#and being around her can drain me/give me anxiety

[wisteriadaisies]

i was driving home from therapy listening to “my best friend” from the pokemon soundtrack crying bc it made me think of my brother lol

people with siblings: how do you feel about them?

[xmy-love-to-youx]

Pregnancy /w Simon 'Ghost' Riley

When you told your husband that you were expecting a baby, even with his mask on you could see the color drain from his face.

To anyone that knows him, knows that his most of the time silent but this silence between you both was something new. You couldn't tell if he was happy or not.

As time passed by, anxiety and fear gripped your heart and tears threatened to fall from your eyes. Children were a topic you haven't talked about yet, Simon made it clear he doesn't want children but you two never considered pregnancy a possibility even though you are on birth control.

You rushed to the bedroom, leaving Simon alone in the living room. He was silent, his mind was silent. The only sound that was heard was your muffled crying from the bedroom.

It wasn't long until he made his way to you, the sight of you curled up under the blankets, crying, broke his heart in a way he never knew was possible. He layed himself behind you and held you tightly against him.

He didn't know how to comfort you so he stayed silent and just held your petite body against his rough and larger body.

From that moment on, he stuck to your side. Still processing that you are carrying his baby, he would just stare at your belly. His battling internally with himself. One part wants to run away and the other is telling him to stay and fulfill his duties not just as a husband but as a soon to be father too.

With each month that passes by, he watches your belly expand and it's slowly became clear to him that the baby is a symbol of your love. He was first awkward about touching your pregnant belly.

"Can I?" he asks, his hands glued to the side of his body.

"Yes" you responded with your usual bright smile.

He hesitated and his eyes bounced around the room. You reached for his hand and placed his hand on the curve of your belly and just like that, he instantly fell in love.

Now he talks to his unborn child and gently pokes around just to get the baby to move, a chuckle leaves his lips when he sees the baby push against the inside.

"I can't wait to meet you"

"You know you and your mother are the best things that ever happened to me"

"You have a badass mother, you know that?"

"I'm going to protect you"

His the kind of guy who doesn't want to know the gender until the baby is born. He definitely spends every second with you during the pregnancy. Soap will definitely tease him for it but he doesn't care. His in love with his wife and his unborn baby and wants to be there all the time.

He definitely stops you from being on your feet for too long. He'll gently rush you out of the kitchen and into a chair. He will massage your feet and back without question.

Towards the end of the pregnancy, he was in pain, it's not physically pain. He's heart breaks when you are uncomfortable all the time, the back pains and the intense hormones.

When it was time to give birth, he was panicking more than his wife that's about to birth a tiny human. His with you every step of the way until it came time to push out the baby.

He held your hand and whispered words of encouragement to you, he thought he had everything under control until he peeked and saw his baby wiggling thier way out of you. His eyes widened with shock and he looked at you with those eyes. That's when he realized that your in more pain that it seems.

He snapped to reality when he heard his baby cry for the first time. It was like he spaced out as realization kicked in.

His a father.

When he held that tiny human in his arms, the tears just kept pouring from his eyes and he couldn't stop it. When he heard that his has a baby girl, he protectively held her close to him. He watched her sleep on his chest, skin to skin contact was important to him as he spoke gently to her.

"My little princess"

"My sweet little angel"

"Daddy's little girl"

"I'm gonna spoil you, ya? I bet you'd love that"

Since her birth, his been finding excuses to hold her. Throughout his whole life, he was traumatized and hurt, he had to be cold to protect himself but since you and your baby entered his life. He had a reason to fight, he had a reason to live.

Now, he looks at you with so much love in his eyes. You are his girls and he will always love you.

Please buy me Ko-fi to support me ❤

Main Masterlist COD Masterlist

[seresinhangmanjake]

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Soap's Sister!reader

Summary: Because Johnny found him sleeping with his sister, Simon had to live the last three months without you, but he's about to get his girl back.

warnings/notes: a little smut 18+, cursing, drinking. That's probably it. Oh, typos, im sure, as well.

words: 1830

Part 1

He drinks at the same bar. The one his team practically lived in when they were all together for an evening, but that doesn’t happen anymore, not with the entire group. Johnny stays home if he knows Simon will be attending the night out, and Simon, if informed Johnny wants to be with the team, elects to remove himself from the situation for everyone’s comfort. He figures it’s the least he can do. He’d slept with his best mate’s sister, he’d fallen in love with his best mate’s sister, and so he has taken on the consequences, no matter how infuriating and unreasonable and unfair. 

“You want another, Honey?” the bartender asks. She grins. Her eyes shine with desire, as they have all night, and it might be a pleasant sight if Simon had never met you. He might’ve taken her home, fucked her like a toy until he was spent and she was happily ruined by his cock before he kicked her out. But she isn’t you. No woman is you.

“Keep ‘em comin’,” Simon replies, downing the amber liquid in his glass. 

Suddenly, the stool beside him slides across the hardwood floor, now occupied by a newcomer he wouldn’t hesitate to shove to their ass if he could do so without causing a scene. What kind of rude bastard risks sitting next to someone when ten other seats are open?

“Actually lass, do me a favor and cut ‘im off. I need ‘im in his right mind.”

Simon almost chokes at Johnny's voice but he doesn’t turn his head as he slowly sets the glass back down on the counter, his fingers tightening around it. Anger, confusion, pain, anxiety. It all crashes over him in a hefty wave, because rolled into this one man is both the friend Simon has missed for months and the asshole who has forced him to be apart from the love of his life. And it’s almost too much to handle at once.

“I’ll take his drink,” Johnny tells the bartender, who has lost all hope now that the man she’s been attempting to charm is no longer lonely enough to be convinced to take her home. When she places the glass in front of him, he takes a sip. “You look like shit, Ghost.”

“What do you want?”

“We got a problem,” Johnny says, getting right to it. “A bit of a disaster, really, and I gave it my best shot, but I can’t fix it.” Simon blinks. His brows pinch. Johnny drains the remainder of the alcohol and wipes his mouth with the back of his forearm. “She’s miserable. And considerin’ the timeline, I’d wager it’s because she’s without you.”

Simon’s heart—though had fallen from his chest months ago—sinks lower into his gut. 

“Look, I didn' believe it was that deep,” Johnny continues. “Figured you were jus’ messin’ around. Being stupid and disrespectful with my baby sister. But I cannot have her miserable, Ghost. It won’t do.” He looks at Simon and releases a long sigh. “She loves you. I don’ like it but she does, and you need to make it better.”

“What exactly are you askin’ of me?”

Johnny’s eyes land back on the empty glass. He plants his elbows on the counter and rubs his fingers across his forehead, kneading the wrinkles. “Just…go to her, alright?”

That snaps Simon out of his grumbly attitude. “You serious?”

“Unfortunately,” Johnny says. 

Simon practically leaps out of his seat, nearly knocking the stool to the floor as he shrugs on his jacket. He’s almost at the door, but then he stops. Taking a breath, he turns back to his old friend. “Will you be able to handle this?” Simon asks. “Me and her? Because you can't ask me to let her go, Johnny. Not twice.”

Johnny takes a second, then he gives a brief nod. “I’ll adjust. Somehow. With time; lots of time.”

It isn't much reassurance, but it's enough for Simon to be on his way. He rushes out the door, jumps into his truck, and races down the road. He forgets the seatbelt. Ignores the speed limit signs. You don’t live far, and you’re worth the risk if it means getting to you faster. 

He knows the elevator in your building is much too slow because he’s been in it a hundred times. He has made out with you in it; fucked you in it, slamming the emergency button so no one could interrupt on the nights you couldn’t wait to get to your bedroom. So he takes the stairs. Two at a time, up eight flights, and down the hall. With a heaving chest, he bangs on your door. 

“Love, open up!” He knocks harder. Loud enough to make your neighbor pop her head into the hall to understand the ruckus. 

“Oh, wonderful. You've returned,” the old woman huffs. “And just when I was starting to believe I’d never again have to endure listening to that moaning and groaning at all hours.”

“We talked ‘bout this back in June, Mrs. Brimsby. Get yourself some earplugs,” Simon retorts before calling for you again. “Baby, please, it‘s me!”

“I’ll report the two of you for the noise.”

“You probably should. You’re in for a long night.” He hears a scoff but doesn’t bother to glance in the direction it comes from. 

“Still so disrespectful,” she spits before slamming the door to her apartment. 

Simon has held a low level of hatred for the old bat since the morning after the first time you’d slept together. It was an early Sunday full of soft touches and kisses and tea to nurse the mild hangovers you’d both had because of a couple of drinks the night before—the drinks that allowed the two of you to finally surrender to the sexual tension. After kissing you goodbye, he’d stepped out of your apartment with a smile he hadn't donned in quite some time, only to have it wiped away from the unexpected grandma in a collared nightgown tapping her foot as she stroked the fur of the cat in her arms. 

“You kept us up all night,” she had scolded. “We need our sleep.” The cat then hissed for emphasis. 

Now, Simon has never been so happy to have that woman blathering in his ear. She reminds him of home, because home is with you and this is where you are. Getting yelled at shoots him into the memories of the time you spent together all those months ago. The stupidly high levels of bliss that, based on the trajectory of his life at the time, he’d assumed was more of a myth than anything. But you had made it real. You had soothed the pain. You were the patch on his wounds; the brightest spot in his life which dimmed the trauma and horrors. 

He’s so lost in those thoughts that he doesn’t immediately notice when his banging fist plummets through the air.

“Si?”

At your voice, Simon’s mind instantly clears. His eyes meet yours.

“Fucking finally,” he mutters, not letting a beat go by before he’s bending at the knees, wrapping his arms around your waist, and lifting you up. Instinctually, your arms snake around his neck, your legs circle his hips, and he feels his cock begin to swell from the reminder of how natural that action is for you. How right it is that you fit together like lock and key. 

Many questions are brewing in your eyes, but you don’t ask them. You kiss him instead, hard and thoroughly as he carries you into your apartment and kicks the door closed behind him. When he sits you atop your kitchen counter and settles himself between your spread legs, his hands go everywhere; under your sleep shirt, up the curves of your body to squeeze your breasts then back down to your hips. His palms slide around to your ass and jerk you closer so the center of those thin little shorts is pressed against the mound protruding from his jeans. 

Buttons scatter across the tile from his impatience, unwilling to delicately undo each tiny closure of your shirt. Your fingers trickle lower on his body to the belt buckle you quickly undo and the zipper you harshly yank down. He’s about to tell you to lift your hips, but you do so without his command, shimmying out of your shorts, and Simon takes the chance to do the same, pushing his pants just below his ass. He springs free, the heavy column of flesh landing at your navel. 

Leaning back, you guide his cock through the slickness of puffy lips into your tight, clenching walls. It sucks the air from his lungs. His head falls to your shoulder as you both try to breathe at a steady pace. His hands brace on the counter on either side of your body, nails digging into the granite. Home.

“Simon…baby, you have to move,” you pant. “I c-can’t take it.”

“I’ve got you,” he whispers in your ear before lifting his head and placing a quick peck on your mouth. Shifting his hips, he pulls out and then slowly eases himself back inside of you. His groan drowns out the sweet song of your moan. “I’ve got you, love.”

—

“Your neighbor still hates us, jus’ so you know,” Simon says as he slides under the sheets. Were he not so exhausted, he’d chuckle at the idea of being beside you in your bed and not immediately trying to fuck you, but after the kitchen counter, then the couch, then the living room floor, you’re both worn out and in need of a good night's sleep. “Probably more now than she did before.”

Normally, you would have found his words amusing, but you remain silent on your back, staring straight up at the ceiling. Simon raises a brow and flips onto his side. Then he sees the tear slip from the corner of your eye down to your ear. 

“What're you thinkin' about, love?” he asks as he places his hand on your cheek and turns your face toward his. 

“I'm scared,” you tell him. “I've missed you so much, but the second you leave, everything will go back to how it was without you. That broke me the first time, Si. How do I go through it all over again?”

His eyes pinch tight and he sighs in shame. He should have told you. It should have been the first thing out of his mouth, but then he saw you and he needed you and that was all that mattered in the moment. “Baby,” he begins, brushing the hair back from your face. “I'm not leaving you, and we are not goin’ back to that, ok?”

“But Johnny—”

“We don't need to worry about Johnny.”

Your eyes widen. “What? Why not?”

“Because, love,” Simon says, his hand finding the middle of your back and snuggling you into his chest, “Johnny sent me.”

@universitypenguin @ghostslittlegf

[lynnlovesthestars]

The sun, the moon and the stars.

Pairing: Astarion x reader.

Synopsis: with the solution in your hands, you give back Astarion all he has lost.

Genre: fluff, a tiny bit of angst, kinda smut but not graphic?

Warnings: mentions of insecurities and self doubt, mention of past abuse, death. Extra warning: Astarion being so loving and caring. Tav/reader taking risks for Astarion. Post act 3.

WC: 5k

Alternate name: Curses, Undead, Deseases.

Author's note: Hello everyone, before i posted "One and only" I didn't expect it to be loved so much, but after seeing the love it received, I took it to my heart to grant your wish. So here it is, the part two of One and Only, which I'll link down here.

One and Only.

Taglist: @skittleabyss

Cure for vampirism: kill and resurrect the vampire with a scroll of true resurrection or, use a scroll of wish and hope you won't fuck it up.

Finally the scroll was in your hands, the legendary wish.

The great Mordenkainen spoke plenty of this spell, the inevitable results of using it and the power it held.

The risks were great, like being sick and weak for weeks, and the chance you might never be able to cast the spell ever again. It was a one shot enchantment, and you would have done it in a heartbeat if it meant your Astarion would be free from vampirism, even if it meant not being able to control the weave ever again.

You were all on the floor, weighing the situation while you read and reread the spell.

Astarion sat next to you, his hands shaking as he kneaded your thigh. The adrenaline from the fight was still cursing through your bodies, even though you were all eagerly to get over with this, you knew that it'd be better to cast the spell in the safety of your home, where you could rest right away.

Gale spent the whole trip explaining the hows and whats of the spell, especially the risks, trying to remind you that there could have been other ways. nevertheless your mind was set. You would risk it all for Astarion.

Everyone scattered around the living room, tea cups were all over the place to ease everyone's nerves as you mentally repeated what you were going to ask.

Shadowheart protected your home, making sure you could feel safe as you rested afterwards.

Wyll was sitting close to you, in case you would pass out and needed to be carried to bed.

Gale was reading and rereading Mordenkainen's tome to make sure there was no trap.

Karlach was trying to cheer everyone up, offering hugs to everyone.

When she planted herself in front of Astarion, ready to beg him to be hugged, he took her by surprise.

He was shaking ever so slightly, the pure anxiety was ebbing through his veins, he was not going to back away from an hug.

"Can you stay next to me? I trust you" He smiled weakly as she squealed happily.

"Of course" She beamed. She took the spot next to Astarion and opened her arms to wrap the pale elf's body in her warm embrace.

When you finally raised your eyes, ready to cast the wish, you locked eyes with everyone one at a time.

All your friends were gathered there because they loved you and Astarion, and were not going to miss the moment. Even Lae'zel was uncharacteristically sweet, even in her harsh and bitter words. "Tck, you better not come back as a zombie, cause I don't know what zombies need" She scoffed. "And you already reeked like this, I can't stand zombie stench at all". She said scrunching her nose.

You took a long breath and lastly locked eyes with Astarion, exchanging a nod as the silence fell around you.

The knot in your throat was tight, your words almost were strangled out of your lips.

"I wish.." You could feel the air being knocked out of your chest. "That Astarion Acunin" the words wrapped around your throat tightly, the magic vividly ebbing from your body for everyone to see. "Could be" The soft blue-purple glow flowing out of your body, wrapped around Astarion's throat, making him breath harder. "Cured.." You felt the word drain you almost completely. "From vampirism and" You breaths were heavy, worry in everyone's eyes while you didn't stop. "Could live his life as elf" You were shaking, threatening to hit the ground, but no one had to intervene, you had to endure it all alone, for him.

"Like before being turned" As you spoke the last word, the magic that was holding you in a chokehold suddenly released you. The magical flow disappeared in Astarion as you fell to the ground, and him with you.

Everyone scrambled around the room, checking for pulses and bringing you to your shared bed.

They tucked you under the comforter, as they planned turns to take care of you both.

They didn't know how long it would take for you to wake again, but they concentrated on things they had power to do.

Your body was heavy with an inexplicable tiredness. Your eyelids felt like bricks as you fought to open them.

The soft light of the sunrise filtered through the curtains of the room, almost blinding you for a moment.

You were in your bed, tucked in and warm. An arm was wrapped around your waist protectively as you could hear the faint chatting coming from the other rooms.

You turned to look around you,then it hit you.

The arm around you, it was warm. The complexion was still pale, yet it looked like it was almost a very faint shade of pink.

You almost jolted up, if it wasn't for your limbs, that grounded you, startling the sleeping Astarion next to you.

He gasped as he awoke suddenly, his eyes squeezing for a moment before opening wide at the realization that you were awake.

He didn't change much, his body at the end of the day was mostly the same, if not for the color that he regained.

His hair was a mess from sleep, the soft white curls were all over the place, untamed. His cheeks, nose and lips were warm with a pinkish blush, and his eyes.

Oh his beautiful scarlet eyes were still there, but softer. A shade that was more pinkish blue, than red. A color so soft that swirled peacefully. His canines were still slightly vampiresque, but way duller than before.

And when you leaned in his arms, you could feel it. His heartbeat, fast in the beginning, probably from the scare, but then rhythmic as it calmed down.

Astarion's arms wrapped around you, pushing you tightly against him as he sunk back in the comfort of the bed.

Your eyes filled with tears, before you could even process the elf in front of you.

"We did it" You sobbed in his tight embrace, relishing the newfound warmth.

"No my love.." He whispered as his own eyes were teary, threatening to spill any second. "You did it" He placed a soft kiss on the top of your head. "You cured me and I will be forever grateful for this gift" He lulled you, gently tapping his fingers on your skin.

You sobbed harder, your arms wrapping around him as well as you allowed the realization to completely hit you.

You weren't quite sure what day it was, or how long Astarion has been cradling you close to him, but you didn't care anymore.

Only when you finally regained a bit of your control, your head started filling with questions.

"How long have i been out?" You asked, before yawning.

"So.. if i did the math correctly" He counted on his fingers before beaming. "You sleep for a whole week. I fed you and hydrated you as you rested. The wish literally drained you" He gently raised your chin to look at you, a tender smile spread over his face, along with the warmth of a blush.

He took in your beauty, gently tracing the tip of your pointed ear to your cheek, resting his palm on it.

Your body chased the warmth of his touch, leaning into it.

"How long were you asleep instead?" You asked as your body was melting.

"The thing is, I didn't sleep" He shrugged. "Gale gave me a long and boring explanation of what happened, but I'm going to take out all the useless informations he added" He explained, waving his hand in the air. You couldn't help but snort at the remark.

"Anyway, making it quick, you killed me" He blurted out, making you jolt up confused, your mouth hung open and your index finger pointed up as you were about to ask something. Then you curled back your fingers and closed your mouth, thoughtful.

"Basically the cure for vampirism involves killing the vampire and using true resurrection on the body or soul" In a way it made sense, cause a vampire is a dead person turned into undead, reason why restoration spells and curing curses wouldn't be effective. You didn't have to remove a disease either, but revert the body back to its original form. And the only way was true resurrection.

"Oh, cause the spell would be able to bind your soul back to your body completely, reversing death instead of just raising you as undead as vampirism does" You whisper shouted as you connected the dots. "But your death was way past 200 years ago" You remembered.

"I'm glad you remembered how long it's been since my first death" He tucked a stray hair behind his ear. "But apparently that's where the wish spell comes in aid" He kissed the top of your nose.

"It erased the time clause from the spell, since it was a wish" He smiled.

"Mhmh makes sense" You whispered as you tapped a finger on your chin and slowly eased again in the silence.

There was so much you wanted to say in that moment, like the fine print of the spell, whether he could already walk in the sun freely now, how did he feel, and so many more questions about this new story you were going to start together, but your body started growing heavy and thick again, drawing you back in your sleep, but this time you were lulled by Astarion's steady heartbeat.

Hours later you woke up still in Astarion’s lap, though now he was using a magic hand to read a book that you couldn’t quite recognize.

“That’s a very smart use of a magic hand” You stretched your arms, squinted and yawned loudly.

“It is, and this book has been very enlightening as well” He flips pages quickly, getting back to one that had a bookmark.

“Really?” You asked mindlessly as you rested your head on his shoulder.

He nodded, skimming through the page looking for a specific paragraph.

“I always wondered why you choose to sleep every night, aren’t you bothered by the weird dreams?” He asked. He never thought about it until he started reading this guide he found with the wish scroll. It was a book by Mordenkainen himself which spoke of his studies of all the races he encountered. He picked it up to read about what he missed through the decades about his culture and habits, just in case elves grew a new horn at a certain age or something. Dying so young, really cut off a huge chunk of his youth. At the time he was still considered young by his family, he was looking forward to that 100 birthday so much. At least he was glad he kept his youngish self for a little longer than his peers. if that really mattered.

“Mh, no I like them” You mumbled, another yawn escaping between one word and the other. “I found meditating boring, what even is the point of relieving past experiences when most of the memories are negative?” You shrugged, slowly stretching your legs.

“I never thought about that” He was definitely contemplating ditching meditation, if he had to see less of the memories, and more of.. anything but that. He usually slept when you happened to fall asleep next to him, or while you were traveling, and everyone would take their sweet time in the morning. He didn’t need to be up for 8 hours so why not just sleep, he always thought.

“You should do it more often” You smiled at him as you crawled out of his embrace, already missing the warmth of his chest, but you needed something to eat, a whole week asleep really took a toll on your stomach.

The house was still crawling with friends lounging all over, even withers found a corner for himself, in case a resurrection was needed, funny since the conditions of this party, you thought.

Whoever allowed Gale in your kitchen would pay the price. You walked slowly towards the chair in the kitchen, making sure you could hold on to the wall, in case your body decided to be too tired to move.

Gale didn't notice you joined until he turned and unexpectedly saw you sat with your arms crossed, staring stoically at him.

The most satisfying part? The squeal he let out, though it didn't last long. In an instant he was next to you handing you a glass of water.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as he sat in front of you, playing with a peanut he got from your nuts basket.

"Groggy" you mumbled. "Tired" You took your time stretching a little more. "It truly drained me" You leaned on the table wondering what to fill your stomach with.

"I cannot even imagine" He patted your back. "Though actually i could since the netherese orb whole ordeal" He mumbled.

"The price a man must pay to seduce a goddess" You rolled your eyes jokingly.

"Ehy, if you knew Mystra, you'd do the same" He poked your shoulder before handing you a fruit that was laying nearby.

You rose from the table, taking a bite from the apple he gave you. "No, I don't think I would. I'm more the whole I will fix your vampirism I promise, person" You shrugged before taking another big bite.

"I would have never guessed" He laughed.

"Oh so I'm a type, you did this for other spawns?" Astarion chimed while wrapping his arms around you, and placing a kiss on the crown of your head.

"Yeah, don't you know?" You took the last bite from the fruit before attempting to throw it in the trash. "I've kept a diary with all the names of the spawns I saved" You picked up a piece of paper nearby and scribbled a few names all over the paper, and handed it to Astarion.

"So, we got: Astarion, the annoying one, the mysterious one that almost cut my throat, the one that almost sucked me dry, the one that I recently casted a wish spell for" Astarion counted on his fingers. "Damn that's a lot of people right there, you must be an expert" He joked as he folded the paper.

"Of course, don't you see?" You pointed at yourself, sluggish on the chair. "I'm so good at it, I'm not even tired" You jokingly dropped your upper body on the table, faking to be asleep.

"Well, this is my time to leave the room" Gale awkwardly said before standing up and quickly escaping the kitchen.

"I've got sad news for you, my dear expert" Astarion took the seat in front of you, and took your hand in his, absolutely ignoring your friend. You didn't even wait to raise your head, you were already lost in his eyes. "You don't have all the names of the spawns you freed." He poked your nose.

"Mh, who's missing?" You smiled at him as the sly grin appeared on Astarion's lips.

"You will know in due time"

When was the due time? You had absolutely no clue. A few days passed by, everyone left when they were sure you were at least able to move on your own, and Astarion was remembering his physical needs. For so long he only drank blood, and for most of his life, it was very inconsistent as well, so they just made sure he had all the necessary to stay hydrated and well fed, while you were still recovering.

One afternoon you were sitting outside on the porch, the chirping of the birds and the whooshing of the trees was the only sound around you. You enjoyed the warmth of the sun as you waited for Astarion to join you. You had planned a nice picnic in your garden, so together you could enjoy your first sunset since he was a normal elf again.

Astarion just appeared from the door, mittens in hand as he carried out a tray. You could still see the steam coming from it as you were eager to know what he had been fumbling with in the kitchen.

"My darling, they might look wonky, but I promise you, they are way better than what they seem" He smiled, as he placed the tray on top of the low table you set up outside for the two of you.

They did indeed smell delicious, though the cookies looked like they lost their shape.

You couldn't hold back your smile as you picked one that looked like a disfigured kobold.

As you took a bite of it, Astarion joined you. "Wow that's how you treat our dear Wyll uh?" he asked, trying to not laugh at his own joke.

"That was Wyll?!" You took another bite of it, the look of fake surprise on your lips was adorable.

"Didn't you notice the detail of the fake eye and the horns? I thought it was pretty obvious" He joke-scoffed as he relaxed.

For a moment you couldn't believe this was real: the soft breeze lullying you and Astarion as you had a late afternoon snack together. You no longer had to worry about the sun burning to ashes your other half, or to eat alone, though Astarion always sat at the table with you. You didn't have to worry about excuses or mirrors that wouldn't dare to reflect Astarion's beauty.

Just the thought of mirrors brought you back two memories you held dearly: the night you helped him read his back, and the first time after 2 centuries that he could see himself with his own eyes, rather than through yours.

It was the same night you finally awoke after a whole week. He had waited through that week eagerly, as you recovered. All those things that he lost the habit of doing, he wanted to experience them with you.

So you both stood in front of the mirror, you were behind him, your arms tightly wrapped against his hips and your head on his shoulder, as he stared wide-eyed at his reflection.

"See?" You twirled one of those curls that fell in front of his face. "This is what I mean" you gently twisted his head so he could see better his ear and the way his curls wrapped behind it.

He was speechless as you guided him through all those things you always swore to love, but sounded silly for him.

You even ended up telling him a joke about kobolds and goblins to steal a smile from his lips, just enough you could show him those creases that made your knees like jelly.

But the more he'd look at the reflection, the more he'd notice also the details he always dreaded would forever haunt him: like the bite mark on his neck, so deep that it never healed properly, or the scar he never knew was on his shoulder. It was a cold shower while you were trying to cheer him up, and he was so sad because he thought he ruined such a lovely moment between the two of you, focusing on the wrong details.

The one thing he was truly afraid of though, was looking at the rest of the body, the back in particular, terrified of what gruesome scars might have harbored between his shoulder blades, so he didn't dare yet.

He wore his best smile as he turned your way, placing a tender kiss on your lips before muttering—

"My love, are you alright?" He asked, sitting closer to you, and placing a hand on your thigh, drawing slow circles, bringing you back to your picnic and away from memories.

"Yeah, sorry" You muttered, still half lost in the memories. "I just remembered your smile, and I couldn't stop. '' You said softly, your cheeks warming up at the look on Astarion's face. His eyes were wide and soft, so beautiful as the sunset light started to reflect in them. The now softer red of his irises danced and swirled with the soft shades of pink that twinkled reflected. His lips were turned in a grin that he couldn't wipe away even if the world would be crushing on him. Even his ears had a cute reaction as the tips twitched for a moment.

Lastly his cheeks flushed, a sight that was so unique, as they took the colors of peaches.

He wanted to kiss you now that you were so close, but then his mind connected the dots, and he couldn't help but yelp ever so slightly at the realization.

"My love" He called lovingly, his gaze not leaving yours as you admired him. It was not about the admiring itself, but the love those eyes were shining with. Eyes that twinkled like that only for one, him.

A soft hum was your answer as you just enjoyed the little corner of peace you were sharing.

"In the beginning I thought me and you were like the sun and the moon, destined to chase each other and never meet in the middle. Even before we knew each other, deep down- very very deep down I might point out- I would dream of a love like this, of being rescued by a kind soul that would teach me what I never had the chance to experience." He didn't stop, he poured it all like a river during a high moon. "And even in those dreams, you were a fleeting presence, you'd run around kissing everyone's cheeks, and meeting with me in those small moments when the sun and moon would be next to each other"

You could see the raw emotions seeping through his eyes as he just let it all out, while you listened devotedly.

"I wonder if in those two hundred years, we met accidentally down the roads of Baldur's Gate. If by any chance we stumbled upon each other as we were running for errands. If the universe tried to bring us together earlier but failed over and over again" He sighed, taking a long breath before starting again.

He didn't notice your hand reaching for his and cupping it with your fingers, until the pads of your thumb brushed delicately against his knuckles.

"But then we met, and you were no longer running away. Yet I was so afraid that I ended up being the one who did, and you chased me" He smiled ever so softly.

"I was truly awful to you if I think back. I initially planned to toy with your feelings to have a safety net, and instead I had you there, poking with your dexterous fingers where no one ever did. You came every morning, before leaving camp, to say hi. You offered your neck to me and trusted me, it was so new. All of it."

He unclasped your hand, bringing it to your cheek, and caressing it.

"Then I saw it. We were no longer the moon and the sun. We became the moon and the stars. You were there in all that darkness. You listened to a story that would make anyone weep in pity, and yet you offered me a shoulder to cry on and ears willing to hear. You offered a heart to share the burden with, willing to help me carry it. You were my moon, the light that I couldn't help but yearn for. So I became the stars, lingering around you and taking in all those little things you'd do." He could feel his chest tighten as he went on, seeing the way your eyes would soften by the minutes.

"You taught me all. With you I didn't have to be afraid of being myself, I didn't need to be afraid cause you had my back. I didn't have to charm my way through you, and despite the fact that I could give you nothing, you still managed to patiently give me your everything. You taught me love, something I've never thought I could feel, in any way" He leaned forward, placing a ever so soft kiss on your forehead before sitting back.

You were still there where you leaned as well, your eyes yet to open. Then he spoke again, his voice low yet delicate.

"And I will be forever grateful for it, my love. I will forever be grateful for you to be in my life. I will be grateful of the gifts you made me, giving me a second chance at life" It was something he couldn't fully explain, and neither could you, how naturally you two fit together. How the universe made sure his arms would perfectly wrap around your waist, or how he could shake you like no one ever could. The fates truly took their time threading you two together, and you both were grateful for it.

A calm was between you two, silence filling where words could have been, silence where you allowed your eyes to say it all. Yet that silence was abruptly stopped.

"So my love." He took a long breath, mustering all his love in his heart before gifting it to you. "I was wondering if you'd like to share the night sky with me forever, until the end of time." You smiled, and he swore he saw the universe in your irises.

"I thought it was obvious, my star." You brushed your thumb along his cheek. "I'd cross the nine hells if it meant staying by your side. I'd sail the elemental planes and even at the edge of the universe if it meant to kiss you" You leaned in, your lips barely caressing his in the most delicate and pure kiss.

He hummed, closing his eyes at your warmth, but quickly brought himself back to the reality around you.

"So" He cleared his throat, swiftly reaching into his pocket. "My moon, will you marry me?" His words came out so full, like he wanted to scream the question into the void, and yet so gentle, like he was holding a single flower in his palm, out for you.

Warm tears traced your cheeks as your heart swelled. You wanted to say it out loud, to yell it. Yet the words were stuck in your throat behind the trembling lips as you were so overwhelmed.

Your head did it all for you, nodding before you could control the rest of your body.

Your touch was delicate against his chest, even when you were pushing him to have him lay down.

You towered over him, as you gripped the collar of his shirt, and crushed your lips together.

You poured every drop of you to him, cause you were his and only his.

He didn't let go of you, or of your kiss. He basked in the slow dance you were making together, while the cookies and the ring laid forgotten on the table. You don't know how or when you moved back inside, your bodies still flush against each other, and your lips still tangled.

It was something so harmonious, the way you'd moan in his lips, as he grazed your skin. You were one as you made love over and over again. So tender, slow, emotional.

Sometimes tears would swell on your eyes just for a brief moment as you'd profess your love to each other between those choked moans.

You were truly the other piece of him. The only one that would fit perfectly wrapped around his hips, and still perfect when he'd be tangled in your limbs, coaxing those sweet sounds that drove him insane. You were perfect when your arms held him to you, and perfect when he filled you to the brim.

He wanted to say so many things as you showed him the stars, as his head rested in the crook of your neck while he could feel his body lose control over and over again. For you, with you, in you.

"I'll be yours in every universe" He'd kiss your shoulder.

"L-love you in every life" He'd lock your leg on his hip.

"M-my moon" He'd moan as he'd spill in your warmth.

He was glad they were alone, secluded away from any prying ears, cause all he wanted was to drown in the sweet sounds of the love you'd give to each other.

And then you laid in his arms. Your head pressed against his chest as your bodies grew tired, as your legs were still tangled with his while he'd whisper sweet nothings in your ear.

"I'll never love again the way I love you" He'd let his fingers trace the hills and dips of your body, and for a moment he'd indulge in thoughts he always feared to cross his mind; like his hands cradling your swollen belly, or the tiny life you'd protect with every fiber of your beings. The byproduct of your love asleep in his arms. He dared to dream about growing old by your side, and for a moment he dared to imagine meeting you in his next life, but this time he'd waste no time.

Like that, he'd also forget about that folded piece of paper in his pocket where he added one more name to the list. He wanted to finally uncover the mysterious person you saved: your husband.

[prythianpages]

Dandelions | Headcannons

azriel x green witch | these headcannons focus on Az and you starting a family, introducing the children.

a/n: This has been sitting in my drafts for months so I decided to finally just post them. I have so many ideas for this series since I love it sm but writing them out has been a struggle. Maybe, I can write some of these out just as I did with the first set of HCs.

warnings: mentions of pregnancy/child birth, fluff, dad Az

After the little incident with the aphrodisiac that awakened certain desires in both you and Azriel, you realize you both are ready for the next step...finally starting your family.

As much as Azriel wants a family with you, he is worried about you due to his Illyrian blood and does not want what happened to Feyre to happen to you.

But worry not because that's where your witch abilities come through! There is no witch lore in acotar so I'm just going with my own lore, please bear with me lol.

"How do you think my mother had Thea?"-Luckily for you, your mother has had experience with having a winged baby.

It's a little ritual that gets Az a bit too hot and bothered. Needless to say, after it's done, the two of you have lots of fun trying to have a baby.

You don't notice your pregnant at first.

There's lots of signs such as plants following you everywhere you go, your cat being more affectionate, your spider making elaborate webs everywhere.

You don't notice because you're used to the attention from nature and think nothing of it. What you do notice, however, is how clingy Azriel's shadows become.

Those inky tendrils love you and there's always a couple around you but you start to notice more and more. They help you and keep you safe. If you're going to trip, they stop it. If you need to reach for a cup on a high shelf, they grab it for you. They even force you to walk down the stairs instead of run like you usually do.

Around this time, Azriel starts to feel sick so you attribute the shadow attention to that. Maybe, they just want you close to their master?

Azriel thinks he has food poisoning since he wakes up nauseas and has felt overall, tired and drained. The inner circle has noticed him become more clingy and emotional but no one dares to tell him anything. Meanwhile, you don't question it because you love clingy and emotional Az.

It's one morning during training that Azriel can't hold it in and throws up. He then explains to Cas that he doesn't know what's happening and is starting to get worried.

"Mother's tits!" Cas figures it out immediately. "You're pregnant."

"I'm pregnant?" Cas grins and gives Azriel a big bear hug. "We're pregnant!"

"Who's pregnant?" You call out, looking at Nesta curiously. She shakes her head at you and then you look at Az.

The shadows that hovered by your side parted from you briefly, revealing what they had been protecting for the last couple of weeks. "You're pregnant." Azriel breathes, eyes focusing on your stomach.

Those shadows that have been by your side flutter toward him and that's when they let Azriel hear it--a second heartbeat. When the shadows carry the subtle change of your scent to him next, he faints.

Protective Az comes at you full force after your pregnancy is confirmed. He hovers over you a lot and when you need to go the forests to pick pick out some herbs and ingredients for your potions, he doesn't let you lift a finger.

It often leads to you sitting on the soft grass while he collects what you need with a frown, your own fingers itching to do it yourself. The frown doesn't last long as the sight of Azriel on his knees picking herbs makes the love in your chest swell and he always picks the prettiest flower to place in your hair.

Though he's happy, he can't help but be anxious over whether the ritual worked or not, despite your sister's (Thea, the seer) reassurance.

It's not until you have a check up with Madja that he allows all anxieties subside as she not only confirms that your baby is healthy and has wings but that your womb has accommodated for them.

There's nothing but excitement now and Azriel eases up a bit on his hovering, letting you pick your own herbs and travel among Prythian's forest. Never alone though.

Your relationship with your family has always been a little rocky. You loved your mother and sisters but did not see eye to eye with them on many things...and your dad...well, your dad was hexed into a lizard. But the news of your pregnancy brings you closer to your mother and sisters.

Though your mother gave her approval of Azriel, she is not fully trusting of him, as if she's waiting for him to fuck up and give you a big "I told you so." He's always respectful toward her, even when she keeps nagging at him for a lock of his hair (that you keep reprimanding her for.)

Ever since learning you were carrying his babe, Azriel likes to rest his head on your shoulder or chest while one rests on your stomach. So imagine his delight when you start showing and when he first feels the baby kick, he'd be so happy, it'd bring him to tears because his dream of starting a family with the one he loves is finally coming true. (Like with any acotar male, I also think the sight of your bump would make him feral.)

The inner circle is also so happy for you both. Though your sister told you, you were having a girl, Cassian insists on calling your baby "Azriel Jr" and after she's born, you joke that he manifested it as she takes after Azriel a lot.

Now, here are some HC's of their children <3

Melaina

Melaina's name was inspired by the goddess Melinoe.

Mel inherited her father's shadows. Some of the shadows that had clung to you all throughout your pregnancy remained by her side, multiplying every year. You suspect it has to do with the ritual you performed to ensure a safe birth.

At first, Azriel still had control over them and would use them to keep your daughter safe but given that you and Azriel are really protective over her, the greatest danger Mel ever faced was tripping over one of your rugs.

Az calls Mel "my shadow" since the moment she knew how to crawl, she loved trailing after him like his shadows do.

Once she's older, she gains control over her shadows and since she can sense things that others can't through them, it's no surprise to you that she later becomes a death witch.

Mel's hobbies include reading about poisons, walking her pet scorpion throughout Velaris and crafting dolls from recycled material. She enjoys using her shadows to bring her dolls to "life" and torment her cousins, especially Cassian's twins. When she was young, she'd beg Azriel to play dolls with her.

Mel can be a little menace but despite this, you and Azriel are so endeared by her that she can do no wrong g (though, you both do have your boundaries and when it comes to punishments, it is surprisingly you that has to carry them out)

It's no secret that Azriel isn't fond over his Illyrian heritage but Mel is interested. She asks to train in Windhaven like he had done but it's an immediate no from the both of you. The three of you come to a compromise and allow her to join the little army of Illyrian warriors (that consists of Nyx and Cas's twins.)

When Mel starts school, Azriel goes through it, not wanting to accept that his little girl is growing up. You can read more about it here.

Mel loves going to school but she does run into some trouble with some kids who want to tease her because she’s different (with her shadows, wings and witchy heritage) The mean kids at school realize that they can't go after Nyx or Cas's twins bc they'd lose any fight and seeing as Mel is small and a girl, they underestimate her.

Instead of letting her cousins take care of her troubles with the mean kids at school like they’d be happy to, she does it herself and ends up in the principal’s office often for threatening to hex her classmates.

It’s not until she becomes older and learns some spells/tricks that she actually places hexes on them. No one picks on her bc they learned their lesson but if she saw anyone getting bullied, she’d stand up for them.

When Mel begs Azriel to allow her to become a spy for the Night Court, he denies her, not wanting her to live the same life he does. But on one mission, she follows him and he reluctantly acknowledges her powers and abilities. He also realizes that as much as he can push her away or deny her, she'd find a way to become a spy anyway.

Mel admires her father so much, she wants to be like him.

She meets Eris's son through her job as a spymaster of the Night Court, which causes a bit of chaos amongst the two courts, even more when she starts to fall for him. If you ask her, she'll deny, deny, deny...

Alora

When Azriel's shadows begins to get clingy again (I feel like the mating bond would overwhelm with the urge to protect you and be by your side, therefore his shadows would follow suit), you start to suspect you're pregnant.

As your further along in your pregnancy, you begin to experience some things similar to Mel. With Mel, you were able to understand Az's shadows since that was her power. But with this baby, the further along you get, the more romantic you become.

Your dreams consist of going on multiple dates with Azriel and bringing others together. You often wake up really emotional, crying as to why Azriel hasn't taken you out on a date.

Azriel is a fast learner and increases his romance with you, which sends you over the moon.

Since this baby gave you lots and lots of dreams, you and Azriel decide to name her Alora. Lor for short.

She comes a bit earlier than expected and though it nearly gave Azriel a heart attack, you both like to joke that she was simply too excited to see the world.

Lor does not have wings and takes more after you but has Azriel's hazel eyes. She's so curious about the world.

If we're talking about vibes. Mel gives off Wednesday Addams meets Louise Belcher vibes and Lor gives off Enid Sinclair meets Tina Belcher vibes.

Her hobbies include writing romance novels or in her journal, gazing at the stars with her pet bunny, and giving free tarot readings under the school bleachers.

Lor is very sweet and an empath, always making sure everyone is happy. It's why one year, she insisted you helped her buy Azriel's and Mel's shadows beds so they have a place to sleep in. Once she's of age, she becomes a love witch.

She also might've set your father, who had been hexed into a lizard, free one day...

She can be naive at times, choosing to see the good in everyone.

Mel takes advantage of this and likes to mess with her but the moment someone messes with her little sister, it's over for them. (Since Lor is a love witch, I can see her trying to bring two fae together and it backfires and Mel has to save the day.)

Since Mel and Lor aren't too far apart in age, they were sure a handful growing up. Azriel learned a new type of stress with them. Lots of "Can you tell Mel's shadows to stop breathing in my direction?" "Hey, that's, my shirt! And you turned it pink!" "What did I say about leaving your toads all over the floor??" "May your next crush be as slimy and gross as slugs!"

Lor is the first to catch on to Mel's crush on Eris's son and of course, she wants to meddle. It only stirs up more drama though.

While Mel got sent to the principal's office for hexing her classmates, Lor would get sent there from trying to meddle into her favorite teacher's love life.

As she gets older, she's not really interested in training like Mel was. Yet, Az insists she joins to at least learn self defense. She puts this off as much as she can until, one day, Az drags her to the HOW so she can learn from the Valkyries.

It's there where a pretty Valkyrie catches her eyes and suddenly, Lor is at every training session.

(You can read a bit more about Lor through this one-shot here.)

Dimitri

Not liking even numbers, you ask Azriel for another baby and who is he to deny you?

Other than Azriel's shadows being clingy and overprotective much like their master, the pregnancy is smooth sailing. Nothing seems out of place, neither you or Azriel experience morning sickness.

Since you seem so connected to nature, you suspect this baby will follow into your footsteps. The two of you decide to keep the gender a surprise until birth.

Lor was ecstatic when she found out she was going to have a new sibling and though Mel denied it, she was too. They both hoped for another sister, having had enough of boys with their reckless cousins.

Azriel is also convinced it's a girl, even though his shadows snicker at the thought. But when Madja places a baby boy in his arms, Azriel is shocked to the core.

He's such a girl dad that he doesn't know what to do at first, feeling overwhelmed and underprepared (even though he's such a good dad.)

It's after this birth that your mother finally gives her full trust to Azriel. It's like she senses his slight unease and in a vulnerable moment while Azriel stares at his son, she gives him a pat on the back and praises him for being a good father and mate.

Azriel blinks, thinking he's dreaming. He'd never say it out loud but those words from your mother meant the world to him.

So welcome Dimitri, the "earth lover."

He does have wings and takes more after Azriel in physical appearance but in terms of personality, he takes after you.

He's a heartthrob bc c'mon, he's Azriel's son.

His hobbies include volunteering in the Spring court to help restore parts of the forests (I imagine that must take years to recover from), hiding away from the girls who madly crush at him at school, and training with his father.

While his older sisters would be sent to the principal's office often due to stirring up trouble, he'd be sent to receive awards and for being a good samaritan.

Because he loves nature, he has many pets throughout his youth, his first being two sugar gliders, followed by a toad. I feel like your house is a zoo at times.

Growing up, he liked messing with his sisters and hiding bugs in their backpacks or room. It was hard to mess with Mel due to her shadows but he's smart and quickly learned a way around it.

His little pranks bring Mel and Lor together. They once placed a hex on him, turning his hair pink, after hearing him be a bit cocky of all the girls crushing on him at school. But it backfired because it only made him more "dreamy" to them.

Though he's the youngest, he's very protective of his older sisters. They have a strict policy that they can mess with one another but def have the "the only one who can torture my sibling is me" mindset.

With these three, your house is never quiet and if it is, it is not a good sign. Hexes, spells, insects, galore! It certainly doesn't help when your mother visits, teaching them new curses and rituals.

Though sometimes they make you want to pull your hair out and Azriel's hair turn gray with their shenanigans, you two adore them and wouldn't trade your family for anything else in the world.

Bonus: I was watching Bob's Burgers & Linda gave me such Green Witch reader vibes so here's a link to some HCs based off the show lol.

a/n: hope you enjoyed these! I am not done with writing about Az x Green witch so some of these may turn into fics. I actually got the idea of writing about a love witch when I thought of Lor and that's how the Cas AU came to be.

(I'm already toying with the idea of Lor setting your lizard of a father loose and causing a bit of mayhem.)

series tag list:@fxckmiup, @aria-chikage

[pbaz7]

It’ll Always Be Her Chapter 14

AN: Here’s a cutesy little chapter to offset all the anxiety and negativity anyone is feeling 🫶🏼. Let me know what you think! Also I want to start doing one shots and short stories so give me prompts if you have any!

Word Count: 3.8k

The next two weeks had been relentless. UConn’s schedule was a grueling one, with what felt like back-to-back games, long practices, and film sessions that drained every bit of energy from the team. The exhaustion was palpable in the gym, the locker rooms, and especially in the quiet moments between drills. They barely had time to breathe, let alone have fun. It wasn’t even March yet, but it felt like the postseason was already knocking at their door.

When they did get a rare break, the team found themselves sprawled out in each other’s rooms, barely able to keep their eyes open, let alone engage in conversation. It was in one of these rare moments of downtime after practice that Paige, sitting at the counter in the kitchen created for the athletic department, suddenly stood up and interrupted the idle chatter around her.

“I want to do something nice for Azzi today,” she said, her voice cutting through the noise of teammates munching on sandwiches and sipping from water bottles. “We have the rest of the day off, and I know she’s exhausted, but I feel like she deserves something special.”

The others paused, turning their attention toward her. There was a moment of silence as they processed what Paige had said.

“What, like a massage?” KK asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, not like that,” Paige said with a small laugh. “I mean, sure, maybe later, but something more… personal. Lowkey, but private. Something just for her. We’ve been so busy lately, and I know she’s feeling it just as much as I am.”

“I get it,” Ice said, leaning back in his chair. “You wanna give her a little break from all the noise. But what are you thinking?”

Paige’s gaze shifted to the floor as she thought about it for a second. “It doesn’t need to be big. Just something small but meaningful. I want it to be a surprise, though. Nothing too public. I don’t want anyone ruining it.”

The team began to talk among themselves, exchanging ideas. After a few minutes, they finally agreed. They’d create a quiet, intimate evening for the two of them—something simple but personal that would give Paige and Azzi a chance to reconnect away from the madness of their schedules.

The team quickly got to work brainstorming, their collective energy shifting from exhaustion to excitement as they plotted out the details. After tossing around a few ideas, KK’s eyes lit up, and she shot a glance at the ceiling, clearly visualizing the perfect setup.

“What if we do something on the roof?” she suggested, her tone a bit more animated. “You know, like a little oasis up there. Away from everyone. We could make it super private, and no one would bother you two.”

The room went quiet for a moment as everyone thought it over.

“Wow KK that actually sounds nice,” Ice said, clearly impressed. “We could make it romantic, too. Some lights, candles, maybe even rose petals on the ground leading to a little space where you two can relax. Create a cozy, intimate vibe.”

Paige smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. The idea was simple, yet thoughtful—exactly what she had envisioned. “Yeah, something like that. I want it to be a surprise for Azzi, so it needs to feel special without being over the top.”

“Rose petals are a must,” KK said. “We’ll make a rose carpet. Maybe get some string lights to hang around the area, too. Something soft and cozy.”

The more they talked, the more the idea started to take shape. They’d gather blankets and pillows to go in an insulated pod—something that would shield them from the cold wind, making it feel like their own little private hideaway in the middle of the chaos. The whole space would be adorned with candles to create a soft, warm glow. Paige’s heart fluttered just thinking about it—this would be a perfect way to unwind, to share a quiet moment with Azzi away from everything.

“Okay, but we need to make sure no one else finds out about it,” Paige added, her voice serious but filled with a hint of excitement. “I don’t want anyone crashing our little escape.”

“Don’t worry,” Ice said with a wink. “We’ll make sure it stays a secret. It’s your night, and no one’s gonna ruin it.”

“Perfect,” Paige said, already feeling the anticipation building in her chest. “I’ll throw in some money for whatever we need, and we’ll get this done. I’ll text Azzi and let her know I’ll be up to her room soon, but I won’t say anything more.”

The team nodded in agreement, rallying together as they began to coordinate the setup. KK was already making phone calls to get the supplies, while Ice and the others gathered the blankets and candles. Paige pulled out her wallet and tossed three hundred dollars onto the table, watching as the team sprang into action.

With everything in motion, Paige quickly sent Azzi a text: “I’ll be up to your room soon.” She smiled to herself, the excitement building with every second. She was finally doing something just for them, something that would show Azzi how much she meant to her, how much she appreciated everything they had together.

…

Paige entered Azzi’s room quietly, the door creaking slightly as she pushed it open. She found Azzi sprawled out on the bed, looking completely drained, her hair fanned out across the pillows, eyes half-closed as she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone. A soft chuckle escaped Paige’s lips at the sight—Azzi looked as if she could fall asleep in the next moment.

Without saying a word, Paige crossed the room and crawled onto the bed, settling beside Azzi. She lay on her side, propping her head up with her hand as she looked at her girlfriend.

Azzi let out a small sigh, barely acknowledging Paige’s presence at first. “You’re here,” she murmured, her voice thick with exhaustion.

Paige smirked playfully. “I mean, where else would I be?”

Azzi shifted slightly, her fingers tracing the soft scar above Paige’s eyebrow, the one that still hadn’t completely faded from the Notre Dame game. “You’re always getting into trouble,” she said softly, her finger lingering on the scar as she gave Paige a half-smile. “But this one, it’s kinda cute. Like a battle wound.”

Paige smiled, the comment making her feel lighter, and she placed her hand over Azzi’s. “Guess I’ll just have to keep getting into trouble, huh?” She rolled onto her back, gazing up at the ceiling as they both relaxed for a moment in the silence of the room. The weight of their exhausting schedules hung heavy in the air, but this quiet moment together felt like a small escape.

Azzi yawned, stretching out her arms above her head before pulling her legs back under the covers. “I’m so tired,” she mumbled, her voice trailing off as she cuddled into the warmth of the bed. “We need a break from all this. I’m not even sure I have the energy for anything.”

Paige chuckled softly, rolling onto her side to face Azzi. “I know what you mean. But hey, we’ve got all day. We don’t need to do anything crazy. Just… relax for a little bit.”

Azzi's eyelids fluttered, and she gave Paige a tired smile. “I’m honestly happy just being here with you.”

Paige’s heart warmed at the words, and she leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Azzi’s forehead. They stayed like that for a few moments, just enjoying the quiet.

But then Paige’s phone buzzed on the bed beside her. She glanced at the screen to see a message from Ice: Everything’s ready.

She bit her lip, looking down at Azzi. As tempting as it was to stay in bed all day, Paige couldn’t let Azzi miss out on the surprise.

Gently, she nudged Azzi, her voice light. “Hey, I need you to get up,” she said, trying to sound casual. “Get dressed—cozy clothes. We’re going somewhere.”

Azzi groaned softly, not even bothering to open her eyes. “Do I have to?” she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow. “I’m so comfortable right here.”

Paige grinned, fully aware of how hard it was going to be to get Azzi out of bed. She leaned in closer, her lips brushing the top of Azzi’s head as she whispered, “Please, baby? I promise it’ll be worth it.”

Azzi peeked one eye open, giving her a tired but skeptical look. “What is it? Another ‘trust me, you’ll love it’ thing?”

Paige gave her the most exaggerated, pleading expression she could muster—her big, sad blue puppy-dog eyes. She knew Azzi could never resist those eyes.

Azzi blinked, clearly fighting the urge to give in. “You’re killing me,” she said, but the smile tugging at her lips was already softening her resistance. “I just want to sleep.”

Paige leaned in closer, placing a soft kiss on Azzi’s cheek. “Please, I’ll make it up to you later,” she promised, her voice playful yet sincere. “I need you to trust me.”

Azzi let out a long, exaggerated sigh, but Paige could see her resolve crumbling. She rubbed her eyes and groggily sat up. “Fine. But you owe me big time.”

Paige’s grin spread wider as she slid off the bed. “Deal.”

As Azzi sluggishly got out of bed, Paige couldn’t hide her excitement anymore. She pulled on her jacket and grabbed her keys, offering a final, teasing glance at Azzi, who was now fumbling with her clothes.

“You’ll see why soon enough,” Paige said with a grin, her heart racing with anticipation.

Azzi shot her a curious look but didn’t ask any more questions. “I’m trusting you,” she muttered under her breath as she started getting dressed.

Paige waited, trying to contain the excitement bubbling inside of her. After a few more moments, Azzi finished getting dressed in a cozy hoodie and sweatpants, and they were ready to leave. Paige took Azzi’s hand, leading her toward the door, unable to stop herself from feeling giddy about the surprise she had in store.

…

After stopping to grab some food at Azzi’s request—Paige giving in after a little bit of playful whining from Azzi about how starving she was—they drove towards the athletic department. The ride was quiet, with Azzi occasionally sneaking glances at Paige, still trying to figure out what was going on. Paige could sense the confusion, but she kept her grin tucked away, excited for the reveal.

As they approached the familiar building, Azzi let out an exasperated groan. "I really can't stand the sight of a basketball right now," she muttered, half-joking, as she stared out the window.

Paige chuckled, glancing over at her with a teasing smile. "Trust me, I promise it’s not what you think." She reached across the console, giving Azzi’s hand a quick squeeze. "Just follow me, okay?"

Azzi gave a halfhearted sigh but didn’t protest further, which Paige took as a win. She pulled into the parking lot and stopped in front of the entrance. Paige was already unbuckling her seatbelt, grinning ear to ear.

“I’ll open the door,” Paige said, pushing her door open before Azzi could even react.

Azzi eyed her, clearly puzzled. “You’re really dragging me into the lion’s den for something,” she remarked with a smirk but unbuckled her seatbelt anyway, getting out of the car with a reluctant sigh.

They walked towards the building, and Azzi’s confusion only deepened when Paige steered them away from the locker room and toward the elevator. "What’s going on?" Azzi asked, now seriously curious. "Where are we going?"

Paige didn’t answer, only flashed a playful grin as she pressed the button for the roof. The elevator doors closed, and Azzi's brow furrowed as she saw Paige press the “R” button. "The Roof?" Azzi asked, eyeing Paige.

"Just trust me," Paige said with a wink, leaning back against the elevator wall.

Azzi crossed her arms, clearly still unsure but unwilling to ask any more questions. When the elevator doors opened, she was met with a cool breeze and the soft light of the late afternoon sky as the sun was setting.

Azzi stepped out, her gaze sweeping the area. At first, she didn’t understand what she was seeing, but as her eyes locked onto the rose petal carpet that stretched across the roof, her breath caught in her throat. Candles flickered softly along the edges, and delicate lights hung from the railing, casting a warm glow over everything. In the center, there was a cozy-looking insulated pod, filled with plush pillows and blankets—an oasis in the middle of the chaotic campus.

Azzi's jaw dropped as she took in the scene. Her eyes welled up with tears as she slowly turned to look at Paige, a mixture of disbelief and happiness in her expression. "Paige... this is..." she trailed off, unable to find the words.

Paige stood there, watching Azzi, her heart swelling as she took in the sight of her girlfriend’s joy. Azzi’s teary eyes met hers, and Paige could see the overwhelming emotion in them. She had done it—created this perfect, peaceful moment for the two of them, just as Azzi deserved.

Azzi took a step closer to Paige, her voice barely above a whisper. “You did this for me?”

Paige smiled warmly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Azzi’s ear. “I wanted to do something special for you. I know things have been crazy, and I just wanted to give us a moment to breathe.”

Azzi shook her head slightly, the tears now streaming down her cheeks. “I feel so... loved. This is... beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Paige reached out and gently cupped Azzi’s face, wiping the tears from her cheeks with her thumb. “You deserve this, and so much more,” she said softly, her voice full of affection.

Azzi nodded, trying to steady her breath as the tears continued to fall, though they were happy ones. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Paige’s lips. “Thank you,” she whispered. “This... means everything.”

Paige smiled, her heart full as she pulled Azzi into a warm hug. “Anything for you.”

Azzi, still holding the take-out bag in her hand, finally glanced down at the food. “I’m not sure I can eat anything right now,” she said, holding it out. “But we can take this with us. I think this moment deserves to be savored a little longer.” She gave a soft laugh, though the tears hadn’t quite stopped.

“I’m all for that,” Paige agreed, grinning. “We have all the time in the world.”

They made their way to the pod, settling in with blankets and pillows surrounding them. It was their perfect little world, quiet and intimate. With the flickering candles casting soft shadows and the stars just beginning to appear above, they knew that, for tonight, nothing else mattered.

…

The soft glow of the lights around the roof and the comfort of the insulated pod had them nestled in a peaceful quiet, the world beyond feeling distant and unimportant. Paige and Azzi lay there together, tangled in blankets and pillows, lazily sharing their food as they continued to relax, their conversations light and comfortable.

Azzi finally finished her meal, letting out a satisfied sigh. "I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” she laughed, settling back into Paige’s embrace.

Paige smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair away from Azzi’s face. “Well, I’m glad you’re not too full to talk,” she teased, her fingers lightly tracing circles on Azzi’s arm. “I wasn’t sure how long I could just stare at the sky without saying something.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, though there was a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “What, you don’t like quiet moments?” she asked playfully.

Paige shrugged. “I mean, I do. But it’s more fun when I’m with you. You make everything feel... better.”

Azzi’s smile softened, her gaze drifting to the sky before returning to Paige’s eyes. “Well, lucky for you, I’m here. Though, it’s hard to compete with the stars when you’re just so...”

“...irresistible?” Paige finished for her, raising an eyebrow and grinning mischievously.

Azzi chuckled. “Exactly.” Her fingers lightly brushed along Paige’s arm. “Though, I’ve got to admit, I didn’t expect the view up here to be this good.”

Paige looked around at the setting she had set up, the flowers and lights reflecting off the gentle glow of the candles. "Yeah, well, the view’s way better when I’m with you,” Paige said softly, gazing at Azzi.

Azzi's heart skipped a beat, her eyes softening. “You’re good at this. Really good at making me feel special.”

Paige smiled warmly, her hand resting on Azzi's. "You deserve it. I feel like we haven’t had enough time like this, just... together. No distractions."

Azzi let out a content sigh, her head resting on Paige’s shoulder as they both relaxed into the moment, the world outside their little bubble of calm fading into nothing. The night stretched out in silence for a while, and it was peaceful. But soon, Azzi broke it, her voice quiet and thoughtful.

“I’ve been thinking a lot, you know?” she started, her tone serious. “About this season, about what comes after it.”

Paige glanced at her, feeling a shift in the air. “What do you mean?” she asked softly.

Azzi took a deep breath, then turned her head to meet Paige’s eyes. “I’ve been talking to some people... the GM of the Golden State Valkyries, actually. With Geno’s help.”

Paige blinked, a little confused. “I thought you were staying here for another year because of your injuries? We talked about it earlier in the season.”

Azzi nodded, but her expression was more resolute now. “Yeah, I know we talked about it. But... I’ve been having a much better season than I expected. I don’t want to risk an injury again. I want to leave UConn on a high note and I think we can win it all this year.”

Paige stayed silent for a moment, trying to process the change. She hadn’t seen this coming. “So... you’re leaving…with me?” she asked softly, her voice quieter now, unsure how to feel about it.

Azzi smiled gently, her gaze unwavering. “Yes…It’s time for me. But there’s more. The GM told me that Golden State has been in talks with Dallas about getting the #1 pick in the draft. If they pull it off... they might take you at #1, and me at #5.”

Paige blinked, unable to fully grasp what she was hearing. "Wait... you think you’re going to go 5?" she asked skeptically, trying to keep her composure, though the excitement bubbling up inside her was hard to hide. “I don’t know, Azzi. I mean, I don’t think you’ll drop that far.”

Azzi nodded, her gaze unwavering. “None of the teams with picks 2, 3, or 4 need a shooting guard. They’d be crazy to draft me. Plus Golden State is really interested in you. They’re doing everything they can to get the #1 pick and you’re clearly their top choice.”

Paige sat up slightly, her heart pounding as the news sank in. “And you? You’d go #5 to Golden State?”

Azzi smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Yeah that’s the plan. The way they’ve been talking it feels... like it could actually happen. They mentioned something about giving Dallas their picks for the next two years.”

For a moment, Paige just stared at Azzi, her mind racing. Then, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She leaned forward, kissing Azzi’s cheek, then her nose, then her forehead, her lips scattering over her face with pure excitement. “Oh my God, this is huge!” she said breathlessly. “Baby we could be playing together again! On the same team!”

Azzi laughed softly, her heart racing as Paige continued to shower her with kisses. “I know! It’s crazy to think about.”

Paige pulled back, grinning widely. “This could actually happen. We could be teammates again. I can’t even—this is everything. I can’t even imagine playing with anyone else.”

Azzi laughed again, pulling Paige closer, her voice low and full of promise. “Well, you might not have to imagine it for long.”

After the whirlwind of excitement, Paige and Azzi were both still processing the incredible news of the draft. The moment between them felt like time had slowed, their hearts in sync as they basked in the idea of playing together again. But before they could fully settle back into the peace of the rooftop, a sudden sound caught their attention.

From below, they heard raised voices and a bit of commotion filtering through the surroundings of the building. Paige furrowed her brow, sitting up and leaning toward the edge of the pod. Azzi, noticing the same thing, followed her gaze and squinted at the scene unfolding below.

Some of their teammates, dressed in all black, were standing at the entrance of the athletic department. They looked like they were ready for action—arms crossed, eyes narrowed, and clearly blocking someone from entering. The whole scene seemed like something out of a spy movie.

Paige snickered and leaned back, trying to stifle her laughter. "Are we sure we’re not watching a secret agent movie right now?" she whispered to Azzi, who was equally amused.

Azzi shook her head, a grin spreading across her face. "No kidding. Looks like top-flight security on a mission. Who the heck are they keeping out?"

They both watched as their teammates, clearly in full force, kept their position and made sure whoever it was didn’t cross the threshold. The scene was absurd in the best possible way, with the team going all in on their antics.

Then, they heard KK’s voice ring out clearly from below. “This is private property, sir!” she announced with authority, causing the rest of their teammates, who were playing along with the act, to burst into laughter.

Paige couldn’t help but chuckle, nudging Azzi playfully. "I swear, that’s KK being all serious, trying to put on a show like she’s a real security guard."

Azzi laughed, shaking her head. “That was definitely too dramatic. I can’t believe she’s pulling the ‘private property’ line.”

The sound of the team’s laughter echoed up to them, and even the mysterious person who’d apparently been trying to enter couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation.

Paige rolled her eyes, still grinning. “Only here could something this ridiculous happen. I think we’re safe in our little pod for now.” She pulled the blankets around her tighter as she settled back down next to Azzi.

Azzi grinned, looking back at Paige. “Yeah, it’s nice to escape the chaos. But I have a feeling ‘security’ is still out there, keeping watch.”

With the laughter from downstairs still drifting up toward them, they both leaned back into the warmth of the pod. Their teammates might be handling their own version of "security," but for now, Paige and Azzi were perfectly content, tucked away in their private oasis, away from the madness.

[dissapointu]

How Vi Would React to a Clingy Partner

1. Appreciating the Attention

Vi doesn’t mind a little clinginess; in fact, she kinda likes it. She’s a tough person with a strong exterior, but when she sees you cling to her, it softens her heart. She’ll smile, though it’s subtle, and sometimes she’ll wrap her arm around you, pulling you close and making you feel safe in her embrace. She likes the attention you give her, especially when it means you feel comfortable and secure enough to show her that you need her.

2. Gentle Teasing

While Vi is mostly a rock, she’s not above teasing you if you’re being particularly clingy. She’ll give you that cocky grin, raise an eyebrow, and maybe say something like, “You’re not gonna let me go, huh?” It’s all in good fun, and deep down, she enjoys the closeness. She may tease you a little, but it’s always done with affection, and she’ll always end up pulling you closer, not pushing you away.

3. Protective Instincts Kick In

If your clinginess stems from something like anxiety, fear, or uncertainty, Vi becomes incredibly protective. She’ll wrap her arms around you and hold you tight, not caring if you’re being a little extra—she just wants you to feel safe. She has this natural instinct to shield you from anything that might hurt you, and if holding onto her helps you feel grounded, she’ll let you cling to her all you want. It’s her way of reassuring you that she’s there, no matter what.

4. Not Complaining, But Sometimes Needing Space

Vi loves her space, and sometimes, she might need a moment to herself. If you’re particularly clingy in a moment when she’s feeling overwhelmed or stressed, she might gently pull back, but it’s never out of frustration. She’ll softly tell you, “I just need a minute, babe,” before taking a breather. It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy your closeness, but even someone as tough as Vi needs to recharge every now and then. Don’t take it personally; she just doesn’t want to burn out.

5. Playful Snuggling

If your clinginess is in the form of constant physical touch—like hugging her, cuddling, or just sitting really close—Vi will find ways to make it fun. She’ll pull you into her lap, hold you tightly against her chest, or toss her arm over you as you both sit together. She loves having you close, especially if you’re giving her affection and letting her protect you. There’s a warmth to her when she can see you relax in her arms, even if you’re being a little extra about it.

6. Feeling Needed

Vi isn’t one to admit it openly, but she loves knowing that you need her. When you cling to her, it’s like an unspoken affirmation that she’s important to you. There’s a bit of pride in her chest, knowing that she’s the person you turn to when you’re looking for comfort or support. She’ll sometimes chuckle to herself when she sees how much you rely on her, but the truth is, she’s happy to be the one you seek out for love and safety.

7. Clingy and Competitive

Vi might also turn a little playful and competitive if your clinginess starts to show in the form of constant attention. You may cling to her for kisses, attention, or affection, but she’ll often challenge you to see who can hold on the longest. She’ll be all smug about it, smirking as you try to snuggle into her and stay close. If she wins, she’ll tease you a little, but it’s all in good fun—because in her eyes, you’re both just in a constant cuddle battle, and she doesn’t mind the competition.

8. Deep Affection, Silent but Strong

Vi’s a woman of few words, but her actions speak volumes. If you cling to her in a way that shows vulnerability—maybe you’re scared, worried, or emotionally drained—she’ll react with nothing but tenderness. She’ll hold you close, let you nestle into her chest, and not say a word. In those moments, you’ll know she’s giving you everything she’s got. It’s her way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

9. Clingy But Always Encouraging

When you’re clingy because you’re looking for validation or reassurance, Vi’s reaction will be gentle but motivating. She’ll hold you close, but she’ll also make sure you feel strong in your own skin. “You’re tough, you know that?” she might say, rubbing your back or brushing your hair out of your face. “Don’t need to hold on forever, but I’m here, no matter what.” She believes in you, and she’ll never let you forget it, even if you’re looking for a little extra reassurance.

10. Sweet, Quiet Moments

Sometimes, Vi will just hold you in silence, especially if you’re clingy at night or after a tough day. She’ll let you cuddle into her side, resting your head on her shoulder as you both settle into a quiet comfort. She doesn’t need to say anything because the moment is already enough. Just being close to her is enough for you, and for her, too. You might find her hand gently stroking your hair, or her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on your back, letting you relax in the shared peace between the two of you.

11. A Little Smothering, But Always Loving

Every now and then, when you’re especially clingy, Vi might get overwhelmed by your constant neediness. It’s not that she doesn’t want you close—she does—but when you’re practically glued to her side for hours on end, she’ll give you a playful shove or try to gently distance herself, just to keep her space. But she’s still smiling, still looking at you with affection because even when you’re being a little too clingy, she knows how much you care, and she loves it.

12. Holding Hands, Always

Whether you’re clingy or not, Vi always makes sure you know she’s there by holding your hand. When you’re walking together, when you’re sitting down, or even when you’re just relaxing—her hand is almost always in yours. It’s a small but constant gesture that reminds you that no matter how attached you are, she’s never going anywhere, and she’s happy to hold onto you just as much as you’re holding onto her.

Vi’s reaction to a clingy partner is a balance of affection, teasing, and protective care. She enjoys your attention and loves to be close to you, but there’s always a bit of playful banter, and sometimes, she’ll need her space. Overall, she loves knowing that you need her and will always make sure you feel loved and secure in her arms.

[risingoftime]

AGAINST ALL ODDS | CORIOLANUS SNOW X PLINTH!READER | CHAPTER THREE

navigation | previous chapter | next chapter

TW - descriptions of death (Sejanus) & hanging/strangulation, night terrors.

Sejanus' trembling body materialized before you upon the wooden platform amidst the grim presence of the hanging tree. His once robust body now appeared frail and bruised, bearing the unmistakable marks of beatings, and starvation seemed to have drained the vitality from his once vibrant frame. He stood, a testament to the hellish spectacle the Capitolites had subjected him to be. Sejanus struggled to hold back tears; his voice desperately cried your name, yet no sound would escape his arid lips. An invisible force rooted you to the spot, rendering your limbs motionless despite your earnest efforts to break free from this immobilizing grip to reach Sejanus. 

The peacekeepers marched steadily past you, and a chilling lull descended, punctuated by the haunting sight of Sejanus standing at the precipice of his fate. They tightened and adjusted the noose around his vulnerable neck with methodical precision. Fear etched deep into his widened eyes, the anticipation of what awaited him palpable. The weight of the moment bore down upon you, beads of sweat tracing a trail along the nape of your neck as a surge of nausea threatened to release. The harsh finality of the situation washed over your being.

Sejanus resignedly mouthed a sorrowful apology, his wordless cry cutting through the heavy air. And then, an irreversible shift transpired with breathtaking swiftness. The ground beneath him gave way, dissolving into oblivion, the sickening sound of his neck snapping searing into your consciousness, an unshakeable echo of his death.

Your eyes snapped open to see Tigris pinning your arms onto the mattress. Blinking against the dim sunlight, you managed to stammer, "Tigris? Why are you in my room?" your voice came out hoarse.

The worry in her eyes was unmistakable. She loosened her hold on you slowly until she let go of your arms completely, her hands slightly trembling.

"Your screams... I heard them from downstairs," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was bringing your dress in, and I feared...I was scared something terrible had happened to you." She paused, swallowing hard. "Then, I found you... sleeping, but your body thrashing in the sheets as if you were trying to escape something. Are you okay? Has this happened before?"

She sat down on the edge of the bed, her silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the sunlight peering in from your window. It made Tigris's blonde hair look like a halo on her head. However, her gaze didn't waver from you, the anxiety written plainly on her face, promising not to leave until she was sure you were safe. Seeing Tigris in this state made you sad. You didn't mean to let anyone else see you like this. 

"Just a nightmare, that's all. It used to happen every night since-" Cutting yourself off, It was difficult to say his name, not after what you had just seen. "I only get like this when I'm stressed." Tigris still didn't appear convinced by your response. Your nightgown stuck to your skin from the sheen of sweat on your body. You couldn't imagine how horrible you looked and felt in front of Tigris. Suddenly, painfully aware of yourself, you pulled the sheets above you as an act of modesty. 

"Where's Ma?" you asked. 

"She stepped out to run last-minute errands for the event tonight. She called me to help you get ready and, well, you know the rest." You half-expected Tigris to leave, respecting your privacy. But she pressed on. "I used to have dreams like yours when my parents died during the rebellion. It took me a while to cope with their death. I still struggle sometimes. You can talk to me, you know? You're my family too now." 

With a comforting pat on your thigh, Tigris rose from the bed. "I'll give you some space to freshen up. Meet me downstairs whenever you're ready." Her words stayed with you as the bedroom door closed with a faint thud, plunging you back into reality.

Today is your birthday, the day of your wedding shower— another reminder of your upcoming marriage to Coriolanus. The date was impending faster than you had hoped, and there was no sign of it stopping. Young marriages weren't uncommon in Panem post-war, but you had naively hoped for more time before earning the title of someone's wife. More time, much like you had wished for Sejanus. His life was taken from him at eighteen, the same age you were now. That's when it struck you: Sejanus won't see you off to get married, nor would he be there to watch over your kids and be the fun uncle you know he would be. 

You silently wept in bed, overcome by grief. This day was meant to be filled with happiness; it was anything else but that. You felt shame, aggressively wiping away the tears that poured from your eyes like a waterfall. You knew wallowing in bed would solve nothing. Yet, facing the world with red, swollen eyes filled you with dread. It would be an unspoken confession of your struggles, a silent admission of your turmoil. And you couldn’t have that. Ma would need you to keep it together. She’s already lost one of her children. 

Mustering your remaining energy, you got ready and adorned yourself with makeup before descending the stairs to join Tigris. In front of you, an awe-inspiring dark crimson red dress adorned a mannequin. The tulle gown exuded a celestial aura like the night sky had woven into every stitch. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, shimmering pearls embellished the fabric, creating a mesmerizing constellation effect. The dress's form-fitting bodice gracefully accentuated the mannequin's curves before cascading outwards from the waist. Its sheer beauty left you speechless, your mouth agape in disbelief.

Turning to Tigris, you asked, "Did you make this?" Tigris smiled widely and nodded. 

"I hope that you like it. The pearls are handsewn and thoroughly placed to sparkle with your every move." Tigris says. "Come and hurry and put it on! I can't wait to see it on my muse." Tigris didn't show any distress cues from earlier or fawn over your every move. She offered a place of comfort as you stripped down to your undergarments and stepped into the gown. It fit like a glove, which was impressive, considering Tigris hadn't taken your measurements. Her eye for detail is astounding. The corset of the dress pushed your breasts up, giving the impression that you had more cleavage and a smaller waist.  As you gazed at your reflection, a gasp escaped your lips in awe of the masterpiece Tigris had created. "If I were to die in this dress, I would die a happy woman," you whispered. The sight of you was truly intoxicating, and in this dress, you felt a sense of confidence and accomplishment immersed around you. The person who stood before the mirror embodied a timeless beauty. You could envision yourself as someone suitable to be seen on the arm of Coriolanus Snow, the young man rumoured to be the next ruler of the Capitol. Without another thought, you brought Tigris into a hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She held you closer with her warm embrace. An excited shriek pulled you apart to find Ma with Coriolanus. 

"Oh gosh! My beautiful baby girl is all grown up."

Coriolanus exhaled in surprise at your appearance. His eyes trailed from your face down to the heels that you wore. It was one of the rare times that Coriolanus was genuinely speechless. Tigris cleared her throat, “So… what do you think?” Coriolanus finally pulled himself out of his entrapped daze and faked a cough to hide his lust-filled expression. But it was too late. You have already seen it.

"You look beautiful." Coriolanus wore a suit in a similar shade to your dress. Tigris must've tailored his outfit to cater to yours. “Tigris, You've outdone yourself,” he said.  From the outside eye, you were well suited for each other and made a good-looking couple. It would be easy to fall into the fantasy you have been presented with. Yet it didn’t change that it was all a fallacy; Coriolanus had only agreed to marry you for the money. It was damn easy to forget all of this when Coriolanus flashed you his dazzling smile and wrapped his arm around yours to escort you out of the penthouse to your wedding shower and birthday party.

Coriolanus whispered to your ear, “And before I forget, Happy Birthday.”

𓇢𓆸

The event was hosted in an extravagant lounge. There were rows and rows of velvet red sectionals and opulent jade banquettes. The lighting around the room was soft and illuminated the lush plants and countless influential figures of Panem that filled the space. Your name and Coriolanus’s were etched on a banner for all guests to view. Your parents had invited almost everyone that you’ve known. The Dolittle family socialized with Dr. Volumnia Gaul over a glass of champagne. While Eris Dankworth and her family kept to themselves, overseeing and judging the festivities that took place. Some of the University and Academy professors were in attendance as well. President Ravinstill could be seen at the far corner, seated at a private table with his wife. He was the man who'd granted our departure from the Districts when your father sided with the President by providing munitions to the Capitol. The President wore his prewar military uniform like a badge of honour. The gall of it all made you feel unsettled. 

You observed Coriolanus closely, gripped by his ability to captivate everyone around him with his calm demeanour and impeccable manners. Whenever he engaged in conversation, his eyes would light up as if each person he spoke to had just said the wittiest remark he had ever heard. It was awe-inspiring to witness. A part of you was taken aback. This side of him was rarely revealed in your presence. The Coriolanus you grew to know had disappeared. This one was fun-loving and easygoing. It was a version of him that made you reconsider if he was all bad, like you initially thought. 

"Must I say Coriolanus, you've snagged yourself quite the catch? Miss Plinth appears to be Sejanus's better half." Dr. Volumnia Gaul smiled much too widely after her comment. She had a sneaky habit of appearing when she was least anticipated. It made whatever she had to say sound ingenuine and cunning. Your spine stiffened at the mention of Sejanus from his former professor. Coriolanus rubbed small circles on your lower back, a meek attempt to distract you. He returned Dr. Gaul's smile. Before you could devise your retort, Coriolanus replied, "Thank you, it'll be an honour to call her my wife." He looked upon you with a glint in his eye, something that you hadn't noticed before, admiration or possession? It was hard to decipher. His gaze travelled down to your exposed breasts, and the desire on Coriolanus's face made you feel feverish. Undeniably, a new side of Coriolanus was in front of you. 

"Fate is a funny thing, isn't it Coriolanus? The Plinth family lost a son, to soon gain another." She smirked as if she knew something you didn't, "I'm curious to see how this union will be fair in the future. Best wishes to the both of you." And with that, she departed to refill her glass of champagne. Coriolanus kept his hand around your waist. His hold on you was unshakeable, and his face turned straight. 

"Are you alright? What was that all about?" You asked. 

"Nothing, Dr. Gaul is quite peculiar in how she expresses herself." His glare didn't wander from her figure as she walked through the crowd of guests. 

"So I've heard, Sejanus would talk about her briefly after class and in his letters." 

"Letters?" Coriolanus faced you incredulously. The thought of Sejanus sending his younger sister letters during his time in District 12 hadn't crossed his mind. 

Suddenly, the lights were cut, and the crowd gasped in shock. In the distance, you could see Ma and your father holding a cake with eighteen lit candles making their way to the booth you sat at. Everyone erupted in song, singing You Happy Birthday and began to gather around. 

"Make a wish, Honey," Ma said. Your father flagged down the hired photographers with box-like cameras that appeared chunky and heavy to the eye. Flashing lights surrounded you as they fired shots at your every move until the last candle was blown out. You could see Romulus standing beside his brother with a big grin. The similarities were uncanny. He shook a blue velour box and mouthed, "I got you a present." Eris Dankworth stood not too far behind them and watched the moment unravel. 

“How about a kiss from the soon-to-be newlyweds?” Eris yelled out with a sickening sneer on her lips. She couldn’t help herself. “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” she began the chant amongst the guests. Anyone would think she did it all in good faith and fun. But you knew. It was a reminder of the conversation that took place in front of the Academy. 

With all eyes on you, there was little option but to comply. It would be odd not to. 

“Well, Mr. Snow,” you shyly peeked up through your wispy lashes, and Coriolanus stood tall, towering over you with his height. "Let's give them a run for their money." He softly nestled your face in his hands, his touch both consoling and electrifying. You sensed a slight tremor in his hands from anticipation. As his plush lips met yours, the kiss began tentatively, as if you were exploring unknown territory. Coriolanus pulled you in closer, pressing your bodies together until there was no space between you. Not knowing where to place your arms, you instinctively wrapped them around his neck, cultivating deeper access and connection. An unfamiliar warmth spread throughout your body, igniting a desire you hadn't experienced before. Nerves fluttered in your stomach. This was your first kiss. Your first kiss is with Coriolanus Snow, and damn was it a good kiss. It was unclear who moved away first, but looking at your Ma, you could see her with clutched pearls. 

Coriolanus chuckled silently beside you, "Wow, I didn't think you had it in you, Miss Plinth. You're just full of surprises." Your elbow connected with his ribs, although this didn't stop him from laughing. Amid your embarrassment that your parents had seen you practically make out with your fiancee, you excused yourself to go to the powder room. If you found Eris alone, you would surely give her a piece of your mind. You were navigating through the crowd with mindless “thank you’s,” and the half-assed hugs were beginning to get on your last nerve. You just needed a quiet moment to yourself. Someone followed behind and caught your hand as you freed yourself through the exit doors to the restrooms. 

“Hey, I’ve been trying to get you alone all evening. It's like chasing a rabbit in a hay field,” Romulus said, slightly panting like he’d just run a marathon. He appeared strikingly handsome in his tailored midnight blue suit, a perfect complement to his dark hair and captivating features.

“Haven’t you heard? It’s unbefitting of a lady to be seen alone with a man who isn’t to be her husband, especially with the wedding date around the corner,” you said.

“Oh, please don’t tell me you’re letting Dankworth get to you,” Romulus wrinkled his nose when he uttered her name as if he smelled something horrid. “Besides, I like you better when you're defiant. It keeps things interesting in this dull place.”  

You rolled your eyes at his statement. Of course, he did. That was before. When you could afford to do whatever you pleased and live your day as your own. "What do you want, Rome?" you asked. He didn't track you down to chat. 

"Geez, did that kiss get your panties in a twist too?" Romulus snickered. You shoved him and snorted at his mortifying question. Romulus always knew how to make you laugh. 

"Oh God, please shut up! What was I supposed to do?" 

"I don't know, give the guy a peck, maybe?" Romulus's smile widened at your reaction, and he rummaged through his pocket to pull out the blue velour jewelry box from earlier. "Besides, if you didn't run out of there so quickly, I wouldn't be able to give this to you." He placed the present in your hands gently, like a delicate flower. 

"Rome, you didn't have to get me a gift-" 

"I know, but I wanted to. Open it." He nodded towards the box, motioning you to untie the bow that was wrapped around it. 

Inside held a beautiful gold locket necklace that looked like it had cost a fortune. Intricate swirl patterns were engraved into the locket, with hearts nestled beside each other. When you opened it, your favourite picture of you and Sejanus was inside. Romulus had taken the photo of the two of you that day in the sun. You wore a childlike grin in the photograph while Sejanus slung his arm over your shoulder, sporting a crooked smile. His pure essence is captured eternally, frozen in time just for you. This was the Sejanus that you remembered. Your eyes welled up with tears, and your throat became tight, making expressing your overwhelming gratitude to Romulus nearly impossible.

Romulus knew this and seemed prepared. He offered you his handkerchief. "Would you like me to help you put it on?" he asked. You nodded, as words still escaped you while you dabbed the corner of your eyes, careful not to smudge your makeup. Romulus lifted the necklace, and it glinted in the light. Turning your back, he clasped the locket around your neck, which lay flat between your collarbones. A piece of Sejanus will always be near. 

"I think this is one of the best gifts I've ever received." you sniffled. 

"Even better than the horse your father bought you as a kid?" Of course, Romulus would try to crack a joke. 

"Even better." You took Romulus into your arms, holding him close and snugly, "thank you, Rome."

"Romulus, we need to stop meeting like this!" Coriolanus exclaimed with no humour behind the mirth in his voice. Peering over Romulus's shoulder, you could see him close the doors to the lounge behind him.

"Meeting like what?" Romulus asked. 

"With you, all over my fiancee." Coriolanus scowled at Romulus, tracking his every move with his glare. 

"He wasn't-" 

"I wasn't all over her, Coriolanus, don't be dramatic. I was merely giving her a birthday gift, and I didn't know that was a crime." Romulus raised both his hands in mockery as if he would be arrested. Your heartbeat began to pick up in pace. Little did Romulus know the severity of consequences that might lay ahead of him for taunting Coriolanus, even more so now that Coriolanus had seen Romulus holding you in his arms not too long after kissing him.

Coriolanus hid his malicious intent almost too well, "I know a couple of people who would beg to differ." There was a hidden meaning behind his choice of words. "I simply just came out to let my fiancee know that her parents are looking for her to make a toast before the guests begin to leave." Coriolanus turned to face you, making direct contact with the heart-shaped locket that embellished your chest. It made you feel naked under his scrutiny. 

"Yes, I'll be right there to join you soon. I want to say goodbye to Romulus. He was just leaving." 

Romulus caught on quickly about what you were hinting at and agreed, "Yes, I was. The only reason I came was to drop off her gift." He gestured towards the box in your hands and smirked. 

"Safe travels," Coriolanus muttered under his breath and turned to enter the lounge, but not before calling over his shoulder, "Please be quick. I'd hate to keep your parents waiting." 

When Coriolanus was out of sight, you hit Romulus upside his head. "Idiot! Why do you keep trying to get a rise out of him?" Romulus knew better. Coriolanus was not the type to engage in direct conflict. He would skillfully maneuver himself like a serpent, slithering to strike his opponents from behind when they least expect it. 

"You can't possibly believe that he'll make good on his threat." As suspected, Romulus didn't take it seriously when you told him about what Coriolanus said to you if he were to touch you. It would help if you had been wiser and not caught up in the moment. Getting caught up with Rome was a stupid mistake. 

"I don't know. But I'd rather not find out now. All I can do is hope that Coriolanus was bluffing." 

“The idea of you marrying him doesn't sit right with me. What do you even like about Coriolanus anyways?” Romulus sounded frustrated and perplexed, his hazel eyes filled with concern. 

Like was a strong word. You tolerated Coriolanus when needed. Still, the only things that you observed of him were from afar and through your brother until now.  

Sejanus was quite the optimist when he was ready. Coriolanus had always shown indifference towards us, the Plinths. He did not agree with my classmates' taunting but did not wholly disagree. Remaining neutral meant nothing to you, especially if said boy was Sejanus’s friend. What type of friend was he? An opportunist? Yes, for sure. But Coriolanus did not show much proof of friendship other than the tattered photograph he kept of them during the games and the letters Sejanus had written about Coriolanus to you. If you hadn't known any better, you would've called it a naive school crush that Sejanus had. Pa always chose to pay no heed to what displeased him, and Sejanus publicly grieving his childhood first love, Marcus, was undoubtedly one of them. 

Yet, you couldn't deny the chemistry you shared during the kiss. There was the possibility of growing to be fond of Coriolanus. This was likely at a different rate than your relationship was going. 

"I don't have to like Coriolanus," you sighed. 

"Well, you at least have to if you're going to spend the rest of your life with him," Romulus argued. 

"Rome, please, I don’t want to talk about this, not on my birthday." Your head began to pound from the onset of stress that returned to your body. One night, that's all you wanted. Romulus could see the tension rise within you and apologized. 

“I’m sorry; I didn't intend to damper the mood. Enjoy the rest of your night, and we’ll talk tomorrow.” Romulus surprised you by planting a small kiss on your forehead and departing shortly after. To see him leave so soon left a pit in your stomach. It was an unpleasant feeling. The more pressing concern was still present: would Romulus survive the wrath of Coriolanus?

𓇢𓆸

That question kept you up at night. The rest of the party was a success, although Coriolanus was in quite a sour mood for the rest of the event until we were escorted home. He'd returned to his usual self, only uttering a sentence in your direction if needed. After finding you in Romulus's arms, you partially expected him to be more brash towards you. It unsettled you when he was silent. 

Ringing from your landline telephone alarmed you. The only person likely to call you this late would be Romulus. There had to be something wrong. 

"Hello?" 

"You're awake." The voice sounded surprised that you had answered the phone.

"Coriolanus, why are you calling so late?" 

"Come let me in. I'm coming to your door." His words lightly slurred together.

"Corio-" you raised your voice in protest, but the line dropped. The flippant guy hung up on you. 

You rushed down the stairs in your silk robe as quietly as possible until you heard knocking at your front door. When you opened the door, revealing a dishevelled Coriolanus, his blazer was discarded and still in the dress shirt he wore to the wedding shower with a few extra buttons loose. "Shut up, will you! You're going to wake up my parents. Hurry and come in." He stumbled past you to sprawl out on the couch, faintly smelling of white liquor. Thank God the Avoxes weren't live-in help. 

"Have you been drinking?" you asked. 

Coriolanus pinched his thumb and pointer finger close together in response to your question. 

"Be honest, would marrying me be that bad?" Coriolanus's tone was soft and gentle. He looked tense and a bit unsure of himself. Even in this state, he looked handsome; it bothered you that Coriolanus didn't even seem aware of it. 

"I don't know," you answered honestly. "I can't imagine sharing a life with someone I don't love, regardless of their last name. I always thought I would fall in love with someone like Ma and my father. They grew up on the same street and started dating in their early teens. And I would raise a family and grow old enough to tell my grandkids stories of how I had loved and lost and met my greatest love of all, their grandfather." It was a small dream that wouldn't come true in this lifetime. 

"I can love you," Coriolanus retorted.

"You're drunk." You sat in front of him on the carpet. 

"So? I know I can love you better than Romulus. That guy couldn't wait to get his dirty little hands on you, and of all things, he got you a locket in the shape of a heart on the day of our wedding shower. I should strangle him with my bare hands, and I would do it again to any man who dares to lay a finger on you and what's mine." Coriolanus stumbled through his sentences, and if it weren’t for the last comment, you would've thought it was cute.

"Not this again. Are you jealous of Romulus? He's a friend, and it was a thoughtful gift, hardly romantic." 

"He's one of your only friends, and he makes you smile. You don't even laugh when you're around me. I should be the one that you want to lean on. I'm the one who will be your husband, not him." Coriolanus ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. 

"You sound like a child. I'll get you a glass of water," getting up from the floor to walk to the kitchen, Coriolanus took your hand in his to stop you. 

"Wait, don't leave. Let me prove it to you: I want to take you on a date." 

That earned laughter from you; it burst out of you and was hard to contain. “That’s hilarious coming from you, Snow.” But Coriolanus didn’t laugh, and his face became sober.  

Coriolanus expressed his sincerest intentions, “I’m serious. It’s still your birthday weekend. I’ll take you out to properly celebrate. I know tonight wasn’t ideal.”

You raised your eyebrows, still skeptical of him, questioning, “Why? So you could handle your vendetta?”

Unfazed by your disbelief, Coriolanus grinned, "No, it would be for you." His words lingered in the air. You were baffled and intrigued.

The room was momentarily silent, giving you time to process his response. You couldn't help but wonder what he meant by it. Was there a deeper meaning behind his words? Although you searched for clarity, you were eager for Coriolanus to continue, hoping his inebriated self would go into more detail. Yet, his face turned paler than usual, and his blue eyes met yours with focus. 

“I’ll take that glass of water now. I think I might be sick.”

navigation | previous chapter | next chapter

taglist⊹ ࣪ ˖ @ashy-kit @divxnee @urmomsbananabread @aleemendoza2425-blog @phiniology @save-the-sky @notjustsomeblonde @j00les @nicksolemnlyswears @melancholicmelanin @repostingmyfavs @slytherinholland @yourlocalwofreader @herfantasyworldd @imiwrites @faiirybread @minstens @allie-mcginn @bricapellan16 @llmaes @dangelnleif @sunflowercharlie13 @unlocktxt @moonlightfoxs-cantina @karinaparker @etfrin @that-friend-in-the-corner @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @ooooglymoooogly @daisydark @flowers-and-liquor @meikoo @fanfictionismyromanempire @aspieundercover @allcheesemelts @a7mouraa @a-avengerparker @katherines-imagines @coconut-dreamz @quicksilversg1rl @writersblockiskillingme @real-lana-del-rey @secretsicanthideanymore @h-l-vlovesvintage @soleilgrec @carolanns-world @neuroticdegeneratedramaqueen @xreaderbooksreads

[thetriumphantpanda]

I'll Crawl Home To Her | Marcus Pike

Fic Summary | Marcus Pike had been the man of your dreams until a promotion tore your away from him. Four years later, a wedding brings you back together, but it the bubble you've built over this one weekend going to crash and burn just like it did before?

Pairing | Marcus Pike x Bridesmaid F!Reader

Fic Warnings | Explicit. Exes to Lovers, themes of second chance love, references to food and alcohol, descriptions of a wedding, Marcus Pike being a dirty talking menace, talk of contraception, unprotected PiV sex, creampie, semi-public sex, oral sex (F), overstimulation if you squint, allusions to oral sex (M) and mentions of a facial cumshot, mutual pining, flirting, two idiots in love, a touch of angst, basically two idiots who never got over each other have a lot of sex over a weekend.

Word Count | 7.9K (I can only apologise lmfao)

Authors Note | So, two weekends ago I was a bridesmaid and spent the entire time messaging @undercoverpena about how I wished Marcus Pike would whisk me away to the bathroom, tell me how pretty I was and give me a good time.... and this is what's come of this. Entirely self-indulgent but we love that for me sometimes. If you enjoy this, please consider commenting or reblogging - I'd love to know what you think of it! And if you'd like to support me further, you can donate to my Ko-Fi.

Moodboard is for aesthetic purposes only - reader is a blank slate. Although if you're interested in the dress I chose for her - it's this.

Divider by the amazing @saradika

Please follow @thetriumphantpandanotifs for writing updates.

Main Masterlist | Ko-Fi.

“I’m sorry, Mike,” Marcus is still out of breath as he clutches the champagne flute in his hand, chest heaving as his sucks in air to his lungs, “I didn’t mean to be so late.”

“Marcus, buddy, it’s fine,” His friend puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder, he knows Marcus gets anxious when things outside of his control happen, like the delay to his flight from D.C. to London, and then the delay in getting from London to the wedding venue, “You’re here now, that’s all that matters.”

Marcus nods, chugging down half the champagne in one go, hoping it’ll calm his anxiety a little. He had cursed Mike and Cassie for choosing to have their wedding in England, but Mike’s family, most of them ageing now and unable to make the long trip to D.C. had insisted on it. As he looks around the large reception room, he muses internally to himself that it was beautiful. A huge room, semi-decorated for tomorrow’s reception and dinner. It’s a smaller affair tonight, immediate family and friends for the rehearsal dinner, but he can imagine that tomorrow, once all is said and done, it’ll be the perfect backdrop for their wedding.

“Where’s Cassie?” Marcus asks, looking around the room, finding a distinct lack of the bride and the bridal party Mike hadn’t shut up about over the last few months.

“She’s just sorting the last of the decorations for the ceremony room,” Mike explains, waving a hand to the waitress currently doing the round with a refilled tray of champagne, “She’ll be here soon.” He finished with a wink, which, although is odd, Marcus doesn’t question, just picks up another glass of champagne and stands talking to his friend and whoever is milling around offering their congratulations.

There’s a flurry of conversation that has Marcus turning around a few minutes later, he can see Cassie and her mother, who are pulled to the side by someone from the venue holding up two different types of ribbon, asking which one they want to drape around the columns and which one to tie around the chair backs. It’s not Cassie that Marcus is interested in though, it’s the bridesmaid that follows behind her.

He can feel his throat constrict, a small pit opening in his stomach that’s somewhere between the feeling of dread and excitement. He can feel the palms of his hands starting to get clammy, so he drains his glass and sets it down on the nearest table to avoid an accident. Then, he thinks he might actually pass out when you finally look at him, eyes searching his face and then the glimmer of recognition that you know exactly who he is, remember exactly the last time you’d seen him, and exactly what had happened when you had.

Your leg is bouncing underneath the dining table, food somewhat eaten regardless of the fact that it’s your favourite. You’ve dug half-moon shapes into the palms of your hands and bitten the inside of your mouth enough to taste blood.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” It’s Marcus, sitting across from you, plate cleared, completely oblivious as to what’s about to come.

“I got offered a promotion.” You tell him simply, running one hand up and down your opposite arm in an attempt to soothe yourself.

“Darling!” He exclaims, “That’s amazing!” He doesn’t move to get up, but reaches his hand out, palm up for you to take, which you do, letting his hand softly clasp yours in his own, “Why are you so upset then?”

Taking a deep breath in, biting your bottom lip, you decide it’s best to rip the band-aid off sooner rather than later, “It’s not here, Marcus,” You sigh, “The job is in D.C.”

The smile, the light of his eyes, everything on his face that had just seconds ago been showing joy, had faltered. Much like you imagine your face would have when you’d been offered the job. A significant pay rise, governmental opportunities, bigger clients, a shot at being a proper lawyer for once, but with the caveat that you had to uproot your comfortable Austin life for D.C. and with it, Marcus Pike.

“I don’t have to go,” You follow up with, “I haven’t accepted yet, I’ve got some time to think.”

You feel him squeeze your hand, his other palm coming out to rest on your wrist, slowly tracing the blue veins he can see there, “Look at me,” He asks softly, which you do, the tears that had been forming in your own eyes starting to spill down your cheeks when you find Marcus’ eyes glassed over too, “Baby, this is such an amazing opportunity, you can’t say no because of me.”

Because that’s what you would be doing. Marcus, brilliant, funny, intelligent Marcus, wouldn’t be able to follow you to D.C. There had been some talk about his work in the Art Crimes team with the higher ups, people who were impressed at his success rate, people who wanted to keep him here, send him off to California even. He was at too much of a crossroads to be able to follow you to D.C.

“I don’t want to lose you though,” You sniff, free hand coming to wipe away some of the tears that are falling from your eyes, “I love you.”

Marcus hums, finally pushes himself off his chair, letting the legs scrape across his kitchen floor, until he’s sat right in front of you, knees touching, his palms on the tops of your thighs, warm and soothing, “I love you too,” He says, bringing one hand up to cup your cheek, making sure you’re looking at him, “But this is what you’ve wanted, you’ve been working so hard baby and I’m not going to let you stay here just because of me.”

It’s killing you inside, because you want so badly to ask him to follow you. To drop everything and come to D.C. You’ve been together two years, you’re comfortable together, he makes you so happy, you’ve talked about moving in together, starting a life together, but you know deep down you’re asking him to do something unfair.

“So, I guess your stance on long-distance relationships hasn’t changed?” You ask, tone soft and sad, tears falling down your cheeks.

You watch him as his own tears fall, his hands clutching your own so tightly as he gives you a soft smile, “Baby, I wish I could say yes, I wish I could drop it all and follow you, or promise you we’d talk on the phone every day and see each other every weekend, but you know we can’t do it.”

Biting at your lip, you nod, because you know he’s right. You’re a lawyer, you barely have free time as it is - weekends more often than not spent sat on the couch with him, tapping away at your laptop whilst he looks over case files. It would never work.

Marcus leans forward, presses a kiss to your forehead, then pulls you into a hug. You clutch your hands to his back, inhaling the smell of him on his shirt , watching the light blue turn darker as it catches your tears.

“When do you go?” He asks quietly into the crook of your neck, soft kiss placed to the skin right after.

“A few weeks, probably.”

“Well, let’s enjoy them while we still can, hey?” You nod silently, “And maybe one day, we’ll find each other again.”

“And maybe one day, we’ll find each other again.”

Those words still echo in your ears four year later, like they have at various different points since you last saw Marcus Pike. Leaving had been hard. He’d helped you pack everything up, driven you to the airport, kissed you before security and promised he wouldn’t forget you. You’d text a for a few weeks before life dragged you in one direction and him in another. No-one had quite been able to live up to him either. Sure, you’d tried dating, seen people for a few months before deciding they weren’t quite the man who had almost been able to give you everything you ever wanted.

And now here he is, standing in front of you, pale as a ghost as if he’s about to keel over and have a heart attack. You want to run to him, to fling yourself into his arms and make sure he’s real. You want to press your lips to his, let him kiss you like he always used to, to clutch you to his body and whisper sweet things into your ear, but you have no idea what he’s been doing these past four years - for all you know, you could get closer and find a wedding band across his left finger.

It’s a blessing when Cassie’s hand wraps around your wrist and pulls you over to the side.

“Do you prefer the dusky rose or the blush pink?” She asks, holding up two ribbons that look identical to your eye.

You want to tell her does it really matter, they both look exactly the same. You want to tear your wrist away from her and go to Marcus, but instead you settle for a warm smile and “It’s your wedding Cass, you choose what you want.”

And when you turn around, looking back over to Mike, Marcus Pike is nowhere to be found. Like he was a mirage. A figment of your hopeful imagination. Something conjured up after your mother had set you down at the airport and said, “Bridesmaid’s always get lucky at weddings, you might find your own husband.”

When everyone is called to sit down for the rehearsal dinner, you jump at the opportunity to let Cassie sit down and eat, whilst you get pulled away by the staff to advise on which candles to use for the ceremony room and where exactly to place the flower arch for the best photos tomorrow. When you make it back, everyone is standing, milling around, getting drinks from the bar, which you decide you desperately need.

“A negroni, please.” You ask for after taking a few seconds to peruse the cocktail menu set out. The stronger the better.

“I see your tastes haven’t changed in the last few years.”

You’re pretty sure that if there was a mirror in front of you, the look of shock on your face would be comical, as Marcus Pike sidles up to the bar next to you. Up close, he’s just as handsome as he always had been, except now, he’s got a beard and more fine lines in the corners of his eyes, which means he’s been happy, smiling, whilst you’ve been gone. It makes your heart swell that he’s been happy.

“I wonder if yours have.” You counter, tilting your head towards the bartender who is waiting for him to order.

“Just a beer for now.” He smiles, but at you, not the bartender.

“That’ll be a no then.”

There’s a moment of silence between the both of you as you sip the cocktail given to you, and Marcus takes a swig of his beer. His left hand is wrapped around the bottle, no sign of the wedding ring you were convinced you’d find. You want to say something, anything, but when you go to open your mouth, he beats you to it.

“You look well.”

You can’t help but chuckle. Of all the things he could have chosen to say to you, you hadn't thought it would be that.

“So do you.” You compliment back.

There’s another silence, the two of you just looking at each other. You’re soaking him up, committing him to memory to replace the old Marcus you knew so well.

“Are you here alone?” You ask, playing with the glass in your hand.

You watch as he runs his tongue over his bottom lip, “Are you?”

“I asked you first, Agent Pike.”

He tilts his head towards his shoulder in a movement that says he’ll give you that one, “I’m here alone.”

You can’t help but smile a little, biting at your bottom lip to try and hide how pleased you are, “So am I.”

Looking up at him through your lashes, you notice the exact moment those brown eyes that you’re so used to getting lost in darken, watching you as you sip your drink, tip of your tongue jutting out to catch a drop from your bottom lip.

“Is your room completely over the top?” You ask, watching as he swallows deeply, “Because mine is, I’d love to know what the honeymoon suite must be like.”

“Depends what you mean by completely over the top?” He quirks an eyebrow.

“Do you want me to show you?”

He doesn’t even respond. He sets his half-finished beer down on the bar, takes your almost-empty negroni from your hand and does the same. Then he’s taking hold of your hand, lacing your fingers together like he always did, dragging you out of the room. You turn to find Cassie and Mike, looking at you both as you have to jog to keep up with Marcus’ pace. Both of them are winking, smiling, and Mike even throws a thumbs up your way. You can feel heat rising on your cheeks as you turn your head away from them.

“Which floor?” Marcus asks then you reach the grand staircase in the lobby.

“Second.”

He doesn’t let go of your hand, but takes the stairs two at a time, meaning by the time you reach the second floor, you’re out of breath from running behind him, trying to keep up.

“Which room?”

It’s your turn to lead him now, stepping in front of him to walk down the hallway to room 212. You fish the keycard from the back pocket of your jeans, wasting no time in pushing the door open when the tiny light turns green.

It’s dark inside, but you don’t care. Marcus Pike pins you against the wall, his thigh between your legs, both hands on your waist, and then his lips are on yours. The way he kisses hasn’t changed a bit. His mouth slants over yours, softly at first, but when you open your lips against his, hands clutching at the collar of his shirt, it’s just like you remember from all those years ago. He tastes the same, mint from the gum he always chews, the tang of the beer on his tongue, and that distinct taste that’s just him.

He swallows a groan from you as your pitch your hips down, denim rubbing on denim as he devours your mouth. His hands on your waist trail down just a little, finding the top of your jeans, floating under your shirt just a little to touch the bare skin underneath. His hands are warm and strong as they start guiding you to move against his thigh as his tongue works against yours.

Marcus pulls away from your mouth just as a particularly breathy moan leaves your mouth. It makes you both stop. Stand still. Eyes adjusting to the darkness of the room as you both realise exactly what’s happening. You know you should stop, talk about what’s clearly about to happen, but when did talking ever help anything.

“Don’t think about it,” Marcus sighs, leaning down to trail kisses along your jaw, “We talk after.”

“We talk after.” You say, mainly to the room more than anything else.

Your hands are still clutching at his shirt when his fingers find the button on your jeans. Still as adept at it as he’d always been, he pops the button open and pulls down the zipper, letting his hand trail down, settling across the lace of your underwear, cupping your pussy, letting his fingers trace along skin through lace.

A hiss leaves your mouth as you work your body in time with the slow, teasing movements of Marcus’ hand, “You’ve changed,” You manage to breathe out, your hand coming to the back of his neck to pull his mouth nearer to yours, “When you were desperate for me you’d never tease.”

You can feel his lips smile against the skin of your neck where he’s tracing wet kisses along the skin, hand still feather-light between your legs, “I’ve learnt to be more patient, honey.”

“And if I asked you not to?”

“In all the years I knew you, never once did you beg for it.” He pulls back, your eyes now accustomed to the dark, able to see him better, his voice is low, “Unless you’ve changed, you’ll have to put up with it.”

You grasp his cheeks in your palms, his hand still teasing you, pull his attention to you fully, “Marcus Pike, I swear to all that is holy that if you do not spread me out on my bed and fuck me in the next five minutes, I will die.”

He makes a ‘tsk’ sound, his head shaking in your hands, “That’s not begging for it honey,” He coos, “You gotta ask nicely for it.”

You let out a grumble of frustration, but you have to admit, this new version of the man you knew so well before is enticing. You can feel the way wetness is settling between your thighs, you’re sure if he dipped his fingers down he’d have some smart comment about how soaked you were for him already.

So you swallow your pride, you know it’ll be worth it in the end, “Please.”

“Good girl.”

It all happens in a flurry. One moment you’re against the wall, the next your back is against the mattress, Marcus’ hips pressed to yours as his hands work to push your shirt up and off your body. Your back hits the mattress again and his mouth is on you almost instantly, his lips trailing down your sternum, between the valley of your breasts. Pushing himself back on his knees, he brings his hands to the cups of your bra, pulling them down. Your nipples pebbling against the cold of the air.

His lips are back on you almost immediately, nipple enveloped into the warmth of his mouth, tip of his tongue flicking at it, making your back arch off the bed, pressing further into his mouth. Your hand comes to tangle in the curls at the back of his head, anchoring him to your body. As his mouth works across your chest, you can’t quite believe what’s happening to you. The man of your dreams, the person you always thought you were destined for, back, right here between your thighs, the bulge in the front of his jeans all too familiar to you.

Head tipped back in pleasure, you breathe out into the air, “I can’t believe you’re here.”

He tears off your breast with a wet pop, looking up at you through his lashes, mouth kissing down your body, across the soft of your tummy, he taps at your sides, lifting your hips up to drag your jeans and underwear down your legs, flung behind him and forgotten when you plant the flat of your feet onto the bed and let your knees fall open.

Marcus isn’t a religious man, he never has been, but knelt between your thighs, hands flying to rid himself of his clothes, watching as you gingerly trail your hand between your thighs, eyes on him as you play with your clit, he thinks he might have to start believing. As he stands to take the last of his clothes off, standing at the foot of the bed, naked with his cock in his hand, watching your face, he thanks the Lord for whatever mischief they had to concoct to get you back here with him.

He crawls back up your body, kissing from ankle to thigh, settling himself between your thighs, cock sliding through your slick folds as he lays his body down against yours, one of his hands slipping under your neck, cradling the back of your head, the other cupping your cheek, moving your face to look right into his eyes. He’s so fucking close to you, lips barely a hairs breadth from your own.

“I have to be inside you,” He pants against your mouth, “I promise I'll spend hours between your thighs later baby, but I have to be inside you.”

He doesn’t give you any time to respond, just shifts his hips a little, sinking himself into your aching cunt. You arch up into him, moaning against his mouth as he stills. The hand clutching at your cheek trails down your neck, thumb flicking against your nipple as it travels to rest on your hip.

“Stop squirming,” He pleads, “Please.. Just stay still a minute.”

He feels so right, nestled inside your pussy. The weight of his body pressed against yours takes you right back to all the nights before, locked away in his Austin apartment in the dead of night, making each other feel good, making promises at the height of your combined pleasure to each other that never materialised. You can feel tears settle in your eyes as he starts moving, pulling himself out of you slowly, pushing back in even slower.

Marcus leans down, kissing the salty tears from your cheeks, shushing you, “Don’t cry baby,” He whispers into your ear, “I’ve got you now.”

Your hands are clutching at his shoulders, nails digging small, half-moon shapes into his skin there. He feels just as incredible moving inside you as he always did, but there’s something settling in your tummy, the feeling that you knew so well with him, that you’ve only really known with yourself since.

“I can feel you baby,” Marcus groans into your ear as the thrusts of his cock get a little faster, a little harder, “Clenching all perfectly around me,” He takes hold of one of your wrists, dragging it between the both of you, resting it right where you need it, “I won’t last baby,” He admits, “Touch yourself and we’ll do it together?”

So you do, you rub tight, precise circles over your clit as Marcus pushes himself up, takes your thighs in his palms, pushing your legs back as far as he can. The change in angle makes you cry out as he really starts fucking you now. The only sounds in the room are the slapping of his skin against yours, your whimpers and his groans. You can feel the tightening coil across your abdomen, breath hitching in your throat, you’re so fucking close to coming undone on him.

“Marcus,” You whine, “I’m gonna-” You trail off as he shifts a little more, pressing your legs further back, cock hitting that unholy sweet spot inside you, “Gonna come.”

“Go on baby,” He encourages, “I’ll be right behind you.”

And that’s how it ends. Eyes shut so tightly you can feel tears pooling at the corners, cunt clenching around his cock as you cry out his name. It’s so familiar, the way it feels, the way he sounds, like no time has passed at all and you’re exactly the same as you’d both been four years ago. He’s pounding into you as your body convulses underneath, thighs shaking and toes curling as his hips start to stutter.

“Where?” He manages to choke out, his tone reminiscent of all those times before when he was holding on, teetering on the edge, wanting to know what you wanted.

“I’m s-safe,” You manage to choke out, head reeling from your own orgasm, “The pill.”

He doesn’t need to hear anymore, finally giving in, knowing you’ve fallen apart for him, he’s groaning your name into the dark, you can feel him spilling into you, claiming you, marking you as his own in a way only the two of you could ever understand. He lets go of your thighs, letting your legs drop back into comfort as he slowly drags himself from you, collapsing onto the bed next to you.

There’s a few moments of silence. Your arm is draped across your face, chest rising and falling as you try to suck in enough air to calm your breathing, Marcus doing the same across the bed. You roll over, putting yourself on your side so you can look at him. He’s led on his back, head turned to look at you in the dull light of the room - the moonlight through the window the only thing illuminating the two of you. He reaches out, traces your face with his hand.

“I can't believe you’re real.” He speaks softly, rolling over to face you, pulling your warm body to his.

“I know we said we’d talk after,” You whisper, hand trailing over his waist to rest across his back, “But can we just stay like this for a while?” It’s a soft plead, you don’t want to be reminded that this was probably a bad idea, you want to hold this man in front of you and forget that in a few short days it’ll all be over, he’ll go back to wherever he is now, and you’ll go back to D.C. lonelier than ever.

“I’ll stay here as long as you’ll let me, honey.”

Marcus, against his better judgement, stays with you all night. You don’t talk. You curl up into his side, settle against his body as he wraps his arms around you. It’s inevitable that he casts his mind back to how things used to be. To the history you share with each other. He still, to this day, hasn’t stopped thinking about you, about what would have been if you’d stayed. Would you be married? Probably, he thinks. He’d thought of it often towards the end, before your promotion. Stopped outside jewellery shops, tried to imagine which kind of ring you’d want – he’d even slipped one of your rings onto his own finger, figuring out where it stopped so he could pick the right size when the time came. Would you have children? He isn’t sure, neither of you had ever spoken about it, you’d never expressed a want to have them, but he’s certain if you’d have asked, he’d have given them to you.

He falls asleep, waking up hours later, darkness still pervading. He turns on his side, spooning his front to your back. You’re half-awake when you press yourself back into him, bring your hand up to clutch at his head as he slips inside you once more, his hand holding your thigh up. He breathes into your ear, whispers filth to you as he rocks his hips against you. When you feel his teeth trail over your shoulder, he chuckles when you tell him off.

“I can’t walk down the aisle with bruises on my shoulders, Marcus.”

It’s soft, and he tips you over the edge, feeling you clench around him as his fingers trace circles over your clit, following just behind you, filling you up once more. He doesn’t pull away from you, just settles your thigh back down, resting himself inside of you as you both fall back to sleep.

Then, he’s awake before your alarm. He wakes you with a kiss to your forehead, tells you to go back to sleep when you protest and try and coax him back to the warmth of your sheets. He has to shower he says, has to help Mike get ready, but he’ll be waiting for you, watching you all day. Marcus smiles, really smiles, when you curl over back onto your side, soft breaths and mumbles as you fall back to sleep, and as he walks to his own room and stands waiting for the shower to warm, there’s a feeling of content that spreads through him – should he have fucked you last night? Probably not. Should he have encouraged you to talk more? Probably yes. He knows he’s got his cards hidden, he’s not letting on that this might not have to just exist here, but he’ll keep that to himself for just a little longer.

“So,” Cassie smirks from her place in the make-up chair, artist flitting around her, pressing all number of products into her face, “You and the groomsman?”

“Shut up,” You mutter to her, trying not to scratch at your face, make-up already settling uncomfortably across your skin, “A momentary lapse of judgement.”

She hums, and then moves her focus back to the make-up artist who is tilting her face to put on some blush, “You don’t have to lie to me, you know,” She says to you as you pass her a mimosa, “I know that was Marcus. The Marcus.”

There’s a moment where you feel like a deer in headlights, like you’ve been caught being up to no good, even though you know that’s not the case. Then you turn slowly to her, eyebrow raised, and see her smirking, much to the chagrin of the make-up artist who urgently wants to get her lipstick on her so she can move onto the final bridesmaid.

“He’s Mike’s friend, they went to school together, see each other quite often these days – apparently he always talks about a girl from Austin, no-one could ever compare, he’s tried moving on, done this, done that, but always came back to thinking about the one who got away,” She stops talking to take a drink, “Which sounded oddly familiar to someone else I know.”

She’s not wrong really – Cassie had been a lifeline when you’d moved to D.C. a work colleague turned best friend, who has been the shoulder to cry on whenever dates had gone badly, or even when they’d been good, but you just couldn’t get Marcus Pike off your brain. She told you, like most good friends would, that it would take time, you’d find someone right for you, someone who would take your mind right off Marcus, but it never happened.

“You did this on purpose!” You accuse, but its friendly, because really, her and her soon-to-be husband have only done what you had always wanted to do yourself, pick up the phone, no matter how long it has been and tell the man you still loved him.

“Of course we did,” She chuckles, “Don’t think about it too much,” She adds, “Just enjoy this today and most of all, behave yourself.”

When Cassie walks down the aisle, it’s not her that Marcus is looking at – it’s you. He hadn’t thought it possible for him to find you more beautiful than he had before, but in your dark green dress, slit cut into the fabric to show off one of your legs as you walk, dress cut perfectly to sit on all the curves of your body that he always did love, he can’t deny you’re the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. He spends the entire ceremony making eyes at you, smirking when you meet his gaze. He wants to tell you how lovely you look, lean down and plant a kiss to your lips in front of everyone, but he doesn’t get a chance until cocktail hour, once you’ve had your pictures taken and Cassie has insisted on you finally having a drink and enjoying your day instead of flapping about whether she needs anything from you.

“Has anyone told you how beautiful you look today?” He asks, hand settling on your waist as you lean against the bar waiting for your drink.

“Funnily enough, it’s not me most people have been looking at.” You quip back, taking the margarita from the bartender when it’s handed to you.

“I’ve been looking at you.”

“I know,” You smirk, “Pretty sure I ruined my panties stood at the top of the aisle.”

“Because the ceremony moved you so much?”

“Because I couldn’t stop thinking about your face between my thighs, actually.”

He looks exactly like he always used to when you flirt with him like this. Eyes low and dark, mouth slightly ajar like he can’t quite believe you’ve just been so forward. He’s not thinking straight anymore, and much like he had done last night, he grips around your wrist and starts dragging you from the reception room, this time there are considerably more people so you manage to slip out unnoticed.

Instead of heading up the stairs, taking you to your room or his, he turns left down a hallway, tearing open the door to one of the bathrooms. It’s a single stall, lock clicking behind him. You press your back against the wall, setting your drink down on the sink.

Marcus takes three steps towards you, hand slipping around your waist, pulling you flush against his body, lips so close that you can feel his breath on your skin.

“Do you know how sinful you’ve looked all day?” He asks, “Walking around looking all innocent, but I know you’ve been begging to get fucked all day, haven’t you?” You whine at him in response, trying to chase his mouth as he pulls back, “Don’t think I didn’t see you rubbing your thighs together during the ceremony.”

“It’s only because you wouldn’t stop looking at me.”

His hand finds the skin of your thigh, the slit of your dress making it easy for him to trail up to the hem of your panties.

“If I put my fingers on you,” He breathes, “Will you be wet?”

“Why don’t you find out?” You cock your head to the side, biting your lip as you look at him, his hand pulling your panties to the side, thick fingers slipping between your folds.

“Baby,” He moans, finally taking your bottom lip between his, nipping your skin with his teeth a little before he pulls away, fingers slipping inside you, pulling a groan from your throat, “Soaked for me?”

“Always, Marcus.”

He drags his fingers from you, spins you around, and reaches down to bring your palms up to rest against the wall in front you. He puts his hands on your hips, dragging your ass backwards until you can feel him through his trousers. His hands shuck your dress up to your waist and instead of tearing your panties off, he pushes them to the side. You look over your shoulder at him, as much as you can, and watch as he undoes his belt, pulls the zipper of his trousers down and reaches in, pulling his cock out. His trousers are pushed down just enough to let him free himself, and you don’t think you’ve seen such a beautiful sight in your life, than Marcus Pike with his fist around his cock, running his hand up and down himself as he moves to nudge the head of his cock at your soaked core.

Unlike last night, he isn’t gentle when he pushes into you. He’s buried inside your cunt in seconds, setting a pace that punches the air from your lungs. You know that even though you’re locked in here, away from the party, there’s still every chance someone is going to walk past, try the door handle, and hear exactly what’s going on in here, so you’re trying your best to keep the noise to a minimum.

“Needed you so badly, baby,” Marcus chokes out behind you, hands gripping your hips hard enough that you’re sure you’ll have his fingerprints embedded onto your skin, “Always so pretty for me, aren’t you?”

He’s hitting that sweet spot inside you, over and over again, and you have to bite your lip to keep yourself from crying out. You feel one of his hands trail up your spine through the material of your dress, coming to rest with a grip around the nape of your neck, his fingers itching to slide up into your hair and grip it.

“You can’t,” You plead, “Don’t mess my hair up.”

“I won’t baby.” He pants out from behind you, trailing his hand down just a little so he’s not tempted to take a fistful of it to pull you back, arch you into him even more.

It’s fast and it’s hard, everything Marcus never really used to be. He liked to take his time, spread you out and have you crying for him before he slipped inside you, slowly, watching every contort of pleasure on your face. You think you like this new version of him, the one so desperate to have you he couldn’t make it up the stairs, couldn’t even pull your panties down your legs.

“Marcus,” You moan out, “Please.”

“What’s that, baby?” He asked, mouth right by your ear, “You begging for something?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“What do you want?”

“Make me come?”

You think maybe he might try and tease you some more, but mercifully he takes the hand he’s got resting on your hip and snakes it down your body, letting his fingers find your clit - he had always been good at that. He drags the gathered slick where he can, cock still moving into you, pulling whimpers and moans whenever you feel his skin slap against yours, circles your clit quickly with the pad of his finger. You can feel your walls tightening around him, your thighs starting to shake as he continues doing exactly what he’s doing.

It’s no secret to either of you that making you come always took time. He’d never shamed you for it, always been more than happy to do whatever it took, for as long as it took, to get you there. But the mix of desperation for him, elation that he’s waltzed right back into your life, and the fact he’s fucking you in a public bathroom, have that coil tightening inside you quicker than ever.

“Can feel you getting tight around me baby,” He groans into your ear, “You gonna let go for me?”

You don’t have time to tell him yes. The tight coil snaps inside you, your eyes closed so tightly you’re sure the make-up around your eyes is dragging down your cheeks on tears. You can keep your voice down now as you flutter around his cock, you cry out his name, feeling his hands holding onto your hips to keep you steady as your legs threaten to fall out from underneath you.

You’re only half aware of him speaking into your ear, telling you he’s close. You can feel him start to pull himself out of you, so you reach behind you quickly, fingernails digging into the part of his thigh you can reach to keep him inside you.

“I swear to god if you get cum on my dress Pike, I’ll kill you.”

He lets out a deep, throaty chuckle behind you, slams himself back into you, “You just want an excuse for me to come inside you, don’t you?” He hisses into your ear, teeth nipping at the skin behind your ear, “You just have to ask nicely for it.”

“Please, Marcus, please.”

Never one to deny you, he does, having held out as long as he could, he thrusts once, twice and then he’s moaning your name into your ear. You can feel him spilling inside of you, filling you up, then you can feel him dripping down your thigh when Marcus starts pulling away from you, not quite quick enough to put your panties back on. He tells you to keep still, fumbling behind him for some paper he can use to clean your thighs up.

He speaks to you as he lets the material of your dress fall back down over your legs, “Walking around full of me for the rest of the night.” He coos as you turn around, reaching out to pull his mouth to yours in a chaste kiss.

You stay like that for a moment, both attempting to fix the others clothes. Marcus brings his thumb to his mouth, letting his tongue jut out to wet it, before he drags it under your eye, getting rid of the worst of the black marks he’s caused.

You reach behind him, unlock the door, but take hold of his hand as you push the door open. Thankfully there’s no-one waiting outside to use the bathroom as you drag him back down towards the party.

It’s late. Or early depending on how you look at it. Marcus had dragged you from the dance floor at midnight, walked you slowly up to his room instead of yours. He’d helped you out of your dress, let you shower and wash yourself clean, then, before you could put your robe on and insist on going to sleep, he’d taken your hand, led you to the chair near the balcony doors and he’d made good on his promise of last night to spend hours with his face between your legs.

“I can’t,” You whine, Marcus hand’s pinning your legs open, his tongue flicking against your clit, “It’s too much.”

He pulls off you just enough to speak, “Believe in yourself baby,” He says, sinking two fingers into you, curling them upwards, “I know you can, just one more for me.”

Your whole body feels like its on fire. You’ve lost count of the amount of times he’s made you come tonight. There had been a small reprieve when you’d begged to suck his cock, Marcus obliging, painting your face and your tongue, before he settled right back to his knees. It’s almost as if he thinks if he stops you’ll disappear.

Your fingers are tangled in his hair, battling between tugging his face closer and pulling it away as he sucks your clit into his mouth, the added pressure along with the flicking of his tongue setting your skin on fire even more than before. Your hair is sticking to your forehead and the back of your neck, rivulets of sweat gathering at various points across your body as Marcus tips you over the edge once more.

Your mouth drops open in a silent scream, body feeling boneless as your whole body convulses at his touch. Almost like he knows, he pulls himself away from you gently, knowing that any more would be too much, saving you the need to beg him to stop. He presses soft kisses to the skin of your tummy, kissing up your body until he’s sitting up on his knees, kissing into your mouth, letting you taste yourself on him.

Marcus clambers to his feet, takes hold of your hand and pulls you to your feet, guiding you over to the bed to settle you under the sheets, the air peppering your sweaty skin with goosebumps. It’s a sad realisation that you have to go home tomorrow, that the bubble you’ve caught yourself up in over the past few days is about to burst. You think this might break your heart even more than the first time around.

“What are we going to do?” You ask against the skin of his chest as he pulls you into him.

“What do you mean?” He asks back, kiss pressed lightly to your forehead.

“With us, after this?” Your fingers are tracing over his skin, trying to map the feeling of him before he leaves.

“Well, I thought maybe we could go for dinner sometime?”

You look up at him, face contorted in confusion, “You’re going to come all the way from Austin to take me for dinner?”

“No baby,” He chuckles a little, “I don’t live in Austin anymore, I live in D.C.”

You push yourself up in bed, one hand on the mattress to keep yourself upright, looking down at Marcus, who reaches up to cup your cheek in his hand, thumb rubbing soft lines across your skin, “Since when?”

“Two years?” He offers, “I would have-” He trails off a little, “I would have told you but I wasn’t in a great place when I first moved, had no idea what your life would have even looked like either, I didn’t just want to turn up out of the blue if you’d moved on, found someone else.”

Your hand comes up to clutch at the wrist of the arm cradling your face, “I’ve waited so long for you,” You sigh, “I tried, tried to find someone else, but none of them were ever you Marcus.”

“I tried too,” He admits, because Lord knows he did, and for what? “I promise I’ll tell you everything one day, but right now, I want to fall asleep with you right here.”

You settle back down in bed, curling up against his side, arm draped over his waist, “Where in the city do you live?” You ask, sleep starting to make your eyes heavy.

“I’m on 4th street, in Petworth.”

You can’t help but laugh, because of course he fucking does. Marcus Pike has been living four streets over from you for the past two fucking years.

“You’ve been living four streets over from me for two years, Marcus.”

He runs his hands up and down your spine, gently, soothing you, “Well, that’s convenient, isn’t it?” He asks softly, “I can be at your front door in five minutes.”

“You want to be my booty call, Marcus Pike?”

“If that’s what you want,” He speaks, “I’ll be whatever you want me to be.”

“What are you doing Wednesday night?”

“Nothing, as far as I’m aware.”

“How about you take me on a first date?” You offer, “Let’s learn each other all over again and take things from there?”

Marcus colts your chin up to his face with a finger, leaning down and giving you the softest kiss you think you’ve ever received, “I would love nothing more.”

[wutheringcaterpillar]

A Bump In The Night: Part 4

Find part 3 here

Summary: You’ve fallen ill and Lizzie decides to pay you a visit whilst Tommy is away. Meanwhile a certain Shelby goes missing and Tommy may or may not have something to do with it.

Warnings: Incest

taglist: @calmingmelody96@sunflower-tia

Weeks had passed since the family meeting, an agreement finally being made of what was to happen. This relationship and the rumors running around town could ruin business, especially with Tommy’s run for office.

The plan was to divert the public eye from making any speculations that you and Tommy were anything but a sibling relationship. 

The idea upset you immensely when Tommy agreed that he would no longer be picking you up from school, that you could no longer come visit him at work or be holding hands in public. No more lap sitting, or surprises, you needed to be distanced in public. It upset Tommy as much as you but he always had a better way at hiding his emotions then yourself.

Dwindling around, the house was quiet, no one home  but yourself on this cold winter today and you planned to make the best of it.

Stepping around in Tommy’s room, your hands skimmed through the fabric of his wardrobe wanting to find something comfortable to wear that smelt of him while he was away for the day.

You ended up pulling his wife beater off the dirty pile of laundry, slipping the thin fabric over your skin, feeling peace and coziness at last.

Knocking the pillow of the bed in the process of leaving, your heart warmed when the shirt you wore the first night your brother took your virginity was tucked beneath it.

The sound of your stomach rumbling moved you forward from the treasured moment.

Heading to the kitchen and searching the cupboards and the refrigerator, you pulled some eggs and bacon out, slapping the food onto the pan, you turned on your favorite radio station, cracking the window open to let the smoke out.

Everything was going smoothly until you sat down to eat the scrumptious breakfast.

Your stomach churned, the smell of the smoke descending from your plate making you nauseous, head swirling in discomfort.

There was a knock at the door at that moment but the bile rising into your throat was far more important than whoever was outside waiting.

Rushing to the closest thing you could find, you depleted the contents of dinner from last night into the porcelain sink, retching and hacking while trying to find a moment to breath.

The knocking continued obnoxiously, the loud sound not at all helping the building headache that was slowly turning into a migraine.

“Give me a moment!” Wiping at your chin, you turned the faucet on to flush the vile contents down the drain.

Rolling your eyes, you opened the door without a hint of a kindness on your face, to your surprise it was Lizzie standing there with her arms folded, matching your facial expression.

“Well you look like shit.” She pushed past you, not waiting for an invite and noting whose shirt you were wearing.

“Where’s Tommy? That shirt doesn’t quite fit you does it?” Closing the door you groaned, not having the mental capacity or patience to deal with her at this very moment, much like many other times.

Can the woman not take a hint that her and Polly’s plan was going nowhere.

“He’s at work. Don’t you have somewhere to be?” She raised an annoyed brow at you, but you weren’t phased by her poor portrayal of dominance.

“I suppose he doesn’t know yet then but we moved the wedding forward to next week.” What in the hell was she talking about? Confusion and anxiety settled in, worsening the pain in your head which seemed to bring Lizzie a tremendous amount of joy as she noticed your discomfort. The truth of the fact was that she wanted Tommy all for herself, she has for a long time but she was never going to have him the way you did, never again.

“He’ll never let James marry me especially against my will. Were you not present for the conversation yesterday? Or were you too busy lusting over someone who could care less about you.” Her jaw clenched at your snarky response, muttering something under her breath before leaving out the door in a fierce fury.

Smirking to yourself, you went upstairs drawing a hot bath with bubbles, attempting to ease your aching body and settle your stomach. When that didn’t seem to work you resorted into snooping through Tommy’s desk drawers in search of a pain reliever or something but there was nothing. He always did have good hiding spot for his stashes. Going into Ada’s room you found a bottle of motrin, surely she’d understand being a woman herself.

Wandering back into Tommy’s room, you rested your head on the pillow, curling up into a small ball in hopes of going to sleep.

It wasn’t long until the medicine kicked in and you drifted off into sleep.

A few hours later Tommy pulled into the driveway, retrieving his suitcase from the passenger seat eager to see his little princess. Having to distance himself was extremely difficult, he found himself constantly worrying about if you were alright or not. Ascending the stairs, Tommy opened his door excitedly onto to find you laying in bed with a bucket on the floor beside you. Your face was sweaty, a bit warm when his palm lay delicately on your temple. Concern immediately consumed him. 

“Have you fallen ill my love? What’s going on?” Still in his suit he crawled in the bed beside you, arms cradling your feeble body protectively.

“I don’t feel well. I’ve been throwing up all morning and just having constant tummy aches.” Tommy gave you a look of pity and concern. It wasn’t often you had gotten sick, it was quite rare and when you were it was bad. 

Turning around, you nuzzled your temple into the crook of his neck, hands grasping at the fabric of his jacket in desperate search of comfort-ability.

“Missed you…Lizzie came today. She said the wedding is next week.” You felt Tommy tense around you. What did he have to do to make her and James understand that his word was law? 

Surely Pol was in on it, she seemed to always step her foot in a place it didn’t belong. 

“I can assure you, no one will be marrying my princess and if they want to test to see if I’m bluffing, the outcome will be tumultuously heinous. Now don’t worry that little head. I’m home now love, let’s rest.”

As days passed Tommy noticed you were still throwing up, still needing to be in darkness as the sunlight pained your aching head. He was worried more when you mentioned how going to the bathroom seemed to he an issue now, specifically number two. You were embarrassed to tell him but didn’t trust anyone else in the house to say.

Tommy knew the signs, he wasn’t an idiot. Currently he was pacing in the hallway outside the bedroom trying to figure out a way to tell you. He himself was overjoyed but he can just imagine how frightened you’d be. 

“Thomas!” Poll screamed after him from downstairs. Rolling his eyes he descended down the dwindling steps, frustration vibrant in his voice.

“Will you keep your voice down. She’s sleeping, that’s the best thing for her right now.” She scoffed in response, demanding that they go to his office then to which he begrudgingly obliged.

Tommy closed the door quietly while Pol lot a cigarette, helping herself to the table of liquor in the corner of the room.

“What did you do with him!”

Tommy simply smirked, taking a seat behind his desk and settling his feet on the wooden surface non-chalantly before lighting his own cigarette.

“And who might that be Pol?” Her hands swiped away the belongings on the desk, papers and pens scattering onto the hardwood floor, yet he remained unphased by her angered outburst.

“You know damn well who!” Raising his eyebrows in frustration, he stood up from his seat, pointing directly in your aunt’s face.

“I told you that you wouldn’t like the consequences if you went to war with me. When will you learn that Y/N is better off without him. Michael will remain safe where he is as long as you keep your meddling nose out of our relationship.”

“It’s not a relationship Thomas she is your fucking sister! We had an agreement I-“ Tommy raised his finger, cutter her off abruptly.

“No. No. Our agreement didn’t include this joke of an arranged marriage. Tell me, when are you going to start caring about what she wants? Don’t think about me, think about your niece for once eh? She has feelings to consider too y’know. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go tend to my ill girl.” Pol stepped in front of him in an effort to block him from moving, causing him to merely laugh menacingly.

“You don’t want to do that. Maybe you should think about that bastard of child of yours as well. Who knows if you’ll ever see him again.” He shoved past her as she stood there in disbelief. How was she the bad guy for wanting to put a stop to this? For wanting to do the right thing? She screamed out in aggravation.

“If you harm a fucking hair on his head I will take your fucking heart out myself, you hear me?!” He ignored her, walking back toward your room more concerned about you, stressing over what he believed to be true.

When he walked in you were already sat up, hugging your pillow tightly, unliking the conflict of the situation. Tommy pursed his lip, apologetic for the yelling waking you up from your need slumber.

Taking a seat beside you, he leaned in toward your touch. His thumbs moving in a circular motion. He only did that when he was in deep thought?

“Is everything okay Tommy?” He looked down at your bucket, noticing the layer of new contents and how your eyes still appeared tired though you’ve been resting all day.

Placing an endearing kiss to your temple, he settled you in his lap, wiping a strand of hair behind your ear as his eyes searched for a hint that maybe you had come to the conclusion, yet you appeared just worried and confused.

Adding up how long it has been in his head, the math seemed definitive.

“My love, you might very well be pregnant.”

[sadhornyygirl]

Kinktober

Day 9: sleep sex (stu macher)

You horny bitch.  It would be the first thing he would say, when he found you climbing onto his legs, sitting down with one movement.

 “How about I fuck you to sleep, huh?” Strong hands gripped the sides of his hips.

 The thought of being used and drained to the point of weakness made you attack him with anxiety.

 "Alright, relax you insatiable slut."  Feeling her wetness seep into his boxers, he groaned.  “I’ll make sure you regret waking me up.”

 You didn’t falter, the growing hardness beneath you caught your clit here and there, making you almost exhilarated by the sensation.

 "Go ahead, use me, pretty girl."  Lowering herself onto his cock, the words of praise made you clench.

 You didn't move for a moment, letting your fullness settle in, but the sharp slap to your side made you cry out, Stu grinning back.  "I didn't tell you to fucking use me."

 Shaking your head, you quickly pulled up and down again, the feeling of his dick dragging against your insides drew a moan from your lips.

 However, it was not enough.  Even with you slamming back onto his length, watching him moan at the heat of your pussy, you needed more, needed him to fuck you.

 “What's wrong, baby?  Can't you fuck off like I can?

 You whimpered and begged, hoping he would give in to his own desires and ravage you, but he just smiled.  “But it was you who wanted this, waking me up in the middle of the night.”

 “Please Stu” You struggled with the words, praying he would just move.

 "You want me to help you."  continued to mock.  "Why should I help a dirty little slut like you?"

 With his hands on his chest, he watched your pained expression, silently begging, and took pity on you.

 "My dirty slut, aren't you?"  Suddenly, he pulled you forward, pressing his lips to yours with the movement of his hips.  “Always wanting, needing that dick?”

 He pushed hard, reaching that specific spot you couldn't reach, making you arch back, giving him access to your neck.

 It didn't take long for the two of you to reach the end, ropes of cum spraying you as you spasmed around him.

 Laying on his chest, calming down and steadying your breathing, the two of you simply enjoyed the feeling of each other for a while.

 Until Stu went to push you, the stickiness became uncomfortable, but your still body didn't move.

 There he watched her dozing form, blissed out and breathing softly.

 “I think I fucked you to sleep,” he said kissing your forehead.  "Good night Princess."

@wearequeerskittles

[romanestuffsposts]

Hi! I hope this is okay, it’s my first time asking you and I don’t wanna burden you. You don’t have to write it but it’ll be super awesome if you do. So could you maybe write where little!reader has a healing power but it would drain her energy depending on how big is the injury. So one time daddy!bucky goes out on his mission but he’s so careless and he got nasty injury it’s so bad, he can’t move without feeling like he would pass out (maybe a big deep cut or smthg) and he did get them stitched or fixed. But cause he’s the best daddy ever he still takes care of the reader and reader is so worried cause he looks pale due to his injury and it looks like he’s in pain and maybe he sits down after awhile and sleep on the couch. Then reader comes to him and saw blood seeping out of his clothes and so reader panicked bcs she thought he’s dying so she can’t help but heal him (despite him telling her to never do it since it drains her). And then Bucky wakes up seeing reader passing out and sees that his injury is gone and he freaks out.

You can decide the ending. Ik it’s a lot but I hope you don’t mind writing this. You’re one of my fav writer and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Hi there love! 💜

Of course it’s totally okay and I actually really love the idea thank you so much for asking me to write this! It’s really good !! 😍

And you’re not a burden at all babe, I absolutely love your demand and I’m more than happy to write it 🫶

I really hope you liked how I turn your beautiful request 💋

Enjoy <33

*****

Warnings : bad words, mention of I jury and blood, anxiety, traumatic,

Pairings : Daddies!Stucky ; Daddy!Bucky x Papa!Steve x Little!Reader

Summary : your daddies want to protect you but what if you want to protect them ?

*****

‘’Okay tell me how bad it is, rogers’’ stark asks through the phone.

It was a late Friday night, it’s been almost two weeks that Tony and Pepper take care of you while your Daddies are on a mission with Dr Strange, Wanda and Natasha.

You’re used to be with them or others of your daddies’s friends whenever they have to leave to save the world so you could sleep in a safe place like they like to say, but this time it start to get really long.

You love Pepper and Tony, in fact you love all of them but you have a little weakness for the big red guy. Tony loves to give you cookies or ice cream through the day so of course he’s your favorite

‘’Yes I’ll get the basement ready for when you land. Get here as quickly as possible and I’ll do my best so we can take care of him right away’’ Tony nods at himself, already preparing everything they’ll need in the next few hours

‘’ alright be careful with him, see you soon’’ he ends up the call and turns around. He gasps and let out a little jump when he sees you standing behind him in the middle of the room

‘’For the love of god’’ he breathes out with a hand on his chest ‘’stop doing that to me, trouble’’ he points his index at you

You giggle at his reaction and watch him walking toward you ‘’it was papa ?’’

‘’Yes it was’’ he smiles at you ‘’they’ll be back today’’ he winks

Your eyes brighten ‘’oh yeahhhhh’’ you yell happily

He watches with a sad smile as you jump away, smiling and singing to get ready for greeting your Daddies, all happy about the good news.

He just hopes everything will be okay and it scares him that he doesn’t know what will happen.

‘’Hey’’ he calls making you turn around. ‘’They’ll have to go in the basement as soon as they get here to give them their vaccines and a check up so you’ll see them after that’’ he lies

You nod ‘’okay’’ and leave

~

‘’Careful’’

‘’Careful’’

‘’Careful’’

‘’I Said careful!!’’ Steve yells ‘’you’re being too harsh with him! Don’t you see that he’s in pain!?’’

‘’Rogers, you go wait outside the room’’ Tony says

‘’The fuck I am’’ he snaps back ‘’if you want me to leave you’ll have to do it yourself because I won’t move from this spot’’

Tony sighs and nods, he can make him leave but it won’t help anyone ‘’as long as you don’t stay on your paths you can stay either way you’re out’’

Steve looks back at Bucky, pain in his eyes as he watches the love of his life laying on the bed, covered in blood

He watches everyone doing their jobs, everything is in slow motion, he feels his breath blocking in the middle of his throat as he stays there, powerless.

Bucky groans in pain making Steve tears up. He hates seeing the people he loves hurting, he does that job to protect the world but to mainly protect his family.

It happens that he or Bucky get hurt on a mission, it happens that you are hurt after falling in the garden or catching a cold after playing outside while it was raining.

All of that happens because it’s a part of life, you can’t be protect for everything, you have to learn and you have to go through experiences that make you grow.

But this, what is happening to Bucky is not a little experience, it’s not a part of life where you can close your eyes and get over it. This will have consequences and he knows that.

The thing he doesn’t know is how he’ll tell you the news…

~

‘’Hi princess’’ Steve smiles as he knocks on your bedroom door.

Like the good girl you are you patiently waited in your room knowing your daddies were home and waited until someone comes and get you.

You turn your head and let out the biggest smile you could. You stand up and your little feet run to carry you right into your Papa’s arms.

He wraps his arms around you and lifts you up ‘’oh I missed you so much my sweet angel’’

‘’I missed you too’’ you kiss his cheek. You frown and pull away after feeling something weird on his cheek. You see a tear falling from his eye and look into his eyes ‘’why you cry ?’’

He kisses your forehead and goes sit on your bed

‘’I changes m’ bed’’ you proudly say, forgetting a little about everything.

He smiles through his tears and takes your hand ‘’that’s wonderful baby’’

He sniffs a little and get back your attention ‘’listen I have to tell you something’’

You look up at him with your bright and beautiful eyes

‘’Daddy had an injury during the mission’’ he starts, your eyes fall more and more as he speaks

‘’He’s downstairs with a lots of doctors who are here to help him getting better but it’ll be hard and it’ll be a long process. We will have to be understanding with him and he’ll need us’’ he caresses your hair ‘’we’ll have to be careful around him’’

A few years left your eyes as you keep staring into your Papa’s

He gently wipes them away and kisses your nose ‘’he’ll be okay sweetie, he has all the help he need and after that he’ll need us’’

You sniff and nod ‘’daddy needs me ?’’ You quietly ask

He nods ‘’yes, daddy needs you’’ he stands up and rests you on his hip ‘’we should be able to see him now’’

After they took care of him, they set him on a calm and quiet room while he was still passed out

That’s where your papa takes you. He opens the door after asking you to be quiet and good and let you in. You slowly walk toward the chair beside the bed and sit down.

You watch all the big machines that make weird noises, it’s big, everything is big in this room.

Your Papa lifts you up and sit you on his slap after sitting himself down on the seat ‘’look how peaceful he looks while he’s sleeping’’ he whispers in your ear ‘’just like you at night’’

~

It’s been a few days now that your Daddy is up on his feet. Like your Papa said he needed help, lots of helps but you’re more than okay to be a part of his healing.

He tried many times to play with you but it just last a few minutes, he gets tired quickly.

You remembered a few days ago that you actually could help your Daddy. You forgot about that because of the anxiety to see your Daddy hurting and your minds were everywhere but on your ability to heal others.

You talked about it to your Papa but he of course said no immediately, just like your Daddy.

It takes a lot of you to use that power and heal people so the less you use it the better you are.

Your papa told you he couldn’t let you do that because he needs you to take care of your Daddy, and if you use your power he’ll have to take care of the both of you.

‘’Okay baby, i need to lay down a little bit I’m really tired’’ Bucky breathes out after playing with your dolls. He made an effort and played longer than usually but he can’t take it anymore

You help him laying down on the couch and keep playing silently while taking glances at him from time to time.

Today he’s more pale than before, you start to feel that he’s not getting better and the idea of him having an infection or anything bad is terrifying you.

If daddy is healed then he doesn’t need me so I can use my power you tell yourself

So your choice is done.

You stand up and kneel beside the couch. Your put your hands above his wounds without touching it and close your eyes, letting all your magic go.

~

‘’Sweetie I’ll need your help for dinner’’ your Papa says as he walks down the stairs. He makes his way in the living room but stop in his tracks when he sees you on the floor beside the couch

‘’Oh my god’’

He rushes toward you and feel that your body is really cold. As he keeps touching you he glances at your Daddy on the couch and look at his wound.

He shakes Bucky awake knowing that now it’s like he was never hurt at all ‘’Buck I need your help’’

Don’t get him wrong, he’s more than happy that Bucky is finally okay but not like that and now is not the time.

Bucky groans ans opens an eye ‘’Steve I’m tired I need to sleep’’

‘’she healed you you don’t need to sleep now you need to help me’’ he says anxious ‘’now!’’

It take two secondes at Bucky to realise what happened and he immediately stand up ‘’get her to bed while I take the towels’’

They know what to do, whenever it happens you need the same things. You need to be laying on a bed with hot towels all over you to raise your body temperature. You need sugar ready for when you open an eyes and water, lots of water.

And that’s exactly what your Daddies are preparing.

They’re resting on your sides the whole time, they talked to you and have the phone on their hands incase something gets wrong.

‘’You’re strong baby, the strongest person I’ve ever met but you can be the stupidest one I’ve ever seen in my life’’ your Daddy jokes before sniffing

Steve smiles upside down as he strokes your cheek ‘’she sure is’

You groan and frown ‘’not true’’

They both let out a breath of relief, your daddy kisses your hand while your papa takes the water ‘’here baby’’

He helps you drinking and then come sit beside you ‘’why did you do that beautiful ?’’ Your Daddy asks, sitting on the other side

‘’Because I wanted to help you’’ you quietly say

‘’no baby, it’s really nice of you for that but you are our priority, it hurts you to heal people and even more if the injury is big. All I need is you to be healthy and okay’’ your Daddy kisses your forehead

‘’Do you understand that ?’´

You nod ‘yes daddy’’

‘’Good’’, ‘’beside that, thank you for doing that for me, my love’’

You smile and snuggle closer to them

‘’You’re tired baby ?’’ Your papa asks, putting the cover more above you.

You nod and close your eyes from the tiredness

‘’It’s okay, it’s been a rough week. Sleep baby we’re not getting anywhere’’ Steve says as he kisses your nose

You feel them shifting beside you to lie down and let your exhaustion take over you

[bella-goths-wife]

Eternity full of heartbreak

Yandere cullens x reader

“Are you ready?” Victoria asks gently as she hands you the burner phone

She and James present a comforting aura as they sit beside you on the dingy motel floor. Victoria holds your hand gently while James has an arm around you

“Yes” you answer nervously as you look at the phone in your hands, a simple old fashioned burner phone

“Remember, sound like your distressed” Victoria asks as she plays with your hair calmingly

“You’ll do great” James says as he gives you a comforting kiss on the forehead, similar to the actions of an older brother or a father

You nod as you flip the phone open and you punch in Carlisles number, with every number you feel the anxiety build up.

“Hello?” Carlisle answers after a few rings

“Carlisle?” You whisper into the phone

“Is that you sweetheart?” Carlisle asks with what sounds like worry but you doubt it

“Carlisle you need to leave” you say as you force my voice to become shaky and uneven

“Where are you?” Carlisle asks sternly “where did this monsters take you?”

“Carlisle you need to get Bella out of there” you say into the phone, trying to sound as panicked as possible

“What’s going on?” He asks sternly

“There going to kill her” you say into the phone, going along with the plan “you need to get Bella somewhere safe, James is hunting her”

“Where are you?” Carlisle asks again

“I don’t have much time” you lie into the phone “just get Bella somewhere safe, please dad”

“Wait-“ you hang up on Carlisle and you let out a shaky sigh of breath that you no longer need to breathe

“You did amazing” Victoria exclaims as she brings you into a hug

“Now all you have to do is wait at the ballot school” James says with a proud smile “me and the others will pick off the Cullens and then I’ll leave you with that sick bastard”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” You whisper quietly, anxiety of losing the people you’ve grown to love so quickly rising to through your heart

“Nothing will happen to us” James reassures as he pats your head gently with a smile “I promise”

Liar

———————————————————————

“Hello?” Bella swan answers the phone while she hides in the hotel bathroom, away from jasper and Alice

Edward went into a frenzy after the call from you. He summoned the family as they separated to protect her. Your plan was working

She was brought to a hotel outside of forks for her own protection. They told her she was being hunted by the rogue vampires

“It’s pretty scary being hunted huh?” James’s voice rings through the phone and Bella feels fear enter her body

“What do you want?” She asks in fear

“I want to know if your a good person, miss swan” James says with a chuckle

“What do you mean?” Bella asks confused

“Well, would you sacrifice your life for another?” James asks “would you let me drink from you if it saved something precious to the Cullens”

A realisation hits Bella as she feels anxiety creep up her spine. An image of you flashes to the front of her mind

“What are you going to do to her?” Bella asks anxiously

“That all depends on you” James says as he lets out a laugh “are you willing to sacrifice your life for hers?”

“I’ll give you what you want, just don’t hurt her” Bella pleads, she’d only known you a few months but she knew the Cullens would never forgive her if she let you be killed

“Meet me at your old ballet school, alone” James commands “if I see one Cullen out there, me and Victoria will tear the baby bat limb from limb”

“O-okay” Bella agrees hesitantly and the phone hangs up, she needed to find away to get away from jasper and Alice.

———————————————————————

“You can be quite scary when you want to be” you comment jokingly to James as he hangs up the phone

“Shut up” he says as he playfully ruffles your hair “are you all set for the plan?”

“Yep, Laurent and Victoria should be ready to take down Alice and Rosalie” you say as you lean against the multiple mirrors “and all we have to do is wait for Bella so you can drain her and then the rest follow suit”

“Are you ready to take on Carlisle?” James asks as he leans next to you

“I think so” you say nervously “what if I can’t kill him?”

“I’ve got your back kid” James reassures with a smile “after this, we’ll find you a mate and you can be apart of our clan”

“Do I have to find a mate?” You ask as you scrunch my nose up in disgust

“Why do you look so grossed out?” James laughs

“Well having a mate means I’ll have to meet another vampire” you say as you look at my shoes “what if that vampire is like the Cullens?”

“I used to think like that, before I met vic” James admits with a sigh “but you can’t live in fear because of those sick bastards, don’t let them ruin another part of your life”

“What’s having a mate like?” You ask curiously

“Well, it’s hard to explain” James says uncertainly “it’s like… we’ll…. Being whole?”

“Like they complete you?” You try and understand

“Sorta” James says with a huff “having vic with me everyday, I feel like I’m in heaven. Without her I feel incomplete”

You nod as you listen carefully to his words before looking at the large clock at the top of the wall

“Shouldn’t Bella be here by now?” You ask curiously

“She’s probably just trying to get away from the Cullens” James excused “she’ll be here any minute now”

You nod before James phone rings, the caller ID shows it’s Victoria.

“Probably calling to tell us that the women are dealt with” James says with a smile as he answers the phone “should we prepare a victory feast babe?”

“JAMES, James you need to get out of there” Victoria yells into the phone

“What happened?” James asks concerned

“Laurent told the Cullens our plan” Victoria yells into the phone, you feel your heart gently break at the realisation that Laurent had betrayed you “you have to yourself and the baby bat out of there now”

“Where should we meet you” James asks quickly into the phone as he begins to gather his things

“They’re coming!” Victoria yells into the phone again before it’s hung up

“Shit” James whispers under his breath as he grabs your hand and looks around for the exit but is interrupted

The sound of firm footsteps along the marble floors stops the both of you in your tracks. You both look up to see Carlisle standing at the centre of the entrance with a smug smirk spread across his face.

“Seems like you have something that belongs to me” he calls out to James as he moves closer

“Your a sick bastard” James yells as he covers your body with his “and people call me a monster”

“I’m not a monster” Carlisle growls out “I’m a worried father”

Jasper and emmet jump down from the ceiling behind us. James swings around with you in tow and fights against jasper who attempts to grab you.

While James is busy, emmett attempts to grab you but you remember James’s lesson, so you turn back and you punch him square in the nose before using your foot to kick him in his stomach and push him back.

Emmett grunts in pain and tries to tackle you but you swiftly dodge by using the techniques Victoria taught you. He tried again to tackle you but you jump above him and you use his back as a spring board to launch yourself at jasper.

James ducks as your leg swings through the air and eventually makes contact with jaspers face. As jasper falls back, emmett launches himself and James and catches him by surprise.

Emmett pushes James against the pillar and punches him in the face. You attempt to high kick Emmett in the back of his head but your attempt is foiled when jasper grasps your leg and throws you to the crouch.

You attempt to get back up but jasper pins you to the ground by the shoulders and hisses aggressively in your face.

James yells as he grasps Emmett shoulders and pushes back until Emmett is on the ground. James is about to get jasper away from you but is stopped when Carlisle attacks him behind and knocks him down.

Carlisle pins James to the floor near you before calling Emmett over to take over. After he switches places with Emmett, Carlisle walks over and crouches in front of you.

“Looks like someone learnt how to fight” Carlisle muses as he pulls your hair to make you look up at him “have fun on your little trip?”

“Fuck you” you spit at him with a glare

Carlisle just lets out a sigh before pulling your face up by the hair and smashing it into the ground hard enough for the marble floor to crack

“You never learn” he sighs out “now you’ve got to pay the price”

“Get away from her” James calls out in pain as Emmett increases the pressure of his hold

“And as for you” Carlisle says with fake cheer as he turns to James “you took my daughter away for weeks”

“And she was safer with my clan than she ever was with you” he growls back “you abusive fuck”

“She was never in your pathetic clan” Emmett growls “she belongs to us”

“I think it’s time for the punishment” Carlisle says as he rises to his full height and helps Emmett drag James up into a kneeling position

“No!” You exclaim as you realise what’s happening “James, no!”

“It’s okay kid” he calls out to you as the realisation hits him and he squirms in their hold before stopping and accepting the situation

“No James” you yell as tears build in your eyes “fight back James”

“Victoria will take care of you” he whispers as he closes his eyes and bares his neck “she’ll help you”

“Please James” you plead as tears stream down your cheeks “please”

“Fight back kid” was the last thing James said before his head was forcefully removed from his body by Carlisle as Emmett holds his body upright.

You let out a piercing scream at the sight as James headless body slumped against the marble floor. Carlisle holds his head mockingly in front of your sobbing face

“Wanna give him a kiss goodbye” jasper snickers out from behind you

Carlisle throws James head in a fire that Emmett lit before James’s body followed shortly after. Jasper let go of you as you sobbed in front of the fire

For a moment, you think about running into the flames and joining James.

“Use your anger” James voice rings in your mind as you hear the cruel laughter of the Cullen men from behind you “keep fighting kid”

You stand to your feet as your hair covers your tear streaked face. You slowly turn towards Carlisle who only looks amused at your sudden bravery.

“Something the matter, sweet girl?” He asks mockingly as your brothers snicker

“You son of a Bitch” you whisper out as you move closer, your brothers go to hold you back but Carlisle stops them with a raise of his hand

“This was the big plan wasn’t it?” He asks with a chuckle “you were going to be the one to kill me”

“And I would have loved every moment of it” you spit out with venom

“So try it” Carlisle says with a laugh “try and Jill me”

You stare at him in shock and you halt your movements for a moment.

“Tell you what” Carlisle looks at you with a smug smirk “kill me and you’ll be free, no one will come after you again”

That’s all the motivation you need as you launch yourself forward with violent intent. You go to punch Carlisle but he grabs you first and twists it.

You let out a grunt of pain but you use the moment of distraction to sweep his feet from under him and he falls to the ground. He pulls you with him and you fall on top of him but you use it to your advantage as you wrap your hand around his throat.

You let your claws extend and dig into his skin which creates cracks in his skin, like splintering wood. He growls before switching the position and he pins you beneath him on the marble floor by holding your arms

“Wanna know when I figured out it was a trap?” Carlisle asks mockingly

“When Laurent told you” you guess as you grunt in pain when his grip tightens on your wrist

“Nope, not then” Carlisle laughs “it was when you called me dad in the phone”

You look at him in confusion before pain takes over your features when you feel your skin around your wrist begin to crack from his hard hold

“Never in your hundreds of years of existence have you ever called me dad without me forcing you” Carlisle laughs before pulling a disappointed expression “such a shame it was under these circumstances”

You scream in pain as you feel your hand begin to disconnect from your wrist. The skin breaking away like broken wood before it completely comes off and Carlisle is holding the hand that is now separated from your body in front of you mockingly. You sob from a mixture of pain and fear.

“Oh no, don’t worry” Carlisle says with faux concern “it’ll reattach in a few days, just like the rest of your limbs will”

That makes you sob harder as you as you see the women of your clan enter the scene with fierce glares as they look upon your pitiful state.

“Victoria will come for me” you whisper to yourself before screaming as Carlisle removes your other hand as if you were a barbie doll

“That red headed whore took off running the moment she realised we knew” Edward chuckled as he looks down at you as you scream in pain as Carlisle begins to tug at your leg violently “she won’t help you”

“Look how they dressed my baby” esme cry’s as she kneels in front of you and motions to the green dress you were wearing that Victoria helped you pick “like a common whore, it suitable for a girl of your age”

“Now now” Carlisle says as he finishes his torture and goes to caress your face harshly “our girls home now”

“And she’s never leaving again” he adds as he chuckled evilly

You look up the ceiling as you dismembered limbs scream and throb in pain. Tears roll down your cheeks at your families cruel laughter

When will your heart break end?

[fangirlingfromdownunder]

A Sweet Mishap - Chapter 29

Pairing - Jensen Ackles x Reader 

A/N: I just want to start by thanking everyone for all the love on this story so far. Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list. Please read the TW below and only read on if you feel comfortable doing so.

Potential Trigger Warnings: mentions of violence, rape, therapy, depression

A Sweet Mishap Masterlist | Main Masterlist

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Mary’s family emergency ended up turning into a funeral for her grandad, which keeps her away from the theatre for the rest of the week. This means I have to attempt to fill her shoes for the remaining days. Thankfully, the therapy appointment I hastily booked, comes at just the right time. Stella drives me to the appointment on her way into the office and it truly is the best decision I’ve made in a long time. 

My therapist ends up being a lovely middle-aged woman who is super easy to talk to and understanding of everything I tell her. During the session, she encourages me to share only what I can without delving into the trauma. She says that our first session is mainly to get to know each other and to work out what help or guidance I may need. I start by briefly explaining everything that happened with the guys in my life, my financial struggles and currently overloaded schedule. While she encourages me to make sure to leave some time for rest and to protect my mental health, she doesn’t push too hard for me to drop any particular thing. All too soon, she closes her notebook and tells me that out time is out for the day. She gives me some homework to practice self-care and then I make another appointment for the same time next week. As I walk down to the subway, I feel utterly drained, but I force myself to keep going. I still need to get back to the cafe in time for my shift and then over to the theatre for tonight’s show. I don’t have time to relax yet, her homework will have to wait. 

On Friday night, I take my final bow as Sandy. Mary guaranteed our stage manager that she would be back by the weekend and I for one cannot wait to see her. While being the lead is my dream, with so much else on my plate and so little time to prepare it has just been a shock. But despite my anxiety I can’t help but feel a little sad as I hang the costume back up in Mary’s section and wipe off my make up. As I walk out of the dressing room I say goodnight to a few of the lingering cast and crew until I run into something –or someone–solid. I look up and almost instantly burst into tears as I’m wrapped up in a pair of strong arms.

“You were amazing, Sandy!” an all too familiar and comforting voice says into my hair.

I look up to meet his beautiful green eyes and ask, “How long this time?”

“The weekend. I fly out Sunday night.”

“You got a hotel?”

“Yeah, but I was thinking we could go out somewhere first. Get a bite to eat? Take it back to your place or mine?”

“I’d be down for that. Texan?”

“Hell, you know I’m in.” I pull apart from him as I hear the door swing open behind us. Obviously noticing my nerves he offers me his hand. “Come on then, let’s get outta here.”

I let him lead us out into the parking lot and towards a black car, but to my surprise it’s empty. Jensen opens the passenger door for me before getting in the driver’s seat and starting the engine. 

“Where’s Clif?” I ask.

“I just wanted it to be you and me this time. I know you probably feel safer with him around but also I can’t ask him to follow me everywhere, he has a family too.”

“I don’t mind, just surprised is all.” 

As we sit in the parking lot Jensen pulls out his phone. “I’m thinking we call in our order this time. Don’t wanna get swarmed again. I love that the fans love Dean but tonight I just want to be with you.” I nod and then we go through the menu together on his phone as we pick what is likely way too much food again. He places the order and then pulls out of the now dark lot. The car falls quiet despite us having so much that we need to talk about. Instead of pushing though, Jensen hands me his phone. “What’s your favourite song? You can play whatever you want.”

I consider for a little while before searching for the song that he sung during our last dance at the wedding: Heaven. It’s not my favourite song of all time but it now has a very special place. As the first notes fill the car Jensen begins to sing along quietly. I smile as I watch him navigate the busy streets, he looks so at home behind the wheel eventhough it’s the first time I’ve actually seen him drive apart from on TV. He expertly finds the restaurant and I get out. We decide it’s best if I just slip in and pick up the order to avoid a repeat of last time he was here. As I hoped, I’m in and out in less than 10 minutes. As he navigates out of the city centre we discuss where to go. In the end he agrees that it should be safe enough to go back to my place since he’s with me and the new security guard started last night. 

My apartment feels terribly unlived in since I’ve been avoiding it, but with Jensen by my side it’s slightly more bearable. Since Texan BBQ tends to be messy, we eat at the counter, but when Jensen suggests that we retire to the lounge and watch a movie I can’t help but hesitate. He notices then that it’s still the same couch, so instead he pivots.

“You have a laptop, right?” I nod. “Okay, I’m gonna suggest something but remember our word,” he says nodding at the empty takeaway containers. When I nod he continues, “We could lay together in your bed and watch something on your laptop. Or you can get some stuff together and we can go back to my hotel. Or I can go and leave you be if that’s what you want too…You let me know your boundaries.”

I look back over at the couch and shake my head. Then I look back over at him in tight jeans, a white button-up shirt and boots. As he notices me looking at him he says, “I can see those cogs turning. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be comfortable with whatever you want.” When I don’t answer he walks closer to me and softly cups my face in his hands to make me look at him. “Alright, Darlin’, I’m gonna take some pressure off of you. Let’s just go lay down for a bit, put on a movie and if you get uncomfortable or if it’s too much too soon, we re-evaluate.”

When I finally nod I can see the relief in his eyes. He glances quickly at my lips but pulls back and reaches for my hand instead to lead us into my bedroom. He leaves the sliding doors open to make it feel more casual and then toes off his boots. 

As I look around for my laptop I realize I left it at Stella’s place from when I’ve been studying and living there. I look over at Jensen as he stands slightly awkwardly in the corner of my room beside the bed waiting for me to make the next move. “I uh…my laptop’s not here. It’s at Stella’s.”

My smiles as he lets out a dry chuckle. “That’s alright. Can we just talk then? Or we can watch something on my phone? Really all I want is to spend time with you.”

I look at my bed, and I want nothing more than to lay there and cuddle with him, but with the underwire of my cheap bra digging into my ribs and my tight jeans strangling my thighs I feel anything but relaxed. But I also feel bad changing into comfy clothes when he’s stuck in his day clothes.

He pushes off the wall he’s leaning on and rounds the bed to my side and sits down while patting the spot beside him. “Alright, Darlin’...I need to know exactly what’s going on inside that head of yours. If this is all too much, I can go. I just need to know what you’re thinking. You’re not going to upset or disappoint me, regardless of what it is.”

I reluctantly sit down but I don’t face him. “I…” He doesn’t rush me, he just gives me time to arrange my thoughts and open up. I finally glance up at him and let myself be vulnerable. “I want to cuddle, but I’m uncomfortable…my bra’s digging into my chest and my jeans are chafing my thighs but I feel bad because you can’t be comfortable either. And I’m scared of being with someone without layers…I can’t…” As my breath quickens he takes my hand and rubs soft patterns on the back of it.

“That’s what’s bothering you?”

I try to pull away. “I know it’s stupid and I’m overthinking-”

“Hey…Hey…Y/N, Sweetheart. It’s not. You’re not. I’m perfectly comfortable, these jeans aren’t that tight and I’ve slept in worse. I’m okay. I can wait out on the couch or something while you shower and change, that’s no problem. I want you to be comfortable. And as for the layers…you’re concerned that I want sex? Is that it?” He lifts my chin so he can meet my eyes before continuing, “That’s not even in the realm of where my head’s at. I’ll be the luckiest man in the world if you ever choose to go that far with me, but I don’t expect it, and honestly I don’t really even want it, because I know you’re not ready. If it ever happens, it will only be once we’re in a stable relationship, are both on the same page about everything and are both comfortable, not a second before.”

I can’t help myself when I close the small gap between us to lightly press a kiss to his lips. It’s quick and he doesn’t have time to respond before I pull back, but I hope he gets the message. I stand up but he keeps a grip on my hand, not so strong that I can’t pull free but firm enough to show that he’s there. “You can stay here…I’ll just,” I point over my shoulder at the bathroom.

“Take your time,” he says as he pulls out his phone and frees my hand. I quickly go to my drawers and pull out a sports bra that’s well stretched and comfortable, an oversized T-shirt, a pair of black leggings and clean pair of underwear. I slip into the ensuite and change, but as I look in the mirror I can’t help but feel underdressed, especially to present myself to a movie star and model. As I brush my teeth, I try to talk myself down; I know he’s seen me in worse and never judged. I force myself to open the door.

As I emerge, I find Jensen casually sitting propped up against my headboard and pillows with his long bow-legs stretched out over the comforter. He looks me up and down before patting the space beside him. “That looks much more comfy, com’ere.”

I leave the bathroom light on but turn off the bedroom light before climbing onto the bed beside him. He opens his arms out to give me to option to snuggle close, which I take. I lean against him and rest my head on his chest. His arms wrap around me, settling on my waist. We settle into a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Jensen breaks it. “My last girlfriend cheated on me. It was a short lived thing, we kept it under wraps so the press never knew. But we met on set, she was a guest star, and she refused to give us a label or come out as a couple, and I later found out it was because she was sleeping with some guy she met on another show she guested on. It wasn’t love or anything, so she didn’t get the chance to break my heart but it sucked. It’s no excuse, but that’s probably part of why I said what I did on Valentines. I’d never push you to label us, I’m content with just seeing where things go, but that’s why I got insecure. And then I took it out on you, and I’m sorry.”

I run my hand over his chest feeling the soft fabric of his shirt. “I’m sorry you went through that…”

“You’ve been through worse…”

“Still…” Our comfortable silence returns briefly before I add, “Thanks for telling me.”

“You deserved to know. Plus, I don’t want secrets from you, hence throwing out the NDA. I want to be an open book…ask me anything.”

I think for a minute before asking, “Have you ever been in love?” His hand that had started to rub my back stills and I instantly regret asking. “You don’t have to-”

“No, it’s okay. I’m just thinking.” After a moment I feel him shake his head. “Not truly. I’ve had my fair share of flings, even in high school and then once I got into acting, and there’s been a few girls I thought I loved, but I don’t think I’ve ever truly been in love…But I hope to, one day, with the right girl…when she’s ready.”

I look up at him and he tilts down so our lips can meet. As we get lost in the passion and emotions he attempts to deepen the kiss, running his tongue along my bottom lip, as I give his permission, I roll myself so I’m straddling his waist. It all feels so natural in the moment but then he cups my chin and pulls back. “Y/N…Darlin’...” He shakes his head and lifts me back off of him and onto my side of the bed. “I should go…I’m sorry.”

As he tries to push out of the bed I grip his arm. “Stay…please?”

He refuses to meet my eyes but I can see the pain in his. His normally beautiful bright green eyes are dark and watery. “I’m sorry…I meant what I said. I’ll wait for you…No pressure. I don’t want to fuck you, God I don’t even want to have sex with you…” My heart sinks, but then he finally meet my eyes and continues, “When or if we ever do it, I want to make love to you. Show and give you everything your deserve and more…and show you how special you are. But I know you’re not ready, even if you think you are, I know you’re not and then we’ll both regret it.”

I let go of his arm, but I can tell he’s still tense. Both of us are now on the brink of tears. “I’d never pressure or force you to stay, just I know you’d never force me to either. So, if this is too hard for you, you can go back to your hotel…but don’t go because you think it’s what I want…Go because it’s what you need.”

“I just don’t wanna pressure you…” he says, his voice more sullen and hoarse. “Especially after what that monster did…I don’t-”

I slide over closer and encourage him to get comfortable again. I place my hand softly on his stubble-covered cheek and make him look at me. “I don’t feel pressured here. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt comfortable like this, but with you I do. But you are right, I know I’m not ready…It’s just been so long since I’ve even wanted to…We both got carried away.” He nods and a tear slips down and onto my hand. I lean forward and kiss him softly. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close as he scoots down the bed to lay down flat. I rest my head back on his chest as he rubs my back. As we lay there in the heavy silence, I can’t help but reflect over everything. I know I’m falling hard and fast for the man under me and I can’t stop, but I’m still terrified of being hurt again. But knowing he’s just as scared of hurting me reassures me that he won’t. Despite his light and comforting movements, I know he’s overthinking as much as me, so I try to lighten the mood, “What’s your favorite color?”

“So, you haven’t Googled me then.”

“I’d rather hear it from you.”

“Blue, and as a fun fact it’s my mark color on set.”

I roll a little so I can look up at him. “Com’on you gotta get more specific than that, there’s a hundred different shades of blue. For example, mine is green, but not just any green, the deep forest green of the leaves of trees in the middle of spring when everything’s alive and blooming brightly. I loved running my fingers over the fresh buds and leaves as I rode between the trees towards the look out in Cinco Range.”

He chuckles softly, the sound vibrating through his chest. “That’s beautiful. Fine, sky blue like the sky on a clear summer day, but especially the Texas sky. The sky always feels slightly more bleak in Vancouver, it’s probably the cold weather.”

“So, basically, we’re both missing home…Your turn.”

“Okay, ummm…Favorite animal. Mine’s basic but I like dogs, and before you ask me to elaborate, it’s because they’re loyal and good company.”

“Good answer,” I say as I lay back down on his chest comfortably. “Horses, specifically my Snowy, but all horses for a similar reason.”

“You wanna go riding again tomorrow?”

“I’d love to, but I actually have to open the cafe, then I have two shows…”

“You have to open?! Why are we still talking? Get some sleep!”

“I’m not tired.”

“Yes you are. Your adrenaline’s just high. Come on.” He gets up and pulls down the comforter. I reluctantly crawl under it and then he tries to tuck me in and I frown.

“You’re leaving?”

“You want me to stay? I don’t want to keep you up, you need sleep, you’ve got a big day tomorrow. I never intended to be a distraction, I just wanted to support you.”

“I’ll sleep better if you stay…”Then quietly I add, “I don’t like being alone anymore. I’m scared.”

He instantly kneels on the bed and brushes back my hair from my face. “Okay, Darlin’, I’ll stay. Want me sleep on the couch?”

I hold up the comforter and shake my head. He rubs his hands on his denim covered thighs. “If I’m gonna stay, can I? And feel free to say no, I’ll manage.”

I nod. “It’s okay. You need to be comfy too.”

He turns around as he undoes his belt and pulls down his tight jeans. I feel like a perv but I can’t help but sneak a glance at his ass. But the longer I allow myself to watch the more my heartrate rises, the images of Todd pushing down his pants flash through my mind. I instantly look away and sit up as I start to hyperventilate. Jensen’s at my side in a second rubbing up and down my arms and pulling my close. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It was too much. You’re okay, you’re safe. I’m not gonna do anything to you.” I can’t help but try to squirm out of his grasp, and he lets me. He holds his hands up in surrender. “Y/N, Darlin’, you’re safe. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

He just sits on the edge of the bed and gives me time to calm down after pulling he jeans back up. After a while I finally calm my heart and breathing enough to lay back down. He tucks me in and then goes to get me a glass of water. When he comes back he perches on the side of the bed as I drink. Once he takes the glass and put it on the bedside table he says, “Get some sleep, Baby, I’ll be right here.”

I lay back down under the blanket and get comfortable and he scoots over and lays ontop of the blanket. He rubs his hand over my arm comfortingly and he even starts to sing very softly. I let his voice wash over me as the exhaustion of the day and from my panic attack finally take over.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Taglist: @stoneyggirl2 @hobby27, @n-o-p-e-never, @deansimpalababy,

@winchesterwild78, @kr804573, @chriszgirl92, @smoothdogsgirl

@speakinvain, @deans-baby-momma, @1967winchesterimpala

@lmg14, @superrey, @kamisobsessed

[crayonstik]

In the world of divinity, am I just a pawn?

Ruan Mei x gn!reader

Angst with comfort, a little fluff

T/W: Relationship anxiety, big nervousness, mentions of exploitation and abuse(from aeons to people, not inter-personal relationships)

You ask Ruan Mei a daring question, is she just using you as a stepping stone to get to divinity?

You had been with Ruan Mei for years at this point. You knew each other better than you knew yourselves. So why did this one thought nag at your mind so much? Why wouldn’t it leave?

“Ruan Mei, could I ask you something?”

“I’m not busy right now, go ahead.”

“Am…” you inhale deeply, pressing your anxiety down as far as possible. “Am I just a pawn in your plan to reach aeonhood? Am I just a piece of entertainment that you’ll toss away one day?”

“When the day comes where you can finally ascend, will you choose divinity, or me?”

The cold air of the lab had quickly become frostier. Even the critters had scattered back to their pillows, despite their favorite people being in the room.

The genius stared down at her papers silently, too afraid to reveal the anxiety in her eyes.

“What makes you think that?”

When questioned, the fastest response is to ask back. She needed time to formulate an answer. Normally she would have a read on you, by this point she should know what to do but…

Ruan Mei was lost.

“I’ve read your reports from the simulated universe. I’ve seen the way you talk about the aeons. You glorify them, tell me that this is the divinity you dream of reaching, but…they’re all so cruel. Even Nous is heartless to THEY’re own emanators. None of THEM care. Humans, life forms, are just toys for THEM to torture for THEIR pleasure. If you are trying to ascend to this, then are you even the woman I fell in love with?”

All this time, years of research to ensure she would never lose you yet…

Is this how it was going to end? One question that she couldn’t formulate the words to answer?

Oh right, the years of research.

Tentatively, she motions you towards her desk and opens up a drawer. There’s piles and piles of papers, bottle with samples from the Abundance, Propagation, even Qlipoth. Every single detail of how she is desperately trying to keep you close is laid out in this drawer. You flip through the papers, file after file after file of attempts to cure your health issues, even mental ones.

“Dear, how long have you been doing this for? Why didn’t you tell me?”

The answer, in her opinion, was rather stupid.

“I…I was scared of telling you. I thought you would leave me for all the effort I through into you. I’ve always been worried you’ll go away. I was going to find the answers and give them to you then, so that you wouldn’t feel guilty about the toiling it took…and it’s been about 2 years…”

Through the years and the form in your throat, you suddenly burst out giggling. THIS was your girlfriend you knew and loved! Ever shy and overthinking for everything. You wrapped your arms around her lightly trembling figure, placing your chin on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry for asking such a harsh question without the full context. I know it was scary. But I’m not going anywhere, don’t worry. See? I’m here, right now, and I won’t abandon you here. Just next time, could you please be more open if you’re going to study me like this?” You chuckled at the last part, ending with a sigh of relief.

“I…I forgive you and I apologize for hiding this from you for so long. Thank you…thank you for staying with me.” You felt her lean into you, keeping both of your bodies stable.

Conversation and emotional expression turned out to be very draining. She would have to note how hungry this made her later.

“Could we perhaps, get some cake?”

[engie-ivy]

(Upon popular request (really, thank you so much for the amazing response!), a second part to Your New Family! Where Sirius finds out who that stranger in the restroom actually was😁)

Part 1: Your New Family

Pouring his heart out in the loo might not have been Sirius’ best moment, but at least that kind stranger managed to somewhat reduce his anxiety about meeting Remus' parents. Until he sees Remus' father, that is.

Your New Son

As Sirius approaches their table, he sees Remus is not alone. An elderly woman has joined him. She has a round face framed with dark blond curls interspersed with streaks of grey, and big, honey-coloured eyes. Remus’ eyes.

Remus’ mum.

She must’ve gotten here early. Shite. Shite. And Sirius was at the loo the entire time! No doubt she already thinks he’s totally weird, dammit.

Sirius rushes towards them. “I’m so sorry I kept you waiting!”

“Oh my goodness,” Remus’ mum says as she turns around. “Could this be your Sirius?” She gets to her feet and takes Sirius’ hands in hers, but holds him at arm’s length so she can study him properly. “Look at you! Aren’t you a properly handsome young man! Remus has been going on about it, of course. ‘Mum, he’s so lovely. Mum, his hair is so pretty. Mum, his eyes are so nice.’ I assumed he was just smitten,” she turns back to Remus and smiles brightly at him. “But you really got yourself quite a looker, didn’t you, Remus?”

Remus beams at them proudly. “I sure did!”

Sirius, a little overwhelmed, wants to give a compliment in return. He’s aiming for something along the lines of ‘I always found Remus’ eyes beautiful, and now I can see who he gets it from’, he really is, but what comes out is “I like Remus’ eyes on you” which is just so weird.

Unfortunately, his remedying attempt does not quite make it better. “I mean, not Remus’ eyes. They were yours first! But you gave them to Remus. Not your actually eyes, of course. You still have eyes, after all.”

Remus’ mum looks puzzled, as she slowly says “...yes. I do have eyes.”

It’s only then that Sirius realizes Remus’ father isn’t there. Immediately, the worst-case-scenarios cross his mind. Remus’ dad has already decided he hates Sirius and doesn’t even want to meet him. Remus’ dad has looked up Sirius’ family and now wants nothing to do with him. Remus’ dad is not okay with Remus being in a same-sex relationship (which is absolutely ridiculous, since Remus has been out since he was fifteen, and his parents have been nothing but loving and supportive, but in Sirius’ anxiety-riddled state, even Remus’ dad changing his entire belief system overnight seems completely possible).

It is at that moment Remus’ mum says “You must excuse my husband. He just had to go to the restroom.”

Sirius lets out a sigh of relief. Right, the restroom.

The restroom...

Wait.

The restroom.

Oh. Oh.

Oh no. Oh no, no, no.

“Ah, there he is!” Remus’ mum says, and as Sirius turns around he feels dread settle in his stomach.

And indeed. The man approaching them is the very same man Sirius just trauma-dumped all over in the restroom. The man has a smirk on his face. The exact same smirk Remus has when he thought of a particular wicked prank. Oh yes, he definitely knew all along.

“I’d already reckoned you’re Sirius!” The man says, reaching out a hand. “It’s about time we were probably introduced! I’m Lyall Lupin, Remus’ father.”

All colour must’ve drained from Sirius’ face as he shakes Mr Lupin’s hand. “I... You... I was... And you were... I didn’t... Oh my god. I’m so sorry! I can’t believe I...”

“Sirius,” Remus says in a levelled tone. “What did you do?” The exact same tone he uses when Sirius and James call him in the middle of the night to come pick them up somewhere.

“Nothing bad, nothing bad!” Remus’ dad quickly says, laughing while holding up his hands. “He just told me how anxious he was to be meeting his boyfriend’s parents for the first time. But only because he loves the boy so much!”

Remus lets out a small gasp before turning to Sirius with wide eyes. Eyes that Sirius is purposely not meeting, looking everywhere but at Remus.

“Oh,” Remus’ dad says, looking from Remus to Sirius and back to Remus. “You two haven’t...”

“Sirius!” Remus exclaims, smacking his arm. “I can’t believe the first time you say that you love me it’s to my bloody father!”

“Well, I did not know that!” Sirius says defensively. “I thought it was to a stranger in the loo!”

“That does not make it better!”

As the boys bicker, Hope wraps her arms around Lyall’s upper arm and rests her head against him. “So,” she says softly. “We approve?”

“His feelings for Remus are very sincere,” Lyall replies. “And I honestly think he’ll do anything for him.”

Hope lets out a content sigh as she looks at the couple. “I’m glad.”

“He seems kind and genuine,” Lyall adds. “And also, we’re going to have to adopt him as our second son.”

Hope lifts her head to look at her husband with a raised eyebrow. “You’ve already decided that?”

“He never had a real family,” Lyall says. “He claims he wants us to like him purely for Remus’ sake, but there’s more to it than that. I don’t think he’s ready to admit it, maybe doesn’t even realise it, but he’s craving it for himself as well. A family, a home.”

“Well, then he has chosen the right in-laws,” Hope says, accepting Lyall’s judgement without question as she lays her head back against his arm.

Then she chuckles. “My, my. That was some toilet break, huh?”