#and!!! i woke up in the morning and then! i must’ve fell back asleep because 2 hours had passed! what?! sleep being effortless?!?

[boomerang109]

guys this sleep thing is CRAZY

[antiwhores]

You accidentally had sex with Bakugou.

You two had fallen asleep in his room after a hang out. You were bestfriends but you had some underlining feelings for him. So when you woke up in the middle of the night to him cuddling you, you almost choked.

You needed to pee really bad so sadly you had to pry yourself out of his arms. When you came back his eyes were cracked open just barely. He mumbled something before opening his arms for you to join him again.

It was out of character, maybe tired Bakugou was just a touchy guy. It couldn’t be more than that.

So you joined him on the bed. You buried your face into his neck. You had to savor this cause most likely this’ll be the last time this happens. Also, you were too tired to freak out. You just wanted to fall asleep in his arms.

You can barely explain what happened after that. He hiked your leg onto him, still with his half open eyes, and thrusted right against your clothed pussy.

The next thing you know, he’s dry humping you. And then he’s fingering you. And finally he’s fucking you.

It felt good, too good.

But the morning after? You felt embarrassed. No way you just fucked him without even a first date. He’s gonna think you’re easy. He might even tell everyone that you are.

Of course, that would never happen but you were panicked. You couldn’t possibly comprehend that the great Dynamight chose you. You weren’t famous. Not a vogue model, a hero, or even wealthy. You had nothing to give him.

He had to be messing with you.

So you slipped out of his hold at 5am sharp and went home.

You fell back to sleep in tears and woke up to several texts and calls. Good thing you had your ringer off.

Bakugou - 6:34am

Where’d you go?

I was gonna make you breakfast dumbass

Bakugou - 6:52

Y/n?

Missed call - 7:00am

Bakugou - 7:30

Is this about last night?

I’ll wait for that call back so we can talk about it.

Missed call - 10:03am

Bakugou - 10:05

Call me and we can talk about it. This ignoring me isn’t gonna make it go away.

Missed call - 11:12

Missed call - 11:26

Missed call - 11-31

Bakugou - 11:40

Fucking call me back, this shit isn’t funny.

You’re so lucky I don’t know where you live yet. I’d be there in 15 minutes if I knew.

You debated calling him back. But your embarrassment and anger stopped you from letting him explain himself. How could he use your feelings against you like that! He probably knew that you liked him and wanted a quick fuck.

You started to cry all over again.

A week passed by with no contact. He sent you the occasional text telling you to talk to him but after the 6th day he seemed to give up. At least you thought that until he showed up at your door.

You opened the door wide without checking who it was since you were expecting a package. Your eyes widened when you noticed the blonde leaning against the doorframe, still in his hero costume. He must’ve just gotten off work, saving civilians and climbing the charts. It was another reminder of how he could never want you.

“You gonna let me in or am I-“

You tried to slam the door in his face but he shoved it back open easily. He let himself in, scanning the place.

“Nice place, ‘don’t see why you hadn’t invited me over.”

Maybe it’s because your small, cosy apartment didn’t compare to his high rise penthouse at the top floor.

You grabbed his arm and tried to pull him out. But he wasn’t having it and didn’t let you move him an inch.

“You need to leave, Bakugou.”

“Wow. Last name basis and I was inside you a week ago.”

“Yeah well that shouldn’t have happened.”

“Okay but it did so let’s fuckin’ talk about it.”

You just wanted him to leave before you bursted out in tears. You shook your head, trying to pull him harder but to no avail. Your lip quivered in frustration as tears welled up in your eyes.

Suddenly, he threw you over his shoulder and set you on the couch.

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

You broke down in tears.

You told him everything, every assumption you made and every insecurity. You told him how you liked him but you knew he didn’t like you back. He sat there patiently, not speaking a word until you were done.

He got up with a blank face. You thought he was gonna leave at first but he kneeled down to be eye to eye with you.

“Wanna go on a date?”

It surprised you. It was the last thing he expected you to say.

“I’ll take you on a date and prove to you how much I want you. And for the record, I’ve probably liked you longer than you have me. When we met in that coffee shop I immediately knew you were the one I wanted. ‘S rude of you of you to make assumptions but I’ll let it pass if you go on a date with me.”

You agreed as he wiped off your tears. Who were you to say no?

[fcwoso]

Family dinner · Alexia Putellas

Summary: alexia's wish to stay home wasn't fulfilled but she couldn't do anything about the cuddly mood she was in, this lead to the perfect opportunity for her sister to tease her about it

Based on this request :) MASTERLIST

You were finally able to enjoy a slow morning. Alexia’s schedule didn’t really allow you two to sleep in together in the weekends, she either had a training to attend or was held busy with different meetings and appointments. So, these moments were very appreciated, waking up without an alarm, in your lovers arms. You didn’t have anything planned today and decided to see what the day would bring you.

It didn’t take long before you felt your girlfriend stir behind you, a soft sigh escaping her lips before she slowly woke up. She must’ve felt you move when you reached out to your phone to see what time it was. The sun was peeking through the curtains, and you didn’t feel like going back to sleep because you didn’t want to waste a single moment of the free day you had with Alexia. Her arms were holding you firmly to her chest in a warm embrace, one you wouldn’t mind spending a few more hours in. ‘’Good morning.’’ She mumbled against the back of your head before placing a kiss. You returned the words and rubbed your hand over hers, waiting for her to fully wake up.

‘’Did you have a good sleep?’’ The blonde asked, you decided to turn around and face her instead. Her pouty lips were the first thing your eyes fell one once you turned around in her embrace and you couldn’t refrain yourself from leaving a small peck on them. ‘’I slept great.’’ You answered, trying to keep your laughter in as you remembered Alexia’s sleep talking. ‘’Hmm, what’s so funny?’’ She tiredly asked while she stretched her free arm before resting it around your shoulder. You shook your head and chuckled, ‘’You were sleep talking last night. You said something along the lines of pass the ball, Joder! (fuck)’’. The embarrassment was visible on the blonde’s face, she was fulfilling her job as a captain even when she asleep.

You two decided to lay down for another twenty minutes or so and continued talking about random things. Alexia hinted she was in the mood for some home-made pancakes, so she then basically commanded you to make them. It was her day as she said, and she was not holding back from eating everything she had been craving for the past week. It took Alexia a lot of energy to get out of the warm bed, whining while begging you to stay next to her. To be honest, she almost succeeded in convincing you, but you stood your ground and threw the covers off of your bodies. The cold air hit your skin while you made your way over to the bathroom to begin your morning routine. Alexia scrolled on her phone while she gave you your space, deciding to get up once you were done.

You suddenly heard a noise when you walked into the kitchen, seeing you had received a notification when your phone lit up. It was Alba, Alexia’s sister, who texted you to remind you of the dinner they were hosting at her mothers home later today. One of your hands made a way to your forehead, lightly slapping it because you totally forgot about it. Alexia told you last week that you were invited, but she had only shortly mentioned it. It seems that it had slipped out of both your minds. A sigh left your lips, you knew you were going to have to drag your girlfriend to her childhood home, remembering how she kept clinging on your arm just moments ago. She was in a lazy, cuddly mood. The weather was also contributing to it, grey clouds were visible in the sky and the small raindrops that hit your window didn’t go unheard.

‘’Want me to grab the ingredients?’’ You heard the blonde ask while she came to stand by your side, a bigger hand resting on your hip. She saw you put the phone down with a frown and you quickly nodded, ‘’Yes, please.’’ Alexia made her way to the fridge to grab some things out, and saw you were busy typing away on your phone once she stood back next to you again. She saw her sisters name on the screen and got curious.

No, we didn’t forget about it! We’ll be there :)

The blonde began to think after she read the last message you sent, her brains cracking while she tried to figure out who the we is and where they were going. You saw her looking in the corner of your eye and chuckled once you saw the expression on your face. ‘’The dinner? Remember?’’ You asked while starting to prepare the pancakes. Alexia’s eyes grew wide, and she let out a groan, in a very dramatic way. ‘’No, not today. We’re staying home. Okay, bebé?’’ She continued, pleading you to say yes while she slung her arms around you before placing kisses all over your face. You attempted to shrug her off of you, shaking your head as you began to whisk the pancake batter. ‘’Ale, do you really think I’m going to say no to your sister?’’ You laughed. ‘’It’s been a while since we’ve sat together, I’ve missed them.’’ You finished. It was true, this dinner had been on the planning for ages, and you have been wanting to catch up with your girlfriends family.

Alexia huffed, lips pouted as her eyes were focused on your hands, not really being able to be frustrated with you due to the fact that you were making a nice breakfast for her. She rolled her eyes at the thought of not spending the day with you alone, cuddled up on the couch and enjoying each other’s warmth. Maybe she was being childish, she thought, but quickly shrugged the thought away when she realized it was okay to be selfish sometimes. Just like now.  ‘’Oh, we need to stop by the flower shop.’’ You suddenly said, remembering the flowers Ale’s mother liked. ‘’And we need to get something for your sister as well.’’ Alexia let out a small groan, not as moody as before, but she was still upset at the change of plans. ‘’What about me?’’ She whined, while looking at you, waiting for an answer she’d be pleased with. ‘’You get your pancakes.’’

The morning went by pretty fast, and so did the rest of the day until it was time to prepare yourselves to leave for dinner. Both of you were dressed nice, but casual, knowing that you would be in the comfort of Alexia’s family home. You both got in the car, after a small complaining session of your girlfriend, and headed to buy some flowers first. Alexia decided to get a bottle of wine for her sister, so you went to another store to get that. You noticed how she was being clingier than usual, it was nothing strange, but it didn’t take you long before you realized she really wanted to stay home. A hand was rested on your thigh, frequently squeezing the flesh of your leg while the blonde held the wheel with her other hand. She gave you small glances every now and then, and hummed along the words of the song that was playing from the car speakers.

You were warmly greeted by Alexia’s family, her sister and mother had immediately engulfed you in a tight embrace and scolded the Barcelona player for arriving so late. It was just a few minutes, but you couldn’t help but laugh and nod, adding more fire to the fuel. Alexia didn’t care, though. She was too busy giving you heart eyes, a hand resting on your lower back in an attempt to keep you close to her. Alba nudged her older sister once you left their presence and followed their mother to the living room, ‘’Sis, are you okay?’’ She asked with a teasing smile on her face. ‘’I almost didn’t recognize you, where did your serious face go?’’ Alexia pushed her arm away, ‘’I don’t know what you’re talking about.’’ Was the only thing she replied before heading over to where you were seated, just like a lost puppy.

You had already taken place at the table with a drink in front of you while you waited for dinner to be served. Ale’s mother sat down momentarily to talk with you, catching up a bit before her daughters were going to storm in. And they did. Your girlfriend walked in a fast pace, her younger sister trailing behind her while keeping a laugh in. You smiled at the scene and wondered what had happened in the meantime.

Alexia returned the smile and sat down next to you, scooting her chair a bit closer to yours, leaving no space between your legs. Her sister took place in front of you and raised her eyebrows, fighting back to not say anything. You suddenly felt a warm hand hold yours, fingers intertwining under the table. You squeezed your lover’s hand before returning to the conversation you were having with Alba. Her sharp eyes noticed how the table cloth slightly moved and the sweet smile on Alexia’s face didn’t go unnoticed either. Ale had her chin propped on her free hand and her eyes were glancing at your lips, not having a clue what you were talking about because she was lost in her thoughts. The woman in front of you coughed and made your girlfriend stir at the sudden noise. They shortly made eye contact with each other, and Alexia gave her sister a stern look, shutting her up before she could make an embarrassing comment.

It didn’t take long before dinner was served, the aroma filled the room and the food that laid in front of you looked amazing. Ale’s touch had left yours a few minutes ago when she got up to wash her hands, right after you had washed yours. Alba got up at the same time and you saw the scene that you were laughing at, at the beginning of the night, unfold again. They both returned to their place while their mother filled everyone’s plate. The blonde next to you swiftly turned your way and placed a kiss on your forehead, ‘’You look so pretty, Amor.’’ Was what she mumbled, making you feel all mushy. You were a bit taken back by her openness at the dinner table but didn’t think anything of it. She was probably still in her cuddly mood.

You felt a blush creep on your cheeks when you saw Alba's gaze on you two, shaking her head at her sisters behaviour. She made a mental note to tease her sister about this, already invisioning Alexia's embarassed face and poor attempts to deny her clingy antics.

Everyone was enjoying their food and drinks, you were talking about the things that had happened since the last time you had seen each other. Alexia kept making you eat from her food, raising a fork to your mouth to taste whatever she was having. The women that were sat in front of you shared a look everytime the blonde next to you did something to get your attention. It was either offering you food, accidently nudging you with her arm or say something that would make you giggle. You noticed how Alexia's mother tried to shut her other daughter up everytime a teasing grin would grow on her face.

You were halfway done with your food and leaned back in your chair, slowly sipping on your drink. Alexia noticed your relaxed look and hesitated to make a move, having missed your touch. Her mother and sister were discussing something, so she took her chance. The blonde quickly wiped her lips clean with a paper towel once she saw your hand make its way to your fork, returning back to eat. She glanced at you before giving you a soft smile and leaned in to hold your face in her palm, kissing the tip of your nose before moving to your lips, pecking them. Alba couldn't refrain herself anymore and put her fork down while looking at her sister and groaned, "Oh, come on. Let the poor thing eat!"

[blossoming-mind-palace]

Chung Myung x Fem! Reader: 100 Years and a Promise (SFW/Part 4/Finale)

Summary: You’re both used to your new life. A few years have passed and things are comfortable. This part has a sillier vibe than the last. It’s also the last SFW part I’m writing.

Contains: Fem! Reader, Alcohol mention (thanks Chung Myung), hangovers, Chung Myung being jealous, Jo Gul getting bullied because Chung Myung is jealous (sorry Jo Gul), a Chung Myung POV I’m not very proud of but it’s there

WC: 5,184

Chung Myung feels warm sunlight hit his eyelids as he begins to stir. His head is pounding thanks to last night’s activities, and the grogginess is not helping. A faint snoring hits his eardrums, but it takes him a moment to realize they were too soft to be his. He jolts up when he realizes that someone else is in his room.

He tries to look around, but not too fast to avoid vomiting. It feels like someone is holding his hand, so he looks down to investigate and finds you lying on the side of his bed. It looks as if you fell asleep while sitting on his bedroom floor, and he can’t imagine that sleeping like that is comfortable.

You feel someone nudging your cheek, and when you wake up there’s a creek in your neck and a slight headache. My headache can’t be as bad as Chung Myung’s considering how much he drank, you think, and look up to see him staring at you. “Oh, good morning,” you say softly. You're assuming he has a hangover, and you don't want to make it worse by speaking too loud.

“Morning,” he replies and immediately follows it with a yawn. You notice that one hand covers his mouth, but the other is preoccupied with holding yours. You must’ve fallen asleep while holding hands, how scandalous! Imagine if someone walked in on you two. Your peers wouldn't let you live that down for years.

“Chung Myung, can you let go of me, please?” you ask after a futile attempt to retrieve your hand. “Do I have to?” “Yes, because you need to burn off that alcohol and take a bath, stinky,” you say and get up from your uncomfortable spot. “I’ll go draw a bath for you while you get rid of your hangover, m’kay?” You tell him this so he’ll let go, and he does. You run off to heat up some water for the wooden tub, and Chung Myung is left alone with his own thoughts.

- Chung Myung’s POV

“I’ll go draw a bath for you while you get rid of your hangover, m’kay?” is what (y/n) said before she left the room. After taking care of my hangover, my mind is still plagued by her. No matter how hard I try I cannot stop thinking about her and the way she glows in the moonlight. I’m not entirely sure if that beautiful scene from last night was real or a dream, and if it was a dream, I’m upset that I woke up from it.

She looked divine, but did she always look like that? Even a hundred years ago? I'm a fool for not realizing this sooner. I also can’t help but wonder if she’s always been so soft and caring towards me. I suppose she was when I wasn’t causing trouble and trying to start fights. She’s always made sure I’ve eaten, patched me up, and has helped me achieve my goals.

Just thinking about her makes my chest feel warm, and I can’t figure out why I constantly feel the need to hold her. It’s as if she’s holding a magnet that’s constantly pulling me towards her… Is this what romantic love feels like?

Everytime I look back on my previous life, I’m certain there’s a familial love I feel towards people like Chung Mung, but this is different. This is a new uncharted territory, and it makes me feel anxious. It’s not a bad version of anxiety; it’s hard to explain. These feelings are complicated and I really wish it didn’t take me this long to notice them. Life would be easier if I knew what to do next, but I don’t even know if she feels the same.

Knock knock! “Chung Myung, I’m coming in!” I hear her yell. Think of the woman and she shall appear. She walks in and continues,” It’s hot and ready, so hurry before it gets cold.” “(y/n), can I ask you something?” I ask. After last night and realizing my feelings, something has been bothering me.

She mentioned something about starting a family back in the day, and that she already had someone in mind. Obviously that never happened, but the thought of her loving someone else upsets me. She loved this person, but I never heard anything else about him. I never even noticed anyone getting that close to her, so whoever it was, he wasn’t very public with his feelings. Could this mean he didn’t care about her? Did he even love her in the first place? I’m probably overthinking things, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask her about him.

I feel the mattress dip while she sits beside me, and the curious expression on her face makes my heart beat faster. Since when was her expressions so cute!? She’s pulling such an adorable face, and the fact that I can’t pull her towards me and mash my lips on hers is killing me!

My face is definitely beet red, and I know that she’s noticed because she asks,” Are you feverish again? I thought you were getting rid of your hangover? I’d rather talk to you when you have a clear mind-” “I did! It’s clear enough! Now, let me ask you something,” I say. I can’t help but anticipate her answer; I’ve waited over one-hundred years to find out who this man is. I’m going to be pissed if it turns out he was an asshole towards her.

- Reader’s POV

“Remember the promise you made to me?” he asks, and you shake your head. You’re lying of course; you didn’t expect him to remember such a thing! “I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve made a lot of those over the past hundred-and-something years, so you’re gonna have to clarify,” you reply while twirling your hair around, and it suddenly feels like eye contact is more intimidating than any war you’ve fought in.

“You promised me you’d tell me who you loved before the war ended. It’s ended, so now you have to tell me!” He clears the air and his face is filled with anticipation. “O-Oh! I don’t remember that-” “Bullshit! You made a pinky promise, too, so you HAVE to answer the question!”

Oh, I fucked up. You think, because you actually have to answer his question now. There’s no backing out of something as serious as a pinky promise. You try your best to create a lie but struggle to come up with anything. You decided that giving vague answers would be your best bet.

“He was tall, dark and handsome,” you reply with a falsely confident smirk plastered on your face. He raises an eyebrow,” Tall, dark and handsome?” “Mhm!” “That is painfully vague, (y/n). That description matches almost everyone in the sect,” he points out. His expression looks genuinely upset and he’s not playing around like all those years ago. He continues,” How long are you going to keep this from me? At this point, I’d assume he was never real in the first place. You’d never do something like that, though. Right?”

You look down at your palms and notice that they’re starting to sweat. You stare at the floor like it’s infinitely more interesting than your conversation, because you’re trying your best to avoid what’s about to happen. You really don’t want to look him in the eyes and tell him the truth. It'll be painfully awkward, but it looks like that might happen soon.

”Right, (y/n)?” He asks, and there’s an awkward silence that fills the air afterwards. “Dammit, (y/n), please tell me you didn’t lie about that…” “Okay, so here’s the thing. The part about wanting to settle down was genuine, but I couldn’t find a bachelor I liked. When I finally did, the crush was one-sided.”

”When you kept pestering me about who it was, I panicked and didn’t know what to say. Back then, I didn’t want to look lame in front of you, so I told you it was a secret!” You blurt out. You release a sigh to loosen up the tightness in your chest caused by all of this stress and continue,” I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to lie and lead you on like that. Honestly, I thought you would have forgotten by now. That was over a hundred years ago, but you still remembered that little promise we made.”

“Of course I did. I didn’t know how to show it or realize how much I cared about you back then. When you died, I tried to cherish every memory you left behind,” he answers while rubbing the back of his neck. Talking about your death upsets him, and he’s trying his best to not show it. The mattress dips as you sit beside him. “Aw, Chung Myung, that’s so sweet. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’ve gotten soft since then,” you elbow him while you tease him in hopes that it lightens the mood.

Your teasing certainly gets a reaction out of him as he retorts,” No, I have not!” His arms cross while he continues,” Anyways, back to you. So you did all of that because you were awkward and couldn’t pull anyone. Instead of looking like a loser in front of your friend, you lied and kept that secret for over a hundred years.” “I mean, yeah, most of that is true. Except for the awkward part. I was hot and I could’ve pulled anyone I wanted!” “Except for the guy you had a crush on,” he points out.

You frown, because that guy was technically him and him pointing that out stings. You quickly recover from this, though. You’ve had this unrequited love for years, so hiding your true feelings is as easy as breathing. You chuckle and reply,” Yeah, except him.”

”Seeing how upset you are makes me regret everything. I should be more upfront with stuff like that, and I’m sorry for keeping that from you. It was wrong of me to do that,” your gaze looks serious while you apologize. You grab his hand while you continue,” I swear I’ll never do something like that again.” You notice his cheeks turn red, maybe from anger? Who knows. Chung Myung’s mind is hard to read and he’s unpredictable. That’s why you enjoy his company so much. He keeps you on your toes.

He lets out a long sigh,” You swear it?” “I swear it.” “Well then I’ll accept your apology, but make sure you stay true to your word. They hold no weight if you don’t practice what you preach,” he says, and you couldn’t agree more. After finally getting all of that out, you feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders.

“It’s settled, then,” you say as you get up and hold your hand out to him. “The bath water has probably gotten cold by now, but you still need to clean up.” “Yeah, yeah,” he says as he takes your hand and gets off of his bed. “You still stink like alcohol,” you comment. It’s not overbearing, but it’s not what an honorable disciple of Mount Hua should smell like.

”I do not!” “You do, stinky.”

-

After that morning, you noticed Chung Myung started acting differently. Anytime you’d hand him something his fingers would ghost over yours. When you walked side by side, he’d walk so close that your hands would brush together. Any bystander would think you two were about to start holding hands.

He’s also been weirdly aggressive towards some of the disciples. Well, he’s always been like that, but lately it’s increased ten fold towards disciples that are “suspiciously friendly” towards you. That’s what he said when you asked him about his attitude, and you just assumed he was being extra protective since you two were old friends.

You’ve overheard disciples gossiping about you two. They say that you guys act like a couple, and you’re secretly in a relationship. That last part is kind of dumb in your opinion. Dating is technically allowed so hiding it makes no sense, and even if it wasn’t, Chung Myung isn’t afraid to break the rules. He already drinks like someone who’s about to have their limbs amputated, so a petty rule like that is nothing to him.

While walking to the dining hall, you overhear a group of younger disciples actually talk about who’s dating who, and you think you heard them drop your name and Jo Gul's. You decide to ignore it and mind your business; there’s no need to ruin your day with something like that. You have something more important to concentrate on, anyway, and that’s dinner.

When you enter the dining hall, the fragrance coming from the rich meats and spices fills your senses. Your stomach starts to growl; the roasted meat on the table is the only thing you can think about right now. Never mind the gossiping disciples from earlier, food is ten times more important than the nonsense they spat!

You make your way over to your usual spot, and Jo Gul and Yunjong are already there. When you sit down, your mouth starts to water at the sight of beef glistening in a spicy sauce, roasted vegetables, fluffy white rice, and crispy chicken. Your stomach growls at the exquisitely appetizing scene in front of you, and you waste no time in grabbing a plate and filling it to the brim.

“(Y/N), don’t steal all of the food! Save some for the rest of us! I’m begging you!” Jo Gul playfully wines while giving you puppy eyes. You roll your own eyes at him,”Of course I’m not going to eat everything, Jo Gul… Or will I?” You snicker at him, and he’s acting overly dramatic as he makes a devastated face at your response.

”Just kidding!” You laugh at him. “Here, have a bite!” You say as you toss a chunk of meat at him. He flawlessly catches it in his mouth, and can’t help but smile while he chews it. The flavors are so divine it’d put a smile on anyone’s face.

You hear someone’s foot steps approach you from behind, but you pay them no attention as you grab another piece of meat between your fingers. “One more time! Say ‘Ahhhh’!” You tell Jo Gul while you aim. He starts to open his mouth, but closes his lips when he looks over your shoulder. He is visibly nervous when he makes eye contact with the person behind you.

Yunjong, whose lips were originally smiling during your guys’ exchange, have now turned down slightly. Your eyes follow theirs, and they land on Chung Myung. He looks intimidating while he towers over you. Well, intimidating to other disciples, but not to you. You’re used to his pissy face at this point. It has its own unique charm.

”Chung Myung, it’s about time you joined us!” You chime in, and he finally stops glaring daggers at poor Jo Gul. His attention snaps to you and his gaze softens. The expression he makes towards you is so tender, and it brings a sentimental warmth to your chest. It reminds you of how grateful you are that you two are here living with each other again.

”Here, sit beside me!” You say while patting on the chair beside you. He follows suit, but gives Jo Gul the side eye before filling up his plate. Did something happen between them? You think, but brush it off. There’s no need to pry into that right now. If you bring it up, Chung Myung might get pissed at him again and raise hell. Everyone’s happy because we’re surrounded by food; better not change that.

Except the mood did change unwillingly. Even as he ate, you could still see that there was something wrong with Chung Myung and Jo Gul looked terrified. There was an awkward silence that felt like it droned on forever until Jo Gul decided to do something about it. ”So, (Y/N), the weathers been good, right? Lots of… Sun…” the poor guy tried so hard to break the uncomfortable silence. He stopped the silence, but the atmosphere was still awkward.

“Jeez, that’s how you’re going to start this conversation? I don’t mean to judge, but… Nevermind, I’m judging,” You reply to him. You swear you saw Chung Myung smirk out of the corner of your eye. “What’s so funny, Chung Myung?” You turn and ask him. Something clearly happened between the two of them, and they're starting to make this evening unbearable.

”It’s nothing, don’t worry about it,” he replies while digging into his food. It's your turn to give him a side eye, but you decide to ignore him and redirect your attention to your meal. After eating in peace for a couple of minutes, you see something fly out of the corner of your eye. You tried to mind your business, but the second time you snapped your head in the direction it landed.

Poor Jo Gul got smacked in the face with a smidge of sauce. You notice that there’s another glob heading towards him, so you catch it mid-air with a napkin. Your eyes follow the direction it came from, and notice that Chung Myung is looking really suspicious.

“Chung Myung, did you throw this?” You ask and stare him down. His eyes refuse to meet yours while he replies,”Me? No, that’s wasting food. I’d never!” He cracks a smile. “You’re a terrible liar,” you say, and a small piece of chicken hits him on the cheek. He glares at the culprit, and this time it’s Jo Gul that's on the attack.

“Are you stupid!?” Yunjong blurts out at Jo Gul. It looks like someone will have to plan his funeral later. Immediately after Yunjong’s outburst you watch Chung Myung throw a large piece of chicken at Jo Gul, and a food fight is definitely going to break out if you don’t stop this.

You decide not to, because this is the most entertaining thing you’ve seen all week. Thanks to Jo Gul’s terrible aim, someone that was sitting at the table behind us got involved. Everything escalates quickly, and there’s a food war breaking out in the lunch hall.

It’s chaos. They somehow even got Yunjong involved, which surprised you. He’s so quiet and seems like a goody two shoes, but here he is slinging handfuls of rice like it’s no one’s business. You feel something sticky hit the side of your head, and now there’s sauce stuck in your hair. Time to get involved!

You shoot out of your chair and fling your food at your attacker. It was Jo Gul, and it smacks him in the face. He’s covered in what was going to be your leftovers and you can’t help but laugh at the sour expression on his face.

Chung Myung takes this opportunity to grab an entire chicken, stuffs one of the legs in his mouth, and chucks it at Jo Gul’s head. The poor guy tries to hit it before it lands on his face, but fails. The force of this chicken actually knocks him off of his feet, and his butt smacks on the hardwood floor.

Chung Myung starts walking towards Jo Gul with a chair, and you grab him by the waist to make him stop. “Jeez, at least let him get up! And what’s with the chair? That’s too far!” You yell at him. “Mmmph!” Is all you hear while you grab at his arms. He looks annoyed at your sad attempts to stop him, but you eventually rip the chair out of his arms. If you weren’t there, Jo Gul definitely would’ve gained another head injury thanks to Chung Myung.

While you sit the chair down and scold Chung Myung, you hear a slam coming from the entrance and everyone halts. ”What’s going on!?” You hear one of the elders yell. You’re all fucked.

-

“Man, I’m beat!” You sighed while walking to your room. You tried your best to get you and your friends out of punishment, but it backfired. They made you mop AND wash the dishes. Chung Myung didn’t have to help you with the dishes, he didn’t even get punished, but he still helped you anyway. That was sweet of him. You think as you walk side-by-side.

You finally got to bathe after all of that, and you can’t wait to go to bed. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” He suddenly asks. “What do you mean?” “Our life right now,” he clarifies. “Yeah, you’re right. I mean, the last one was nice and I miss it sometimes, but this current one is good, too. We get to be young again and have fun. It’s especially fun since you’re here,” you reply while elbowing him.

He’s giving you another one of those tender smiles, and his eyes soften. You’re ridiculously pretty in this life, too. You think to yourself. “I think these new disciples have grown on me, too,” you add. “Maybe a bit too much,” you heard Chung Myung say that under his breath.

“Oh? Afraid I’ll replace you with one of them?” You ask and Chung Myung stops dead in his tracks. You stand in front of him as you tease,” Are you getting jealous, Chung Myung?” “Yes.”

You stare at him for a solid second. You did not expect him to say that. You’ve known him for well over a hundred years and couldn’t predict that he’d say something like that. “Wait, you’re actually jealous?” “Mhm.” “Of who exactly? Is there someone specific, or are you jealous of every person that interacts with me?” You ask him.

He grabs both of your hands and asks,”Do you like Jo Gul?” He looks anxious while he’s waiting for your reply. “I guess he’s nice,” you reply. “Why do you ask?” “I heard someone say you two were sneaking off in the middle of the night and planned on eloping,” he says while crossing his arms.

“Heh… Heheheh-“ you let go and break out in giggles, but you’re quickly interrupted by your friend. “Stop laughing!” He snaps, and you hold your stomach while you try your best to stop laughing. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Hah, I just can’t believe you actually thought I was talking to him like that-“ “I didn’t say that I believed it!” His cheeks are starting to turn red from embarrassment.

”Good, because none of it’s true,” You say and start walking towards your bedroom again. He catches up to you, and you feel his hand brush against yours. Should I hold his hand or not? I mean, he did grab mine earlier… You think, and after going back and forth a couple of times you decide to take that risk.

You grab his hand, and he doesn’t pull away. A small smile cracks on your face, but you’re too nervous to look up at him. You don't know if you should let go or not when you both get near your bedroom door. The both of you finally stop, and when you try to pull away Chung Myung keeps holding on to you. It's like last night all over again.

“This is my stop-” “What if I liked you like that?” His eyes look dead serious, and judging by his tone you know he's not joking right now. “W-What?” You asked hesitantly. He takes a step closer to you and doubles down on what he was saying,” What if I liked- no, loved you enough to sneak off with you? What if I loved you enough to secretly elope with you during the night?”

”You’re not drunk right now, are you?” “No!” He replies with desperation in his tone. You nervously swallow your spit, because this isn’t real, right? This has to be a dream. Your crush, who you’ve loved and waited for for over one hundred years, is trying to confess to you. It sounds too good to be true!

Your heart feels like it’s going over a hundred beats per minute right, and you look down at your hands that are still interlocked together. You pull his hands closer to your chest and look back into his eyes. “Chung Myung, if this is a joke, it’s a really cruel one.” “It’s not, I’m asking a genuine question!” After his response, you inhale and exhale deeply in an attempt to calm your nerves. It doesn’t help much, and you can already feel your cheeks heating up.

”Don’t laugh at what I’m about to say,” you tell him, and pray that you won’t cringe at this moment in the near future. He looks slightly confused, but you continue before he can say anything. It’s now or never. “That would make me the happiest woman in the world,” you reply to his question and he holds your hands a little tighter.

His lips start turning upwards into the cheesy grin you've always loved. “Do you know how long I've waited for this, (y/n)?” “I don't know, since you started getting jealous of Jo Gul?” “I was not!” He groans at your response. “I've been waiting for over a hundred years, you know,” you tell him and his eyes widen.

“Over a hundred?” He asks with his mouth agape. “Mhm.” “... You were talking about me back then, weren't you?” He asks. He really hit the nail on the head, huh? It only took him over a century to realize that.

You wrap his hands around your waist, and he doesn't budge when you get closer to him. At this point you guys are so close that your chests are touching. You wrap your arms around his neck, and with a sudden burst of confidence, admit,” Well, you are tall, dark, and handsome, aren't you?”

His eyes widen slightly and his cheeks redden at your sudden boldness. His flusteredness makes it clear that he didn't expect this, and the current look on his face is adorable. It's the kind of face you'd want to grab and plant kisses all over. Maybe I should… you think while sitting in silence for a couple of seconds.

You haven't seen Chung Myung be this nervous in years. His tan lips suddenly part as he tries to break the silence,” Can I…” “Can you what? Use your words,” you tell him while keeping your eyes on his lips. His gaze follows yours, and what you want is obvious.

“Can I please kiss you?” He asked with bated breath. “Of course,” you reply and he hesitantly closes the space between you. When your lips finally met, it was sloppy. You're an elder who’s never kissed anyone, and judging by his movements Chung Myung is in the same boat. You two probably look pathetic right now, but oh well. You're literally living your dream right now, so you could care less.

When your lips part, he grabs your face and tries to go in again. This time it's more sporadic and heated, and your hands start to roam his chest. He acts like he's been starved for weeks and is finally digging into his favorite food. You try your best to match his hungry pace.

When you part a second time you’re both out of breath, and this love feels electrifying. His eyes are unfocused while you grab his face and start planting little pecks all over it. “I’ve- peck loved- peck you- peck for- peck so- peck fucking- peck long!” “Heheh, I can tell!” He says in between giggles.

All you feel right now is your love that’s accumulated over the years finally spilling out, and Chung Myung definitely isn’t complaining about it. You keep spoiling him, and he’s basking in all of the new attention he’s getting. If your love is water, he’s the sponge that’s soaking it up.

After a few more kisses, you pull away to get a good look at his face, and he’s smiling from ear-to-ear. Your face mirrors his, because after saying what was on your mind for ages, you feel like a weight has been lifted off of your chest. He continues holding you tightly, and for a moment all you do is lay your head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat. It reminds you that you two are alive and the nightmares from your past life are long gone. You’ve yearned for his love for over a century, and you finally got it.

The silence is comfortable, and after you've had your fill of bear hugs you look up at Chung Myung. “How long have you loved me?” You asked him. “That's hard to answer,” he replies while running his hands up and down your back. You rest your chin on his chest while eagerly waiting for him to continue.

“There might've been something before you died, but it intensified after you left. Then, I found you again, and for the past few years it got stronger. I didn't realize what those feelings were until recently… I've never had romantic feelings before, y'know?” “Yeah, and you were never really pursued, either-” “What's that supposed to mean!? I had people all over me during my prime!” “You're lying and you know it; most people were terrified of you and your attitude! You only tolerated me and a handful of other people,” you confidently call out his bull shit.

You sigh and continue,”Regardless, I am over the moon now that we've been upfront with each other.” “Yeah, me too,” he replies. You pull away, but not without grabbing a hold of Chung Myung's hand. You turn to open your door and make your way in while dragging him in.

“What are you doing?” He asks while following you, and you close the door behind him. “Going to bed. Are you joining me or not?” You ask as you let go of him and plop on your bed. Not even a second passed and he's already thrown himself onto the mattress.

“Desperate, are we?” you tease as you finally get to lay down after such a long day. He hushes you, but never denies it as he pulls you into his chest. It's softer than you expected, and you prefer this over your old pillow.

“I love you,” you remind him and give him one last peck on the cheek before going to sleep. “I love you, too,” he adds and falls asleep not even a minute after his head hits the pillow. He snores like an old man, and while it would annoy most people, it's endearing to you. It's what you listen to as you drift off into a blissful slumber.

That was the best sleep you’ve had since you both reincarnated. There were no nightmares about your past or tears, just comfort while being in your lover’s arms. It's like he's your nightmare repellant, and you hope you're the same for him. You'll have to sleep with each other again.

[prettyyoungandbored]

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning - Charlie Dalton

Pairing: Charlie Dalton x Fem!Reader

Sequel to The Night Before

WARNINGS: Very brief nudity. Read at your own risk.

Author’s Note: I probably should have clarified this in the story before but Charlie and the reader are in their 20s.

NOT MY GIF

There was something peaceful about the early morning hours. There was a blue haze in the sky. Night was leaving, and the sun was beginning to brace for its shift in the sky.

While New York was the city that never slept, Y/N and Charlie’s brownstone was in a fairly quiet neighborhood, fairly being the key word. But for this particular morning, everything felt still.

Y/N couldn’t believe it. She wondered if she woke up from her dream and into another one. Maybe the city knew she needed some quiet before the craziness that came before a wedding.

Either way, she was grateful.

She lay in the bed, her naked body tangled in the thin, white sheets. She turned over to see Charlie lay beside her, deep in sleep.

Her hand carded through his hair as she smiled. She wasn’t sure what she had done in a past life that allowed her be loved by him. There was never a dull moment that passed when she was with him.

Sure, Charlie could be a little shit, but it never crossed the line. He made her laugh until her stomach hurt and made her feel loved and supported.

Charlie’s face scrunched as he stirred awake.

“What’re you doing up?” he yawned.

“I woke up and couldn’t fall back asleep,” she whispered.

He hummed and fell onto his back. His fingers motioned her to him.

She scoot her body toward him until he wrapped an arm around her as her head nestled in between his chest and shoulder.

His finger drew lazy circles on her forearm. “Can’t have my bride yawning at the alter. What would everyone think?”

She chuckled. “Gotta have some drama at the wedding. Keep everyone on their toes.”

“I like the way you think.” He kissed the top of her head. “And here I thought I was going to have to bribe one of the boys to speak up during the ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ bit.”

“And which boy were you thinking of?”

“Not Knox because Izzie would kill me. Maybe Meeks.”

She giggled. “That would’ve been hysterical.”

“But alas,” he sighed, “looks like we’ll have to go through a boring ceremony.”

“Poor us.”

“A tragedy.”

He kissed the top of her head, wrapping his other arm around her. “But I’d go through worse if it meant I’d get to be with you forever.”

She pouted, her heart exploding. “Oh Charlie, you already did. You had to ask my dad for my hand in marriage.”

He snickered at the memory. “That took a week of planning and practicing.”

“Knox told me you even practiced on him.”

He grimaced. Knox had it easy because he knew how to charm parents. “Don’t remind me.”

She looked up at him. “It was worth it though.”

He smiled adoringly. “Without question.”

Just as their lips went to meet, the phone rang in the kitchen. Charlie let go of Y/N and padded toward the kitchen.

“Hello….Knox, what’re you…ok…ok…ok, I’ll let her know.”

Y/N sat up in bed, pulling the sheets close to her chest. Charlie returned and crawled back under the covers.

“So apparently your mother was about to come over and get you but Izzie and Knox heard her and Izzie offered to come get you. She’s on her way now.”

Y/N laid back, groaning. Charlie smiled, rubbing her bare leg with his hand.

“I’m not ready to leave,” she sighed. “Can’t I stay here with you a little longer?”

“As much as I would love that, unfortunately we have to keep up appearances one last time. After that, we can do whatever we like.”

The thought of having more mornings like this completely uninterrupted would make it worth it.

“Did you tell Izzie you were coming here last night?” he asked.

She nodded. “She was gonna tell my mom I was sick.”

Charlie hummed. “And what illness were we going to go with?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I figured you could come up with something for me. You must’ve had experience.”

“Loads. C’mon, we’ll figure it out while we get you dressed.”

====================================

A half an hour later…

“Thanks for covering for me,” Y/N said, turning her head to Izzie as the two women sat in the back of the cab.

“You got it. Your mother was on a war path so I figured it was best to stop her before she walked in on you and Charlie.” Izzie turned her head to Y/N. “Also what illness are we going with?”

“Period.”

“That works. That should keep her quiet for awhile.”

Silence fell between the two women. Then Izzie spoke up.

“You won’t hear the end of it.”

“Not at all.”

[jacksdinonuggets]

~stomach bug~

Summary: Vaggie gets a stomach bug while she's staying over at Carmilla's. luckily, her mother figure takes care of her makes her feel loved.

“Thanks for letting me stay the night,” Vaggie told Carmilla when she went to say goodnight.

They usually had training sessions in the morning or afternoon, but Carmilla was a bit busy during the day and they needed to do one at night. With all the exercise she was getting and how late it was, she became exhausted. Not to mention she had managed to get a few bruises. However, Carmilla was very kind and offered to let Vaggie stay the night. She knew how tired the girl must’ve been. Not to mention how dangerous it was at night. If she wouldv’e walked home, there was a huge chance she could get mugged or hurt badly and couldn’t fight back because of exhaustion. 

“You’re welcome, Vaggie. If you need anything during the night, don’t hesitate to wake me up.” Carmilla replied, walking into her own room. She wanted vaggie to feel safe with her and like she could go to her with anything, no matter the time.

Since Odette and Clara were already asleep, Vaggie knew she should get some rest too. She had already showered and gotten into some of Carmilla’s actual daughter's old pajamas since they were the only ones that would fit her. Unfortunately, the only room available for her to sleep in was her babysitting room. The room where she was babysat by Carmilla whenever she felt small and couldn’t get Charlie to take care of her, or just wanted Carmilla to.

It was a little weird since the bed looked a lot like a children’s bed. The blanket covering it was a cute pink and white one with butterflies on it. Vaggie would just have to deal with it though.

It wasn’t long before Vaggie fell asleep. She was beyond tired from the intense workout she went through.

When Vaggie woke up the next day, she was greeted with a horrible stomach cramp. She knew it wasn’t her time of the month so what could it be? She whimpered as another wave passed through her. It was really bad. Something inside her told her that she needed Carmilla.

However, Vaggie couldn’t get up. The pain made it impossible to move if she didn’t want to aggravate it even more. So she reached over to the nightstand and grabbed her phone, hoping Carmilla’s hellphone was nearby. She hit call and waited for Carmilla to answer. But she never answered. Instead, she heard footsteps coming towards her room. The door opened and the overlord stood in the doorframe. She saw Vaggie curled up and whimpering and rushed to her side.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” she asked. The way she asked was so soft and gentle that Vaggie’s headspace took a dip. Whenever she got sick in heaven, no one would show her this kind of motherly love. She was heavenborn and never knew her mom. The only people to take care of her were nurses and herself. And the nurses never treated anyone as kindly as Carmilla was treating her right now.

“Tummy hurts…” Vaggie whined. The use of the word ‘tummy’ instead of stomach, gave away the fact that she was slipping.

Carmilla put a hand to her forehead and checked her temperature. She felt a little warm, but nothing too concerning. Probably a low-grade fever. 

Vaggie whimpered again as another wave of pain ran through her. She was starting to feel nauseous as well. 

“It’ll be okay, sweetie. How about I go grab you some medicine and see how you feel?” Carmilla asked. But Vaggie shook her head.

“Don’t wanna be alone…” she mumbled. It was scary to be by yourself while in such a vulnerable state.

Carmilla sighed. The only thing she could think of that would make her feel better would be medicine. But the girl was also feeling really small at the moment.

Suddenly, Vaggie shot up and pulled the covers off, seemingly trying to rush somewhere. However, she couldn’t even make it off the bed before she threw up. Stomach water and bile fell onto the sheets and her pajamas. She cried, humiliated that she had just puked in front of someone and on herself.

“No, no, don’t cry! It’s okay, I’m not mad,” Carmilla put a hand on her back and rubbed it soothingly as she retched once more. 

Carmilla could now tell what was going on. Vaggie probably contracted a stomach bug.

Once she was done, Carmilla comforted her as she cried. She knew how bad and embarrassing it must’ve felt.

After she had finished crying, Carmilla lifted her up and onto the floor. The movement had caused her stomach to cramp up again, prompting Vaggie to whimper. If the girl was in that much pain from moving, then there was no way she’d be able to make it to the bathroom. So as Carmilla got her out of her soiled pajamas, she put her in a diaper and onesie so it would be easier and quicker to change her. The room had all of Vaggie’s little gear in it that Carmilla had bought for her. She liked to give her small gifts whenever she did something good.

Once she was done, she grabbed a red stuffed bear with small devil horns off of the stuffed animal hammock in the corner of the room. She handed it to the girl, who was curled up on the floor.

Due to all the commotion and crying, Clara had woken up. She walked into the room and saw her mother gently trying to soothe Vaggie as she was softly crying on the floor.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Vaggie contracted a stomach bug and slipped into her little headspace,” Carmilla explained. Then she got an idea.

“Could you stay here and look after her while I change her bedsheets and get her medicine?” she asked.

“Yeah, I can do that,” She replied. Clara was always happy to help her little sister. She and Odette were very supportive of Vaggie’s regression and often helped out their mother whenever she was caring for her. Whether it was getting her a new bottle and just looking after her when Carmilla needed a break, they loved to help take care of her.

As Carmilla took the bedding downstairs, Clara tried her best to comfort the crying girl. She had whimpered that her eye was also starting to hurt as well. Clara guessed that it must be a phantom pain from the stress of getting sick.

She dug through the nightstand drawer and found a couple of pacifier cases with pacis inside. She picked out one she thought Vaggie might like and a clip. She attached it to her onesie and popped it into her mouth.

The pacifier helped her a little bit, but not much. She was still in pain and Clara didn’t know what to do. But she did get an idea. Sitting next to her, she pulled her little sister in her lap and held her. It actually seemed to help calm the girl down. 

When Carmilla returned, she had a baby bottle with water in her hands and new bedsheets, as well as a vial of medicine syrup. She set the bottle and medicine on the nightstand before putting the new sheets on the bed. She stepped over to the closet to get new covers and put those on the bed as well.

Clara left the room soon after to let Vaggie be taken care of by her mama. 

Carmilla lifted Vaggie from the floor and placed her in the bed. Once putting the bed guards up, she placed a trashcan on the opposite side of Vaggie, leaning against the bars. She held Vaggie sit up so she could give her some medicine.

“No!” Vaggie pouted once Carmilla poured the syrup into the tiny cup the vial came with.

“Mija, it’s going to help you,” she tried to explain.

“Is nasty!” she complained.

Carmilla sighed. 

“I’ll let you pick out a new toy when you get better~,” She sing-songed, trying to convince Vaggie to take the medicine. She was going to get her something anyways, so why not use the fact to get her to take the syrup.

Vaggie looked skeptical but took the cup and downed the syrup. She made a disgusted face once she was done and handed the cup back to Carmilla. 

Carmila then climbed into the bed with the bottle in her hands and pulled Vaggie into her lap so she could help hydrate her. Once Vaggie finished the water, she curled up against her caregiver. She was so small compared to Carmilla that it actually felt like she had a toddler/baby in her lap.

Carmilla held her little as she waited for the medicine to kick in. However, Vaggie’s stomach kept growing and making noises. She would whimper as well whenever it would happened. Suddenly, she started to move, trying to get to the trashcan. Carmilla knew what was happening and quickly shoved the can under her chin.

“In here, bebe, it’s okay,” she told her as she heaved aggressively into the garbage. It looked really painful and Carmilla took pity on the poor girl. Unfortunately, the medicine came right up. That’s when she remembered that Vaggie was an angel, not a demon. That meant her body could react differently to demon products.

Once she was finished retching,Carmilla put the trash can to the side before picking Vaggie up. She noticed the girl had an accident during the heaving and needed her diaper changed. She heaved really hard, it made sense that her bladder gave out on her.

When she finished taping the new padding up, she gave her little tummy kisses, hoping to help her feel better. It made her giggle happily. 

It wasn’t long until that happiness turned into sadness. The pain was back again. This stomach bug really hated her. So Carmilla picked her up again and cradled her in her arms while she cuddled her in the bed, trying to provide the most comfort she could.

Carmilla knew that vaggie would likely have to stay the whole day or at least until she got better. So she used vaggie’s phone to text Charlie that her girlfriend was sick with a bug and was feeling small.

Not even 15 minutes passed and Charlie was already outside of the warehouse, a basket in her hands. She was let in by Odette and went up to the room that Vaggie was in.

When Charlie saw them, she couldn’t help but awe. It was always adorable to see Vaggie little but it was even more adorable to see so clingy towards this famous overlord. 

“Aww, hey, you two,” She whispered, not wanting to disturb Vaggie. She seemed like she was trying to sleep but wasn’t unconscious just yet.

“What are you doing here? Carmilla asked quietly, also not wanting to bother the tired girl.

“You can’t expect me to not show up when you tell me my girlfriend is sick and slipped,” she explained. She set the basket down and took out a baby blanket. She draped it over Vaggie’s shoulders before turning back to the basket. She took out two thermoses, one named “Broth” and the other named “milk”. Both cups felt really hot.

“These are for when she feels up to eating,” She explained. She knew that whenever Vaggie got sick, she would not have much of an appetite. It wasn’t healthy and she usually needed to practically force her to eat. But some of the few things she would consume was warm milk and ramen broth. 

“Thank you, princess,” Carmilla thanked her.

[probably-writing-x]

Bad to Worse to Better

Summary:

Warnings: Cursing, but other than that just a whole lot of cute fluff

Author’s Note: I thought I’d combine the two requests here so that the story wasn’t too similar to ‘stunned stunt’ but I hope you like it <3 My requests are always open !!

~~~

“I’m just saying if you learnt your lines earlier you wouldn’t have to get up so early every morning,” You point out to Drew as the two of you get out of the car.

He comes over to your side and takes your hand quickly, “And where would be the fun in that?”

“Well it would stop you from making so much noise around the flat before the sun is even up,” You point out, the two of you diverting towards where the rest of the cast were.

“Good morning all,” Drew smiles to the group as they’re all sat around the table with their morning coffees.

They all look up at you simultaneously and offer tired waves.

“You have way too much energy in the morning,” Jonathan grumbles, stifling a yawn.

You laugh and take one of the spare seats, Drew sitting down beside you and slinging an arm over the back of your chair, “Well, it’s not morning for him when he’s been up since 4am.”

The group go on chatting about something and you watch Drew pull away from you in his chair, pausing momentarily before sneezing loudly.

“You okay babe?” You frown at him as he sneezes again.

“Yeah, yeah,” Drew gives you a small smile, “Must just be allergies or something.”

He must see the uncertainty on your face but he smiles again, nodding his head at you like convincing you to believe him before he turns to the rest of the group and fits back into their conversation.

~~~

You’re just finishing up a scene when you realise that you haven’t seen Drew around, normally catching him behind the camera watching you act whenever he got the chance. After asking around a few times, you head up towards his trailer, knocking on the door until you get concerned at the long wait. Eventually, you let yourself in.

On the sofa that stretched across one wall, Drew is squashed between the armrests, a cushion underneath his head and his eyes shut, chest rising and falling with faint snores.

“Drew?” You frown, crouching down in front of him and running a hand over his face.

He jumps awake just a little, relaxing when he realises it’s you in front of him.

“You fell asleep?” You frown, scanning his features.

He groans and tries to push up to prop himself up, “Yeah, I must’ve done, I thought I just needed to rest my eyes.”

You press the back of your hand against his forehead to check his temperature and realise your frown deepens instantly, “Babe you’re burning up.”

“No, no, I’m okay,” He nods, “It’s just because I woke up early, that’s all.”

Before you can say anything, there’s a knock at his door followed with a call out to tell Drew that he was needed on set. You look between the door of the trailer and him.

“Are you sure you’re okay to go to set?” You say, the worry seeping into your words.

“Of course I am,” Drew smiles, pressing a quick kiss to your cheek, “Don’t you worry about me, darling.”

With that, he disappears out of the trailer and you’re left not completely convinced as you try your best to believe him.

~~~

Now that you’ve got a break, you go down to set to watch Drew’s scene, where he was filming a Rafe and Barry shot. He always seemed to look so different when he was in character. But something seemed off today - like neither him or Rafe was completely there. He pinches a hand over his eyes as he messes up another line.

“I’m sorry can I-“ He pauses for a moment, inhaling quickly before sneezing once, twice again.

“Are you okay Drew? Do we need to take a minute?”

“I’m good, sorry, I think it’s just allergies,” He nods, his nose now red and his cheeks flushed too.

He drags a hand over his face and lets out a groan, his shoulders slumping a little like he’s struggling to hold himself up.

“I just need a few mi-“ He starts to walk off of set, and as he does, hits into the stand of the overhead microphone, the end of the metal pole hitting into his ribs harshly.

The contact makes him double over slightly, groaning even louder as he clutches a hand to his side.

“Oh my god are you okay?” You hurry over to him quickly.

Drew looks down to your eyeline and lets his shoulders relax even more, “No.”

You try to stop yourself from smiling at his pouty face.

“I keep sneezing and I’m boiling hot but I’m shivering and I have a headache and I’m tired and now I just hit myself on this stupid thing,” He hits a hand out at the microphone stand, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

With that, he drops his head forward onto your shoulder, burying himself into the contact. You wrap your arms around his back and he wraps his around you two, seeming to relax even more into your hold.

“Okay I think we need to get you home,” You encourage, “I’ll speak to the director, I haven’t got anymore scenes to film today anyway and they can reschedule yours.”

“No, I’ll be fine, I’ll get it done,” He shakes his head, sniffing as he pulls away from you.

His eyes are half shut and you can practically see the pain oozing from him, “Drew you look like you’re about to fall asleep right now, you can’t work today.”

“Go to your trailer and grab your stuff and the car keys, I’ll speak to the director and I’ll meet you by the car, okay?”

He nods reluctantly, rubbing his hands over his eyes before walking slowly away towards the trailers. You turn to find the crew and go over to speak to them, watching as they already start to pack away the bits of the set.

~~~

When you walk over to the car, Drew’s already sitting in the driver’s seat, resting his head back against the chair with his eyes just lightly closed. You go around to that side and open the door.

“Babe you’re not driving, move over,” You nudge his shoulder.

“No, no, I got it, it’s fine,” He nods his head, eyes just fluttering slightly open.

“Drew, move your ass over to the other chair or I swear to god I’ll sit on top of you.”

He pokes his eye open, a smirk over his lips, “I mean… if you’re offering.”

You roll your eyes and hit his shoulder, eventually watching as he moves himself over to the other side of the jeep, wrapping his arms around himself. You climb into the driver’s side and start up the engine, driving home with Drew curled up beside you, his eyes shut and his body seemingly shrinking into the seat.

~~~

It’s not a long drive back and the two of you get back to your flat soon, Drew blinking his eyes open as the car comes to a stop. You hold his hand as the two of you take the elevator up to your floor, Drew resting his chin on your head as you unlock the door.

“Alright, go get into bed, I’ll get you some water do you want anything to eat?” You ask him as he drags his legs towards the bedroom.

Drew shakes his head, “I’m okay, thank you.”

You pour him a big glass of water and rummage through the cupboard to find any medicine the two of you owned, carrying it through to the bedroom. Drew is stood by the bed, in the dark with the curtains closed, but he’s visible enough for you to see as he pulls his top off, a bruise splaying across his ribs, seemingly getting darker.

“Oh my god is that from set?” You frown, setting the things down on the nightstand to go over to him.

“Yeah it’s bad right?” Drew frowns, wincing as he touches it, “I didn’t think it felt that bad, but it’s bruised already.”

“Alright, we’ll see how it is in the morning, okay? Just get some rest now,” You pull back covers and let him climb into his side of the bed, “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

Drew frowns, opening his eyes, “You’re leaving?”

You look at him and smile, “Well, if we’re home for the rest of the day I was just going to get some chores around the flat done, that’s all.”

Drew shakes his head and then groans at the feeling, “Please stay.”

He’s tugged the sheets up to his chin on his side but folds down the side closer to you, his eyes fluttering shut as he snuggles into the mattress. It’s impossible to say no to him on the best of days, but today seemed extra impossible. You change into one of his jumpers and a pair of shorts, folding your clothes up on the chair of your vanity before climbing into bed next to him.

He buries himself into your arms, his head dipping into the crook of your neck as he waits for you to wrap your arms around him. You bring one hand up to his head and run your fingers through his hair, watching as he hums against the contact.

Your phone pings on the nightstand and the light flashes into the room, before it pings again and then once more.

“Who’s that?” Drew grumbles, “Should I be worried?”

You laugh and stretch back one arm to grab your phone, seeing three separate messages from the cast.

Rudy: What the fuck happened to Drew? Is he okay?

Madelyn: The crew told me about Drew, hope he’s okay <3 Let me know if y’all need anything

Chase: hey! hope drew’s doing okay, he looked rough earlier !! don’t let him die

“It’s just the guys asking about you, they’re all worried,” You explain, going to type a response quickly.

He waits until you stop typing and then takes the phone from you, setting it back down on the nightstand, “They can wait, I only want you.”

You laugh gently, “You’re so needy when you’re ill, you know that?”

He pokes his eye open and and pulls away just enough to look at you, “I’m allowed to be.”

You giggle and push his head back into your neck, hugging him tighter, “I’m not complaining.”

“You will be when I make you ill,” He points out, his words muffled against your skin.

Before you can say anything more, you hear his breaths start to even out and deepen as they mix with the lightest snores. Your arm starts to lose feeling under him and your shoulder aches from being bent at a weird angle to run your fingers through his hair. But you don’t move, letting him sink deeper into your touch as he sleeps, thankful he’s getting some much needed rest.

~~~

After Drew’s been sleeping for over an hour, you manage to wiggle away from him, replacing your touch with a pillow next to him for him to snuggle into. You go into the kitchen and potter around as quietly as you possibly can, stirring a pot full of tomato soup, cooking a grilled cheese, boiling water to make him a cup of tea.

When you get back into the room, he’s just waking up, grumbling as he stretches out an arm to realise you’re not there.

“(Y/N)?”

“Morning sunshine,” You beam, carrying over the tray of food, “I made you some lunch if you’re hungry.”

He hums and pushes himself up to sit in the bed, leaning back against the headboard, “You’re an angel.”

“I know,” You smile, setting the tray down on his lap and perching yourself on the edge of the bed, “It’s the classic - grilled cheese and tomato soup.”

Drew grins, rubbing his hands together, “My favourite.”

You glance down at his ribs where the bruise seemed to have fully developed now, wrapping around towards his pecs but luckily not seeming much worse than it had done before.

“Does that still hurt?” You gesture towards him.

Drew shakes his head, “No more than a normal bruise,” His voice is thick from the combination of sleep and how his words seemed to deepen with his blocked nose.

You nod, leaning forward to press the back of your hand against his forehead, “Okay you don’t feel like you’re burning up as much as you were. You worried me earlier.”

Drew smiles, setting down the grilled cheese and brushing the crumbs off from his hands, “C’mere.”

He stretches out an arm for you and you crawl under his touch, your body fitting perfectly between his arm and his torso.

“You don’t need to worry about me, angel,” He presses a kiss to the top of your head, your hair soft under his lips.

“You never get ill though,” You mumble, wrapping an arm around him.

He chuckles and it rumbles in his chest against your head, “I don’t, do I? Maybe I should get ill more often if it means I get to skip work, cuddle with my girlfriend and get food in bed.”

You laugh and tighten your hold against him, “Please don’t.”

Drew keeps one arm around you, eating the rest of his food with his other hand as he hands you one half of the grilled cheese. At some point, you reach over and turn on the TV at the foot of your bed, putting on a Disney film of his choosing. He sings along quietly after finishing his food, setting the tray down on the floor beside the bed so that he can wrap both of his arms around you, your head settling over his heart. His eyes feel more tired but he’s sure he doesn’t want to fall asleep and miss the moment - a little bit of light in a really shitty day.

[the-pink-poet]

The Shadowsinger and the Lightbringer

PART 3!!!!!

I rolled out of bed that next morning with a smile on my face. I put on my favorite dress, a (y/f/c) muslin, long sleeve that was fitted at the top and flowed out at my waist. Embroidery of flowers and vines trailed down the front and the edges of the sleeves. I couldn’t help but twirl in the mirror and smile. I hope Azriel likes this dress. I shook my head. I couldn’t think like that. He’s just Feyre’s friend, and a 500 year old Fae at that.

                Regardless of my mental protests, I ran downstairs to find the house empty. After wandering around for a while, I found Nesta in our small home library, reading a book. She looked up at me, “Ah the sleeping beauty finally decides to grace us with her presence.”

                I roll my eyes, “Whatever Nesta. Where is everybody?” She shrugged, “Somewhere out ‘training’ I guess. They’ll be back by lunch and leave this afternoon.”

                I nodded and proceeded to grab a book off of the shelf and slip away to my favorite spot in the house. In my room, I had a windowseat with a (y/f/c) cushion and several soft pillows, soft grey light from the cloudy day leaking in through the panes. I began to read, and after a while, a soft heaviness settled over me, my eyelids drooping, and I fell softly asleep in the early afternoon light.

                I must’ve been asleep for a while, because I woke up to Elain shaking my shoulder gently. I quietly groaned and rolled my neck, now stiff from napping at an odd angle. “Hey Elain. What’s up?” Elain smiled gently at me, “I’m glad you woke up. Feyre and the others are leaving for the Night Court. They wanted to say goodbye.”

                At those words any sleepiness fled my body, “Already?” She nodded and rubbed my arm, “Feyre will return as soon as we hear from the queens. They’re downstairs now.” I let her take my arm and lead me downstairs where my new friends were waiting. Feyre was the first to meet my eyes.

                “Are you really leaving already?” I asked her sadly. She sighed, “Things are…. Complicated. We need to resolve some things in the Night Court, but we’ll be back before you know it.” I pulled her into my arms, noticing how she was now slightly taller than she used to be. Perhaps a result of being a newly born Fae. But her arms, her hug, they were still the same. I hugged her tightly, “Be safe. Come back soon.”

                She hugged me tightly and rubbed my back, “I love you y/n please know that.” Tears pricked my eyes, “I know Feyre. I love you too. Fae or human. Always.” She pulled back and wiped a tear from my cheeks, “I’ll see you soon. I promise.” I nodded stepped back, turning towards the three males. “Take care of my sister.”

Rhys nodded, “On my life.” Cassian and Azriel nodded too, and they turned to leave. “Wait!” I ran up to Azriel as they headed out the door, and the three of them turned, Cassian wearing a smirk on his face. “What, can’t get enough of me?” I rolled my eyes, ignoring him and turning my attention to Azriel again, “Is there any way to contact you? Just…. for safety reasons?”

“Sure… safety reasons.” Cassian muttered under his breath, earning a glare from me. Azriel looked a little surprised, “You, want to… stay in contact?” I ducked my head and blushed slightly, “Y-yeah. If that’s ok. I just…. liked your company. Is… that ok?” A soft smile creeped onto the corners of his mouth, “Yes. That’s more than ok. Rhys?” as he turned towards the High Lord.

Rhys was smiling wryly and spoke, “Yes. It’s probably good to establish a more secure line of contact here.” Rhys reached to the side and pulled out an ink pen and small bottle of ink, seemingly out of thing air. “Here. Use these to write on any paper you like, and it will immediately be transported to the Night Court. Just… please make sure to write Azriel’s name on the front. Otherwise Cassian might get snoopy.” Cassian looked offended, but Azriel just chuckled.

I took the pen and ink from Rhys, “Thank you.” He nodded and grabbed their hands, preparing to disappear to the strange Fae lands. Feyre gave me a smile before they vanished, the sight of it warming my soul, and then they were gone.

After the visit, both Nesta and Elain seemed to breathe a bit easier, which I thought was a bit silly. Feyre was still our sister after all, and her being Fae didn’t change that. And her friends had been nothing but kind, so while I loved them, I couldn’t excuse their behavior. It ended up forming a strange rift between me and my two human sisters.

I began writing letters right away, and didn’t notice as Nesta entered the kitchen and peered over my shoulder to look at the letter. “Who are you writing to?”

I jumped a little, “Nesta! Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s not good to sneak around?” Nesta shrugged and repeated her question, “Who are you writing to?”

I rolled my eyes, “A friend. Why do you care?” She snatched the letter from under my hand and began reading it, “Nesta, give that back!” I stood up and reached towards her and the letter, but she just turned away from me and kept reading.

After a second she looked at me with her eyebrow raised, “You’re writing to the Spymaster?” I finally managed to snatch the letter back, “Yes. And?”

Nesta shook her head, “I’d be careful y/n you don’t know what the Fae are like.”

A fire bubbled in my blood, “Oh and you know what they’re like? Last time I checked you didn’t say more than two words to them when they were here. Who are you to say what they are and aren’t like, when you don’t even know.”

I was breathing hard as Nesta’s mouth formed a thin line, “And you know much better? How do you know he didn’t put a spell on you? Or isn’t using you? How can you-“

I cut her off, “How can you tell me what to do? I’m not a child anymore Nesta. I can pass my own judgements.” Blood pounded in my ears.

The only sign of emotion on her face was the slight twitch of her eyebrow, “Just…. be careful. Ok?” She sighed.

I didn’t look her way as she walked out of the room, and I continued my letter.

                Azriel,

I hope all is going well in the night court. Things certainly have been dull here since your visit. I’ve been continuing my lessons, trying to catch up with the people my age, but other than that, nothing has really happened.

Nesta doesn’t seem to like the idea of us sending letters back and forth, but I’ve long since learned to take her advice with MORE than a grain of salt. I know she means well, but she can just be so….. pushy. I’m fine with her being protective, we all are of each other, but there is definitely a balance.

What have you been up to? I realize though we spent most of our time together during your visit, I don’t really know what it means to be a Spymaster and Shadowsinger. And what are the stars like in the Night Court? I remember Rhys telling us about them over the tense dinner. They sound incredible.

I miss you. Things are dull without you, but I understand you can’t come and visit. We haven’t heard anything from the queens yet. And I won’t lie, part of me hopes we won’t. Not that I don’t want to see you again, I just don’t want to believe that war is coming. Should I prepare? If so, how?

I await your reply and again hope all is going well,

Yours,

Y/N Archeron

As soon as I signed my name, the letter vanished in a puff of violet smoke and stars. Elain peaked into the room at the small noise that it made, “What was that?”

                I smiled at her, “Oh just sending off a letter to a friend.” A soft smile crept up her lips, “It’s for that Spymaster isn’t it.” I nodded and she continued, “Just be careful, ok?” I sighed a little and nodded again, “Always Elain.”

…..

                Y/N

                It is so good to hear from you.

Things are going well here. The life of the Spymaster of the nightcourt is always busy. I wish we could have spent more time with you. I don’t think you know how much that wonderful quiet moment meant to me singing at the piano. It was a needed reprieve from the chaos we all have been dealing with here regarding the incoming war. Perhaps next time I come you could teach me some more of those newer songs. I really enjoyed singing with you, and I meant what I said, you have a beautiful voice.

As for the work of a Spymaster and Shadowsinger, I’m not sure you want to know. I’m not always proud of what I do, and the work that is sometimes required of me is vicious and dark.

And as for your sister, its obvious she cares about you. I know all of your sisters do. I can tell Feyre misses you the most. She’s started a new painting of you four, not sure what she’s going to call it, but your part of the painting is the brightest.

I hope we hear from the queens soon so I can finally help put this thing to rest.

Stay safe Starlight,

Azriel

Several months passed with no word from the queens, but many letters had been exchanged between Azriel and I the last few months. He has come to give me the nickname, “Starlight” which makes me blush and curl my toes when I read it. At first the notes were very formal between the two of us, but the more we spoke, the warmer the conversation became, and it was revealed that Azriel was a very snarky and funny male. His letters never ceased to make me laugh.

Nesta and Elain didn’t approve of the letters, in fact I caught Nesta multiple times attempting to burn them before I could get to them. Elain was more subtle, giving me nervous glances as I would read in the kitchen, but not much more than that.

To my relief, we heard finally heard from the queens and immediately sent word off to the Night Court. Feyre and her friends arrived within a day and a half, the flapping of wings signaling their arrival. Nesta tried to keep me from answering the door, but as soon as I saw Feyre through the gap in the door I broke her grasp and ran into Feyre’s arms.

Cassian laughed as we hugged, “Looks like someone’s excited.” I gave him a playful glare over Feyre’s shoulder and he just laughed again.

I backed away from them and smiled. “Welcome back Feyre, Elain is in the kitchen getting everything ready.” Feyre nodded and started headed to the kitchen, and I looked at the rest of their group as they walked in. Rhys gave me a kind smile, Cassian gave me a flirtatious grin to which I gave an eye roll, and I turned my eyes to the Shadowsinger.

I didn’t know quite what I expected our interaction to be like. We’d exchanged several letters through these past few months, but an in-person reaction was very different.

His golden hazel eyes bored into my own, as he stepped forward and gently grasped my hand that was down at my side, bringing it to his lips. “Hello y/n.” he whispered.

My breath caught in my throat and my cheeks flushed at the gentle contact, “Hey Az.” One of his shadows curled around our intertwined hands, moving up my arm and tickling my neck. I giggled and Az smiled softly.

“Shall we?” he let go of my hand and held out his arm to me. I gave him a shy smile, took his arm, and we headed to the kitchen to wait for the queens.

They didn’t keep us waiting long, the five out of six queens that winnowed into our dining room. I made eye contact with the oldest queen and a shiver went down my spine. There was no kindness in her gaze.  

Azriel noticed me tense up and grabbed my hand from where we were standing side by side. I released a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding and tried to relax, but that icy gaze remained on me.

To say the meeting was tense would be an understatement. When Rhys explained his reasons to the queens for needing half the book, they scoffed. “And why would we ever trust a High Fae?” Rhys’s violet eyes narrowed, “If not for us, then for the humans on this continent. There is little to nothing standing between them and Hybern. And once Hybern takes over here, they’ll move to the mainlands.”

The old queen shook her head, “And why should we care if Hybern takes over this small strip of land? They are none of our concern.”

Nesta angrily spoke up, “Have you no shame? You would condemn all these innocent people to die because of your stupid pride?”

The old queen turned her steely gaze to Nesta, “We worry about our own people. These lands are not our responsibility. Besides, how are we to know that the malicious High Lord of the Night Court is not manipulating our minds into forcing us to give them the book?”

My blood began to boil, and before I could stop myself, I stepped forward and stared down at the queens, “How dare you. You don’t know what these people have sacrificed. You hardly know anything about them. And as far as I’m concerned, the only malicious ones here, are you.”

The old queen’s chair screeched behind her as she stood up to face me, her mouth twisted into a sneer, “Child, I would suggest you keep your silence in matters you know nothing of.”

I opened my mouth to retort but felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned my head and saw Azriel, giving me a subtle shake of his head, and I backed up to my original place.

Ultimately nothing came from it. The queens left, we had no book, and I could tell that Feyre and her friends were at their wits’ end. I worried for them, knowing from Azriel’s letters how each of them had already given so much over their immortal lives. I worried about what else they might give to save our small part of the world from the terrors of Hybern.

The thoughts making me feel sick, I ran up to my room, shoving open the doors to my small balcony and let the night breeze run through my hair. I grasped the railing, and tears began pouring down my cheeks.

In my own little world, I almost missed soft steps coming up the stairs and into my room. I found myself wrapped up in a hug by the Shadowsinger himself, his scarred hand brushing through my hair, “Are you alright?”

I looked up at him. I’d never realized how much he towered over me, he was almost a foot taller, but it made me feel… safe. I sniffed a little, “I don’t know. It just…. bothered me the way that old queen was talking about you all. And when I tried to stand up for you,” I let in a shaky breath, “She treated me like a child. I know I’m not five hundred years old like you all, but it just….. I don’t like being treated like I don’t know anything. Like I’m ignorant of the world around me. And that’s exactly how she made me feel.” I looked away.

Azriel softly grasped my chin with his hand and lifted my gaze to his, “Y/N you should never let someone else make you feel inferior. You might not have the… lifespan we do, but that doesn’t make you ignorant, and it certainly doesn’t make you a child.”

I sniffled, “It still hurts though. And now? Without the Book, who knows what will happen to us, what will happen to our home, to our sisters…. To you. Its… terrifying.”

Azriel grasped my hands in his and looked at me with such intensity I almost looked away, “Y/N. I promise I won’t let any harm come to you or your sisters. I swear that on my life. Do you understand that?”

Tears begin to fill my eyes again as I pull him into a hug, “Thank you Azriel. That means the world to me. But…..” “But?” He asked as we continued to hug. I take a deep breath in, “Just promise me I won’t lose you either.” His hand freezes on my back, “Y/N-” “Azriel, please.” I hear him sigh as he pulls me tighter, “Alright. I promise.” I feel the tension in my chest loosen and I hold him tighter, snuggling my head into his chest.

Hello loves!!! I'm sorry i've been MIA for a long time! I do this for fun, and with a summer job, and lots of mental health struggles, I found it very difficult to upload. I've been feeling much better lately so I should update more frequently! And I'm VERY excited for the next part, because we'll get to take a little trip to Hybern.... if you can guess what part of the story I'm headed towards. And it just gets more exciting from there!

Let me know if y'all are excited for the next part in the comments and what you thought of this part also if you want to be added to the taglist!

Besos

the pink poet

Taglist:

@tele86 @amara-moonlight @deeshag @nebarious @fightmedraco @meshellexplosionmurder @blackgirlmagicforever @minaethrym @namelesssaviour

[shirohige-pirates]

A Truly Mythological Christmas

Cisfem!Reader x Marco the Phoenix

Also on Wattpad // Ao3

18+ - this story is going to get steamy in ways not allowed for your holiday Lifetime specials. Swearing, cheating, assassins, intrigue - you know, all that simple small town stuff.

Chapter 6: Satisfaction

The next morning started with Luffy sat upon your chest, staring at you from a distance most cats would find disrespectful.

The dark wide eyes were a bit bug-like, from this angle, and the stillness was a little unsettling, but to your credit, you didn’t jerk or startle. The two of you stared at one another for a full minute, Luffy nearly unblinking, and you barely with your eyes open before you woke up enough to find any useful words.

“Is breakfast ready?” You mumble, and Luffy nods.

“Are you okay?” He asks. The words are young, but the tone feels older. Heavier. Concerned in a way that makes your heart ache.

“I am. I… I’m a little sad, but I’m okay.” You admit, giving him a sleepy smile. “Were you worried?”

He shakes his head, finally closing his eyes for more than a split second, and leaning back. “I was going to beat up whatever was making you sad.”

A vivid image of Luffy beating his tiny fists against the halvard came into your mind and you couldn’t help but laugh. Lifting his hat, you ruffle his hair until he squirms away, taking his hat back before hopping off the bed.

“I appreciate your willingness to do that for me.” You clarify. When you smile this time it’s easier and admittedly you don’t feel nearly as sad. When you’d gotten home yesterday you’d hidden away in the bathroom, soaking in the tub and quietly letting the last few tears come out.

You hadn’t expected the whole thing to hit you so hard, but you heard Dadan telling the boys to leave you be for a bit. You managed enough energy for dinner, and fell asleep on the couch with three boys crowded around you and just as deeply asleep.

Dadan must’ve put you all to bed at some point.

“I’ll be down in a minute.” You say and Luffy’s face brightens in response before he runs out of your room, heading downstairs and yelling that you’re awake and you’re only a little sad. You can hear Sabo and Ace trying to get him to quiet down, but once you get downstairs you nearly cry again.

The boys have made you a Be Happy plate, according to the careful writing on the napkin draped over your plate. It had half the town’s breakfast on it, as far as you could tell. Piles of bacon, toast, eggs, flapjacks, blueberries, a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, another of water, a bowl of oatmeal and even a few slices of thick ham.

Quietly sipping a cup of coffee, Dadan is pointedly minding her own modest plate.

The boys look concerned, but you manage to keep the tears in and get your face into a proper smile. “It’s almost perfect.” You declare, coming over and sitting down. “But the only way a Be Happy meal can make someone happy is if they share it, so you’ll all have to help me eat this to make sure I’m happy.”

It was, admittedly, the first time you’d seen a full blown smile on Ace’s face as all three of them sat around you, ready to help. Sabo buttered you some toast, and Ace said you should put an egg on it, and Luffy set two pieces in bacon in front of you first, before eating some for himself. A show of affection if there ever was one.

The four of you worked on the plate, and you kept sneaking extra food toward the boys. There was way more than enough for you, and even in the couple days you’d been here you’d become painfully aware of how much these three could eat. Especially Luffy. You were pretty sure his stomach doubled like a kitten’s when he had a belly full enough to finally sate him.

Once breakfast was done the boys handled the clean up, as well as they could, and Dadan made some coffee for you after they had taken off to go play outside.

“Smooth.” She says, lifting her cup toward you.

“They’re sweet boys. Fortunately they are very food motivated sweet boys, because there was no way I could eat all that myself.” You admit with a laugh.

“Seems their plan worked too.”

Smiling you take a sip. “Yeah. It’s hard to be sad when you’re sharing a meal with your family.”

Dadan hums in agreement, and the two of you clean up the kitchen a little more thoroughly than the boys managed to do. Shortly after that your phone rings.

“Ah, it’s the boss, I gotta take this.” You say and Dadan waves you out of the kitchen.

“Hey.” You answer simply.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Katakuri begins.

“Nah, we just finished cleaning up after breakfast, I have time to talk. What’s the word?”

“Mom wants to get your silence in writing,” he explains. “It’s a decent payout, with a severance package on top of it. No strings on future prospects, but you’d have to voluntarily resign, and sign an NDA regarding the reasons behind your resignation.”

You make a face, but you’re sure Katakuri can envision it. “It’s not that I want to put what he was doing out on the airwaves for the world to see, but I don’t want to exactly lose that leverage either. As a first offer though, that certainly removes any hope of continuing to work there.”

“Her anger is more toward him than you, but she took the return of the ring personally.”

“The fuck?” You quip. “Gods Kata, did she pick it out?”

“Probably.” He sighs.

You take in a deep breath and sigh. The act is followed by a sound of pure aggravation. “Can you at least tell me who they were to him?”

“Tori, according to my brother, was simply there. He and Nokotti had been in a relationship for some time, but I guess when he brought up the prospect of choosing his own wife a few years back, mom shot him down.” Kata explains. “I guess he decided not to push it, in case Mama decided to remove her from the equation entirely.”

“A function of your family and its business I’ve never liked.”

“I know.”

“Is there an option number two?”

“Not one you’re going to accept.”

You pause for a moment until realization dawns on you. “Yeah, I’m not going to just forget what happened and decide to be engaged again.”

“Even Mama didn’t figure you would.” He admits. There’s a moment’s silence before he speaks again. “The package is good. I even padded it as much as I could. I don’t like this as a resolution, but this was the best I could get her to go with. I tried to go in for a compromise.”

“I know. I know you did everything you could, boss. You’re a good man.”

“I appreciate that you think so, considering what my family’s done to you.”

“You might be related, but you’re not them.” You retort. “The only thing is that I want to work. I’m good at what I do, and I busted my ass at that job for years to get to where I got! That something wholly unrelated to the quality of my abilities gets me effectively fired is fucked up.”

“I agree.”

Pinching the bridge of your nose, you flop down on the chair in the den. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be yelling at you. You’re not to blame.”

“I have no issue providing you a way to vent, Miss Curly.”

You snort. “One day you’re going to call me by something more friendly, Kata-can.”

You can picture his brow twitching at the nickname, but he doesn’t correct you. It was born out of deciding that Katakuri could do anything he wanted to, if he put his mind to it. You made the terrible mistake of saying “Of course Kata can!” during a conversation and then went on a tear with it.

You blame the abundance of coffee you had that day, but honestly you were trying to get a reaction out of Katakuri, who was almost impossible to crack. When you threatened to call him Kata-candy-land instead he was suddenly more amenable to the first nickname.

Still, you used it sparingly.

“Unlikely.” He grumbles and you can’t help but laugh a little.

“Any chance I can get a letter of recommendation from you?”

“I’m going to make a few calls and see if I can line up some options for you.” He answers. “It won’t be until after the autumn feast, but I should have better news a couple days after that.”

“Even better.” You agree. “Do I have to accept or decline that severance package right now?”

“Legally, you don’t have to decide until your vacation is over. We can’t technically fire you until then.” He explains. “No matter if anyone wants to, or not. If we did you’d have a field day in court.”

“Goddamn right I would.” You agree. “You’d be working for me by the end of it.”

“Tempting.” He says it so flatly you don’t know if he’s making a joke or not.

“In that case I’ll take my time and chew on it. Is the severance packet already put together?”

“Almost. I’ll have a copy in your email by the end of the day. Just… maybe print it out before you read it.”

“Bwha— why?”

“Better to throw a few sheets of paper across the room, than your phone.”

“Ah.” You can’t help but sigh again. “Thanks, Kata. I mean it.”

“Of course. Enjoy your holiday, Miss Curly.”

“You too, Mr. Charlotte.”

Hanging up your phone you sigh again, looking up at the ceiling and just, sighing. Again. It felt a bit like yet another loss. In what was becoming a long line of losses. It didn’t help they were all different kinds of losses, the weight of it all was starting to wear on you.

A light knock on the door frame pulls you out of your lament and you’re surprised to see Marco standing there. Your confusion was clear as day and he smiles softly.

“Haruta and I are here to grab some spare tables for tomorrow’s feast.” He explains. “Your conversation sounded tense, I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“I’m… er… I’ll be okay.” You admit, sighing in defeat and just letting the facade drop. Marco wasn’t the boys, or Dadan, you didn’t have to keep up pretenses. “It sucks right now, but it’ll work out.”

“You really enjoy that work, huh?”

You nod. “I do. In a very, I don’t really want to stop doing it sort of way.” You sigh again and Marco holds out a box of tissues. Huffing a half-hearted laugh, you grab a couple of them. “Thanks. It’s just… I got to make a difference you know? Corporate bullshit aside, I was able to improve people’s wages in the main company, and the umbrella branches. I did it without having to fire a whole department too. No one does my job the way I do my job.” You assert.

Looking up at Marco you catch him grinning at you. “What?”

“It’s nice to hear you brag like that.”

“B-brag!” You snort. “It’s not bragging when it’s true.”

“It’s bragging when it’s bragging, there’s nothing wrong with it, yoi.” He insists. “What company was it?”

“Candy Land Inc.” You reply.

“Oh, the Charlotte family business, huh?” He clarifies and you nod. “And if I can be nosy, who was your boss?”

“Katakuri - do you know the Charlottes?”

Marco nods. “I know Kata more than the rest of them because of Maren,” he explains. “But Pops and Linlin go way, way back. In a both worked for Rocks kind of way.”

Your eyes go wide. “Pops worked for the mob?” You do your best to keep your voice down, and Marco nods, it takes a tick and then realization dawns on you. “Linlin worked for the mob…” You whisper the words in a sort of half-belief.

“Yup.” He grins. “But that was what, almost thirty years ago at this point. Before our time, yoi.”

“Not by much, but it’s plenty of time for things to change. Man, Candy Land goes back almost fifty years, that certainly explains a lot about how it had such a strong start.” You shake your head, deciding not to dwell on it. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Eh?”

“With the tables?” You clarify, standing up as Haruta pokes his head into the room.

“Tables are loaded, but we could use a few spare hands for the chairs and getting it all tied down.” He says, giving you a wave, before looking up at Marco. “Can you talk some sense into Dadan? She’s talking about going hunting to make sure there’s enough to eat tomorrow.”

“I’ll handle that.” You declare, getting up and squeezing between the two of them to get through the door. You push Marco into the door a little to avoid colliding with Haruta. “I don’t want to spend the afternoon plucking and burning feathers, thank you. Hi Haruta, nice to see ya’.”

“Same, same.” He says, waving as you head off before looking up at Marco. “Are you-.”

“Just,” Marco interrupts. “Get the chairs.”

[sethsclearwater]

request: hi! I know u just wrote some paulxreaderxseth smut but do u think u could write one where both of them are actually engaging on it at the same time with her and also with some long aftercare? 🥺

warnings: smut, dom!paul, dom!seth, sub!reader (everyone is super soft with reader in this), more smut

notes: this trio is my favorite thing ever, also seth, paul, and reader are all 21+ (don’t cancel me pls lmao)

word count: 4.21k

…

you had been at emily’s all day, anxiously waiting for the boys to get back from their long-awaited battle with victoria’s army. paul and seth agreed it was best you stay at emily’s because of how worked up you were over the whole thing. when you realized what was going on you’d tried arguing with them to stay back and it had turned into the first real argument you’d had with either of them. after attempting to ice them out, you quickly realized neither of them were going to budge so you gave up and decided ignoring the whole thing was your next best course of action. 

ignoring it turned out to be much less effective than you thought it’d be. you were up pretty much the entire night before, causing seth and paul to be up with you too. it wasn’t until seth convinced you to take some benadryl to knock you out that you finally fell asleep . the next morning you’d woken up at emily’s house, realizing that the boys must’ve brought you over there while you were sleeping and left for the battle. you weren’t too happy about it but emily, brady, and collin were welcome company. 

after convincing brady and collin to shift so they could tell you what was going on, you found out that they were quite literally in the middle of the battle which only made your anxiety worse. seeing your distress over the whole thing, emily had given you some herbal tea and some of the anxiety medication sue had prescribed you to help calm you down which didn’t do too much but it did cause you to fall asleep on emily’s couch which you’d guessed was arguably more effective. 

you weren’t sure how much time had gone by but when you woke up, seth had your head in his lap, gently stroking his fingers through your hair. you hummed, rolling onto your back to look up at him, a bit hazy as you tried to figure out what was going on, “hey pretty girl,” seth murmured, “emily said you got yourself all worked up today.” he said softly and you nodded, knuckling your eyes blearily as you tried to wake yourself up a bit more.

“where’s paul?” you asked softly, turning to scan the rest of emily’s living room and not seeing him, or anyone else for that matter. 

“he’s okay,” seth cooed, “just bringing the truck over to billy’s, should be back in a minute.” he reassured, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead.

you sighed softly, taking seth’s hand and anxiously fiddled with his fingers, knowing your anxiety likely wouldn’t go away until you saw paul was fine for yourself, “is everyone okay?” you whispered after a moment, and seth sat up, taking a moment too long to answer.

you looked up at him anxiously, “what happened?” you asked, squeezing his hand a bit as you tried to encourage him to answer you quicker.

seth took a deep breath, “jacob got hurt. everyone else is fine though.” he explained, “he should be fine. that’s where everyone is at right now.” he said, easily anticipating your next question. 

you went to ask another question but the sound of the door opening and closing caught your attention and you tilted your head to look over. paul entered, letting out a heavy sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair before noticing you were up. you felt a weight lift off your chest as you saw him, not realizing how anxious you were about it until you saw him. “hey princess,” paul cooed when he realized you were up, stepping over to you and crouching in front of the couch.

“paul,” you whimpered, reaching your hands up and wrapping your arms around his neck so you could pull him closer to you. 

“‘m right here princess.” paul cooed, “you feeling better?” he asked softly, easily sliding out of your grip so he could look at you, scanning your face for any reaction he could gauge. 

“mhm,” you murmured, “jus’ tired from all the medicine.” you explained softly and paul nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. 

paul paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before looking up at seth where they exchanged looks with eachother that you couldn’t quite read, “is he okay?” seth asked paul, who didn’t have much else to offer besides a shrug. 

“they’re resetting everything now. not much anyone can do.” paul explained and you looked over to him, still not totally sure what they were talking about.

you grabbed paul’s hand, tugging at it lightly to get his attention, “resetting what? seth didn’t tell me anything,” you murmured, both boys letting out sighs. 

“he just broke a few bones.” seth explained softly before paul added, “nothing you need to be worried about. you’re gonna make yourself sick if you keep freaking out like you have been.” 

you normally would’ve argued with them but you were feeling too drained so you just let out a sigh instead, nodding your head in defeat. paul offered you a small smile before seth broke the silence, “you wanna go upstairs and lay down in the spare bedroom? emily wants you to stay here tonight.” 

you nodded, sitting up so paul could pick you up, quickly wrapping your legs around his waist as he carried you upstairs to the spare bedroom. after setting you down on the bed, you grabbed his hands, pulling him so he stood inbetween your legs, “don’t do that again.” you said softly, referencing the battle and everything leading up to it. 

paul let out a soft sigh, nodding, “‘m sorry princess.” he cooed, “neither one of us knew you could feel the bond that much.” he explained softly, cupping your face in his hand and gently rubbed small circles on your cheek with his thumb.

after the pack witnessed how worked up you were about the boys going into battle, the elders had agreed that you felt the imprint/imprintee bond more heavily than the other imprints because you had two imprinters instead of just one. of course, this realization didn’t do too much for you because you’d already known you were feeling it more heavily but it did validate your “excessive” anxiety to the rest of the pack. 

seth stepped into the room before you had a chance to respond, offering you a small smile as he set down your pajamas on the dresser. you whined softly, reaching your hand out to him which he gladly accepted, quickly crawling onto the bed so he could sit behind you, pulling you so you could rest against his chest. 

“wanna put your pajamas on?” paul asked, turning to grab them but you tugged him back over to you, shaking your head. 

paul shot you a confused look, “want you two.” you murmured, looking up at him pleadingly. knowing what you meant, both boys acted on it, seth brushing your hair over your shoulder so he could press soft kisses to your neck and shoulder. paul slid his hands under your shirt, tugging it over your head and tossing it to the side.

you whined softly, grinding your hips down into the bed as you felt your nipples harden as the cold air hit them. paul chuckled when he noticed, quickly cupping your breasts in his hands and rolling your nipples between his fingers so you were mewling at his touch. seth’s fingers slid under your shorts and panties, quickly finding your clit and rubbing tight, slow circles against the sensitive bud. 

“seth making you feel good kitten?” paul asked softly, teasingly and you whimpered, biting your lower lip  as you nodded. seth let out a breathy laugh, dipping one of his fingers into your heat, “you wanna cum on his fingers?” paul asked, rolling your nipple between his finger in an attempt to get your attention.

you whined, nodding, “yes please-” you murmured, knowing paul would likely encourage you to use your words before allowing you to cum. seth pressed a kiss to your shoulder to praise you for your words, adding a second finger to your heat and gently scissoring them to stretch you out.

you mewled throwing your head back against seth’s shoulder, “good girl,” paul cooed, “there ya go,” he continued, seth curling his fingers in you against your sweet spot which had you letting out another breathless moan, “cum on his fingers kitten.” paul cooed, rolling your nipples between his fingers again and seth pressed another kiss to your shoulder, sending you right over the edge.

paul coaxed you through your orgasm, praising you as seth pumped his fingers in and out of you as you rode out your high on his fingers. “such a good girl for us aren’t you?” paul mused, hooking his fingers around your shorts and panties, tugging them down with little difficulty so they could have better access to you.

in your post-orgasmic haze, you missed the silent conversation paul and seth had figuring out what to do with you next. you whined as seth’s fingers left your pussy, looking over your shoulder at him anxiously, “shhh…” seth cooed, chuckling softly at your distress, “c’mere.” seth murmured, shifting so he was leaned against the headboard, paul helping you lay down next to him. 

paul quickly got between your thighs, not missing a beat before he was sucking on your clit, eliciting a loud moan from you. seth chuckled, running his fingers through your hair, gently stroking your scalp. you whined, looking up at seth before reaching over and palming the prominent bulge there. “you want it?” he asked, nodding as you let out another low whine when paul dipped two of his fingers into your heat, continuing to suck at your clit. 

seth smiled, pulling his sweatpants down enough to free his hardened length, allowing you to quickly wrap your hand around it and pump him while paul continued eating you out, “you gonna cum on paul pretty girl?” seth mused, letting out a soft moan as you ran your thumb over his sensitive tip, spreading the precum around his tip as you felt your second orgasm of the night quickly approaching. 

you nodded, whimpering loudly when paul slid his fingers out of you and quickly replaced them with his tongue, knowing how much you loved the sensation of his tongue fucking you. you whined, reaching your free hand down to knot in paul’s hair as your other hand continued to gently pump at seth’s length. sensing how close you were, seth reached down to roll your nipple between his fingers just as paul reached up to rub circles at your clit, their actions quickly sending you over the edge to your second orgasm of the night.

you let out a soft moan, your grip on paul’s hair tightening as you came, riding out your orgasm as he slowed down. both boys’ touches softened as they brought you back to reality, “doing so good for us,” seth cooed, stroking your cheek with his free hand as paul got up, stretching his arms over his head before tugging his sweatpants and boxers off and kicking them to the side. 

“you think you can take both of us?” paul asked softly and you looked up at him confused, still bleary from the anxiety meds and two orgasms, “in your pussy.” paul clarified, pumping his cock in his hand as you thought about it for a moment.

you’d been begging them to try this with you for a while now but neither was interested because they were worried about hurting you so this offer from paul was a pleasant surprise. you nodded then, smiling excitedly, both men chuckling softly at your excitement, “okay, you promise you’ll say if it hurts?” paul asked as seth got up, also kicking his sweatpants and boxers off and to the side. 

you nodded, “promise.” you murmured, sitting up on your elbows as you responded.

“seth you have the lube right?” paul asked the younger of the two, seth nodding as he handed paul the bottle of lube you sometimes used during your rendezvous. 

seth laid back down on the bed, “c’mere.” he cooed, helping you straddle his lap, “so you’re gonna take me first, yea? and then we’ll see if you can do paul, okay?” seth asked softly, running his hands over your thighs as he patiently waited for your response. 

you nodded, happy they were letting you try this. using one hand to stabilize your hips and the other to grip his cock, he allowed you to lift your hips and line him up with your entrance, “good girl, taking him so well,” paul cooed as you sank down seth’s length, both you and seth letting out muffled moans at the pleasurable sensation. 

after a moment, you felt the bed shift under paul’s weight, and before you had a chance to look over your shoulder you felt his warm hand pressing inbetween your shoulder blades, “lay down on seth kitten.” paul cooed, allowing you to lean forward to you could lay down on your other boyfriend’s chest.

seth smiled, wrapping his arms around you and holding you to his chest, “what’s your safe words?” seth murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of your head.

“yellow to slow down, red to stop.” you whispered, peeking up at him as he smiled, pressing a quick kiss to your lips.

“that’s my girl.” paul praised, squirting some of the lube onto his hand to stroke across his length, “okay i’m just gonna start with my fingers okay? you tell me if it hurts.” paul explained, running his free hand over your hips as he waited for you to hum in acknowledgment.

a moment later you felt paul’s lubricated finger against your stuffed entrance, both you and seth letting out sighs at the feeling. after spreading some of the lube around your entrance, he slowly pushed his finger into your heat, sliding in between seth’s cock and your tight walls. 

you whined, attempting to roll your hips down but seth stopped you, quietly shushing you as his grip on you tightened. paul thrusted his finger in and out of you for a moment before deciding you were good to take another finger. 

at the feeling of his second finger prodding at your entrance, you and seth both groaned as he slowly slid it inside of you, “feel okay?” seth asked softly, scanning your face for any signs of pain or discomfort. 

you shook your head, “feels good.” you murmured, peeking up at him and he smiled, pressing a quick kiss to your lips. 

paul gently scissored his fingers inside you then, seth letting out a low groan at the sensation and you letting out a loud whine, “doing so good,” paul cooed, pressing his lips to your hips as he continued to scissor his fingers to stretch you out. 

seth’s breathing hitched as your walls fluttered around him and paul at the feeling, “seth don’t even think about it-” paul warned, both of them letting out breathy laughs as seth tried to refrain from cumming inside of you. 

“paul-” you whined, not bothering to look over your shoulder at him, knowing he’d hear you and he just hummed in acknowledgment, sliding his fingers out of you. 

you whimpered, about to argue with him but seth quickly shushed you, “he’s coming pretty girl,” seth cooed and you nodded, letting out an exhale as you relaxed into seth’s chest, impatiently waiting for paul to finish lubricating himself for you. 

within a moment you felt the head of his cock brush against your pussy, his free hand coming down to rest on your hip and hold you steady for him, “you let us know if it hurts, okay?” paul asked and you nodded against seth’s chest, humming in acknowledgment. 

“good girl,” paul mused before he was pushing the head of his cock into your tight channel, all three of you letting out moans at the sensation. 

you buried your face in the crook of seth’s neck as paul pushed into you, taking deep breaths as you stretched around the two of them. “doing so good for us,” seth cooed, running one of his hands up your back to stroke through your hair. 

“there you go,” paul cooed as he bottomed out in you, both boys now fully situated in your pussy, both giving you a moment to stretch around them. “take some deep breaths.” paul encouraged, seth humming in agreement as you continued taking deep breaths.

having both of them inside you felt intimate in a way you didn’t even think was possible. you’d loved having sex with them each but having paul’s girth combined with seth’s length inside you all at once nearly had you cumming on the spot. 

“feeling good yet?” seth asked after a minute, voice tight like he was almost begging you to say yes, and you nodded, peeking up at him for the first time since paul had entered you. 

allowing yourself another moment to get more comfortable with the sensation, you asked seth, “does it feel good for you?” 

he nodded, “you have no idea,” he started, letting out another breathy laugh, “you feel amazing right now.” 

you giggled, walls fluttering around both men at the motion eliciting loud groans from both of them, “you can move.” you whispered, knowing how desperate all 3 of you were for some friction. 

seth nodded, pressing his lips to the crown of your head for a quick kiss before he planted his feet on the bed, paul being the first to pull back and thrust back into you, seth following the action so they had alternating thrusts.

you were a moaning mess as they got quickly into a rhythm, one of them consistently buried in you as the other pulled back to thrust, “fuck-” paul groaned, snaking his hand around your hip to rub your clit, nearly sending you over the edge right there. 

you mewled, rolling your hips down onto them at the pleasure, both boys letting out loud groans, nearly cumming right there. “you gonna cum on our cocks?” paul gritted out, both boys’ thrusts getting rougher as all three of you neared your orgasms. 

you nodded breathlessly, pressing your hands to seth’s chest and sat up a bit so you could push back on their cocks, all three of you letting out loud moans at the sensation, “paul-” seth groaned, warning him he was close. you didn’t see but paul nodded at him, beginning to rub tighter, faster circles on your clit. 

“there you go kitten, make a mess on our cocks,” paul encouraged, both boys clearly trying to refrain from cumming until you met your third orgasm of the night. you whined, right on the edge and, sensing how close you were, seth reached up, easily grabbing your breasts with both of his hands and rolled your nipples between his fingers sending you right over the edge. 

your walls pulsed around both boys, forcing them to come undone inside of you, all three of you letting out loud moans as you each came, seth and paul’s grips on your hips and breasts bruisingly tight as you all came. struggling to catch your breath, you laid back down on seth’s chest, seth quickly releasing your breasts and wrapping his arms around you and holding you close to him while seth and paul’s thrusts slowed as they emptied themselves inside you. 

“such a good girl,” seth cooed breathlessly, stroking one of his hands through your hair. you hummed, taking in deep breaths as you came down from your high. 

paul let out a soft sigh, pulling out of you slowly causing you to whine at the loss of him, “paul-” you whimpered, turning to look at him but he just chuckled, cupping your face in his hand and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips. 

“seth’ll stay in you for another minute, right seth?” paul asked the younger male teasingly, seth letting out a breathy chuckle as he pulled you back down to his chest. 

“‘course i’ll stay in my pretty girl,” seth cooed, pressing his lips to the crown of your head, “you jus’ let me know when you’re ready and we’ll get you all cleaned up, okay?” he asked softly, patiently waiting for you to hum in agreement. 

paul got off the bed, pulling his boxers and sweatpants back on before heading into the bathroom, returning with a rag a few moments later. he sat down on the bed next to you and seth, leaning against the headboard as he gently ran his fingers up and down your side. 

“you ready to let seth go yet?” he asked teasingly after a moment and you nodded, looking up at him with a pout on your lips. 

seth smiled, gently lifting your hips up so he could pull his softening length out of you. you whimpered at the loss of him, anxiously looking over to paul who passed the rag to seth and lifted you off him, pulling you into his lap so seth could get up and clean himself off. 

“you did so good for us,” paul cooed, pressing a soft kiss to your lips, “i love you.” he murmured and you giggled, peeking up at him.

“i love you too.” you whispered, leaning up so you could press your lips to his for a quick kiss. the bed dipped with seth’s weight, catching your attention and you turned to see him, now also wearing sweatpants.

“ready to let paul clean you up?” seth asked softly and you shook your head. you’d never been one for cleanup after sex, hating how overstimulating it was which paul and seth were all too aware of. 

seth chuckled, taking you off paul’s lap so he could sit you inbetween his legs, “paul’ll be gentle, right paul?” seth asked in an attempt to ease your worries. 

paul nodded, grabbing the rag from seth before situating himself between your legs. he let out a breathy laugh when he saw your overused cunt, “we really did a number on you,” he sighed, “she’s gonna need some tylenol in the morning.” 

you whined at the thought, looking up at seth anxiously who just pressed a kiss to your lips, “be a good girl for us, yea? just a little while longer.” he murmured and you nodded, a pout on your lips as you attempted to sit still, quickly giving up when you felt the rag against your thigh. 

“think you can sit still?” paul asked softly, running one of his hands over your thigh as he patiently waited for you to stop squirming, something the notoriously impatient man normally wouldn’t do. 

seth quietly shushed you, running his hands down to hold your thighs apart, “paul’s just gotta wipe you up so you’re not too sticky, promise you’re gonna feel better when he finishes.” seth cooed, both males letting out sighs as you whined as paul swiped the rag through your folds, attempting to clean their seed up from you as quickly as possible. 

“there you go,” seth cooed, pressing a kiss to your temple, both men trying to hide their chuckles as you whimpered when the rag grazed your very overstimulated clit. after a few more moments of overstimulation, paul got off the bed, tapping your thigh so you could close them. 

“did such a good job pretty girl.” seth cooed, pressing a soft kiss to your lips as paul grabbed your pajamas from the dresser. you beamed at the praise, turning your attention to paul as he helped you get one of his shirts over your head and your panties up your legs. 

paul grabbed his phone after he helped you into your pajamas, standing by the side of the bed as he read through his missed texts, “any updates?” seth asked him, opening his arms so you could lay down on his chest. 

“they’re coming back now. said he’s sleeping.” paul explained and you assumed it must’ve been related to the whole jacob situation they didn’t want you worrying about. 

seth nodded, turning his attention to you then, “you going to sleep pretty girl?” he asked softly and you nodded, grabbing his hand and intertwining your fingers, “we’re not going anywhere.” he cooed, anticipating your anxiety, knowing you’d be asking them to stay in a moment. 

“go to sleep kitten. promise we’ll be here.” paul cooed, both men knowing how badly you needed the sleep after everything that happened the last few weeks.

you nodded, yawning as you closed your eyes, resting your head on seth’s chest, not falling asleep until you felt paul get in the bed with you. 

[elocinnicole]

Much Needed Break

Much Needed Break

Pairing: Daveed Diggs x Black!Reader

Rating: 18+ SMUT (oral f receiving, unprotected sex, foreplay)

Requested: No

Summary: Starting to feel burnt out and Reader gets a surprise from Daveed.

Note: I’ve been writing like crazy y’all. These past few fics have been WIP’s that have been collecting dust on my laptop. I took a sick day earlier this week and have been finishing up these WIPs I hope you enjoy!

Word Count: 3K

Whoever said being a Mom is a beautiful experience, fucking lied. Never in your life have you wanted to be more alone than this moment right now. Daniel had a meltdown in the middle of the store because they were sold out his favorite cereal and refused to pick a different one. Ari has been going through diapers like tic-tacs. The last pregnancy you couldn’t produce enough milk, now it seems like you had to pump every hour or you’ll start leaking through your clothes. You were still healing from your C-Section with Ari which made dealing with everything that much more painful. The plan was to have a home birth but Ari was breech which made you have the C-Section and pushed back you filming the newest season of Bridgerton.

“Maybe you need a break.” Jasmine suggested

“I mean Daveed’s movie premiere is tomorrow. We got a hotel for the night.”

“No, that is not a break. You need a getaway with your husband.”

“I don’t know, I don’t have the time and I feel like even if we do go on a trip, I’m gonna be too tired to do anything.” You’re finding it harder and harder to get up each morning, since Daveed is in the middle of filming his days were early and long. Meaning he wasn’t there to help you in the morning with the kids. You really didn’t want to hire anybody but maybe you need to, at least until you’ve finished filming.

“My Fenty came in today so I thought I could put it on and see what happens.”

“See what happens? Girl I ain’t know it was this bad. You need to get that back broke like a glow stick.”

“When do we have the time Jazz? Between the Bluey marathon or Gracie’s Corner?”

“That’s a start but I still think the two of you need a break. Mainly you.”

“We’re getting a hotel tomorrow.” You reasoned

“Girl, a break from the kids, LA, your house.”

“Maybe you’re right, I’ll talk to Daveed about it.”

“I am. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Alright girl, bye.”

You heard a car door shut, and eagerly ran downstairs to get ready. You’ve been missing, Daveed…a lot. Not only were you filming a show, but you’re also only four months postpartum, adjusting to being parents for two under the age of five, and Daveed filming his movie over seas, the time to be intimate was almost nonexistent. You went into the kitchen and poured yourself and Daveed a glass of wine before heading back upstairs to wait for him. The kids were asleep, candles were lit, you had a bath waiting for the two of you upstairs. You had everything planned.

You waited and waited for Daveed to come upstairs, but it’s already been ten minutes. You tried to stay awake but the exhaustion from your busy day took over and you fell asleep.

When you woke up, there was a blanket placed over you and the wine glasses from last night were gone. You got out of bed you glanced at the clock, and it was only 8:00 AM. You checked on Daniel and Ari, and they were already out of bed. Daveed must’ve taken them downstairs.

You walked into the kitchen, and you should’ve been grateful to see your husband making breakfast but the only thing you could think about is the mess he’s making while doing it.

“Morning! I didn’t want to walk you, Ari was fussy, so I gave her a bath. By then, Daniel was already up so I figured we’d get breakfast started.”

“We made you breakfast, Mommy.” Daniel smiled; face covered in syrup. Daveed smiled you tried to return it, but you walked over to the highchairs where your children were nestled safely, kissing their foreheads. You made yourself a cup of coffee and went to sit in the sunroom alone.

You were torn at your feelings; you’ve been waiting for the day when Daveed woke up with you and had breakfast as a family. The one thing you wanted to do right now had some peace and quiet to yourself. You’ve been in Mommy mode for the last three years and you were exhausted.  Not that Daveed wasn’t present, but you were the one who got the phone calls from daycare, took Daniel to the dentist and doctor. Ari was breastfed and since Daveed started filming soon after she was born, she was a “Mommy’s Girl”. Which left you very little time to be alone as Ari would refuse to go to anyone even sometimes Daveed.

“I made you a plate.” You turned to see Daveed standing in the doorway with a breakfast tray for you. You felt a pang of guilt, Daveed probably wanted to spend time with you but then you remembered that Daveed didn’t come to bed last night.

“Thanks.”    

“Babe—”

“What did you do last night when you came home?”

“I-I was uh…playing video games?”

“Why are you saying it like it’s a question, were you or weren’t you?”

“I was, it was a long day and I needed to unwind.”

“Okay, thanks for the breakfast.” You said, unsatisfied with his answer.

“Babe, I’m sorry I didn’t come to bed sooner. By the time I came up you were already sleep and I didn’t want to wake you. I didn’t know you had planned something—”

“It’s okay,” No it wasn’t. “Thanks for breakfast.” You grabbed the plate from Daveed.

“Babe,”

“Thanks for the breakfast.”

Daveed can admit it, his schedule has been busy for the past few weeks, to be honest, months. It’s taken time away from not only you but the kids. Not that you weren’t happy for him, his movie is expected to generate a lot of Oscar buzz and he has to do press. Daveed tried to make up for it by calling and facetiming you and the kids often, but that still doesn’t make you miss him any less or him feel less guilty. 

Today he was home, the official premier of his movie is tonight. The plan would be you and Daveed we get a hotel in the city with the kids. While you two were out, Nicolette and Jasmine were going to watch the kids. Then, back to the hotel for the night and check out the following morning. This would be the first night in a long time that you and Daveed were going out, just the two of you. You wished it wasn’t a LA movie premier but, nonetheless, it would be your fist night without the kids, sorta. You’ve never gotten dressed for an event with both Daniel and Ari though, you’ve done it plenty of times with Daniel but now you have him and Ari.

The easy going morning was short-lived as you stated getting ready to leave for the hotel. Daveed had gone to get something he needed from the store. You urged him to have it delivered but he just had to go. Leaving you with the kids. Alone. Again. You put both of them down for a nap so you could pack in peace. You were currently in Daniel’s room getting his bag together. A series of rapid knocks and the doorbell ringing pulled you out of your thoughts. You instantly groaned,

“Who the hell is that?” You mumbled to yourself. You dragged your feet down the hall and down the steps. You opened the door and weren’t ready to see your friends standing on the other side.

“What the hell?”

“Are you gonna invite us in or?” Nicolette asked.

“Uh, yeah come in. What are you guys doing we’re supposed to meet you at the hotel.”

“We know, Daveed called us last night.” Jasmine explained.

“Last night?”

“Yes, so go upstairs. Daveed’s gonna be here in like five minutes.” Jasmine urged.

“I’m not packed! I was getting the kids stuff together.”

“Daveed packed your bags for you. Put something on he’ll be here soon!”

You went upstairs to your bedroom and sure enough, Daveed had your bags packed you frowned at the luggage he used. Maybe he packed both of your things together. You threw on your favorite lounge set and some sneakers. You went back downstairs, luggage in tow to see Jasmine and Emmy playing with Daniel and Ari.

Not wanting to draw attention you waved silently left to meet Daveed outside. You smiled upon seeing your husband waiting outside the car for you. Forgetting about your luggage, you run up to Daveed and jumped into his arms.

“I’m sorry,”

“For what?”

“Being a bitch this morning.”

“I’m to blame for that, I know I haven’t been around—”

“It’s not your fault,”

“It kinda is, so we’re flying to France for the premier there.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, also I want to show off the woman that’s been holding me down for the last six years.”

“What about the premiere tonight?”

“We’re not going, we’re going to the airport tonight. But we only have five hours so I’m gonna send you off to your nails and hair done and then we’re going to the airport.”

“Daveed—” he cut you off with a kiss

“I’ll see you later. I’ll finish up here.”

Right after your pamper session, you and Daveed were on a first-class plane ride to France.

You still don’t know how Daveed managed to get this all set up in a little bit of time he had. Daveed prepared a full afternoon for you as soon as you landed, a private couple massage in the hotel room he booked, lunch brought to the room and a facial. The premier wasn’t until the next day, but Daveed wanted to pamper you to the fullest. He was out doing some last-minute things so you took this time to call Jasmine and Nicolette.

“Girl I wish I had a husband like yours.” Jasmie joked

“I know I might have to let him get some ass tonight. He’s been asking since we got together.”

“Girl you gonna have to do a split on it.” Nicolette teased

“Make a whole movie.”

“What’s your new Porn Star name girl?”

“Shut up, how are my babies?”

“Ari’s been up since 7:30, Daniel’s still sleep. We’re about to wake him up and give them breakfast.”

“Is Ari okay?”

“She was fussy last night but we got her to lie down. Daniel’s been fine, girl he hasn’t even asked about you guys.”

“That sounds about right, well I was just calling to check on you guys. Thank y’all so much.”

“Of course! We got you girl, go get dicked down tonight.”

“Oh my gosh, bye!” As soon as you ended the call Daveed entered the room. A fresh bouquet in hand

“Are those for me? Babe, this is entirely too much.”

“I don’t think it’s enough.” Daveed pulled you into a kiss

“Daveed, really this is just…thank you babe.”

“You deserve it.”

“What’s the plan for tonight?”

“Dinner at Substance and then you’ll see after.”

You were amazed at the attention to detail that your husband put into making you feel loved and appreciated in this little bit of time. Some how the two of you had a private dinner a in room away from everyone else. You haven’t spent this much time as a couple since before you had Daniel. Not that you weren’t grateful for the little family that you’ve made but you miss just spending time as husband and wife, but with your growing popularity and life it’s been difficult.

“Promise me, that we won’t lose this when we go back home.” You said

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I don’t want the only time we have time together…just the two of us is when you plan these elaborate getaways. I want alone time with you back in LA too.”

“I know I’m partially to blame for that…we’ll do better. I’ll do better to make sure we don’t forget about us.”

“It’s not just you, it’s me too. I love being a mom, but I don’t want to forget how to be the person you fell in love with.”

“Me either. I love you so much.”

“I love you too Daveed.” The two met in a loving deep kiss. You wrapped your arms around Daveed’s neck, he pressed his hand against the small of your back pulling you closer, as if that were possible. You pulled away first, breathing heavily.

“Make love to me, Daveed.”

Daveed’s lips never left your skin from time you left the restaurant to now laying against the bed while Daveed took his time undressing you. In the car leaving the restaurant, Daveed teased your clit over you lacy thong while sucking on your neck. You had to bite your lip to keep from moaning out loud in the car. It didn’t help in the elevator that Daveed was kneading your ass while waiting to arrive to your floor. His hands and moth were attached to you in some way, driving you crazy. He always stop just short of making you cum, edging you.

“Daveed,” you moaned impatiently

“Wait…” Daveed tenderly took the straps off your shoulders and shimmed the dress down your body happy to only see you wearing a black thong.

“Damn baby just a thong?”

“All for you.” Daveed attacked your neck before making his way to your breasts, taking one nipple in his mouth gently biting and sucking in it while he tugs on the other. You cried out in ecstasy, arching your back off the bed. Daveed switched to the other breast offering the same treatment. Your lift your hips, hoping to feel something.

Daveed makes his way down your body, avoiding where you want his mouth the most, instead he kisses your inner thighs.

“I love you so fucking much. You deserve the whole world and if I could give it to you I would. So perfect, beautiful, my wife.” You moaned at the praises mind too foggy to say anything. Daveed opens your legs and moans at the sigh before him, your thong soaking wet from the foreplay. He mouths at your clothed pussy, and you let out the most pornographic moan that went straight to Daveed’s dick.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful.”

“Daveed…please. I want you.” You breathed.

“You have me, baby.”

“Please…please.”

“Use your words, what do you want?”

“I want…I want your mouth on my pussy.”

“See, how hard was that?” Daveed moves your panties to the side and sucks on your clit. Your hands shoot to his hair, pulling on it, causing him to groan.

“Oh, fuck Daveed.” He opens your folds and starts eating you out like it’s his last meal. Daveed could feel your walks squeezing around his tongue, he pulled his tongue away and plunged three fingers in you finding that spot and went back to sucking your clit.

“I’m cumming, I’m cumming!” You squealed as your juices flowed into Daveed’s awaiting mouth. You pulled him in for a passionate kiss, teeth clashing against each other. You moaned at the taste of yourself on his lips. Desperate for something, you began grinding your hips up against his to feel anything. You started tugging on his clothes, tired of being teased.

“Too many clothes.” Daveed smirked, he loved when you were fucked out and needy. He quickly took off his clothes and threw them to the floor. He hooked his hands under your legs and pulled you toward him. He grabbed his dick and rubbed his tip on your folds, you were so wet he could’ve just slipped his dick in but he anted to tease you some more.

“Make love to me. No more teasing.”

“Since you asked me so nicely.” Daveed slowly pushed in until he bottomed out. You moaned at the stretch, it’s been a while since you and Daveed were intimate, but you welcomed the slight pain. Daveed had to compose himself before moving, your pussy hugging his dick so nicely that he almost came at that moment. He placed your legs over his shoulders for a deeper angle making you both groan. When he started thrusting it didn’t take long for. The squelching of his dick going in and out of you was music to your ears. Some days, it was rough and hard, sometimes you only have time for a quickie, but now Daveed wanted to take his time with you and live in this moment forever. There was no rush, no Zoom interview, no five-minute commercial break, just the two of you in this moment.

“Daveed, Daveed,” You clawed at his back as you reached your peak, quicker than you wanted to. Daveed kept the same pace not wanting this to end, holding his own release at bay. You closed your eyes overtaken by the immense pleasure your husband was giving.

“Look at me,” Daveed ordered you opened your eyes and was met with Daveed’s intense stare. “keep looking at me, okay.” You nodded your head gasping as he kept fucking you into your next orgasm.

“Daveed, it’s too much.” Daveed’s slow deep stroke were killing you. You chanted his name over and over like a mantra.

“One more, just give me one more baby. I know you can do it.” Daveed’s thrust were getting sloppy as he was reaching his peak. One more thrust and you came together, your walls squeezing him as he came inside you. You both breathed heavily as you were coming down from your high. After a few moments, Daveed pulled out of you and pulled you close to him.

“Hey,” He breathed, you smiled softly.

“Hey. That was amazing.” You could see the compliment go to your husband’s head and rolled your eyes. You drew lazy circle on his chest.

“Thank you everything.”

“I should be thanking you and I’m sorry for not making you feel appreciated. I love you and I wouldn’t want to do life with anyone else but you.”

“I love you too Daveed.” You shared one final kiss before drifting off to sleep in the arms of your husband.

Tagging: @nikole-witha-k @iknowthekoolaidflavor @ramp-it-up @wreakhavoconmacroissantdiggs @blackpinup22 @chrisevanswife0405 @mellie-teh-goblin-queen @azxulaa @luckyfriess @thatdamnlyssa @endless-romantic-stories @daveeds-wife @emilia-i @gothic-slaherfan-weeb @slashersluxsworld @chattykathysquietsister @aliyahsomerhalder @crystalannetem @tuhnayshuh

[clumsiestgiantess]

Cold weather prompt part 3! Since it’s angst day, I thought I might as well offer some angsty writing of my own @entomolog-t come and get it!

Stretching my arms high over my head, I wake up for the day and instinctively flinch, expecting my hands to whack painfully against the wooden wall behind my bed.  They don’t, and I let my arms fall back down confusedly.  A few seconds later, my foggy half-sleep disperses and I remember where I am.  There’s clamoring noise coming from the other room, probably the reason I woke up.  I didn’t want to leave the new bed I’d been gifted; even inside the air was cold, and the sun hadn’t even risen.  In this blanket, all of that disappears as if by magic.  It’s like no material I’ve ever felt.  This type of soft and insulated fabric is extremely difficult for a borrower to get — rarely ever discarded by humans for the taking.

How does it manage to stay so warm?  The echo of footsteps in the hallway sends my nerves readily spiked with adrenaline, and suddenly I’m out of bed.  Alice appears in the doorway, in a hurry once again.  “Oh!  Good morning!” she greets me, “You were sleeping so soundly I thought I might have to write you a note to tell you when I’d be back.”  Nodding with a tired yawn, I watch as she packs a drawstring bag with various utensils.  “Another one of those exams?” I ask her, concerned that her worried behavior hadn’t changed despite my return.

 “Yes,” Alice sighs, “I think I understand the material better, though.  After you fell asleep, I stopped complaining so loudly about things I didn’t understand because I didn’t want to wake you.  I guess I just needed to calm down and think things through a bit instead of just cramming everything at once.  Seems like a silly thing to learn now of all times, hmm?”  I’m not quite sure what sort of ‘cramming’ she was doing while I was asleep, but I nodded along politely.

“If I was a bother in any way sleeping here…”  “Nonsense!”  Alice waves a hand nonchalantly at me, “If anything, you being here calmed me down.”  There was a brief silence as Alice tugged her bag closed.  “Thank you.”  Her voice softened, stepping up to the desk where I stood.  “That must’ve been a hard decision for you to make.  Just know, I’m glad you did what you did.  Don’t get me wrong; I’m still stressed.  But I think I would be a lot more stressed without knowing you were alright.”

A warm feeling similar to pride swells in my chest.  It isn’t often that I’m assured I’ve done the right thing.  “When will you be back?” I ask, for once genuinely wanting her to be around.  Usually it’s the opposite; humans being out of the house is prime time for collecting harder-to-get materials.  “Just about three hours,” Alice replies.  That gives me time enough.  

I’ve been meaning to check the outdoor faucet and drain some of the water.  Sometimes, when no one’s been using it for a while, it stops running through the makeshift spigot I’ve set up in my home beneath the floor.  It stopped working a few days ago and I’ve been meaning to go run it.  These days it seems like I’m always running low on the precious liquid.

“Will you be alright here without me?  Do you need me to help you down?”  Glancing around for my bag — and inside it my climbing gear — I found it resting in a spot just to the left of my very cozy bed.  Nodding satisfactorily, I turned back to the human who’d gone to sling her bag over the side of her shoulder.  “I’ll be fine!” I assure her, “I am alone in your house often enough to know what I’m doing.”  “Right!” Alice gasps, “I forgot you’ve been living here…  Ok, s- see you when I get home?”  It was a question, not a statement — unsure whether I was willing to let a freak occurrence like this happen again.

“Yes, I’ll be around.  I always am.  Call for me, and this time I’ll actually listen.”  Alice’s smile brightens almost relievedly.  Saying another quick goodbye, she steps out of the room and down the hall.  I stand and listen until the sound of the door locking behind her reaches my ears.  Clapping my hands and rubbing them together readily, I scoop up my things.  “Alright, three hours.  Time to go pay a visit to the water pipes.

Stepping around my perfect bed, I snatch my bag off the ground and rummage through its contents.  I sigh in relief.  Everything is here.  Taking out my grapple and securely attaching it to the wooden ledge, I let the rope fall to the floor and lift myself onto it, slowly easing more and more of my weight on the cord to ensure it would hold me before scaling down.  “Now all I need are a few supplies and I’ll be on my way.”

Only after arriving safely home do I realize I forgot the thread I’d journeyed all the way to Alice’s room for.  Cursing my obvious mistake, I blame it on my disoriented awakening and began exchanging borrowing supplies for another set of equipment — boots that would cushion my fall to the ground outdoors, and a tough strip of fabric to help me grip and turn the spout’s handle that was meant for much stronger hands than my own.  “I’ll just have to go back for the thread later.  Alice will probably take me back to her room herself when she gets home.”

Alice.  How is it that a person can be so frightening yet so welcoming at the same time?  If you’d asked me a week ago what I thought I’d be doing in several days, you could’ve had me guessing for hours on end before I’d even think to answer: ‘Well, I think I’d be snuggling up in Alice’s hands and sleeping beside her on her desk, of course!’

Certainly not Alice.  I’ve had nightmares about her before.  During the summer, she’d kill every bug she stumbled upon without hesitation — some of them even spitefully.  While it’s true I’m no bug, her general ferocity towards small creatures living in her home was more than enough to put me on edge for a month or two.  Why was she so kind to me?  Alice knows I’m.. not human.  She knows that I’ve always been this small, that I’ve been living off the things she’s bought, in her apartment.  

An embarrassed red rushes to my cheeks, and I shake my head stubbornly.  That’s not even a thing for a borrower like me to be embarrassed of!  I’m proud I’ve managed to live with a human for so long without her even knowing I’m here!  Yet, the thought of Alice — the radiating warmth of her hands, the steady thrum of her pulse — is tantalizing to think about.  I don’t even realize that I’m standing in the middle of the hall in dazed silence until someone moves something on the floor above, startling me.  

Relax, Fen.  She’s just a.. strangely benevolent human.. who saved your life.  Ack!  Thinking about this sort of thing is bizarre; just focus on the task at hand.  Jogging the rest of the way there, I slip through a vent on the side of the building and into the chilling winter air outside.  Seconds later, I hit the ground with buckled knees to further cushion my landing.  If anything, this frigid weather should snap me out of my funk.  Expertly, I skirt around the side of the building along the decorative bushes and reach the edge of the side wall.  A water spout curves away from the concrete here.

Using the same grapple I’d slid down the desk with, I take a few good swings and attach it to the handle.  My weight isn’t enough to set the water off, so I clamber up.  All goes well as I use the strip of strong fabric I collected from my home to yank the faucet on, then let it run for a while.  I can feel it through the pipe — freezing enough to make my skin burn red in seconds by just touching it.  Thankfully, I don’t need much longer to get the water running through it smoothly again.  Any longer and I’d risk someone spotting me unawares.  Once, I’d nearly been grabbed by a child while doing this, but I’d jumped into a bush nearby and clung to a hidden branch until they’d gone.

With the coast remaining clear, I head back down.  Just as I unhook my grapple from the handle, the sound of large footsteps rumbles over the paved walkway to my right.  I dart beneath a bush and watch as two humans walk down the path towards the faucet.  Fortunately, I’m finished using it, and there isn’t a trace of me for them to spot.  “Watch out!” one human warns, “There’s some ice over-”  “WOAH!”  The other human yelps and slips over the frozen spot, reaching out and catching themself on the side of the building before they hit the ground.  I freeze where I am.  “You ok?”  “Yeah, I just slid a little.”  The humans walk carefully off, and I let out a relieved breath.  Neither of them had noticed me.

Trekking back over to the vent, I wind up and cast my hook at one of the metal slats.  The two pieces of metal collide and bounce off eachother, my grappling hook sliding uselessly down the closed grate.  Closed?  It’s.. It’s never closed!  I-It’s not supposed to be closed!  Oh no.  The human who’d slipped had fallen against the building here.  They’d hit the metal slits and accidentally whacked them shut.  Shit.  

The wind suddenly seems colder — the bushes sparser — as I make my way to the front doors.  It’s already a rather cloudy day, but I swear the clouds weren’t such an ugly shade of rippling grey when I first arrived.  Through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the building, I can see the lobby.  So close yet so far; I’ll never make it through such a big space without getting caught.  A shiver wracks my body as the wind picks up.  I’m not supposed to be out here this long, not without the new clothing I need to stitch for myself.  Even though the weather’s a bit warmer than the freezing temperatures I was caught in before, it’s by no means warm.

Desperate for at least some heat, I slip behind a discarded cup near the entrance, my skin numbing then prickling with warmth every time the doors open.  For just a few moments, I get relief before I’m shut out again.  WHAK  I cover my mouth to keep from yelping as something hits the ground right behind me.  Whirling around in utter terror, I fear the worst: a human found me.  A relieved chuckle bubbles out of my throat as I realize it’s just a splash of water.. from.. above me.

No no no.  No, please it can’t be.  Two more drops of water hit the pavement around me.  “AHHH!” I cry out as a freezing raindrop hits me square in the back.  My vision blurs briefly, my head pounding with fear.  Terrified, I glance around the walkway.  No one was around to hear me, but that wasn’t nearly as frightening as what I did see — one of the most dreaded things a person like me can encounter while venturing outside.  

There’s an ominous crackling onslaught of noise before I can even spot the wall of water racing across the parking lot faster than any human can travel.  It’s the kind of situation where all you can do is stand in one spot, utterly helpless to stop whatever awful thing is coming for you.  Terror is coming from so far away, but there isn’t a single thing you can do to stop it.  Instead, you stand back and watch.

Water pounds over me, stinging my skin with freezing projectiles.  I’m on the ground in an instant.  My own lungs choke my throat of air, convinced I’m drowning when I’m not.  I take a few gasping breaths to try and assuage it; my face nearly presses against the pavement to do so.  “Please,” I whine, unsure whether it’s the rain or my tears rolling down my cheeks.  If I could just get to cover.

Weakly, I struggle to haul myself towards the foliage I’d left behind.  I flinch and falter with every new pelting droplet of water that tears into my numb flesh.  Panic grips my chest when I pull my hands back to my head, only to find them bloodied and shredded after trying to drag myself across the rugged cement.  I can’t move; I can’t breathe.  I’m dying.  I’M DYING.  “HELP!  Someone please!”  The last word I speak comes out in a nasty rasping groan as I’m hit again.  

Thunder rumbles rhythmically around me.  I doubt anyone could even hear-  “Fen?  Fen!”  Holding a numb hand up against my brows, I barely manage to recognize the looming form of a human kneeling beside me.  Seconds later, the drilling raindrops cease.  Everything’s blissfully quiet and numb.  I lay there and pant.  “Fen, what are you doing out here?!  I told you I’d be back!  Why on Earth would you-?  Oh please be alright!”  

Slim fingers slip delicately beneath me and I wheeze a pained gasp.  It hurts everywhere.  Every breath shakes in my throat with a keening whine.  Soon, I'm hoisted cautiously into the air, covered by a second hand to block the horrifying bombardment outside.  I bask in the freedom to breathe properly, though my relief is largely shadowed by pain.  When at last I’m deposited onto a tabletop, Alice tries to rub me dry with a hand towel.  “AHHGGGGHH!”  She flinches harshly away from me.  “E-Everything burns,” I gasp.  “The.. rain…”  

I peel off my shirt in a hurry.  Large red welts bloom along my skin where I was hit with the freezing water.  Alice gasps, and I tilt my head up slightly to look at her.  Her hands are clasped over her open mouth as she stares at me with a horrified expression.  “Fen..” she whispers, voice laced with tears.  Tears begin to sting my eyes as well, but with pain rather than pity.  The human rushes away while I sit there and shake.  I don’t want to, but I tear off my pants, too.  Their course material stings awfully.  When Alice returns, she hesitates very slightly at my appearance, but quickly moves closer with a tube of some strange ointment in hand, and my blanket in the other.

“N-No!”  I struggle away as she reaches to place it over me.  “It’s ok, it’s ok, see?  The blanket’s a lot softer.”  The fabric falls over me and I cinch up, only to drag it closely around myself not a moment later.  She’s right.  It hurts, but not nearly as badly.  A few minutes of shaking later, and I begin warming up again.  “Oh Fen, will you be alright?  Why were you out there in the rain?  If I was running late.. or if I hadn’t heard you.. you..”  Tears start rolling down her face.  “I- I’m ok.”  My voice is still raspy, but at least I’m warm enough to speak.  

Alice wipes her tears away with a few swipes of her wrist.  “H-Here, I brought you some medicine.  Once you warm up a bit more, you can put it on.”  We waited as I told her what had happened.  However, the more I heated up, the more feeling returned tomy body, and the more painful things became.  After so long, I couldn’t keep talking, and instead lay down sprawled out over the soft material, breathing shallowly.  “You poor thing.”  Without the blanket wrapped around me, she could finally see just how harshly the weather had treated me.

With gentle caution, Alice lifts one of my arms carefully onto the pads of her fingers.  I inhale sharply, but she quiets me.  “It’s alright; let me put this on you and I promise you’ll feel better, ok?  This’ll heal up your skin in no time, I promise.”  I nod and let myself go limp.  Alice takes the ointment to my skin, rubbing it gently over all the reddened patches across my arms and chest.  They sting briefly, but fade away soon after.  My eyes are closed when she gasps and they flicker fearfully open.  “What happened to your hands?”  

“I tried to get myself beneath the bushes.. couldn’t make it.”  Alice gives me a pitying look.  She takes extra caution with them, dunking them in semi-warm water to get the dried blood off.  They start bleeding again, and she shakily wraps them up in little strips of larger bandages.  I try to do it myself so she doesn’t have to struggle with their tiny scale, but the bleeding only worsens, so I have to stop.

Eventually, once the front of me is cared for, Alice reaches for my sides.  “I’m going to have to lift you up to get to your back.  Will that be too painful for you, or should I do it?”  Her fingers hesitate less than an inch from my torso.  “Do it.  I can take it.  I’ll be alright.”  My voice has grown a bit stronger.  The pain is more intense than I thought, and I take in a sharp breath, but ask her to continue.  This awful pain is all the more reason for me to get it taken care of now rather than later.

I can’t sleep, but neither can Alice.  She sits beside me the whole time, occasionally getting me water, snacks, or just conversation throughout the night.  A few minutes past midnight, I gasp.  “Wait, your exams!  Don’t you need to study!?  I’ll be fine; you have to-”. “It’s alright, Fen.  I don’t have anything tomorrow.  Well, today now,” she amends, nodding at the microwave clock.  I relax with a sigh.

“That’s rather sweet of you, though.  You seem awfully worried about me for someone who didn’t believe I’d be kind enough to help them just a few days ago…  Sorry,” she adds after a brief silence.  “I don’t mean to sound rude.  It’s just.. nice of you.  I was thinking about it earlier, actually.  If I were in your shoes — if I were scooped up by some massive being — I probably would’ve run away too, even if they did claim they wanted to help me.”  I sit up curiously, flinching slightly at the pain in my back.  “I- I still can’t imagine what life must be like for you.  I mean, I’m sure it’s fun getting to run around secret places all day just living life to the edge instead of worrying about school and working jobs like me.  But it must be scary, too.  This is twice now in the last three days I’ve saved your life.”

I huff, slightly upset.  “I’m not usually in that much danger.”  Alice shifts closer to me and I glance up at her with a bowed head.  “Alright,” she says simply.  Gently, her chin falls onto her arms — crossed on the counter beside me.  She doesn’t say anything else, but her eyebrows furrow slightly, eyes crinkling worriedly at the edges.  I’ve never been so close to a human to notice all these small details before.  My arm must’ve drifted between my lap and the air several indecisive times before I finally let myself reach for her.  

All those little details shift and soften into a look of surprise muted by a soft relief.  Her hand reaches for me, engulfing my entire forearm before sliding my palm gently onto the pad of her thumb, holding it with the side of her pointer finger pressed on top of it.  Releasing my bandaged hand, her fingers drift upwards towards me.  My heartbeat quickens, but I make no move to get away.  A single gentle finger glides across my head, tucking some of my mussed hair back behind my ear and away from my eyes.  Alice’s hand drifts back down and rests beside me, though her gaze never leaves mine.

“Now that you know I won’t hurt you,” the human begins quietly, “will you stay here?  More.. out in the open?  Where I can talk to you or.. hang out.. sometime?”  Her cheeks redden slightly, and our gazes finally break as hers darts away from mine.  “It’s ok if you don’t want to, you- you probably have a whole house somewhere around here that I’ll probably never see-”  Quickly, I put a hand over hers beside me to stop her from babbling any further.  “Alice, I still live here; I won’t be far.  True, I don’t exactly have to sneak around the place to avoid you anymore, though.  I’ll probably be walking through here all the time.  We can stop to talk.. or hang out.. whenever you want.”

Alice gives me a grateful look.  “I’d like that.  It- It gets lonely sometimes,” she explains, again glancing embarrassedly away from me.  I can’t help but smile.  How could I have been afraid of a human so docile as her?   

Less than an hour later, Alice is asleep.  Her tired face rests smushed against the counter, breaths evenly and slowly rushing through the otherwise silent room.  Something about the moment makes me smile despite the constant throbbing ache of my raw skin.  She’s certainly nothing like how I thought she would be, but at the same time, everything I’d want her to be.  “Please stay like this,” I whisper to no one but myself.  “I know your kind is still awful.  Don’t let them change you.”

[primavera-weirdeggii]

Final day! Not too much plot here, just fun times! @skizzlemanweek

This event was super fun, thanks to everyone who read! I’m excited for the next one!

Skizz woke up to his phone ringing like mad. He rubbed his eyes and blurily recognized the caller ID as Pearl.

It was 10:07 PM. And sure, Skizz didn’t mean to fall asleep, but he was still sleeping! That didn’t mean he wasn’t a little grumpy from being interrupted.

“Hello?” He answered, then cringed at his morning voice.

“Skizzley!” Pearl cheered, and he winced at her energy.

“Hi Skizz!” Several voices said. He coukd make out Gem and Impulse’s voices, and a low droning voice that must’ve been the TV playing in the background.

“What’s going on?” He asked. From the sounds of it, nothing was wrong, so why did they call him this late?

“You wanna drive us to the park? We’re bored.” Pearl asked casually, like 10PM was a perfectly reasonable time to go to the park.

He wasn’t too phased, because he’s used to the late night “It’s so late though.” Skizz said. “Why can’t we go tomorrow?”

“I have to work tomorrow, at four, so we have to go tonight.” Gem contested. “Plus, Impulse only knows like two parks. You know where the cool ones are.”

“Mhmm, it’s true.” Impulse confirmed.

Skizz sighed, taking a moment to mourn the sleep he was about to lose. “Fine.”

They cheered, and Skizz got up and got un-ready for bed.

About ten minutes later, they found themselves at one of the nearby parks. Skizz brought along his electric skateboard and scooter, because Impulse promised that there was a really cool skatepark.

When they got there, however, the skatepark was closed. Pearl suggested climbing the fence, but Gem said they could just use the empty parking lot.

Skizz set up the electric scooter, which Pearl gravitated to like flies to honey. She drove the scooter all around the parking lot, occasionally shouting when she went too fast over a crack in the pavement.

He managed to convince Gem to try out the electric skateboard, even though she was very nervous.

“I don’t know how to skateboard!” Gem protested. She stood on the board awkwardly, arms out to the side and hands tense. “I’m gonna fall off!”

“Just lean into it, lean into the movement.” Skizz advised.

“What does that even mean?” Gem laughed.

Skizz braced himself on the ground like he was the one on the skateboard and leaned forward to demonstrate. “Like this!”

Judging by the blank look on Gem���s face, she didn’t get it.

Impulse stepped forward and opened his arms. “I’ll catch you- I’ll stand here and catch you if you fall.” He stood just to the side of Gem, just behind her right shoulder.

“Okay,” Gem laughed. “Sure.”

Skizz made sure that Gem was ready, and then he turned on the skate board.

Instantly, Gem fell backwards off the skateboard as it shot forward under her.

Impulse scrambled to catch her, just barely keeping her upright - he hadn’t expected her to actually fall.

She laughed as she stood on her own feet again - laughed in a way partially fueled by the brief panic that had consumed her before she was caught.

“You didn’t lean forward!” Skizz joked. “You just stood there!”

“I still don’t get it!” Gem protested.

Pearl whizzed by on the scooter, pointing and laughing. “Ha-Ha! You fell down!”

“Get back here! Quit hogging the scooter!” Gem yelled, starting to chase after her.

After a while, everyone had finished messing around with the scooter, and they moved to the playground.

Skizz proposed a game of zombies, which eventually just turned into tag. It was all fun and games until Gem was it, and then everyone ran for their lives.

Now they found themselves by the swing set.

Impulse had been riding the scooter around the park for a few minutes, and now he and Gem had started reenacting memes they’d found online.

Skizz heard Impulse say something about an Uber driver, and Gem saying she didn’t order an uber. Skizz tuned them out and turned to the swingset where Pearl sat.

It was a standard park swingset, with poles about six inches in diameter forming an arch at both ends of the swing set. The pole at the top was only about eight feet off the ground.

“I bet I can climb this.”

Pearl kept swinging. “Uh huh.”

“It wouldn’t even be that hard,” Skizz stated, reaching up and grabbing the top bar.

“Do it then,” Pearl challenged.

Skizz pulled himself up enough that he could curl a leg over the bar at the top, and then rolled the rest of his body onto the bar. He sat up, being careful not to fall, and straddled the bar.

“You’re crazy!” Pearl called, starting up at him from her spot on the swing.

“It’s fun!” Skizz countered. “You try it!”

“I can’t do that!” Pearl fought. “You’ve got buff gymnast arms, climbing that is light work for you. I’ve only got average noodle arms.” She flailed her arms around in front of her to demonstrate.

“No, you can!” Skizz argued. “It doesn’t require much arm strength. You just need to pull yourself up.”

“Uh huh. That’s the hard part, mate!”

“Just give it a try!”

“Alright, fine!” Pearl relented. She stood up from her spot on the swing and walked over to the support beams of the swing set.

She contemplated which method of climbing would be best and tested a few, ending up unsuccessful. She tried copying Skizz’s technique, but ultimately lacked the strength to get her whole body to the top like he did.

She determined that since her arms weren’t strong enough to pull herself up, she would have to make use of her legs.

While holding the bar at the top with both hands, Pearl raised one foot and braced it against the pole.

She then pulled herself up just enough to where she could brace her other foot against the pole behind her, and then found herself suspended between the two poles.

“Yeah, you got it!” Skizz encouraged.

Before she could climb any higher, her feet slid down the smooth surface of the pole and she let go before she could fall. “Dangit!”

“You were close! Try again.” Skizz smiled.

“My shoes don’t have a good enough grip,” Pearl complained, gesturing to her beat-up crocs. She took them off and tossed them to the side.

Skizz watched as she did this with a curious face. “What’s that gonna do?”

“Bare skin is better for gripping poles,” she explained. “It’s part of the reason pole dancers wear such small amounts of clothing. Y’know, aside from the obvious ones.”

Skizz nodded and said nothing.

Pearl repeated her prices from before, bracing her feet against the poles and pulling herself up.

It took a few minutes, and a few failed attempts, but she managed to get to the top of the pole, and only had to pull herself up to the bar at the top of the swings.

She wrapped her arms around the bar and swung a leg up to the side, then turned herself over and straddled the bar.

Pearl was filled with pride as she stabilized herself, grinning madly. “I did it!” She cheered.

“Let’s go, Pearly Pop!” Skizz cheered. “I knew you could do it!”

“Yes, Pearl!” Impulse clapped and Gem whooped.

Skizz smiled as Pearl complained that she was tired, and that she was going to be so sore.

“I didn’t think I could actually do that,” Pearl said.

“See, I knew you could!” Skizz said.

“Can you take a picture of us, Impulse?”

“Sure!” He pulled out his phone.

Skizz scooted along the bar, closer to Pearl, and busted out his standard Skizz Smile.

Pearl grinned as well, still sweating from the effort it took her to get up there.

Impulse snapped the picture. The night only winded down from there, and when Impulse had long gone quiet and Gem had started drawing shapes in the sand, Skizz figured they should call it a night.

As they drove back, playing Kevin MacLeod songs over the speaker, Skizz decided they should definitely do this again.

[bilightningwhumper]

@flufftober 2024- Day 1/Alt 1: “I’ve got you”

<<First . My Flufftober 2024 Masterlist . Next>>

When an Angel Falls... (Becca's story) Masterlist --- SoaS Series Masterlist

Summary:

Excerpt for "When an Angel Falls..." (Becca's story) Later than planned, Theo makes it home for his nightly routine

Notes:

Characters: Theo- Becca's partner Becca- Steve and Bucky's daughter Jamie- Steve and Peggy's daughter Will- Bucky and Nat's son Bucket- Will's support dog

Ao3 link

Word count: 740

Theo PoV

Theo did his best to be quiet creeping into the apartment. But of course he had to trip over the shoes left in the entryway. Sighing, he noticed they were Will’s sneakers. Practice must’ve ended badly. Moving the shoes onto the wrack, he took off his own to join them before continuing on.

There was a good smell coming from the kitchen, though fainter than it probably had been. Glancing inside, he saw a covered plate on the counter, a note placed on top with his name on it. Dinner could wait a little longer, though, he decided, catching the quiet sound of the tv still on in the living room.

He went in to find the Encanto movie menu looping on the screen, the light softly illuminating the room and a sleeping Jamie on the couch. The throw blanket usually over the back of the couch was now partially on top of her, mostly on the floor now. He pulled it back over her after making sure she wasn’t too warm already.

Making his way into the hallway, he peeked into Will’s room through the crack in the door. The kid was asleep, sprawled over his bed haphazardly, Bucket sprawled on top of him. Theo smiled, shaking his head as he kept going, leaving the door as it was. Giving Will a real blanket would probably do little between the two messy sleepers.

Finally, he entered Becca and his bedroom. His partner was also asleep, curled up on her side, crumpled papers around her, a pencil still in her hand, wings limp against the bed. Picking up the papers, he waited as long as he could before attempting to wake her. Once he’d put all of them on the side table, he sat down in front of her and kissed the top of her head softly, rubbing her arm.

“Becca?” he whispered.

She stirred, blinking up at him, her wings fluffing slightly before she calmed again. “Theo, you’re home,” she said, yawning and rubbing her eyes. “What time is it?”

Glancing at the clock, he winced. Two in the morning. “Late,” he murmured, tucking some fallen hair behind her ear. “Sorry, they pulled me for overtime. Super-humans need a healer, turns out.”

She leaned into his hand, humming softly with a small smile. “I know. Cho called before I started freaking out too much when you hadn’t called on your break.” Sighing, she began to get up. “I should check on the other two. They were both awake before I fell asleep, and-”

“They both had bad days, I figured.” Theo finished, gently pulling her back onto the bed. “They’re both asleep now. We can help them in the morning. But you need rest. I only woke you to let you know I was home, not to get you up and moving.”

Huffing quietly, she shook her head at him. “Just because you’re right doesn’t make it any more annoying, you know.” she complained, though the smile tugging at her lips took any bite out of her words, not that there was much to begin with. But she didn’t fight him, curling up on her side again, wings ruffling against her back before settling too.

Very rarely did she let her guard down, even around him. Now he could see the dark bags under her eyes, the exhaustion inside them. She hadn’t gained as much weight recently either, her clothing hanging more on her frame than they should.

“You ate dinner, right?” he asked, running his fingers rhythmically through her hair.

She nodded as her eyes began to drift shut. “Yeah. I’ve been throwing up a lot though. I don’t know if the meds are working or if they’re keeping things at bay just enough not to get worse.”

“I’ll call Cho tomorrow. Fingers crossed, my day off remains undisturbed tomorrow and you can just get some sleep.”

Nuzzling into his knee softly, she murmured, “What would I do without you?”

He kept running his fingers through her hair, smiling, though her eyes were closed fully now. “I’ve got you, hun. Always.”

She didn’t respond, slowly becoming more and more relaxed into the pillows. A purr started faintly from her chest as her breathing turned even and calm.

After pulling the blanket up and over her, Theo left her to eat the dinner Jamie left out for him before he went back to get some sleep himself.

SoaS Taglist:

No one so far

[another-dr-another]

uh. follow him into the hallway ig… -iris

Maeda, narrating - Is it worth it to try and have a conversation with Tsurugi now?

Maeda - Maybe I can at least get him to confirm if he heard anything during the night- or get him to say something about the fact he was-

Maeda - …Maybe? Asleep next to Higa?

~*~

Maeda - …Tsurugi, I know I’ve been kind of worried about getting back to Maki, but…

Maeda - Could we talk, real quick?

Tsurugi - Yeah, go ahead- just watch yourself.

//Tsurugi takes a few steps back-

Maeda - What does that mean- FUCK-

//-Then runs past Maeda, and does a front flip.

Maeda - …

//He turns, and looks back at Maeda.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi, silently - Why’d you stop?

Maeda - …

Maeda - Tsurugi. Why.

Tsurugi - Many joys that come with being upside down!

Tsurugi - You should try it sometime… everything goes wheeee and it’s fun.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t know why I asked.

Maeda - Anyways-

Maeda - Were you asleep next to Higa, last night?

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - …

Tsurugi - …

//Tsurugi is looking at Maeda, completely still.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …Uehara and I were asleep on the mattress next to him.

Maeda - Yeah, but which one of you was in the middle?

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - It’s weird that no one heard anything last night- but if anyone would know anything, it’d be the person actually next to Higa.

Maeda - So… I want to know.

Maeda - …Really though… I want to know which of them would have reached him easier.

Tsurugi - Uh…

Maeda - …

Maeda - Last night, it looked like you were falling asleep next to him, but this morning, I saw Uehara closer to Higa.

Maeda - It shouldn’t be hard for you to clear up- where were you when you fell asleep?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Maeda, I don’t get this sort of thing…

Tsurugi - You saw me falling asleep near him, you fell asleep- next time you were awake, I was on the other side.

Tsurugi - Don’t you understand what happened?

Maeda - …What?

//Tsurugi sighs.

Tsurugi - Maeda! Come on, we were just talking about this… what’s gonna happen if you have to solve a trial without me!

Tsurugi - I fell asleep next to Higa, with Uehara on my other side- but then, Kobashikawa woke me up, and I had to leave bed!

Tsurugi - By the time I was going back, Uehara had taken over the whole thing, which isn’t his fault, because his reverse elongation surgery got postponed, but I didn’t have a spot anymore.

Tsurugi - There was more room in the spot he used to be, so I slid in there.

Maeda - …And if I asked Uehara if this happened?

Tsurugi - …What, if he rolled over in his sleep?

Maeda - …He’s got me there.

Tsurugi - I guess he could’ve woken up, in theory…

Tsurugi - But he still wouldn’t be able to tell you, because he wouldn’t remember something that happened while he was half asleep.

Maeda - Damnit, he’s good.

Maeda - Wait-

Maeda - So, you think Higa was still alive when you went back to bed?

Tsurugi - …Huh?

Maeda - Well- 

Maeda - I guess what I’m saying is, doesn’t that make more sense?

Maeda - Kobashikawa woke up within an hour of everyone falling asleep, and I doubt whoever killed Higa did it that soon.

Maeda - You’re the last person we know was awake in that area, if he was already dead, it’d be on you to notice…

Maeda - I don’t know how to explain it, but it makes sense to me… Higa must’ve still been alive.

Maeda - You did say you couldn’t really see- 

Maeda - But if you were trying to work out where to lay down, then surely you were paying enough attention to notice a dead body…

Maeda - In fact, maybe it was you getting up that woke up whoever killed Higa-

Maeda - Not you, necessarily… but maybe someone did wake up from the lights, then waited until everyone had settled, and…

Maeda - Couldn’t that work, timeline-wise?

Tsurugi - …

//They’re still standing in the hallway- they’ve made it only a few doors down.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - That’s the kind of logic that I want to see from you Maeda. Good work.

//Maeda smiles. Tsurugi returns it.

Maeda - It’s nice to have a moment like that…

Maeda - I think the dual deaths as soon as we woke up got me super stressed… but I should try to relax a bit.

Maeda - I want to work with everyone!

//They start to walk again.

Tsurugi - Do you have any other questions, Maeda?

Maeda - Mmm…

Maeda - Nothing I couldn’t ask about in the trial, if I need to.

Maeda - No, I should be good!

Maeda - Do you have anything you want to ask me, before we get to the dining hall?

Tsurugi - Uh…

Tsurugi - …No! No questions here.

Maeda - …

//He stops.

Maeda - What is it?

//Tsurugi stops as well.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I don’t… think it’s that important, you know?

Tsurugi - …Uh-

Tsurugi - Usually, I don’t really stress before I speak-

Maeda - I’ve noticed that, yeah.

Tsurugi - But… I really want to make sure I word things right!

Maeda - …How come?

Maeda - If things don’t come out right, we’ll talk about it, and I’ll find out what you meant. I don’t think you could mean anything too bad…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Awww…

Tsurugi - So sweet to me…

Tsurugi - It isn’t really you that I’m worried about, though.

Maeda - …Who’s around that you could be worried about?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Well!

//Tsurugi takes a few stumbling steps- but he doesn’t really move forward… just stands in a different spot.

Tsurugi - You never really know who might be listening to you!

//In typical fashion, he’s gesturing grandly… but something about the way he tilts his head catches Maeda’s eye.

Maeda - …?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Which, maybe it’s because I don’t have my hearing aid on? When it’s harder to hear, it’s harder to stay oriented, cuz senses go hand in hand!

Tsurugi - At least, for me-

Tsurugi - But! It makes it hard to keep track of what’s happening- it’s harder to remember who might be watching!

Maeda - ?...

//Suddenly, Maeda sees just what Tsurugi was trying to cue him towards.

Maeda - Oh my god. It’s exactly what Uehara was saying earlier- Tsurugi’s worried about the cameras.

Maeda - Ah-

Maeda - I understand…

Maeda - Uh…

Maeda - …I guess it’s up to you- if you think it’s important, we can wait until you know how to ask it.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I don’t care!

Maeda - About talking, or-

Tsurugi - I don’t give a care.

Tsurugi - Mastermind, I hope you’re listening. I’m gonna kick your teeth in.

Tsurugi - Maeda.

Maeda - Yes???

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - When I ask you this… it’s because I can’t get this out of my head, and I need to externalize it, or I’ll go crazy.

Tsurugi - I just need someone to express my thoughts to, that's all I want to do about this… okay?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi, quietly - …Please don’t tell the others.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Yeah. We’re friends- I’ll value Tsurugi’s trust.

Maeda - Okay. Promise.

Maeda - It’s like I said earlier- even if things don't come out perfect, I know you’re a good person, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Do you think we could justify voting wrong?

Maeda - …

Maeda - Huh.

Maeda - There’s… there’s no way I’m understanding…

Maeda - …Tsurugi… what do you mean?

Tsurugi - …Like.

Tsurugi - Do you think there could ever be a circumstance where voting wrong is the correct choice to make?

Maeda - …

Maeda - Tsurugi.

//He laughs a bit, through his next line.

Maeda - If… we get the blackened wrong. We’ll all die.

//Tsurugi isn’t laughing.

Tsurugi - Yeah.

Tsurugi - I…

Tsurugi - I know that.

Tsurugi - That’s what I mean.

Tsurugi - I don’t think I could convince everyone to do it. 

Tsurugi - I could vote wrong, but it’s not just my vote- it’s about everyone, and I don’t think I could get you all to listen to me…

Tsurugi - “Hey guys, let’s all vote for someone who isn’t the blackened! As a silly prank! Monokuma’s face will be so funny!”

Maeda - …

Maeda - I… I don’t understand.

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Haha…

Maeda - I- I don’t think I’m following…

Tsurugi - I kinda want everyone to vote wrong.

Tsurugi - I think it might be the best choice we could make.

Maeda - …Eh?

Tsurugi - …Maeda.

Tsurugi - Do you think this is supposed to end?

Maeda - …?

Tsurugi - …You know.

Tsurugi - We go through a motive. Someone falls to it. People die.

Tsurugi - We say we’re learning, we’re leaving those feelings, we’re putting it behind us.

Tsurugi - We go through a motive. Someone falls to it. People die.

Tsurugi - We say we’ve learned, and we’ll do things differently. We’re putting it behind us.

Tsurugi - …And I mean, to what end? Why?

Tsurugi - I’m not asking philosophically, trying to wax poetic about anything, I mean logically. Ask yourself; why?

Tsurugi - What’s the reason for the mastermind to be doing this?

Tsurugi - Typically, there isn’t a financial benefit to torture. There could be someone paying for this to happen, I guess…

Tsurugi - But, why keep us in the lap of luxury? It could be a statement about materialism…

Tsurugi - But, who concerned with that has the sort of money?

Tsurugi - So, it’s that, or it’s something ideological. If you ask me, that’s most likely- but I don’t think anyone would be surprised to hear that.

Tsurugi - And so, if someone’s doing this because of their views, then… when is it supposed to end?

Tsurugi - I don’t think it’s really supposed to stop.

Tsurugi - We can do our best- but I think that’s what we’ve been doing. I don’t think it’s fair to anyone here to try and claim we’re in control.

Tsurugi - None of us have any power. We don’t have a hand to play in this situation, all we have is hands to raise against each other- and we can’t stop ourselves from doing it.

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - And, like…

//Something shifts.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …Aren’t you tired?

Tsurugi - Don’t… you get sick of it. It’s hard for everyone, so we say we’ll prevail- but to what. end.

Tsurugi - We aren’t here to win. That isn’t an option we have.

Tsurugi - So, if we can’t escape… couldn’t we end things on our terms?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I’m not saying we do it now.

Tsurugi - I mean- sure, it might be interesting, to let whoever they chose to pick off now be the only person to live…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - But, it’s Hopes Peak, isn’t it? The brightest, the best… the people the world needs.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …Maybe…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Maybe we could be okay with it.

Tsurugi - We don’t let them pick us all off, slowly tormenting us, until we’ve all lost ourselves, and our lives.

Tsurugi - Instead…

Tsurugi - If we’re all dying anyways… it’s probably more gentle to die at the hands of a classmate.

Tsurugi - Then, we have another trial, and we all know who’s done it, because we decided on it… but we vote for someone else, still.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …And that person gets out. And the rest of us don’t- and that’s okay.

Tsurugi - Because we were never supposed to escape the school, but we found a way to best the mastermind.

Tsurugi - …If we can’t escape, we should work out what the mastermind wants, and refuse to give it to them. That’s what I want to do, at least.

Maeda - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - …

Maeda - What the fuck is wrong with you?

Maeda - Genuinely.

Maeda - Is something wrong with your head? 

Maeda - Did you hit it, or something?

Maeda - …

Maeda - Why would you say that.

Tsurugi - …You don’t see any point to what I’m saying?

Maeda - No, Tsurugi. I don’t.

Tsurugi - …Oh.

Tsurugi - That’s kinda what I meant. 

Tsurugi - It’s a lot to try and deal with…

Maeda - Don’t give me that shit!

Maeda - Wh- You suggest we all kill ourselves, because we’re going to die anyways, then you’re gonna- then you’re going to try and pathologize me?

Tsurugi - No, I’m just saying I understand.

Tsurugi - …Really, I didn’t expect you to get it. It was silly of me to say anything…

Maeda - It’s INSANE!

Maeda - But not that you tried to tell me! I’m glad you told me! I’m glad I know you’re being fucking crazy!

Maeda - It’s insane that your mind would even go there.

Maeda - I- I can’t even-

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Of all the people- of everyone here… for you to suggest something like that?!

//Tsurugi glances away. It’s practically casual. He truly doesn’t seem bothered by Maeda’s distress.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - We sympathized with Inori, once we knew what happened. We sympathized with Yamaguchi, too, when he killed someone after experiencing a trial.

Tsurugi - Do you think we’ll hate this person? What if we don’t? What if Monokuma’s going to kill a bunch of people- more than nine- unless they pull off their murder?

Tsurugi - What if we decide that… that we’d be okay deciding to give this person freedom?

Tsurugi - And- do you really think there’s a chance you won’t connect with whoever it is? With whichever one of us it is?

Tsurugi - If it’s Tomori, do you think she’ll have a reason that won’t be good enough? If it’s Maki? If it’s Kobashikawa?

Tsurugi - If it were Uehara, could you look at him with hatred? Could you happily send Taira to her death? Would you condemn Ōtori, then head back up, wait for Hatano to kill someone, and do the same to her?

Tsurugi - …And when it’s only one of them- will you be able to keep going, knowing it’s just a matter of time before someone else is taken too, and takes someone with them?

Tsurugi - Will you go “oh well, too bad!”, and be okay when you have to do it again, and again? Do you want to keep justifying it, so you can see another floor of the school, eat another meal in the dining hall, and find someone else’s body?

Tsurugi - Can you keep going, knowing you’re just playing the mastermind’s game- content with living like that, until they don’t let you live anymore?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Do you hate me, because I don’t want to do that?

Maeda - …I…

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t-

Maeda - Don’t say stupid shit.

Maeda - You have to be insane to think…

Maeda - God, to think any of that is… anything!

Maeda - Don’t…

Maeda - Don’t make the trials out to be my fault. None of us want anyone to be executed- the masterminds choices isn’t anyone’s fault.

Maeda - You aren’t being fair, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi - Maeda, my point is that the mastermind’s decisions aren’t something we have any control over!

Tsurugi - I understand why you’re reacting like this, but I won’t tell you you’re correct, not when you’re saying my argument is the exact opposite of what I’m saying.

Tsurugi - I’m not going to do anything about this-

Tsurugi - You asked what was on my mind, not what I’m going to do in the trial.

Tsurugi - I’ll go through it, same as I always do. And I won’t say this to anyone else- I mean, especially after this dumb-fuck conversation…

Tsurugi - …Seriously, no offense, you are fully within your merit, and I understand everything you’re doing-

Maeda - SHUT UP!

Maeda - You don’t get to say that!

Maeda - How can you act like you’re being- like you’re being reasonable, when you want us to- to pick somebody to live?!

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …That’s why I asked you.

Tsurugi - I…

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I want someone to escape.

//…His voice cracks.

Tsurugi - People are dying. They’re dead. 

Tsurugi - We keep coming up with ways to promise ourselves it won’t happen, and we keep being proven wrong.

Tsurugi - This- this isn’t trial and error. People are fucking dying, everytime we screw up! We CAN’T AFFORD TO KEEP DOING THIS! THIS GAME IS PLAYING FOR PEOPLE’S LIVES!

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …I’d say I admire you, for still having hope. 

Tsurugi - I won’t act like I’m commendable for asking everyone to see things the way I do. And- I’m not going to ask people to do that.

Tsurugi - I wanted to know if you could see things the way I saw them- if you’d think there was value to the idea of just… making a stand where we know we can.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I don’t…

//Again- there’s a shift.

Tsurugi - …I don’t know what else to say. Because no one gained anything from this.

Tsurugi - I’m just sorry that I made you upset. And I know that you don’t want to hear that, but I don’t know what I could tell you right now, because it’s me you’re upset with.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Stop putting words in my mouth…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t… understand why you’d say something like that- how…

Maeda - How you could even think that we’d… that we could consider doing something like that…

Maeda - …

Maeda - But… it’s hard, isn’t it? Dealing with this circumstance?

Maeda - …I won’t act like it isn’t hard on all of us… just earlier, I know I was struggling to not get paranoid…

Maeda - …

Maeda - You’re having a hard time- maybe you did see something last night, and it’s got you panicked… and now you’re reacting to it poorly.

Maeda - Whatever it is you have going on… I’ll support you through it.

Maeda - …And, I did say that I’d be understanding, even if things came across poorly, yeah?

Maeda - That’s on me… I told you that you could talk to me, then didn’t… respond the best when you did.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Try to relax, okay?

Maeda - You’re just upset, because you’re going through a lot. We all are.

Maeda - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - …I…

Maeda - …Couldn’t we still escape? After this trial, another floor will open- there could be something there that’ll show us who the mastermind is, or give us a way to get out.

Maeda - Don’t start acting all defeated, just because you’re tired… you should depend on us for help, if you start to feel like you don’t have options.

Maeda - You said you’ll help us all, right? If you want us to depend on you, you can’t start saying those things- it’ll put everyone else in a bad spot…

Maeda - I know you’re upset, but please, think about how we’d feel.

Tsurugi - …

//Tsurugi looks at Maeda- and for a moment it almost seems like anger… but any hint of rage quickly falls, as Tsurugi’s lip starts to tremble.

Tsurugi - …M’kay.

Tsurugi - I-m sorry…

Maeda - It sounds like he’s going to cry-

//He’s proven correct, as Tsurugi starts to sniff, and wipe at his eyes.

Maeda - …

Maeda - He’s really keeping to himself…

Maeda - I’m really not mad at you, y’know? I said I’d understand, and have faith in you, so don’t dismiss that.

Maeda - You wanted to know what I thought, so I’m telling you. It wouldn’t be right to think poorly of me for what my response was.

Maeda - What was I just telling you?

//Tsurugi sobs, choking on the air a bit.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Tsurugi…

Maeda - I said it’s okay to come to others for help.

Maeda - Are you okay?

Tsurugi, sobbing - I’m sorryyyy…

Maeda - …

Maeda - Don’t cry…

Tsurugi - I- I-

Tsurugi - …You don’t understanddd…

Maeda - …Is he still fixated on what he was saying? 

Maeda - What am I not understanding?

Tsurugi - …

//He tries to catch his breath- but gives up, and continues to sob.

Maeda - …

//Maeda tries to hug Tsurugi- it’s a bit difficult, as Tsurugi still has his arms up, but he quickly moves his arms to hang loosely over Maeda’s shoulders instead, returning the hug.

Maeda - …

Maeda - My shirt’s going to be all wet now-

Maeda - Not that I’m upset about it! I want Tsurugi to feel better…

Maeda - …

Maeda - It feels wrong, knowing Tsurugi feels that way…

Maeda - Hopefully, he’s just having an off moment.

Tsurugi - —

//Whatever he’s trying to say, he’s still too choked up, and Maeda… really wasn’t ready to listen- so he missed it.

Maeda - …Hm?

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - I- I said it hurts.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Being here, I’d assume…

Maeda - Maybe you’re putting too much on yourself…

Maeda - Stop being so preoccupied with the future, when it isn’t something you have any control of.

Maeda - Just try to… stay stable, now. We’re all counting on you- you have to get through the trial, with everyone.

//Tsurugi sniffs, and Maeda realizes his sobs are starting to slow.

Maeda - …It’s fine. I don’t mind staying like this.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - ‘M sorry…

Maeda - I’m still not mad at you.

Maeda - …I think… it was also just… hard to hear those things from you.

Maeda - It typically seems like you’re the first one to tell us to get up and keep moving forward… 

Maeda - If you’re not here to keep us going, we probably wouldn’t get anywhere… so it’s scary to hear you give up.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Please, keep standing strong, Tsurugi. I don’t know where we’ll end up if you can’t.

Tsurugi - …

Maeda - …

Maeda - You’re not alone, you know?

Tsurugi - …No.

Tsurugi - I’ve got people who care about me, and a lot of people depending on me…

Tsurugi - I’m sorry I lost hope. You won’t have to worry about that again-

//He starts to pull back.

Tsurugi - I promise, Maeda. I’ll do whatever it takes to get as many people out as I can.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Good. That’s exactly what I need to be hearing from you.

Maeda - I’m glad you talked with me, Tsurugi.

//Tsurugi smiles.

Tsurugi - We should probably get to the dining hall, yeah?

Maeda - …Do you want to wait for a moment? You’re still a bit pink…

//Tsurugi shrugs, and starts walking away.

Tsurugi - If anyone asks, I’ll tell them I fucked up some stunt, landed weird, and broke my brain.

Tsurugi - …Feels like something most people would cry about.

Tsurugi - Oh, you know what’s really fun to me? The way people cry over pain when they’re kids, but tend to stop when they’re adults.

Tsurugi - Mostly because I still tear up, which has been observed-

Tsurugi - But anyways, I think there’s still a pain threshold that could get most people distressed enough to shed a few tears.

Tsurugi - I just think it’s interesting how people change, and why, and the ways things can change back…

Maeda - …And he’s back to himself.

Maeda - I doubt whatever made him upset is really over- but hopefully he won’t start to consider….

Maeda - Options like… that… again.

~*~

Maeda - Now I’m thinking about the cameras-

Maeda - I wonder if the mastermind is always watching everyone, or if they just like… review highlight reels, or…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …God…

Maeda - …

Maeda - If… if we were to pick someone to get out of here… and had to determine which of us most…

Maeda - Well- who would be able to help the world the most…

Maeda - …I wonder who Tsurugi would pick.

Maeda - …Mostly, because I’m confident I’d pick him-

Maeda - Maybe that’s the real reason he was saying that- maybe he wants to guarantee he escapes, and is trying to find a way to sway us all into agreeing with him, that he should get out.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I don’t think Tsurugi’s that sort of person, though.

Maeda - I’m probably only thinking that because it’d make me feel better about myself, if he was selfish like that.

Tsurugi seems to be waiting for Maeda to {enter the dining hall}.

[viaalterego]

i was supposed to sleep but i speed ran this instead

Eight am.

Eight freaking am.

Who the hell in their right mind decided that it would be a fantastic idea to have a class at eight in the morning?

Don’t ask Tommy because he didn’t have a clue.

If it weren’t for the fact that he had work in the afternoons, Tommy would have taken the ten-thirty class. It didn’t help that every slot was filled up by the time he made an advising appointment.

So here he was, racing through the halls of L’Manburg Community and Junior College. The sun barely rising steadily, turning the sky warm violet against the indigo of the sky, the last traces of the night fading into morning.

Like many kids his age, Tommy had no concept of time. Whatsoever. Which leads to his current situation. Having slept in that morning after a fixation-fueled study session the night night before leading him to go to bed at one am. It was a miracle in itself that he woke up at all that morning considering he slept through both his alarms. Rushing out of the door in a mad dash, he somehow made it to school, stopping in front of his maths classroom…

Twenty minutes early.

Oh, how the world works.

Panting for breath and the weight of exhaustion digging into his head, Tommy sat down on one of the many benches that lined the hallways. This one was fixed right beside the door to his classroom. The door was looked ant the lights were off inside, meaning that his professor hadn’t even arrived on campus yet.

The campus itself was rather nice compared to others and what the media had always made college life to be. LManberg College was a really good example of that, making their students feel comfortable. There was always some sort of event or university visit that gave out freebies and merchandise, as well as food. The staff has so far been nice and friendly, always ready to help with a smile. All in all, Tommy had no complaints about his school.

Other than early bird class. Those were a crime against humanity.

Tommy sighed, resting his head against the brick wall behind him, his eyes beginning to slip closed. God, was he tired.

A few minutes of shut-eye wouldn’t hurt, right? He had seen students sleeping in the randomest places before and so far he hadn’t heard of any students getting murdered in their sleep. Besides he still had… he checked his phone… eighteen minutes till class started.

He could sleep that.

With that, he let his eyes shut with a sigh, trying to let out any pent-up stress from his shoulders.

He must’ve been more tired than he thought. He was asleep within seconds.

Completely unaware of the stranger that sat next to him.

.

“Hey, can you lift your head a bit?

Tommy grumbled in response but was drowsy enough to comply. His head fell back down moments later at the cue of a nudge.

“There you go. Now it won't be so uncomfortable.”

.

“Hey.”

Nudge.

“Kid.”

His shoulder was nudged.

“Wake up.”

Another nudge.

“Common kid. Your alarms going off. Time for you to get up.”

Tommy grumbled. He wasn’t getting up. Tommy was going to fall right back to sleep here, and no one was going to stop him. Just watch him.

A chuckle. “While I'm flattered that my shoulder is considered comfortable enough to nap on, I kinda need it back now King.”

Wait…

Tommy shot up in his seat. His phone buzzed in his lap, signaling the start of his class. The classroom door was wide open, and lights were on, the chatter of students filling the halls.

And right next to him was a man, who looked at him with amused eyes and a smug smile on his lips. His brown hair spilled out of his maroon beanie into his eyes.  He wore a brown jacket with sleeves rolled at the cuffs, a mustard yellow sweater underneath, and nearly dark brown pants. In all honesty, it looked as if he walked out of some social media post. The ones that had all the dark academia-obsessed girls swooning.

There was one thing that caught Tommy's eye though.

It was the blue scarf that was neatly folded and was sitting on the man's shoulder. Right where Tommy’s head just so happened to be-

Oh hell no!

The clock tower bell tolled eight.

Tommy jumped out of his seat.

“Eh? What the hell man?

“I believe that's what I'm supposed to say,” the man said, smirk ever leaving. “Considering you were the one to hold my arm hostage as you napped.”

Tommy felt his face heat up at that (out of annoyance. Yeah. Totally)

He opened his mouth to retort, only for the man to stand up, grabbing the scarf in his hand as he picked up a messenger bag off the floor with the other.

“Anyways, I'm off. I am a bit late for my class now, but it seems you needed the beauty rest.”

The man walked down the hall. Leaving Tommy alone in front of his maths classroom and with one thing on his mind.

Whoever that man was… he was complete-

“Mister Innit? Are you present?”

Oh yeah.

Eight am math.