#and by may I was like hm perhaps. something else is wrong with me

[tearlessrain]

the good news: halving the dosage on my meds fixed the emotional flatness problem I've been experiencing since january and I can experience feelings again

the bad news (for everyone else): that emotional flatness was the only thing keeping my I'm-back-on-testosterone horniness in check

[brokenmenswhore]

Thanks luv! So, you are married to Aemond, yet despite his kindness to you, your sexual activities are treated as a duty (like your marriage). Aegon notices the situation and decides to give you a proper orgasm with his tongue. The issue is that he leaves you without fucking you (saving it for another time), and you can't help but crave him, you are desperate for him to fuck you (and when he does, he does it deliciously, making you feel like the luckiest woman in Westeros).

it’s 1am in nyc and this ask is driving me crazy i need him so bad

satiate | aegon ii targaryen

pairing: aegon targaryen x fem!reader

warnings: smut (MDNI 18+)

────── ☾ ──────

Aemond came with one final thrust of his hips, spilling his seed inside of you as you continued to lay stagnant beneath him.

Aemond pulled out of you and rolled over, laying next to you. “Hopefully that will take,” he spoke, catching his breath.

Tonight was not unusual. Since you wed Aemond, sex has been about duty. He was a perfect husband, and was very kind to you, even in bed, but it was always about duty over all else.

“Yes, hopefully,” you responded.

Aemond turned his head toward you. “Are you alright?”

You smiled, appreciative that he was attentive to you. “Yes, thank you,” you responded.

There was nothing wrong with Aemond, and your marriage worked in public. However, you wished there was more passion, more connection, more something in private. This could not be all that sex has to offer. Still, Aemond made sure you consented and were alright.

You knew his brother, Aegon, was familiar with sex, perhaps more than anyone else. You were always attracted to him, and you always wondered what it would be like if it were him trying to impregnate you.

You and Aemond had been married for exactly a fortnight, which meant he had worked to put an heir inside of you exactly fourteen times.

Each morning you rose with a dull aching between your legs that you could not seem to satisfy. You were not sure exactly what it was or how to resolve it, so you spent most mornings in a state of uncomfortableness until the aching went away.

You were subsequently more irritable during the first half of the day, shifting uncontrollably in your seat or nonstop switching the leg holding most of your weight when you stood.

Aegon took pity on you.

He noticed the change in your attitude since your marriage, and after five days, he picked up on you rubbing your thighs together as you tired to get comfortable for breakfast each morning. After nine, he could see the exhaustion in your eyes, and he knew it was from his brother occupying you deep into the hours of the night.

You had been with Aemond long enough for the pain and uncomfortableness of sex to fade away, but it hadn’t seemed to. That meant you that weren’t connecting the way you should, and Aegon suspected that exact truth.

“My brother is incapable of satiating your needs, hm?” Aegon spoke, crossing his arms as he leaned on the wall beside where you were standing and flipping through the pages of a book. You let him into your chambers because he asked to speak to you, but this was not what you expected.

You paused your actions and lifted your head, turning it toward Aegon. “Excuse me?”

“I can sense it,” he responded.

You scoffed, “I do not know to what you refer.”

“Put the book down.”

You looked up at him, and you don’t know why, but you did what he asked. You closed the book and placed it down on the table beside you.

“Lay down on the bed.”

“Do I look like someone-“

“Y/N,” Aegon cut you off, holding up a hand, “do you want my help or not?”

“Help?”

Aegon somewhat pitied your innocence, but he was aroused by it more. “Do you want me to make that aching between your legs go away?”

You took a deep breath. You were embarrassed, but you had nothing to be ashamed of. “I am simply sore. Impregnation can be rather intense.”

Aegon tutted, “no, no, that’s not it. You may not know what it is, but you know it’s not that.”

“Enlighten me then, if you are so well versed in such things,” you teased, trying to ease the tension.

“Are you going to lay down or not?” he asked, not taking the bait and maintaining his serious tone.

You walked over to the bed, sitting and shifting your back against the pillows as you straightened your legs and made yourself comfortable. “Like this?” you asked.

Aegon smiled at you. He thought that you were so cute for checking.

“If you’re comfortable,” he replied, crawling on top of the bed and kneeling in front of you. He pushed your legs apart, hearing your breath hitch as your dress was pushed up to your waist, exposing your small clothes to Aegon.

“May I?” he asked, tugging at the waistband of your small clothes.

You nodded your head yes and swallowed back your nervousness, watching him pull the fabric down your legs, completely exposing you to him.

“You feel the aching right now?” he asked.

“Mhm,” you answered.

Aegon dipped his head until he connected with your folds, placing a soft kiss there.

“What are you doing?” you questioned.

“I’m gonna taste you, darling.”

You shifted in your seated position. “What do you mean?”

Aegon only smiled in response, dipping his head again and running his tongue between your folds.

You gasped at the wet feeling, your head instinctively falling backwards. Aegon began to flick and swirl his tongue, and you moaned at the sensation.

This was completely new to you, and you questioned whether or not you could trust Aegon. You had heard the whispers about him, and how rough he liked things.

You also questioned if this was ethical. It was objectively unfair to bed another man while married, especially your husband’s brother, but despite how wonderful Aemond could be, it was evident that your marriage was political and dutiful only. If Aemond could run to whorehouses when he was not sleeping next to you, you could indulge yourself just this once.

Still, you were nervous about how Aegon would treat you.

“Aegon?”

You caught his attention, but he didn’t stop. He began to suck on your clit, gazing up at you as he did so, showing that he was listening to you.

“Are you going to be nice?”

Aegon moaned into your cunt before briefly pulling away, just long enough to say, “you can trust me.”

Something about the way he said it had you believing him, and your muscles relaxed beneath him as he kissed and sucked at your clit. The stimulation was new, and therefore it was becoming too much too fast.

“Aegon, I-“

Aegon only sped up, pressing his face further into you and carefully watching your face contort as you whined. He held a firm grip on your hips to ensure you stayed where he wanted you, and you felt the familiar aching rise in the pit of your stomach again.

“Aegon-“ you called again, but he still didn’t let up.

Within seconds you felt the aching coil snap, your legs shaking and your hips briefly lifting off the bed as you felt like the feeling you had between your legs for weeks was finally broken.

You caught your breath, and Aegon pulled away from you to level his face with your own.

“Good, huh?” he teased.

You couldn’t help yourself. Instead of responding, you pulled his face to yours, kissing him hard to show your thanks. Aegon’s body reacted instantly, reciprocating the kiss. You felt somewhat bad that it was so quick, but the feeling was so sweet and so new, and you couldn’t help yourself.

You tasted something salty-sweet on his lips. You pulled away and wiped a finger over your lips, sucking the digit and tasting the wetness, looking at Aegon in confusion.

“That’s you,” Aegon said, nearly growling at the sight.

Your cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, which Aegon found amusing, as he kissed you again, before leaving the bed completely.

You shifted forward onto your knees and crawled to the opposite edge of the bed, trying to catch him but too weak to stand. “Where are you going?”

“Aemond will be back soon,” he said, adjusting his clothing.

You don’t know why you said it, but you were feeling bold, and what he made you feel was so good, you wanted more.

“Aegon, I want you.”

Aegon smiled and dropped his head momentarily. He turned back to you, as if he intended to say something, but he promptly righted himself and exited the room, leaving you alone to do nothing but crave him.

The following morning, the Targaryen-Hightowers were all gathered for breakfast with some guests, and you couldn’t keep your eyes off of Aegon. You desperately wanted more from him, and you wanted that much to be obvious to him, but it was hard to do much with Aemond present.

It was even difficult to speak to him; you and Aegon usually did not have private conversations. When he tried to speak to you without a group setting, you often blushed and found a reason to leave, unsure of how to speak to someone you were so attracted to, especially if they were not your husband.

However, right now, all you wanted was to be near him.

“Rather beautiful day it appears,” you spoke, approaching his chair, where he was already seated and drinking, despite the early hour.

“Wouldn’t know,” he said, taking a sip from his cup, “considering we’re inside.”

You sighed, your hormones taking over you as you leaned closer to him, speaking at a volume only he could hear. “Evidently, I just needed a reason to speak to you.”

Aegon shifted in his chair so he could see behind him. “And what would you need to speak to me for?”

“Speaking it not exactly what I need you for, Aegon, and you know it.”

Aegon took another sip. “I know not to what you refer.”

He tried to remain stoic, but you could see him holding back a smirk.

You began to turn away, “Very well, if you insist on forgetting, then I am sure that Aemond will be happy to satis-“

Aegon grabbed your wrist, and his features no longer had any hint of amusement. “I am rather sure he wouldn’t.” You knew any mention that his brother was better than him would immediately cause him to drop the wall he always had up.

“No, no, I can simply just ask-“

“You needn’t worry about doing such a thing. He wouldn’t be able to help you.”

You smiled. This is what you wanted. He left you hot and bothered, finally getting a taste of pleasure, and now you had him wrapped around your finger. You felt so empowered, so sensual, so powerful.

“And you believe yourself capable of satiating me?” you teased, completely ignoring the fact that you had in fact approached him to say that you needed him.

“Only I can,” he responded.

You pulled out of his grip and took residence by your husband’s side again, including yourself in the conversation he was having with two guests, as well as Heleana, who often stayed next to Aemond so that she didn’t have to do any of the talking.

When the meal was finished, you left arm-in-arm with your husband, who waited until you were out of view to shift in front of you. “How do you feel?”

Fuck. Does he know? How would he know?

“What?”

“How do you feel? It has been a fortnight, surely an early pregnancy would be somewhat present by now,” Aemond elaborated.

“Oh,” you took a sigh of relief, “I do not know, I do not feel much different.”

Aemond leaned in and placed a kiss on your forehead. “That is alright, we still have time.”

You smiled at him as he turned around and left, off to attend to his daily duties as you retreated to your chambers.

You were not in your room for even an entire minute before there was nonstop banging at your door.

You swung the door open. “Gods, could you have possibly hit the door any harder?”

Aegon didn’t respond, he just stepped into your apartment and slammed the door behind him, gripping your arms and spinning you until you were flipped, and backing you up until your back was pressed against the door.

“Aeg-“

He didn’t let you speak. He pressed his lips against yours, and your hands instinctively held either side of his face as his hands found your hips, pressing himself into you. You whined at the sudden contact, which only encouraged Aegon to continue as he peppered kisses down your jawline to your neck.

He pulled away, locking his eyes with your own. “Is this what you wanted? You wanted me?” His hand gripped your jaw, tilting your head upward. “You want me to make you feel things Aemond can’t?”

You could feel his muscles tense as he spoke your husband’s name, but Aemond wasn’t the one here with you right now.

“Yes,” you replied, “but I do not wish to think of Aemond right now.”

“No? Not your husband?”

Aegon was trying to maintain his intensity, but deep down, he was still just a boy who needed to be told he was wanted.

“I only want you, Aegon.”

Aegon let out a breath he was subconsciously holding in. He kissed you again, this time softer, grateful for your words.

“Jump,” he whispered.

“Jump?” you clarified.

“Would you trust me?”

You jumped upward and Aegon moved his arms to hold up your legs, forcing them to wrap around his waist. You squealed at the feeling, scared he would drop you, but you were secure.

He backed away from the door and walked you over to the bed, your head resting on his shoulder as he did so.

He was being nice enough to you that you assumed he would guide you down or slowly lower you, but instead, he slammed you against the bed, your legs untangling from his waist as you hit the mattress.

You opened your mouth in playful offense. “Aegon!”

He shrugged his shoulders, crawling on top of you. “Yeah?”

“What do you mean, yeah? What if that broke the bed?”

“Darling, if the bed doesn’t break, then I didn’t do my job.”

That was the second time he called you darling, and you loved hearing such an affectionate name directed at you, especially from him. You wondered if he had ever called his whores any affectionate names. Was this even as big of a deal to him as it was to you?

Aegon could see you lost in your thoughts as he loomed over you. “Something on your mind?”

“Just nervous, is all,” you responded.

“We can stop if you wish to,” he said.

You looked into his eyes, and you were surprised to see how genuine he was. You could tell he didn’t want to stop, but it was a relief knowing you could stop this any time, even though you had no desire to do so.

“I do not wish to stop.”

That was all the consent Aegon needed to kiss you again, refusing to break away from you as his hands moved to pull up your dress, exposing your small clothes to him once again.

He pulled them down your legs without even looking, and immediately ran a finger between your folds. You whined into the kiss, your hips instinctively lifting to chase the feeling.

Aegon continued to kiss you as he moved his finger lower and lower, slowly pushing it into you. You gasped, and Aegon considered breaking the kiss, but he was addicted. He wasn’t going to pull away until you made him.

The feeling was strange and unfamiliar, but that didn’t mean it was bad. You relaxed your body and trusted Aegon, allowing him to continue touching you as he moved his finger in and out. You were squirming beneath him, but he didn’t care. He was just happy to have the privilege of seeing how your body reacted to him.

After a few moments he removed his hand from you, still kissing you, and pushed his breeches down until his cock hit his stomach.

He used your wetness, that was now on his fingers, to lubricate his cock as he lined his tip up with your entrance. Only then did he pull away from the kiss.

“Are you ready?” he asked, gentle and genuine.

“Yes,” you said, knowing that verbal confirmation was better than a nod.

Aegon kept his eyes on yours as he slowly began to push into you. This feeling was not new, but it was different than what you were used to. Your body was becoming to used to Aemond, molded to Aemond, and the change confused your body for a brief few moments before settling in.

“Can I move?” Aegon checked.

“Aegon, I trust you, there is no need to ask,” you spoke, nearly a whisper, your voice weak.

You meant every word. You were appreciative that Aegon was so attentive to your comfort, but you weren’t exactly sure what was to come, and you wanted him to just get on with it already.

He dipped his head into the crook of your neck as he began to move, fighting to maintain his composure and move slowly. He set a steady pace, but after a brief few minutes, you tangled your fingers in his hair, absentmindedly playing with the strands, and it drove him crazy.

His self control slipped, and he began to move faster inside of you, snapping his hips harder and harder. You instinctively tugged on his hair, and he lifted his head up to meet your eyes.

“I’m sorry,” you said, truly not meaning to pull on his hair or hurt him.

“Fuck, don’t be,” he sighed, pressing his forehead against yours, “I swear I’m trying to go easy on you, you’re just so, so-“

Aegon lost his sentence, gazing down at where your bodies met.

“I do not need you to go easy on me,” you whined.

Aegon did not confirm that you meant it, but instead dropped his head again, resting his head next to yours as he thrust harder, hitting your hips slightly upward with each stroke.

Your back arched and your head tilted further and further backward. This was not entirely unfamiliar to you, but it felt different simply because you were excited, and you knew Aegon wouldn’t let it end until your needs were satiated.

“Aegon,” you moaned, and the sound was natural, and so pretty falling from your lips.

Aegon lifted his head up again. “Do that again.”

You whimpered another, “Aegon,” as he fucked you hard, nearly pulling out entirely with each thrust before slamming himself back into you again.

The pace was excruciating, and you were sure your hips would bruise form the force of his own hitting them each time he bottomed out.

“You feel so fucking good,” he whispered in your ear, only adding to your arousal as you held onto his shoulders.

Your cunt squeezed his cock, and he let out a small chuckle. “You like it when I talk to you?” he groaned.

You nodded your head up and down, incapable of speaking as you lost yourself in the pleasure. One of his hands snaked between your bodies and began to slowly run circles around your clit, forcing you to release a rather filthy moan.

“Good girl,” he cooed as your cunt squeezed him again.

The feeling of his cock in you mixed with the feeling of him touching you was too much, and the uncomfortable feeling began to rise in your stomach again.

You anxiously chased the feeling of the breakage, completely letting Aegon take control of your pleasure as the pressure dropped, your juices coating his cock as he removed his hand.

“Fuck, just like that,” he moaned, using the feeling of your orgasm to chase his own high.

He kissed you again as he came, his seed spilling inside of you. You didn’t care enough to stop him or have him climax elsewhere. Everything felt too good for you to care.

Aegon watched your bodies disconnect as he pulled himself out of you, falling onto the bed next to you.

“Thank you,” you spoke through shaky and tired breaths.

Aegon laughed. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“But I’m thankful.”

“Your husband will be as well when you end up with child.”

You covered your face with your hands in embarrassment. “I did not want to stop you.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” Aegon said, rolling on his side to be closer to you, “idiot wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between my child and his child anyway.”

“Enough about him,” you said, turning so that you were face-to-face with Aegon, “I’m here with you.”

Aegon leaned forward and kissed you softly, smiling as he pulled away and rested his head on the pillow.

[linos-luna]

yandere!hyunjin x reader, i seen you did something like this for han and felix where you just described their behavior before and after the reader triggered them/pissed them off to the point they no longer hid their obsessive and aggressive behavior🦅

Yandere!Hyunjin 🔪

♡ ————————————————————— ♡

As a Pisces, Hyunjin takes romance very serious… perhaps too serious. He needs to be the perfect boyfriend and you must be the perfect girlfriend. Simple right? He just needs to steer you in the right direction.

Secretly Obsessive. He doesn’t want to show it too much but he is. He’s desperate for your love and doesn’t understand why you don’t just listen to him.

Possessive. He hates when other people look at you. You may not notice but he constantly gives people the side eye.

- no one can look at his darling

- he must know where you are at all times

- You may not realize that he’s controlling everything around you

- most of your friends don’t talk to you because he got rid of them

- he chased away your family

- he picks what you wear and what you eat

- he wants you to listen to him.

- that’s what a good girlfriend does right?

- but sometimes you resist and he hates that. Why cant you just listen?

- he’ll get angry and leave before doing anything he’ll regret.

- but don’t push him

- or else you will regret it

~~~~~~~~ ♡

Hyunjin doesn’t like you on the phone. And if you are on the phone, you shouldn’t talk to anyone he doesn’t like.

He doesn’t like you talking to certain friends of yours because he knows they can see through his façade.

So his anger wasn’t a surprise when he found you in the bedroom on the phone with a friend.

“Y/n!”

You looked at him for a moment then turned around, going back to your conversation.

“Y/n!” He yelled again before snatching your phone away.

“Hey!”

“What did I tell you about being on the phone without permission?!” He yelled.

“You’re not the boss of me!”

“Excuse me?!” He was surprised at your boldness.

“You always think you can tell me what to do!” You yelled with a frown. “That’s not how relationships work.”

Hyunjin wasn’t sure what to say and threw your phone to the floor. It may not be completely broken but definitely damaged.

“What’s wrong with you?!” You say while getting up only for Hyunjin to leave the room.

You followed after him, tears rolling down your cheeks.

“Why did you do that?!” You said while following him to the kitchen.

“Do what?”

“Break my phone!”

“I didn’t break your phone.” He replied with a smile.

“Hyunjin!”

“Go sit down, sweetheart. It’s time for dinner.” He said this so calm and causally, it was weird.

“Hyunj—!”

“And why don’t you call me something else? Something more loving.” He interrupted, looking around as if he’s thinking about it. “Hm. Maybe jinnie? Honey? Baby? It only fair. You are my darling.”

You were unsettled by his tone shift and left to go sit down.

Your boyfriend came back with soup, setting the bowl in front of you along with a spoon.

“I love you so much, that I cook for you baby.” He said while sitting down, taking a spoonful of soup and holding it up.

“Jinnie, what are you doing?”

“Well I’m feeding you, silly.” He said with a condescending smile. “You’re hungry right?”

“Not really—”

You screamed in pain as poured the hot soup from the spoon to your bare lap.

“Why would you—!”

Hyunjin did it again without saying another word.

“Stop! That hurts!”

“Hm. Are you going to eat it now?” He asked while tilting his head.

“Why are you doing this?!” You cried.

“Why?!” He suddenly stood up, looking over you. “You don’t seem to appreciate all I do for you, baby.”

“Because you’re too controlling!” You yelled back, gaining some confidence as you stood up. “This isn’t how relationships are supposed to—!”

Before you could finish your statement, Hyunjin grabbed you by the hair and pulled you to the bedroom.

“Ow! Stop!” You cried while trying to resist him, but he was too strong.

He threw you to the floor and stood over you with his arms crossed.

“I’m sick of you not listening to me! I love you! Why don’t you love me?!” He said the last sentence as if he was on the brink of crying. “I do it all because I love you, baby!”

“Jinnie, this is a sick form of—”

“Of course you don’t understand!” He interrupted, obviously frustrated. “It’s all those outside influences! But I know you’re a good girl. Your the sweetest girl ever!”

You were both scared and confused. Yeah he’s always been a bit controlling but now it sounded more like an obsession with you… a weird one in an unrealistic fantasy.

“So… my sweet girl. You’re going to stay here:” he said while trying to calm himself.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re not leaving this house— no actually, you can’t even leave this room unless I let you out,” he said with a snarky smile. “Not until you learn to be a good girlfriend.”

“Jinnie, you can’t do this!” You cried with tears rolling down your cheeks.

“Don’t worry baby.” He kneeled down and rubbed your cheek. “I know you love me and will be a better girlfriend soon.”

He helped you up and gave you a kiss on the cheek. “Like right now. We’re going to watch a movie and cuddle. Right baby?”

You only looked at him and nodded, not wanting to make him angry.

“See. It’s easy.” He smiled while getting the remote and turning the tv on that was in the room. He motioned for you to sit next to him and you did.

You quietly did so and he cuddled up against you.

“What should we watch, sweetheart?”

“Anything… a-anything you want, jinnie…” you replied shakily.

“Aw baby. How sweet of you.” He said before kissing your head and looking for some kind of romance movie.

“I love you, y/n… I hope you know that.” Hyunjin said while hugging you a little. “No one will ever tear us apart.”

“… I… I love you too, Jinnie…”

[ihaznoclue]

My idea request is back !!!

Can i ask, Ellen (surprise huh?), Nekomata & Koleda who sudently has a crush on the reader but theh don't know how to handle it

Its the reader's bangbou who decied to them will the reader dln't know anything about what happend

~🧇🍨🦭🍰🦭🍨🧇~

Pairings -> Ellen Joe, Nekomata | Nekomiya Mana, Koleda Belobog

Warnings -> None || NOT READ-PROOFED

Note -> Just them having a crush on the reader as the readers bangboo decided to tell reader the news

Genre -> Fluff

Ellen Joe

she will be flustered once you ask her the news that your very own bangboo decided to tell you after your bangboo ears dropped on Ellen 'trying' to practice confessing

Ellen would be so red and that you would have to cool her down

But in the end you like her back

Which she is quite glad that you like her back

"Hey Ellen, May I speak to you please" You spoke as you walked over to where she was cleaning

"Huh? oh sure Of course Master Name" Ellen then bowed to hide her nervous face then stood straight back up

"Well I have heard some news from my bangboo about something that you wanted to tell me?" You asked

Clearly it was shown on Ellen's face that she was now caught, her feeling was spread to you by your very own bangboo

"I- Uh I have no clue what you're talking about Master Name"

"Perhaps something about feelings for me? Hm" you smuggly looked at her

Ellen sighed as she was defeated

"Fine yes I do have feeling for you but I was about to confess to you eventually but I think your bangboo got to you first"

You giggled as you walked past her giving her a little kiss on the cheek in return

"Well I like you too Ellen Joe"

Nekomata | Nekomiya Mana

This girl tried to be sneaky about her feeling to you but it looks like your bangboo was more sneakier than her

Your bangboo was roaming around the Cunning hares little place that you were staying over at and you decided to bring your Bangboo too

You were somewhere else talking with Nichole who was your boss of the group

While you were talking with her, your bangboo decided to walk about until it heard Nekomata talking about you

Romantic kind of way

"I wish this was easy, but feelings is so hard to talk about" Nekomata complained

"Gosh, shes just too out of my league I hope Name would like someone like me" Nekomata talk to herself not knowing your bangboo was right there

So your bangboo went back to where you were and told you the news, Nichole giggled and walked away

You wanted to see if this was true as you gave Nekomata's door a little soft knock

You heard a thud as the door swung open right in front of you

"OH! Name, what a pleasant surprise"

"Hello Nekomata, I came to tell you something, May I come in?"

"Uh Sure! Why not" Nekomata then open the door for you as you were now sitting on her red blankets that was displayed neatly on her bed

"Nekomata, I wish this doesn't ruin anything but I heard from my bangboo that you had feelings for me"

Nekomata froze, then nervously laughed as she glared at your bangboo

"So It is true! aww Nekomata, you didn't have to be worried about confessing to me, In fact I like you too you know"

"You do?!"

Koleda Belobog

Would be flustered then try to turn it down so she doesn't ruin anything

But then you would confess your feeling towards her

Then she would then confess to you saying that she was afraid it would ruin your friendship

But you reassured her that won't happen

"Koleda!" You yelled from high above where Koleda was up doing some construction work with Ben

"Oh Name! What's wrong?!"

"I need you to come down, I have to talk to you about something real quick!"

"Okay!"

After a while Koleda took the little elevator down to meet you where you dragged her somewhere private to talk about the thing you needed to talk about

"What's wrong?" Koleda asked

"Well a little bangboo told me about your feeling towards me and I wanted to see If that was true?" You asked

Koleda's heart skipped a beat as her skin turned cold, your bangboo told you she had feelings for you

"I - uh Well n-no?" She seemed unsure

You smiled softly as spoke

"Well that a shame because I like you too Koleda Belobog" THen you gave a kiss on the cheek making her face go red

"R-Really!?"

You nodded, "let's try again. Do you like me?"

"Of course I do!"

-A<3

[simplyalicee]

☆ Your Darling ☆

Nutcracker AU by @sketchquill

Idea: Inspired by Sketch's recent art for their Nutcracker AU! You and Wally are out in the spring fields, simply enjoying your time together with one another. As you spend more time with him, you come to the realization that just perhaps, you are catching feelings for him.

Just a lighthearted, happy indulging fanfic <33 Warning for insane amounts of fluff and love!!

I know nothing about the Nutcracker, but enjoy!!

♡------------♡

Somewhere out there laid a beautiful piece of land that had yet to be touched by civilization. There was perfect weather; it's not too hot, not too cold, just right. There was a gentle breeze that would occasionally flow by, but even then, it felt nice and refreshing. No wonder why the spring fairies here adored this part of the world. You could even say it was perfect. No- it was perfect. But what made it even better, however, was having your friend accompany you.

"It's quite beautiful out, isn't it?" Wally spoke to you, smiling as he saw that you were still admiring the view in front of you.

"Oh, absolutely. It's nothing like I've ever seen."

You took a few steps in front of you, glancing around the trees that had colorful green leaves. You had mixed feelings. It was unfortunate that you never got to see nature at its full bloom, and yet, you were thankful that parts of the world like here were left untouched. You tried not to dwell on it and instead admire what was in front of you. You felt Wally take your hand into his. You turn your attention to him, seeing his signature smile that always left you breathless.

"I just remembered, there was something I wanted to show you."

You grew curious at what Wally wanted to show you. Was it a surprise, perhaps?

"Oh? Was is it?" You asked, tilting your head. Wally shook his head.

"It's a surprise! Close your eyes..."

Oh, of course. He wants you to close your eyes. Not that you minded, of course, but it was only driving your curiosity crazy. You closed your eyes, smiling as you grew excited. Although you couldn't help but notice that his grip on your hand grew a little bit tighter. You heard his faint laughter as he took you somewhere. You kept your eyes closed, but you only wondered what could the surprise be. Perhaps it was baked goods? Oh, how delicious that would be. But you don't smell any sweets nearby. Hm.

Wally stopped in his tracks, making you stop as well. He lets go of your hand and takes a step aside.

"Alright, Y/N, you may now open your eyes."

With permission granted, you opened your eyes.

..This was possibly the best surprise you could've asked for.

What stood in front of you was an open area that was surrounded by varies types of flowers. They ranged from sunflowers to daises, all up to roses and marigold. How he knew about your interest in flowers was beyond you. How could you ever repay him for such a generous gift?

"Wally, they're beautiful... did you plant these yourself?" You asked with great curiosity as you turned your head to him. Wally shook his head and chuckled.

"No, but she did." He reached his hand out in front of him. You grew confused for a moment, but you were quick to meet a spring fairy that swooped down from the tree above. She landed on Wally's hand, smiling brightly as she took a bow.

"Why, of course it was me! Who else could plant such beautiful flowers other than I, Sally Starlet?" Sally spoke with pride. You chuckled softly as you approached Sally, being careful to not startle her with your approach. She looked up at you as she stood in Wally's palm, it seemed as if she was examining you.

"Hmm... you look awfully a lot like someone who Wally's been talking about." She blurted, which both surprised you and Wally. Your eyes widened as Wally quickly turned his head away.

"Huh? Wally has been talking about me?" How can you process something like this? Not that you were taking it the wrong way, but it definitely caught you off guard. But for some reason, your heart fluttered from her words.

"Indeed, he has! I must say, fellow stranger, you are one lucky friend." Sally beamed with happiness. She took a step forward towards you with her fluttering wings.

"I'd love to chat more, but I have other plans to attend to. Until then, I hope to see your shining smile!"

Sally flew out of Wally's hand and towards your direction. To your surprise, she flew a few circles around you, heading up as she did so. You laughed happily as some of her pixie dust stuck to your pajamas. You watched as Sally flew away to the right of you, possibly headed to grow more plants.

Once Sally left, you looked over at Wally, seeing that he was still looking away from you. You tilted your head with a bit of confusion, yet you still smiled.

"Are you alright, Wally?" You asked him in curiosity. He looks back at you. He smiled back, but you couldn't help but notice a little bit of color on his cheeks.

"Fine as I'll ever be, Y/N. I was just in deep thought is all."

You both stared at each other for a moment. You wanted to say something, but there was just something about him. You didn't know what it was, but you couldn't look away. You both just gazed at each other, staring into each other's eyes. You felt your heart flutter, the heat forming on your face was quickly becoming noticeable. Wally placed a hand on his cheek as he gazed at you. He let out a content sigh as his smile grew. Your heart couldn't stay still, what was happening? You never felt this way before. It felt strange yet familiar.

Familiar because this wasn't the first time you felt this way for him, but strange because it is something you never felt for anyone else but him.

The longer you stared, the more flustered you became. After a few moments, you turned your head from Wally and chuckled nervously.

"I, uhm..." You tried to speak, but you were left a stuttering mess. You heard Wally laugh a bit, he took your hand into his and held it. Stop it, heart, stay still. But it disobeyed, leaving you with a fluttering heart and a sense of... comfort.

"The flowers weren't your only surprise," Wally told you.

"Wait, what?" Your eyes widened a bit. You felt the grasp he had on your hand tighten a little bit, making your face heat up a bit more.

Wally took a deep breath as he took a small step closer to you.

"I would like to dance with you, Y/N," he spoke with an excited tone.

You didn't know how to quite process it. You wanted to dance with him, you really did. But you were unsure. You have never danced before.

"Wally, wait. I don't know how to dance," You responded with a small frown.

"That's okay, I will teach you!" Wally smiled brightly at you.

You were still unsure, but that smile... You couldn't bring yourself to reject such an offer. With a sigh, you smiled nervously and nodded. Wally giggled happily, he was quite overjoyed to be dancing with you!

"Alright, we'll take it slow. Just follow my lead, Y/N." He spoke softly.

Wally let go of your hand and gently turned you around. After turning you around, he gently took both your hands and raised your arms up. You glanced over at him, locking eye contact with him again. Wally smiled softly at you.

"You're doing wonderful so far," he said happily to you. Oh, how nervous but excited you were. Wally lifted one arm up. You stood on your toes, slowly lifting one of your legs up.

"I think I get it, now," you whispered to yourself. As if on cue, Wally twirled you around slowly. You twirled for a short moment, giggling with joy. You placed your raised leg down and stopped twirling, now being side to side to him with his hand on your upper waist. You extended your right arm out for him, to which he took your hand softly. He extended his arm out, keeping your hand held. You had your other hand on his shoulder. You weren't as nervous as you were before, but now that nervous feeling was replaced with the feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Wally had a huge smile curled up on his face as he lead the slow dance. The both of you slowly spun each other around.

As you both danced, you couldn't help but look into his eyes. Wally laughed softly, being so happy that he was dancing with you.

"Awh, Y/N, you have no idea how much this means to me!" Wally sounded like he was geniunely happy to be given the opportunity to dance with you. Seeing his smile, hearing his joy, it made you feel more butterflies.

You opened your mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Stutters again, when will they ever go away? It was okay, however. Wally understood, he wasn't judging. He was just happy to spend time with you. The way he held onto you, being so caring and gentle. The dance lasted for a few more minutes before you both parted. Despite being unsure earlier, you were glad to be able to have this dance with Wally.

"Thank you for the dance, Wally," You spoke.

"Not a problem, Y/N. I am always happy to teach you!"

You couldn't help but smile, the fuzzy feeling only escalating. Your heart fluttered, your face flushed, you couldn't help but feel like this. You and Wally end up gazing into each other's eyes once more, the obvious tension in the air that you were oblivious to. You watched as his face turned brighter in color, was he blushing? You thought it was adorable to witness.

"Did you, uhm... enjoy the dance, Y/N?" Wally looked away, asking in a nervous tone.

"I did, actually. It was very... very nice." You replied, chuckling softly.

It was at that moment that you realized that maybe, just maybe, you liked Wally more than just as a friend. Had you been that oblivious, or were you just too shy to admit it? Probably both. And unfortunately, it became awkward between the two of you. You weren't sure why, but-

"Y/N, there is something I have been meaning to tell you," Wally spoke quickly, you could hear him taking a deep breath.

"I think I have something to tell you, too, actually," You responded, becoming more flushed. Were you wanting to confess just after a moment of realizing your crush on Wally? Yes, absolutely.

Wally looked back at you, a bit stunned by your response. He smiled softly, evident that he was nervous, but wished to hear you first.

"Go on, Y/N. What is it that you want to tell me?" Wally took a small step forward to you, which made you more flustered.

"O-Oh, uhm... Well, it's kind of hard to find the right words..." You stammered, looking away for a moment. You were so nervous to admit your feelings.

"It's okay, Y/N. Please, take your time," He spoke gently, taking your hand into his to comfort you. You looked back at Wally with a flustered look. He saw your expression, thinking he might've made you uncomfortable. He was about to let go of your hand, but you gently gripped his hand from letting go. Wally looked down at your intertwined hands, a smile curled up on his lips. He let out a gentle sigh, content with the situation.

However, you couldn't keep it in any longer.

"Wally, I really like you,"

"Y/N, I really like you,"

You... both confessed to each other. At the same time? How was that possible? You and Wally both looked at each other, eyes widened with surprise.

"Wally, what did you say...?" You asked softly, taking a step closer to him. Wally tripped over his words for a moment, but he found the courage to speak it up again.

"Y/N, I... I really like you," He spoke quietly. He wanted to look away, but he couldn't bring himself to.

You felt tears in your eyes, and your heart swelled with joy. You wanted to cry just from how happy you were. You couldn't help it, you ran up to Wally and threw your arms around him in a tight embrace. Wally was caught off guard but was quick to embrace you, cradling you in his arms.

"Y/N-"

"I love you, Wally," You whispered, hugging him tighter, but not too tight to avoid accidentally hurting him. Wally stood quiet for a moment, his eyes widened as he tried to process what you just said.

He finally said, "I love you, too, Y/N... so, so much."

You both held onto each other for what felt like hours. You didn't want to let go, but you knew at some point that you had to let go. You both enjoyed each other's embrace before slowly pulling away. You looked at Wally in the eyes, admiring him without the need to hide it. Wally's smile only grew larger. He placed his hand on your cheek, caressing it gently. You leaned into his touch. You felt your heart skip a beat when Wally leaned in to kiss you on the forehead.

And in return, you grinned and leaned in to kiss him on the lips. Wally was caught by surprise, but closed his eyes and happily kissed you back. You both held onto each other, enjoying the moment as you kissed each other dizzy. After a few moments, you both pulled away, as flustered as you've ever been.

Then you heard his laugh. Oh, his laughter... It was like music to your ears. You couldn't help but laugh along with him. You took his hand into yours, holding it. You felt him gently squeeze your hand.

This was your special place, now. And the best part was that you had Wally by your side.

Your loving, adoring Wally Darling.

♡------------♡

HEHEHEHEHEHHE <333 I HOPE you all enjoy this writing I did :> Wally loves you!!

also posting this in school lol hi

[a-crumb-of-whump]

60 Whump Dialogue

Content: Torture, dehumanisation, pet whump, [implied] whumper-turned-whumpee, [implied] whumpee-turned-whumper, [implied] caretaker-turned-whumpee, sacrifice, death wish, [mentioned] death, [implied] non-con, bad caretaker.

Whumper

"You are nothing but a toy. A toy to play with and mould and break as I please."

"Go ahead. Cry and scream. It only makes this all the more fun."

"Maybe if you're good, I'll only shatter one of your ankles. Hm?"

"Look at the screen. Fucking look at it. I want you to witness this."

"You wouldn't risk your life for anyone? Perhaps we need to put this to the test."

"What makes you think I'll let you go so easily?"

"How dare you speak to me like that?"

"Have your fun while you can because I'm going to kill you the moment I get out of these."

"I'm going to find what breaks you, Whumpee. That I can promise."

"My life was so much easier before I took you. I regret it with every fibre of my fucking being."

"I wonder how loud you'd scream if I just..."

"Smile for the camera!"

"A good little pet cleans Its master's shoes with Its tongue, I'll have you know."

"I am not someone you want to mess with, Whumpee. Do as I say."

"Look who decided to crawl their way back into their master's arms. I told you you'd be back."

"I think you'd like adorable with some piercings, don't you agree?"

"Stay still."

"Maybe I'll keep you as my personal canvas from now on."

"Have fun hanging there!"

"I purchased some stuff for you. After all, every good pet deserves some enrichment."

Whumpee

"I just wanna go home."

"You can't leave me here! Please!"

"I never lost hope. I always knew- I... I knew you'd come for me eventually."

"You'd think after so long of having me here, you'd get better at tying me up."

"Please don't leave me down here again. I'll take whatever you wanna do to me, just- just let me come with you."

"You thought I wouldn't be back? I'm not finished with you yet. Not until you pay for what you did."

"You- you promised!"

"Not again..."

"You thought I was here to rescue you? That's the funniest thing I've heard all week."

"Am I gonna die?"

"Ju-ust kill me already!"

"I'm not moaning! It fucking hurts!"

"When Caretaker finds you, they'll- they'll kill you. I promise you that."

"What happened? Holding someone captive not as fun as you thought it'd be?"

"P-please... please, no more."

"You can do what you want to me, but I'm sure as hell not making this easier for you."

"Sometimes I imagined it was you, to- to help me get through it."

"Where am I?"

"Please, the restraints hurt. Can't you use something softer or- or at the very least loosen it?"

"Look at what they did to me! Look at the person I've become!"

Caretaker

"I never stopped searching for you."

"Let's go home, okay?"

"Yes, you're a burden, but you're one that I've chosen to carry."

"Where the hell are they?"

"Let me go! I need to find them!"

"May I touch you?"

"Breathe, Whumpee, please breathe."

"If I ever see you sniffing around here again, I'll make you regret it."

"I'm not going to punish you."

"I'm trying to help you, but that won't happen if you continue to treat me like this."

"Are you serious? You're just going to let them back into your life after what they did to you?"

"You sacrificed me so you wouldn't have to go back! How could you do that to me?"

"Please put the knife down, Whumpee."

"Why do I like seeing them cry? What is wrong with me?"

"I can't promise that I won't ever hurt you, but I can promise that It's never deliberate."

"Would you like me to make you some food?"

"Perhaps someone does need to punish you for you to understand. Nothing else seems to work."

"I hired someone to come and install a dimmable light in your bedroom so you don't have to sleep in the dark."

"You know what? I'd go through it all again if it meant you were safe."

"Whumper was right. They are a pathetic little thing. I think that's why they're so endearing."

[star-quill]

Can you may-haps do one with Quill with a corruption kink🫣 (I just feel like it’s something he’d have)

oh yes he definitely does.

you moved away to a different state for college, hoping to maybe find a boyfriend, settle down and get a good job—and you got none of those things. you did kiss a few guys at parties but it never really went any further. didn't get the job you wanted either, so now you're back living with your parents, which isn't really helping your "find a boyfriend" case.

that's when you spot him. he's out in the driveway talking to your dad, arms folded over his chest as he laughs and throws his head back at something your dad said. you don't know who be is, perhaps a new neighbour you assume.

"who was that?"

"peter, he lives across the road.. just moved back in from being away for a while."

peter. it kinda suits him. and you kinda wanna get to know him more. so you decide to bake cookies and take them over to his, or rather, his grandpa's place. he answered the door with a smile, grinning even more when he saw the baked goods.

"those for us?"

"yeah! i studied culinary arts in college and well, you're new to the neighbourhood so thought i'd put my skills to use and be a good neighbour.."

oh you were so cute. he leaned against the doorframe with his forearm, grabbing a cookie with his other hand and taking a bite.

"oh my god.. these are fuckin' delicious.. here bring them in, my grandpa's out the back.." he stood back from the doorway, letting you in and following you through to the back door, opening it to let you out. he looked you up and down as you walked out, his mind just racing with the absolute filthiest thoughts about you.

once his grandpa took one, you came back inside and left him the tray of cookies in the kitchen, before walking back out his house. you waved at him from across the street and he shut his front door after you went back inside your own house. oh he was done for.

the next week, your parents hosted a mini barbecue, just for family that were visiting but you absolutely begged them to invite peter and his grandpa. which was now how you were sat by the edge of your pool, legs dangling in the water while you ate a strawberry popsicle. peter was sat next to you, his hands leaning back behind him on the ground.

he had to suppress every single thought in his mind as he caught sight of you sucking on the popsicle, your lips turning a dark shade of red. he had to say something or else he'd go insane.

"you think i don't know what you're doing?"

"hm?" you turned to him, popsicle still between your lips as you gazed up at him slightly, with absolutely no clue what he's on about.

"oh c'mon.. so you didn't deliberately sit beside me with that thing and eat it the way you're eating it?"

"no.. am i eating it wrong?"

"no, no.. just.. forget it.." he got up and walked away, grabbing a beer from the ice box and heading inside, chucking the cap into the bin before taking a sip.

"i want you to explain to me what you thought i was doing.." he jumped, turning around to see you standing there, your popsicle gone and your lips still dark red.

"don't think i should.. go back outside.."

"no, i want to know, peter.." you moved around the island now, standing next to him. god, if you weren't standing next to a floor to ceiling window, he'd bend you right over the counter and take you right there.

"you really wanna know?"

"yes."

"thought you were deliberately sucking on that popsicle, trying to get my dick hard.. thought you were imagining things, like pretending that popsicle was my dick.. but judging by that gasp, you don't know what the fuck i'm on about.."

"oh.. well uhm.. was i doing it right?"

"doing what right?"

"the way i was uhm.. sucking on the popsicle, was i doing it right?"

he just looked at you, his eyebrows furrowing as he tilted his head slightly.

"you never sucked a dick before?" you shook your head.

"you ever kissed anyone?" this time you nodded.

"well that's one thing i don't have to teach you.."

and you couldn't say no to that. so now you were on your knees in front of him as he sat on the edge of your bed. his hand fisted in your hair as you tried to take him all in your mouth. he was big but it felt so good. tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you looked up at him, watching as his eyes screwed shut and he groaned out, the noises he was making were absolutely obscene.

he pulled you off him, his hand cupping your chin as you placed your hands on his knees. he tilted his head again, ever so slightly, almost like he was figuring you out, or figuring out what to do next. you just whimpered at the words that left his mouth next.

"y'wanna know something.. the day you came over with those cookies.. i thought you were so cute. in that pretty little flowery sundress.. wanted to just bend you over the kitchen counter, fill you up and watch you squirm.. you'd make a good lil' slut, don't you think? all for me?"

"mmhm.."

he didn't technically become your boyfriend, partly because you think your parents would kill you if they found out. but you did go over to his place occasionally, waiting until he was alone so you could be as loud as he wanted you to be. the first time he had sex with you, he was gentle but you begged him for more.

"you used to be so innocent, baby.. what happened, hm? this dick got you all messed up, huh.."

"mmf.. please.. need more.. please.."

you were on your stomach, spread out in front of him on your bed, your hips lifted up so he can fuck into you, grinding against you whenever he filled you up all the way. all you wanted was a boyfriend, a cute boyfriend to send you flowers, or kiss you softly whenever he had to leave—and instead you got the man across the street to dick you down whenever your parents went to the grocery store. then you became hooked, touching yourself at night and thinking of him, thinking of the next night you'd get to see him and he could give you your fix. he was like a drug, he made you feel so good and you were addicted.

weeks ago you wouldn't even think about touching yourself over anyone, and now you're whimpering, making yourself come while you whine out his name, wishing he was here beside you to fill you up. he had you wrapped around his finger and you knew whenever he called, you'd come running, ready to drop to your knees or spread yourself out for him. and he'd call you his "good girl", tell you you were doing so good, how pretty you looked all wet for him, and only him.

but still, at times you'd play the innocent card, knowing it riled him up. the sun was hitting the front of your house just right, so you dragged the sun lounger from your garage and sat it in your front garden. laying down, you made sure peter was home, noticing him walk through his house. it wasn't long before he caught sight of you and came over.

"gettin' a tan?"

"mmhm.. ur welcome to join me if you want.."

and that he did, until the sun moved and you both went round the back of your house. he moved his lounger right next to yours and ran his hand over your leg.

"peter.."

"hm?"

you didn't say anything else, just let him slide his hand under your bikini bottom, two fingers slipping through your folds before he plunged them inside you. your hands grabbed at his wrist, squeezing your thighs around his arm, whining and squirming on the lounger. he said nothing as he added another finger and you felt tears in your eyes as you came, legs shaking. he pulled his fingers out and you clawed at his hand to take them in your mouth, licking them clean.

"always gotta have somethin' in your mouth, baby.."

oh he really had you hooked. you were both absolutely head over heels obsessed with each other. and you wouldn't want it any other way when he always makes you feel this good.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // eighty-five

| @rollingsim | @amuhav

next / previous / beginning

SARAYN: Very well. Then to your question I would say no. TAYUIN: No? SARAYN: Power, I find, is a byproduct of knowledge. That is a venture around which I orient myself absolutely. Despite what you may think, it isn’t my desire to see anyone suffer, though, if they should, why is it any of my concern? Until very recently, I would have said you agree with me. TAYUIN: I do agree… I mean… Why should it be? SARAYN: But there you falter. Suppose it’s harder not to care than you originally thought. TAYUIN: That’s not the point. And it still doesn’t explain why you agreed to come. SARAYN: On the contrary, it perfectly explains it. I’m very interested in meeting this witch. As I said, it’s the hunger for knowledge. I have no machinations. Simple curiosity. TAYUIN: You expect me to believe that? If it really were as simple as you say, we wouldn’t be here at all! You could have fixed this entire curse situation from the get go. You let him take it upon himself! Or was that just curiosity, too? SARAYN: Not at all. I expect it is radically difficult for you to understand. Such is the nature of selfish and selfless people. The fact of the matter is, I merely did as I was asked. I had no ulterior motive for transferring the curse to the Priest. I was honoring his own wishes. A fact which you— amongst others –seem incapable of respecting. Alas, it is my moral standing that is repeatedly called into question. Very interesting. From where I’m standing, you are the one in the wrong. TAYUIN: He shouldn’t have to die because of someone else’s mistake! SARAYN: Perhaps not. That’s not for me to decide. Nor is it for you to decide, is it? What happened, happened. There was no easy solution. He knew that. But you cannot accept it. Why? You have your answers, Faerie. Now you will uphold your end of the contract. Why are we really here? TAYUIN: I— SARAYN: Do not forget you have promised me honesty. At the very least, I expect you to have enough integrity to acknowledge our agreement.  TAYUIN: grumbling I’m acknowledging. I don’t know what’s so unbelievable about the idea that I might not want to sit with his death on my conscience. I can’t imagine anyone sacrificing themselves for me, no matter the logic behind it. Most especially him. SARAYN: And it is simply about wiping the ledger for you? TAYUIN: …Yes. SARAYN: Hm. For someone trying to avoid outstanding debts, you’re quick to default on our bargain. TAYUIN: I didn’t— SARAYN: A half truth is still a lie of omission. TAYUIN: I’m not lying! SARAYN: Let’s say I believed you. What will you do when we reach our destination and you find out the cost for his life is something you’re not willing to pay? I imagine there must be a limitation. TAYUIN: No. There isn’t. SARAYN: No? So will the two of you spend the rest of your presumably fleeting lives getting even with one another? TAYUIN: … SARAYN: You care more than you’d like to admit. That’s fine. You said as much without using your words. Very, very curious, indeed. Though, I wonder if he’ll forgive you when you return, relieved of whatever the forest sage asks of you. I’m entirely thrilled to find out, will you be able to shoulder his resentment? TAYUIN: So what if he resents me? As long as he’s alive… then, I have time to make it up to him.  

[wrathfulrook]

WIP Wednesday

tagged by @direwombat <3 Thank you!

Have a snippet from another of the "In Which Bad Things Happen to Patience Ekner" oneshots.

She heard his approach before she saw him. He stepped into the clearing in his signature dumbass coat, sunglasses perched atop his head as if it weren’t long past sundown. God, he was so fucking pretentious. She was sure he had his handgun strapped to his side, yet he still carried an AR-C in his hands. She’d almost be flattered he found her so formidable if she didn’t find it so obnoxious.

John stepped into the moonlight, but Patience stayed at the treeline, ready to duck behind a thick trunk at a moment’s notice. She cleared her throat to alert him to her presence in the trees. He grinned ominously in her direction.

“Step out of the shadows, my dear. How am I supposed to know you’re truly alone and unarmed? Why don’t you step out slowly with your hands up, hm?”

Patience hesitated before speaking. “I can come out but I have something in my arms.”

“Then set it down,” he said harshly, clearly losing his hold over his temper.

“…I’d really rather prefer not to.”

“Just come out,” he said as he raised his rifle in her direction.

She sighed and slept out slowly, telling herself over and over in her head that it was fine, that he wouldn’t shoot. He wouldn’t shoot, he wouldn’t shoot, he wouldn’t shoot.

She expected something else. A gasp, wide eyes, a double take, something. Instead, as she stepped out of the shadows, he simply raised an eyebrow, put his gun down, and asked, “Is that yours?”

And something about how casually the question was posed pissed her off so thoroughly that she snapped at him in response, “No. I got him at fucking Bed, Bath, & Beyond.”

He laughed blithely at that, gesturing at the squirming infant in her arms. “He, is it? Does he have a name?”

Patience sighed. “James.”

John smiles smugly. “And I take it little James here is the reason my men have had such sparse sightings of you over the past, what has it been, nine months?”

She scowled at him. “He’s a month old.”

He smiled and crossed his arms in an adopted posture of perfect ease. She noticed his eyes carefully scan the treeline behind her, probably checking for signs of more people, as if he still thought this was a trap. Patience bristled in offense.

“I wouldn’t bring my child to an ambush, John.”

“One can never be too sure…”

She stood in angry silence, rocking the baby in her arms.

“Well, if this isn’t an ambush, then what is it?”

“I need help.”

“What kind of help?”

“Medical help. For James.”

“Is he ill?” John asked calmly, like he was asking for the time. Like this wasn’t about her son’s life. She wanted to tear him limb from limb, and may well have done it if she wasn’t desperate for his help.

She spoke tersely. “He needs antibiotics.”

“And why should I help with that?”

“Because you have stolen all the medical supplies. You’ve kidnapped all the doctors-“

“Saved them.”

“And because he is an innocent child who needs your help.”

John shrugged. “I’m not in the habit of letting enemies into my Gate. That would hardly be prudent, strategically. Now, I could take your child and get him the care he needs.”

“No,” she said adamantly. “I am not letting you take him from me.”

He smiled as if chagrined. “Then there’s nothing I can do.”

“Bullshit.”

“Maybe. Perhaps it’s better to say there’s nothing I will do.”

Patience spoke with all the fire of the protective mother she was. “Wrong. You will help him.”

“And why would I do that?”

Patience had rehearsed this conversation in her head. She’d thought through every possible response he could have and what she’d say in response. But now, in the moment, all she could think about was the baby in her arms, much too warm, a fever taking over his tiny body. She wasn’t concerned with how much she’d have to give up. All she wanted was her baby to be ok.

So, she offered John the most she had.

“Because I’m willing to turn coat.”

Taglist (opt in/out)

@thepachy @voidbuggg @adelaidedrubman @inafieldofdaisies @strangefable @socially-awkward-skeleton

[lukalnst]

you are the first milgram x reader writer to grace this earth in 30000 years…./j

may i request es x prisoner reader that is similar to mizuki akiyama :)? i hope that makes sense ahsifneoem ^_^ thank you for reading this and sorry for the bother!

ES WITH A READER THAT'S SIMILAR TO MIZUKI AKIYAMA

Includes: Es, gender neutral pronouns for both reader & Es, Prisoner reader

wc: 500~ Sorry,,, I couldn't think of any scenarios T,T

When you arrived at MILGRAM, you stood up from other prisoners. Es noticed this more than anyone else, and there was something in you that caught their attention, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it.

Was it the way you dressed, maybe? You had a different sense of style from the other prisoners, your clothes looking somewhat much cuter than the others'. But... that wasn't it.

Perhaps the way you liked cute things? No, that wasn't it either. You had a seemingly childish personality, but you were actually the most mature out of all the prisoners....

So, after a while of finishing interviewing the other prisoners, Es finally got the chance to get to ask you questions. Most of them weren't things that Es really cared about if they had to be completely honest.

Finally, Es got to ask you a question that actually intrigued them. "What... is up with you?”

It was weird to think of you like this, but you seemed like such a nice person... and Es wanted to be... closer? with you. They didn't know if it was exactly a friendship — as there would be a weird power dynamic between the two of you. But maybe once you two get out of MILGRAM, they'd love to get to know you better.

Perhaps Es' words were too blunt, but they didn't know how to word it in some other way.

"Haaaa... What do you mean 'What's up with me'? I mean... I may be a bit odd, but everyone here is!" You answered. Es just made eye contact with you for a few seconds.

"No... that's — that's not really what I meant," They sighed. "You are... different from the others. In a way, maybe it's odd to say this.”

You just tilted your head. Different? The guard couldn't have possibly seen through your facade of hiding your true feelings, right? They only knew so little about you, so there wasn't a chance…

Still, you had to put up an act.

“Hm, well, I'm really not different! So I don't really know what you mean…” You smiled at the other.

Es seemed to think for a moment. “Are you… someone like Fuuta? Do you also put up an act to—”

“No, no! All of my feelings and words are genuine, I promise!” You tried to answer their questions. The thing was that Es wasn't completely wrong; but you couldn't have them see you like that.

Es stayed silent for a bit again. “I do feel like you aren't telling me the truth.” Their voice wasn't stern, it actually seemed to hold a bit of curiosity. “... One can't pretend to be someone who they aren't for too long,” The guard seemed to have a faint smile plastered on their lips.

Did they mean that you wouldn't be able to keep your act up for too long? They were wrong, you had already kept it up for long enough when you were outside of this weird prison-like place. Really, you had been able to keep your feelings and secrets away from the people who you surrounded yourself with.

“... You may find something about me out soon enough, guard. But it'll take a while for you to finally find out…” you whispered.

[soursvgar]

Valentine's Day ~ ♡

pov: it's valentine's day and you want your demon bae to do something special for you. You end up finding out everybody have their own unique way to express love ^^

Demon brothers x gender neutral reader (not proofread cause i barely had time to write this sorry ;u;)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Lucifer ━ ෆ

Lucifer forgot about it. Truth is, no one expected him to remember, not even you. With how much he has on his plate, you haven't expected a thing, but deep inside, you had hoped to wake up to even the smallest of gestures. Maybe a teddy bear holding a hand written card with words only Lucifer could muse waiting at the threshold of your door, or a bouquet of red roses tightly knit with a matching ribbon, hell, even just a 'happy Valentine's Day' text would suffice. And so - waking up to absolutely nothing, was just a tad bit disappointing, causing your day to begin with a frown.

"Good morning, dear." Lucifer greets as you head down to breakfast, it was his turn to arrange it and to everyone's surprise, he, for once, did not pass the responsibility onto someone else. A sheen of optimism appears in your eyes when you spot him serving food onto the plates, longing for any sort of acknowledgment, but it disappears just as fast when the realization seems to have not hit him yet. "Morning..." You mutter, shoulders slumped as you sit down at the table, Lucifer's siblings quickly appear, rushing towards it as well.

The rest of the day continues just like any other, but the feeling of frustration doesn't leave you. Mentally preparing yourself for a possible argument, you decide to enter Lucifer's office and give him a piece of your mind. However, as you part the door open ━ without any prior knocking, if you may ━ you fail to recognize the interior. The regular desk and chair are missing, and instead, the floor is covered in petals with a picnic cloth spread in the middle of the room, on top of it lays a variety of devildom- and human world delicacies.

"Right on time." Lucifer turns to you with a smirk, sprawled on the mat underneath him. "You must have thought I've forgotten, hm? Didn't you?" Gesturing you to join him, the pleased smile can't be wiped off his face. Perhaps you have misjudged Lucifer's constant need to get on your nerves, as a way of showing love, of course.

"Happy valentine's day, darling."

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Mammon ━ ෆ

Since it's your first Valentine's Day together, everything has to be foolproof━ if it isn't perfect, it's unacceptable. Mammon is acting slick and composed, but inside he's truly losing it, anxiey chewing away at him. What if his presents are not up to your standards? What if something goes wrong? What if you're allergic to the flowers he brought from the human world? What if━

"Happy Valentine's Day!" You cut his train of thoughts, nudging a heart shaped box onto his lap. Mammon panics, puzzled as to what you are doing home so early and why you are giving him a present, when he's assured that role is assigned to him. "What is that?!" He nearly shouts, causing you to tilt your head in confusion. "It's my gift for you! I wasn't sure what to get, so I made these chocolates as a token of my appreciation." You fidget with the collar of your shirt as you explain. Is he unhappy about it?

"I mean- why are ya giving me a present? A-Are we valentines or something? Psh..." Mammon clears his throat, clutching onto the box in his lap. "Y-You didn't even ask me to be your valentine, or anything... So, what are ya doing giving me presents, huh?" He looks away, muttering the words with a quiet voice.

"Will you be my valentine, then?" You smile sweetly, in a way that makes Mammon feel like his heart is about to burst out of his chest. He wasn't sure what he had expected you to do when he said that, but he definitely did not foresee such a direct, heartthrobing response. "Took ya long enough..." He spouts nonchalantly, but his heated cheeks frame his true feelings right away, making you chuckle at his adorable reaction, and earn a glare from him while you do.

"I have one more present." You declare, the demon slowly losing all hopes to impress you, but at this point he is plainly going along with it, giving into being spoiled by his loved one. Your next move catches him off guard as you lean in to press your lips against his, playfully pulling away right when he melts into your kiss. "Well, what about you? Did you get me anything?" You inquire mischievously, his hand already positioned in a way to pull you back to him.

Mammon smirks, it's finally his turn to play.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Leviathan ━ ෆ

Oh no━ it's valentine's day. Leviathan is clueless about what he should do, he wants to give you the world, he really does, but how to do it in an appropriate way? His mind is suddenly blank. How come his collection of shoujo anime and manga never prepared him for this day? Perhaps he should've tuned in on the latest romance series? Or maybe he should purchase some otome games━ that's it, he's good with games! What if he just treats this as a game? Oh- well, now, that's easy. It's all coming together.

"I got it!" Leviathan cheers, and then rushes to shush himself as his best ideas strike him at the dead of the night. He quickly gets to work, receiving a couple of questionable stares from a moonstruck Belphegor on his way to grab his in between naps meal, while he frantically snips papers. It is way past sunrise when he finally finishes his craft, but the result is better than he expected - it's too bad that his drowsy self ends up sleeping almost the entire day away, completely forgetting to alert you about his gift.

"There are still two hours left for Valentine's Day, I can still make it." He encourages himself after a light panic attack, and makes a mental note to start earlier on his gift for next year. Marching to your room, he shakes awake your sleepy frame, practically yelling out in desperation. "I am SO sorry!! I swear I didn't forget- I just had a late realization, and well- maybe I did forget, for a moment! But I remembered before it really was va- oh god, please just follow me to my room? It will be a lot easier to just show you." He breathes out after his rant, tugging at your shirt as you only nod in return, unsure of what to make of this jumble of words.

However, once you enter his room you begin to understand, looking around in awe at the completely different setting. "Wow... did you do all that?" You gasp, realizing the amount of work he must have put into it knocked him cold until a few moments ago. "Yes! Well, I was trying to think what to gift you for Valentine's Day, and I figured that if this was a game it would've been so much easier- so... I just turned... us, into a game. Pretty neat, right?" Excited, Levi hands you a couple of cardboard cutouts. "So this is the love meter, if you pick the right choices, the love meter goes up and you can reach the happy ending." You speculate the refined design, still dazzled at the vast effort your boyfriend had put into his gift. "What happens at the happy ending?"

"Well, why don't you start the game and see for yourself?"

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Satan ━ ෆ

Valentine's Day is a little confusing for Satan. Sure, he explored all about grand romantic gestures through his novels, but is he able to draw out his feelings onto a piece of paper, or share them through one of the many traditional holiday symbols? Teddies and flowers feel slightly underwhelming for him, but also, his creative ideas seem to be in a bit of a drought when it comes to romance.

"I just need some inspiration... anything." He mumbles, flipping through the pages of his recent hard cover purchases, however, he soon comes to the cruel realization that romance, like many other social interactions, isn't something that can be taught by books. He's been trying his best to crack his brain for the past hours, but his efforts are fruitless ━ Satan is unable to analyze love in a logical perspective, despite the fact it's only a chemical reaction in the brain. Or is it?

"Satan?" As you enter your room, you blink at the figure sitting on your bed, appearing deep in thought. You snap him out of his daze, drawing his attention to you and away from his brooding. Then and there, it finally dawned on him. Love isn't merely a biological response, but the corners of his mouth lifting to form a smile when he's faced with the person who alters his brain in that specific way. Love isn't tangible as poets make it seem when they scribble down words onto the literature he consumes, but rather an abstract concept that changes from person to person - and Satan might have just figured out his own version of it, when your eyes meet his own.

"Happy Valentine’s Day." He stands up, hand gliding across your cheek with his gaze telling you everything he's incapable to vocally express. "I didn't get you anything because I wasn't sure how to convey emotions with an inanimate object... I'm sorry." Sincerely, he apologizes, yet, you can't help but appreciate his sheer honesty, putting your conversation to a whole different tone. "But I'm more than willing to spend the rest of the day with you and explore different ways to portray them for you."

And maybe, that was all you really needed.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Asmodeus ━ ෆ

Asmodeus loves love, and as someone who loves love, he especially loves Valentine’s Day. Not like he needs a reason to spoil you or show off his feelings for you through gifts or any special celebrations, but it's the one day where he feels like its legitimate to go all out and express his deep gratitude for his one true love, his biggest supporter, and most loyal companion - you.

The overwhelming scent of roses is what compels you to open your eyes, and when you do, you are baffled to wake up in an alternate bedroom. Your sheets are replaced with satin and a path made of petals is placed to mark your way out, and into a bed of what seems to be dozens upon dozens of bright red roses. You think you see the end of it, but oh, you have only just begun.

"Happy Valentine’s Day!!!" Asmodeus cheers, waiting outside your door with several boxes of chocolate, and a couple more presents. As you step out, you are greeted with even more decorations, hearts hanging from every corner of the hallway and flowers tucked into every cranny. Internally, you sigh; the amount of pollination in the house could probably incapacitate a hive. With that said, it's the youthful glee radiating from your demon's face, on the one day where he can be his own, authentic, cheer spreading self. And isn't that what the holiday is all about?

"Happy Valentine’s Day, baby." You smile lovingly, his excitement being incredibly endearing that you can't help but to tenderly stroke his face. Taking your free hand in his, he passionately spread out your itinerary for the day with everything he has planned for the both of you, the tips of your fingers part through his soft locks while he elaborates out on your schedule.

Perhaps he's a bit theatrical, and his flair for the dramatics isn't exactly what you are used to on this type of days, but you can't deny that this is exactly what's so fun and enticing about him, and you couldn't be happier with what the two of you have.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Beelzebub ━ ෆ

Beel is no foreign to the concept of emotions, nor to the concept of love. He feels loved when his older siblings pick up his favorite dishes for him when they return from trips to the human world, and he feels loved when his twin brother makes an effort to drag himself out of bed and join his workout routine just to spend a little more time in his presence. However, when he's with you, love takes an entirely different form.

He's unsure of what to make of it, though. Does he love you because you make sure he's well fed? Or is it the intention behind it? Maybe it's not even that, but rather the fact that with you, he suddenly feels━ frail? You always had a habit to draw the confessions out of him, making him feel safe and cared for while he addresses his problems and concerns. You also supply the best fragments of advice, ones that put him in the right direction but still urge him to think for himself. It's almost as if you complete these areas in which he lacks in.

"I have something important to tell you." Beel confronts you, his face reflects a serious array. "Yes? What is it?" You arch an eyebrow, puzzled at his sudden declaration. He chews out on his bottom lip, struggling with putting his thoughts onto verbal statements. "You need to tell me what makes you happy, so I can make you feel as warm as you make me feel." He watches you with a straight face, but you respond with a soft chuckle at his bold, captivating proclamation. Placing a hand on his shoulder, you massage it lightly, trying to contain yourself from cooing at his cuteness.

"Beel, you make me happy by just being you." You state, laughing at his obvious sigh of relief. "Well, can I at least take you out for dinner? I know food always makes me feel good, so it might work for you as well."

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

ෆ ━ Belphegor ━ ෆ

Belphegor made sure to state his opinion about holidays like Valentine’s Day to you before. It didn't surprise you, as you were used to him being stagnant to just about anything, but at times you did wish you could see even a slight attempt to create a day that stands out from any other. You weren't hopeful, though.

"Happy Wednesday." Belphegor chuckles, pressing a fleeting peck to your cheek, only earning an eye roll from you in return. "Oh, come on, you can't possibly think too highly of this holiday, right? It's just another day to encourage consumerism, works the same in every realm." He shrugs, tightening his hold around your waist. "It's only like that if you make it that way... I see it as a nice way to show your love to someone." You bite back, clearly disagreeing with his point of view.

"Okay, okay... what do you want to do then?" You figured you would have to tackle some resistance and convince him out of his attitude, but frankly, how you choose to spend the day doesn't matter to Belphegor as long as he gets to accompany you and see you smile. Of course, his default preference would be staying at home to cuddle, but if yours isn't, he would always make the effort to cater to your inclinations as well. "I think I have an idea that will make us both happy." You assert, his easygoing nature instantly puts you in a better mood.

As inspiration falls on you, you lead Belphegor out to the observatory and watch his face light up. "I had a hunch that a good compromise would be doing something both of us enjoy, so, while it might not be the most romantic date, I know that there's one activity you like other than sleeping, which is watching the stars." It wasn't your first choice really, but you also didn't want to have to force him into doing anything he wasn't up for. "You forgot there's one thing I like more than both of these." Belphegor states, causing you to whip your head in his direction. "What is it?" Perplexed, you question. He leans in, lips inches away from yours as his breath tickles your pair. "You."

[hymnserendipity]

Xiao's lover

Mention of pregnancy, mention of death, mention of pain

Y/D: your date

Xiao was visiting the shrine made to worship him, and you, a maiden, decided to bring him something since he is your archon. You brought his Ocha and he thanks you with a smile.

"Ah, thank you-"

Xiao’s freeze looking at you. His heart clenched, it couldn't be real...

"Y-You..? No…" Flashbacks start to get over him, from when his past lover died due to his failure, when his past lover went into a fight with an enemy of his by accident. And now.. Suddenly, you’re back..? As a shrine maiden..

Maybe... Just maybe... You were their reincarnation?

"Apologies, have i done something wrong?" Xiao shakes his head quickly, a pained look crossing his features for a split second before it's replaced by the usual neutral look.

"Y-You haven’t done anything wrong." He says firmly, his mind racing with thoughts, lost in his mind for a few minutes, his heart full of emotions he thought he’d buried deep within. He’d suddenly stop his train of thought and look up at you.. A soft look on his face.

"I'd like talk to you." He said, then took a deep breath before he spoke his next few words."Do you believe in.. Reincarnation, per se?" "Yes i do" He nods, a mixture of relief and melancholy in his eyes, but he quickly composes himself.

"Would it sound weird if I told you..You look familiar to me. Almost similar to...someone I knew.” He asks carefully, watching your reaction.

"Hm i think people always reincarnates." Xiao gives a quiet hum, thinking about your words. Perhaps.. Perhaps you are truly his lover? In this life, you are a shrine maiden.. But do you remember anything from your past life?

Another deep breath, trying to carefully word his next question. "Do you ever have memories you can’t seem to explain. Memories of someone you haven’t met before?" "Not someone, but sort of... Flashbacks." His ears perk up when you mention that. Those very same flashbacks were the memories his lover had. Was this a sign? ..Perhaps.

"Describe them for me, would you?" "Of course." You said as you sit down. He looks at the very similar mannerisms you both shared.. The way you sat down, the way you talked.. You were so similar to his lover in many different ways. This had to be a sign. "When do you experience these.. Flashbacks, may I ask,?" "Since i was born. I Remember a gentle hand caressing my hairs, but they were shorter. And someone Scream "don't leave the camp"" The description you gave immediately rang a bell in his head, as the same memories of him caressing his lover's hair flashes in his head. And those very same words he spoke to his lover on the day they died. They were all just too similar to be just coincidences. Xiao's eyes widen in realization, knowing in his heart that you truly were his lover reincarnated. "I Remember a nice bed with purple blankets, and flowers." The fact that you remembered this as your next memory was further proof that you were his lover. The very same bed they would sleep on every night, every morning they’d wake up in each other's arms.. All the times they’d make love. Xiao felt his heart clench from the memories.

"Anything else you remember..?" "Someone...cooked me omurice often" He almost had to hold back a scoff. It was just way too many signs. His expression was growing more pained, but at the same time, hopeful. He gently placed a hand on your head before gently caressing it.. Just as he did in the past before taking a deep breath to speak.

He took another deep breath, almost as if afraid to ask this one question. But he had to confirm it. You were right here, and you had the same memories and mannerisms as the past you all those years ago.

"When were you born?" "Y/D" He suddenly took a step forward and pulled into a tight hug. Just like he did, all those years ago. A mixture of sadness and relief in his expression. Xiao looked at you in confusion at your words, but nods. He'd do anything for you.. Even now that you were in your new life. "Can i... Do something?"

"..Yeah, go ahead." He blinks as you pressed on a very familiar point. One they'd used to make bets on who could make the other squirm and shiver the most. His cheeks turned a slight pink as a shiver goes down his spine.. just like in the past.

"H-How.. did you know that point..?" "I didn't. My body just acted." This further proves Xiao earlier realization of you being his lover. The things you do, your mannerisms, your looks, your body movements, and now this. You'd never even done this before, but you still.. somehow subconsciously did it. Xiao feels his heart fill with so much more hope..

"I-In that case.. May I do something for you..?" He smiled and put a hand on your cheek, caressing it softly before he spoke. The very same way he'd done in the past, countless times before.

"Close your eyes, please." Xiao smiled once he saw you closed your eyes. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts and trying to keep himself composed before he spoke.

"..Keep your eyes closed, ok? Don't open them.. I’m gonna do something." Hesmiled softly at your response and brought both of his hands to your face. He gently caressed your ears, his touch soft and as if he was afraid you’d disappear at any moment. Xiao mind was racing with emotion, but he forced himself to stay steady for now.

"I'm going to pull you closer to me now, ok? Don't open your eyes yet and don't panic." He slowly but firmly pulled you against his chest, his arms wrapping around your waist while he gently buried his face in the crook of your neck. He took several more deep breaths before he spoke his next words.

"..open your eyes for me, and.. look up please." Your eyes finally met Xiao's. Your faces were only inches apart, and you could feel his breath on your skin. He looked at you with a mixture of hope and trepidation, a shaky breath leaving him as he finally spoke. His hands still gently held your waist as he looked directly at your eyes. Something in your head hurt... Sounds were filling your ears, you could smell something. You weren't sure about what he was doing but... Something was different.

"Do you remember me..?"

"Boo?" Hearing you say that nickname.. The very same nickname you used in the past. Xiao was stunned for a moment before his breathing hitched. It was becoming increasingly hard keep himself composed as his heart started racing. He closed his eyes and his grip on your waist tightened as a shaky breath left him once again.

"..Yeah. It’s me, boo.."

"Something in my mind... I don't know ..." Xiao’s hold on your waist suddenly tightened even more. He could tell your were trying to remember something, and it's only fueling his hopes even further than they already are.

"..Keep thinking. Try to remember.. Please, try to remember."

"Did i lived on the icy mountains?" Xiao’s eyes widen in realization immediately at those words. The very same icy mountains where you both lived many years ago. He slowly nods, his grip on your waist shaking slightly as he spoke.

"Y-Yes. You did. We lived there together.. With the snow all around us." You still had your eyes closed.

"I can see a cat, maybe, but it's fat... Kuddy? His heart suddenly skipped a beat when you mention that cat. Your beloved and very cute.. cat, whom you named Kuddy.

"Y-Yeah.. That was your cat. His name is Kuddy.. He’s very cute, right?"

At that moment, Xiao was able to see the realization in your eyes. You were about to remember everything..

"..Keep going. You’re remembering.. You’re close. Keep going."

"H-hurt." Xiao’s heart ached at the next word you said.. ‘hurt.’ He already knew the painful memories would come eventually.. But that doesn’t stop the way his heart squeezed in his own chest when he heard you say it.

"..Yeah.. You were hurt. But keep remembering, I’m right here.. You’re almost there."

"Why did you left me?" You start to scream for the pain. When you scream.. it felt like a dagger to his heart. The very same thing he’d asked himself many times when you had died. He looked at you with his gaze, full of anguish and pain. Xiao suddenly pulled you even closer against himself. He pressed his head against yours as he spoke. There was a tremble in his voice.

"..I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left you. It.. It was my own mistake."

"Boo, we lived near a icy lake, in a cottage full of flowers, you hated cucumbers, we..." Xiao felt a mixture of emotions as you continued to remember. The way you mention the cottage.. the very same cottage where both of you shared happy memories in the past. Xiao nodded, a small shaky breath leaving him as he spoke. The memories of the flowers, his dislike for cucumbers.. It’s all coming back to you. "Yeah.. yeah that’s correct. Keep going, there’s more to remember.."

"That day." His breaths hitched when you said that. He already knew what day you’re referring to. The very day that you had died. It was only a matter of time before you finally remember and.. Xiao not sure he’ll able to handle it.

"..Yeah. What about that day..?" His eyes widen as you look at your own stomach, his heart clenching from the possible implications. He puts a hand on yours before he asked the question.

"..why are you looking at your stomach..?"

"I was pregnant. I went out to tell you." Hearing you say that you were pregnant, xiao felt all the air leave his lungs. An overwhelming sense of fear and horror filled his mind as he remembered that day clearly. He’d failed to protect you.. And your future baby. He suddenly placed both of his shaking hands on your stomach.

"..Y-You were.. You were pregnant..?"

"Yes." His eyes began to shake when you confirmed that you were indeed, pregnant. He felt an immense sense of guilt and regret. A mixture of emotions on his face as he spoke.. His voice sounded shaky, almost strangled.

"Y-You.. you were pregnant with my child.. And.. And I left you. I let you go out on your own.. even though you were pregnant.."

"Its over now." Xiao felt a lump form in his throat, tears threatened to spill from his eyes as his hands remain on your stomach. The reality of knowing that you’d been pregnant, and now were.. not. And he was the one responsible for that. "..It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have left you alone that day.. I could’ve prevented so much if I’d just stayed with you.."

"I remember everything now." You whisper with a sad expression. The life you had back then, the nice noghts togheter, the battlefield you didn't expect was the last thing you see. Xiao's heart clench even harder.

He knew you’d remembered.. but the idea of knowing that you’d remembered all the painful memories that both of you had.. it pains him so much.

"..How much do you remember now..?"

"Everything." Hearing you say that, Xiao felt his heart ache.The day you’d died, the day he’d found you dying on the ground.

"..Everything.. I see. I.. I’m sorry. For everything I did. I’m sorry I left you.. Sorry I wasn’t there for you..”

You hug him, finally remembering his scent. "Don't let me go again." You pray. His arms wrapping around you instantly. He held you close against him, burying his face in the crook of your neck as he spoke.. his voice shaky and strained from the mixture of emotions. "..I won’t.. I won’t let you go ever again. I swear on my life, I won’t ever leave you alone a second time."

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

Thanks to my 33 readers!

[karume-everything-else]

Are you perhaps able to do Sho Suzuki (or Teruki Hanazawa) x fem! Reader fluff? I've been wanting a childhood friend scenario for so long but obviously if you can't that's alright, and if you can't PLEASE message me back so I know I don't want false hope that you may write it 😅

Ciao dude ☄️

A little challenging, but I'll do a short thing for both ;)

Sho Suzuki x fem! Reader

"Hey, you ready [Name]?" Sho looked over, casually leaning against a light post, "I see the bus coming around the corner."

"Yeah, I'm coming."

Ever since he ran off, you didn't get to see Sho that often. But you could understand why, given how his father went off the deep end. Though in meeting up with him after everything calmed down, something was different.

Sho wasn't that different, but something about seeing him again after two, almost three years was jarring. Though not nearly as bad as Sho seeing you again after all this time.

He felt as if the world spun wildly from under him. When did you get to be so... cute? Was he hallucinating? Couldn't be, he was a powerful Espur. He couldn't be mistaken. So why did you look so cute all of a sudden?

Sho was trying so hard not to notice how your sundress fluttered in the breeze. How adorable it was to see you happy around his new friends. Why was it so difficult?

"Sho? Earth to Sho!" You shook the disassociated boy, "Hello?"

"Hm? What? Stop shaking me!"

Letting go of his arm, "We were going to break off in groups. Who were you gonna go with?"

Sho only listened to where everyone was going to be polite. His intention was to follow you around until he figured out why he was feeling this way. There was no other way to do it, or so he thought.

Strolling around the little stalls, occasionally swapping people around the three groups; Sho really didn't know what to do. How was he supposed to get you on your own to figure out why he wanted to be alone with you in the first place?

Then everything finally aligned. Breaking near some carnival games, Sho took his chance. Seeing you eye a very large plush animal, a red panda at that, gave him the best excuse.

"So, don't try to hide it." He leaned on your shoulder casually, "But I can see that red panda plushie too you, know?"

"Y-yeah? What of it?" Even your pouting was adorable. What was wrong with him?

"I could always go over there and win it." Looking off into the middle distance to try and seem cool and mysterious didn't work on you, sadly, "Maybe keep it for myself."

"Didn't think you liked plushies." You scoffed, "But if it means that much to you, go ahead."

Sho nearly broke, but he could see how you were poking your lip out just a little. A tell-tale sign that you were trying to rile him up. Just like when you two were little. Shaking his head, Sho made a half-hearted bee-line for the booth. Smirking to himself when you followed like a lost puppy.

"What's a matter? Thought you didn't want the thing?" Sho teased.

Trying to ignore him wouldn't work, "Well I was going to save my allowance for something else, but I can't just let you win a plushie that clashes with your hair."

"Big talk from a little lady."

Turning just a little while you huffed, Sho took a chance to blindside you by grabbing your hand. While you didn't say anything, the look of pure confusion was more than enough for him. A tiny smirk, almost invisible as Sho realized he had all but won... whatever this was.

"You know, don't bother trying to win the thing." He waved down your indignant squawk, "I'll get it for you instead."

Nearly freezing in your tracks, "What for? What kind of favor are you gonna ask of me?"

"Hm..." Sho tapped his chin, "Uh... promise you'll let me know when you have a free Saturday so we can hang out again like we used to."

"Really? That's it?"

"I mean, if you don't want the plushie..."

"Alright, alright!" You gave up, "I'm busy this upcoming Saturday but the one after that is mostly free. If you're thinking of a whole day, that won't happen. Mum will flip if I ask..."

.

Teruki Hanazawa x fem! Reader

This date had to go perfectly, it had to. Teruki couldn't mess up anything this time, after the fallout from him being a complete jerk. He didn't want to lose his childhood friend again, even if this was more than a friendship at this point.

A large picnic basket filled with half a dozen little things in an attempt to be as romantic as possible. Making up for the years he drove you away by just being snotty. It was something he tried to deny at the time, but his wake-up call with Mob came with a revelation.

And a truly sincere apology straight to your face.

It was the only reason you even believed him after all this time. After you managed to stop laughing at his hair...

Though as you walked under an orange sunset, arm in arm with Teruki as he tried so hard to make every little thing perfect. Despite not being able to control other people or animals. He couldn't even unfold the blanket without spilling something within the basket.

Teruki instinctively used his powers, "Hey, no! Don't spill!"

Snickering at his knee-jerk reactions, you tugged the end of the blanket to actually spread it across the ground. He couldn't help but blush, doing his best to keep things as smooth as possible. This whole evening was supposed to go perfectly, Teruki was going to make sure of it!

Except things kept going belly up. Containers tipping over, leaves and flower petals flying into both of your faces, and loud noises covering up the cheesy romantic lines Teruki wanted to say. Leading the poor boy flustered and shouting things into sudden silences as you giggled at him.

"I-!" He stuttered, "This isn't how this was supposed to go!"

"Not everything is gonna be perfect Teru." You smirked, "All this makes it fun. Especially when your wig starts wiggling."

The surprising noise as his arms flew up to cover his head was too entertaining.

Chuckling as you kissed his cheek. "I was teasing. Your hair looks fine."

Teruki huffed, grudgingly putting his arm around your shoulder, "You're lucky you're cute."

"Oh? Just that I'm cute?"

"And we have a good history." He turned, pouting, "One that I screwed up. And I'm lucky that you let me back in like this."

Nuzzling against him helped calm everything down. Teruki didn't know how to fully respond to how you always rolled with things. This was his possibly final chance with you. It had to be perfect this time around. Right?

But here you were, happily snuggled to him. It only barely calmed him down.

[ihavenosoul12]

i need to desperately psychoanalyse all the characters from the quarry and understand their werewolf transformations on a better level but oh my god i don't even know where to start

nick's one is the most interesting bc all the werewolves are angry but they have something else going on that picks apart their character but all we get with nick is anger bc i don't think it was entirely directed at abi i think it was just wrong time really wrong place. when it came down to it on a instinctive, animal level, she was the most important person to him in the room so i don't think his insecurities lie there

but i don't think it's like jacob, i don't think nick worries about being left behind or abandoned (not as much as to have some sort of complex like jacob) and i don't think he's putting on as much of a mask/performance as emma is. it's both something different and something in the middle

like i'm sure if i just rambled on abt the other characters transformations i could land on an understandable narrative for them that makes sense for the character, but nick just seems... endless. like there's nowhere for me to land.

you can't define him. i think the characters try to do that to some extent. maybe that's what i'm supposed to land on and work out as nick's main insecurity. he has the line abt following jacob, is it bc he doesn't know who he is? and unlike emma, does he feel the need to latch onto people (jacob, abi) to have that definition?

in that case, the werewolf transformation gives him definition, he's a monster, he's becoming something, and it may be horrific but perhaps... perhaps it's less complex than he is, or is supposed to be

but i don't know how i feel abt this reading of him, feels like a cop-out. like if i struggle to understand a character, it feels lazy for me to just say that that's the point when really maybe i'm just not looking hard enough

hm

[btas-swap-au]

Zero and Loop, Together (Part 1)

[[This replaces the cutscene with Loop after beating The King in Act 2. In this case, after beating The Emperor. Subject to change cause I wrote this at midnight yesterday.]]

(Both of them don't look me in the eyes.) (…guess if anybody is going to break the silence, better be you.) 💎("So.")

(…Loop is the first to respond.) Loop: "…so?"

(…do they not get it?) 💎("So, what's our next plan of action?")

Loop: "WHAT?!" (I nearly fall off my seat in surprise.) Loop: "Gemstone, you-! You don't even want to talk about what just happened?!" Loop: "You beat THE EMPEROR! The whole thing you came here to do?! And you still looped back! Aren't you even a little-" Loop: "…urgh."

(They look away from me again. Zero, now, is the one staring.) Zero: "Subject." Zero: "Are you feeling nauseous in anyway?"

(…what?) 💎("…no?")

Zero: "Are you suffering from any headaches?" 💎("No.") Zero: "Any other forms of pain in any area at all?" 💎("No!") Zero: "Hallucinations? Bright lights? Have your ears been ringing? Nose bleeding-" 💎("I SAID I'M FINE!") Zero: "Interesting. An enraged outburst could signify-" Loop: "Oh for the Universe's sake, lay it off, you stone cold moron." Zero: "I was under the impression you were also in distress slightly about the Subject's state of psyche." Loop: "Never heard of being subtle?! Guess not! When are you ever-" 💎("Enough.")

(The two stop bickering, glaring at each other for a few moments before turning to you.) Loop: "…fine. We'll put a pin in it." 💎("So, why are you here, Zero? I thought you liked the Giving Tree Stump.") Zero: "Well, I reached a stage of understanding. I believed it was purely detrimental for me and Loop to be apart when we share such vital information together." Zero: "As much as majority of their information is wrong." Zero: "We share a similar mission and goal. It would be unwise not to collaborate despite our… differences."

Loop: "Hey, loser, you slipped up. Got tired of calling me an Anomaly?"

Zero: "Indeed. Working my way up to referring to you as: Glowing Monkey."

Loop: "Ugh. Trust me, Gemstone, there's nowhere I'd rather wish to be than away from them."

Loop: "But...we're here to help you with your loops. So that's what we have to do. Together."

Loop: "That's all there is to it." 

💎("Alright. Discussion number 2.")

💎("I'm still looping, even after beating The Emperor.")

💎("Though, it's not something I didn't expect.")

Loop: "...you...expected this?"

💎 ("Its not all that surprising, really.")

💎 ("Nothing suggested that beating The Emperor would end my loops. Just...")

💎 ("Didn't expect it to suddenly happen when I talked to the Head Housemaiden.")

Zero: "Hm. Rational, logical, and yet ever so pessimistic."

Loop: "Reminds me of someone I know. You're a bad influence."

Zero: "We're not raising a child, we're trying to help a grown adult. And to state objectively, YOU'RE a bad influence."

Loop: "...because I'm worried?" 

Zero: "Hardly. Emotions are a trait of you I respect. How you act on them irrationally...is another."

Loop: "Yeah, what about you? All about the results, all about the next step. What's wrong, too scared to stop?"

Zero: "To be quick witted is suddenly negative?"

💎 ("Can we focus, please?")

💎 ("...The Head Housemaiden said something was failing and rotting.")

Loop: "Hm. That's right."

Loop: "More than that. She said that as though she knew you were about to loop."

Loop: "I doubt she remembers like you, but she must know something else."

Loop: "Maybe you should take to her again?"

(That's something I can do.)

(Talk to the Head Housemaiden again, see what she knows. Got it.)

💎 ("There's also the matter of The Emperor.")

Loop: "Huh? What about them?"

Zero: "...you're referring to your abilities seemingly being similar to their own?"

💎 ("I can loop forwards and backwards through time...")

💎 ("...while they can suspend people a objects in time.")

Zero: "Indeed. Perhaps...I've theorised it may have something related to Crafts. A special kind. One we may not know about."

Zero: "Although, I wouldn't eliminate the possibility there's a book somewhere that holds that information."

(Search for books....the house is filled with them.)

(Anything related to controlling time.)

Zero: "And it's a risky suggestion...but..."

Zero: "I wonder. The Emperor is the only other individual we know has the power to control time. What knowledge do they posses?"

Loop: "Talking to The Emperor. I'm curious...and yet...I'm a little nervous about that."

Loop: "But I suppose it's worth trying, Gemstone!"

💎 ("I suppose that's all. I'll get to work.")

Zero: "Just a moment, Subject."

(...?)

Zero: "We have one last topic to address."

Zero: "Your companions."

Loop: "...wait, you're serious? YOU wanna talk about...them?"

Zero: "Is that so shocking?"

Loop: "Did you...go soft? Your heart finally grow three times this day?"

Zero: "Very amusing comments. I'm quite serious."

Zero: "The Rebel. She was worried about you, wasn't she? You have alerted her to something you didn't want to."

Loop: "That's right. You don't wanna open up about the loops, right Gemstone?"

💎 ("No reason to make them worry.")

Zero: "Not only that. It seemed she had something she wished to speak with you about. Perhaps you could find out what it is."

Zero: "A long list of tasks for you. Not too overwhelmed, I hope."

💎 ("...no problem.")

(Talk to the Head Housemaiden. Talk to The Emperor. Talk to Mirabelle. And find out more about what could be causing your loops.)

(Objectives, and a path set out before me. Winding, twisting. But I see it.) (…and yet…) (Something still bothers me.) (…why are they helping me?) (The two of them first appeared when my loops began.) (And their names. "Loop", "Zero" is a circle…) (They're related to your loops as well, right?) (…)

[queen-scribbles]

Occupational Hazard

Here we go, the Ody/Chance fic that started as an angst fill before it ran away with me big time. ~3k, immediately post-Agent story. ---

It was easier to infiltrate Coruscant than she'd anticipated.

A simple slice of the customs terminal and the infamous Cipher Nine was walking out of the spaceport long before her shuttle's engines cooled. She wasn't sure if that was a credit to her skill or a demerit against Coruscant security. That ease, however, was balanced out by the difficulty tracking down who she sought.

Despite the difficulty--and multiple databases she had to crack--she did eventually find herself in the correct wing of the correct hospital, rapping lightly on the doorframe of a dimly-lit room. "Hello, Chance."

It took a moment for him to react, clearly not expecting a visitor at this point in the day. "Legate." He frowned, cocking his head. "What happened to you?"

"A lot," she said reflexively, perhaps a touch bitter before it sank in what precisely he meant. "But this was Corellia." She raised a hand to trace the fresh scars around her left eye, half-shaded by her hair. "Tortured for information by a secret society I was working to topple."

"Did you?" he asked after a beat.

"I did, yes." But she didn't want to talk about Hunter now, that wasn't her purpose here. She shifted. "May I come in?"

He started, then nodded, wincing as he rubbed the back of his neck. "They borrowed my chair for someone with visitors and I haven't gotten it back yet..."

"It's alright," she assured him, crossing to sit on the edge of the bed Up close she could see the haggard traces remaining on his face, though those wounds had healed. "I don't mind. How are you doing?"

He shrugged stiffly. "Better, but nowhere near ready to leave yet. At least there's less oversight here in long-term rehab, so I'm not getting poked every couple of hours. They mostly leave us alone except for meals or if we need something." He fiddled with the bio-monitor cuff on his wrist. "Legate, I-"

"Odessa," she interrupted. "My name. Odessa Isric. We should start off honest this time, hm?"

His ears were pink as he nodded. "I'd like that." He met her eye. "Sollen Rieves."

She'd learned that from tracking him down, but didn't point it out, simply smiled. "Nice to meet you, and I have to admit... that both fits what I expected and doesn't." A sheepish laugh. "If that makes sense."

"It's a good spy name, but I'm not a very good spy?" Chance--Sollen--said wryly.

His tone made her think it was a sentiment he'd heard--or overheard--but Odessa shook her head. "I'm not saying that." She studied him a moment. "And I can't imagine you had much time as an agent for someone to make that assessment."

"You aren't wrong," he muttered, wincing as he attempted shifting to a more comfortable position in the bed.

She gave him a moment to settle, musing on her own thoughts. Briefly as they'd worked together, she'd noted both his openness and kindness as things that wouldn't last long in the espionage business. Either they'd burn out or he would. But Taris had made that a moot point, by all evidence.

"Sorry," he mumbled, finally finding something that worked.

"No need to apologize," Odessa said with a small shake of her head. "You're still recovering."

"Which is going slower than some would like," Sollen said. "But a lot of the damage was internal, so there was only so much kolto could do. They're just antsy to see if they can send me back into the field or need to stick me somewhere else." He shook his head and cleared his throat. "But, anyway, what're you doing here, and" --he glanced out to the hallway, lowered his voice--"why don't you sound Imperial?"

She chuckled. "It can be called for, in this line of work, to carry or drop any number of accents at a moment's need. Including my native one." A small smile. "I can do a Mantellian farmer's twang, if you want an example...?"

Sollen laughed. "No, I believe you."

"I thought it best to not sound Kaasian on the Republic homeworld. As to the first part of your query... I didn't want to wait until you're out for that drink." Odessa started to reach into her jacket pocket, then paused, glancing at the bio-monitor screen embedded the wall nearby. "So long as you're not taking anything that would make that a bad idea?"

"Nothing that strong," he promised with a shake of his head. "Not anymore. Even if I was... it was the company I was looking forward to more than the drink."

"As was I," she said with a smile, slipping out the flask of Alderaanian honey brandy. "But this is very good."

He reached for the water cup on the bedside table, drank the little that remained, and held it out. "So we don't have to keep passing back and forth."

"Smart." She pour a little of the honey-shaded liquor into the cup. "To fruitful conversation, and a speedy recovery for you."

Sollen exhaled a wry laugh. "The second part'll take some kind of miracle, but thanks." He tapped the cup against her flask and they took a drink.

There was enough alcohol bite to make them both clear their throats, but the honeyed aftertaste came in quickly to soothe the tingling burn.

"That is very good." He looked down into the cup, then at her. "Expensive good. I didn't realize Intelligence paid their operatives that well."

"They don't," Odessa said with a small laugh. She swirled the brandy still in the flask as she debated how much detail to go into. "It was a gift. From an Alderaanian baron. His house was point of contact for a mission I had there, not long before being assigned to Kothe's team, actually. In the course of my mission, I... handled some things for the house that made him feel parting gifts were appropriate."

She didn't mention those things had involved unmasking his wife as funding terrorism or preventing a killik hive from absorbing the estate. Or that she hadn't reported the gifts to Imperial Intelligence.

"Ah, so they're bonuses," Sollen chuckled, taking another sip.

"You could call them that," she nodded with a smile as she followed his example. "I've done my best to savor them, but this seemed a worthy occasion."

"I'm honored." His smile faded and he looked down again, scratching at the rim of the cup. "About your assignment with us... Le- Odessa, I wanted to apologize-"

She knew where this was going, and was shaking her head before he finished.

"-for Taris. I should have..." The words trailed off as he looked up and caught her.

"There's no need," Odessa said softly, her own gaze drifting to the window.

"Yes, there is!" He frowned, tone rife with disbelief and indignance on her behalf. "It doesn't matter how scared I was, or how badly I didn't want to die, I shouldn't have done it. I should have trusted-"

"-that an alleged enemy defector you'd worked with for a few days would have your best interest at heart?" she finished dryly.

"You patched me up without needing the keyword, saved my life, so clearly it would have been the right call," he countered.

"But you didn't know that." Trusting people that much in spycraft would get you killed. "I'm not saying it was pleasant, but I understand."

"It's not really about what you would or wouldn't have done without the keyword," he said with a sigh. "It was wrong, and I knew it, and I did it anyway because I was scared. I'm..." He met her gaze, held it. "I'm very sorry, Odessa."

She had to admit, it made something in her chest warm beyond what brandy could accomplish to hear an apology, no matter how unnecessary. More so that he'd attached her name. Enough she had to look away for a moment. "I appreciate and accept that, and you're forgiven."

"Just like that?" He still seemed uneasy.

"Mm. Chance," she very deliberately didn't correct using his code name, "were I in Ardun's position; defector dropped in my lap right when I needed on, foolproof way to make sure this wasn't a trap or otherwise too good to be true, I can't say I would've chosen any differently than he did."

Sollen's grip tightened around the cup. "Really? Even knowing...?"

Odessa took a deep breath and nodded. "It's an occupational hazard for spies," she said softly. "We have to make hard calls, do unpleasant things, to accomplish goals for the greater good, and hope it's worth it."

Sometimes the greater good decides to stab you in the back for doing your job too well.

"I see where you're coming from," he said slowly, "but I don't know if I agree. Once you stop caring about the cost to individual people, or your cause starts demanding you stop caring, I think it stops being the greater good."

She chuckled and tapped the flask against the side of his cup. "Maybe you are too soft hearted for this business," she teased, taking another sip of brandy. "Maybe that's not a bad thing. Maybe..." she sucked her teeth. "...maybe I wish I was more like that. More like you."

The rueful smile and eyeroll at her teasing devolved into a blush and a rather bashful expression by the end. "Maybe it's not too late for you. And... maybe it's irrelevant for me."

Odessa frowned, nails tapping lightly against the metal flask. That was the second allusion like that he'd made. "Irrelevant? Were your injuries that extensive?" He had lost a lot of blood by the time she patched him up in the half-wrecked hospital hall. But he'd gotten to a medevac under his own power and she'd thought...

Sollen nodded, setting down the cup. "I can show you...?" He waited for her faint nod of confirmation before tugging up the hem of his shirt. "This is after two surgeries, three times in a kolto bath, and my first month of rehab."

Medseal wrapped from his hip to just over halfway up his chest, and pocked scars showed higher up, healed as kolto could get them. For it to still be this significant after a year... She winced.

"Granted, the actual injuries only come about here" --he tapped a finger just shy of his navel-- "but it was awkward to keep just that covered, synthskin kept peeling, so they opted to fully wrap. Goes halfway down to my knee, too," he said, letting the shirt fall. "They had to take part of a couple ribs, thanks to how they broke, fix a bunch of internal damage, and they thought they'd have to take the leg, at first. Obviously they didn't, but..." He sighed. "Safe to say my future as a field agent still looks real fuzzy right now."

Odessa nodded sympathetically. "Mm. And... how do you feel about that?"

"Ask me again after another month of rehab," he said with a sheepish chuckle. "Once I know if walking is something I can mange on my own. That'll definitely clear things up. Not sure right now." He picked the cup up and took another drink.

"If you're not... enthusiastic about returning to field work, maybe it's not a bad idea to take other options under consideration," she said.

Sollen nodded absently. "The possibility of a desk job's been tossed around. Analyst or handler." He wrinkled his nose. "Not sure how I feel about that, either. Getting to know someone, multiple someones, and having to not just send them into but watch them deal with dangerous and stressful situations... don't know if I could do it. That might be worse than doing it myself." He gestured to the scarring that ran down the left side of her face. "How'd your handler feel about that?"

"Regretful, but what we were doing was important," Odessa said with a shrug. "And it's part of the job."

"Part of the job..." he muttered. "Well, I have a few months of medical leave to work our if it's a part I want to--or have to--deal with anymore."

"Best of luck with that." She rested a hand on his shin and gave a light, supportive squeeze.

"Thanks," he said wryly, finishing off the brandy. She held up the flask to offer more and he shook his head. "That's enough about me, though. What have you been up to? Aside from toppling secret societies, I guess."

"First of all, I came looking to talk about you," Odessa corrected. "To find out how you were doing, I was worried after Taris. Second, given how entrenched and widespread it was, toppling the secret society has been a bit all-consuming..."

She ran through the story, with most of the details, all the way from Isen Four and Belsavis through the Cabal's ship and her final confrontation with Hunter.

And accepting Ardun's offer to be a double agent. For real this time.

"So... you're working for us?" Sollen asked when she was done, voice pitched low as if to keep secret, but hopeful nonetheless.

"Mm-hm." Odessa picked at the side of her thumb. "I don't know how close to the chest Ardun plays his cards for... sources like me, so it may be that only he, you, and I know my new allegiance."

"Lips sealed, I promise. I know how it works." He smiled. "Thank you for trusting me. If I can ask... what made you accept?"

"I followed orders I didn't entirely agree with, did... things to protect the Empire that were those hard calls I mentioned, almost got myself killed to keep it safe." She sighed. "And my reward for doing my job so well was having my will shackled. Bound to obey whatever they said, because I dared defy a Sith, even one bent on destroying the Empire he was supposed to help lead. I gave everything and was still no more than a tool to them, to rewire as they saw fit." She winced at his expression. Had that much of her hurt bled through? "Sorry."

"It's alright." He studied her face, searching for something. "So what made the Republic seem any better? Kothe and I used the keyword and took advantage of the brainwashing, wouldn't that make us just as bad?"

He would make a good analyst. Examining information for method, not just the end result. "You aren't the ones who did it to me, put an override chip in my brain. You only used it because you were seriously injured and scared" --she reached toward his injured side, stopping before she made contact-- "which makes people do things they normally wouldn't, and Ardun..." She bit her lip. "Ardun was protecting his people. The Sith who ordered it done were protecting their power."

Once she'd started really thinking about that, it never failed to bring a thin smile to her lips. The all-powerful, fearsome Sith so afraid of a single Cipher agent that they shattered her loyalty with the very action meant to guarantee it. It was almost poetic.

"That makes it better?" Sollen asked skeptically.

She shrugged. "Between people and power, I'm far more on board with protecting the former."

"Then maybe you aren't as jaded as you think you are," he said, lightly nudging her hip with his knee.

"That would be nice." Odessa tipped up the flask to empty the last dregs. I have too many ghosts for it to be true, but it would be nice...

He frowned. "If the Empire thinks you're loyal, won't it raise suspicion that you're on Coruscant?"

"Perhaps." She tucked the empty flask back in her pocket. "Imperial Intelligence was dissolved, so I'm not officially an agent. And they think I have the Black Codex from the Star Cabal, thanks to a few... strategically phrased half-truths. No telling where leads from that might take me."

"But if it puts you under scrutiny..." There was worry in his eyes, for her, and it made her heart clench.

"I work well under scrutiny," she promised. "Part of what made me a good fit for Intelligence in the first place was my natural charisma and working well under pressure. My assignment with your team, for example. Even under such scrutiny Ardun used my keyword--and he wasn't wrong to do that, Sollen, Intelligence sent me to stop him--I could have taken down nearly the entire team. Left you to die on Taris, killed Saber, Wheel, Ardun himself, and brought his plan crashing down around his corpse. I was supposed to, that was my assignment, and the only reason I didn't is I didn't want to." A sharp, brittle laugh. "Call it my first act of rebellion after getting free of the... mental restraints."

He stared at her a moment, then chuckled. "You're a little bit terrifying, 'Dessa, and I'm glad your on our side now, even if you weren't then."

"Well, thank you." She hummed a wry laugh, smiling at Dessa. She didn't think he realized he'd done that. She liked it. "I've never liked to kill anyway, unless I have to, and in that case it seemed a good way to start pushing back. Besides," Odessa caught his eye and gave a meaningful smile, "I liked you, most of you. Some more than others."

That blush was back, climbing his neck and ears. "Thanks. We liked you, too... Some more than others."

He was starting to look tired, and she'd pushed this visit longer than was likely prudent regardless, but she wasn't going to pass up an opening like that. "Maybe we should do something about that some more than others?"

Sollen's brows arched, a smile starting to curve his lips before shifting to mild concern. "Do you think it's a good idea? Could get complicated."

"Oh, it will undoubtedly get complicated," Odessa said wryly. Just logistically speaking, with you stuck here... "And I have no idea if it's a good idea, but I want to do it anyway, so long as you do."

He let the smile bloom. "Oh, I do. I'd like to see where this goes." He reached out to tentatively brush his fingers against the side of her hand. "Whatever that means, far as making it work."

"I suspect a lot of me visiting you when I can," she said with a smile, catching his hand before he withdrew and giving a squeeze. "Since it seems your ability to travel will be inhibited for... a while."

He snorted. "Considering I can barely manage to hobble a lap of the room right now, I think 'a while' is being generous. Or politely vague." He squeezed her hand back. "It'll give me something to look forward to."

Odessa nodded, heart pounding. "For now, though, I should probably go. Let you rest and not push my luck."

"Can't deny I need it," Sollen let go of her hand with a reluctant sigh, then smiled. "Thanks for the drink."

She chuckled, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "You're welcome."

"Next time I'm buying," he said as she headed for the door.

"I'll hold you to that," she said warmly, and slipped from the room, out of the hospital, back to her shuttle. It wasn't until she was strapped in and running preflight that Odessa's smile fully bloomed.

The promise of there being a next time was something she would look forward to as well.