Him being a Talon or it being the Court that does it to him is at best a superficial change. Same with using Talonization to 'upgrade' Dick's threat level, like....mmmm, I don't love that because I think it glosses over the fact that Dick's entire concept for eighty years has been that he doesn't NEED superpowers to be one of the most dangerous people in the DC universe?

Hell, personally? I see the Talonization thing as a DOWNGRADE to Dick's danger and threat level, because yeah, it gives him a healing factor and faster reflexes but he's never needed either of those to hold his own even AGAINST superpowered foes.....

Largely because of the one thing Talon stories often REMOVE from Dick....his keen intellect and strategic mind.

THAT'S what makes Dick Grayson so dangerous, the way he thinks rings around his enemies while they're still stuck at the starting block. Making Dick a largely mindless Talon pointed and aimed by 'masters' who don't WANT him to think for himself like....that's the equivalent of putting the safety back ON the weapon that Dick Grayson's spent years honing himself into WITHOUT superpowers - all while keeping pace with rooms full of people who HAVE superpowers and even god-tier powers.

So yeah, I'm one hundred percent with you on Court and Talon stories frustrating me because the potential is there! It absolutely is! I just think its largely WASTED potential, because again....Dick being ACTUALLY brainwashed or controlled or reshaped by the Court? Dick being turned into a Talon, having to break free of their conditioning on his own, or be rescued from it by his friends and family, or learn to readjust to life AFTER being a Talon or used by the Court, recover from that ordeal?

We've literally read ALL of those stories, just with different villains. The Joker. The Church of Blood. Spyral. Etc, etc.

The stories we HAVEN'T read though?

Are the ones where Dick Grayson - AS Dick Grayson, not Talon, as just himself, fully and completely in control of his own faculties and the only one in the driver's seat in his head -

Looks at what the revelations of the Court and their plans for him and his life MEAN for him and his life. How that new information about their view of him, his family history, how all that changes and informs HIS view of himself and his family, and the paths his life has taken.

Give me the Court and Talon stories where Dick gets to reflect upon his realization that Bruce taking him in, everything he did in the spotlight as Dick Grayson, ward of Gotham's Prince, and as Robin and Nightwing.....that's quite literally what SAVED him from being kidnapped and turned into a pawn of the Court. All of that was likely the buffer that kept them at bay, instead of swooping in and claiming him in the aftermath of his parents' murder.

Give me the stories where Dick reconciles his feelings about how proprietarily these rich fucks view him and his family tree, how they think of him as literally THEIRS to do with as they please.....while Dick has to also grapple with the reality that its literally only the wealth, resources and power and privilege of another rich aristocrat that protected Dick all these years and kept him safe from that exploitation. Let Dick confront his feelings about how he thinks Bruce has taken him for granted at times, and compare and contrast it to how Bruce's peers WANTED to exploit him, let Dick voice to Bruce that he can be grateful to Bruce and his role in Dick's life while still needing to confront the specter of entitlement that has informed so many aspects of his life and choices that Dick has both gotten to make for himself, and choices that he DIDN'T get to make for himself, even though they SHOULD have been his choices to make.

Give me the stories where Dick struggles with the new revelation that the Court of Owls is made up of rich Gothamites who have literally brushed elbows with Dick throughout his school years, at various galas, when Dick was working at Wayne Enterprises, etc....and the whole while, many of these people - and Dick doesn't even know for sure WHICH ones, and might NEVER know - many of them were part of this secret society sneering down at him through polite masks while just waiting for the day they'd get to assume control of him and use him as their personal pawn. Give me Bruce being self-conscious and second-guessing how often he took Dick out among the sharks chomping at the bit to get their hooks into Bruce's son, all while Bruce himself didn't even have a clue of the danger surrounding Dick....BECAUSE of who he was mingling with. Give me the ANGST of Dick and Bruce struggling to talk about what it MEANS for both of them, to have to take another look back at YEARS worth of interactions with people Bruce never thought to think twice about, and that Dick likely ALWAYS had bad feelings about because he has good instincts about people and quite possibly KNEW many of these people skeeved him out for some reason, or were being weird towards him or about him....but he didn't feel secure enough of his place among Gotham's upper class that he was comfortable VOICING the fact that something about many of these people and his interactions with them probably always left him very unsettled.

THOSE are the Court of Owls stories I want to read! That's where the meat is, if you ask me. Give me THAT angst. Less Talon being exploited by the Court, more Dick Grayson spending YEARS in constant danger from the Court, with no idea how precarious his situation was all that time....

Until the day the truth about his family history and the Court's plans for him were revealed....and suddenly it all would have been right there in front of his face, impossible to look away from, and casting so much of what he thought he knew about himself, his past interactions and associations, and his own lived experiences among Gotham's elite.....in an ENTIRELY new light.

[missymurphy1985]

The Strip Club - Cillian Murphy X Female OC

A/N - Set in 2010, and I've used fictional names for his wife/children

A night out with his brother and closest friends doesn't end the way Cillian expects it to.

Warning - Smut

Taglist @queenshelby @margoo0 @being-worthy @peakyscillian @ntmynouis @janelongxox @elenavampire21 @noctvrnalmoth @ysmmsy @cloudofdisney @lauren-raines-x @namelesslosers @misscarolineshelby @screemqueen @cilleveryone

"I'm really not up for this Pad, can't we just go for a beer at the Anchor instead?" Cillian complained to his younger brother.

"You haven't been out with us in months, Dermot has had this all planned out for ages Cill, come on!" He rolled his eyes, knowing he couldn't get out of it, no matter what he said. Pulling his boots on, the two of them left the house, getting into the waiting taxi outside.

Walking into the strip club via the VIP entrance at the back, Cillian kept his head low and his brother and friends close around him so as not to be seen. Last thing he needed was photos in the press of him coming here!

"We're here for The Secret Show? Booked under Padraig Murphy?" Paddy told the bouncer, who checked everyone's ID and led them through a curtained off section at the back of the club. No cameras, no members of the public, completely private.

The boys sat around the stage area, a waitress coming over to take their drinks order. Once she returned with them, the lights dimmed and the music from the movie Burlesque began to play through the speakers. A single spotlight on a stool on the stage.

Cillian could feel his cheeks burning, he genuinely had never felt so uncomfortable in his life. He'd never been to a place like this, had always avoided them like the plague. The idea of a stripper had never appealed to him. Someone he'd never met, stripping to her underwear to please him and his drunk friends and even more cringe-worthy, his little brother, was not something he was remotely interested in.

The dancer came out, swaying her hips as she walked to the stool. Perching herself on it, legs crossed. Dressed in a black corset, short black skirt, fishnet stockings, black stiletto heels, and a black masquerade mask covering the top half of her face. Her long, silky brown hair flowing loosely down her back.

She was beautiful, there was no mistaking it. Cillian spotted Paddy nudging Dermot and whispering something in his ear and rolled his eyes. Probably something incredibly inappropriate about the young girl in front of them. He couldn't help feel sorry for her - lecherous old men creeping all over her as she danced for them, throwing money at her like she was a cheap prostitute...

The routine began. Cillian remained stoic, arms folded across his chest while the other lads cheered, louder each time an item of clothing was sexily removed from her lithe body. Her heels had been kicked off, her stockings slowly moving down her thighs, he couldn't watch any more. Standing, he made his way over to the bar to order another Guinness.

"I'd have thought you'd be over there enjoying the show with your friends?" A familiar voice from behind the bar startled him.

"Kate?"

"Long time no see," she smiled.

"Wow! Last person I expected to bump into tonight, how are you?"

"I'm okay, I see you're doing pretty well too." He nodded, his latest film, Inception, had been a box office smash. Professionally, at least, he could say he was doing well.

"Yeah, I guess so." His head lowered slightly, as Kate placed his pint in front of him.

"You guess? You okay?"

"What? Oh yeah, yeah I'm fine. Although, no disrespect? Kinda wish I was anywhere but here right now!" He chuckled. Kate smirked.

"I get off in 20minutes, fancy a walk?"

"You know what, I'll take you up on that Kate. I'll meet you outside?"

"Deal."

Thirty minutes later, after Cillian had made his excuses to his brother, he was smoking a cigarette walking along the canal with Kate at his side.

"Did you travel the world like you planned after school?" He asked, stubbing the cigarette out on the floor.

"I did, a full year of travelling before I went to university."

"Where did you go?" She told him about Australia, backpacking across Vietnam and Thailand, before heading to California for three months on a work visa.

"It was amazing. Truly wonderful. I met some great people over there. But all good things must come to an end, right?" She looked at him, and quickly looked away.

"I couldn't stand in the way of you living your dream Kate, you know that. We ended on grand terms though, right?" She linked her arm through his and squeezed it.

"We did. Promised we'd stay in touch though didn't we..."

"Yeah, I admit that was my fault. Tanya wasn't overly keen on you was she?" His ex wife. Or soon to be ex, anyway.

"I'm sorry about what happened Cill. Are you okay?"

"I'm getting there, you know? If she'd rather fuck her friend's husband instead of her own, then so be it," he smiled as much as he could.

"Well if it's any consolation, she's clearly lost her mind." She squeezed his arm again, and he found himself moving it so it was wrapped over her shoulders. He could feel her shivering and pulled her a little tighter against him.

They approached a small apartment block around 100yards further down the canal, and Kate dug her keys out of her handbag.

"Thanks for walking me home. It was good to see you again," she smiled, unhooking herself from him.

"Maybe I could - " he was interrupted by the door opening, and a younger girl stood in the doorway with a toddler in her arms.

"I'm so sorry Kate, I gave her Calpol an hour ago but I couldn't get her to settle..."

"Hey it's okay, I'll take her now. Get yourself home sis, I'll see you tomorrow yeah?" The young girl nodded, before nodding at Cillian and heading off down the street.

"Liane grew up!" Cillian laughed. The last time he'd seen her she'd still been in primary school. "And who's this little one?" He reached for the toddlers hand, grinning when she took his little finger and squeezed it.

"This is my daughter, Lily."

"Well Lily, you've certainly got your mama's eyes, haven't you?" Cillian glanced quickly at Kate's left hand.

"Her Dad isn't around Cill, I'm not married." He bent his head down. Busted.

"Then am I allowed in for a coffee at least?"

"If you don't mind sharing me with a teething baby, then yes, you can come in!" Kate led him through and fetched the teething granules from the cupboard and a teething ring from the freezer. Cillian offered to take Lily while she prepped a cup of warm milk for her.

Seeing him bounce her on his arm made her smile.

"Reminds me of Jack and Niamh when they were teething. Had to be moving around, constantly needed distraction. You okay if I take her a walk around after? See if I still have the magic touch?"

Kate nodded, and took her back to give her the nurofen, teething granules, followed by her sippy cup of warm milk. Once she'd finished, Cillian offered his arms out for her. She reached up for him, surprising Kate as she normally shied away from strangers, and off they went around the apartment. She watched from a distance as he took her around, showing her the ornaments on the window ledge, her reflection in the mirror, bouncing her up and down as she giggled lightly.

After around fifteen minutes, he made his way over to the radio in the kitchen, fiddling with the buttons before he found the station he was looking for. Soft, gentle classical music played through the speakers. He turned the volume down so it was barely audible, and leaned Lily into his shoulder, rocking her side to side gently. She nuzzled into his neck, Kate watching, smiling, as her baby's eyes grew heavier. She could feel past feelings coming back as she watched them. As much as she'd pretended losing him when he left University to pursue his acting career was fine and she had gotten over it, she never had. And now, bumping into him again all these years later, those feelings were coming back with some force.

Lily was snoring gently in his arms now, and Kate gently took her from him. Taking her into a small room at the back of the apartment. Coming out ten minutes later and closing the door as quietly as possible.

"I'd say you still have it Cill," she laughed, switching the baby monitor on in the corner of the living room where he sat on the sofa, two glasses of red wine in front of him. "You read my mind."

She sat next to him, clinking her glass with his.

"Did you meet her Dad while you were travelling?" He asked, after taking a sip.

"Yeah.. he erm.. he died not long ago. Cancer."

"Shit I'm sorry... Oh Kate that's awful..."

"No it's okay.. it was just a brief fling you know, we weren't together or anything. But it's sad for her. She'll never have that father figure. Just me and her against the world now." She felt his fingers brush her hair out of her face and gently down her cheek. Turning to him, she put her glass down on the table and turned to face him. He placed his down too, and moved closer.

Their faces centimetres apart, she could feel his warm breath against her own.

"I should probably go..."

"Again?" She whispered. She didn't want him to leave her again, as much as he had no intention of actually leaving. Their lips met, a kiss that was fifteen years overdue.

"I haven't spent a day not thinking about you, Kate..." He smiled, pulling away.

"You mean that, or are you just looking to get your end away?"

"Which is why I'm going to kiss you now, and go home. But I want to see you again. If I can?"

"And what if I don't want you to go home..." She kissed him again, this time straddling her legs over his thighs on the sofa. Even if this was a one night stand for him, she needed him, and he wasn't getting away this time.

"Then I'm not going home." His hips rose to meet hers, gyrating over his erection under his jeans, both of them removing each others clothes in record time until they were left in just their underwear.

"My god, you're incredible... Let me taste you..." He flipped her onto her back on the sofa, spreading her legs and placing gentle kisses along the inside of her thighs. His fingers teasing against her underwear, softly caressing her mound, before sliding a finger inside and groaning at how wet she was already.

"Cillian please...." She almost whimpered underneath him, her hips squirming against his lips and fingers. He pulled her underwear down her legs, and unceremoniously threw them across the room before moving his lips to her open slit, drawing his tongue slowly up and down her folds. Her hand flew to her mouth, stifling the cry of ecstacy within it so as not to wake Lily.

"You need to be quiet, you're not going to want me to stop once I've started Kate..." He smirked, before attacking her clit with his mouth, drawing it between his lips, rolling his tongue over it, increasing the pressure. His fingers pressing into her thighs, surely leaving bruises, as his mouth worked magic on her, her hips rocking against him.

"Oh god... That's so good, please don't stop..." Her words coming out in breathy little moans as her orgasm built quickly. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him where she needed him. Two fingers suddenly entered her, making her gasp as they found the small bundle of nerves deep inside her, pushing and rubbing against it hard, matching his motions against her clit. Suddenly his mouth was off her, his fingers pumping into her, the palm of his hand pressed against her clit now as he moved his body up, his lips now pressed to hers. The taste of herself on him turned her on further, and she could feel herself letting go.

"Cum for me..." He whispered in her ear, sending her over the edge with a small cry into his shoulder, her body writhing against him. His fingers removed, replaced with his now solid cock as it pushed inside her quickly, picking up the same pace his hands were, hard and fast thrusts as he hooked her leg up under his elbow, forcing himself deeper.

Her nails scraped over his shoulders as she buried her face into his neck, frantic thrusts against each other, fifteen years of buried feelings coming out of them with a force that took her breath away.

"Yes... God yes..." Her moans into his neck drove him wild, her walls contracting around him pushing him closer. He could feel another orgasm building inside her, and angled his thrusts to hit that magical spot inside her perfectly.

"I'm so close Kate... So fucking close, you feel so good around me..."

"Cum inside me Cillian, please..." He grunted against her ear, nibbling on it gently as his hips pounded into her relentlessly now. Reaching his high, he flooded her, spilling inside her with a deep groan into her neck, sending her into her second orgasm, her legs wrapping tightly around his back pulling him even deeper inside her as she felt his cock pulsate, emptying into her.

He rested his forehead against hers, both of them panting, smiles forming as they looked into each others eyes.

"You're on the pill, right?" He chuckled, coming back to his senses.

"No." He lifted his head quickly.

"What?" She started to giggle, grinning at him.

"I'm on the coil, you're fine, don't worry!" He rested his head back into her neck, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Good to hear. I think three kids between us is enough for now, don't you?"

"What do you mean, for now?"

"I made the biggest mistake of my life leaving you Kate, I'm not planning on doing it again," his lips gently kissed the side of her neck, running the tip of his nose along her jawline softly.

He pulled out of her with a groan, taking her hand and leading her into her bedroom - he'd clocked which one it was earlier that evening.

Kate smiled watching him grow hard again, knowing not much sleeping was going to be done once they got in there...

[haechanokeh]

I’m right for you [pt. 3]

[teaser] [ Chapter 1 ] [ Chapter 2 ]

(you can play Die For You by The Weeknd while reading this 😌)

pairing: popular college! mark x average! reader

genre: romance, smut, angst, series.

warning: corruption, oral sex (both receiving and giving), cream pie, rough sex, mention of religion, rough sex, self-esteem, psychology, public sex, sub! reader, sex toys. possessive mark two-faced mark

I think I’m right for you, babe. You know what I’m thinking, see it in your eyes. You hate that you want me, hate it when you cry. It ain’t workin’ ‘cause you’re perfect and I know that you’re worth it I can’t walk away. (Die for you by The Weeknd)

today is you case presentation with mark. you were deeply affected of what happened in the cubicle but mark seemed unbothered because he was greeting you as usual. it wasn’t weird, he always greets everyone but what was really weird was your classmates. they were looking at you and it made you felt conscious, they were not saying anything but sometimes you catch them glancing at you but you brushed it off and focus on your brainstorming with mark.

yes you do dislike mark but you thank god that he's your partner. he never missed a question from your professor during case study on the other hand you're just standing beside him dumbly. you only understand the question AND the answer once mark responded. well, mark a very kind person he was, despite of answering it alone he made sure that you're included in the case saying base in y/n and my research, even lied that some are from my own research but of course not. plus, for some odd reason, your classmates' eyes were literally made you uncomfortable to the point you were having a hard time to breathe or your social anxiety attacking you. however, at the very moment, you want to give mark a tight hug for making your life easy.

the whole presentation ended. you were putting your things back to your back while standing while mark scrolling in his phone because his dad texted him asking if he could buy him some new pen. you gasped when an arm was on your shoulder, and that caught mark's attention but he hid his annoyance. 

"hey, y/n, i heard you like someone ha?" his brows were playfully raising. it was lucas, he gave mark a meaningful glance but mark smiled confusingly.

"what?" you didn't have any idea what he's telling you. 

"i heard someone saw-"

"mark!" mina suddenly appeared calling mark's name a little too loud which made lucas stop from talking. "we're going to a milk tea house, do you want to come with us?"

“y/n, come with us.” lucas pulled you closer to his body. mark was taring at lucas arm around your shoulder. you weren’t aware of mark’s expression because your mind was thinking ways to breakthrough from lucas. 

“no!” mina exclaimed. he caught everyone’s attention, and she became flustered. “i mean, we will only make her feel uncomfortable and lucas please remove your arms to y/n, she doesn’t look comfortable.” she mumbled. lucas did remove his arms from you. 

“milk tea? can we also come with you?” then the people started to surround mark. it became noisy, knowing you who’s allergic to people and noise sneaked out from the circle and left the room.

mark turned his head to look at you but you’re nowhere to be found. he sighed and forced himself to interact with his classmates.

your mother texted you that he will be away for one week because of their excursion. she left you an allowance good for one week including your meals for the whole day and transportation. you already had your dinner outside. right now you were just laying down on your favorite long sofa in your living room, watching NCT 2020 funny moments. suddenly, mark's name popped. mark is your class representative, he has access to class contacts and it wasn't that mark called you because you're always late in the class so for almost past 3 years he's the one you always contact just to inform the class that you're just late. 

wait, did i miss an announcement? you quickly left the class maybe something came up.

"hello, was there an announcement?" you directly asked

"none, just checking you. we haven't had a proper conversation awhile ago unless it's case related." 

you heart melted, he's very kind and sweet... that scares you.

"ah okay." you simply answered. it wasn't because you want to talk to him, well you really don't want to talk to him but it wasn't that he's annoying or anything- it was just you hate phone calls. you hate talking with someone in general unless it's your mom. 

"well, have you eaten yet?" he tried to save the conversation, he wanted to hear your voice longer.

"yes." it was a one-word reply. 

mark was slightly shattered because you don't seem to want to talk to him. he just thought that maybe you were tired.

"okay, goodnight."

"yeah." then you hang up. 

you returned watching youtube until you drifted into your dreamland... no it wasn't your dreamland.

you gasped and sat up as you woke from another perverted dream with mark. your chest was rising aggressively and you look down as you felt the wetness between your thighs. you raked your hands over your hair as you felt frustration and guilt. this was your second time that you dreamt of mark doing erotic things. you looked at the digital clock it was already 2 am. you groaned and stood up, you want to wash your body because the stickiness just made you feel more guilty if it stays there longer.

you entered your room and stripped, walking directly into your bathroom. you opened a warm shower and as the water trickled on your body, hands unconsciously trailing to the south. your dream was so hot, you can't lie about that. it was in the same cubicle but instead of his digits, it was his dick inside you. 

your eyes closed as you rubbed your bead slow while recalling your dream. you squeezed your left breast and imagining it was mark's squeezing it. you want something to fill your womanhood so you inserted your two fingers and thrust it. your lungs felt like being suppressed by pressure, your thrust became furious. 

"oh my- mark fuck." you moaned his name and you have never been so ashamed. it was so wrong but the feeling was so good that you weren't able to stop yourself from moaning. you felt the tension in your thighs. you knelt down and the hand that squeezing your breast was now on your clit rubbing it furiously. 

"mark! fuck right there." you felt the tension in your abdomen and your legs started to shake. your body just gave in, bending down, cheek shoved against the wet tiles while the warm water splashed on your body.

you screamed erotically, eyes rolling and lashes flickering. your legs were shaking as you reached your high.

 mark hasn't slept yet, it's okay for him because there are no classes. he was staring at the ceiling and mind preoccupied by you.

he was trying to understand why do you keep pushing him away even though you clearly wanted him too. mark did remember where you say he's very different from you, and so? what's wrong with it? what he didn't like is the thought of changing just for a single person but...

"shall i?" he chuckled bitterly. he was really close to his insanity. he feared that this affection will grow into something that is uncontrollable- like an obsession.  

he checked the time through his phone. it's 5 in the morning. he decided to jog outside, so, he took a quick shower and wore his tracksuit and running shoes. maybe if tiredness hits him, he will feel sleepy. mark already went to your house and he didn't tell you that his house is just a few blocks away from you, instead of going to his normal route, he changed it, jogging in your house direction.

when he was closed to your street, he was surprised to see you outside. he stood and admire your naturalness from afar. your hair was disheveled, your eyes weren't completely closed yet, and your face was a little puffy but it doesn't take away your beauty. plus, your cute teddy bear pajamas made him smile. he sends his gratitude to god because he created a masterpiece. 

yeah, mark is deeply in love and he thinks there's no way out of this feeling. 

you were actually waiting for your breakfast, your pancakes from mcdonalds and a warm chocolate drink. when the delivery arrived, you paid and gave him a tip for being quick. you were about to go back inside when you heard a VERY familiar voice which was owned by the person who sleep deprived you 

"Y/N!" his voice was loud, it even cracked. 

"what are you doing here?" you asked.

"morning jog, and good morning to you." he replied and greeted at the same time.

"jog.." you paused and gasped. "from your condo to here?!" you exclaimed in disbelief. mark laughed at your reaction. of course it'll shock you because you already been in his condo and if he jogged it from there to here, he was supposed to be passing out right now.

"no, my family house is actually a few blocks away from here."  he said.

WHAT?! this is not good. you thought. the more he gets closer the more he has access to your mind and body. you masked your displeased face and just nodded.

"okay, ahm. i'm heading back now. bye." you pointed at your house door and awkwardly turned your back walking towards your door.

you expected him to do something because he always do that but to your disappointment he didn't. you looked back to check if he was stil there but he was no longer standing there but you saw him jogging away from your direction. you sighed in disappoinment that made you mentally slap yourself for feeling very contradicting .

you ate miserably your affordable and favorite pancake.

mark took a bathe and go down to eat breakfast together with his parents. they prayed before eating. the cooked food by his mom made him question why your ordered delivery food for breakfast.

"how's school?" mark's dad asked him.

"good, still the same." he replied.

"your father will lead a service, you can invite your classmates. oh mina, you can invite her, she's very sweet girl." his mom said but she doesn't have any motive. she knew mark have not interest in romantic relationship as of the moment, her child was so focus in maintaining his grades and scholarship. at least, that's what he though.. if she only knew.

"i'll try." he forced a smile but behind it was growing tiredness. he knew that his classmates doesn't really want to praise but because they were so fond of mark and they just love to hang out. it defeated the purpose of going to church.

after the breakfast, mark's parent left for their work. he washed the dishes and went up stairs and stayed in his room with his music and guitar. it helped to detach his mind from thinking of you, but it was just temporary as he saw you name appeared in his phone. he almost threw his guitar just to answer your call very quick.

"y/n? why?" he sound so excited.

"ahm, mark... well.. perhaps, do you ahm, have notes from yesterdays discussion? i mean in all cases, not just ours?" you were very stuttering because of shyness. your class have long test about the cases but you're notes are everywhere and you can't understand your writings.

"yes." he said. he knew where this is going. he quickly get out from his bed and go straight to his closet, choosing shirt to wear. "do you need it? i can bring it to you."

"no, no. ahm, you do digital notes right? mind if you could send it through gdrive?" you really don't want to bother him... nah lies. you're just preventing things from happening.

mark paused for a moment and was a little hurt, he understood your statement as if you don't want to see him. but mark will not having any of that.

"it was handwritten though." he faked sorry. he hoped you didn't notice what he did there, hoping that you received it as if it was literally handwritten like directly to paper since he sounded apologetic.

"oh... i see. well, ahm, can you drop by in the house?"

mark still not satisfied by just dropping by.

"how about we study together? we can review together."

you translated it like 'the smartest in your class can help you'and that's very tempting. you can't easily study 8 cases and you need him. you used his diuretics notes in lecture, you almost aced it. now, your lab needs him.

"then, pizza is okay for you?" you whisoered from the other end.

mark secretly fist pump and grinned in triumph.

"yes."

you spayed air freshener in your living room and changed your shirt to another shirt? you only have tees just in different colors, you changed your short into black sweatpants. you made sure that your hair was far different from the hair he saw this morning. you already ordered the pizza.

the doorbell rang. your quickly opened the door for him. mark was standing, carrying his ipad and his other hand holding a two milk teas in a cup holder. he's wearing dark blue t-shirt and gray sweatpants. you smiled awkwardly and let him in. you scanned his body, looking for paper or at least a piece of paper but you didn't see any of it. mark was looking down at you, watching you observing him.

"where's your notes?" you curiously asked.

"here." he lifted his ipad. your jaw dropped.

"i thought you did not do digital notes?"

"i don't recalling telling you i didn't, i just said it was handwritten and when i saif that handwritten in my ipad." he reasoned. taht made you think later realizing that he was right and that made you dumb.

you sighed in defeat.

"by the way, bought you milk tea since you missed it yesterday." he said, you acually don't care if you missed it or not.

you walked towards the single couch and patted it.

"you can seat here." you said.

he quickly sat down and put the milk teas on top of your living room's table. he confusingly watched you when you sat on the long couch and it was the end of it. you were too far from him.

you noticed his sulking face.

"mr. mark lee, what's with your long face?" you chuckled teasingly.

"why are you too far from me?" he pouted.

"damage control." you replied shortly and get your case 3 notes which is very illegible to read. "can i borrow your case 3?"

"why? what did i do?" mark asked was clueless. he did not pay attention to your question

"mark, being alone with you is not healthy anymore." you directly answered him.

"orgasm is healthy, what do you mean?" mark didn't get your.

"mark, that's not what i mean. we're like horny teenagers doing unappropriate things."

"we're already passed in that phase in life, we're both adults." he rebutted.

you mentally face palmed yourself in frustration. why is he so smart and dumb at the same time.

"mark, that's not why i mean. we're being to touchy, every time we are left alone the next thing we knew we're touching each other. do you know how scary was that to me? it only happened twice but i am already longing for more! when i don't feel your touches i go craaazy! i even touched myself for freaking 2-" you froze when you realize what you were telling him you stared blankly at him.

on the other hand, mark was very pleased hearing you exploded from frustration as you became honest for the first time.

"you touched yourself? what 2?" he smirked and lifted his brows.

you cleared your throat.

"can i borrow your ipad? i need your case 3." you murmured and look anywhere but him your face heat up. you want to be swallowed by your favorite sofa.

"then get it."

you look at his ipad sitting on his manly wide spread apart thighs. your eyes stared at the mark that makes your knees weak and wet pussy. his fiery eyes looking directly toyou while he was sitting comfortably on the couch and arms are both in each side of the armrest.

"mark lee, i need it." you tried to use your stern voice but failed because your voice was too small.

"i told you, you can get it.. here." he glanced at his ipad.

you gulped and the living room's air became thick. your submissive self switched on and you just found yourself walking towards him. your hands felt cold as you reached for his ipad. when you lifted it, his bulge forming in his gray sweatpants made you almost drool. you were reminded how fucking hot it was.

you want to touch it and do anything you can possibly could but your single rational braincells keeping you in the light.

"you don't seem sure of what you really wanted to do." he snapped you from overthinking. "should i make you choices?"

"what?" you asked confusingly but your voice was shaking.

"you bring that ipad with you and go back to where you were sitting, or..." he looked up to you with his dark eyes, leaning a little forward you trace the side of your hips with his palm..

"put the ipad on the table and sit in my lap."

mark knew that you can never say no at this state. if you could only see how your body shivered and how defeated your face was, he knew you already gave in.

and his was right.

the original draft was deleted because of my stupidity 😭 idk think this is good as the original draft.

hello, some of you asked me if i have a tag list, i will be creating one.

✨if you want to be added in I'm Right For You Tag List, you can DM or Ask me so i can add you ✨

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Tag List:

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anyways, i would like to say thank you for supporting this story. i did not expect some of you will like it. i also want to thanks people who leaving message through dms and ask praising this story. also to those nctzens hearting it 🥺🤗

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

Though It Ain't 1955

Pairing: Bucky x Black!Reader

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: none this is just a meetcute fic lol

Genre: fluff- straight fluff

Summary: Bucky meets the reader on a time travel recon mission and resigns to never seeing her again- until he does. (inspired by the song 1955 by The Cobb except I didn't want to make it angsty so consider it very loosely based)

***

Bucky cannot believe what's happening right now. I mean he's seen sci-fi movies, courtesy of the spider kid and Sam and their long list of pop culture recommendations, and he knows that time is not to be messed with. Not once has time travel ever gone well in the movies. It always causes some crazy problems because of the thing they call The Butterfly Effect and yet, here he is. Walking through a bar in 1955 tracking down a HYDRA agent who jumped through a wormhole to escape the Avengers with a hostage. Now he and Steve are doing recon in the past. But as absolutely absurd as this is Bucky can't help but take in the sights around him, marveling at this glimpse of part of the life he was supposed to live.

"So this is post-World War II America." Steve hums.

"Man I haven't worn suspenders in ages." Bucky says snapping the band of the black elastics.

"Yeah- I bet it would've been cool to live through the fifties, don't you think Buck?" He asks.

"It- sure is something. But this isn't our world anymore and we certainly didn't come here to lament about what we should've had. We gotta find this Hydra guy." Bucky says.

"Of course." Steve nods, eyes scanning the crowd.

"There he is." Bucky nods towards him.

"Alright, I'm going in. We have to be careful not to draw too much attention to ourselves or to him." Steve says.

"I'll be on standby." Bucky slaps his back and finds a wall to blend into. Bucky watches as Steve closes in on the target giving Bucky the chance to intercept the hostage as Steve managed to remove the agent from the building.

"Hello, I'm Bucky. It's alright, you're safe now." Bucky says to the shaken up man.

"T-thank you Bucky." The man says. Bucky nods as he ushers the man outside.

"Once Steve returns we'll get you back to our time and you can get checked out by some members of the Avengers medical team." Bucky explains.

"Okay." The man says. Steve returns shortly with the HYDRA agent restrained.

"Alright, there's a specific location we have to get to in order to go back, it's not far, a couple of blocks from here. Let's go." Steve drags the HYDRA agent down the street, the hostage follows and Bucky stays at the tail end of the group.

The sound of bubbling laughter causes Bucky to look around as the four of them enter a different neighborhood. Before he can spot the source of the sound he hears a soft 'oof' as he feels something collide with him. You were so busy talking to your friends as you walked out of the dive bar you didn't realize until it was too late and you were crashing into what you thought was a wall. Well until the wall's arms shoot out to steady you before you fall.

"Oh geez, I'm sorry!" You say stepping back and shaking your head a little. Bucky can't help but take in your appearance, brown eyes, dark curly hair and a red polka dot dress.

"You okay doll?" He asks you. Your face heats slightly at the sound of his voice.

"I-I'm alright, thank you. Sorry for bumping into you like that." You mutter.

"Don't worry about it," he trails off in a way that signals you to fill in with your name.

"Y/n. I'm y/n." You say.

"Y/n- pretty girl with a pretty name to match." He smiles at you.

"Thank you." You reply shyly.

"I'm, James, James Barnes." He says holding out a hand.

"It's- it's nice to meet you James." You say intending to shake his outstretched hand.

"The pleasure is all mine." He says turning your wrist to place a gentle kiss on the back of your hand. You let out a barely audible gasp.

"Y/N!! Come on!!" Your friends wave you over from further up the road.

"Oh- I um, excuse me I have to go. Bye James." You smile once more before running off to catch up with your friends.

"Y/n what the hell were you doing talking to that white boy?" Your friend asks looping her arm through yours.

"I accidentally bumped into him." You say looking over your shoulder as he catches up with Steve and their travel companions.

"Y/n remember what time we're in. It's the 50s! You have to be more careful talking to white folk around here. Next thing we know we find you hanging from a tree tarred and feathered or something and if that happens-"

"I know Mel! If something finite happens to me here I can't fix it when we go back to the present. It's alright! We're done here after tomorrow anyway." You tug her along to your next destination.

"Thank goodness we're leaving tomorrow. I'm tired of the 50s." Mel huffs.

"Well yeah, we're Black, America is segregated, remind me to never come back in time again. We should fuck around and go to the future next time."

"Y/n we're here for something specific. But you're right we're never coming back in time again." Mel nods.

~

"Yo Buck, you okay?" Sam waves his hand in front of his friend's face.

"He's been spacey all week." Nat shrugs.

"No I haven't." Bucky frowns.

"Yes you have." Nat says.

"Something happen on your recon mission?" Sam asks.

"Is this about that dame that ran into you Buck?" Steve asks.

"No." Bucky rolls his eyes. Yes.

"What dame?" Nat asks.

"Some girl- she bumped into Bucky while we were heading to our rendezvous point. They talked for a short while." Steve explains.

"You lovesick Buck?" Sam grins like the Cheshire cat.

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't even know the girl. And she's from the 50s." Bucky scoffs.

"Aw Bucky- never knew you were the love at first sight type." Nat says.

"Did you even hear what I said?" Bucky looks at her incredulously.

"Yeah but the look on your face tells a different story." Nat shrugs.

"It's not a bad thing to admit you have a crush." Steve frowns.

"I don't have a crush. I spoke to her for less than 5 minutes and she's from decades ago. She might not even be alive anymore." Bucky rolls his eyes.

"Morbid." Sam mutters.

"Don't be ridiculous she's probably alive, I would guess she's in her 70s or 80s, 90s at most." Steve hums.

"What did she look like?" Nat asks.

"She had dark curls that sat on top of her head and really pretty brown skin-"

"She's a sister?! Man- now ain't that something." Sam laughs.

"Her eyes were dark brown, like smokey quartz. I bet they look like honey in the sun." Bucky mumbles.

"Oh you got it bad!" Nat laughs.

"Fuck off Nat." Bucky rolls his eyes.

"Alright well you've been moping around like a kicked puppy for long enough. Let's go to that coffee shop you're always at. Get you out of the tower." Nat says dragging the super soldier out of his chair.

"Nat-" he groans.

"You boys too, come on." She gestures for Steve and Sam to follow. The four of them make the two block walk from the tower to a local coffee shop that Buck went to regularly.

"This shop is cute!" Nat says as the group walks up to the entrance.

"Yeah, it's a nice place. Plus the coffee is pretty good." Bucky says looking back at her as he opens the door. Before he can actually enter the shop he hears a soft 'oof' as he feels something collide with him. You were looking through your bag as you left the coffee shop to catch up with your friends. You didn't realize until it was too late and you were crashing into what you thought was a wall. Well until the wall's arms shoot out to steady you before you fall.

"Oh geez, I'm sorry!" You say stepping back and shaking your head a little.

"You okay doll?" He asks you, a vague sense of deja vu settling over him as he looks at you. You blink at him curiously, wondering why this feels so familiar.

"I-I'm alright, thank you. Sorry for bumping into you like that." You mutter.

"Y/n! You comin!?" Your friend Melissa yells to get your attention. Bucky's eyes snap to her before looking back to you. There's no way.

"Yeah!" You yell back.

"What did she just call you?" Bucky asks.

"Uh- my name- Y/n?" You frown, confused.

"Son of a bitch." He mutters.

"Excuse me?" You blink.

"Uh- excuse my language it's just-" Bucky pauses unsure, "I'm James- James Barnes." He says. Your eyes widen as it clicks.

"Holy shit." You whisper, "wait but- how is that possible? You were-"

"So were you! How did you-"

"Y/n! We're gonna be late!" Melissa yells again. You glance at her and huff before looking back at him.

"I- I'm sorry, I have to go." You frown. You dig through your bag for a moment, pulling out a pen and a sticky note, scribbling on it before handing it over to James. "Here- my phone number. If you want meet without me crashing into you." You smile."It was nice meeting you, James." You call before running off to catch up with your friends.

"By gods that was her." Steve says.

"Wait what?!" Nat looks at you.

"How is that possible?" Sam frowns.

"No idea, but I plan to find out." Bucky says.

"She was very pretty though." Nat says.

"Yeah." Bucky says looking over at you as you walk away with your friends.

"What was that about?" Melissa asks.

"You're not gonna believe this- but that's the guy from the 50s." You tell her.

"Sorry what?! That white boy you ran into outside the bar?" She frowns.

"Yes!" You nod.

"But how is that even-"

"I didn't realize it before but it's obvious seeing him with the others- he's an Avenger."

"Seriously??" She looks over her shoulder at the group.

"Yeah- he used to be the Winter Soldier from what I remember in the news. I can't believe I ran into him again."

"Seems like you two are tied to each other." She nudges you.

"Maybe. Only time will tell." You say with a small smile. Mel squeals with laughter as the two of you walk towards your next destination.

***

[dancingazaleas]

𖨆. 02 / all for us

summary: you’ve finally decided it was time to eat and bathe, but now that you aren’t worried about starving to death, you’re getting homesick. maybe a cup of tea and a movie is the best.

note: i, now, have a taglist for this series especially!! here’s the taglist form!! it will also be posted on the series masterlist!! much love <33

word count: +3.0k

warnings/notes: starvation, manipulation, abuse, slight panic attack, thoughts of suicide

IT'S been five days since you've had anything to eat.

your body is so weak from the lack of nutrients that you can't stand up on your own. your head is constantly aching from lack of food and you keep getting dizzy.

you feel like you're on the brink of death now, you can't even get out of bed to get yourself water out of your sink, shortening your life span if you keep this up. you feel yourself crying as you roll your body off of the bed and onto the floor.

hissing in pain, you dig your nails into the spruce hardwood floor.

"you are not weak for this. you're surviving," you whisper to yourself as you push yourself forwards with your arms.

it's so painful with the bruises. they rub up against your clothing, already irritating them a bit more than before, and now it's having pressure added onto it. your tears are blocking your sight, but you push on anyways. the door has never felt so far away.

you almost perk up when your nails scratch at the door. with weak fists, you bang at the door and call for one of the men that has captured you. your tears are dripping on the ground below you, forming a small puddle as they all bunch together.

"please," you croak, "please..."

the door is being unlocked and you feel as if all of your strength has been used at that moment. you lay still as your breath falters from your sobbing.

the door bumps against your head, shooting a sharp pain through your head. you can't find strength to care about it.

"so you're finally ready to listen. you look pathetic," you don't have to look up to tell it's levi speaking to you.

he calls out to erwin, telling him to fix you small and easy meal and to get you new clothes. he squats down and takes you into his arms bridal style.

if you weren't crying and letting out weak sobs, he would think your dead. you're so limp in his arms and your eyes are empty and droopy as they stare right through him. and it creeps him out.

he takes you into a bathroom with a tub, setting you gently on the toilet. he doesn't bother locking the door behind him, you're too weak to run away right now. levi's preparing you a bath, walking back and forth as he gets towels and soaps and checking the water.

you hiccup as you watch levi starting to remove that collar and chains around your neck, and you feel like a weight has been lifted off of your chest, literally. he's undressing you, obviously trying to avert his cold eyes away from your body. you're gently laid in the bath, head resting against the rim.

levi's quiet as he pours a warm cup of water over your hair and face, squatting down to reach your level.

"stupid," he scoffs as he lathers up shampoo in his hands. he washes your hair gently.

"this isn't mine and erwin's fault," he shakes his head while he pours water over your head, "it's your fault. you refused our care."

you don't argue back, too tired to even think of a comeback. you also don't feel like getting beat any more than you already are. your eyelids are getting heavy, immediately shutting them as soon as you feel the pressure on them.

levi stares, mouth slightly parted as you breathe in and out through your nose. your cheek was sprinkled in the color crimson, his own handiwork made him cringe. he just sighs, now brushing through your locks of hair with conditioner coated on his hands.

he rinses his hands off, letting the conditioner stay there just for a few seconds so it can soak in. his eyes trail down your body, stopping at your bruised breast. he didn't even realize he hit you there.

he shrugs it off and gathers water into the small cup in his hand, pouring it over your head. he expects you to jump up at the water over your head but all you do is mumble. he wants to wash your body, specifically your underarms, but with you half asleep and barely able to stand on your own without him holding onto you, he can't.

he clicks his tongue and pulls out the cover up blocking the drain. he grabs you by the arm, ignoring the whimper of pain that you let out, and pulls you up onto your wobbling feet. he helps you step out of the tub and wraps a fluffy pink towel around your shoulders, carefully sitting you onto the toilet again.

the bath water is a little murky and levi cringes at it because he knows it'll leave a ring around the tub. he'll clean it up later.

erwin's opening the door, a pile of clothes in his large hands.

"she's all tuckered out," he chuckles, handing off the clothes to levi.

"yeah. don't know how, she's barely done anything. must be the hunger or something," levi shrugs and watches the folded clothing come undone as he holds the hemline between his fingers.

"maybe we were too harsh on her."

"no, we weren't. we can't trust her. believe it or not, but forks can hurt whenever you put force into them when you stab someone. she could've hurt one of us or herself," he folds the clothes over his arm and holds out a hand.

erwin hands him underwear, "i suppose you're right."

"i'm always right," levi carefully puts on your underwear for you.

erwin rolls his eyes at levi's comment, "make sure to dry her hair."

"i know what i'm doing," he snaps, "go put her food in her room."

erwin complies, swinging the door shut behind him as he goes to fetch your food.

you've barely processed their conversation, too focused on levi's hands putting you in a satin light grey nightgown that ends just below your knees. the bishop sleeves keep your arms warm and cold at the same time, in fact, the whole material of the dress does as well. the neckline is a v-neck, not that you mind too much because of the risk you might get too hot.

"do i...," you manage to mumble, "do i have to wear this to sleep...?"

"yeah, unless you feel like sleeping in just underwear. i don't think you want that though," he scoffs as he towels off your damp hair.

you don't reply, far too tired to even say a 'whatever' to him. you let your forehead come into contact with his hip, taking in the cold temperature radiating off of his body. you want to nuzzle into his hip, but thankfully you have enough will to not do so. it reminds you of your friend, pieck, and her cat like tendencies. the memory has you letting out a pained laugh.

levi can feel his face getting warmer at every movement you make with your head, but he manages to play it off because of the towel blocking your view. he throws the towel into the basket by the tub, hand silently stroking at the back of your head in comfort.

it doesn't give you comfort. but you don't let it show.

levi's grabbing a hair brush, a clean and new one, and running it through your (hair type) locks. there are far too many tangles from the lack of care you've been giving your hair, but not enough to make a knot.

levi then pulls out a block of deodorant from the cabinet below the sink. it's unused and you can smell the scent of flowers on it as he brings it closer. his hands slide up your dress with caution, trying to avoid coming into contact with your bruised body.

he manages to put on the deodorant easily. he picks you back up with a grunt, eyebrows furrowing at your pained expression. he's placing you back onto your bed in just a matter of seconds, throwing the covers over your legs.

erwin's sitting at the edge of your bed, holding a fork with food already on it. your eyes are droopy while you look at erwin.

you don't eat a lot, they're in fear that you might throw everything up if fed too fast. you don't blame them, you haven't eaten in five miserable days. it's best to be cautious.

"scooby...," you manage to whisper out, eyes fluttering shut.

"she wants to watch scooby doo even though she's already asleep," levi huffs with the shaking of his head, grabbing the tray from erwin's hands.

erwin follows after levi, closing the door behind the both of them and locking it.

"she seems to be getting adjusted," erwin notes while standing behind levi and watching him wash the dishes.

"only because she was on the brink of death. let's just hope she learned from it," levi's aggressively scrubbing the plate with a sponge.

————

you lay in your bed a few days later, the feeling of homesickness is eating you up inside. did no one care? did anyone even notice you vanished? where was everyone? what were they doing?

you think of zeke. the man you were sort of dating, it's complicated. well, it was. now, it's just nonexistent.

zeke was out of the country for a bit, something to do with work. he left you with a kiss on the forehead and a hug. you wonder if he's texted you.

you think of pieck. oh my god, she's had to have noticed by now. she's your best friend, she lives with you. but the memory of the two of you fighting right before you were kidnapped comes flooding back, and you deflate. if you weren't in the house then pieck would probably think it was normal.

what about porco? reiner? your guys friends who act like guard dogs towards you. where were they? did they notice? surely they had to, you never not text them back.

bertholdt? your close friend that you also worked with him. he was a music prodigy and he texted you almost everyday. did he notice?

you're breathing erratically as you sit up and clutch your hands over your ringing ears. where were they? where even was your phone?

you're gonna get killed before you can tell any of them that you love them. the thought has you crying and tugging at your hair. you were so mean to pieck before you were kidnapped. you hadn't talked to zeke since the day of your kidnapping, who probably wasn't worried because he was busy with work.

when will you see them again? will you ever even get to see them again?

'maybe after death,' you think, eyes darting up to the mirror on your vanity.

you slap yourself upside the head, slapping away the thought. you struggle to get onto your feet, but when you do, you're banging at the door for levi and erwin again.

you have to know if they're okay, to know if they know you're gone. you step away from the door at the sound of keys jingling and their footsteps.

"what are you freaking out about now," levi's being followed by erwin.

"my friends... did.. did you tell them i was okay," with a boost of confidence, your gripping at levi's biceps.

"get your filthy hands off of me," he smacks them away.

"yes, we did tell them you were going away. we said you decided on a vacation," erwin speaks and watches your eyes dart back to the mirror.

"fuck," you whisper to yourself. everyone would believe you'd go on vacation, you had been stressed with your job for the past month.

"levi's gonna make you some tea and then we can all chat, we were about to do so anyways," erwin's hand rubs at your back as he pulls you close to him.

levi leaves the room, following the orders of erwin. erwin, on the other hand, is cooing at you.

"no one's going to miss you," he whispers in a sweet tone and it gives you goosebumps, "no one at all."

you know it's not true. it can't be true. zeke would miss you. reiner would miss you, pieck, porco, bertholdt. they'd all miss you.... right?

"we're the only ones who care, no one else cares," his grip tightens.

"want to know what that girl said," you hear the arrogance in his voice, and you can't do anything to stop it since he's buried your face in his chest.

"she said she was glad you were on vacation. she said that it was good that she didn't have to see you," yoy hiccup against his chest, pieck couldn't have said that, right?

he pulls away finally, satisfied at your expressionless face—if you overlook the tears. you can't give in, pieck would never say that. never in a million years would she say that, even if she hated your guts.

right?

levi comes back in, hands holding a tray that has teacups and a pot of tea on it. levi goes to the area with three chairs, setting the tray onto the coffee table and sitting himself down in one. erwin follows behind him, leaving the chair in between them open for you to sit.

they stare at you expectedly, it makes you uncomfortable so you decide to just deal with it and sit with them.

"what tea is this," erwin asks while levi pours everyone a cup.

"earl grey, what else do we have," levi hands a cup to erwin and then to you.

you hold it by the handle, silently admiring the cup's delicate and intricate design. you try to ignore the voice in the back of your head to break it on the ground and slash your neck open. you want to drink it too, it smells absolutely perfect, but if you hold it any longer you might just listen to that voice.

you set it back down, left hand immediately grabbing at your right wrist. you didn't trust yourself to make a move on your own, if you did you fear it might end up with a shard of glass at your throat.

erwin's ice eyes stare at your wrist and hand, taking in how your knuckles were white and the skin on your arm was reddening.

"just say if you want handcuffs," erwin sips at his tea and looks away.

"what," you flinch at his voice interrupting the quiet that was once there.

his comment has you looking at your hands, which you let go of at the sight of the irritation.

"sorry," you shrug and lean back in your chair.

"good. can't have you hurting your hands," levi comments, eyes staring outside of the bay window.

"speaking of that," you sigh, "why do you always leave my hands alone. you've shown no mercy to my arms, so why my hands?"

"when you're good enough, you'll be allowed to play the piano," erwin crosses a leg over the other, ankle resting on his knee.

"play? for who? there's no one in this empty house but us," you scoff and cross your arms.

"me. and there's more people here than you think," levi's giving you a small smirk, "you're just separated from them."

"it's hard to believe that you have friends, levi," you mumble loud enough for them to hear. your comment has erwin chuckling and levi rolling his eyes.

"i have friends, believe it or not. watch your attitude," he's putting his tea back onto the tray.

"i don't have an attitude," you sound like a child arguing with their parent.

erwin butts in the conversation before levi can get mad, "anyways, we will allow you to play if we think you've been good enough. levi likes the piano, remember?"

you bite down on your tongue to stop the words 'no but i remember getting kidnapped!!' from coming out of your mouth.

"when can i leave this room, it's too stuffy in here?"

"did you not just listen to erwin? he said when we feel you've been good enough. you've got to start by loosing the attitude," levi snaps his fingers irritatedly.

"how am i supposed to act?!"

"obedient," erwin's now standing over your chair, hands gripping the arms as he leans over you.

"like a dog," you look to levi at the sound of his voice, you try to make yourself smaller.

"you have on a chain and collar for a reason, don't you," erwin smiles gently, hand taking ahold of the chains while he stands up straight.

you choke when erwin tugs the chains towards himself, head knocking right against his stomach while the chains swing in the air and curl around his arm. his other arm swiftly grabs at jaw and forces you to look up at him with your chin pressed to his body.

erwin feels himself harden at the sight, your eyes are widened and your mouth his agape and panting because of the sudden cut off of air.

"just like that," he strokes his thumb along your jaw while you wonder what's caused a sudden change in him these past few days; he used to be so gentle. oh right, kidnapping.

his words have you turning hot, embarrassment hugging you from behind. it wasn't like you easily complied, you were forced to do so. you're also embarrassed because you can feel his hard-on against your sternum, and while you haven't thought about it before, you realize that erwin is fucking hung. you hope that you're not too good for them.

you're saying prayers in your head whenever levi speaks up, "i thought we came in here to watch a movie or something."

erwin lets you go, chains dropping from his arm as he does so. you sigh in relief as erwin grabs the remote from your bed and turns the tv on. you huff while you flop onto your bed and crawl up under your covers, knowing that you'll probably just fall asleep as you watch the movie.

unfortunately, this gives off the impression that you would like to be cuddled. levi's sliding under the covers with you, chest pressing against your back with arms wrapped around your waist. erwin follows soon after, inserting himself in your arms as he scrolls through the different movies at his disposal on the television. you're slightly frustrated at all of the physical contact, but you know that if you reject their advances it'll end up bad for you.

"put on heather's, please," you ask, which erwin obliges to.

as the movie goes on, you hope that they get the message.

you'll be veronica, and they'll be jd.

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

Stay With Me (Pt. 01 of 09)

Pairing: Daryl Dixon X Reader

Word count: 2.9 K

Summary: Daryl found you surrounded by the dead, stuck in the backseat of a car. You were wishing for death to take you away for quite a while now, but, as you slid back and forth into consciousness, there was only one thing keeping you alive. Him, the man with blue, worried eyes and kind voice. Your beaten up body was ready to give up, too wounded and broken to keep going. But this man, who went out of his way to save your life is the only thing in the world holding you up. And, because of him, you feel something you haven't felt in a very long time: hope. Wherever he's taking you, you want to get there, and not only to be buried. For what it feels like the very first time, you want to live. He takes you back to Alexandria, but even there, the nightmares and the terror from all the torture and pain you've been through keeps creeping closer, and Daryl, your hero, is the only one who can keep that all away.

Warnings: Mentions and description (not graphic) of past abuse; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); some violence at the end of the story (a little bit graphic, but not so much); blood.

Next part (02) ->

{The Walking Dead Masterlist}

A/N: I want to thank my awesome friend @jodiereedus22 , who helped me (and still does) a lot to get this story done. She's also a writer and she's amazing so please go check her work!!

×

Blue Eyes and Angel Wings

“Stay with me.”

The sentence is the only thing keeping you alive. The only thing keeping you from surrendering into darkness permanently. The lips from where they flow belong to the human blur that's constantly in your sight. The man with worried, blue eyes, the eyes that gave you something you didn't have for a very long time.

Hope.

You have been in the backseat of the useless car you stole, out of gas, surrounded by a sea of death. Their hands pushing the glass, blocking the daylight from coming in as you lied down, trying not to move, not to breathe, waiting for them to move along. But they didn't. Your sore, beat up body struggled, as the blood dried, as the wounds ached, as the pain became greater and greater until it stopped. Until your body went numb.

The glass wouldn't resist for too long. You only wished you'd die before they reached you.

The notion of time left your mind after a while. You only noticed as the day became night when the darkness overcame you completely. It happened twice. And yet, there you were still, more dead than alive, eyes locked on the back of the driver seat before you.

You don't understand why you didn't just die. Why your body was still trying to live. It was useless. A waste of time. In death, maybe, you'd find peace.

But at some point in your agony, a gap among the dead allowed the light to come in. But it only lasted a second before it was gone. Then it happened again. Your tired eyes followed the source of the light as they kept coming, over and over. Until you saw it. One of the dead falling, colliding against the window with an arrow on its head.

Someone had to fire that arrow, you thought. More gaps kept coming, and some of them remained for a little while. You didn't think you'd love the daylight so much, that you could miss the sun so much. Holding your breath, closing your eyes tightly shut, you used all the strength left in you to push yourself up, until you were seated, back colliding against the leather of the backseat. When another arrow came, your head moved to look for the source. That's when you saw him.

Blue eyes. Living eyes. They found you, going wide at the sight.

The dead kept dying. For another day and a half, until they were gone.

“Stay with me.” He says again, as your eyes open just enough to see the bottle he's holding before you. “Hold on. Jus’ a lil’ longer.” You feel the bottle touching your lips, and water fills your mouth, but most of it just rolls down, soaking your neck, chest, and clothes.

“Alright. Let's get goin’.” When he turns around, doing something out of your sight, your eyes fall on the angel wings on his vest. That's the image that burns in your head as you slip into your half-conscious state, being lifted up once again, moving, floating, hurting.

Sometimes you wonder if he only found you to carry you into death. Because that's where you feel like your heading. Right into death.

• • •

Breathing comes easily. A lot easier then it has for the last... You don't know. Time is lost to you, minutes, hours, days or weeks, it's all mixed up.

But you shouldn't be breathing if you're dead, then maybe you're not. Pushing the air in, a groan leaves your lips when a sharp pain on your side pushes the air out again. The pain is back. Death doesn't hurt, so this gotta be life.

So with that thought in your mind, you force your eyes to open, taking in a bright white ceiling. There's something in your face, covering the nose and mouth, and you're quick to remove it, suddenly realizing that thing was helping with the breathing. Your eyes scan through the place, seeing shelves and things on top of them. Beeps on your right, windows, and equipments you don't know.

Hospital. It looks like a hospital. But how can you be at a hospital?

“She wasn't just hurt, she was–”

The voice makes your heart start pounding, and you sit up, breathing heavily. You wonder where's the man with blue eyes. Did he leave you here?

The door is opened and two women come in. Pure terror clouds your senses and your blood runs cold, like ice. It can't happen again. It can't be happening again. You couldn't be given such a tiny bit of hope jut to fall into the same nightmare.

The younger woman moves, just a little, but it's enough to make you jump, pushing yourself further away, your body leaving the bed and hitting the ground hard. Trying to get up is useless. You know your body won't respond, so you pull the hospital bed down, and it collapses loudly on the floor. The tears already cover your face as you crawl backward until you find a wall. There's no place to go now. No way to run, or fight. You're trapped.

They'll hurt you again and there's nothing you can do.

Covering your head with both your hands, you pull your legs into your chest, despite the pain it shoots through your body, curling into a ball. As if it would protect you from anything.

“Honey?” Someone says in a low, feminine voice. “We won't hurt you.”

You've heard that before. It's always a lie.

“Hello?”

“Denise. Go get Daryl. Now.”

You feel them coming closer, and you hear as the hospital bed is lifted. This is it. It'll start. All over again.

“Hi, there.” A voice says, the same voice you've been listening for a while. Telling you to stay awake, to stay alive. Carrying you, holding you.

He's here. He didn't leave you.

Soaking in a sharp breath, you raise your head, your eyes finding him by the door. Your whole body relaxes, almost involuntary. The man hesitates, looking at the woman before making his way over you. The blue eyes capture you as he crouches next to you.

The words try to make they way out, but your throat is dry, sore.

“I'm Daryl.” He says, looking down before looking at you once again. “Yer hurt. Ya need to be taken care of.” He moves to the side a little, gesturing at the two women. “They'll take care of ya. Ok?”

Nodding weakly, you try to move, to stand up, but you don't know how to. When you look at your leg, you finally notice the blood that soaked the fabric of your jeans, ripped in the middle of your tight, giving you a sight of what's underneath. Your skin was sliced open, and you remember why. And who did it. The smile on his face as he drew the knife through your skin, inflicting the last wound he could before the dead came. Before you fled that hell on Earth.

Through the corner of your eye, you see Daryl's hand.

“I've been hurt too. I know how yer feelin’. But these people only want to help, alright?”

Lifting your eyes from his hands to his face, you remember it clearly now, with no share of doubt, how this man took care of you. For how long he carried you after almost two days killing off the dead for you. Slowly, you lay your shaking hand on top of his.

Slowly, moving your legs and holding your breath, you gather the courage to stand up again.

“I can put ya in the bed.” Daryl offers, and you lock eyes with him again. “I'm gonna pick ya up, is that alright?”

Nodding again, you watch as he slowly moves, an arm on your back and the other under your legs, slowly, carefully pulling you up. Soon enough you feel the soft mattress against your back as Daryl puts you down. Breathing out in relief, you see a woman approaching, the younger one, and Daryl steps back.

In a jolt of adrenaline, as fear starts building up again, you reach out, the sudden, fast movement making you groan a little when pain spreads through your arm. But you keep moving, grabbing Daryl's hand before he's out of reach. His skin is warm against yours, or maybe you're just too cold. You try to speak again, ask him to stay, beg if needed, but it just doesn't come out. Then you just look into his eyes, hoping it will be enough, squeezing his hand just a little bit.

“Daryl, I think she needs you to stay.” The other woman says, the one with gray hair. “Is that what you want, honey?”

Without looking away from Daryl, you nod, relieved when he steps closer.

“I'll start, ok? I need to see where exactly you're hurt and how serious the injuries are.”

“That's Denise,” Daryl explains, and you look at the girl as she hesitates before taking a scissor from somewhere, cutting your jeans just above the wound you saw. “And that's Carol. Ya can trust them, alright?”

Can you?

Holding Daryl's hand, you moan and wince, as many tears roll down. Every shot of pain makes you go back to imprisonment. The dark basement, the cold concrete, the men and women who came to hurt you, beat you, trying to force you to agree on complying with their filthy desires. And every time you said no, it got worse.

If it wasn't for Daryl's hand, you'd swear you were back there, being tortured again. But he keeps you anchored here, and you try to keep in mind that these people are trying to help. He said they would, so they might be.

“I will need her cleaned up before continuing. There's a lot of mud, dirt, and dried blood. I need her body to be clean to avoid any infections.” The woman Denise says.

“I can help her,” Carol speaks up.

“Good. Let's put her on the bathtub we have here.” Denise speaks fast, and you can't do anything but follow her with your eyes, motionless. “Daryl, get her some clothes. But pay attention. Nothing tight. And get those cotton shorts, you know? They look like leggings but are really short, I don't want nothing squeezing her leg, this wound is worrying me, and I–”

“Denise, why don't you go get those. I'll clean her up and...” Carol gives you a glance. “...I don't think she'll let go of Daryl.”

“Alright.” She nods, getting a piece of fabric to clean her hands. Clean them from your blood.

“Ok, honey. Let's do this.” When Denise leaves, Carol comes closer. “Daryl will take you to the bathroom and I'll help you, is that ok?”

Squeezing Daryl's hand, you look at him. Even though he's a man, you know you'd feel better if he helped you instead of this Carol.

“Daryl can stay there. Looking away. Would that make you feel better?”

Breathing out in relief, you nod. “I'll pick ya up then. Ready?” Daryl asks, carefully moving to hold you in his arms once again.

You close your eyes shut as the small trip to the bathroom makes your body complain. Your state of numbness is fading, so the pain gets more and more real now. It's hard to tell exactly where it comes from. You're aware of the cut on your leg, and sharp pain on your side, but all the rest is just mixed up.

Daryl puts you down in the tub, slowly. Carol comes in soon after, kneeling and turning on the water. Your eyes follow Daryl as he moves to the door, standing there, his back at you, giving you the sight of the angel wings on his back. Seeing it makes you relax, and you close your eyes to feel the warm water filling the tub.

Carol is patient. Very patient. The last thing you want is to take off your clothes, so she asks and waits until you let her help you remove them. The wounds burn in contact with the water, and the fact that you must rub the soap on them, to avoid any infections, only makes it worse. You can't help the tears rolling down, and the groans that leave your mouth. It feels good to take a bath, to remove all the mud and dirt, but you wish it didn't hurt this much. Your eyes always fall on Daryl, just to make sure he's still there. Carol also washes your hair, and you're thankful for that because you'd never be able to do that yourself.

After some time, you don't really know how much, you're done, and you have no choice but to sit on the edge of the tub as Carol helps you get dressed. The doctor, Denise, got you black underwear, a light gray tank top, and these soft shorts, that end up right above the cut on your leg. “I'm sorry, I know it's cold, but I don't want anything compressing your body right now. You're very...” Her voice fades and you look at the floor in between your feet. “Here. Take this.” You shake a little when you feel a weight on your shoulders, only to realize it's just a blanket. “Sorry.”

“Daryl. Can you take her back to the bed?”

“Yeah.” He finally turns around, those blue eyes finding yours almost immediately. “Hey. I can see yer face now.” He mumbles, picking you up again.

Once you're back in at the hospital bed, Denise finishes her job, covering all the major wounds. You just found out why your side hurts. Apparently, there are a few cuts on your ribs, right below your breast. As Denise stitches them up, the memory comes back, as vivid as if you were there again. That man, with dark brown eyes and a devilish smile, hovers over you, the needlepoint knife pressed against your skin as he said you'd soon give in, enjoy the pain, and ask him to that over and over again, in the most fun parts of your body.

The memory makes you flinch away when Denise's finger brush on your skin, and you desperately look around, looking for him.

“Hey. S’ alright.” Daryl's voice comes from behind you, and shyly, you reach out your hand, which he takes in a loose grip.

You're not sure how long you stay there, cold and whining, but eventually, the doctor is over. Carol wraps the blanket around you as Denise talks about the pills you'll need to take and how to keep the wounds clean. You don't really pay attention, wondering what happens now. Where you are, and if this new world revolves around this room alone.

“Honey.” Carol stands beside the bed, getting your attention. “We'll take you home now. Daryl and I share the house so you'll be with us, ok?”

Knowing you'll be around Daryl is what makes you nod, agreeing with her. Carol gestures at him, and he's quick to hold you up one more time.

In the last days, you've spent more time in Daryl's arms than anywhere else. It hurts, way too much, with every step he takes, even though you feel that he tries to keep you as still as possible. Ever since the man showed up, you've been feeling safe. You didn't think you'd ever feel safe around someone again. Everyone you met after you were forcefully separated from your first group tried to hurt you. But this man, a complete stranger, stopped whatever he's doing to rescue you. To bring you here, wherever this is, to help you survive.

When he steps out the hospital-like room you were in, you can't help but hide your face on his neck, protecting your eyes from the daylight. And protecting yourself from the small group of people you spot downstreet. Despite being curious to know where you are, you don't wanna look. You don't want people to see you, to know you exist, to think about you. If they don't know you're here, they won't want to hurt you.

“Welcome to your new house.” You hear Carol saying, and the noise of a door being open. Finally, you open your eyes to take in the... Normal house. If you tried really hard, you could even pretend this was a normal house from before... When the dead remained dead. “Daryl, upstairs. The guest room.”

He only murmurs a response you can't understand, and a minute later you're on a bed again, much more comfortable than the first. Your head rests on a fluffy pillow and a long breathe leaves from your lips.

Daryl steps back, turning to talk to Carol, both standing by the door, talking low. You don't try to understand, you just keep your eyes on the wings... Until they leave, disappearing in the hall.

“Sweety, Daryl will take a shower, ok? And I will make you something to eat, to sustain you until dinner. I'll be downstairs so if you need me, you just have to call.”

She waits a while before leaving too.

Being alone isn't the problem. The memories are. You wish your brain would stop working, stop trying to take you back to the cold, hard floor of the basement where you had a taste of what hell must be like. You try closing your eyes, but the darkness brings their faces back. Smiles, laughter, yells. All those people having fun with your suffering, placing bets on how long you'd resist before surrendering.

A couple of minutes later Carol comes back with a glass of water and scrambled eggs, helping you get into a sitting position and urging you to eat before leaving you alone again.

Frozen, you look at the eggs. They smell amazing, and slowly, you take some with your fork, raising it up to your mouth. The taste is so good it makes you ignore the pain spreading through your arm. Your stomach starts complaining violently, urging you to eat more. It's been quite a while, but still, you can't seem to push your body to work any faster. So you just keep looking at your food, trying to figure out which pain you can endure. On your arm or on your stomach.

A knock makes you look up, finding Daryl by the open door, damp hair, and a clean face. The very image of him calms your heart, setting it at ease. “Won't ya eat?” He asks, stepping inside and gesturing at the plate in your lap.

Weakly, you nod, taking some more and raising the fork to your mouth again, trying not to let him notice how your hand shakes, and you almost drop everything before successfully reaching your mouth.

“Do ya... Do ya need help?”

Blushing and embarrassed, you shake your head no, giving up eating. Focusing on not making a mess, you put the plate, still half full, on the nightstand, taking the glass of water. The weight seems to be too much, and your muscles give up trying to lift it, letting it slip and fall back on the nightstand.

“Lemme–” He mumbles, coming fast and taking the glass from your hand. You don't understand why he hesitates there for a moment, before kneeling beside the bed. “Here, drink.” Carefully, he brings the glass close to your mouth, and you lay your hand on top of his, taking fews sips, only then noticing the water is cold. How is the water cold?

That's when you finally take in the lamp on the ceiling, above the bed, the light on. They have electricity. What the hell is this place?

Pushing the glass away, you clear your throat, taking a deep breath.

“I'll leave ya to–”

“Stay.” It comes out suddenly, your voice so weak, so terribly low you barely recognize it. You didn't know you would actually say it, that this feeling, this need would build up and crawl its way out of your heart like that.

It makes Daryl stop in his tracks, already up and ready to walk away. The way he looks down at you, it's clear he's also wondering if he did hear you. You haven't spoken yet, you realize.

“Stay with me.” You force the words out again, repeating the same thing he said to you while he had to carry you through the woods. The words that kept you trying, fighting, struggling to have another chance to live.

“Alright.” He makes a small pause, eyes on the ground before taking a deep breath and sitting on the bed, near your knees. “We were worried. Thinkin’ ya couldn't speak.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you pull the blanket up when you shiver, holding it above your shoulders.

“Will ya tell me yer name?”

His blue eyes are locked on yours, and you feel yourself relaxing, calming down, more comfortable. “(Y/N).” You say, your throat burning a little.

A small, quick smile flashes on Daryl's lips, soon disappearing. But it was there, you know it. Slowly, he reaches out his hand, and you take it without hesitating, watching as he lightly shakes it.

“I'm Daryl. Nice to meet ya, (Y/N).”

×

@funeral-7 @heyyy-hey-babyyy

[combat-wombatus]

afterglow // part i: the fading

Pairing: Sawamura Daichi x gn!reader

Warnings: descriptions of past violence (the doll scene in mulan)

WC: 863

(A/N): it's here! this is basically a short prologue scene n such, nothing super important happens but you'll probably want the context for later >.< part 1 of my haikyuu!xmulan crossover AU! for the @bnhapocuties take two collab (except like,, two months late). haven't written in a while so i hope this is…not a complete dumpster fire??

series masterlist || haikyuu masterlist || bnha masterlist || navi

The sun was a burnt orange, slowly fading to a rich ochre behind the dark, looming shadows of the mountains. You’d been riding almost nonstop for two days now; this landscape was harsh, and civilization was scarce. You hadn’t seen another person in more than two weeks.

“Hiya!” You leaned forward on your horse, bending your head close to his ears, urging him forwards. It would be best to set up camp in a more enclosed area before nightfall; the open prairies were the favored playgrounds of many predators that you had no wish to waste your arrows on. Though you were a master at the bow, making new arrows was a loathsome task—one that you hoped to avoid, if it was at all possible.

Suddenly, your horse lurched to a stop, bucking wildly as if he had sensed something unsavory.

“Baobei, what’s wrong?” you asked, brows furrowed in concern. Houyi wasn’t easily spooked, but as you tried to rein him in, you could see the fear that flashed in his eyes.

Something was wrong.

“Hey, hey, calm down.” You tugged at the reins with both of your hands, glancing around to check if there was something lurking in the shadows that you had missed. There didn’t seem to be, and that only made the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach worsen with each passing second.

Houyi finally snorted and dropped back down on all four legs, but he still tossed his head around nervously, sniffing the air as if he was a skittish foal facing an unfamiliar human and not a full-grown stallion that could trample ten men within minutes.

“Okay.” You rubbed at his neck encouragingly, then hopped down from your saddle. There was a small cluster of trees on top of a nearby hill. It would be as good a spot as any to set up camp; you doubted that you would get very far in Houyi’s current state anyways. You led him up the hill, carefully unsaddling him and giving him a good rub-down (as always). Unpacking the bags from his saddle, you took out a worn mat, rolling it onto the ground, then adding layers of wool blankets and a small wooden block for a pillow on top. Straw was bulky and hard to carry—you had gotten used to the imprints that small pebbles made on your back.

The nights were growing colder. It was normal for this time of year, but it only meant more work for you. You fed Houyi a small carrot (it was a bit wilted, but he didn’t complain) and set out in search of firewood.

When you crested the ridge on the other side of the hill, what you saw stopped you in your tracks.

It had once been a city, but you couldn’t call it that now. Torn banners still hung from tall iron poles, flapping aimlessly in the breeze; the sense of purpose that they had once brought was now reduced to a hollow sign of destruction. Even though the town had once been prosperous, the lovely huts had been reduced to ashes, and the stench of death and decay invaded your senses, carried upwards by the wind.

You gagged.

Yes, you were used to death. You hunted for a living, after all. But it wasn’t this kind of death. This…senseless, depraved, wholesale slaughter.

Sucking in a deep breath, you made your way down the steep hillside. The drop was more precipitous on this side, and you were careful not to lose your footing. You ran through the empty town, searching desperately for any signs of life. The sensations of death were overwhelming—blood splattered the worn cobblestones, and where there was an empty space, it was quickly filled up by the still-falling ash from the charred rooftops.

You had never wanted to get out of a place faster, but still you stayed, because surely there was something left; surely there had been a survivor, even if there was only one…

In your haste, you tripped over something on the ground and sprawled on the ground, palms stinging. It was soft.

You turned around, eyes catching on a soot-stained object lying in the middle of the road.

It was a doll.

A small doll made of scraps of cloth, buttons sewn on painstakingly, lovingly. Her mouth, once a happy smile, stood out in stark contrast with the devastation of it all. When paired with its surroundings, her smile looked ghastly.

Tears formed in the corners of your eyes. Choking back a sob, you stared at the abandoned doll.

They…they razed a whole city.

There are no survivors.

No, that wasn’t entirely accurate. In the distance, there was a band of men walking away from the carnage—walking away from the destruction that they had caused, as if the lives they had taken meant nothing to them.

You weren’t sure when it happened, but as you sat there, hunched over the broken form of a doll without its owner, shrouded in the shadows of death, your grief morphed into rage. The tears retracted themselves, sinking underneath your flesh and making you seethe in blood-boiling anger.

They’ll get what’s coming for them.

part ii!

taglist: @todorkihoe @shinsousliya @tobi-momo @flattykawadoorusmilkbread @alpha3113 @zerohawks @chocoboba @sobaluvr @khionne @spike-this-ass @katsuflossy @angiebug101 @solar3lunar

(if you would like to be added to the taglist, please fill out the taglist form in my navi or send me an ask! if you would like to be removed from the taglist, please let me know! you will also be tagged when each installment is posted—if you would like to be removed from that taglist, please tell me!)

[pheita]

Shadow Play Part 27

Ah... sweet aftermath, right? It is not good when Lyran thinks everything is fine, but Sojan is proving to be a broody kind of man again. So here we are.

No warnings apply for this one

Have fun @ashen-crest @adie-dee @abalonetea @cometworks @viskafrer @vivian-is-writing

It had been clear to Sojan that he could not avoid Lyran forever in his own house, but he had hoped that it would be longer than a day. Hope was gone when they both ran into each other in the stables, checking on their horses. "So this is where you've been all along," Lyran rejoiced when he saw him. Sojan instead didn't know what to do. "Not all the time. I've made some preparations." "You also expect her to strike soon." Sojan just nodded. Silently, he groomed his horse, trying to ignore Lyran as he did so. If it hadn't been for the fact that he started humming. It was somehow always the same with bards, but it made Sojan smile. Probably that was why he always kind of fell for the artists. "What are you thinking about?" asked Lyran, suddenly standing next to him. "I was just thinking that someday I'm going to severely regret my weakness for artists." With narrowed eyes, Lyran looked at him questioningly. "Are you regretting that night? Are you avoiding me?"

Sojan tried not to look to the side, but with each moment Lyran looked at him that way, it became harder. He exhaled deeply and cleared his throat. "Look, Lyran, I know you've probably been torturing yourself forever, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel any different, but..." "If you say it was a mistake now, I'll strangle you with your horse's reins." "Then the problem with Asmolea would also be solved..." He had only spoken softly, but from Lyran's widened eyes he realized it was loud enough. "You don't mean that." "I don't. I just... fuck, this was all so much easier with that fucking block." The brush flew into the corner and came to rest with a clatter. One of the other horses complained about being so startled. Lyran followed with his eyes, then looked back at Sojan. "You said you would be honest with me. Be it now." He had stepped closer and Sojan could detect the smell of wine soap on Lyran. Cautiously, Lyran's fingers sought Sojan's wrist. The pleading look took Sojan's breath away. "I haven't gotten serious with anyone in a long time, and I don't know if I can. I don't want to see a loved one die again. It was fine as long as it was just to tease you. But now... I don't know. Seems like I've set myself up." Sojan's hands rubbed over his face, followed by a crick in his neck and a sigh. Lyran pulled him over to the large box where the blankets for the horses were kept and dragged him down to sit. "Beloved person?" he asked quietly. A nod was Sojan's only response. "How, when?" "I don't know. That's probably why Mother gave me the block," Sojan sighed as if the world weighed on his shoulders. "What block?" "A kind of mental chastity belt. In case you didn't catch it, she's a mage as well. Arritit was kind enough to remove it a few days ago." Lyran chewed on his lower lip, his gaze sideways to the floor. "You had your heart set on me back at the ball, didn't you?" "Yes." "What is it with us?" looked Lyran up. The look was serious, but also confused. "I can only guess." "Then guess, please." Again Sojan exhaled deeply. "It happens that demonic instincts strike immediately. They make us settle on the person who is good for us at that moment." "I don't understand." Lyran's curls swirled around his face as he shook his head. "It forces us to grow. To change things about ourselves that aren't good for us anymore." "But..." The hand went back and forth between them both. Sojan smirked. "Obviously, we both have some things to work on in the area of relationships." "But you said beloved. You have deeper feelings. How does that fit together." "I don't. I haven't heard of that either. But I'm certainly not going to ask Mother." "Then let's ask Arritit. I want... no, I need to know if this is with us ..." "Yes?", Sojan urged him to continue. "Whether it's real." "You understand now why I've been avoiding you?" Lyran rolled his eyes. "I'm afraid so." There was a twitch in Sojan's arm, but he suppressed the impulse to touch Lyran's face. That would only make things worse. He could read in Lyran's face that he felt the same way. Why did it all have to get so complicated. Mithelia's loud cursing brought them out of their thoughts. Immediately they jumped up and looked for her. Quickly they found her. Hedanro was standing in the room, as was Astrina. Arritit joined them from another corner of the house. "What's going on?" "This!" Mithelia threw a note on the table. With a few big steps, Lyran was beside her and took the note. Sojan kept a little distance. One never knew. "With blood on its hands and hope in its heart, the nightingale sings its last notes. The bird's choice is simple and also stark: his own blood or the enemy's neck he cracks," Lyran read aloud. Sojan understood only half of it, but it was clear from Lyran's reaction alone what was meant: either he kills Sojan or Kiregia will die. "That snake!" cursed Mithelia again, "That fucking spawn of a bad play." "That's putting it nicely," Arritit interjected, "I'd find other words." "Nismo?", Hedanro looked to Lyran. "My desk. The left side, second drawer from

the top. It has a false bottom. Underneath are addressed letters. Make sure they are distributed immediately." Astrina hugged him with a worried look. "What are you going to do?" "I'm going to visit my aunt. Mithelia?" "My people will follow you armed to the teeth and beyond." "Do we have the time?" inquired Sojan. Lyran handed him the note. The handover was to be in three days. Grimly, Sojan looked up. "Where does your aunt live?" "Not far out. Half a day's ride at a normal pace." "Take Sojan with you. We must expect anything," Astrina admonished with an expression on her face that spoke of murder and mayhem. Now Sojan was sure she knew what Lyran had been doing all these years. For a moment, his heart went out to her. Not only would she have supported her husband all these years, she could stand to grow old where Lyran still looked young. But there was no time for that now. "Sojan?" asked Lyran uncertainly. "I'll saddle your horses. We have to be quick." "Thank you." The commotion could still be heard as far as the stables. The horses whinnied excitedly and pawed their legs. Sojan had his trouble calming them down, so he could saddle the two mares without a problem.

[kenzichi]

Summary: Riku gets an unexpected visit from Roxas. Post KH3.

Note: Totally self indulgent. Don’t mind it too much lol.

Riku pinched the bridge of his nose. His eyes were burning from lack of sleep. His appearance probably didn’t look like much either. He needed to get off the database. He took one more look at the Sora in the computer screen before he stood up and hastily removed his jacket. He threw it onto the stool and walked outside Merlin’s house.

But once he did he had no idea what he wanted to do. His eyes stung at the morning- morning? -Midday sun. There was no one walking along the streets which was usual for this time of day. Maybe Leon and the others were visiting Kairi? He needed to do that soon.

"Hey." Came an unexpected greeting followed by footsteps. He turned to see Roxas walking towards him. Wait-

"R-Roxas!" It had been months since Riku had last seen him. Since the final battle over half a year ago in fact. "What are you doing here?" Roxas had never been to Radiant Garden as far as he knew. And he had no connection with anyone here so for him to be here...

"I came to check up on you." Roxas smiled, hands in his pockets.

"Me?" Riku was taken aback. Roxas certainly didn't seem like he was the type to pay friendly visits and they weren’t friends even if they didn't hold a grudge against each other.

"Yup." Roxas replied with a smile that worried Riku for some reason. "Let's fight!"

"What?"

"You heard me." Roxas stepped closer until he was a few feet away from him.

"Why would I-?"

"You owe me a fair, finished fight. Last time you turned into that man. A cheap trick to win." Roxas glared up at him.

Riku subconsciously gripped his wrist that Roxas had injured in that very fight. Riku had thought this was all in the past. But looking at Roxas it seemed he still wasn't quite over it.

"I want to fight you for real this time." Roxas summoned his Kingdom Key without breaking eye contact. "Real ‘till the end!" He announced. Riku had no time to protest before he had to summon his own keyblade to block Roxas swinging down from straight above. The impact sent Riku sliding backwards on the stone pavement.

"Roxas!" Riku yelled angrily. What the hell? That hit would have been really bad! Is he being serious?

The impact of the hit sent a stinging aftershock through Riku’s legs straight to his ankles. He winced and fell onto one knee.

I... I know I haven't been training much, but...

Roxas scoffed, "Are you serious? Have you just been fooling around since Sora disappeared?"

"Of course not!"

"Prove it then." Roxas replied sourly. He broke into a run. "Come at me!"

Just as Roxas had reached him, Riku sprinted under Roxas’ swing as if to run, but as soon as he was right behind him he halted suddenly, spun around and swung his keyblade towards his opponent. But Roxas turned around just as fast and blocked his attack.

Roxas smiled, "Ahh, there's the Riku I remember! Give me a good fight, alright!" They pushed each other back with their blades and put some distance between themselves.

"I don't have time for this." Riku practically hissed. Not while Sora is still out there. We’re wasting time!

"You have time." Roxas retorted. "By the looks of you, this will be over real quick."

Riku narrowed his eyes, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Roxas leaped towards Riku to close the gap between them. With both hands he swung towards Riku’s left side, but Riku blocked. Roxas swung again in the same spot, harder this time. "Exactly how it sounds!" Roxas lunged forward and slammed his shoulder into Riku’s chest, knocking him backwards. Riku stumbled wide eyed.

"What happened to the strongest kid on the islands? Keyblade Master Riku?" Before Riku could regain his balance, Roxas started an excessive chain of swings that Riku couldn’t help, but block helplessly against.

Riku felt cornered. Roxas wasn't giving him any chance to counter. All he could do was make sure Roxas didn’t run him into a dead end.

Roxas’ blows started to slow down just slightly, but enough for a seasoned fighter like Riku to notice. He’s getting tired... "Brings you back to the islands, huh? Just like old times, right?" Roxas said in between breaths.

Huh? Why would he bring up the islands?

Just as Riku thought that, Roxas took a big gasp before going in for another swing. Now! Riku quickly cast a single thunder bolt to strike between them.

Roxas jumped backwards before the attack could hit. Riku let out a heavy breath, relieved they were no longer so close.

Roxas chuckled at the exchange they just had. What’s with him? Was he making fun of him?

Riku clinched his teeth. That magic attack seemed like nothing, but it was more to get him off his back than to cause injury. And he felt like Roxas knew that too. That’s why he had that irritating smirk on his face.

Roxas lifted his keyblade into the air and cast firaga. A plethora of fireballs came flying towards them.

Riku gasped. He couldn't dodge. They were surrounded by buildings. Not to mention Merlin’s house with their only clue to finding Sora in a long time. Quickly, Riku ran in front of Merlin’s house and managed to produce a larger dark barrier than usual and deflected as many fireballs as he could back at Roxas. Without missing a beat, Riku released dark barrier and cast waterza on the fires that were quickly building up around them.

Riku let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Through the smoke he saw Roxas standing on the other side of the walk area, waiting patiently for him.

Riku steadied his breath before clinching his fists. "Are you an idiot?! People live here! Don't throw reckless magic around!"

"This is a real fight remember?" Roxas replied. "If you don't like it, stop me."

Riku had had it. He charged at Roxas so fast he was only a flash of dark energy. Roxas had no idea he had this ability. He certainly didn’t have it in The World That Never Was. Before he could react, Riku appeared before him, grabbed him by the collar, and shoved him to the ground. He knelt down on Roxas’ weapon-wielding hand, causing his grip to loosen and his keyblade to disappear. Riku slammed the end of his Braveheart into the ground next to Roxas’ head. "That's enough. Playtime is over."

“But we were just getting warmed up!" Roxas chuckled.

"Stop screwing around!" Riku yelled, clinching the boy's shirt tighter. He was straddling him and with his arm pinned down Roxas couldn’t move.

"Would you treat Sora like this too?" Riku paused. "On the islands," Roxas continued. "is this how you were when you fought with Sora?" There was no underlying playfulness to his words this time.

Why is he bringing up Sora? And the islands? No. This was nothing like that. Even when Riku was mad he still enjoyed his sword fights with Sora. Even when he was clouded by jealousy; he just wanted to be close to him. But right now Roxas was just pissing him off. "Why do you keep bringing weird things up?" Riku demanded.

With his free hand, Roxas gripped the fists that were holding him by the collar. "Kiss me."

Riku froze.

"You miss Sora don't you? It’s obvious to everyone. And sad, really. Even I’m starting to pity you."

"What are you saying?" What does he mean ‘everyone’? "You don't know anything." I'm fine. I'm the same as usual. Did someone put him up to this?

"So much so that you shut yourself away from everyone for 2 months."

But... I haven’t. Right? I’ve done plenty these past few months... Riku quickly thought back to his current day to day life. He would wake up, check the database, eat (maybe), run scans on the database, check on Kairi at the castle, train for an hour... maybe less, go back to check the database...

"We know about the computer in there. You unlocked everything you could on that thing and there are still no answers. So why are you still always on it?"

Riku looked away. "There could still be a clue." He answered quietly. He did truly believe that, but he also couldn’t deny just seeing Sora’s image on the screen comforted him. "Anyway, it doesn’t concern you. You do things your way on your end and I’ll do the same-"

Roxas sat up on his elbow, "It does concern me! Sora wouldn't want you to spend your days staring at a computer!"

"I'm fine. I don't need your twisted help." Riku let go of Roxas' collar and started to stand, but Roxas kept his grip on Riku’s wrists, keeping him close.

"But I look like him don't I? Remind you of him?" He pulled Riku so close their bodies were touching. Riku could feel Roxas’ body heat through their sweaty clothes. He felt a knot form in his throat. "I don't think Sora would mind. Not if it was to help you."

"Stop." Riku lowered his head. Despite them being so different, Roxas was still Sora’s nobody and they almost looked exactly the same. Their builds were strikingly similar. Not to mention their eyes. Riku squeezed his eyes shut, ashamed they were even having this conversation. Ashamed he was actually feeling something. Did everyone feel this much pity towards him? Was he really that miserable looking?

Roxas grabbed Riku’s shirt, and pulled him closer. "Look at me." He said as softly as he could. Eventually, Riku did. He saw Riku’s eyes for the first time that day. Tired and sad. Eyes that hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. "I know you want to. So kiss me."

Of course he wanted to! Or rather, of course he wanted to, with Sora! To touch him and kiss him. Somehow, now that he knew his true feelings for Sora, it only made it harder for Riku to be away from him.

"Kiss me like you would Sora." Roxas ran a hand through Riku’s hair, "Touch me like you would Sora." He wrapped his arms around Riku’s neck, "He wouldn’t want you to suffer like this anymore."

He wouldn’t, huh?

Every night he’d dream of a city with towering buildings. Shining signs and bustling roads. And every day he’d imagine Sora next to him, talking to him, like a curse.

Every day, since having those dreams of the city, Sora would lean into him when they talked. Lay a gentle hand on his shoulder whenever he laughed. He’d smile up at him and say his name. He’d pout when he lost at a game of Rock Paper Scissors to decide who got to take a bath first. But then Riku would be forgiven when he let Sora have the last piece of meat for dinner.

When Riku was settling in for the night it was only a matter of minutes before Sora came to his room. Sora would lay down onto his bed before he even had the chance to. Riku would caress Sora’s spiky brown hair he loved so much.

And Sora would laugh.

He’d wrap his arms around Riku’s waist and nuzzle close to him. They would talk about their day of training even though they had just spent the whole day training, together. Sora would fall asleep telling his stories and only then would Riku kiss him good night because that was the only time he was brave enough to do it. But Sora wouldn’t be asleep. And he’d demand Riku kiss him again. And again and again. And each kiss would be less nerve wrecking than the last. Riku would fall asleep feeling Sora’s warm skin and soft lips. And his slim frame that fit so perfectly against his muscular one. And he would wake up the next day and realize it was all a dream, or an illusion, or whatever the hell it was.

And it would start all over again.

So when Riku actually felt a warm (real), gentle hand run through his hair... Soft, slender fingers against his neck, he was so tempted. Oh so tempted. And for a flicker of a second he did see Sora’s face in Roxas. Riku gently let his fingertips brush away the strands of blond bangs on Roxas’ forehead. He wanted to imagine they were Sora’s messy brown ones. Imagine his flushed cheeks were Sora’s, bright and pink. His eyes were the exact same blue as Sora’s it almost scared him. Riku clinched his fist on the pavement.

But Roxas was not Sora no matter how much they looked alike.

"No." Riku finally replied. "You’re not a replacement for Sora. And you know that better than anyone. Sora... He told you that." Riku said, eyebrows furrowed.

Roxas stared at him for a bit before closing his eyes, sighing. "He did... didn’t he..." His grip around Riku’s neck loosened, but he didn’t completely let him go.

"You and Sora. Even if I tried... I could never mistake you. You, who’s so quick to anger." He smiled genuinely, the hand playing in Roxas’ hair now on his cheek. "You, Roxas, with the sharp tongue and the presence so strong an enemy would shutter as soon as you entered the area." Roxas’ eyes widened. "Whereas-"

"Whereas, Sora," Roxas continued, "is the one who would brighten up any room as soon as he entered it." He smiled small. "And Sora, who could never say a bad thing about anyone no matter how much they deserved it."

Riku nodded, “Yeah.”

Roxas felt so stupid, but relieved. Roxas stiffened under Riku, suddenly feeling self conscious at their positions. He let his hands fall from Riku’s shoulders to his chest. "Yeah..." He whispered.

......................

"If we had gone through with it, would you have hated it?" Roxas looked up from the half empty glass of water in his hands. He hadn't realized he had zoned out. The little lamp on Merlin's table stung his eyes. Had he dozed off? The tall, red chair at Merlin’s table was cozier than it looked.

Roxas looked across the room. Riku was on that damn computer again, staring intently at the screen. "Sorry... What did you say?" Roxas asked.

Riku let out a long sigh, "Nothing. Forget I said anything."

Roxas groggily looked back down at his hands. The hands he used to touch Riku. The hand he used to caress Riku’s hair.

Back when he had dreams about Sora, Roxas recalled Sora always looking at Riku. He always admired his height, his strength, and his long, silver hair. The silver hair Sora secretly longed to touch...

Roxas closed his eyes.

I’m sorry, Sora.

If they had gone further, would he have liked it? His feelings for Riku, Sora’s feelings for Riku, weld up in his stomach. Even though I’m not Sora... Sora’s memories, Sora’s feelings for Riku were still imbedded in his heart. So had Riku desired it, he would have kept going.

Roxas’ chest tightened.

He was a terrible person.

"I know you want to. So kiss me... Like you would Sora." Roxas ran a hand through Riku’s hair, "Touch me like you would Sora."

Riku clinched his teeth before leaning in and kissing the blond on the lips. And Roxas parted his lips instantly, welcoming Riku’s touch.

[summii]

night comforts

pairings: eren/gn!reader

content: fluff, comfort, nightmares, death mention, descriptive but not graphic death explanation

a/n: fluffy eren is very much so needed after chapter 139 ;;> 

__________

memories flashed through your eyes like a vivid picture. even in your unconscious state, it felt as real as the day it had happened. from when everything started to the end. their screams, their cries, their pleads, how you felt. and your father. how he died. how you were the reason he died.

the night air was cold, it brought shivers to your arms as you sat up from the bed. the action had caused your blanket to fall down from around your body, exposing you to the cold air. you paid no mind to it, however. your chest instead heaved, mind swirling with previous thoughts pertaining to the dream you just had.

peeking from over your bunk, you checked to see if anyone had woken up due to your outburst. thankfully, it seemed as if no one had woken up. so, you gently threw your legs over the edge of the bed and slowly made your way down. a shiver wracked down your spine once your feet touched the cold floor. you were quick to put on your shoes.

if you were too loud, you were sure shadis would have you running laps for as long as daylight lasted. so, you walked slowly towards the forest side of the camp, hands buried in your pockets with a small frown. the night air was cold- but comforting. it cooled you down and helped clear your head from the nightmare. even now as you thought about it, you needed a distraction.

you shuddered, a harsh wave of wind blowing past your face as you neared a small opening to the forest. once you had wandered over to it, you realized that it was in front of a lake. you had seen it more than once when out during mock missions or on odm gear, but not really ever at night. it was beautiful.

after a minute or two, you found a small little perch to sit down at. you pulled your knees up to your chest. the silence the forest gave was comforting, even though the wind made it hard to ignore the cold creeping into your body, it felt nice. it had just started to get cold, the seasons finally shifting from the unbearable heat. while everyone else complained about the cold, you were thankful for it. it used to be your father's favorite season, there were so many things you did with him and your brother. from snowballs to makeshift snow castles, it almost seemed like a dream. though, now that you were sitting here alone, you realized it had been a dream.

before you could stop them, tears began to well up in your eyes. how long had it been since you thought about him? how long had it been since you stopped pushing it away and distracting yourself?

you were cut out of your thoughts abruptly when a noise came from behind you. adrenaline spiking, you turned around quickly. in the midst of your action, you almost fell off of the rock you had been perched on, but an arm grasped onto your own forearm and pulled you up before you could fall into the water.

"what the fuck?" you yelled, moving to throw a punch at the person who had snuck up on you, which was blocked immediately.

"calm down (y/n)! it's me, eren!" he cried out, holding both of your arms now to control your movements.

his voice caused you to relax immediately, however it didn't quell the annoyance he had caused. you faced towards him, yanking your arms away quickly.

"what were you thinking eren? you scared the shit out of me, what're you even doing out here in the first place?" you demanded.

eren matched your glare, soon to cross his arms as he scoffed, "i came out looking for you because i saw you walk in this direction. i wanted to make sure you didn't get lost. the real question is why are you sneaking out here after hours,"

you scoffed, "oh please eren, you don't need to know everything I'm doing. you didn't have to follow me out here- because now if we both get caught, you get punished too," you put your hands on your hips, giving him a look.

eren huffed out in slight agitation. he didn't respond for a few moments, instead shifting his eyes around your own to your face. his expression softened, and he reached a hand up towards your face, faltering when you flinched in surprise. he continued on after a moment or two, soon to gently cup your face with a frown, "why're you crying?" he murmured.

the feeling of his thumb gently swiping underneath your eye had you closing your eyes in response, your breath hitching. his touch was surprisingly...comforting. he didn't remove his hand even after you opened your eyes and stared back into his own. 

"nothing really...just, nightmares," your voice had dropped down into a whisper, taking on an ashamed lilt. 

it was almost like when the two of you were kids. everytime something happened, eren was always the quickest one to go out of his way to comfort you. when your older sister came back from a mission and the two of you got into fights. he was the first one to come to your aid before your own brother; even when your dad had told you what had really happened to your mother. he was always there.

eren sighed gently and dropped his hand, causing you to shiver once the warmth he had lent left your cheek. "you haven't talked to me about it before," he inquired softly, moving to take his cape off of his shoulders to wrap it around you once he had realized you didn't have anything to keep you shielded from the cold.

"i didn't want to," you replied, quick to continue as you watched confusion and slight hurt cover his expression, "you have so much more to deal with, you don't deserve my baggage," you told him gently, moving to grasp at his hand- which he immediately returned.

“that's bullshit, (y/n)," he said, his expression nothing less than angry. it worried you, but he cut you off before you could even open your mouth, "i care about you. just because you want to endure things on your own doesn't mean you have to," he told you with a heavy frown, turning his head away with a slight blush.

"a-and even if you don't wanna tell me, at least tell mikasa- or armin- or even, hell, annie- just...someone..." he added on, almost bashfully.

you didn't say anything for a moment, staring up at eren in surprise. sure, the two of you were friends, but you didn't think he cared for you in that way. at least, not with mikasa and annie around. you could have sworn he had feelings for one of those two- but now that you're standing here with him, you realized the look on his face matched the one yours always had when you were with him. it caused you face to flush bright red.

clearing your throat, you nodded shyly and looked towards the lake, messing with the hem of his cape’s fabric, "i appreciate it eren...and, uh, i care for you too...just so you know," you told him softly, causing him to grunt.

he soon tugged on your hand, shifting so that he was sitting on top of the rock that you were previously on, "c'mon, let's stay here for a while...and if you want, you can tell me about that nightmare," he told you softly, prompting you to follow.

you smiled and nodded, "yeah, sounds like a plan,"

[chocolatemin]

TIME (ONEUS FANTASY AU)

Amber's POV

"Grrr, what is a lady doing here at night? Mayhaps you don't want to be able to see the sunlight tomorrow, eh?" It growled louder and before I could talk it lunged infront of me causing me to fall to the ground. "Please, spare my life." " Ha! You wish. Now, say goodbye." The creature, which somewhat look alike to a lion and wolf at the same time, slowly brings its face closer and opened its mouth widely. Is this where I end already?

No.

I suddenly remembered the dagger Ravn gave me. I hurriedly took it from my side, and before the creature's sharp fangs come in contact with my head, I stabbed it in the stomach very deep. The creature flinched and growled, "You think a simple stab with a little knife would kill me? Well, you're wrong! I'll behead you!" My eyes widened as the creature opened its mouth again and is coming for my face. From its stomach, I slashed the dagger up to his heart slicing it with all the force I have as fast as I can and took the dagger. It flinched for the second time and dropped to the ground. "What are you?!" It growled, looking directly at me with its glowing yellow eyes.

"Well, not your business." The creature's body wasn't bleeding but a black hole can be seen, instead it lunged at me and caused a scratch on my forearm. "Ouch, that hurts!" I looked at my bleeding wound then glared at the creature. "Serves you right." I kicked both of its leg causing the creature to drop on my body, his head is laying onto my stomach. I removed my hand under him and before it could stand up again, I stabbed its head then made a deep cut on the back of its neck earning a howl from it. I withdrew the knife, and closed my eyes thinking that it will cause a fountain of blood because of me trying to behead the wild creature. But I felt none.

Only whimpers from the wounded creature are the things that can be heard. I opened my eyes and saw thay the creature on the top of me is slowly turning into ashes that floats along with the quiet wind. It completely disappeared after some time. I stood up took the lamp beside and checked if there are any traces of blood on the dagger but there was none so I hid it back.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain coming from the wound I have, "Ouch! Ow, ow it hurts!" Oh right, I completely forgot about it. The part of the cloth was torn and stained red. The wound I got from the wild creature wasn't very deep but it hurts, of course it would because it isn't a single cut but three. I sat down along with the lamp I was carrying and cut a piece of cloth from my cloak. To stop the bleeding, I pressed the cloth on the wounded part and carefully wrapped it around tightly and tied a knot so that the cloth will not fall when I'm walking. I stood up and grabbed my things.

I dusted off my clothes and continued walking towards the deeper side of the forest. After walking for a long period of time, it is making me think that the rumors might have been wrong all along. I sighed causing my shoulders to drop along with the hope I've been holding onto. I looked to the ground and my foot played with the thick snow. I am all alone in this dark, scary forest, even almost got killed and eaten by an unknown creature to me, I'm tired already...

I was about to cry when I heard a loud thud in front of me. I looked up to see what was it and found something lying on the ground by the face. Its position is quite funny but I shouldn't be laughing right now. I hold onto the handle of the dagger tightly, ready to slash it to this creature if it tries to kill me. The creature in the cloak didn't move, so do I. I put back the dagger and I heard I shuffling sound. The creature in front of me raised its head and looked at me.

"Are you alright?" His eyes are half-opened and his voice sounded weak. "Why are you asking me that when you're the one lying on the cold ground?" The man stood up carefully and smiled cheekily, "Is it wrong to ask someone if they're hurt?" "No... I'm sorry." "Forgiven." I noticed that the man is bleeding so I rushed to him and bend down to the check upon his wound. "What are you doing?" "Mister, you're wounded and it's bleeding!" I looked up to him while he just look confused. "Sit down, I'll wrap it with a cloth to minimize the bleeding for a while." I helped him sit down and cut a piece of cloth from my cloak. I gently wrapped the cloth on his leg and tied a knot. "Mister, what happened to you?" "I got into a fight with a lion-wolf. Thankfully, I escaped from him." I remembered the creature that attacked me earlier, perhaps it is the same creature that attacked this mister.

"Do you live in this place?" He shook his head, "I'm from another realm..." "Oh, I see, so you were lost too?" "Apparently, I was heading home from the town. I was looking for something but they don't have it yet. What about you?" "You see, I'm thinking that I got lost. I am looking for an exit, someone told me that it is here. But I'm already walking here for hours!" "The exit? It's at the end of the forest and it is quite far. Do you want me to help you go there?" "Is it okay?" "Of course!" He smiled at me but I noticed that he's quite pale. "Uhm, mister, are you sick? I think you look pale or is it just me?" "Really? I neither have eaten nor drank something yet since the lion-wolf blocked my way. I left my things somewhere." His voice is still weak, attacked by a lion-wolf, haven't been able to eat nor drink anything could really make you weak. I opened my bag and gave him an apple earning a confused look from him. "What am I going to do with this?" "Eat it, you haven't eaten right? It's clean and safe..." "Thank you."

After he finished the apple, I handed him the water bladder which he hesitantly accepted and drank water from. "Thank you for helping me." He stood up and offered his hand to me. I took it without hesitation. "I'm sorry, I didn't help you earlier and was rude." "No, it's okay. Why would you help someone you don't know, right? What if they're just pretending and it's a trap? I understand how you felt earlier, it's okay." "I'm still sorry." "Don't be. By the way, my name is Hwanwoong." He stick out his hand in front of me and I gladly accepted it, "The name's Amber." "Then, let's get going? I think no one wants to be eaten by some scary creatures, right?" "Right."

—

We reached the end of the forest with me helping Hwanwoong walk since his other leg hurts from the deep wound. I saw a huge wooden gate and we went over to it. "Is this the exit you're talking about earlier, Hwanwoong?" "Yes." A key appeared on the keyhole out of nowhere. Why does the key always appear like that? I twisted the key and pushed the gate open. "I'm scared." I told Hwanwoong absentmindedly and quickly realized what I had done. "Don't be, I'm here with you." He reassured and I hid the key inside my bag, "Well, here goes nothing." We entered the gate at the same time.

Once we both got inside, the gate immediately shut... again. I'm getting tired and weirded out of this enter-then-close gates! "Amber, we're here on the Desert Realm." "Let's get going, shall we?" I smiled at him.

"Aren't we gonna part ways already?"

"Hmm, let me think about it..... No, we won't."

"Why?"

"You can't even walk properly! Do you think I would really leave you in that condition? I'll go with you."

He shook his head, "I'll be okay soo-" "Whatever you say, I'll walk with you until you get home. Nothing can change my mind!" I narrowed my eyes at him, "Got it?" He sighed before nodding. "How do we get to your house?" "You know why people always get lost? When there's no way except heading straight, they still turn right or left instead of taking the path that's in front of you." "Goodness, you could just have told me that we're walking straight ahead." I rolled my eyes earning a light chuckle from him, "Whatever, let's go!" He happily dragged me and started walking even if he can't walk properly, "Weirdo!" We both laughed at my comment.

—

"Hwanwoong," he hummed as response, "We've been walking for a while, don't you want to eat or drink anything? Your throat might dry, and besides it's too hot. Don't you think we should rest for a bit?" "I think you're right." "Should we rest right here?" He looked around, observing the place we set foot onto, "I think I can see an oasis there?" Hwawoong pointed to where he could see the oasis. "I don't see anything? Are you sure you can see one?" "I'm sure!" I blinked my eyes for several times but to no avail. "Woong, I think you're seeing things I can't see..." "Really? Shall we go take a look? Just to check if I'm hallucinating." "Sure."

Hwanwoong guided me to where he can see the oasis but I'm still unable to see it. "Can you now see it?" "No, I don't." "Really? But we are standing in front of it now." "What does it look like?" "It looks like an oasis." He nodded several times then smiled mockingly, "Nice answer, buddy." While I shook my head in disbelief. "There's water there, then a tree there, some large rocks there, and oh! A fox!" He pointed and pointed to nothing. "What does the fox look like?" "It is large, like the lion-wolf I encountered in the Winter Realm's Dark Forest." "Does it seem harmless?" "Yes, shall I call it over?" "I think so?"

Hwanwoong took a deep breath before shouting, "Mister Fox!!" He waved and smiled. I laughed at him causing him to turn his face to me with confused reaction painted on it, "You looked really funny, I'm sorry I couldn't help it." I covered my mouth and tried to stop the laughter. "Oh! Look! Look! It's coming!" I snapped back to reality and saw a fox coming towards us. I hid behind him and peeked, "Woah, you're really not hallucinating, I can see it!" "Told ya."

"My name is Hwanwoong, and here, behind me is Amber," Hwanwoong bowed to the magnificent fox as a sign of courtesy and so did I. "Mayhaps we could stay here for a bit?" He smiled at the quiet fox. The fox stayed silent as if he's judging the both of us. It took several seconds before a blinding light illuminated from the fox, and when the light is gone, we witnessed a tall figure in front of us. He had jet black hair and a muscular body frame based on his clothes. He is wearing a lace-up white long sleeve, black leather pants showing off his well-built physique, and black leather boots that makes him more intimidatingly beautiful. He spoke in a deep, booming voice, "I'm Leedo. I am keeper of the hidden oasis. Only few can see it so consider yourselves lucky. I am allowing you to stay for as long as you wanted to." "Thank you."

Leedo snapped his fingers in front of us, "What was that for?" "For you to be not seen by anyone while staying here. I made the two of you invisible. Now, follow me." He turned to his back and started walking while we trailed behind him. As I took each step, the oasis is becoming less invisible to my sight until I can see it clearly. "Please make yourselves comfortable." Leedo bowed before transforming back to a fox and went back to the entrance. He returned on guarding the oasis while Hwanwoong and I took a seat near the spring and leaned to the large rocks behind us.

"Hey, woong,"

"Yeah?"

"Do you know what time is it?"

"Let's see..." He looked up and observed the sky while I removed my cloak amd closed my eyes.

"It is like 11 o'clock at the Winter realm."

"What do you mean by that?" I answered him with my eyes still closed as I am embracing the peacefulness of the oasis. It is less hot in here than in the midst of walking in the desert.

"I'm not really good at explaining things but I'll try..." He chuckled before continuing, "Do you know that in the Winter Realm, the daytime is up to 12 only?" I hummed in response to him, "Daytime here lasts for 6 hours and nighttime lasts for four hours, that's a total of ten hours in a day."

"Do you have a clock?"

"Yes, it is a clock from Winter Realm."

"But why did you know that a day is equivalent to ten hours?"

"Don't laugh at me, okay? Well, I... Due to curiosity when I got into this place, I stayed for a day and a half here just to know how many hours are there in a day. Because you know, the time is different for each realm."

"Really? That's crazy!"

"Indeed. So what I am saying is that it is five o'clock here and it's equivalent to 11 o'clock in the Winter Realm."

"So you're basically saying that we've been walking for five hours and the night is nearing. And within an hour, the sun will set already. Am I correct?"

"You got it right."

—

Hwanwoong noticed that I, too, am wounded so he helped me clean it before cleaning his own wound. We witnessed the twilight together and shared some of the fruits I bought from the Winter Realm for dinner. He told me how does the time works in the realm he's living at. He also told me that the way out of the Desert Realm is not that far anymore since we had already reached the oasis. After some time, we thanked Leedo for letting us stay for a while before leaving the oasis by 7 o'clock. We don't want to spend a day and a half here so we left early. Hwanwoong can't still walk properly because his wound is deep so I still helped him until we reach the gate.

"Hwanwoong! Look, we made it!"

"Yeah, we reached the gate before the day passes by."

"I think we still walked for an hour or two... But that's not bad despite you being injured and not being able to walk straight, we're a bit fast."

"Yep, we should hurry so that we can both rest at my house sooner. I'm a bit tired..."

"Right." I looked in front and noticed some carvings on the gate. I leaned my face closer to the gate and illuminated it with the lamp to see the carvings clearly. It resembles a sun and it made me question it's purpose. "Hwanwoong, there is a carved sun here, and the key doesn't appear yet, do you think I need to do something first?" "Maybe? Try twisting the sun?" I shook my head at his answer, "You must be really tired, Woong. I'll take care of this, can you still hold on and wait for a bit?" He slightly nodded and weakly smiled.

The carved sun is really pretty.

It is somewhat hypnotizing so I reached for the carved sun with my index finger and traced its outline gently. I got startled when it lit up and a moon appeared beside it. Without thinking, I pressed the moon and a hole opened revealing another key. "Cool." I whispered and smiled to myself while taking the key from the hole. I inserted the key to the key hole and twisted it carefully until I heard a soft click meaning that the passage is now open. I took the key and hid it in my bag along with the other three. I twisted the knob and slightly opened the gate.

"Hwanwoong, sorry it took longer. Are you okay?" I worriedly faced him. He just smiled at me and I tightened my arms around him.

"Let's go..." Is the last thing I said before we stepped out of the Desert Realm.

-END OF CHAPTER-

[A/N: good day fellas!! I'm sorry was only able to give Leedo a brief appearance, oh and also, this fic is coming to an end, sadly...]

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[terrablaze514]

Important: I'm changing the way I tag fans. Therefore, send an Ask/DM if you still want to be tagged in certain projects or kindly request removal. Do specify if you wanna be tagged in which stories, and which parts. If "Headcanons only" is your preference, that's cool. If "No pairings" is your preference, that's cool too. I seek to accommodate everyone and failure to accomplish that switches on the floppy disk below.

Tumblr ate my post, just because I was checking in and letting y'all (only y'all) know what's up. So for the shorter version: I'm taking care of my mental health by steering clear of the News, and distancing myself from certain social media platforms. I don't like my country, but it's my sole duty to love everyone because many are struggling with these forced changes by government... I've dropped out of two projects and also on hiatus from TWIGW. Lastly, there's no more taglists in writing projects, current or otherwise. This is by far the only way I can prevent unnecessary drama, especially when I'm not supposed to be forced to justify my feelings?

I've been called out of my name for refusing to write an NC-17 fanfic on FF.net. I've been cussed out on Twitter by so-called proud Canadians, hence my anger. Also shadow-banned on Facebook. So F the Internet.

F this site for eating my post. Please refer to my masterlists. Pay attention to fanwork type, pairings (if any), characters and ratings. I'm going to be seventy times more strict when tagging readers from this day forth. Some updates will remain hidden from you if your mutuals don't reblog the stuff, and if Tumblr eats and screws up search tags. No, this is not a cop out. I'm only doing this for my personal safety, first and foremost. Bashing characters and ships won't be tolerated in this blog and I don't need anymore reminders of how F'd up Jason Kenney and Justin Trudeau are. I already have to deal with their crap; don't join the lineup by acting immature in the notes of my posts.

Peace out, and F Tumblr @staff for eating my post. What, you scared 'cause I said I have ancestors? I freakin' do! Scared because I've tagged anxiety and suicide? Mental health struggle is a real deal that affects many people, and I haven't posted anything original for a while; my followers deserve to know what's up (especially those who are into Fandom). Scared because Janet Jackson was seen eating popcorn??? FFS, here ya go.

We can fight, right here. Don't you dare block my posts from addressing my followers ever again - and I'm not playin'!

Don't be mad at him. He's already angry at the world. I've been processing my anger at the country I live in. Let that sink in for a minute...

Or you're scared of them? Good. You deserve to feel scared.

Pimps.😡👿

Now that I'm done going off on @stsff, it's true. I will not be doing taglists anymore; please refer to my masterlists and make mention of your preferences. My Asks/DMs are always open.