#an ex of mine once got after me for my bad posture wanted me to fix it

[freebooter4ever]

im at that point of sleep deprivation where its kinda hard to see and definitely impossible to think... drawing is a challenging lol

[rosietrace]

〈 アイドル! 〉Vault Track — Solo Sensation

〈 天才的なアイドル様!! 〉

「↺ 概要 ↻」— 「 ↺ Overview/Synopsis! ↻ 」

❐ With the idol scene on the rise, Night Raven Entertainment found it opportunistic to promote their new and improved idol group; (Co)-Connect! Though the group has a lot to go about, the members are still in need of dire improvement before they can truly shine alongside their peers.

Fortunately, NRE found the perfect mentor for the job; The ex member of Poisoner — and long-time solo sensation — Shōri.

[ Apologies for any out of character moments ]

[ Reblogs > Likes ]

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

「 2 Weeks before the release of “Ditto” 」

“Shōri!”

“Shōri, look here!”

“Shōri, is it true that you're replacing Koral Larrane as the opening act for the ‘Nonsense’ tour?”

Behind her sunglasses, Victoria had narrowed her eyes.

Behind her, Noriko was keeping the paparazzi — more specifically the reporters — at bay. That, at least, is something she is thankful for.

“Good news,” her secretary — H.T. (The initials of her full name) — walked beside her. “You're number one on the Spotify billboard charts.”

“And what of them?” Victoria questioned. The them being the idol group she left to pursue a solo career; Poisoner.

H.T. checked her tablet, and then answered, “Fifth in the charts.”

“Excellent,” Victoria declared a bit before her entrance to NRE was blocked by a sea of reporters.

“Shōri,” one of them held a microphone to her lips. “What do you have to say now that your latest single has stayed number one on the charts after three weeks?”

A polite smile graced her features. “I'm incredibly grateful,” she said, her composure — her posture — rivaling that of royalty.

“‘NOIR’ has been a very enjoyable project of mine. In both production and songwriting, dare I say that it's quickly become one of my favorite songs as of late.”

She and the reporter shared a collective chuckle. But before said reporter, or anyone else for that matter, could ask her more questions — Noriko took matters into his own hands and cleared the path to the entrance.

“I could inform security to disperse the press once we enter,” Noriko suggested. Behind their sunglasses (one that matched hers), Victoria could tell that they were worried.

She let out a sigh. “I believe that would be necessary,” she replied, the automatic doors to NRE opening before her.

“I'll go inform security on your behalf,” in less than a minute, Victoria's secretary drifted further into the building. Likely to do what Noriko had suggested for her boss’ sake.

Noriko stepped in front of her, extending a hand. “Shall we?” He said, head nodding to the elevator behind him.

Wanting nothing more than to return to her apartment, she took their hand in less than a heartbeat.

“We shall.”

•↻°─────────°↺•

Well, very quickly, Victoria's mood had soured. Mostly because of Crowley, but that's honestly not that surprising.

She didn't even have time to relax for a bit once she got to her apartment, apparently. Almost immediately, Crowley had placed a phone call and demanded that Victoria go to his office as soon as possible.

Now, Victoria was almost convinced that Crowley was going to call it quits on her career as an idol. Given the number of accusations made about her, the numerous boycotts caused by fans who once loved her for Poisoner, and her not-so-subtle bad blood with a former colleague; She wouldn't have been all that surprised if he fired her.

But nope. That wasn't the case, like, at all.

“So, let me get this straight,” Victoria leaned against her chair, her eyes squinted at Crowley, the pretentious CEO that he was.

“You,” she pointed at Crowley, “Want me to become a mentor?”

“That is what I said, yes,” Crowley nodded in confirmation.

Noriko scrunched their nose, but Victoria was the one to rip their thoughts out of their head.

“Why?” her face twisted in disbelief.

Crowley let out a long breath. “I believe you to be the best candidate, Shard,” he stated, his voice uncharacteristically stern. “All I ask of you is to be the personal mentor to the Ramshackle division’s newest unit.”

“With all due respect, sir, my lady has no obligation to accept such a request,” Noriko's voice was low, easily registerable, and equally as stern. They kept their hands behind their back, to hide their clenched fists.

“Watch your tongue, Dolion,” Crowley warned, his attention turning back to Victoria in less than a millisecond. “And you will accept.”

“What happens if I don't?”

“I don't think you want to hear the answer to that, my dear.”

“I feel obligated to say I do want to hear it, sir,” Victoria remarked, feeling tempted to grind her teeth together.

Crowley raised his chin, his expression cold and unfeeling. “I'll bring an end to your contract if you don't accept.”

Noriko's eyes widened. “That sounds a bit excessive-”

“Silence, Nori,” Victoria commanded, and Noriko obeyed without a second thought. Reading between the lines, she began seeing through Crowley's threat.

It certainly isn't an empty threat, he's more than capable of firing me, her thoughts seemed to be running as fast as a rollercoaster. However….

It became obvious to her; Crowley was bluffing. And once she figured it out, it didn't take long for Noriko to figure it out as well.

No way in hell would he fire me, she may have been a little overconfident in such an assumption, but Victoria felt like she had a right to feel that way. After all, I'm one of his biggest money-making machines…

Clicking her tongue, Victoria uncrossed her legs, adjusting her position in the chair. “I see,” of course she did. She saw through it all, every bluff, every detail.

“But why me, specifically?” as always, Victoria made sure to bring up the important questions.

Crowley huffed, but at least felt polite enough to give her the response she'd willingly force out of him.

“You seem to be the best candidate for this particular group,” oh? “You've been working with the company for longer than most others. And, aside from that, your experience in the industry is something (Co)-Connect can use as an example.”

She was intrigued to say the least. She'll have to look into it a bit more, naturally. Take it into consideration, almost certainly.

Placing her hands on Crowley's desk, Victoria got up from her chair, guided by Noriko out of his office.

Crowley got up as well, ready to stop her.

“Shard-”

“Our discussion has ended, sir.”

Victoria gave Crowley one last look, right as the doors slammed shut in front of them.

“However, be certain that I will take your offer into consideration.”

〈 Bonus 〉

User ‘caecuscaptures’, an anonymous Twitter/X account dedicated to posting photos of Shōri and her bodyguard, Noriko Dolion.

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

〈 Taglist 〉

(Co)-Connect

@starry-night-rose • @jasdiary • @authoruio • @fumikomiyasaki • @sakuramidnight15

Others

@geminiiviolets • @terrovaniadorm / @celiica • @twistedsongstressofstarz / @absolutelyobsessedkiya • @twsted-princess

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

[purple-space-gremlin]

Meeting 049

049 x reader

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

Peace and quiet, are the main reasons why you moved into a cottage in a rural area. It took a lot of work to modernize and clean the place, but god was it worth it. After all, your time working at the foundation as well, interesting to say the least. And this peace did help with recovery. So to say you were shocked when finding 049 in your home is an understatement.

When you got back home and opened your door you weren't expecting to find a dangerous anomaly that tried to kill you more than once (Few times are your fault but still), walking around your place mumbling angrily to itself. He eventually noticed you staring and both of you froze. He was the first to come to his senses and start going your way while saying something you didn't understand. So you did the obvious, smacked the door on him, well his beak? Time to get away and call the foundation. If you still have their number. You didn't even get that far when something grabbed your arm.

“Fuck”

You didn't have to be a genius to figure out that it's 049 and that those are your last seconds.

“Language, my dear”

You simply rolled your eyes, yup he’s still a prick.

Well, it’s been probably a few minutes and you’re not dead. So you turn around

to look at him, which made him let go of your arm.

“Not to sound ungrateful, but how am I not dead?”

He sighed and looked at the ground.

That did make you feel a bit bad. You expected him to snark at your comment of you not dying since the,,correct,, word is cured. No matter, it’s time to use the situation and try running away again. But you didn’t even take two steps before he grabbed your arm again. Well might as well keep trying, you’re not gonna make it easy for him.

“Doctor l/n” You ignore him and keep trying to pull your arm free.

“Doctor l/n” Nope, nope, you’re not giving up that easily.

He sighed “Y/n, please. This is ridiculous”

You huffed and stopped struggling.

“There we go, that wasn’t that hard was it?”

“I never wanted to kick a man more in my life”

“I see you’re still the same”

You knew this could spiral into an off-topic conversation so you stepped in.

“Alright mind explaining why you’re here? I thought you’re smarter than going to your ex researcher’s house when you can’t even ,,cure,, me. Wait, how did you find my place

anyway?”

“Your home? I beg your pardon, that is my cottage, I used to live there for quite some time while treating the village nearby.” Oh.

“It’s a city now” You corrected him.

“It used to be a village”

“Well now the cottage is mine, the village is a city and you can’t be here, you’re a threat, 049. Not to mention, I don’t want the foundation near me again” You tried crossing your arms, but he was still holding your arm.

He got visibly irritated at your comment.

“Well-” He said loudly. “As you can see, you’re still your disgusting sick sel-”

“Calm down 049”

He exhaled and continued. “self. And not as you say: dead, so clearly I’m not as you say a threat” You wanted to protest that but he was faster. “Besides Y/n” he straightened his posture. “If you call them now they will question you and likely take my, excuse me, your cottage”

Well, I mean he’s not wrong. Damn it you thought. You thought the situation through for a few minutes.

“Ok, first of all, let go of my arm”

“So you can try running away again? I’m not-”

“049” You looked at him clearly annoyed. He muttered something and let go of your arm. You smirked

“That wasn’t that hard, was it? Now, I need explanations, how did you get out, when did you get out and uh well what’s with your touch, I’m supposed to be ,,cured,, ?”

He became uncomfortable and sad when you mentioned the last part of your question.

“I think it would be wiser having the conversation back in my cottage, as people might see us here and I tend to stand out of a crowd as you can imagine. The collar certainly isn’t helping

either.”

You groaned, he’s right, again. Damn it. And since you couldn’t argue with him both of you walked back to your, well his, well I guess your cottage. Once you two arrived there, you had to endure his complaining about how everything is different there and why would anyone build in more windows and probably more but you interrupted him quite fast, after all, you still wanted the answers. He of course couldn’t simply answer, he first demanded his collar to be taken off, which is a fair request. After that, he finally explained how he managed to run off thanks to another organization trying to raid the facility. But he kept avoiding answering the question about his touch. You knew he wouldn’t budge so you used an old trick on him you learnt when working with him. You simply made him tea and waited for him to get more comfortable and after a bit, it worked. He went on a rant about how he thinks the foundation did something to him, apparently, they call it something like ΩK. After he was done with his

rant, it was obvious he was upset by this.

You wanted to comfort him, but you realized he is not supposed to be there. So you told him he needs to go, you won’t call the foundation but he has to go. He didn’t want to leave, he kept insisting this is his cottage.

“049 no, you absolutely can’t stay here”

“Why not?”

“Why not? Are you serious? What if the foundation finds you? You know how much in trouble I will be?

“Y/n, please calm down there is no rea-”

“You’re not staying”

He simply chuckled at that and said. “My dear, I am, but you’re free to leave my cottage”

You tried arguing with him but it was to no avail. Well, I guess you’re living with a dangerous entity now.

[pedro-pascal-love]

Officer Brown Eyes

One Shots ❖ Main Masterlist ❖ Join My Taglist

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 3k+

Summary: During the events on Morak, Reader sees Din’s face for the first time, and isn’t sure how to handle it.

Warnings: Language, angst, SO MUCH FLUFF

⟸ Raise Warriors ❖ Moving On ⟹

They had to get the child back. By any means necessary. Which meant having to pick up Migs fucking Mayfeld to help them out.

“Dank farrik, I do not like this idea,” you said dramatically. “I don’t like the fact that we have to team up with Mayfeld yet again, especially after what happened last time!”

“If we want to get the kid back, we don’t have a choice,” Din replied as you all waited for Cara to get back with Mayfeld. You’d traveled with him since before the Child entered the picture and had learned to pick up how Din was feeling based on the way he spoke and his body language.  Din Djarin was a man of few words but fewer facial expressions, so having to gauge how he felt through his modulated helmet was hard for most people, but not for you. You could tell that Din was worried. He was afraid that The Child was hurt or worse. You knew that Din would do anything in his power to get the Child back, even if it meant busting out an ex-Imperial sharpshooter who’d double-crossed you both the last time you ran into each other.

You watched from the shadows as Boba and Fennec went out to greet Mayfeld. You smirked as you saw Mayfled stop in his tracks and look at Boba, having to do a double-take.

“You know, for a second, I thought you were this other guy,” Mayfled stated in relief with a smile. You watched as Din took that opportunity to descend the ship's ramp to greet Mayfeld and saw the color drain from his face.

“Mayfeld,” Din greeted coolly.

“Hey, Mando. Long time,” Mayfled greeted nervously, not sure if Din would blast time where he stood or something else.

“What, you came here to kill me?” He joked.

“All you need to know is that I bent a lot of rules to bring you along,” Cara replied begrudgingly.

“Why am I so lucky?” Mayfeld retorted.

“Because you’re Imperial,” Cara glared.

“Hey, that was a long time ago, all right?” he defended.

“You still know your Imperial clearances and protocols, don’t you?” Din asked, cutting right to the chase. Mayfeld looked worried and watched as Cara and the others walked up the ramp before he finally sighed and glanced back at the prison planet he’d been assigned to. He wasn’t sure if he preferred to be going with them or if he should just stay, but he chose to leave with them anyways. As he boarded the ship, he saw you looking at him with a look that would kill anyone in an instant, and he gulped as he sat down.

“We need coordinates to Moff Gideon’s cruiser,” Din stated as he took his seat next to you.

“Moff Gideon?” Mayfeld scoffed. “Yeah, forget it. Just take me back to the scrapyard. I’m not doin’ that.”

“They have his kid,” Cara explained with annoyance. Mayfeld looked at Cara, then to you and Din, actually looking a little concerned.

“The little green guy?” he asked.

“Yeah, the ‘little green guy,” Cara replied, annoyed with Mayfeld’s attitude already.

“So…..I help you guys get him back, you guy let me go?” Mayfeld asked hopefully. Cara rolled her eyes.

“That’s not how this works,” she replied

“Well, then what’s in it for me?” Mayfeld retorted. You were ready to gouge his eyes out at that statement. You tensed and straightened your posture, looking Mayfeld dead in the eye.

“A better view,” Cara responded.

“You get to live,” you replied heatedly. “You either help, or you somehow end up blown to oblivion, and Cara writes it off as if you tried to escape custody.” Mayfeld gulped and took a moment to ponder his choices.

“All right, but here’s the thing. I can’t get those coordinates unless I have access to an internal Imperial terminal. I believe there’s one on Morak,” Mayfeld finally stated.

“Morak? There’s nothing on Morak,” Din replied, not trusting what Mayfeld had to say.

“It’s a secret Imperial mining hub, okay?” Mayfeld replied. “If you can get me in there, I can get you the coordinates.” You looked at Din skeptically but nodded.

“Fett, punch in the coordinates to Morak,” Din instructed Boba through the commlink.

“Copy that,” you heard Boba reply and felt the ship take off towards Morak.

“If you’re lying to us, Mayfeld, I just want you to know that you will suffer an excruciating and prolonged end by my hands,” you threatened as you pointed a knife at him before going to sharpen it. Mayfeld visibly gulped as you felt a hand on your knee.

“Whatever it takes to get the kid back,” Din said softly to you in an attempt to quell your fears. You nodded and went back to sharpening your blade.

Due to Boba’s initial scan, you all decided that a full frontal assault would be too risky, considering the refinery was crawling with Imperial troopers, so you decided to go in quietly. After some debate on how to get into the refinery undetected, you chose to have Mayfeld and one other disguise themselves as stormtroopers to get into the refinery. Din had insisted on going with Mayfeld while you stayed with Fennec and Cara.

“No, I’m coming with you both,” you insisted, leaving no room for argument. Din sighed.

“Fine, but you have to promise me that you’ll be careful,” he said, looking down at you through the visor. You nodded, feeling the worry in his tone but knowing he wouldn’t convey it any other way due to present company.

“I promise. I’ll make sure that things go according to plan,” you said with a shrug.

Once you, Din, and Mayfeld had successfully hijacked and disguised yourselves as stormtroopers, you began to make your way to the refinery. Things have been going smoothly so far until you came across a village on route to the refinery. The villagers watched as you slowly drove by, and the air was tense.

“Yeah, Empire, New Republic, it’s all the same to these people,” Mayfeld said as you gazed out the window at the haggard villagers. “Invaders on their land is all we are. I’m just sayin’ somewhere someone in this galaxy is ruling, an others are being ruled. I mean, look at your race. Do you think all those people that died in wars fought by Mandalorians actually had a choice? So how are they any different than the Empire?” Mayfeld questioned. You rolled your eyes and could feel Din doing the same thing.

“Watch it, Mayfeld,” you warmed.

“If you were born on Mandalore, you believe one thing, if you’re born on Alderaan, you believe something else,” Mayfeld continued. “But guess what? Neither of them exist anymore,” he said with a shrug. You growled, getting annoyed the more he spoke.

“Hey, I’m just a realist. I’m a survivor, just like you,” he defended.

“Let’s get one thing straight.” Din replied, “You and I are nothing alike.”

“I don’t know. Seems to me like your rules start to change when you get desperate,” Mayfeld said with a glance. “I mean, look at ya. You said you couldn’t take your helmet off, but now you got a stormtrooper one on, so what’s the rule? Is it that you can’t take off your Mando helmet, or can’t show your face? ‘Cause there’s a difference. Look, I’m just sayin’ we’re all the same. Everybody’s got their lines they don’t cross until things get messy. As far as I’m concerned, if you can make it through your day and still sleep at night, you’re doin’ better than most.”

At his words, you glanced over at Din, not being able to tell how he felt since you sat behind him but sensing the thoughts coursing through his mind. The Creed forbade him from removing his helmet in front of any living being, but lately, you’d witnessed differently from other Mandalorians. Boba Fett and Bo Katan were evidence of there being a different way that Mandalorians lived, and you’d hoped that maybe one day Din would take up their way of life instead of the stricter way that the Tribe lived, hiding in the shadows and never showing their face. You hoped that maybe one day Din would see it fit to remove his helmet unless going into battle, and you’d be able to gaze into the eyes of the man that you were hopelessly and secretly in love with. But that was a spice dream at this point. Mayfeld’s other words rang through your ears. You and Din had become desperate in more ways than one to get the Child back. At this point, you’d do anything, and everything to ensure the safe retrieval of the Child and knew that Din was very much on the same boat.

As you made your way to the refinery, things took an unexpected turn that neither of you foresaw. It seemed that on Morak pirates wanting to blow up the rhydonium, and you were getting very annoyed with having to do things the hard way just to get some information on Moff Gideon. Luckily, the three of you had made it safely to the refinery after some excitement and with a bit of assistance from the Empire.

“Dank farrik,” you muttered as you saw the stormtroopers line up and salute the transport. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

The three of you finally disembarked from the transport and were greeted warmly by other stormtroopers, thinking you were a colleague of theirs. Oh, were they wrong. Mayfeld guided you and Din to the officer’s mess hall where he suspected the terminal would be, and low and behold; it was there. You watched through the visor of your helmet as Mayfeld began to walk into the mess hall, abruptly stop, then turn back around and made his way back to you and Din.

“I can’t go in there,” Mayfeld stated

“Why not?” Din asked.

“That’s Valin Hess,” Mayfeld replied.

“Who?”

“That’s Valin Hess. I used to serve under him,” Mayfeld stated nervously.

“Will he recognize you?”

“I don’t know,” Mayfeld said. “I was just a field operative, but I’m not takin’ the chance. It’s over.” You held your arm out to stop Mayfeld from walking away.

“Let’s just do this quick, and we can get out of here,” Din said sternly, also blocking the way.

“I can’t do it, okay? We have to abort. I’m sorry.”

“No, I can’t,” Din said. “If we don’t get those coordinates, I’ll lose the kid forever. Your heart broke at his words. You know that Grogu meant a lot to Din; he meant a lot to you too, but you knew that Din would do anything to get him back.

“Give me the data stick,” Din said.

“It’s not gonna work,” Mayfeld replied. “In order to access the network, the terminal has to scan your face,” he explained.

Well fuck, you thought

“Give it to me,” you heard Din say, and before you could respond and go in yourself, you watched as Din walked into the mess hall himself with the stick. You grew anxious watching the officers watch him awkwardly salute and then make his way to the terminal. Your anxiety rose once you saw him get to the terminal and then turn to glance at the officers and you. Your heart nearly stopped as you watched Din remove his helmet as he faced the terminal and place the data stick into it. You watched with bated breath as Valin Hess approached Din at the terminal and faced him. You looked at Mayfeld, hoping he’d have some sort of solution but saw he was just as fearful as you were. You heard the officer ask Din for a TK number and knew it was over. The mission was blown.

“This is my Commanding Officer, TK-593, sir,” Mayfeld interjected as he walked up to Din and Valin Hess, you following close behind him, your helmet removed as well at this point. “I’m Imperial Combat Assault Transport Lieutenant TK-111, sir.”

“TK-660, sir,” you added as you stood next to the two of them, watching as Din awkwardly looked at you and Mayfeld and back at the officer, his body rigid.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to speak up to him a little bit since his vessel lost pressure in Taanab,” Mayfeld smoothly said. Valin looked over at Din.

“What’s your name, Officer?” Valin loudly said. Din pretended not to hear and raised his eyebrows.

“We just call him Brown Eyes. Isn’t that right, Officer?” Mayfeld covered as Din looked at him and nodded with a slight smile.

“Sir, we should go fill out those TPS reports so we can go recharge the power coils,” you interjected. The three of you proceeded to walk away but were stopped when Valin said you weren’t dismissed.

DANK FARRIK, you thought. Valin proceeded to praise the three of you for being the only transport that successfully delivered the rhydonium that day and insisted on a drink.

You were on edge the entire time Valin and Mafeld were speaking. Mayfeld just had to bring up his history with the Empire and Operation Cinder, and you instantly knew that this was going to end badly. Very very badly. You saw Din glance at Mayfeld at one point and slightly shake his head as if warning Mayfeld not to start anything, but Mayfeld paid him no mind. Things ended up going astray yet again that day, and the three of you ended up in a firefight to get out. You were getting tired of this. You managed to kick open part of the window and climb up to the roof, where Boba swiftly rescued you, and he was able to swiftly release a seismic charge to stop the two tie fighters that were on your tail. You let out a breath as you finally were clear of any dangers and got up to take off the stormtrooper uniform, ready to get out of the blasted thing and never speak of what happened again today.

You walked over to the bag that held your clothes and Din’s armor when you felt a presence behind you. Closing your eyes and sighing, you turned around to look at him as he stood before you in the cursed stormtrooper uniform.

“Din, I….I’m so sorry that you had to go through that,” you started, as tears well in your eyes. Knowing just how much the Creed meant to him and knowing that you were part of the reason why he broke it tore you to pieces. You looked down at the ground as he approached you and placed his hand under your chin, tilting your face up to look at him.

“It…..It had to be done,” Din said softly. You looked at him bewildered. “Whatever it takes to get the kid back, remember?” You nodded.

“Yeah, but no living being can see your face. That’s part of who you are,” you pleaded, tears now fully streaming down your face. “I don’t want to be the reason that you’ll no longer be able to wear the helmet or armor.” Din shook his head, taking his hand away from your face.

“You could do nothing to control what happened, cyar’ika,” Din reassured you. You shook your head and shut your eyes.

“….Mando…Din….I just…I can’t unsee what I saw. You have to fix it. I’ll leave if you want, or if you have to do what must be done, then do be it,” you urged. Din shook his head.

“I already lost the kid; I can’t lose you too,” he stated as he took your hands in his. Your eyes widened at the revelation. You watched as Din brought your hands up to his helmet and placed them on the bottom, with his hands resting gently on your forearms.

“It’s ok. I’d been thinking about this for a while now, and I want this,” Din softly said, gazing down at you, his voice quivering slightly from nervousness.

“……Din, you…You don’t know what you’re asking,” you tried to reason as you tried to remove your hands from his helmet, but his hands held firmly onto your arms and kept them in place.

“I do, cyar’ika,” he said as he moved your hands up, lifting the helmet slightly. “I’d rather it be you to remove my helmet by your own terms than by anyone else.” You still couldn’t bring yourself to do it. You respected him too much; even seeing part of his neck and chin made you avert your gaze.

“I….I can’t….” You spoke softly.

“You can. I want you to see my face,” he said as he guided your hands to lift his helmet once more.

“You…..You’ll have to do it,” you pleaded. “I can’t do it.” Din chuckled and nodded. You watched as he guided your hands to lift the helmet more. First, you saw the rest of his chins. Then his lips. Followed by his nose and then his eyes, until finally, the helmet had been completely removed, and he stood before you. You averted your eyes again, but he swiftly stopped you and tilted your face until you were yet again looking into his eyes. His beautiful brown eyes. Eyes that seemed to stare into the depths of your soul and know everything that you were thinking. You chuckled, and Din looked at you puzzled.

“Mayfeld called you Officer Brown Eyes while we were at the refinery,” you stated. “I think it’s very fitting; I might just call you that from now on.” Din chuckled and shook his head.

“If you want, but only you’re allowed to call me that,” Din stated as he stepped closer to you until you were pressed up against his chest. “But on one condition.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” you questioned, feeling the heat radiating from him as your gaze shifted between his eyes and his lips. You licked your lips and gave him a small smile. “Name your terms, Mando.”

“Say you’ll be mine,” he replied as he licked his lips as well and brought his face closer to yours.

“I think that can be arranged,” you said softly before closing the gap, and your lips met.

As your lips met, you felt a fire ignite within you, and electricity pulse through your body. It rippled down your arms and legs, and you brought your hands up to rest on his neck and play with his brown curls, deepening the kiss. Din brought his hands to rest on your hips and pull you closer as he slipped his tongue between your lips, further deepening it. After a moment, you both pulled away and rested your foreheads together.

“I’m yours, Din Djarin, now let’s go get our child,” you lovingly said. All he did was nod and close the gap between you yet again with a smile.

.fin

⟸ Raise Warriors ❖ Moving On ⟹

[hockeyisit]

Amelia meeting Auston’s past hookups

A.N. When I got this request I was so excited to write it! It might be a bit different from what you were expecting but I don't really see Auston and Amelia being the type of people to flip out when they run into any of their exes. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the request! P.S. I don’t know who any of Auston’s friends are from home so I kind of just made up some names sorry. I also know nothing about Jordyn so she could actually be a really great person and I just don't know it but for the point of the story she's not.

Word Count: 2,532

Master List

“Hey babe,” Auston said as he slid his arm around my waist pulling me in. He pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before leaning forward onto the bar to order a drink from the bartender. Auston and I were in Arizona for the offseason and we had gone out to the bars with Auston’s sister Alex and a few of Auston’s buddies. Alex and I had made our way to the bar and gotten some seats while the guys had played darts.

“What no hi for me?” Alex asked as she took a sip of her drink. Auston reached out and nudged her in the shoulder.

“Hii,” he said and then took a sip of his drink.

“How did darts go?” I asked glancing over to where his buddies were still standing with some girls now. His eyes followed mine before glancing back at the two of us.

“Good. I won,” he shrugged his shoulder before taking another sip. Auston shared a quick look with Alex silently pleading with his eyes that she leave the two of us alone for a moment. After a second she caught on and stood up.

“Well Imma go see if I can beat Clayton,” she said pushing herself up from the chair. Auston quickly slid into her chair and faced me.

“Why do you look like that?” I asked pointing my finger at him. He smiled softly as he reached out to push my finger down.

“I gotta tell you something,” he said leaning in closer. Hearing his nervous tone I felt myself sober up slightly as I took in his tense posture.

“Okay,” I reached out to grab my drink for a sip. He looked back over to his friends before letting out a soft sigh.

“Um uh, do you remember when I told you about Jordyn,” Auston said looking me straight in the eyes. I searched my brain for the name trying to remember who that was.

“Uh, I don’t remember,” I said after a moment and then reached my hand out to his thigh. He was so tense it was starting to worry me.

“She was someone I used to hook up with,” he said looking away. My grip loosened for a second as I remembered the model that he used to hook up with.

“Oh yeah. I remember you talking about her,” I mumbled loud enough for him to hear.

“Yeah. uh um, she's here. Like at this bar,” he reached up and rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced back at me. I took a deep breath.

“Where?” I asked calmly. He shared a look with me before pointing to where all his friends were standing with Alex and the model. I looked away back at my drink and picked it up before downing the rest of it. Auston looked at me in shock as he watched me finish my almost full drink.

“Um did she say anything to you?” I asked before waving over the bartender to order two shots.

“She came up and said hi. She also hugged me but I excused myself after to come over here,” he said, reaching out for one of the shots when they were placed in front of us. We clinked them together before taking them.

“Okay, and you broke things off with her right?” I asked my face screwing up at the tequila shot. Auston nodded his head placing his glass in mine.

“Why did you end things with her? And is she mean? Like is she going to come over here and try to make me feel like shit?” I asked bombarding him with questions. He looked thoughtful for a moment before shrugging.

“I ended things because I got bored of her-” Auston said. I knew that before Auston had met me he slept around a lot. We didn’t talk about it that often but I knew that Auston wasn’t ashamed of it but at this moment I could see that he felt bad for putting me in this position.

“But we weren't really anything we just hooked up. She’s kind of a petty person though so I don’t know how nice she'll be,” he finished.

“Do we have to go over there?” I asked. We glanced over to see her talking to Auston’s friend Matt her hand on his arm. I noticed Alex standing next to the high-top table with a bored expression on her face. When we made eye contact she sent us a help me look.

“How about we take another shot and we go over there,” Auston offered ordering another round from the bar. I frowned as I turned back to the bar but took my shot anyway.

“Alright let's do this,” I said, faking excitement as I stood up from my chair. Auston stood up after me and pulled me into a gentle hug before giving me a sweet kiss on the lips. When he went to pull away I moved my arms up to his hair and kept him in place as I made out with him for another moment.

“We got this,” I mumbled against his lips before pulling away and leading him over to our group. Once we made it to them I walked over to the hightop and stood by Alex. Auston stood behind me and pulled me against him so that his arm was wrapped around me. It didn't take long for Jordyn to make her way over to the two of us.

“Hey, Aus how have you been?” Jordyn asked as she approached the two of us.

“Uh good. Uh, this is my girlfriend Amelia,” he said stepping to the side of me but leaving his arm wrapped around my shoulder. I tensed up when her focus was on me. Seeing her now up close I could see why Auston used to hook up with her. She was incredibly hot and she was a model.

“Oh I didn’t know you had a girlfriend,” she grinned fakely at me as she took a step closer to Auston. He shifted back on his feet slightly as he shrugged.

“Yeah been dating for a year now,” he told her as he grinned down at me.

“Are you back for the summer, will have to get together,” she suggested taking another step closer to Auston. She tried to reach out for his arm but he took another step back, his arm leaving my shoulder and sliding down to my hip.

“Yeah Amelia and I are visiting my family. I don’t really have a lot of free time,” Auston responded. As she went to continue Alex made her way over to us.

“Did you win?” Auston asked her. She looked between the three of us with wide eyes before shaking her head no.

“Auston c’mon we're taking shots,” Matt shouted out. All the boys left to head over to the bar leaving all the girls behind. I pulled out a chair and took a seat next to Alex.

“So your Austons new toy?” Jordyn asked as she slid onto the stool next to me. I shared an annoyed look with Alex before turning to face her.

“I’m sorry what was that?” I asked giving her the friendliest smile I could manage.

“Auston always gets bored pretty easily I wouldn't be surprised if he got bored of you soon enough,” she said looking down at her nails before looking back at me. I stared at her in disbelief. I couldn't understand how someone so pretty could be so outwardly petty to me. Someone she had never even met before in her life. It blew my mind to hear this coming out of her mouth. I didn’t want to engage in her behavior in front of Alex so I tried to ignore her instead by turning back to Alex.

“I bet he's already bored of you. He always had a soft spot for me. Maybe I should go over there and take some shots with him. He was always pretty easy for me after a few shots,” she said staring at me with a smirk. I hid my grimace as I took in her words. I was so repulsed that she was saying these things in front of Alex.

“Listen,” I started to say before trailing off. I raised my eyebrow in question.

“I’m sorry what’s your name again?” I asked. Her expression jumped in surprise before anger took over.

“Jordyn,” she bitterly spit out.

“Right. Listen Auston is the best thing that ever happened to me. I don’t care about any history you think you have on me because I believe in my own relationship. You can talk bad to me or down to me all you want but at the end of the day I’m the one that's going home with him and spending my life with him,” I pushed myself up from the seat, Alex doing the same.

I walked over to the bar where Auston was standing with his friends and tugged on his arm. I was in no mood to stay out after what she had done to me in front of Alex. Auston turned around when he felt my hand on his arm. His face lit up once his eyes landed on me but his expression quickly turned concerned when he could tell something was wrong.  

“What's wrong babe?” he asked as he pulled me into a side hug pressing a kiss to my forehead. I felt myself immediately relax. I couldn't believe I let her get to me even a little bit. Auston was the sweetest person I had ever met and he showed me every day how much he loved and cared for me.

“Nothing I love you,” I grinned up at him. He grinned back before leaning down and kissing me sweetly.

“Ohhh Papi making the moves,” Matt shouted as he pat Auston on the back.

“Papi is the biggest simp I’ve ever met,” Brett said laughing as he took a drink from his beer. Auston blushed slightly as he looked at me. All the guys went around teasing Auston for a while after that.

“Did you want to go?” Auston asked Alex and me almost an hour later. I looked up from where I had been staring intensely at my phone where I had received a DM from the one and only Jordyn Johnson.

“Huh,” I asked, pulling my attention away from my phone. I was definitely feeling the alcohol at this point.

“Are you ready to go?” he repeated tangling his hand in mine.

“Yeah I’m tired,” I responded locking my phone and putting it in my purse.

“Alex are you ready to head back?” Auston asked his sister who was in a deep conversation with Matt. She glanced our way and nodded. Once we were outside the bar Auston pulled his phone out to look for an Uber.

“There arent any Ubers right now,” Auston sighed shaking his head.

“Call Bre,” Alex suggested.

“Smart,” he pulled up her number and hit call putting it on speaker.

“Auston?” she asked, picking up on the fourth ring.

“Bre can you come pick us up?” he asked slurring just the tiniest bit.

“Auston it’s freakin 'two A.M. why are you guys still out,” she sighed as she shuffled around.

“Will you come get us or not?” he asked impatiently. I shook my head as I reached out to slap his arm lightly.

“Be nice,” I warned, and then I tucked myself under his arm in hopes of warming up from the breezy night weather.

“Yeah fine where are you?” she asked. As Auston answered her I turned my attention to the people around us.

“Babe,” Auston called, tugging me closer. I looked up at him confused.

“Bre is here you spaced out for a bit. Are you feeling alright?” he asked, sounding concerned. I gave him a soft smile as I nodded my head yes. Alex climbed into the front seat and Auston and I hopped into the back.

“Thanks, Bre,” I mumbled as I leaned into Auston resting my head on his shoulder. I let my eyes close as we started the drive home. When we pulled up to the house Auston helped me out of the car and towards the front door.

“We have to be quiet when we go inside we can't wake mom and dad,” Bre said as she opened the front door. As we stepped through the door Auston tripped slightly at the last minute causing me to giggle quietly.

“Aus are you okay,” I asked, holding him up as best I could.

“Aus I’m like really drunk I need you to help me help you,” I laughed out as we tried to make our way up the stairs. Auston laughed as he responded.

“I’m pretty drunk too, I probably shouldn't have done those extra shots with Matt,” I laughed as I pushed his bedroom door open. Once we were both through the door I shut it and pushed him onto the bed.

“Woah if you wanted me in bed so bad all you had to do was ask,” Auston teased. I giggled as I reached down to take off my shoes.

“You know your ex hookup is a bitch,” I told Auston as I helped him take his shoes off.

“What did she say to you? I looked over at one point and it looked like you wanted to rip her head off,” Auston joked as he unzipped his jeans and pulled them off.

“Nothing important it was dumb. She DMd me once we left though,” I said as I pulled my phone out to show Auston the message. He read the message and snorted.

“I would never pick her over you,” he handed me my phone back.

“Are you going to respond?” he asked as he pulled off his t-shirt and climbed under the blanket. I changed into a t-shirt that was on the ground before walking over to the bed.

“No, she's not worth the time. Also, you know you need to go downstairs to the couch Aus,” I said nudging him. When we stayed at Auston’s parents they didn’t like us to stay in the same room. Even though we lived together in Toronto it wasn't allowed in their house unless we were married.

“Ugh I really don't want to go down there,” he mumbled.

“I can sleep down there,” I offered standing up from where I had sat myself on the bed. He stayed frozen for a second before letting out a deep sigh.

“No, I will just let me put on some clothes,” he pulled himself into a sitting position. Once he was dressed he walked back over to the bed and leaned down to press a kiss to my lips.

“I love you babe,” he grinned as he stood up and made his way over to the door. When he pulled it open Felix came charging in. I giggled as he jumped up onto the bed with me.

“Night Aus love you back,” I grinned as I cuddled up on the bed. He smiled softly as he left the door ajar.

“Night,” he whispered.

[dean-winchesters-gardian-angel]

The Same Bed - Chapter 2

Word count: 2895

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Summary: Friends are there to help each other out, but can they help falling for each other when all the long days they spend together turn into late nights they have and their reliance on each other.

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, angst, unhealthy past relationship, slow burn.

A/N: Second chapter has arrived y’all. Read it, enjoy and I’ll see you on the other side. There’s also a tag list, so be sure to tell me if you want in, or don’t I won’t force ya, as well as a masterlist so be sure to check it out. Anyway, as are the latest, Unbeta’d all mistakes are mine.

Series masterlist

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The next week consisted of the same routine. Always in the same bed, always holding hands, with Dean falling asleep first. Tonight, was no different, apart from the bar they decide to hit after a very successful hunt before heading home. An easy salt ’n’ burn which went down without a hitch. Celebratory drinks were purchased and consumed by the Winchesters and their partner. They sat on the stools awaiting their next drinks while Y/N was approached by a man. Not unattractive by any means, well-built and clean. Sam looked over watching the interaction and Dean's behaviour knowing full well he may have to break up a fight if it went too far. Dean watched as Y/N shamelessly flirted with the gentlemen who had now caught her attention. It didn’t take very long for Dean's jealousy to overtake him as he clenched his fist around his beer bottle his posture tall and rigid. Y/N turned to the boys after wishing the stranger a good night.

“Hey guys I’m kind of beat, what’d you say we head home?”

“You turned down Prince Charming?” Trust Dean to make the ridiculous comments.

“Actually no, I told him I’d be more than willing to run away with him and have all his Prince Charming babies in his castle, but he didn’t want to make my boyfriend angry.” Trust Y/N to throw the comment right back at him.

“What boyfriend?” Y/N looked at Dean, a smirk on her face with one eyebrow raised as she pointed at him.

“He said you looked angry and didn’t want to provoke you by talking to me. So, thanks for that.” She started walking towards the exit a smirk on her face as Dean chased her, Sam holding up the tail laughing to himself.

“Don’t blame that on me I didn’t do anything! Oh, excuse me for being precautions and not wanting you to get hurt!” Dean could argue all he wanted but with Sam laughing and Y/N being as nonchalant as she was, he couldn’t get a reaction out of them. After getting home, they all made their way to bed. As always Y/N stayed with Dean, though tonight she couldn’t fall asleep and for good reason. Y/Ns phone had begun vibrating incessantly. She snatched it up swiftly with the aim of leaving Dean to his sleep, and she managed gracefully.

What woke Dean that night was something he would have described as a nightmare, though tonight it happened to be real and not a figment of his sleeping state. Dean opened his eye to see Y/N sitting up leaning against the headboard instead of the bright Y/E/C he was usually greeted with. Her gaze wasn’t on his as he’d hoped it’d be, it was on her phone, and they weren’t happy or refreshed as they ordinarily were, they were lacking in rest and filled with tears coupled with the sorrowful and provoked look on her face. Dean rushed to sit up looking at her, worry painted plain and clear on his face.

“Y/N! Are you okay? What happened?” His gaze had trailed to her phone which she briskly shut off, wiping tears away with her free hand.

“Dean! Sorry, I — Sorry I didn’t mean to wake you, I was just — I was reading the news.” She had always been a terrible liar.

“The news made you cry?” The disbelief overtook his expression. “Y/N I trusted you with my nightmares, you can trust me with — “ he waved his hand at the phone “whatever this is.”

“I know, I know I just — I want to forget about it…” Deans stare didn’t falter, waiting for her to continue. Y/N caved, leaning her head back and closing her eyes as though she could make it all disappear if she couldn’t see anything.

“I have this ex…” she peered over to Dean who made himself comfortable. She had his full and undivided attention, which she hated. “He’s mad about the breakup.”

“Y/N I’ve known you for ages you haven’t dated anyone in years.”

“Oh, I know…which just makes his advances and accusation all the more aggravating… His name is Carver. Keeps saying I messed up his life, that if I hadn’t shown up, he’d have been better off. Jokes on him I was the better half of that relationship and I can say that. Anyway, um, in short, he’s bombarding me with texts about how I never loved him, about how I played him and he’s accusing me of cheating and not doing enough for him, there’s more but it's all the same pathetic revelations he thinks I need to know about at two am four years after our breakup. I mean we didn’t even date that long to begin with it took me less than two months to figure out what a pig-headed loser he was — is!”

She was angry, hurt by the words directed at her. Regardless of the fact that she knew not to take Carver’s words to heart, she couldn’t help but do just that. Seeing as he had never been good with words, Dean instantly took action, pulling her close, hugging her as she cried her way back to sleep in his arms. Dean slid down in the bed, not once pulling away from Y/Ns body or moving her to her side. Dean found it difficult to keep the butterflies at bay as he focused on her breathing. He fell asleep with his girl on his chest and a smile on his lips.

When Y/N woke she could feel the weight of Dean's warm hand stroke her back and could hear a steady pulsing noise. Funny enough that, she soon identified the noise as Dean's heartbeat seeing as she was still laying on his chest. She moved cautiously unaware of the fact that the man she had fallen asleep on was in fact awake as well.

“Morning, sweetheart.”

“Morning, Dean. Listen about last night—“

“It's okay, really, I’m just glad I could be there for you.”

“Thank you.”

“You know, I seem to remember a pizza when you helped me…”

“Really? I don’t.” This was easy, Dean thought, comfortable, with Y/N resting gently against his chest looking up at him, his hand still stroking her back.

“Huh, I could have sworn there was a pizza.”

“Oh, you mean the one you finished off before I could get a chance to taste it. That pizza?”

“If I remember correctly, which I do, it was you who ate it all…before we even got home.”

“Oh, you mean that pizza. I do recall yes.” She smiled at him “And what would you like Dean?”

“Do you really have to ask?”

“Fine but you’re buying, I’m just going with you.” Y/N made her way out of bed to the door.

“That’s hardly fair!” He called out after her, a smile adorning his face. Dean got up and moved to the bathroom stopping at the sink to look himself in the mirror.

“You’re losing this battle and you’re losing it bad. Man, how does she do it.” He brushed his teeth and made his way to the bunker library where Sam was researching, as always, on his laptop, books scattered over the table.

“Morning, Sammy. Y/N and I are going on a supply run, you need anything?” Dean's eyes trained over the opened pages before looking to his brother, eyebrows raised as he awaited his brother's response.

“You two have been spending quite a bit of time together.”

“Is that the title of a book or something you want me to pick up?” Sam watched his brother for a split second before Y/N joined them in the library dressed in black jeans and an equally black tank top, signature hunter flannel overtop.

“Morning, Sammy. Dean and I are going on a supply run. You need anything” The boys abandoned their stare before Sam answered as Dean headed for the door.

“No. Thank you. Oh, actually if you could bring back some cashews that would be great.”

“Yeah, sure, no problem. See you later Sam.” With that Y/N followed Dean to the garage where she was once again faced with the stunning, near mint ’67 impala she had come to love almost as much as the driver. Noticing the smile decorating Y/Ns face he proceeds to say the one sentence, sworn she would never in a million years, come out of Dean's mouth.

“You wanna drive?” Naturally, Y/N was speechless, mouth left agape as Dean held out the keys.

“You’re serious…” Eyes wide she whispered, tiptoeing over to Dean.

“Yeah, I figured it’s about time.” Y/N took the keys in her palm memorizing the weight as though this was the last time she’d ever have the opportunity to touch them, which of course wasn’t true; Dean would always give her the keys to grab things for the trunk. She eased her way into the driver's seat hardly blinking, as not to miss a detail of this experience. Taking a deep breath, her cheeks began to hurt from all the smiling as she started turned the key in the ignition bringing Baby to life.

“Oh, Dean…Oh Baby!” Dean tries his best to hold back his giggles as he watched her watch Baby.

“She likes you”

“She’s not a dog Dean, she a machine.” He could hear the adoration in her voice as she gripped the steering wheel. Y/N proceeded to put the impala in the drive, pulling out of the bunker's garage onto the road in the direction of the grocery store. Dean's eyes lit up and the eruption of laughter coming from next to him. Dean moved to turn on the stereo putting in a Who tape but was interrupted by Y/N.

“Nuh-uh! Driver picks the music; shotgun shuts his cake-hole! Your rules Dean-o. Look in the box, there should be an orange tape.” Taken aback by her dominance, Dean looks through the case of tapes.

“Dean-o? Really? That just sounds so stupid.”

“Well then it’s fitting isn’t it? And I was worried you thought it was cute.”

“Haha…There’s like 17 orange tapes in here you wanna be more specific.”

“It should say ‘the best of Zeppelin’ in black sharpie, my handwriting.” Dean's confusion and surprise grew as he finally reached for the tape described to him.

“Put it in.” Y/N couldn’t help but smirk at the innuendos running through her head though Dean missed it, too consumed by shock at her choice of music as he inserted the tape.

“The first one is my favourite Zeppelin song so no interrupting.” Instantly the aforementioned bands ‘No Quarter’ came on, filling the car with its gentle beginning. As the guitar and drums picked up Y/N smirked and nodded her head to the music.

“Just wait for the bass.” Without delay the instrument picked up, engulfing their mutual ears with something Y/N could only describe as “Better than breathing air.”

She sang the lyrics alongside Robert Plant at a hushed murmur not wanting to miss the words the artist performed. With every beat her fingers tapped on the steering, she consequently plucked at each of Dean's heartstrings. He felt a warm, nearly overwhelming feeling charge through his chest though as soon as he came to notice it, he pushed it down just as fast as it had made its way up.

Y/N still had a smile on her face when they arrived at the grocery store though it took them longer to get there due to the scenic route the drive had taken. She got out of the car happy to have had the experience but nevertheless saddened by the slim chance of ever have it again. Y/N came around the car to Dean's side holding out the keys to him before he looks at her, his face expressing the utmost confusion, sarcastically so, before smiling.

“Nah, you hold onto ‘em sweetheart, how do you expect to drive us home if you don’t have the key.”

With a shriek and a jump before clinging to the Winchesters side in a show of thanks, Y/N displayed to perfection, a child on Christmas morning. Though he hugged back he watched around them, inspecting for judgmental eyes.

“We are in public!” He said.

“Shit! I know.” Dean began their trek to the entrance with Y/N wrapped around his waist, his arm resting on her shoulder.

Dean grabbed a buggy at the entrance pushing it to the produce.

“We gotta grab those, uh…” “Cashews?”

“Yes, those, before we forget.”

“Good idea.”

The store was sparse of customers given that it was the middle of the day in the middle of the week, neither was surprised. Their cart had begun accumulating content as Dean pushed while Y/N rode on the front-facing him.

“Alright, we got the bread, milk, eggs, cashews, bacon,” She looks up to Dean “times two,” he shrugged “snacks for the drive back and movie night,” “all we're missing now is —“

“Y/N?” She didn’t turn to check who had called because she already knew, recognizing the voice that had yelled ta her on multiple occasions only to apologize saying he’d do better. Instead, she looked to Dean who eyebrows had raised in a questioning manner then focusing on the man who had called her name. Y/N hopped off the buggy slowly to be faced with the one that still managed to ruin her sleep all these years later. Dean promptly made his way to her side reassuring her with a hand on her lower back.

“Carver— Hi.” Dean jaw visibly clicked at the mention of his title, finally putting a face to the name.

“What are the chances!” How dare he text her those things the night before only to act as though nothing happened. Dean was furious, he could feel his anger roll through him as he clenched and released his fist doing his best no to make a scene.

“Yeah…” She breathed out in shock. Not a word was spoken as they watched the ex standing in front of them.

“Can we talk?”

“No. I’m busy.”

“It’ll only take a second.” He looked to Dean, who had taken a protective stance next to her, standing up straight and tall, shoulders back, chin tilted up slightly, a blank expression on his face.

“Just say it then.”

“I was hoping I could speak with you alone.”

“No.” This time Dean was the one to respond to Carver’s request.

“I wasn’t really askin’ you, buddy.”

“He’s staying Carver. Just — say whatever you have to say, will you.” It took him a moment as he held Dean's stare before moving his gaze to Y/N.

“I wanted to apologize for last night…you know… the—“ He gestured using his head glancing at Dean momentarily.

“You mean the utterly untruthful and pitiful text you sent to me accusing me of things I never did.” Carver’s face went red looking to Dean. “He knows.” The Winchester found it amusing that her ex was intimidated by him with only a stare.

“Right, well, I just wanted to apologize. I was drunk and didn’t mean any of it.” Carver moved his hand to the back of his neck before continuing. “I guess I was just missing you.”

“That’s because I took on all the responsibilities when we were together, Carver. You did nothing. And you know what they say, ‘drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts.’”

Dean now had a proud smile on his face as his hand slid from her back to rest on her shoulder. Carver didn’t know what to say to that. He couldn’t argue with her, not that he’d want to, considering the towering man next to her. Carver examined the couple, taking in their comfort around each other. Y/N was unconsciously leaning into Dean, taking comfort in his close proximity.

“You guys dating.” Carver finally asked. Y/N didn’t even get a chance to process the question let alone think of a response before Dean spoke up.

“Well, we’re certainly not just sleeping together. Not that it’s any of your business.” Y/N smirked at his comment, understanding the inside joke that they were in fact just sleeping together in the most literal sense possible, though Carver took the smile as a sign of confirmation. Neither argued his assumption nor clarified, both enjoying the uncomfortable atmosphere around Carver.

“It was good to see you Y/N.”

“It was wasn’t it.” She commented as Carver walked his way to the check-out line. Dean leaned down kissing the crown of her head.

“What. An asshole.”

“Yeah, tell me about it.”

“Right, now that that’s over,” He made a face of disgust as he shivered his shoulder to reinforce his implications. “where were we?” He smiled at her.

“Pie, Dean, we were at the pie. My ‘thank you’ for dealing with that.” She pointed in Carver’s general direction.

“Awesome, so worth it.” Dean's grin grew as he spotted the variations of baked goods.

As they drove back, Dean gave her permission to take the longest way home if she felt so inclined, which, needless the say, she did.

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Chapter 3

Tag List: @just-someone-difficult​ @mila-dans​ @akshi8278​ @bargedog​ @valhallavxlkyrie

Series Tags: @wellfuckmyexistence​ @lovememisha​ @laycblack​ @redbarn1995​

[betterthebest]

Here We Go Again | An MJF Fanfic Part 4

Status: *Not requested*

Description: Bella was a teen wrestler working in the Indy circuit until an injury cost her her short career. She and MJF were friends turned lovers, turned strangers and friends again. What happens when she joins AEW to lead a faction with her ex? Will their history jeopardize their rekindled friendship?

A/N: This is an alternate universe (no covid :p) where MJF didn’t earn a spot in the inner circle. Hope you all enjoy my original story!

See also: (Part 1) (Part 2)

“Is it possible for me to kiss you?” James’ voice was shaking. We parked up in front of Britt’s after our date. We had a great time at a bar in downtown Jacksonville. I liked talking to him. He’s very down to earth and mature. I’ve dated guys his age before and they weren’t mature when they were supposed to be. We got along great and the three hours we spent together felt like no time at all. We listened to music and talked about life and what we wanted out of it. The talks were never shallow which I appreciated. I looked at him with a smile. “It’s possible.” He smiled back and leaned in. I leaned over the consol. He placed his hand on my cheek and pulled me in softly. In one swift motion his lips connected with mine. It was slow and sweet. He was a good kisser but I couldn’t help but compare him to Max. They were both soft and tender. It was different though, there was love behind my kisses with Max, even last week. I had to figure what I wanted from him. Am I able to move on? Maybe it’s not with James, but maybe it’s not with anyone.  We pulled away, smiling. “Sweet,” he said.  I giggled, “you’re good.” He laughed, “thank you, so are you.” We talked a little bit more before saying goodnight. He waited for Britt to open the door for me before pulling off. Britt hugged me when I walked in. “What the...?” “How was it?” She grinned.  “It was fun.” “And did he kiss you?” She grinned.  “Were you watching?” Britt closed her lips together, looking around the room. “Nooo?” I shook my head, laughing. “He did.” “Was it good?” “He was good.” I put on my best smile. Britt of course didn’t buy into my giddiness. “What happened? Did he say something douchy? I’ll kill him. You think you know a guy,” she shook her head.  “No, Britt. He’s great. It’s just...Max slipped into my mind.” I sat on the couch in defeat. “He wasn’t on my mind before that kiss.” Britt sat next to me. “Oh Bell, what are you going to do about Max?” “I don’t know. All I know is this was a bad idea.” “No, stop it’s not. You’re just confused.” “How can I get over it?” I dropped my head to my hands. Britt rubbed my back to comfort me. “I don’t know babes, I don’t know.” I heard footsteps behind us. I sat up and looked back at Austin. “What’s going on?” He placed his hands on his hips. “She’s having a moment,” Britt said with a sigh. Austin nodded his head. “Are you okay kiddo?” “Max,” was all I could say.  “My name isn’t Max, but...” “It’s about Max you dip,” Britt rolled her eyes. “I know that babe, I’m trying to make her smile.” “Well you failed,” Britt said, causing me to chuckle. She looked at me, “I won.” “Britt won,” I said softly. Austin shook his head, “seriously. What happened?” Austin walked in front of us.  “How do I get over this comparing guys to Max?” “Get under him,” he shrugged.  “Tried that. Made things worse.” Austin looked at me then at Britt with wide eyes. “I um shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t want to know.” “She’s not a child anymore babe.” “But she’s like my sister.” He turned his attention back to me. “You need guy advice, don’t you?” “Duh, Jenkins.” I said and Britt laughed. “Seriously, what should I do?” I sat, laying my head on the couch backing. “Talk to him about it. you two will be working close together for a while. The tension might be great for tv, but you need peace of mind.” “I had a feeling you’d say to talk to him,” I sighed.  He chuckled, “you have to be an adult about it.” He’s completely right. As much as I hated it, Austin is usually right when I get advice from him. Austin left for bed while Britt and I talked about my night. I needed to get Max off my mind, at least for the night. I was going to see him in the morning. I’ll have to rip the band-aid off and that’s just what I was going to do.

The next day Britt drove me to the airport. I made my way through TSA and met up with Max. He was sitting at a coffee shop, phone in hand. An announcement came over the speakers saying flights to New York will be delayed. I approached him and sat in the chair across from him. He looked  up at his phone and smiled at me. “Hey, you.” “Hey, how’s it going?” “Eh, pissed that our flight will be another hour.” He looked at the board next to us with all the flights and times they will leave and arrive somewhere. “Well that sucks.” We made small talk. I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him just yet. We talked about next week. I didn’t want to bring down the conversation by telling him what’s on my mind. It started to irritate me to the point where I just had to tell him. “Max? Can I... I need to tell you something.” “Yeah what’s up? You look nervous.” He placed his hand on mine and gave it a quick squeeze. My palms were sweating and my mouth went dry. I needed that to be the other way around. I just came out and spewed word vomit at him. “James asked me out so we went out and he kissed me. When he did kiss me I thought about you and now I’m a mess because I’m thinking about you.” I took a deep breath. Max had a blank expression on his face. We sat in an awkward silence for a couple of minutes. “So you went out with James?” I nodded. “And you kissed him?” I nodded again. “And you thought of me?” “Max I just told you.” “Do you still love me? And don’t say you’ll always love me, you know what I mean.”  “I don’t know Max and that’s the problem.” “How did you feel about me when we fucked?” His tone got more aggressive. I didn’t answer. He pulled his chair closer to mine. “How did you feel about me when we fucked?” He whispered in the same tone. His face was only inches from mine. “Look at me.”  “It felt amazing. I missed you and being in your arms,” I said softly. Our eyes connected. He reached out and cupped my cheek with his hand. “Then be mine again,” he ran his thumb across my cheek bone.  “Max I-I don’t know.” He dropped his hand and stood up. “Well when you know, come talk to me.” He took his luggage and walked away. I watched as we walked towards the gate. My head started pounding and my heart sunk. We can’t even be friends. I didn’t want to ruin things, but here we are. He doesn’t even want to be my friend and that’s what hurts the most. I got a text from James asking how I was. I lied to avoid conversation. He told me to have a safe flight and we left it at that.  Max and I sat in different rows. He didn’t even look at me I felt like a huge pile of crap. My throat tightened, I couldn’t help but let tears flow. All of a sudden a memory came back from when we were 16. 

                                              .     .     .    .     .     .  

I took the train from school to the training facility. It was only a half hour ride. Davey picked me up from the station and had another kid in the passenger’s seat. He looked about my age, dark hair and dark deep set eyes. He had an air of confidence about him, almost to the point of cockiness. He looked kind of small so maybe he was trying put on a façade. He would look at me every once in a while through the rearview mirror. It wasn’t anything creepy, more of trying to figure me out. Even though I had my school uniform on I still looked like I was fixing to fight someone. I always put on my own hard exterior even though deep down I’m a sweet person. I kept my head down to keep from an awkward stare. He talked to Davey about how excited he was to start training. I found out that Max was being trained by the main trainer at the school. Davey just started as a trainer last year when I began here. When I was 13 I went to a wrestling school just for fun. It was something I ended up really enjoying. I wasn’t serious about it though until I realized I could actually be successful. At 13 I did both dance and wrestling, but I chose the latter not only because it was more enjoyable, but it became my dream turned reality. Focusing on wrestling was the best decision I made.  Once we got to the school I went to the restroom and got dressed in my sweatpants. I tied my hair up and made my way to the main room. All the trainers would get together and set up matches for all the students. There were three people assigned to a trainer with five trainers in total. The females would go against each other and the males will. Sometimes we’ll have intergender matches if we begged for it. All the trainers introduced a new member to their team. The boy from the car’s name was Maxwell Friedman. He clearly looked like the youngest, but he carried himself as if he was older than he actually is. I on the other hand always seemed younger in the way I presented myself. I don’t have the best posture and radiated timid young girl vibes. He scanned everyone and rested his gaze on me. I looked away quickly. Boys never really looked in my direction before, at least I didn’t notice them looking at me. Going to an all girls Catholic school didn’t help the cause. We all gathered around the ring and had matches one by one. I was the fourth match and went up against a girl named Fiona. She was a few inches taller than me and had slightly bigger arms. I could lift half my body weight, but I didn’t do that enough to see major results. I didn’t want big arms, I just wanted to be strong. Davey coached me while her trainer coached her. There was no winners or losers in these matches. It was more to build up our endurance and skill. We all got 10 minutes for each match. After my match it was time for a dinner break. We all sat around to eat and talk. I ended up sitting next to Max. We started to talk since everyone else was scarce. He started talking first. “So, how old are you?” “16,” I nodded. The corners of his lips turned into a smile. “So am I. What month were you born?” “September, you?” “I’m older. March,” he said proudly. I let out a chuckle. He continued talking, “you’re a good wrestler.” I smiled. It was the highest compliment for me. “Thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing your skill.” “I have plenty,” he smirked. I rolled my eyes and laughed. “You’ll see.” And that I did. He wrestled the next time we had class. On Tuesday’s and on Friday’s is a training class with our individual trainers. One Saturday a month the whole school would put on a show for friends and family. When the next Tuesday rolled around I became brave and started a conversation with Max. We decided to ask our trainers if we could have a match together. They agreed and let us do it. We were coached through and found out that we had a lot of chemistry in the ring. Every move I made was natural and didn’t have much thought behind it. 

[samingtonwilson]

Apartment 8C - Chapter 1

Telling the Kids About Your Separation

SERIES MASTERLIST

Summary: college au. you and bucky are the closest of friends, the most functional of roommates, and… exes. but just because it didn’t work out romantically doesn’t mean he has to move out! it’s not like he’s so deeply in love that he can barely breathe. totally not in love. at all. not even a little. maybe. 

Pairing: bucky x reader

Warnings: language

A/N: SHE’S BACK, LADIES. the only tag list i’m using is the permanent one, nothing specifically for this series sorry!

“You guys said it wouldn’t last…” 

Natasha looks between the two of you. Steve’s beer is at his lips but he doesn’t take a sip. Wanda’s fingers pause in the bowl of popcorn she’s placed in her lap. Only Sam has a visibly emotional reaction. 

He’s on the verge of bursting— maybe in frustration as the two of you are blocking the television, maybe in laughter. 

It doesn’t help that you’ve hidden your hands behind your back. Nor does it help that you and Bucky are both grinning like giddy idiots while you stare at your friends who now sit with pin-straight postures on the sectional in your living room.

“And you were right!” you shout once several awkward beats have passed. 

There is a loud POP! when you bring your hands forward to twist the bottom of a party popper, iridescent confetti falling over the coffee table and tangling itself in Natasha’s hair, and a triple air horn sound effect cuts through the silence when Bucky opens the app on his phone. 

The two of you are laughing and high-fiving one another, but the four before you continue staring. 

That is, until longsuffering Sam— fingers pressed into his temples— speaks. “You called us over here to tell us you broke up?” 

Bucky shrugs and takes the empty party popper from you. He turns it over and shakes it, disappointed when more confetti doesn’t fall out. After all, he’d purchased the ones from Target just for the extra confetti. “We have consciously uncoupled.”

“That term refers to divorce,” Wanda says as she picks the confetti out of the popcorn and lets it fall to the floor. When she looks up, her expression is equal parts exasperation and amusement. “And, as far as I know, you two were never married.” 

Natasha, fingers combing through her hair, frowns. “I actually forgot you were even dating.”

“Yeah, so did she,” Bucky says as he jabs his elbow into your ribs with a snort. “We didn’t want you guys finding out from somewhere else.” 

“Like where?” Sam asks. He scoots over to let you sit beside him, eyes narrowed at Bucky who falls into his usual spot— the worn barcalounger you’d begged him not to bring when he moved in. “You think they’d send out a campus-wide alert that you two broke up? Or that E! News would be reporting it after they talk about whichever Kardashian is having another baby?” 

That steals Wanda’s attention from the popcorn bowl. “Speaking of, how is one of them always pregnant?” 

There’s a fair amount of indistinct chatter to answer Wanda’s question, but it is all loudly interrupted with a simple: “Does this mean Bucky is moving out?” 

It seems that everyone turns to look at Steve simultaneously. Squeaks of leather as you all shift around, the click of a bowl being placed on the wooden table. 

He understands the question in all of your gazes, and shrugs with a sigh of defeat. “They’re probably just genetically very fertile— Kris has had, like, eighteen children herself. Now, does Bucky have to find a place?” 

Then all eyes slide to you. Your eyebrows furrow and your nose wrinkles. The absolute picture of disbelief. It has Bucky fighting a smile. “Why would he need to do that?” 

“Living with an ex is hard,” Sam replies. He sets his hand on yours and gives your fingers a light squeeze. It’s meant to be comforting, but it isn’t necessary. “It’d make sense if you couldn’t—”

“Bucky moved in a while before we started dating,” you tell them, each word said in an imploring tone. “He still has his bedroom, I still have mine. Besides, we didn’t break-up because we can’t stand being around each other.” 

“Then why did you break-up?” 

The inquiry is directed at Bucky, who everyone shifts to face. The piercing attention draws a light blush over the bridge of his nose and at the highpoints of his cheeks. You hold back a soft laugh. “We’re just better as friends. The romantic compatibility wasn’t there.” 

“Romantic compatibility, conscious uncoupling,” Natasha repeats with a surprised laugh. “Does this man have a Goop membership, or something?” 

Despite your own laughter, you nod at Bucky. “He’s right, though. It just— Something was missing.” 

As inarticulate as it is, it’s the truth. There was nothing wrong with your relationship, at least at first glance. You kissed each other hello— when you remembered— and you kissed each other goodbye— when you remembered. 

But you often forgot— you usually forgot. Which might be explanation enough as to why the two of you didn’t last. 

— 

“Was the sex bad?” 

You nearly choke on the sip of wine you’d taken. Glancing at the boys in the living room to confirm they were blissfully unaware of Wanda in the kitchen, you set your glass onto the counter and narrow your eyes at her. “You should increase your volume the next time you ask something like that.” 

“It couldn’t have been too bad,” Natasha says from the barstool beside Wanda’s, still frowning. She’d managed to remove every piece of confetti from her hair and it now sits in a small pile next to her glass. “You two weren’t exactly virgins when you met.” 

Your answering smile is sarcastic. “Hilarious. The sex wasn’t bad. He’s— He’s good at it.” 

“Yeah, that was convincing,” Natasha snorts into her glass as she takes a sip. “For his sake, I hope none of us let it slip that Barnes’ dick is trash.” 

“It isn’t trash! Okay.” You wiggle a finger at Wanda. “You. Imagine having sex with Steve.”

Her nose immediately wrinkles, her scowl instantaneous. “Understood. But then why date in the first place?” 

“Remember the night my ‘friends’ from high school were in the city?” 

The smile Natasha wore due to your finger quotes gives way to a deep grimace. “The night that girl with the bad bleach job pranced around here showing her ring off? I wish I could forget.” 

You nod. “All night, she kept telling me someone might be out there for me. That I probably won’t be too late, that some people end up alone and it’s okay. Like I’m tofu and she’s apple pie.” 

“You lost me with that one.”

“Like I’m an acquired taste and she’s universally appealing.” 

You smile when they laugh to themselves, but shake your head seconds later. “I don’t care if I end up alone. I’ll be fine either way. It’s just the insinuation that I’ll fail if I try to find someone. Like it’s prom all over again.” 

“D’you punch her teeth in? Can I punch her teeth in?”

You roll your eyes at Natasha. “I drank my weight in whatever bullshit wine she’s stupid enough to pay for, texted Bucky to pick me up, and fucked him on the couch to make myself feel better.” 

Her features twist in disgust. “The couch we all sit on?”

— 

While Sam yells at the television as if the New York Giants can hear his admonishments and advice, Steve sits back against the sofa cushions. His sigh is heavy and pointed, meant to draw attention, but it fails. 

So he places his feet on the coffee table. He crosses his legs at the ankle. And he glares. 

An unsuccessful moment later, he speaks. “I’m not gonna let you crash on my couch.” 

Unable to stop himself, Bucky smiles but otherwise focuses on the game. “That’s a fun psychic premonition. Do you read palms, too?” 

Steve attempts to look more threatening and narrows his eyes to slits. The blue is icy, menacing. 

However the elephant cushion he’s clutching to his chest? Not helping his cause. “So she dumped you because you’re a pain in the ass? Is that it?”

“She dumped me because I’m too good in bed and it was starting to become too much for her.” 

Sam pauses the game just to join Steve in looking at Bucky skeptically. 

He just rolls his eyes. “No one dumped anyone. We both decided we’re better as friends.” 

“S’usually a lie when people say that,” Steve remarks. He sticks his tongue out when Bucky narrows his eyes in offense. 

“It isn’t this time.” 

Sam, wearing a sly smile as he turns his attention back to the game, asks the next question: “Were there tears?” 

“She was stone cold.” Grinning as he holds his bottle of beer to his lips, he adds jokingly, “I cried like a baby, though.” 

Sam hums. “Not surprised. You fuckin’ sobbed at Inside Out.”

“Oh, so you didn’t cry when Bing Bong said ‘Take her to the moon for me’?” Bucky cocks an eyebrow. “What, are you a fuckin’ monster, Wilson?” 

The grinding of Steve’s teeth is almost audible, his irritation painfully evident when he tosses the cushion aside. 

Yet he still straightens it to make sure the elephant is sitting up straight, trunk pointed to the ceiling. 

“I’m being serious, Buck. Living with an ex... It’s touchy and awkward. How are you gonna feel when she’s got some guy over?” 

“The same way she’ll feel when I’ve got some girl over,” the answer is said with ease. “Hell, I’ll give her a condom if she needs one.” 

“And your feelings just turned themselves off?” 

His shrug is a bit reluctant, the smile he offers Steve hesitant. “Hers did.”

—

Hours pass before it’s just you and Bucky in the apartment. 

Natasha and Wanda leave first to get enough sleep before their eight-AM class, and Steve only manages to coax Sam off the couch once he has watched the game highlights and coverage twice over. You think you might scream if you ever hear the SportsCenter theme again.

Leaning against the door after it shuts behind Steve and Sam, you offer Bucky a sleepy smile as he rummages through the refrigerator. Judging by his sour expression, there’s nothing good to eat. “That was easier than I thought.” 

“Yeah, I’m real glad I read that ‘Telling the Children about the Divorce’ article for it.” He slams the fridge shut. There is desperation in his voice when he asks, “Are you hungry, too?” 

Dish rag tossed in his direction, you flip the faucet on to wet each glass. “When am I not hungry, Bucky?” 

“Are you more willing to pay for pizza or Thai?” 

“S’too late for Thai.” You set a washed glass atop the counter and get started on soaping up the next one. “We’ll get Thai when it’s your turn to pay.”

Three glasses sit on the counter before Bucky sets his phone down and begins drying them. He peers over at you with attempted tact.

But, to his dismay, you smile and meet his blue eyes with a playful glare. “What?” 

“Steve’s dead-set on me moving out.” 

Your frown is immediate. You stop scrubbing the popcorn bowl for a moment. “Do you want to move out?” 

His reply is instant. He stops drying a glass for a moment. “No. Do you want me to move out?” 

“No.” You resume scrubbing. “I can’t live here with anyone else.” 

Chewing on the inside of his cheek to avoid a grin, Bucky nods. He decides to change the subject and bumps his hip against yours. “Sam thought we were gonna tell everyone we got engaged.”

Startled laughter and you hand Bucky the washed bowl, switching the tap off and leaning your hip against the counter’s edge. “After, like, four months of dating? No wonder he looked so terrified.” 

“Should’ve played it off that way just to see what they’d say,” he muses as you help him put the dishes away. “Tasha would’ve hosted an intervention for you.” 

You hum in agreement. “Steve would’ve definitely called your mother.” 

“Would Wanda faint or is that too dramatic?” 

“She was ready to faint when I told her we had sex on the couch.” 

Eyebrows raised, he watches as you walk to the living room and fall into that exact couch with exaggerated relief. “You told her that?” 

Another hum. “Nat almost threw up.” 

“At the thought of us having sex in our own home?” he snorts, adding in a deadpan tone, “Oh, the horror.” 

Bucky collapses onto the couch beside you and smiles when you drop your head onto his shoulder. He toys with the stray pieces of confetti littered over the cushions. “Went all the way to Target for the more expensive poppers and they had even less confetti than the Party City ones.”

“Just because something costs more doesn’t mean it’s better.” 

He gasps playfully. “We have a genius in our midst. Someone please embroider everything she says onto pillows.” 

“Yeah and I’ll use those pillows to smother you in your sleep.” You lift your head and set your chin on his shoulder instead. You try to glare, but his smile is contagious. “I know where you live, Barnes.” 

“You won’t for long if Steve has it his way.” 

“If the world operated according to Steve’s wishes, we’d all be required, by law, to eat Pop-Tarts for breakfast and wear shirts two sizes too small.” 

--

CHAPTER 2: FINDING YOUR INDEPENDENCE 

[hezuart]

Evan Magne add. Info

Hey ya’ll! @blueraggdollcat asked me for more info on Evan and his relationships with others, so I thought I’d post my answers publicly for those who are interested!

~

Vaggie acts like a second sister / borderline mother to him at times. They're very fond of each other, Evan is glad Charlie found someone that makes her happy, unlike her ex boyfriend Seviathan

Evan used to get really dirty and laugh at Niffty's ferocious cleaning as a child, but as he aged he began to clean up after himself and make sure he's well dressed and making as less of a mess as possible which gives Niffty so much relief. Niffty also finds him really cute, totally got the face of a boyband mascot. He’s flattered, but won’t be joining a band any time soon lol. (Niffty also sorta turned him into a clean freak like herself...) 

Husker likes Evan. He used to give him milk and leave him in charge of the bar as a baby. As he aged, Husk now serves him alcohol when he requests it and has utmost trust in him. The two have a lot of friendly conversation on warm evening nights after a long, tiresome day

Angel and Evan are best bros. Evan is sort of gender-fluid when it comes to clothing like his sister. Angel is his opportunity to explore femininity and just have a chaotic teenage life he otherwise wouldn't be allowed to have as the Prince of Hell. The two gossip and Evan attends many of Angel's shows. He always gets free tickets

Evan is fascinated with Sir Pentious' tech. As a baby, he would mess around with all the machines which would drive Pentious nuts. All the egg bois LOVED having Evan around, just cooing at them. Sir Pentious was hinted at having a son, so even though he acts annoyed at Evan at first, he quickly comes to cherish the kid and have very awkward dad-humor or forced bonding time with him. As Evan grows, Sir Pentious feels the hollow place in his heart fill up a little, remembering fatherhood and slowly understanding children / the youth a bit more. Sir Pentious is the awkward uncle to Evan. They like eachother despite the awkwardness. 

Any friend of Angel's is a friend of hers. Cherri Bomb likes Evan, but he can't exactly say the same about her. Her spunky style and need to explode things unnerve him a bit. He gets along with her, but she tests his patience and makes him very upset / nervous, just tossing bombs and exploding things left and right. He’d probably snap, yell himself hoarse at her as she laughs and teases him. He comes home, his hair a mess, his eyes wide with bags under them, and his pristine clothing covered in soot. It's not a happy sight... 

Evan's relationship with "Baxter" would be somewhat similar to Sir Pentious. WHile Evan is fascinated with technology, its not exactly his cup of tea. He likes to hear about it, but he would never actively participate. He sees Baxter as a type of brother to him, one that locks himself away in his room and only comes out if he needs something. They respect eachother's spaces and the two have a silent agreement about it.

Also, I forgot Alastor- Alastor has always been like an Uncle to Evan. He's the reason Evan is always smiling. He learned manipulation tactics and even has a great love for swing music all because of Alastor's influence. Alastor also loves to see him and Charlie. He almost thinks of the two as his own. Because the two are always smiling, they have a silent understanding that... things can be very fake. that there are many insecurities beneath, waiting to crawl their way out of their throats. It's hard work, always having to put up a front and be cruel. So being at the hotel is such a relief to them. Being around eachother... they let their smiles calm a bit. They for once smile genuinely, just being around eachother.

~~

Away from his friends and the Hotel, when it comes to the Overlords, he acts much like his father or mother would. He is cold, calculating, and confident. Even as a baby, he knew better than to act up in front of them. He always needed to keep up appearances for the sake of his family name and reputation.

He'd even threaten some of the Overlords with war if they ever crossed the line, and he damn well means it. Luckily it rarely ever comes to that. Lucifer is proud his son is such a well-composed demon like himself. But Evan doesn't like the favoritism. Lucifer should love Charlie too, but he doesn't, and for that, Evan holds a secret grudge against his father for it.

When it comes to the Helluva Boss characters...

Stolas is someone Evan would be fond of. Stolas is no doubt an evil overlord, but he has a daughter, and can actually be quite sweet to those in his immediate circle. Stolas thinks Evan is the spitting image of his parents and compliments his stature and confidence. He has utmost respect for Evan and surprisingly likes Charlie quite a bit too. "I have a daughter myself, you see. They can be quite a handful, but you can't help but love them all the same." Evan has great respect for Stolas despite his wealth and questionable business practices. Sometimes they bump into eachother during outings or at weird theme parks. They're always happy to exchange "hellos"!

I don't see Evan really meeting or interacting with many of the IMP characters, however..

It's very likely that Evan would bump into Blitzo and Stolas on an outing. Evan isn't exactly clear whether Stolas has a wife or not despite having a daughter, and innocently asks one day "Is this your boyfriend?" To which the two sputter embarrassed and exasperated. Firm denial, teasing confirmation, some bickering later... Evan just watches the two and somehow gets the gist that they'e good friends. Blitzo is quite comical, and his energy comes across as a theater kid, much like his sister. Evan wouldn't interact a whole lot with Blitzo, they'd never be more than acquaintances, but he thinks its cute Stolas can have such a goofy little friend.

Evan wouldn't interact with Loona at all. They'd both just.. sit there, typing away at their phones with boredom. They're both ... for some weird reason... irritated at eachother's presence. But as long as the other keeps their mouth shut and eyes trained on their phone, the cold war between them will remain just that: cold. (Evan might be a little more of a cat person than a dog person....) 

Evan would think Millie is a sweet little thing. Quite surprised she could be such a murder machine. He would compliment Moxxie's music, thinking their relationship is shockingly the most healthy in all of hell. I don't think they'd have much interaction beyond that.

Annndddd something else about Evan: a good portion of his personality is on lockdown. He acts all smiley, friendly, chivalrous, and dainty. Always striving for perfection in both his posture and personality. Of course, when in front of powerful demons he also has to act like a force to be reckoned with. While he does get his escape with the staff at the hotel, the pressure of being the prince of hell gets to him. He sometimes gets so exhausted and stressed. He might accidentally lash out at others because of it, especially his sister, who he is the most comfortable letting his guard down. The two rarely, but sometimes curl up, just holding one another as they cry.

Evan's relationship with his sister may seem perfect, but they do bicker sometimes. They do disagree sometimes. Evan doesn't always like his sister's childish attitude in certain situations, and Charlie doesn't like Evan's mightier-than-thou attitude either. But they are still very good to eachother. Its sorta just.. them against the world. They were born in hell. Evan has accepted the fact that he's a demon, but he knows his sister is different. He knows she doesn't belong here. That makes him sad. It shows his bad side a little. He almost wants to force Charlie to stay, stay in Hell with him. So she can't leave.... leave him there alone. Go somewhere else... somewhere better. It's a struggle. He feels slight guilt over it, but his obsession only drives forth his determination more. He wouldn't sabotage the hotel, but he would be damned if he ever let Charlie leave. I doubt Charlie would want to leave him, but Evan knows there are nights that Charlie wants to abandon it all from the stress. He knows she's the one who actually wants to go to heaven. It's the place she deserves to be. But ...

"Oh sister mine... please allow me a little selfishness. You don't belong here, I know. But I can't ever .... bare to let you leave.... "

[brucewaynehastoomanykids]

Café Talks

Request from user @ravenfan1242 "Can you write a DamiRae where they grew out of the TT and went seperate ways for whatever reason. Before they had seperated they were in love with each other but his their feelings. Some years later after losing touch they see each other again and it's awkward but it's also a fire of pent up feelings that are still there."

_______________________________________

Growing up is probably one of the hardest things for people to do. Especially when it comes time to let go of the people from that past. The same people you had numerous adventures with, and even grown go call family. Leaving the Titans wasn't as easy as I probably made it seem to be, but how could I have said 'no' to father when he told me I was growing too old to be considered a teen titan. He was right, but it didn't make it any easier.

Imagine my surprise when I had gotten an invitation from Koriand'r to join her and the rest of the ex-titans for a reunion. Which is what lead me to be here in front of the what now seems abandoned Titans Tower. Memories came flooding back to me as soon as I laid my eyes on it, I couldn't help but stare.

"It's odd, isn't it?" Said voice behind me asked. "This is the place we first met. And now here we are, years later."

I knew that voice thought it had been so long it almost seemed like a stranger.

"Hello, Raven." I smiled, turning to face her.

Her appearance hadn't changed a bit. Dark blue heels, and a leather jacket to match, a plain black dress that touched her thighs, and the same necklace she wore the time we were forced to 'mandatory fun.' The only thing that really changed about her is her hair. It no longer touched her shoulders as it had once before, instead, it was cut into a pixie. A sloppy pixie, though. It seemed like she tried to cut it herself. But, it somehow fit her.

Everything fit her, really. She looked very attractive, even if she did mean to be. Someone with her beauty, she most definitely has a boyfriend now. Somehow the thought of that stings... perhaps I'm not quite as over this past crush as I had once thought.

Raven caught up to me as we began walking to the tower together.

"I'm surprised you came," she said, "these sort of things have never really been your thing in the past."

"The ones in the past were never as meaningful as this one," I replied, keeping my eyes on the tower as we stepped inside, "if anything, Raven, I'm surprised to see you here. I had heard you've been on the hunt to find your mother for the past few years."

"Yes," she started sadly, looking towards the ground, "but with no real luck. I know she's alive, I do... but every trail I followed hasn't gotten me anywhere..." her voice perked up again, "so, I figured I needed some sort of relaxation in my life. After all, 'when the world comes crashing down, who's ready to party'?"

I only let out a small huff in response. This was something Raven and I often argued about. I keep hoping one day she comes to accept that Arella is just simply not alive anymore. I can't say I don't understand the pain she was feeling, however. For a while, after my own mother's death, I had tried to make some excuses for why she could still be alive. Of course, she isn't, and I knew that, but it never stopped me. It took me years to fully accept her death, but it seems it's taking Raven longer.

We walked inside the tower to a large cast of lights and people. It was the cleanest I had seen the inside of the tower since I first joined, more likely Koriand'r's doing, and a display of different foods and beverages of everyone's liking on a large table. From the outside of the tower, no one would ever guess such a display be on the inside. Though, maybe that was the intention.

I make my way to the sofa as I watch Raven chat with Koriand'r, Logan, and Reyes. It was... nice to see her smile at them so genuinely. Though part of me knew it was forced, I can live with the hope it's not. Perhaps it was time I helped Raven with her mother, even if I don't fully believe she's alive.

I walked over to Raven again and asked her to come with me so we could talk in private. She gave me a questionable look but agreed. I grabbed her hand and lead her to the back of the room where barely anyone was at.

"I want to help you in the search for your mother." I told her plainly.

Her eyes went from shocked to what seemed to be slight anger in seconds. "Why? You were never there to help me before? In fact, I vaguely recall you saying it was a 'fools mission' not that long before you left us."

I sighed. "Raven you and I both know I had to leave, I was almost eighteen an--"

"That's not what I'm talking about." Her voice grew sad. "I understand why you had to leave, Damian... what I don't understand is why you never contacted us again. You never visited, you didn't call, or text, hell you didn't even write a letter. Nothing. You just... left. And that wasn't fair, you know? We missed you, though you may not believe that... I missed you."

Ouch. There goes another ping to the heart. But she was right, it wasn't fair. Especially since I didn't really have a reason to do so besides the fact that half the time I was too busy to do anything but work with father. Doesn't mean I shouldn't have called in my free time.

She sighed. "You know what? Forget it. This obviously was a bad idea to come..."

She was about to leave before I grabbed her wrist.

"Wait, please," I begged, "you can hate me all you want later but... can I at least buy you a coffee, or maybe a cup of tea tomorrow? For old times sake?" God, I sounded pathetic.

She raised an eyebrow before nodding slightly. "Sure, if you really want to make up for what you did. 1 sound good?"

"Works for me." I smiled in relief as she walked away without another word.

~

I've been waiting for her for about an hour now. I'm starting to think she stood me up. Not that I would really be mad about it, it would certainly be good karma. Though that doesn't stop me from questioning whether I should leave or not.

"You seem like a friendly face, mind if I sit with you?" Raven said, coming up from behind and taking her seat across from me. "Sorry I'm late, I had some errands to run that I completely forgot about. I would have texted you but I don't think I have your number anymore."

"I see." Was all I said.

The waitress came to take our orders. I ordered a simple coffee while Raven ordered hot cocoa.

"Really? Hot chocolate? If my memory serves me, I thought you usually got tea and a small salad here?" I raised a brow.

She giggled. "Hey, chocolate comes from cocoa which is a tree. A tree is a plant. Therefore, chocolate is a salad, and considering I'm getting it in liquid form, it also takes place for the tea."

I rolled my eyes. "Your sarcasm is still intact I see..."

"It's very rare for a personality to change in just a mere four years, Wayne." She smiled slyly.

"Four years is still a long time." I told her matter-of-factly.

"Perhaps... but only if you count the days."

Silence loomed for a while. Our drinks had been delivered, and we drank peacefully. From an outside perspective, one could think we're strangers who just say at the same table. That was until Raven broke the silence.

"So, what exactly did you want to meet?"

I let out a deep sigh and straightened my posture to show that I was serious. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior these past few years. I should have kept in contact when I had the chance to. But, if it matters, you were always on my mind."

She sighed, setting down her cup. "Well, one, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have made you feel guilty, I know how busy Bruce tends to keep you and I should have realized that sooner... and, two, really? You thought about me? I'm... surprised, honestly."

"Why wouldn't I? You were the first person who has ever understood me, and you saved me from growing to be the spoiled brat I used to be in my youth. Not to mention how dark my world was before you have me a new perspective. You made me this way. The person I am today is all thanks to you."

She didn't respond, though her face lit up slightly. She began to run her finger around her now empty mug and was deep in thought. Perhaps to find the right words to say. But her words never came. Instead, a notification on her phone that seemed to startle her.

I chuckled at her jump. "Boyfriend?"

She gave me a look of slight shock before replying. "No, no just a weather notification. I'm actually single, technically. However," she smiled a bit as her cheeks tinted a light shade of pink, her voice lowered, "I do like someone. I have for a long time. And... it's funny. Because for a long time I had thought it was over him."

I raised a brow. "Wait, who?"

"Well, it's you, actually." She replied nervously.

Something inside me swelled. "Well... I might have had feelings for you as well. I think I have for a while."

"Yeah right." She rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious! I was just a coward to admit them. I remember even once practicing to do so in the mirror but never could do it in real life." I laughed at the memory.

"Now I know you're lying," She playfully jabbed at my shoulder, "come on, Damian! I look like I shouldn't even be standing next to you! You grew to be so... well, handsome. And honestly, I'm a mess. I have been for a while. I don't deserve your affection or--"

I grabbed at her hands and held them lightly. "I've loved you, despite your flaws. I had thought after some time, those feelings would have passed, but it's obvious it will never happen. So, if you want to, um..." I began to grow a bit nervous, "if you want to try something... I promise I'm not gonna leave you. You're never going to search for the answers you need, and suffer for the pain you feel by yourself again, I promise."

She smiled slightly, pulling her hands away from mine. "Damian, that's sweet, but what I'm trying to tell you is that I'm just simply not like everybody else. Between dealing with my father, and longing for my mother, I'm not as put together as I sometimes seem to be. You deserve someone better."

"There isn't anyone better for me than you, Raven... I smiled, "And speaking of your mother, my offer still stands. I still want to help you... and to love you. If you wish me to."

Raven looked down. "It feels like everyone has forgotten my mother even existed. Everyone except me. I've been looking for her all alone for so long..." her eyes lit up as she looked into mine, "but if I'm honest, I'm sick of being alone all the time. Both in my search... and my life. So... yes, Damian. I want you to be with me... and to help me... but, you know that by being with me, you're risking everything, right? I'm not exactly the safest person to be around these days."

I smiled. "It's a risk I'm willing to take... just staying by your side is enough."

She returned my smile as we paid for our drinks and exited the café hand-in-hand. This was definitely the start spectacular. For both of us.

[kaleidescope-writes]

Winter Mistakes-- Chapter 1: The Setup

Biker!Bucky x Reader

Warning: PG-13, Language, mentions of sex, Rumlow being an asshole, bad break-up, could be triggering (read at your own risk)

Today was the day. You had been struggling with doubt since you first got the hint that something wasn’t right with your relationship. Today, your struggles--possibly along with your relationship--would come to an end. You knew what the outcome would be, but weren’t sure you were strong enough to actually face the music, even after you had seen it yourself. Even if you’d followed your boyfriend to the bar where he met up with some random chick and saw them exchange saliva more times in one night than he ever kissed you in a week. It was going to hurt, but today marked the end of it all. You just needed him to get to your apartment. You’d rehearsed what you would say to him a million times in the mirror, along with an additional thousand with Natasha. You were prepared for any excuse he’d try to give, yet there was a small hint of doubt creeping up in the back of your head.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. You shook your head, getting up from your spot on the kitchen counter and taking a few steps in the direction of the door. “Baby face, I’m home,” Brock called out to you. You walked over to the living room, arms crossed, attempting to keep a neutral expression and not break into a fit of rage. “Good,” you said simply, “You’re here. We need to have a little chat.” Brock looked you up and down, a smirk spreading across his lips, “Ah, I see. Does my little fawn want to act tough for her old man?” He began to remove his jacket, not breaking eye contact with you as he kept the same smirk on his lips. “That’s not what I want,” you scoffed, maintaining the same strong posture you started off with. Brock looked at you in confusion, not fully understanding that you didn’t want to get him laid. “Then what do you want?” He asked, as if there was nothing more you could ask of him. 

“How about you tell what it is you want,” you snarled. Once again looking at you in confusion, he takes a few steps closer to you, which you mimic away from him. “Sugar, what are you talking about?” he asked, feigning innocence. That alone made you want to rage. But you kept it in… For now. “What am I talking about?” you questioned almost accusingly, “I’m talking about your co-worker, your friend’s girl, the girl from your gym, the barista. I thought you wanted a serious relationship with me, but I guess I got it wrong because you keep dicking around with whatever air headed bimbo crosses your line of sight.” 

Brock took a step back, faking a surprised look, “Muffin, what are you talking about?” That was it. His denial was the thing that set you off. You released your arms, letting them fall to your sides with your hands curled into fists. “Oh, cut the bullshit,” you snapped, “I know you’ve been sleeping with any broad that opens her legs in your direction, I’m not stupid!”

“That’s insane, Y/N! I would never cheat on you!” Brock defended, “What did Nat say to make you doubt me?” You walked over to the small desk to your left, taking the file and opening it. “She helped me figure it out,” you hissed, “She showed me just how much of a piece of shit you are!” You took the pictures inside the file and threw them at his feet. The floor was littered with pictures of him with other girls. Making out with a blonde, arms wrapped around a brunette, dancing erotically with a redhead, a girl with black hair in his car only partly dressed. Every compromising position he could possibly be in was captured in those pictures. “You want to start explaining yourself, or are you going to keep playing dumb?” you asked in a harsh tone. 

He looked up at you with an expression that seemed like anger. Shrugging his shoulders, he took his hands out of his pockets and began to speak, “What do you want me to say?” You glared at him, “How about you start with explaining why you did it?” Brock scoffed, looking away from you for a moment before meeting your eyes again, “You want the truth? Fine, the sex was absolutely amazing. I didn’t want to stop because they did something you could never do. They got me off every single time. You never did once.” You were absolutely disgusted. The anger in your stomach grew as you began to contemplate the repercussions of letting yourself take it out on him physically. 

“Get out,” you whispered angrily. Brock was much bigger than you and he’d been known to not let gender stop him from hurting anyone. Especially if he was provoked. Brock shook his head, “Don’t you wanna beg for me to stay? Don’t you want to fix things? Don’t you want me to touch you the same way I touched them?” Your disgust increased with your anger. “Get! Out!” you screamed, pointing at the door behind him. Brock rolled his eyes, turning around to walk out. Opening the door, he stopped momentarily and turned to look at you again, “Call me when you’re in the mood to beg.” 

You grabbed a glass vase from the desk and threw it to him, shattering it on the door with a few pieces cutting his cheek. “You bitch!” he shouted before slamming the door as he left. You were left to stand there in your fury as your mind began to process what happened. It’s done, you’re free. Once you were sure he was far enough down the hall, you took your phone out of your pocket, dialing Natasha. As the line rang, you crouched down to pick up the pictures, putting them in the file to burn later, along with your own pictures that were already waiting in the fireplace. 

“Is it done?” Nat asked from the other end, not bothering to say hello. “It’s done,” you confirmed, walking over to the fireplace with the pictures and throwing them in. “Thank god,” she sighed, “I’m on my way over, we can go out and drink this asshole away. I know this bar we can go to that’s run by an old friend of mine, what do you think?” 

You turned on the gas as she spoke, lighting a match and throwing it in with the rest of the stuff. “Actually, I’m more in the mood to have a girl’s day in. Like we used to before he came into my life,” you said calmly, watching as the flames embraced everything in the fireplace. The pictures, like your feelings, turned to ash before your eyes. “Sounds good,” Nat replied, “I’ll need to go shopping for wine and snacks though. I’ll be there in thirty.” 

“See you then.” you hung up and walked over to the couch to sit. This was the beginning of your new life after three years of wasting your time with a worthless pile of human trash. So why did you feel so tired? You were tired of everything and you couldn’t explain why. Keeping your eyes fixed on the fire in front of you, you let your mind wander to anything but him. Here’s to a fresh start, you thought, no more Rumlow.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: I know it’s kind of overused to make Brock Rumlow the asshole ex, but who else fits the role? First chapter done!! This one is just mainly for exposition, but I promise Bucky will be in the next chapter. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! I will be posting the next chapter tomorrow and I promise it will be much longer. Let Me know if I missed anyone on the taglist as I’m still trying to get my shit together. I love you all, I hope all is well, and please stay safe!!

Taglist is OPEN:

 @vvinch3st3r, @just-a-littlebit-of-everything @amazonianbeauty @isomebodyhere @justlovelifeblog @dominodoll

Permanent Taglist: 

@myraiswack​ @falling4uke​ @accio-boys​ @ashcrimson-is-writing​ @just-trying-to-survive-marvel

[crowleyellestair]

Imagine Why - Din djarin (The Mandalorian

This isn’t apart of my last fic even though it has a similar small plot point

Here’s my other fic: Din Djarin

“And Perry swung his sword towards the three headed creatures.” I tried to keep quiet but keep the excitement in my voice. Letting the book drop slightly, I leaned in closer to the baby. “What do you think, bud? What will happen?” He peered up to me best he could and gargled with what I could only hope was excitement. We had been laying on the cot for what seemed to be a short while. In reality it had been a couple of hours of the kid resting against my chest and me reading to him.

“I don’t wanna have to do this to ya, but I think that’s enough for tonight. Let’s get some soup in you before tucking you in.” I placed a slip of parchment I found lying around a while back into the pages to hold our place. Swooping him up, we make our way out of the room to our ration’s cabinet on the other side of the Razor Crest. Preparing the soup was easy, but trying to keep quiet was proving to be harder.

Din and I had a great arrangement after one too many awkward run ins with each other’s sleeping spots. Too many times has he tripped over me finding a comfortable position on the ground somewhere or me finding solitude in the cockpit when he had tried to fall asleep. Usually I would rest on the cot when he was out on a job and he would take rest when I watched the kid after he came back.

He had gotten back to the ship after a job while the babe and I were cuddling on the cot and having story time. He went straight to the cockpit without a word, which was unusual. I assumed he was just exhausted and wanted seclusion. Din wasn’t known to be a man of many words, but recently he’d opened up a little more.

I’ve been on the Razor Crest for a couple of cycles to watch the child. He took a job on my home planet and the thug happened to be my next-door neighbor. A lot went down and the child ended up in the cross hairs of the fight. After everything died down, Din started to be hostile towards me as I had his son. I explained my situation of just wanting to see the boy safe and he asked me to join.

I could be quiet when I wanted to be, but usually I ramble to make small talk. I stopped after a while, but Din admitted he appreciated the effort to try and create trust and security between us. Little did he know that I wanted more than trust. Maybe it was because of his love for his space boy. Maybe because I’m one of the few he has apparently told his real name to. Maybe it was the many nights of silence sitting together in the cockpit, looking out at the stars, comfortably keeping each other company.

Whatever it was, it made me care about his well-being more than mine.

So, I make the babes soup as quietly as possible, not knowing if Din was resting up there. I tried to put the book down a couple of times prior as to keep quiet, but the kid just wasn’t having it. Which was troublesome to my plan to be respectful, but also to our relationship. I came to the ship with the bare essentials. Din has always been by my side in any city or village we scout into. One day I was telling a story to the boy to pass the time, and thought maybe he’d like being read to. In our crazy life, Din and I try to make it as normal as possible for the baby. I thought bedtime stories would be just the thing to bring a safe, relaxing, and fun time for the wee lad. I had acquired the book, however, by sneaking away from the ship one day to buy one.

“What’s this?” I jump at his voice, not realizing I zoned out about the repercussions of the book. Turning, I can see the boy pushing the book against Din’s feet. It’s a cute sight as the book is half his size. I tried to find one that would last. He must have waddled back to grab it and try to convince me to read again. Din leans down to grab it, bringing it close enough to his where the beskar reflected the blue cover.

“It’s a book.” I start making my way towards them, small bowl in hand. His visor turned to me, and I could tell he was trying to convey that he obviously knew that it was, indeed, a book. “I made soup; would you like some? Sorry I took up more time on the cot. The room is all yours.” I bend down, giving the bundle of joy the bowl.

“When did you get a book?” I stiffen, but try and play it off. But the thing is, he knows that he doesn’t know where it came from.

“Are you ok?” He apparently wasn’t expecting that as his posture shifts back just slightly.

“That’s not an answer.”

“You didn’t say anything when you got back. You always acknowledge us, which makes me assume something bad happened. I obviously respect that, but now, the first words we’ve spoken since you accepted the job is going to start a fight.” He started to deflate just in the slightest until my last statement. Before he spoke, the baby placed an empty bowl on top of Din’s shoe. He grabbed the bowl, putting it into the small sink behind him in the refresher.

“Why would we fight?” He tilts his head as he asks. Maybe I fell for that small tilt. Damn that cute tilt.

“I think we both know what I did to get the book without you knowing already.” I could hear the leather of his gloves against the book as his fist starts to clench. His voice came out louder than expected, making me flinch.

“That’s not safe, y/n.”

“I know, Din, but I just wanted a normalcy for the kid.”

“That’s not a good enough reason to risk yourself out there. Alone.”

“I brought a blaster and stayed low- “

“That doesn’t matter!”

I’ve never heard Din raise his voice to me before. The Mandalorians where known to be strong. I didn’t know they’d be strong enough to reach into my chest and clench my heart with just a voice. A voice I’ve truly heard twice. Maybe it was because there was always a sense of gentleness towards me that wasn’t spared for others that had me surrendering my heart and mind to the man in front of me.

“I was brought here because you trust me and my ability to protect the child. The child that I would lay my life down for. If I can protect him, I can protect myself.” Din make quick work of the ladder into the cockpit, leaving me standing there, I go to bend down, but he drops back to the previous spot. A quick beep catches my attention. My eyes go to the tracker in his hand. He makes a show of putting the tracker to the boy, the beeps only slightly slowing. He brings it towards me, and it quickens. Din then reaches for his pocket and brings out a puck, turning it on to show my face. “I don’t… I haven’t done anything.” He sighs, handing me the puck.

“You’re with me.” Realization sunk in. Obviously, someone would report that the ex-guild member and ‘the asset’ was traveling with a new companion.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry I didn’t know- “

“Sorry isn’t good enough.” Din quickly sidestepped my frozen body to his portion of soup. Did he not accept my apology for not knowing a bounty has been placed on me? Din starts walking with his bowl towards us and the room, but I turn, minding the child that has plopped himself in the same spot and blocked the door. “I’m tired.” He tries to push past but my arm flies towards the frame of the door my body doesn’t cover.

“Sorry’s not good enough?” He tightly sighs

“No.” I peer into the visor that isn’t returning my gaze.

“I can’t change a bounty on my head, Din.”

“No,” he states as he finally meets my eyes. “But you can change your actions.”

“What?” My question is almost completely hidden by the breathless, humorless laugh that escapes me. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Din leans in closer, his voice eerily steady and quiet.

“Don’t be reckless and leave without me.” I lean in closer, only millimeters separated us.

“We established I can handle myself.”

“And I established that that is not good enough.” He pushes past my arm and closes the door.

It had been a couple of days without speech. The only words uttered was towards the little boy, wo seemed none the wiser of our fight or situation. Din mainly stayed in the cockpit, and I stayed towards the back of the ship, doing maintenance. Din, strangely enough, kept a manual of overall maintenance for the ship in a random box. I wanted to learn the ship inside and out to be able to do quick work if we were in a sticky situation. Sparks had been flying for a while as I worked on soldering a tank joint back to the tank itself. I want to do a good job, but it’s hard when I can feel my heart in the sparks. I felt sparks anytime I accidentally brushed his shoulder with mine. Anytime he checked me over after a shootout. Anytime I caught him cradling his son when he thought I was sleeping. Even when we fought days ago, I couldn’t feel true anger or malice. I could only feel love. Maker, I can’t handle it.

I let out a yelp as I nicked myself with the soldering tool.

“Shit- Maker- Damn it!” I was too focus on the medium sized hole on the outside of my thumb to notice Din all but fly down from the cockpit to my side. The wound had half cauterized itself, but blood was still gushing. He assessed the damage and left to grab the healing spray and bandages. He grabbed my hand and I could feel the sparks again.

“What happened?” He started to wipe away the blood, and barely spared a glance to meet my eyes when I didn’t answer.

“I misjudged my hand placement.” There was a pause as he focused on my hand. Once he was done, he marched back to the ladder, but gave a finishing statement.

“Be more careful next time.” I scoff which stopped him in his tracks.

“I’m on the ship. Haven’t left, as you said. It was a little mishap, I’m not dead.” I turned, trying to hide the redness in my face. I couldn’t truly be angry at him, but this is getting ridiculous. I didn’t hear him leave but still jumped at his loud voice.

“No, you’re not, but you could be. I want you safe on the ship, y/n. I want you on the ship because I care. I want you to be more careful because I care. I don’t really know… If you got…Hurt? The kid would be devastated but I…” Din shook his head and made more headway on the ladder. I don’t want us to be on silent terms again.

“I care about you too, but I don’t stop you from doing what I trust you’re good at.” He stopped again. “Imagine it: you’re here on the ship, day-in and day-out. You’ve fallen for a known bounty hunter that risks her life every day to make money for you and her newfound son. To make money, she has to put herself in danger and the line of fire, just to make you happy. But you can’t help. You have to sit here and wait. Wait, not knowing if she will ever come back. So, all you have is yourself and that beautiful boy, wallowing in love a-and fear and-and not knowing what could happen- “

“Y/n- “

“What!?” In my rant, I hadn’t noticed that he grew closer. No words were spoken. All I could feel was him turning me around into his arms, hugging the life out of me. I quickly give it back, tears filling my eyes. “Imagine not knowing why you fell so hard or if it’s actually requited.” Din’s hand made quick work of finding my cheek, moving my head to peer into his visor.

“It is. I know I’m not… good at showing it, but I think I love you. I’ve never really…. Felt this way before.”

It’s like a dream come true. Smiling, I place my forehead against where I assume his sat behind the helmet.  I could feel him pressing back to show his affection.

Din had decided to fly to a closer planet than we usually land on when changing hideouts. This requires an actual pilot, especially since our new destination has more traffic than our usual. I look to the hatch when a loud plop could be heard. Din and I were enjoying a quiet, peaceful time in the cockpit together while the child was sleeping. Or so we thought.

All I could see was the book, then a cute green head pop up next to it. I smile to him as he waddles toward me, dragging the book behind him. I hadn’t picked I leaned down to meet him.

“Hey, bud. Not now, ok? Maybe a little later.” I normally wouldn’t mind, but I didn’t know if Din would want to hear me read for hours. I pat his head and sit right back up. After a minute, I hear a gargle. I look down to his pleading eyes. I smile but shake my head. “Honey, we’re halfway.” I lean down really close again and whisper. “I don’t think your dad would want to start in the middle. We can read later.” He looked like he gave me what seemed to be a nod. I sat up again and another minute passed. This time, the book quickly flew up, landing in Din’s lap. Din, alarmed, quickly looked down. The child tried clawing his way up his cape, and Din picked him up, placing him onto his lap. With his still free hand, he hands me the book. I watch as the kid wraps himself in Din’s loose cape, looking like a little burrito. His darling head peaked out and looked at me, waiting. I smile and flip to the beginning.

“Perry Johanason and the Evil of Endor, by S. Morganstern, chapter one. Ani lived on the far end of the base.” I snuck a quick glance upward to find Din relaxed in his chair, free hand over the kid, resting it on his back. The kid’s eyes were closed and snuggled securely against Din’s cape. It will take time for us to open up more, but now knowing how the others feel has opened a door to a whole new galaxy.

[shadowthrone-ammanas]

The Ice Queen Chapter 1 of 4: Rest

This fic is based off/inspired by another fic of mine called 'Rest'. If y'all have read it, you should know at what point the idea for this fic came to me. It's the darkest thing I've written a long time so be aware of that. It's basically, what if instead of Hat Kid bringing Snatcher to her ship after the Ultra Snatcher fight, he somehow manages to keep his weakness hidden from her and once she's gone, Vanessa swoops in to take advantage of his weakness.

-

Even from all the way in her manor, Vanessa could sense the massive amount of power being expended in the Forest. It had to be her prince because who else could it be? He must be fighting a powerful foe to be using that much power.

How likely was it that he would lose? Low but with how much power he was expending he’d be weakened. Maybe enough that she could finally get him back. He was hers, she needed him back and it was about damn time she got him. And when he was in her clutches again, she was never going to let him leave.

She rushed out the manor. The snow and cold outside increased from just her presence alone as she started for the forest. She passed by a dweller on her way there. It cowered from her even though it had been so long it had to have forgotten why it was afraid of her. Before it could run, she shot out a hand and froze it in a block of ice. The last thing she needed was her prince or his filthy minions to know she was coming.

Upon crossing the ice barrier and then bridge that separated her domain from her prince’s, the fight was still going on. She crept closer and closer until, concealed within the forest’s shadow’s she could see into the arena and identify the combatants. It was her prince all right, a ghost but still hers, flashing rainbow colours for some reason and throwing all sorts of magic at… a little girl? It was hard to tell from this distance but she looked similar to the little girl that had invaded Vanessa’s manor a while back. Had to be the same one, right?

Regardless, despite everything being thrown at her, the little girl was still alive and seemingly unscathed. Meaning she was probably winning because she for sure got a hit on the prince.

Vanessa might’ve felt bad for him, getting beaten by a child, but he deserved a little bit of punishment. He’d left her and refused to come back despite everything she’d done to make sure it’d just be the two of them forever. No one to cheat on her with, no studies to distract him from doting on her, no one but the two of them forever.

So, a little bit later, when the child won, Vanessa almost felt like cheering. A little bit of humiliation was good for him and as soon as the kid was gone – vanishing after he’d given her something – he slumped forward in the defeat, the rainbow effect gone now. Even from this distance, his posture made it clear that he was in pain and exhausted, worn out from the fight, even more than she would’ve thought. Meaning, she was basically as good as hers once more. All she had to do was take him.

***

Snatcher somehow managed to hold himself together until Hat Kid left. As soon as she was gone though, he let himself slump forward, panting hard. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt more exhausted or been in more pain since he’d become a ghost – he wished he could say at all but well, he couldn’t.

But how could have he lost to her again? He’d thrown everything he’d had at her. He’d taken two EX potions this time, how had that not been enough to best her? … And now he was paying the price for that, and he’d thought the aftereffects of drinking one had been bad.

“You need help Boss?” one of the Subconites gathering around him asked.

“No, I’m fine,” he lied. But there wasn’t really anyway they could help other than maybe carrying him to a place he could rest which was not going to happen.

With a groan, he pushed himself back up, forcing himself to float again. Luckily, floating took the least amount of energy, less energy that it took living things to walk, so he should be able to at least get a place he could rest before collapsing again. It wasn’t going to be a pleasant journey though so… might as well get going.

He was just exiting the arena, his Subconites sticking with him even though they didn’t need to, when he finally became aware that something was wrong. His sense of Vanessa, normally on the fringe of his how far he could sense, wasn’t there in her manor anymore but instead…

A blast of ice came from the forest to the left, sweeping through the group of Subconites in front of him, impaling them with large spears of ice rising off the ground. The Subconites not in the line of fire or who managed to move out of the way in time, panicked immediately. They screamed as they scrambled to get away, vanishing into the forest, thankfully she let them.

Snatcher quickly spotted her glowing red eyes amongst the trees to his left and gestured, summoning a laser to blast up from underneath her. But… nothing happened, not even a spark. He’d worn himself out while fighting Hat Kid, he had nothing left.

“Oh, my dear sweet prince.” Vanessa’s voice sent chills down his nonexistent spine. “You’ve gone and tired yourself out. I think its time for you to come back home and rest, don’t you?”

Another blast of ice magic shot out from her clawed hands. Weakened as he was, Snatcher couldn’t counter it, so he tried to dodge but was too slow. It was glancing blow to his side but it was immediately engulfed in ice. Freezing cold and biting – he hadn’t felt such awful cold in so, so long – it immediately started spreading.

He tried to blast it off but nothing. He could do nothing! He was helpless as another blast of ice hit him, solidly in the center now. He tried to claw it off with his hands but all that did was cause the ice to spread to them and then start creeping up his arms too.

“You peck-neck whore bitch,” he cursed at her as they ice kept spreading, far too fast. He summoned some of his exploding potions. Alas, he couldn’t create many right now but he tossed them anyway. It was better than running, not he would even get far with how fast the ice was spreading across his form.

Predictably she easily shot them out of the air with another blast of ice. She lifted her other hand to shoot more ice at him, hitting him on the face now. “How dare you say such a thing to me. I’m your princess, your one true love.” In her dreams maybe but with the ice on his face, already spreading, he could no longer speak which was probably her intent.

It was a horrifyingly short amount of time before he was completely engulfed in ice, his arms frozen in position from when he’d clawed at the ice on his chest. It pressed in on him from all sides, forcing his form to shrink against his will. He couldn’t even move to fight it as it made him smaller and smaller until he was as small as his form could physically get; the size he’d been right before death. Which was far too small for him, he liked being big, taking up a lot of space.

“My precious sweet prince,” Vanessa said as she strode closer, her aura distorting the air around, making her even more unpleasant to look at. “You should’ve known better than to do something that would make you so vulnerable. Unless…” she switched to a whisper as she leaned in to caress his face, “this is what you wanted?”

Snatcher wanted to curse and shout and pull away from her foul touch, even through the layer of ice it made him feel physically ill. He wanted to blast her into nothing, leave not a single speck of her behind. But he was helpless; frozen solid, completely at her mercy which he’d sworn to himself would never be the case again. And yet, here he was.

“Let’s go home, shall we my love? This time, you’re mine forever, no one’s going to take you away from me ever again.”

 -

The exterior of the manor was much how he remembered last seeing it as he exited a new ghost, just more worn and the ice had had time to settle in more. She carried him towards it – thankfully using magic so she at least wasn’t touching him – as he renewed his efforts to escape the ice encasing him. Magic or just sheer force of physical power to break it, anything, but the biting cold ate what little bit of strength he’d had left. He couldn’t even summon his potions anymore.

He was a damn fool! How could he have let himself get so weak and vulnerable? He’d gone into the fight knowing win or lose, he was going to be exhausted at the end of it. The two EX potions had been a mistake, he should’ve taken one again and just… tried harder? Didn’t matter though, he’d lost and now he was getting carried into the place he’d probably have nightmares about if he could sleep and dream.

“Does it feel good to finally be back home my prince?” Vanessa said as she opened the front door and brought him inside.  “Sorry about the mess but I know you don’t mind. You were always messier than me anyway.” She closed the door and locked it as if anyone might actually want to enter this hellhole.

“I really wish you looked more like your old self,” she continued as she turned back to face him, floating by the door. “You were so handsome.” She reached up a hand to touch the side of his face again, making him flinch internally because he couldn’t physically. “But that’s probably why everyone was trying to steal you away from me so… I guess it’s for the best.”

How had he ever loved her? How had he been stupid enough to not see how obviously crazy she was? If he could, he’d go back in time and slap himself for being an idiot and falling for her lies and false charms.

“But speaking of that,” Damn she could really talk, huh? Why couldn’t she at least shut up. “before I bring you up to my room to sleep and cuddle with me you need to learn a lesson about not leaving me.” What did that mean? He was unfortunately about to find out.

She gestured with one clawed hand, pulling him along as she turned to start walking again. Down the hall, passing the door that led to the kitchen and then dining room. They were either headed around the corner and to the living room and staircase, leading to the second floor or… to the door that led to the cellar.

Please not the cellar, anything but the cellar would be better. Snatcher would rather die again than go back down there. But of course, that was exactly where she was going. And he couldn’t do more than shake a little as she opened the door and started down the stairs, magically pulling him along too.

At the bottom of the steps, the cellar was dark and wet and horrible and awful. He hated it so, so much. Even worse was around the corner, the wall he’d died on. His chains still hung there, old and rusted. And was it just his imagination or he could he see an outline of a body, his body, on the wall?

At this point, as she brought him closer, he would’ve begged for mercy if he could. Screw dignity or not giving her the satisfaction, he did not want to be anywhere near that wall. But he couldn’t even make a single squeak as she brought him right up to it.

Standing before it, she gestured again, moving him so his back would be too the wall, touching it if not for the ice encasing him. She raised her other hand, shooting more ice magic. Chains of ice descended from the ceiling to wrap around his upper arms and take his weight as the magic keeping him afloat vanished.

It didn’t hurt, even with the ice he wasn’t that heavy and he didn’t have any bones or joints to be strained by his weight, but it was still awful, awful, awful.

“There,” Vanessa said, sick satisfaction in her voice. “I know you don’t like it. This is where you died after all, freed by that stupid, stupid Moonjumper, oh how I hate him. But he won’t be coming this time, you no longer have anything to offer him and if he tries anyway, I’ll destroy him.” She reached a hand up to stroke his face again with her claws. “You’re all mine now, forever and ever. No one’s going to take you from me this time, no one.”

She went on but Snatcher quickly lost track of her words. Everything blended together like one horrible, horrible scream in his mind, erasing his ability to think.

Next

[who-is-olivia]

Track 6. Only Angel

Harry Styles x OC

Olivia has to perform in the Victoria Secret Fashion Show but struggles to deal with her mental health. [3.7k]

Genre: fluff, angst

Warnings: nudity, sexual language, mental health struggles

December 2014

  They hadn't been on speaking terms.

  Two years ago, Olivia had a breakdown and decided to go back to her hometown in Brazil, right when One Direction was set to perform on Madison Square Garden. They split up to give her room to recover and it was working... until Taylor came into the picture.

  Harry never regretted the choices he made, he knew he would be miserable with Taylor knowing that Oli was just around the corner. So he broke up with her on the day they were set to travel to the Caribbean. It was very harsh on her so it’s understandable she wouldn’t take it nicely.

  Now, Oli and Frank have to perform on the Victoria Secret Fashion Show right after Taylor.  It’s an honor, Olivia will introduce two Brazilian models wearing a special bra thing, she’s gonna be wearing a beautiful lingerie piece, but she can’t control her nerves efficiently enough to enjoy the opportunity.

  This is the last rehearsal before the big performance, they mark the steps along with the sound check and the last costume fitting all at the same time. Frank’s standing around with his guitar waiting for the production’s queue to dismount while Oli leans over Nadine’s phone to watch a short news outlet on Twitter hyping the show tomorrow.

“... but the supermodels are not the highlight of the show, instead is someone who won’t even walk the stage: Harry Styles is the talk of the town as tomorrow both his ex and his current girlfriend will take the stage one after the other. Who do you think will deliver the best performance? Comment down below and don’t forget to subscribe-“

“This is bullshit” Oli shakes her shoulder trying to seem unfazed but secretly crumbling in anxiety.

“Total bullshit, I’m sorry you had to watch this-“ Nadine revolts.

“No, it’s fine, I’m just gonna get my stuff-“

“Hey, do they have extra wings?” Frank asks from the other end of the stage.

“I don’t think so, why?”

“I was dying to wear wings” he grunts and Oli rolls her eyes.

“You can wear mine after I walk the stage” Candice winks at him teasingly.

“Frank, we have bigger fish to fry” she walks up to him, leaving the girls to themselves. “We should call this off”

“Wha-Why?!”

“Because it’s drawing too much negative attention, I don’t need that at this point” she fiddles with her fingers, desperate for a cigarette.

“Oli, this is huge for the us, we can’t bail out”

“Frankie, please”

“No bug, I’m sorry” he pats her shoulder and walks away. From the corner of her eye she notices someone familiar approaching.

“Hey there, crazy!” Zayn nods.

“Holy shit, what are you doing here?” she jumps down the stage and lands in his hug. Apart from Harry, Zayn is the only 1D member she’s got to befriend. Nothing against the other boys, they all speak to each other, but he’s her actual friend. Doesn’t hurt that she got to work a lot with his girlfriend’s band recently.

“Harry told me you’d be here, I thought I’d give you a ride”

“Perfect! Let me get my things-“

“What about Frank?”

“He’ll find a place to sleep tonight” she chuckles.

  Since the show’s in London, she at least gets the comfort of staying at Harry’s place. Although they share a nice flat in New York, he needs a place in London due to the label and also to see his family. To ease their expenses, he bought a smaller place that she hasn't seen yet. Harry feels quite lonely in it, and having the expectation of her visit did nothing for his internal peace.

  On the way there, she and Zayn share a couple smokes and make small talk, planning a few tattoos while she’s in town. Soon enough they arrive and there he is, waiting to open her door for her.

“Hey love” he smiles, pulling her out of the car and into his loving embrace. At the very sight of him a huge weight is lifted from her shoulders. “Thanks mate, appreciate it”

“No worry, we’ll catch up later, eh?”

“I’ll text you, bye Zayn!”

  As he drives down the lane, Harry walks with an arm around her waist up to the flat where her things are already in place. With that out of the way, they head straight to the shower.

  He presses her naked body against the wall, her wet chest against his as their lips clash in a sensuous patient kiss. His small pecks fall to her jaw and down her neck as his wet hair tickles her, distracting her from the pleasure he’s giving.

“Haz?”

“Hm?” he hums in her sweet spot.

“Do you think I should do the gig?”

Harry stops kissing her, bringing his gaze back to her and sighing worriedly. “What could possibly make you not do it?”

“Everyone keeps speculating about the performance, they keep comparing me to Taylor and I’m just...” she cracks, hiding her face on his wet neck. Harry strokes the back of her head and shushes her tenderly, trying to get a glimpse of her.

“If you don’t wanna do it, don’t do it love. You can tell everyone you’re feeling sick and just stay here with me”  

“Yeah, but it would be amazing for Frank and I and it’s been really amazing to meet all the models and spending some time with Nadine...”

“Nadine’s great”

“She’s the fucking best” he relaxes at the sight of her smile.

“Whatever you wanna do, I’ll have your back, alright?” she nods and he leans in to kiss her playfully.

  They dry up and head to the bed, exhausted. Before she arrived, he was craving for her, desperately. He would remember their times together and twitch in his pants at the thought of it, always keeping in mind that she was x days away from coming home and putting away his misery. But having her in his arms so fragile, so unprepared, it felt wrong and he had to stop. What he feels for her is not only physical and he can’t let her emotional needs unattended.

  Oli falls asleep curled up to his side, one of her legs straddled around his waist, breathing calmly on his chest. He takes a little longer to doze off just watching her peaceful sleep, the lovely way her parted lips blow against his shirt and her eyelids twitch while she’s having a dream. Her hair is wrapped in a light pink silk sheet, soaked in coconut oil, and he can’t resist burying his nose on it and taking in the sweet scent. He loves her so much it burns, and seeing her anguish feels like walking with a knife craved in his heart, he wishes he could make it all go away... so he tries something stupid.

  At approximately 2:00am, he calls Frank.

“Aren’t you calling a bit late?” he growls on the other end of the line.

“Hey, I’m sorry, there’s just something that’s not letting me sleep”

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

“Probably can, I just wanted to clear my head about this” he excuses, feeling like he’s already drawing towards the unwanted results with this call. “You and Oli have to perform tomorrow at all costs?”

“Look man... I know she’s stressed out, all that bad press is getting under her skin but after we ditched Fiona and Gina we haven't been selling, at all, and we need the show if we want to stay signed for another year”

“Yeah, but aren’t you scared she’ll just... lose it?”

“I am, I still feel guilty about her breakdown... but that’s the job, she loves it, the good and the bad. Trust me, she’ll be amazing tomorrow, you won’t tell the difference between her and an angel”

“I bet I won’t... night, Frank” he hangs up. Frank is a level-headed guy, he must have thought this through already and taken the most logical conclusion but deep down it doesn’t feel right. Anyways, Harry quits his crusade to spare her and returns to the bedroom, settling in her arms again.

  But their domestic bliss is cut short by the day’s schedule. At 11:00am sharp she’s already getting her nails done and her braids fixed at Harry’s while he chats with everyone who’s busy. However, he notices Olivia is dead silent – which is very unusual.

“Guys” he calls after the nails and hair are done, “can I steal her for a second?”

“Sure... don’t mess her up!”

“I promise” he leads them to the door and shuts it, turning to where she has her head hidden behind her knees. “Love, please don’t let it get in your head”

“Too bad” she leans on her freshly manicured hands and he can see tears on the corner of her eyes.

That’s the last drop. “Hey, look at me” he tips her chin so she looks at him reluctantly. “You can both do great, it’s not a race, no matter what the bloody papers say”

“I know”

“Do you?”

She sighs, dropping her head on his palm. “No”

“Then you have to believe me, just do your best” he soothes, stroking her hair, “and if you can’t, your 50% is already bloody incredible-“

“Haz! Shut up” she laughs sadly, wiping the little droplets from her eyelids. To have her at least smiling is enough.

“I love you, alright?” she nods, “Trust me on this one, you’ll be fucking amazing”

  They both get pampered and ready to the red carpet, as usual arriving in grand fashion. He leaves the car first then opens the door to help her out, making a huge scene as she gets up on her heels and throws her thin Havana twists out of her face gently, which is quite a spectacle to the paparazzi. Once she feels the luxurious climate, her attitude shifts and she immediately grows more confident. She welcomes Harry’s arm around her waist and supports her wrist on his shoulder, staring at the cameras with a focused glance. He can feel it, her posture changes, she looks powerful, he can’t hide his gobsmacked grin at showing the world how intimidating and formidable is the woman who literally owns his heart and soul.

  Once the photographs are over, they walk to the dressing room together.

“Mr. Styles, you can’t go in” a producer holds him back.

Olivia frowns at her. “What?”

“This area is just for performers and models, you can’t go in”

“Can’t he come to my dressing room?”

“I’m sorry, it’s not allowed-“

“It’s ok” he interrupts, knowing pretty well it’s what he set up to surprise her later on. When she steps back, he takes Oli by the hand and hugs her tightly, pulling her close enough so he can whisper in her ear. “No matter how many people step on that stage tonight, you’re the only one I see, alright?”

She smirks. “You better...”

“You’re the sexiest, most talented person I know, you’re gonna be amazing”

“I hope so” she leans into him, cupping his cheek in a passionate kiss that catches him completely off-guard.

“I’ll be on the front row” he says a bit out of breath before letting her go.

  Once she turns towards her dressing room, she sees her standing there: tall, slim, fair, blonde, piercing blue eyes following her every step. Not willing to make another scene, she salutes her with two fingers in a friendly gesture, and in reply she smiles politely. Their interaction ends there.

  On her dressing room, Frank is already dressing up and strangely giggly.

“Candice is giving me her wings after the first run!” he cheers, making it really hard for the stylist to work on his outfit.

“You’re winning already then” she mocks, pulling her dress straps down and asking for Frank’s help to unzip the rest. She’s not used with the rest of the backup band so she awkwardly slides to one of the changing booths. “Where is Morgan? The show’s about to start”

  While she waits for their agent, she quickly puts on the black combo of hot pants, torn t-shirt, up the knee boots and a boa. At some point she hears something above the noise of the backup band tuning their instruments and everyone shuts up.

  The show starts.

  Taylor is the first one to perform, walking down the catwalk with some of the biggest models in the industry. They run to the side stage to watch them but the producers don’t let anyone get on the way of the running models, so she has to watch on the TV’s spread across the backstage. Taylor’s presentation is straight up perfect, she moves like fucking royalty and interacts naturally with all the models – she looks so good she might as well be mistaken for one. Oli’s legs begin to shake as the song hits the second chorus.

  Fortunately, there are two other performers watching, and they come to greet her.

“Hey Oli” Andrew is the first, thank god for a familiar face. They used to hang out after rehearsals, he’s a giant dork who’s also not used to fame. Also, his poems make her cry all the time.

“Andy! I’m passing out!”

“Wow, hang on” he holds her by the shoulders.

“I can’t follow up, everyone’s talking about it-“

“Hey, what you’re talking about? You rehearsed this, you’re gonna walk down that stage and be fucking incredible” he talks her down in that convoluted Irish accent of his.

  From the front row, Harry nervously watches top models in tiny clothes pass one after the other, trying to focus on anything else but Taylor on that moment. Every line she sings feels like she’s spitting on him. A show that lasts minutes feels like hours, and when it finally ends it’s time for Olivia.

“Holy shit” she breaths out raggedly.

“Do you want some water?” Ariana asks.

“Where’s Frank?” Oli pleads, seeing black dots on her peripheral vision.  

Frank, who had been talking to some of the models, promptly excuses himself. “You ok?” she barely hears through her thumping ears.

“I’m having a panic attack...”

“Hey, let me handle this” she hears her voice distantly, as if she’s drowning on her heartbeat. “Come with me” Taylor helps her up and takes her to one of the bathrooms, just the two of them.

  She pulls her hair out of her face and shoves it over one shoulder, helping her lean over the sink in case she feels like throwing up. She then wets her hand and throws some cold water on the back of her neck.

“Breath in, hold, then breath out, just like me” she insists. Olivia closes her eyes, breathes in, holds, then breathes out, time and time again until she can grasp her surroundings. Slowly, the thumping on her ears recedes and she can actually feel herself again. “Better?”

“Yeah...”, she takes one last deep breath, “thank you”

“Don’t worry, I’ve been there” she dries her hand on a paper towel.

Oli sighs heavily, “I don’t know if I can pull this off”

“Of course you can” Taylor counters, “Just think: you’ll be on stage with your brother, singing a song you already sang a hundred times, your fans will love it, the models will love it... and Harry’s on the front row, he’ll love it anyway”

She hesitates before starting, “I’m sorry about what happened between you”

“Don’t... I’m actually glad it’s over” Taylor looks down and nods her head, trying to figure out her next words. “Sure, I didn’t like the way it ended but I was just so anxious around him, I feel like I can breath now, it’s so funny... when I was with him I was always so nervous, afraid to say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, like you were just then” she points to the door, “but you’re... effortless together. I wish I had something like that in my life”

“Hey” she looks up at her, “these things just... happen, I can’t explain it. Just do your thing and wait for someone to show up who happens to like you just like this. It might take a while but it’s worth it”

Taylor smiles, pulling her in for a tight hug. Olivia relaxes on her shoulder, welcoming all the energy she lets out. “I think you should go out there and rock that stage” she whispers encouragingly. “It doesn’t matter what people will say tomorrow, we know what’s up, they never will”

Olivia nods, taking a bit of distance. “Thank you so much” she squeezes Taylor’s hands.

“You’re welcome... now let’s go”

  The show-runner asks for the audience to be patient as they’re having a few technical difficulties and Harry is this close to invading the backstage and checking on Oli. His knee bops up and down frantically, looking at Liam beside him for guidance. At the first sign of applause, his eyes shoot up at the stage and there she is. Frank’s guitar riff fills the room as they walk in, him leading the way with his tall angel wings, sunglasses and skirt, his guitar wailing as if calling for Olivia to join. Then she does, parading to the beat until she reaches Frank.

“How’re you feeling tonight?!” she calls before getting her queue.

  He couldn’t look away even if his eyes were gauged off. His breathing increases, his body responding to the feast upon the stage. Two Brazilian models pass in front of her, he doesn’t look away. The entire cast of the show walks up but still, he doesn’t look away. The way her vocals reach all the way to the back of the venue makes the hairs on the back of his neck rise. She looks so powerful yet so ingenue, as if the way her hips swing is completely pure.

  But there’s nothing pure about her. The way she dances with Frank’s guitar solo, the way she smiles and bops with the models, how her braids barely cover her bare ass cheeks, it’s too much. All he can think about is ripping that lingerie with his teeth and let her encircle him with that boa, he wants to be at her mercy.

  At some point, their gazes meet and he feels a bit love drunk, lost in her beauty. She walks to the edge of the stage closest to him and blows him a kiss and he catches it in the air, keeping it on his internal pocket and winking back at her. He wants her to kiss him, he wants her to lose all decorum and just disgrace him right then and there.  

  But just as it began it ended. As she takes a bow and walks out with one of the models, Harry applauds on his feet. She smiles proudly, holding Frank on a side hug and bowing once again. She did it! It was amazing, sexy, vibrant... and Harry can’t wait to see her, not another ten seconds.

  She’s welcomed in the backstage with thunderous applause. After all, she did it! She was super scared but soldiered on and now that’ll live in history as one of her best performances ever. As soon as the clapping dies, she walks up to Taylor and hugs her tightly.

“Thank you for everything” she whispers through a smile.

“You were a-mazing!” Taylor cheers getting some distance between them and then hitching. Oli follows her gaze and finds Harry standing awkwardly in the middle of the commotion.

“Haz? I thought you couldn’t get in”

“Yeah, don’t say it too loud” he mocks, pulling a flower bouquet from behind his back. Olivia chuckles amusedly and runs to his embrace, leaving a very uncomfortable Taylor standing empty-handed.

“You were something else tonight” he whispers to her and hands her the flowers. Sensing the eyes around them, she restricts her displays of affection to a small kiss on his cheek. “How about we skip the after-party and just grab a bite with the band?”

“Sure, I just wanna watch Andy’s then we can go”

“Alright” he nods and his gaze accidentally catches Taylor’s. It would be extremely impolite to ignore her after looking her straight in the eyes so, for education’s sake, he walks up to her. “Ms. Swift”

“Mr. Styles” she replies with the same cocky attitude.

“It’s nice to see you”

“You too” they exchange a kiss in the cheek and part ways. Once Harry’s got his back towards her, Olivia and Taylor exchange a knowing wink.

  Before they watch Andrew’s performance, Oli and Harry head to her and Frank’s empty dressing room. As she walks in first to get the flowers on a pot, Harry locks the door behind him and moves to hug her waist. She closes her eyes in delight, feeling his desperate lips already trace her shoulder up to the crook of her neck.

“You looked really fucking sexy in that stage” he mumbles, taking gentle hold of her neck.

“I could tell, you were giving me bedroom eyes from the moment I stepped in” she mocks, stroking the hand that holds her on a choke-hold before turning inside his grasp and kissing him teasingly, making him dangle on the edge of sanity. He presses his parted lips on her but she pulls away slightly, licking a single strip of his bottom lip before bitting it lightly and kissing him back.

“Can’t wait ‘til bedroom love”

“Yeah? What a shame” she pushes him away playfully, “I’m not doing anything here with a zillion people outside”

“Fuck’s sake” he dramatically flops down into the sofa, “you’re killing me, honestly”

“Dead men can’t talk!” she replies, changing into her party dress and overcoat.

  Harry keeps groaning on the sofa, calling out for her until she’s ready. She leans over the back of the sofa and hugs his shoulders, he holds on to her arms for reassurance. Looking down, she notices he’s a bit too excited to go out in public, so she has an epiphany...

“... you got that James Dean daydream look in you eyes” she sings.

“Oh, fuck you-“

“And I’ve got that red lip classic thing that you like”

“Oli, don’t” he whimpers through a struggled laugh.

“We never go out of Style... es” with that one improv, he loses it, laughing his life away. She pecks his sweet cheeks over and over, leaving several dark-brown stains on his fair skin. “Come on, you’re good to go”

“Thanks, angel”

She narrows her eyes, hand hovering over the lock before grinning arrogantly, “I like that”

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Masterlist

[rogue-barnes-16]

THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF NATASHA ROMANOFF (part III/?)

Summary: after the too convenient disappearance of Natasha Romanoff, the Avengers —a local biker gang— search for help in the most unexpected place in order to get their friend back. Will it help, or will the situation just get more twisted and dangerous?

Pairing: biker!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Genre: angst-ish (biker gang au)

Tags:

The mysterious disappearance of Natasha Romanoff:

@shirukitsune @retrxbarnes

Permanent taglist:

@notexactlythatgirl @thisismysecrethappyplace @sofreakinmanyfandoms @pizzarollpatrol @bubblycypress87 @1a-girl-has-no-name1 @loislp @lovenaturefirst @dyanna-corona @2ptonpt @goodnightmode @disneyprincessbuffyannesummers @mannls @cutie1365 @catch22inareddress @mybooradley @sebastianisasnack @butifulsoul125 @unlikelygalaxygiver

Warnings: language, kinda angsty but not too much

A/N: third part of these because I think I'll go crazy if I stay in this kind of semi-hiatus any longer. Hope you enjoy my darlings <3.

The mysterious disappearance of Natasha Romanoff masterlist

Rogue-barnes-16 masterlist

BUCKY’S P. O. V.

Her hands were on the sides of my ribcage to provide her some balance while I was riding to the nearest diner.

It was an odd, though familiar feeling. The way her grip on my leather jacket briefly tightened when I took a turn, or the contact her the front of her legs made with the back of mines.

And I really really didn't want to stop driving, because I had missed that feeling, even if I wouldn't admit it out loud, even if I wanted to think I had moved on.

But I started to slow down the moment we reached the nearest diner's parking lot, and her hands left my jacket to hold herself steady using to the back of the bike.

As soon as the bike was parked, my feet reached the ground, still straddling the vehicle for us to be safe while taking off the helmet.

Once I had accomplished that task, I looked over my, slightly turning my torso to see if Y/n had done the same.

"Wow! okay" I chuckled while that magnetic girl I had just met in the bar —thanks to Carol— combed her recently messed hair with her fingers. "that was... Wild." her eyes were still widely open, but a half smile was now tugging the corner of her lip. "such a ride."

"first time riding a bike?"

"first time in bike with you" she replied, climbing off in a very surprisingly smooth way . "you really gotta slow down, I didn't even have helmet, boy."

I mimicked her movements and grabbed my things before approaching her. "well, I can fix that." we walked side by side to the bar. "I'll get you one."

"you seem pretty confident about me riding with you ever again."

"got a feeling you'll end up liking it" I replied with a smug smirk, opening the door of the establishment for her.

She shook her head no, peeking at me with a half smile tugging the corner of her lips. "Keep dreaming, Bucky."

"with you?" I questioned, following right behind her back into the bar, where both the gang and Carol waited for us. "Always."

"Cheesy."

READER'S P. O. V.

I let the helmet rest on my seat between my things while I combed my hair with my fingers. No matter how short or covered it was, with or without helmet, it always ended up tangled.

I had forgotten that minor inconvenience of riding a bike, specifically with the man I rode with.

"Ready?" he asked, holding the handlebars firmly. I gave him a lazy nod in response and proceeded to hop off the bike. "Let's go then." he walked side by side with me to the diner and when we reached the door, he opened it for me.

As soon as we sat down on the booth that was the furthest from the patrons of the place, the waiter came to take our order, which were just two black coffees, one of them iced.

Bucky waited until we had our coffees to speak, in order to avoid nosy ears, I figured. "It was two days ago." he started, swallowing the first sip of his coffee. "Nat had been keeping an eye on a guy for a while." I motioned for him to continue.

"Why would she do that?" I questioned with a frown. "Thought you were that type of gang, now were you?" I added with sarcasm.

"Wait a fucking second, will ya?" I motioned him to keep going with my hand. "the dude was following this girl." I tilted my head with confusion. "Stalking her."

"I got it the first time, James, I'm not that dumb." he muttered something under his breath, taking another sip of coffee. In reply, I just scoffed. "Why help that girl in particular?"

"We owed his brother a favor. Big one" he added, not quite focused on what he was saying. "Tasha's gonna scare him y'know? But turns out this guy wasn't a creep." he nursed his cup. "He's a rival gang member."

I opened my eyes widely, letting myself fall against the backrest of the booth. "Holy fuck." I always had assumed the Avengers were the only gang. Never in my time with them had I heard about a rival gang, I only knew that was dangerous shit.

Bucky’s blue eyes flickered to me, realizing too late that this was completely new information to me. "Yeah... I told Natasha to quit, we could protect this girl in other ways." he shook his head no. "she said she'll stay, just in case what was happening involved us."

"And then she dissappears." I sighed, massaging my temples, wondering what the fuck I was thinking when I decided I would help. "Bucky, I really don't see why I'm the only option."

"I-- listen." he lifted his gaze subtly to check no one was observing us. "I'm not supposed to be tellin' ya this."

"But you're gonna do it anyway."

He straight up ignored my comment as he mirrored my posture. "we have an inside problem."

"a something or a someone?" I was now definitely regretting the decision of going to my ex's house to lend a hand to his gang. "fuck, James, you better tell me it's a something and not a someone."

His sorry eyes and pursed lips killed my lame hope. "you want me to lie?"

"Yeah, for once I actually want you to lie." he clenched his jaw and diverted his eyes from me. "I went to your place and you have a fucking mole." Bucky’s gaze returned to me intently, shushing me. "don't fucking shush me" I retorted, internally freaking out. "I just put myself in danger 'cause I was stupid enough to decide to help."

"You're not in danger." he replied in low voice.

"okay now, you don't fucking know that."

"Whoever the problem is, they ain't there."

"Yeah sure." thousands of different scenarios that ended up with my corpse in a ditch went through my panicking mind as I stood up to walk away. "this was the worst fucking idea I've ever had." I mumbled under my breath, stepping out of the diner.

The fact that I didn't hear Bucky’s heavy combat boots after me in order to try and change my mind was surprising enough.

What was also surprising was finding another bike approaching the parking lot of the diner, and Clint almost jumping off it.

He took off his helmet way too fast for it to be safe before close to shouting my name. "Y/n!" For some reason, I stopped walking to wait for him to get to me. "Listen--"

"I'm out, Clint. I'm sorry." my apologies were genuine, because I knew how much Natasha meant to the dirty blonde man.

"No! Fuck- hold on for a second please." he begged, raising his hands in front of me to stop me. "I don't know what Barnes told you but--"

"Said that you got a mole inside."

"Fuckin'... Okay, I know you feel like your life is in danger if you help us but listen," his eyes spoke how desperate he was to get to his bestfriend on time. "Nat... You know I can't lose her and I swear if you help us, I'll protect you with my life okay? But please, Y/n... I'm sorry you got mixed into this but we- I really need you to help us."

I clenched my jaw, trying to meditate coolly about my reply to his beg.

I had put my feelings aside in order to think clearer, and that was one hell of a headache, given the people who were involved.

"Y/n please. Please, I swear on my fucking life I won't let anything bad happen to you." Clint assured me in a whisper. "please."

BUCKY'S P. O. V.

I stayed sat in the booth for a brief moment after Y/n had left.

I really didn't know what else I could do to convince her to help us. I didn't know how to make her believe me, to assure her that she wouldn't get hurt on my watch.

I didn't know how to get her to trust me if I promised to keep her safe at all costs, because once you break someone's trust —specially someone's like Y/n's— there was no going back 99% of the times.

"Fuck."

I rushed to the door, attempting to reach Y/n, because I had to convince her. I owed it to Natasha, to Clint, to Sam, to Steve; I owed it to myself, because I kept losing my grasp on Y/n, and in this situation, letting her leave wasn't an option anymore.

When I got out, both helmets in my hands, I saw Clint in front of Y/n, practically begging for her aid.

"Clint... I'm sorry. I really am..." she spoke. "I can't."

"Yeah, you can." she spun around at the same time as Clint's eyes laid on my form over the girl's shoulder. "you can, and you have to."

She was suddenly fuming. "what the hell did you just say?"

"Bucky shut the fuck up and stop making it worse." Clint warned me while Y/n took a couple of steps towards me.

"You have to." I repeated as confident as I could whilst my heart pounded in my chest. "You have to, that's why you came all the way from your fancy ass apartment in Manhattan." it was the fourth sort of conversation I had with the girl I hadn't talked in a year, and I had decided to push her buttons. "'cause no matter how you fucking hate me, y'know you won't be able to sleep at night—"

"Shut the fuck up, Bucky." Clint repeated, almost hysterical as I went on, my eyes locked with Y/n's in an attempt to make her know I meant every word.

"—if something happened to Natasha when, knowing you could've, you refused to help." Y/n pursed her lips, refusing to retort anything. "whether you like it or not, I know you Y/n, and I know you're not gonna leave."

It was the riskiest stunt I had pulled in a while, but after a dreadful instant of silence, I realized it had worked.

"You're so goddamn confident about it, aren't you?"

"I also know you're probably considering leaving, just to fucking prove me wrong."

Silence again, her eyes dug into mines as she closed the distance between the two of us to grab her helmet. "You're so full of yourself."

"I'm right, though." I couldn't help but retort with the lightest tinge of amusement in my tone.

"I'm riding with Clint."

[mystic-kitten-writer]

Limerence [M] ︳12

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW (just a sprinkle of suggestive themes).

Words: 5100+

Notes: Enjoy loves <3

Masterlist ︳11 ︳ 13

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Illecebrous

(English/adj.) Alluring, attractive, enticing.

~ Fire Lord Zuko ~  

            Firebending; a form of bending that is arguably the most aggressive, and with that, also came with the misinformed perspective of being destructive. ‘It's a balance’ Uncle Iroh often said when we practiced, wise words that seemed only to click now.

            With much reluctance, Aang once again tried his best to maintain his posture, despite his laboured breathing. His arms and hands were carefully moving in a circular motion in front of himself as he tried to control the temperature and span of the flames that arose from his hands. I huffed and found myself guiding his hands, “Tense up. This isn’t Waterbending – if you loosen up your muscles, you can easily lose control of the flames.” I criticized. Aang sighed heavily, the muscles in his arms tensing in consideration to my statement, as he tried harder to focus on the span of his flames.

            It didn’t come to a surprise that Aang still wasn’t comfortable with Firebending. That wasn’t to say he hadn’t mastered it, but a trained eye could tell he struggled. To be fair, Airbending and Waterbending shared more similarities in favour of Earth or Fire. I could still vaguely remember hearing Toph complain about Aang’s struggle to learn Earthbending. ‘Stand your ground!’ Toph would often shout, till this day, towards Aang. It made sense, Airbending and Waterbending catered to distance, often staying on the defensive side. Firebending, on the other hand, was pure offensive, up-close and personal, intense and purposeful jabs of chi – the very opposite of what Aang stood for.  

            “Better,” I said with a grin as I noticed the flames were tighter to each other and the heat that radiated from them seemed to intensify. Aang gave me a cheeky smile as beads of sweat dripped from his face before his flames finally died out to nothing but a small puff of black smoke. Aang swiftly began stretching his fingers and jumping around to get his blood pumping, while I observed Aang movements.

            “Aang, I really think you should try out some strength exercises.”

            Aang looked up at me surprised as he cracked his fingers, “What do you mean? Not buff enough?” Aang said with a taunt as he chinned at my naked torso. I laughed and shook my head, “Not because of that you idiot, for your Firebending. Your flexibility is great for Airbending and Water, but not so much for Fire. You need strength.” I started. It was true. Aang was lean, and quick on his feet. But it also bit him in the ass since he lacked the strength to hold his ground.

            “Come on; I’ll let you train with me tomorrow. It’s not like Katara won’t mind an extra muscle or two.” I said teasingly as Aang flushed and scratched his beard. It was funny how different Aang and Sokka were. Aang was shy, a true gentleman, while Sokka, on the other hand, had no filter regarding such matters, often telling me too much information.

            “Was that your trick to getting Yue? Showing off your body?” Aang said with a laugh. I grinned sheepishly, remembering that Ying Yue did see my body after just meeting me. The way her face flushed and she tried pathetically to look anywhere but me. It was adorable - her shyness, and I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself. “Ying Yue? The poor girl couldn’t think straight.” I started, only for Aang to look at me bug-eyed.

            “Y-you mean, you guys l-like…did it?” Aang said baffled. It was my turn to burst out laughing at Aang’s horror as I shook my head, “No! She saw me after training. You know I hate training with shirts or anything tight.” I said quickly, only for Aang to let out a breath of relief.

            “Sokka would kill you if you kissed her, let alone do that,” Aang said with a heave. I awkwardly scratched my head, “Well too bad, since I did already kiss her.” Aang quickly threw his hands up in the air in defeat, “Nice knowing you Zuko. You were a great man; pleasure working with you.” I looked at Aang with wide eyes, as he said his final goodbyes to me. “Oh come on! She’s my girlfriend; I was going to kiss her eventually.” And to be honest, I would have done more if I had my way.

            There was something addictive about Ying Yue.

            A sweet forbidden fruit.

            I always tried my hardest to be sweet, not rough or controlling like our very first kiss, but it was starting to become harder and harder as every kiss went by. Maybe because the more comfortable we got together, the bolder she became as well. The way she would wrap her arms around my neck, press herself against me, she had no clue how much of a tease she was. Especially when she tried to fight back, be bold and seductive. It was rare for her to fight back, often succumbing to my teases, but whenever she did, it made me work harder. The need to make sure she knew she was all mine was stupid, but I couldn’t help it. I just wanted her; absolutely every single part of her.

            “Girlfriend? Damn, you barely referred to Mai as that. You're serious about Yue.” Aang teased as I crossed my arms, “Of course she’s my girlfriend - I gave her the seal, did I not?” Aang raised a brow before shaking his head, “Does Yue know you’re her boyfriend?” I let out a long breath, “What does that mean?”

            “And I'm the idiot! Have you ever asked her out properly?” Aang asked. I opened my mouth to answer but realized he had a point. I never did formally ask her out - did I? But I gave her the seal, I brought her here, and I referred to her as my partner to my family, do I really need to ask her out…formally?

            Aang seemed to take my silence for an answer because he slapped his forehead in disbelief, “You really are dense when it comes to relationships.” I frowned.

            “Well, no shit. If I knew what the hell I was doing, I wouldn’t have my ex and girlfriend living under the same roof and making sure they don’t kill each other – more so the ‘ex’ killing Ying Yue.” Aang laughed before he finally flopped onto the ground, giving up on the ‘warming up’ portion of training.

            “Well first off, you already screwed up because we both know that Yue is a lover. Some way or another, she is going to make Mai like her. And second of all – you need to stop doing and start talking about your feelings. Just because you do something doesn’t make your intentions clear.” Following Aang’s cue, I also lounged on the ground, listening to Aang’s ‘words of wisdom.’

            He had a point. I wasn’t exactly all touchy-touchy. Sure I did nice things for Ying Yue, I always would – she was always on my mind, never leaving no matter how hard I tried. But Ying Yue, on the other hand, had no issue with just flat out saying what she feels. Hell, she told my Uncle what she loved the most about me, not even I had the guts to do that. The more I thought about it; I realized that the only times I really told her how I felt was when she hinted at it first.

            “So…you’re telling me that not only is my ex and her going to be ‘besties’ but I technically still have to ask her out formally?” I said exhausted.

            “You don’t have to do anything, but we both know she would be a sucker for that. And we also know you’re a sucker for making her happy.” I groaned loudly before standing up and getting into an offensive fighting stance. “Get up!” I said exasperatingly. I watched Aang stand up and looked at me puzzled.

            “Wh-what are you doing?” he asked, but began getting into a defensive position.

            “Training. I'm going to kick your ass.” I said annoyed. Aang raised a brow, “Why kick my ass? I just helped you out!”

            “Well, the help would’ve been welcomed a long time ago. Now I have to ask her out soon, or else I'm going to feel like a piece of shit for the rest of the week!” I said frustrated. Aang chuckled, “Don’t take it out on me! I'm just trying to help you out.”

            “And I'm trying to help you out with Firebending – so pay attention, or else you’re going to learn how it feels having one eyebrow.”

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

            I huffed as I glanced upon the small notebook upon my lap, what else could I do? “Sokka! Give me some ideas, things I can do or try out.” I asked. When I didn’t get any response and looked upwards, I saw Sokka lounging on the grass, under the shadow of the large cherry blossom tree, all the while stuffing his face with grapes. I pouted in annoyance, gosh – all this guy does is eat!

            “Momo~! Come, look-” I whispered harshly. Momo’s ears perked up as he looked at me and the giant bowl Sokka had. I grinned mischievously, and began pointing at the bowl, “Go on, grab it!” And without another word, Momo dashed to the bowl. Momo didn’t need to be told twice when it came to food. I couldn’t help but let out a giggle when Momo snatched the bowl from Sokka within seconds and ran up the tree.

            Sokka sat up straight, his mouth dropped in real disappointment, “Wh-what the hell Momo! Those are mine!” Sokka huffed. I poked Sokka’s shoulder, “Sokka, give me some ideas. What are some things I can try out in the Fire Nation?” I asked again. Sokka grumbled under his breath, “I don’t know, did you write eating in the city?”

            I glanced back down to my notebook, ‘eat out in the city’ was written 13 times, now 14. “Is food all you think of?” I asked in defeat. Sokka grinned before flopping back down on the grass. “Doesn’t everyone?”

            “Sokka~! Come on, can you please try?” I whined.

            “Why are you making a list anyways? You live here now!” Sokka said as he threw his arms up in the air. I frowned. He was right – but he didn’t get the point. I knew it was stupid to think this way, but while I lived here, Aang, Sokka, and the gang didn’t. Once the Earth King visited next week, who knows how long Aang and Sokka would be here for. And all I wanted to do was spend as much time with them before they left. I already missed them, and they didn’t even leave yet…

            “Yue…what’s wrong?” Sokka said quietly. My eyes widen in surprise as I noticed Sokka sat up straight now. I pouted and shook my head, closing my notebook. “Nothing…it’s stupid.” I grumbled. Sokka rolled his eyes before he flicked my forehead, “I already know you’re stupid. Now talk.”

            “H-hey!” I said taken aback. Sokka laughed before he wrapped his arm tightly around my shoulders, pulling me into a tight hug. I sighed happily, hugging him back, letting my head rest on his shoulder, “I'm going to miss you…” He grumbled, and I smiled – he already knew what was going through my mind. “I'm going to miss you too…” I said sadly. How did Sokka and Suki do it? The distance…it was painful.

            “Come on; I know something that will cheer you up,” Sokka said suddenly, standing up and dusting off the grass on his pants. I smiled and grabbed Sokka’s outstretched hand, pulling me upwards. It was scorching outside today, the sun beaming high in the sky, and for the first time in years, I was wearing nothing more than a light summer dress. It felt nice wearing something so airy – a plain baby pink chiffon dress, cinched at the waist and a dainty off the shoulder sleeves.

            “Where to?” I asked as Sokka pulled me along and I hugged the notebook tightly to my chest. “To see your man and Aang. They're supposed to be training or something, they invited me, but it's too hot for that. Plus their Firebending? Hell no.” I laughed, mainly because Sokka had a point. Sure, I knew it was going to be hot at the Fire Nation, but today seemed to defy even Fire Nation standards of hot.

            “They're practicing outside?” I asked. Sokka nodded his head, “Yeah, so enjoy the sight of a sweaty Zuko.” Sokka said with a laugh. I blushed and slapped Sokka’s arm, “Ow! Gosh, I said look not touch!”

            “That’s even worse!” I shouted in annoyance, and Sokka snickered, “Well that’s the most you two will ever do. Hand holding at most. I swear if he tries any funny busine-.”

            “SOKKA! I'm a grown woman, fully able to consent to whatever I want!” I said loud, louder than I attended since a few bystanders looked at me a bit flustered. I blushed more, and Sokka flicked my head once again, “You can be 100 for all I care, you’re my little sister!”

            “Oh, but Katara can go have fun?”

            Sokka gave me a look, “Are you kidding me? It took them years to do anything because I was living under the same roof. But now I won’t be here to watch over you and be the giant cock-block.” I laughed, did Sokka just willingly state that he wanted to be a cock-block? Before more could be said great flashes of light caught my attention.

            Sokka stopped, and I looked in front of me, my mouth dropped. Firebending – it really was an underappreciated bending. It was beautiful, the way the flames danced and clashed against each other. Aang and Zuko fought against each other, their bodies tense as they shoot jabs of fire. But my eyes wandered towards Zuko. I’ve never seen him Firebend, and it was one hell of a sight.

            His flames were like an extension of himself. Gosh, the way his muscles flexed under the sun and the sweat, I found myself blushing. Sokka poked my cheek, “I swear Yue, don’t get any ideas or else I'll have to castrate Zuko.”

            I pouted, how could I not fantasize about Zuko seeing him like that. He was just so- hot, sexy, desirable. I bite my lip, an unknown desire suddenly bubbling out. But that was also a lie. Zuko was gentle, careful, and I could tell he was always holding back. As much as I loved that side of him, I found myself craving more; the roughness and possessiveness of our first kiss. It was also the first and only time he referred to me as babe and Yue.

            “Looks like we have an audience,” Aang said suddenly, as he seemed to notice us. Only then Zuko finally stopped, turning around in surprise. I waved shyly, seeing the way Zuko rolled his shoulders back as he relaxed his muscles. He gave me a large cocky smile as he seemed to notice my flushed cheeks. Gosh, I didn’t even watch them fight, I just stared at Zuko as if my life depended on it. “Aang, Zuko totally had you beat,” Sokka said entertained as Aang cheekily rubbed the back of his neck. “I know, Zuko’s flames are no joke.”

            Zuko laughed and slapped Aang’s back, “You just need to get more confident. Let’s call it a day?” Aang nodded, walking over to the benches were Aang had his sweat rag hanging. Zuko turned his attention to me as he slowly walked over, “You need to shower.” I said with a light laugh as he fixed the loose bun on his head. He let his hair fall, and I actually fought back a groan, does he want Sokka to kill him? “I feel gross,” Zuko grumbled as he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. If this is him feeling gross, what’s him feeling sexy? Oh my gosh, stop acting like Suki!

            “Did you eat lunch yet?” Zuko asked. I shook my head, trying to push away the creeping thoughts of desire, “I’m starving because someone here ate all of my snacks.” I muttered. Sokka scoffed, as he furiously denied doing such a thing, what a bum.

            “Perfect, let’s grab lunch together. Down in the city? I haven’t gotten a chance to show you around.” My eyes must have lit up because Zuko chuckled. Zuko and me, together, alone, on a date? I was curious to visit the city on my own, but it proved difficult with my redundant status. “Come with me; I'm going to take a quick shower. Just wait in my room; I’ll be quick.”

            “Oh - but Zuko, you have my new robes in your room!” Aang butted in.

            “Grab them after you wash up, Yue can give them to you if I'm still in the shower.” Aang nodded and soon began to walk off with Sokka, chatting away. “Follow me, I would link arms with you but-” And Zuko quickly pointed at the beads of sweat that fell down his chest to his abs. I blushed once again; he has to be doing this on purpose!

            I walked alongside him, and I couldn’t help but notice the curious side looks we got from the servants. It was funny. The servants would often make up excuses to talk to me, asking if I wanted tea or snacks. It came to the point that Lia angrily shooed them all away, ‘if she needs anything she has me to boss around!’ Was the idea of Zuko liking someone that weird? But that also got me thinking of other matters, like the ever-growing hatred Mai has for me.

            It was crazy how much I tried to avoid her, like the plague. I did try to befriend her, going up to say hi and talk, only for her to literally scoff at my presence and turn on her heel. Since then, all I have received from her were hateful glares; and we were only on day two. As long as she didn’t try any funny business with me, I could manage with the looks. But something told me that by the end of this week we were going to have at least one fight…although I really hope not.

            I knew we entered the palace because the air was suddenly a lot cooler against my skin and I could hear Zuko sigh in relief. Four guards stood at a large door, and in unison moved aside when we got closer, “Avatar Aang and Sokka will be arriving shortly, let them in.” Zuko said, and they nodded. Zuko outstretched his arms and pushed the doors open; then it hit me; I’m in Zuko’s room!

            It was silly; it was just a bedroom. But in my head, the bedroom was something personal. It was where one could go to escape, have some time to themselves, get their energy back. It was crazy how much you could learn about a person from their bedroom. “You okay?”

            My eyes widen, and I looked up at Zuko with a silly smile, “Uh, yeah. It’s just that, I'm, uh, in your room.” I said rushed. Zuko laughed as he observed how flustered I had become. “You know, if you wanted to be here so bad, you could’ve asked. I would gladly have you here, any day or time.” Zuko said playfully. I blushed and slapped his arm, “Just go shower, will you!” I said embarrassed. Gosh, Zuko probably thinks I'm an idiot. Zuko laughed before pointing at the bed, “You can sit down, I'll be quick, I promise.” He said with a quick wink before he dashed off to another door.

            With him gone I could finally observe my surroundings; damn, and I thought my bedroom was huge. The bed alone was the size of my old room; I wonder how big his bathroom was… I quietly walked around, not trying to make it evident that I'm snooping around, but come on, it’s not like Zuko didn’t already know I was a curious spirit. Large windows lined one side of the room, letting the beautiful sunlight dance in the room, and made the place seem more significant.

            The room was well-decorated with red, of course, but I also noticed the random relics he had placed on his dresser. Zuko didn’t seem like someone to keep souvenirs; I guess he is a bit more of a softy then he lets on as my hand gently fell upon a few items. I even noticed a vase of fresh flowers on his bedside table,

‘To Zuzu, because you're the best big brother.’

            I smiled largely. I knew Zuko and Kiyi were close, but the way Zuko cared for Kiyi was as if she was his daughter. I wondered if Zuko wanted kids, did he even want to get married? I knew he had to, but did he want to?

            I looked up and saw that on the other side of the wall he had a bunch of dual swords. That was right…I knew he enjoyed his dual swords, Sokka always grumbled about how well of a fighter Zuko was. But the ones that decorated his room didn’t seem used at all. They were striking, adorned with gems and gold, hell - if Zuko even tried to fight with these I would probably kill him! They were too beautiful to be used in battle.

            Gentle fingers trailing down my back caused me to jump slightly and gasp. “Told you I would see it eventually.” A hushed voice whispered behind me. I was tempted to turn around, but a solid arm wrapped around my waist kept me in place, his fingers gently caressing the base of my neck to the middle of my back with ease. The dress I wore was sleeveless, and with my hair up, my tattoo was almost visible.

            “Zuko…” I said softly, taken aback from his gentle touches, did that much time already pass? I didn’t even hear the water…

             “A cherry blossom tree…with two – no, three cranes flying about…” Zuko said delicately as he continued trailing his fingers down my back until the material of my dress stopped him. I could feel my breath hitch feeling his fingertips begin trailing upwards once again. I had to see him, and with a quick and unexpected twist, I found myself pressed again the wall, happy that I managed to squeeze between an empty spot between his swords.

            I could feel my cheeks getting rosy seeing Zuko. He had a towel loosely wrapped around his waist, his wet hair leaving droplets all over his dried off torso and onto me. His arm was still tightly wrapped around my waist, but this time, he let his other arm raise above my head as he leaned close to me. We were close, painfully close, our noses just barely touching each other as my blood felt like it was boiling. The overwhelming sense of desire just filling the room.

            “Yue…” Zuko said with a heavy breath.

            Yue. He finally called me that - Yue. Something he never referred to me besides that one time. But being this close to him made me thirsty; needy. It was the first kiss all over again, but this time, we both wanted more than just a simple, innocent kiss. Like reality hit Zuko, and he realized what he was doing he began to pull away, but I didn’t want that.

            No. I was sick and tired of having Zuko dance around me with fear, trying to act all cool and gentleman-like. I didn’t want that; I didn’t fall for Zuko because of that. I fell for him because of the teasing, his confidence, and his overwhelming presence that managed to consume every fiber in my body. Zuko wasn’t going to do anything unless I made a move first, that much was evident with the kiss and fuck. If that’s how he wanted to play, so be it. I'm going to make Suki and Toph proud.

            And made them proud, that I did.

            I wrapped my arms around Zuko’s neck and pulled him close, pushing him back on top of me and crashing my lips against his out of desperation. My fingers ran through his hair, and Zuko grunted as I tugged. Our hands feverishly danced amongst our bodies, trying to seek something, anything to satisfy the burning desire that wanted to explode. My body felt like it was on fire, a foreign feeling that I could feel in my stomach.

            Zuko pulled away, and I whined, my eyes still closed as I frantically tried to pull him back, “Fuck, Yue – babe, you’re going to be the death of me.” Zuko growled as I giggled mischievously, enjoying seeing Zuko come undone. Zuko glared harshly at me, not happy seeing me enjoy the mess I put him in before he pushed me up against the wall once again. I gasped, taken aback, but that all changed when he pushed my head to the side, placing rough kisses down my neck.

            My eyes fluttered closed, pleasant sighs escaping my lips as I repeated Zuko’s name like a mantra. “Fuck. Do you know how beautiful you sound? I could listen to you all day.” Zuko groaned as he continued placing sloppy and pulling kisses against my skin. I knew they were going to leave marks, but that’s what he wanted. “Just say the word, and I’ll stop,” Zuko muttered as the kisses he placed slowly started going from my neck to my collar bone and lower. But that’s the thing – I didn’t want him to stop. Not ever. I arched my back, the pleasure just growing more and more –

            “YOU KNOW WHAT, I CAN GRAB MY ROBES ANOTHER TIME.”

            My eyes widen in shock, and within seconds I could feel Zuko stand in front of me, pulling me close to his chest. Aang’s cheeks were red as he struggled to leave the room, trying desperately to look anywhere but us. But to both of our horror Sokka busted in, annoyed, “Dude, what’s taking you so lon-”

            Sokka’s eyes widen, and his mouth dropped. He looked back and forth between Zuko and me. It was obvious what we were doing. My bun was no longer a bun, my dress was barely covering my chest, and Zuko’s towel hung on a thread around his waist. But what terrified me more was that Sokka was silent. I could see the wheels turning in his head, trying to make sense of everything.

            “Oh for fucks sakes, get out!” Zuko yelled out annoyed as he tried to lift the top half of my dress. I blushed as I tried to hide behind Zuko’s large frame – oh my gosh. Sokka is going to kill me. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead…

            Sokka sighed heavily before he grabbed a flabbergasted Aang, “I swear Zuko, if I become an Uncle anytime soon-” Zuko rolled his eyes, and quickly started adjusting his towel, “If you don’t leave I'll show the parts that I'll use to make those nephews and nieces of yours!” The door shut behind them and I stood there, stunned.

            Zuko finally turned to me, a very confident smirk on his face. He let a finger gently gaze my cheek before falling on top of my parting lips, “You babe, are tempting. Too good for your own good. And if you wanted me that bad, you should have told me. It would have saved us some embarrassment.” He spoke, coolness oozing from every word. He stepped back, and I finally took a breath.

            “I'm going to change now so we can go. Sokka is going to yell my ear off.”

            “Ah- uh, y-you know. I think I'm going to wait outside.” I said timidly as I tried desperately to control the heat growing within me. Zuko chuckled and nodded, before he pushed some of my hair forward, covering one side of my neck, oh my gosh I have hickies!

            “I think that’s a smart idea; self-control is something you don’t have around me,” Zuko said with a teasing laugh. I blushed harder, as I pushed all of my hair to the side, and brushed my fingers through. “See you outside!” I squealed before I pushed through the door and found myself outside.

            To my surprise, Aang nor Sokka was there in the hallway. But that was also a good thing; I need to change out of this dress, I can’t keep my hair in front of my chest all day. I walked a little farther away, away from the guards that stood at Zuko’s door as I tried to regain my bearings. As mortifying as it was to get caught, that didn’t change the fact that Zuko was terrific. The kisses, his touches, he was right – I really did lack self-control. Since when did I become so- but my thought process came to a stop when my eyes fall upon a lady at the end of the hallway.

            Her eyes met mine, and it was a strange connection – as if I should know who she was. They were familiar, her eyes reminding me of Zuko’s, down to the golden shimmer. Her long raven hair was pin-straight and pushed behind her shoulders, and she held such a lethal smile; almost forced. All giddiness left, and I felt scared, genuinely scared.

            “Yue, love?”

            I gasped as I turned to face Zuko, who was looking over me with a look of concern. “Are you okay?’ He said as he studied my shock. I smiled feebly and shook my head, “I-I think I saw someone…” I muttered. Zuko frowned as he looked over my shoulder, but she was gone. But she-she was just there…

            “Yue…if you want I can tighten security around the palace if you're not feeling safe-”

            “N-No!” I said, trying to sound calm but I couldn’t shake the uneasiness. “I-I-I think I'm just a bit overwhelmed. Being in a new place and so many things happening.” I said. But I realized I was trying to convince myself more than him. What has gotten over me? She was probably just a maid! Zuko looked over me begrudgingly, not believing for a second what I was saying, but thankfully he dropped it.

            “Come here, let’s get going. Get you some fresh air and food before Sokka kills us…” Zuko spoke gently as he pulled me close and kissed my forehead. I smiled softly. I'm safe…right?

Copyright © 2019 Mystic-Kitten, inc. all rights reserved. No reposting, modifying, or translations of any kind allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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