#and he's like okay well what did you want to sign up for before

[lynnieverse]

like real people do // drew starkey

oneshot

drew stakery x popstar!reader

synopsis: after a little slip up in an interview where you accidentally reveal your celebrity crush, things get a little complicated when someone starts meddling.

4.2k words

You knew doing the interview was going to bite you in the ass. Nothing good ever came from distracting you with puppies and asking personal questions. So, when the interviewer innocently asked your celebrity crush, you didn’t hesitate to say Drew Starkey. It didn’t hit you until afterward, sitting in the back of your car, debriefing with your assistant. 

“I can’t believe you said your celebrity crush though,” she said, eyebrows raised. Your heart stutters a bit and you quickly whip your head towards her. 

“No I didn’t.” 

“Um…yeah, you did.” Panic spiked through your veins, sweat beading on your brow. 

“Oh shit. Oh shit! Amara, tell me I didn’t say who I’m thinking of,” you grip her arm tightly, eyes pleading. Amara winces and looks at you with what could only be pity. “No!” 

Madelyn was going to kill you. 

You met Madelyn Cline a few months ago at the People’s Choice Awards when you were presenting. You’d instantly clicked and made plans to hang out the next week. Everything was going really great, and you were doing a good job at keeping your little crush a secret. Now, it’ll come out, be circulated everywhere online, and Madelyn’s going to think you’re some crazy stalker. How would she react to you having a crush on her co-star? Definitely not well. 

Amara places a comforting hand on your shoulder, smiling sympathetically. “It’s okay, Y/N, it’s just a silly interview. Nobody will take it seriously.” 

“Everyone will take it seriously! I don’t know why I started fraternizing with actors, I need to stick to my lane.” 

“Hey, why don’t you write a song about it? It might help.” You thought about it for a moment, feeling the familiar bubble of lyrics tickling the back of your mind. Writing always helps you calm down, maybe putting the feelings on paper would make them go away. 

As the car stopped in front of your hotel, flashes from the paparazzi’s cameras were bright even through the tinted windows. You sigh and grab a jacket, wrapping it around your head like a shield, and wait for security to open the door. You ignore the loud shouting as you dash inside, closely followed by Amara and the rest of the crew. Inside isn’t much better, but at least the other guests have the decency to leave you alone for now. 

You sometimes feel bad, often making it up later by signing a bunch of autographs outside, but right now you’re exhausted and embarrassed. The interview threw off your whole day, and you just want to lay in bed and watch trashy reality television. 

Your security escorts you to the elevator, and then does a sweep of your room before eventually leaving. Finally alone, you put on your rattiest and comfiest pajamas, take off all your makeup, and throw your hair up before jumping in bed. You reach for the remote to start your aforementioned binge, but hesitate over the little purple notebook you carry everywhere. Sighing, you know you won’t be able to relax without getting it all out. You dig through your bag and find a glittery pink pen, uncapping it with your teeth and getting to work. 

You’ve never met Drew, not once, but something about him just had you giggling like a schoolgirl. Witnessing his kindness through your constant internet stalking quickly proved to be a bad idea, because now you have a big fat crush on the man and he doesn’t even know you exist. 

Well that’s not true. Everyone knows you exist, but he would never think of you that way. Dating as a popular musician was not as easy as one might think, it’s often too much for people. The words start flowing with ease, filling up the cream pages in no time. 

Gleaming

Twinkling

Eyes like sinking ships

On waters so inviting

I almost jump in

His eyes really are beautiful. So blue, so warm. But the feelings you have aren’t logical, and they’re so exhausting. 

But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush

I don't like anticipating my face in a red flush

I don't like that anyone would die to feel your touch

Everybody wants you

Everybody wonders what it would be like to love you

He’s the internet's boyfriend right now, edits flying around like crazy. You know dozens of people back home who are definitely salivating over this man. Something about him…you can’t put your finger on it. 

What must it be like

To grow up that beautiful?

With your hair falling into place like dominos

Every silly thought you’d ever had poured out onto the page. By the time you were finished you knew it was a hit. Grabbing your guitar you make a split second decision to tease your fans a bit. Unlocking your phone, you quickly open Instagram and go live before you can stop yourself. Your face pops up on the screen, thousands of people already in and commenting. 

“Hey guys! I just finished a new song and wanted to play a little for you if that’s alright?” You smirk, knowing the answer already. Of course, everyone starts freaking out and flooding the comments with different affirmations and emojis. You laugh, loving every second of it, before strumming the beginning chords on your guitar. 

As you start singing you let your eyes close, feeling each note in your soul, pressing every callus on your worn fingertips. The pacing is a little rough, still getting the hang of the new melody, but you know as soon as you finish that you killed it. So many fans are expressing their love for the song, already asking for it to be out on streaming platforms. Others are curious as to who your muse is, throwing out the wildest guesses you’d ever seen. 

“Chace Crawford?!” you exclaim, face contorted in surprise. “Y’all have a distorted sense of my ability to pull these men,” you laugh in disbelief. Your heart skips a beat when a couple comments actually guess correctly, but don’t react, knowing every single microexpression is analyzed. 

“Alright guys, I think I’m going to eat myself into a sugar coma while watching Love Island, but thank you for listening! I’m glad you enjoyed the song,” you wink to the camera before waving and closing the app. Covering your face with your hands, you fall backwards on the bed, letting your guitar rest beside you. You don’t even want to check social media, already knowing screen recordings of the live will be everywhere. 

Sometimes it’s crazy to think this many people care about your day to day life. The art you create touches lives across the globe. It’s both amazing and terrifying at the same time. 

Not wanting to start an existential crisis on a random Tuesday night, you quickly turn on your show and cuddle up under the duvet. 

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By the weekend the interview was everywhere. You’ve stayed out of it, going pretty much radio silent in response. Many are asking if you’re secretly dating, if you were going to write a song for the new season of Outer Banks, if Drew felt the same way…it’s insane. 

You’d purposely put off talking to Madelyn out of sheer embarrassment. That man was like her brother and you admitted to liking him. Still, it’s time to address the issue head on, so you dial her number shakily. The phone rings three times before she answers, a sweet greeting sounding through the speakers. 

“Y/N?” You clear your throat, reluctant to speak. 

“Hey…” You wince at how rough your voice sounds, facepalming at your own awkwardness. 

“What’s up, girl?” Madelyn sounds normal, but you know she has to be weirded out by you. 

“Um, nothing much, just wanted to talk to you about something I may have said recently.” 

“Is this about the puppy interview?” 

“Yes?” Your voice comes out squeaky, nose scrunched. But Madelyn just starts laughing. You stare at your phone in confusion. What the hell?

“I can’t believe you finally admitted it, and during an interview? That was ballsy as hell!” You slowly start to regain your breath, brain processing her words. 

“You’re not mad?” 

“Why would I be mad?” she snorts.

“I didn’t want you to think I was using you to get to him.”

“Are you?” 

“No! Of course not!” 

“Okay then, there’s no problem.” A breath of relief escapes, and you put a hand on your chest. She’s not mad. 

“Thank you so much for understanding, I really love our friendship.” 

“Me too,” Mads says sincerely. “Now we just have to figure out how to get you two together!” 

Your eyes widen. “What? Absolutely not. This was not an invitation for you to play matchmaker, Mads.”

“Aw man, why not? I could literally get you both in the same room tonight.” Your heart starts beating out of your chest, feeling more anxiety talking about this than being on any stage.

“He’s probably seen the interview by now, it’s so embarrassing!” 

“It’s not embarrassing, Y/N. You’re attracted to the man, it’s not that crazy of a concept! Just give me a chance, please?” 

“Nope. I don’t want to bother him or weird him out. Let’s just do something me and you; are you in L.A.?” 

“Ugh, fine. Yes I’m here, just come over whenever.” You can feel her annoyance across the line, but ignore it. You’re not going to let her meddle. 

“See you then!” Mads ends the call, sending you back into your shame spiral. Every little thing you do is always picked apart and ridiculed in the media, and you’re usually a lot more careful with what you say. The interview slip up is going to keep you up at night for the rest of your life. 

Hours pass waiting for the appropriate time to head over to Madelyn’s house. You decide to dress comfortably, but have your makeup done on the off chance pictures are taken. The drive over is quiet, save for the initial crowd outside your house. How it’s legal for celebrities' addresses to be available on the internet, is something you’ll never understand. 

When you pull up you notice a Jeep in her driveway and shake your head. That girl is always spending money. Your phone pings with yet another Twitter update and you roll your eyes. How can this be the most popular thing in the world right now? You glance at the notification and see it’s Drew’s name that’s trending. Huh. Interesting. 

You decide to follow your instincts and ignore it, wanting to focus on girls night with Mads. As you approach the porch you find yourself nervous; even though she wasn’t mad, you still feel bad for causing such an uproar around her co-star. 

Three knocks later you're waiting outside her front door in anticipation. You find yourself shifting from foot to foot, tracing the cracks in the stonework with your eyes. When the door opens you look up with a smile, expecting Madelyn’s smiling face, only to be met with the very man that had haunted you the past week. You gasp, words catching in your throat as you stare. 

Drew was wearing a black T-shirt and grey sweatpants, his hair looked freshly cut into a soft mullet, and he looked just as surprised as you do. You can’t seem to close your gaping mouth, a pained sound escaping without realizing. 

“Uh, hi,” Drew says sheepishly, hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. Eyes wide, you turn on your heel and speed walk away, leaving him alone in the doorway. You’re fumbling with your keys, cursing under your breath, when you hear a shout from behind you. 

“Y/N!” 

You almost make it inside your car when an iron grip latches onto your upper arm, yanking you back. 

“Hey!” you protest, almost losing your balance as you’re dragged back to Mads’ house. 

“Oh no you don’t, you’re not getting away that easily.” 

“Madelyn Renee Cline, let me go!” You struggle against her grip, but only cause her nails to dig in deeper. 

“You’re not leaving, Y/N, I won’t let you.” She finally stops when you’re once again at the door, but she doesn’t let go. Drew must’ve gone back inside, thank God, but Madelyn is glaring at you. 

“Don’t look at me like that! How could you do this to me?” You give her your most withering look. She rolls her eyes at you, only pissing you off more. 

“Just talk to him. I promise he doesn’t think you’re weird, or whatever you’ve concocted.”

“Well he might now!” 

“That’s your own fault, I can’t believe you ran away,” she snickers, pulling you inside and closing the door. When she finally lets go of your arm, you rub the crescent indentions with a wince. The girl has some nails. 

“Fine. Let’s go.” Mads looks taken aback, freezing in place. 

“Really?!” You give her a pointed look. “Right, be cool. Okay come on follow me, he went back to the living room.” Reluctantly, you do just that, trailing closely behind her. You’re a ball of nerves, and can already feel your stomach twisting to knots. 

Madelyn was right, he was lounging on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling on his phone. When he hears you two approach, his head shoots up and his back immediately straightens.

“Everything okay?” he asks, voice smooth and melodic. Your cheeks warm, and you avoid eye contact as much as possible. 

“Um, yeah. I just–you know.” You jab your thumb back awkwardly, not even you know what you’re trying to say. But Drew cracks a smile, looking at you fondly and nodding along, as if you make perfect sense. 

Madelyn’s eyes flit between you with a wide smile on her face. Not knowing what else to do, you sit down on the couch, as far away from him as possible, and stare straight ahead. Silence ensues, and you have absolutely no idea what to do in this situation. Thankfully, Madelyn breaks the silence. 

“So…want to watch a movie?” 

“Yes!” You and Drew speak at the same time, causing you to stare at each other shyly. Madelyn smirks and comes around the couch, forcefully sitting between you and the arm rest. You shoot her a what the fuck look and she simply shrugs. 

“I like the armrest! Scooch.” Begrudgingly, you inch closer to Drew, who pretends not to notice the entire exchange. As soon as you're settled you sit pin straight, not wanting to breach the confines of your cushion. Drew’s left ankle is resting comfortably on his knee, arm thrown over the side of the couch in what seems to be a very relaxing position. Mads rolls her eyes and pulls out an ottoman, giving you something to stretch your feet out on so you can lean back. 

It takes forever to pick a movie, suspiciously so, but it’s Madelyn’s house and you’re not going to say anything. Once she finally picks Avatar, she dims the lights from her phone and the three of you settle in for what’s going to be a weird couple hours. 

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Everything was going fine, until suddenly Madelyn got tired at nine and decided to go to bed…leaving you and Drew alone. You mentally cursed your friend for putting you in this position, obviously not listening to the blanket “no matchmaking” statement from before. 

You glance at him from the corner of your eye and find him already looking at you. He quickly looked away and started tapping his fingers on his knee nervously. The movie had long since been forgotten and no words had been exchanged. 

“So…” you manage, turning to face him slowly. He smiles at you, running a hand through his hair and making his bicep flex. Your stomach does a little flip flop and your face reddens at where your mind went. Drew smirks like he knows exactly what just happened, but doesn’t comment. 

“I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.” His voice, oh my God. “I’m Drew, it’s nice to meet you.” He holds out his hand to shake, and you clumsily take it, feeling the warmth envelop your palm immediately. 

“I’m Y/N, it’s nice to meet you too,” you smile, swallowing the anxiety. 

“I’m a fan of your work, actually, you’re really good.” 

Your eyes almost bulge out of your head. “You listen to my songs?” Drew laughs and shakes his head, shooting you a look you don’t quite understand. 

“Are you being serious?” he leans forward a bit, surprise evident on his face. You scrunch your eyebrows, tilting your head to the side. 

“What do you mean?” 

“You’re easily the most popular musician of our generation and you don’t think I listen to your music?” You find yourself blushing, and a little flustered. 

“Well, I wouldn’t say the most popular…I have quite a few fans, sure, but not everyone vibes with all types of music. I don’t really know what you listen to, and I didn't want to assume anything.” Drew looks you up and down, seeming to size you up. 

“You’re not at all what I expected, Y/N Y/L/N.” 

“And what did you expect, Drew Starkey?” 

“Well, I don’t know to be honest, but you’re surprisingly humble for someone as successful as you.” You had actually gotten that a lot, although you didn’t think it was being humble so much as being a decent person. You’re still just the girl who grew up in a perfectly normal town, with normal loving parents and a wonderful home. Just because you make popular music doesn’t mean you’ve changed at all. Plus, you know it could all go away with the snap of your fingers. 

“I don’t know what to say, I’m just like everyone else,” you shrug. 

“I beg to differ. You’re…extraordinary. You have to know that?” There goes that damn stomach flip again. 

“Thank you,” you look down at your lap. “I could say the same for you. I love your projects.” His eyes light up at the mention of his work, making you smile in turn. 

“Thank you! I love everything I’ve been a part of, especially OBX. I met my second family on that set, you know?” You didn’t know, actually. Being on the road all the time meant limited options for friendships, and no time for the ones you did manage to keep. Mads is the first girlfriend other than Amara–who you employ–you’ve had in years. 

“Yeah, I love Mads already. I can’t imagine how fun it must be getting to work with your best friends every day…” your voice trails off. Drew seems to notice your shift in mood and decides to change the subject. 

“Hey, why don’t you play me something?” 

You immediately freeze. “What?” Drew smiles and stands up, searching for something. He disappears in the hallway before emerging a minute later with a beautiful acoustic guitar in his hands. You immediately feel a pull to grab it and start playing, but are still confused. 

“Here,” he hands it to you. “I want you to play me something…something nobody has heard yet.” You immediately start racking your brain and decide to take a leap and play something that could get you in trouble. 

“Um…okay. This is something I was actually working on today. It’s not finished but I can play a little.” You nervously pick up the guitar, but immediately relax when you feel the rough strings beneath your fingers. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and try to forget the gorgeous man in front of you. 

In the middle of the night, when I'm in this dream

It's like a million little stars spelling out your name

You gotta come on, come on

Say that we'll be together

Come on, come on

Little taste of heaven

You manage to take a peek at him while you strum, catching him totally entranced by the sound of your voice. A little confidence boost flows through you as you continue the song. 

But you're untouchable, burning brighter than the sun

And now that you're close I feel like coming undone

In the middle of the night, we can form this dream

I wanna feel you by my side, standing next to me

You gotta come on, come on

Say that we'll be together

Come on, come on

Little taste of heaven

You strum a few more chords before stopping, silently waiting for his reaction. He’s staring at you, mouth parted slightly. 

“Another,” he whispers. Surprised, you do what he asks, pulling another unfinished song from the vault in your mind. This one wasn’t about him, not like the last one, but it still applies. 

I will not ask you where you came from

I will not ask you, neither should you

Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

We should just kiss like real people do

You hum for a little longer, this song actually being one of your favorites. Drew is starstruck, an unknown look on his face the whole time. He seems to snap out of it and clears his throat. 

“Wow, Y/N. You’re amazing…those were amazing. Were they about anyone in particular?” You internally panic, because duh. But you don’t want to weird him out. 

“Um, the first one was,” you whisper, avoiding eye contact. You feel the couch move, and look up to find Drew right beside you. His leg was flush with yours, and he was so close you could see each and every freckle splashed across his cheeks. You also notice his eyes crinkle at the corners slightly when he smiles. 

“Can I confess something?” he says softly. You don’t trust your voice, so you nod once. “I saw your interview.” Immediately, the embarrassment causes your face to turn into a tomato. 

“Uh–about that…I–” You don’t really have an explanation, but you scramble for one anyway. Drew chuckles and grabs your hand, effectively stopping your rambling and making you redder at the same time. 

“Y/N you don’t have to be embarrassed. Did you see my interview?” What interview?

“No? I didn’t know you did one. Should I have?” He squeezes your hand gently and his eyes bore into yours. 

“It would’ve made this a lot easier,” he jokes. “They asked for my response to being your celebrity crush.” Fuck. 

“Shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause drama for you.” 

“You didn’t, I promise. But do you know what my response was?” You shake your head. He hesitates for a moment before grinning, almost shy. “I said that’s a crazy coincidence because you’re my celebrity crush.” Hold the fucking phone, did he just say what you think he said?

“What?” 

“I think you’re beautiful, talented, kind, and I’ve always wanted to spend time with you. I didn’t think it was even in my realm of possibilities. Then you befriended Mads, and I thought maybe I had a chance…” Your brain must be short circuiting, because no way in hell Drew Starkey just said the feelings are mutual.

“Oh,” is all you can manage.

“Oh? That’s it?” he smiles, intertwining your fingers. 

“I’m honestly so surprised right now, I don’t know what to say.” 

“Say you don’t think I’m a weirdo.”

“I don’t think you’re a weirdo,” you shake your head. 

“Say you’ll go out with me?” his pitch rises with uncertainty, looking nervous for your response. 

“I will definitely go out with you.” Relief floods his features and he tugs you closer, pulling your legs on top of his. 

“That was terrifying,” he says, massaging your calf. 

“I still cannot believe this is happening right now,” you tell him honestly. 

He smirks, leaning in close. “Believe it, baby.” Your heart skips a beat, mind going blank momentarily. 

“I think I owe Mads a thank you,” you giggle. 

“Fuck that, I’m sending her a damn gift basket.” 

“You’re so right, she’s getting an album dedication from me,” you joke, causing Drew to poke you in the ribs. 

“Hey, no fair. She’s going to like that so much more!” he whines. You can already see yourself falling head over heels in love with this man, and that scares you more than anything. 

“Don’t hate the player, hate the game,” you hold your hands up in defense while Drew rolls his eyes. 

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever, let’s just watch another movie.” 

“Sounds like a plan!” you hear from behind the couch. The two of you immediately jump, scared out of your minds, until you realize it’s just Madelyn creeping in the hallway. 

“What the fuck?!” Drew yells, clutching his heart dramatically. 

“You were supposed to be asleep!” You cross your arms, glaring at your blonde counterpart. She sucks her teeth and shrugs, walking over and plopping down on the couch.

“What can I say, somebody had to get you two together.” You share a look with Drew, both of you simultaneously not surprised, but exasperated by her little games. 

“You’re insane,” Drew tells her, taking his spot back on the couch and throwing a pillow at her head.

“It worked didn’t it?” 

Yeah. You thought. It really did. 

[aliceramblez]

Telemachus x Goddess of Joy!Reader (HCs)

pairing: epic!Telemachus x fem!reader

tags: fluff, childhood friends to lovers, telemachus is a dork, athena ships it, flower language, and some lore for the actual goddess of joy

artwork by Gigi on YouTube!

It's all happens one day when you're still very young.

After a particularly stressful day working alongside your sisters to please Lady Aphrodite, you can't handle the pressure anymore, so you travel to the island of Ithaca to clear your head.

It doesn't register in your brain that you've been crying until you hear a boy's voice calling out to you asking if you're alright. It's a mortal, obviously—a boy who appears to be your age, at least physically.

“Why are you crying?”

“I... I'm tired of trying to make others happy. I just want to be the sad one for once.”

You know you aren't supposed to mingle with mortals, so you keep your responses vague in hopes of satisfying his curiosity while not giving too much away.

But it wasn't like you were lying—as Goddess of Joy, you are expected to bring happiness to the hearts of everyone around you—Aphrodite included—, and it can sometimes take a heavy toll, especially since you haven't been using your powers as long as other Gods have.

The boy stares at you for a moment before running off somewhere in the field of flowers you've been sitting in, only to come back with both a small puppy and a pink peony in hand. He hands you the flower with a smile.

“My mommy says it's okay to be sad sometimes, so don't beat yourself up over it. I think this one would look pretty on you, though!”

You take the flower, give it a look over, and then turn back to the boy with a smile of your own. That's when the puppy leaps on top of you and starts slobbering you with kisses, much to the boy's dismay but your delight.

Since then, you decide to pay Ithaca visits more frequently whenever you aren't busy, successfully meeting up with the boy again and again to play.

You finally learn who he is—Telemachus. The prince of the land and son of Odysseus, progidy of Athena. Whenever he talks to you about his father, you can see the pain in his eyes of having to be sitting around waiting for a man who may never return. You decide to use your powers once in a while to help cheer him up.

It isn't until his thirteenth birthday that he finds out who you are.

“You're a Goddess, aren't you?”

It catches you by surprise, but it's not unexpected. Telemachus is smart, so it wasn't like he wouldn't find out eventually. After revealing your true self, all he does is sit down and listen, just like he did when you met all those years ago.

“I'm sorry I never told you. I... I liked being your friend without the pressure of a title between us. I didn't want you to treat me any differently.”

Telemachus doesn't do anything other than pick up a flower from the field you're both sitting in. A purple orchid which he tucks behind your ear with a smile, making you stare in awe.

“Goddess or not, you're still my best friend! I'd think you'd know me better than that by now.”

“Haha, I do... what even gave it away?”

“You're always showing up outta nowhere and people seem much happier whenever you're around, but like, in a super quick way! Besides, there's no way someone so pretty isn't a goddess...”

It's immediately clear that last part wasn't meant to come out because pink is now covering Telemachus' cheeks, causing you to flush as well.

More years go by and you begin to share stories with him about the Gods in Olympus—how Zeus is a womanizer, Poseidon looking scary but actually being a secret softie, and of course all the beef you have with your ‘boss’, Aphrodite.

He's always so eager to listen to whatever you have to say because of his dream of becoming a noble warrior, and will also comfort you whenever you're in a bad mood.

You try doing the same when more years pass and there's still no sign of his father. You offer to use your magic to help, but he says all he needs is a friend willing to listen, so that's what you become.

Whenever the suitors are giving him a hard time, you use your powers to make them be as sickeningly sweet with one another as possible, that it sometimes looks like they're in love. You and Telemachus get a crack out of it every time.

It's you who goes to find Athena when Telemachus is fighting Antinous, begging her to come help because there's really nothing you can do on the matter. She really doesn't need much persuading, though.

You can only thank the Gods that he's fine all things considered, but seeing him all battered up with cuts and bruises all over his body breaks your heart. You're immediately by his side with a washcloth and fresh clothes so that the wounds don't get infected despite his protests.

“I-I'm fine, really! Ow!”

“You will be fine once you stop moving!”

Athena chuckles in the background as you turn to her. She's giving you a knowing smirk, causing you to look away with a blush adorning your cheeks.

Once they start their training together, you're there cheering him on from the sidelines, which kinda backfires because according to Athena “we don't need any distractions”. You apparently fall under that category, and Telemachus is covering his face all the time but you swear you can see red on the tips of his ears.

Once Odysseus finally returns home, you're surprised to see Telemachus make his way to you as you're sitting in your usual spot.

He sits beside you and seems to be fiddling with something hidden in his robe. You can't see what it is from your angle.

“Aren't you going to spend time with your father?”

“He's with my mother right now. Something tells me they're going to be a while...”

“Right, I almost forgot. She must be overjoyed! But... are you okay? I saw what happened in there and...”

“Hey, I'm okay. Athena's training paid off. I'm tougher than I look, ya know?”

He then proceeds to comically flex his muscles with a wiggle of his eyebrows, causing you to laugh at this adorkable human being. You thank the Gods that you were born in the same time period as him, because now you can't think of a life without him in it.

That's when you notice the nervous fidgeting again and he's even started to advert his gaze after the little joke he pulled off. It's strange considering he's never been the shy type—when he's got something on his mind, he'll speak up no matter what.

“Are you sure you're okay, Telemachus?”

“Y-Yeah, I'm fine! I just... wanted to give you something. As a thanks for everything you've done for me.”

And before you can say anything, he's pulling out a flower from behind his back and placing it behind your ear. You can only barely register what it is before it's out of your sight: a red rose.

“You're the most amazing person I've ever met. A-And not just because you're a Goddess! You've always been there for me even when I don't ask you to, and have my back no matter what. You're just really nice, and funny and kind... I-I..”

You can't take it anymore and before your mind registers what's happening, you're already kissing him.

As you pull away, both your faces are as red as tomatoes and you can feel the smile on your face turning large and goofy. Giggles erupt from you both.

“I love you...”

“I love you, too...”

“And I love how long it took you two lovebirds to admit it.”

Athena's owl is gazing at you both and it almost sounds as it's chuckling while you two hide your faces in each other's shoulders.

Coming to Ithaca was the best decision you could've ever taken.

[greatmistakes]

Dad Bucky Barnes

Summary: Bucky and you give a talk to your daughter after her being called to the Principal’s office.

Note: No use of y/n or specifications of the character. Drabble inspired by this gif and my love for the idea of Bucky as a father.

Also, my main language is not English. If there’s any mistake please let me know kindly 🥰

“So… how was school today, Becca?” Bucky tried stating the conversation. You were silent, collecting your thoughts and sanity, after receiving the call from the principal.

Your daughter, Rebecca, was called in to the principal’s office because she almost hit a classmate of her. Apparently she was about to get in a fight with a boy. If it wasn’t for her teacher, the poor kid would probably had left with a red cheekbone or something like that.

“It was… not great.” She said from her car seat in the back row.

Okay, at least she’s not trying to lie about it.

“Really? How so?” You continued, trying your best to sound as normal and collected as possible.

“Hmm… the pincipal talk to me.” She was waddling with her tiny hands while looking down at them. Such a cute little copy of you.

“What for? Something good?” Bucky tried to get more information from her before you slammed the breaks anxiously waiting for her to explain.

He regretted not being the one on the wheel.

“Mmm… not really. I… I did something that Ms. Medina and the pincipal say is not good.”

That made your eyes immediately look at her through the rearview mirror. Thankfully you were at a stop sign and you didn’t have the necessity to hit the breaks.

Before you could say anything, Bucky spoke. Trying to keep the peace.

“Oh? So you think you did something good?”

“Well yeah, Gale is a bad boy. He needs to be better.” Rebecca was more confident while explaining now.

“A bad boy huh? What makes him a bad kid?” Her father continued investigating.

“He bothers my friend. He pulls her hair when Ms. Medina not looking and he always push her in playglound time.” Her tiny arms were crossed, showing she was mad while remembering all this kid did.

“And what did you do, Rebecca?” You asked. Thankfully almost home.

“I told him to stop, many times. And he not stop!”

“And what happened after he didn’t stop?” Your husband continued.

“I was mad. And I want Gale to be good and I push him. And then I go to hit him but Ms. Medina says stop and to go to talk to the pincipal.” She said so fast she even got her eyes glossy.

You arrived to your home’s driveway just in time.

“You wanted to hit him? Why Rebecca? That is not how you solve problems, you know that.” You said, no longer containing your self and looking back at her once you stopped the car.

“But he a bad boy! Daddy always hits and fights bad mans!” Rebecca tried her parents to make sense.

Well she’s not wrong. You and Bucky look at each other and sigh.

“Becca… you can’t just go around wanting to hit people… that’s not… you just can’t do it.” Bucky tries to explain while getting out of the car to help her daughter out.

“But daddy you hit and fight! And then bad mans are good mans.” Her pouted lips and tone showed how much she didn’t understood what she did wrong.

Bucky couldn’t resist that little baby cute face when he opened the door. He almost gave in and left the conversation there, but he sighed and placed his arms on his hips while trying to find a way yo explain. Thankfully you came to his rescue.

“Baby, remember that Daddy has to do a lot of work before going to stop bad guys. And that’s what he does, prevent them from harming others. Once words and reasoning does not work, your dad just tries to stop the bad men to make more harm.”

“But I tried talk to Gale.” At this point, tears were rolling down her eyes, making both Bucky’s and your hearts tight with regret for causing those tears in a way.

Bucky, finally giving up, piked her daughter up from her car seat and hugged her tight while soothing her.

“Princess, its okay. We understand that you did what you thought was right.”

“Yeah, you are a great friend trying to defend your classmate. We are very proud of you being a good friend.” You swiftly dried her tears on her chubby cheeks with your thumb. “Just remember that it is important you always remember that violence is not the answer.”

“You can always talk to your teacher and to us. And if the teacher can’t solve it, we are going to do everything in our power to help you and your friend. We will always listen and help you, no matter what.” Bucky adds, moving her daughter so that he can carry her with his right arm.

“You pomise?” Her eyes finally stop crying while hearing that.

“I promise baby. I’ll tell you this, mommy and I will go to talk to Ms. Medina and the principal tomorrow morning and help your friend out. That sounds good?”

“Yes, thank you daddy. Thank you mommy. Im sowy.” The three of you share a hug, still at your house’s driveway but not caring one bit.

“Oh my sweet girl, we know you are sorry.” You left a sweet kiss on her forehead. “You now know better and you will continue to be that sunshine friend you are.”

“We love you, Becky.” Bucky says while giving her a noisy kiss on her cheek that makes her laugh. “So much.”

[justastraymoa]

Yet Unnamed

Chapter 10

Masterlist

Hyune greeted you with an air kiss so he wouldn’t mess up the freshly done makeup. “They were taking photos as I was getting ready. Asking interview questions.” He informed me. He knew that something seemed off about it and wanted to warn you just in case.

And he was right too. Neither of these things were discussed or approved. And they most certainly would need to make sure nothing was caught that would damage his reputation. Plus Hyunjin knew they weren’t on the itinerary you two had gone through.

“Okay, thanks. I’ll get on it.”

The following was a bit of a disaster. And in the end, you were left with a dangerous choice. Let them walk all over you, disrespect Hyunjin, and break the agreement. Or pull Hyunjin entirely and risk him being labeled or blacklisted but not being known as a pushover.

You highly doubted he would be blacklisted entirely. He was too good, too well known in the industry already for one incident to cause too many issues. He would probably be blacklisted from working with this company ever again, but if this is how they did business, did any of you want to be affiliated with them?

“My leader is on his way to deal with this since you want to be so disrespectful to me.” You said as nicely as you could muster to the company representative you had been going back and forth with for the last half hour.

“I’m being disrespectful? You are refusing to work and are even trying to cheat us out of our footage! You really don’t know your place, do you?” He returned pointing a finger at me.

No, you were not going to let him pull you back into this argument and bait you into saying or doing something to hang yourself. “Hyunjin will not be continuing with a single thing until this is resolved.” You simply warned him. Then you spun and went back to Hyunes ready room where he had stayed so they didn’t get anything else from him. You were thankful he thought ahead on that one, even hearing the argument through the doors and walls.

As soon as you were in the room with him Hyunjin stroked at your hair, offering you comfort. “Are you okay?” He asked quietly so no one else would overhear. You had shut the door behind you, but doors and walls had ears and you both knew that all too well.

You nodded at him with a tight smile. You were more pissed than you were letting on, but there was a time and place for everything and lashing out or ranting would not help this situation right now. Level heads were needed in this situation.

You both settled into chairs, not risking talking. You sat in separate chairs and didn’t touch, not being affectionate in front of people you did not trust. Instead, you pulled out your tablet to work on some backlogged media, and Hyune scrolled through his phone.

Ten minutes passed before the door to the ready room opened and you both were immediately alert. “The cameras are set up. Is he ready?” A tech asked.

The representative must not have taken you seriously and thought you were bluffing. “Like I told your boss, Hyunjin will not be getting in front of anymore of your cameras or speaking to any of you until our leader gets here or the company reaches an appropriate agreement with me.”

The tech looked over at Hyunjin, silently asking him if what you said was true. Typical. Acting like this wasn’t your job or your call. Acting like you didn’t even exist. Like since you had a vagina you couldn’t possibly know what you were talking about.

Annoyed and done with the disrespect today you stepped in his line of sight, blocking Hyunjin from view. “Hi, yeah. This is my call right now – you speak to me.” You jabbed your own chest to demonstrate.

The tech took another second before nodding and leaving the room, not closing the door behind him. Repressing a sigh at yet another sign of disrespect you stepped forward and closed the door yourself, resisting with great effort, the urge to slam it.

“You are kind of scary in business mode.” Hyune remarked idly.

Huffing out a breath you sat back down, crossing your legs. “They are trying to take advantage of you because of me. And hell if I’ll let anyone use me against any of you.” You said glaring at your tablet as you tapped on it extra hard.

“You were expecting something like this to happen.”

“Eventually, yeah. But I had hoped they would be more professional than this. They didn’t even try and be sneaky about it! Just another slap in the face.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Chan is on his way. He will take over and make the call, as leader.”

“He isn’t coming to take over your job you know, he is coming to offer support.”

“He is leader. I’m not offended. I am untested.” You shrugged it off.

Hyune seemed to let it go.

Chan arrived about fifteen minutes later, calmly but sternly entering the room and closing the door firmly behind him.

“I forgot my phone.” He announced.

You rolled your eyes. “Han told us. What did the rep say?”

He shrugged. “Didn’t talk to them. Came straight here. Though I’m sure they will know I’m here soon. What do you want to do?”

You locked your tablet and set it aside. “Up to you, boss. If he does the commercial, they will use the shots and interview, and I will have no control over when or how.” You informed him.

He shook his head. “No, this is your call, your domain. I’m only here to support you.” He held his hands up in mock surrender.

“Told you.” Hyunjin said from behind you. You resisted the childish urge to stick your tongue out at him.

You were shocked that Chan was willing to give up control like that. This would affect all of Stray Kids if it didn’t go the way the company wanted it to go. If you don’t give in and let them do what they want. You bit your lip and thought about it.

If he was going to trust you and let you do what you think was best, then you weren’t going to hold back. This company was not going to get away with this. “Speak to the rep and see if he will come to an agreement with you. He seems to feel superior to women. We need to approve when and where they use all the footage, and they need to pay for all of the additional footage and shots as well.” You explained. “A new contract will need to be drawn up, agreed upon, and signed before anything can continue today.”

Chan nodded in understanding. “Okay. Only if you come too. They need to know I support you and your decisions completely.”

You nodded and smiled, leading the way. “Hyune, call me if anyone comes in here – and don’t say a word to them.”

Hyune nodded and you and Chan left the room to find the rep, determined to get this settled one way or another. This was taking up too much of everyone’s precious and limited time.

As expected, the rep knew Chan was here and met up with you just outside the ready room door. He immediately started speaking only to Chan. “This girl here is going to ruin your reputation if you keep her around. She is trying to steal from us and is being completely unreasonable.” The rep continued to explain that the video and photos were his companies to use as they wished and that you refused to work with him to come to an agreement.

You let the man talk, not interrupting him once. You even avoided making any noises or faces to his bold-faced lies. If Chan believed them, then there were far more issues than you thought there were, and you would deal with that when you could. But Chan gave no indication of believing the man. He stood silently and let him talk, simply nodding to let him know he was listening to him. The look on Chan’s face got darker and darker the more the man talked, which the man took to be a good thing, letting it fuel further complaints and lies.

The silence hung in the air when the man finally finished his bullshit. Chan stood with his arms crossed looking pissed as hell, but was he pissed at you or for you, that was the question. And you were just a little nervous about the answer.

“Interesting.” Chan finally replied. “What do you want to do, Y/n? Its your call.” He stared directly at the rep as he asked this, daring the man to say something else.

It seemed like Chan didn't even want to try and negotiate with the man or come to a compromise, which was fine with you. You had already made your decision.

You took a second to properly formulate your response. “I’m pulling Hyunjin. The contract agreed upon is clear and it was broken by you. If any photos or video is found to have been used in any capacity, we will take action against your company.”

The rep scoffed. “You’re kidding. Do you know what you are doing? We will pull him as ambassador!”

“Thank you for reminding me. We will also be ending the ambassadorship. Stray Kids will not now nor ever associate with petty thieves such as yourselves.”

Turning back to Chan the rep pointed an angry finger at you again. You really wanted to snap it off his hand. “You are going to let her do this? Ruin you like this? Word will spread!”

“Yes, it will.” Chan began with a nod. “Word will spread that Stray Kids will not be taken advantage of. Word will spread that no one can disrespect the members or the staff like you have today.”

The livid rep took one more look at each of you before storming off, already typing furiously on his phone. You’re sure a message to his boss will be sent very soon. You planned on sending one of your own as well, complete with a copy of the agreement. The sections that were broken highlighted clearly as well as what actions will be taken should anything be leaked that was taken today. And it would also be sent to Stray Kids manager and JYP just to make sure all bases are covered.

You and Chan went back to the ready room. “Change back into your clothes, we are leaving.” Chan announced.

Hyune got to it without question or comment, and you started to gather your things.

“Thank you. Both of you.” You said when you were done. You were immensely grateful for their trust in you.

You rode back to the company together. You were on your phone typing out the long email to the president of the offending company himself, explaining exactly why Hyunjin was pulled the day of the shoots. Chan and Hyune were talking amongst themselves.

Your eyes stayed on your screen even as you arrived at the company and got out of the vehicle. You felt someone steer you away from obstacles, but didn’t bother to look up to see who it was or where you were going. You had a whole new list of things to do to fully get Hyunjin pulled, and you needed to get them done as soon as possible to avoid any more issues. And to prove that you were not bluffing, even in the slightest.

Unfortunately, not even five minutes after sending the email to the president of the offending company, SKZ manager, and JYP your phone rang in your hand and JYPs nasty face tainted your phone screen.

As you swiped to pick up you vaguely noted that you were now in 3rachas sound room and were curious when and how you got there.

“Since when do you know Korean? And what the hell happened today?” JYP immediately started shouting as soon as the call connected, not even waiting for a hello.

The three men in the room with you looked over concerned, easily able to hear JYP shouting over the phone. You rubbed the bridge of your nose. Your lack of sleep was catching up to you and you were sick of getting yelled at today.

“I’ve known Korean for most of my life. And I explained everything in great detail in the email. Did you even bother to read it, or did you just call to jump down my throat about things you don’t have all the facts for?” You snapped. This man deserved not even the little respect you were still giving him.

“What made you think it was a good idea to piss off a huge company? The president called me directly to tell me what you did!”

“I hate when he talks to her like that.” Han said lowly, face dark. It was an oddly sexy look for the quokka.

“You should have heard the people at the shoot.” Hyunjin responded. Chan nodded.

You hushed them. “Listen, asshole. I made the call. My explanation is in the email. Both Chan and Hyunjin were there and can back up the facts. I don’t give a shit if you talked to the president of the company or the President of the United States. The call was made, and I’m sticking to it. Goodbye.” You hung up before JYP could respond, done with him yelling at you while being ignorant.

“Coffee. I need a gallon of it.” You announced.

The three men were silent in shock, but Chan pointed to a small single serve machine in the corner, stocked with anything you could need to make a good cup of joe or tea. Thankful, you immediately started to brew one for yourself.

JYP didn’t call you back, though you were planning on ignoring his calls anyways. And he also didn’t respond to your email. You took this as a small victory. If not for him accepting your decision, then for not having any contact with him again.

Mainlining coffee and actively avoiding thinking about the video premiering in a few minutes, you went to the atrium to set up for filming shorts. Chan was right. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Perfect lighting and backdrop for the videos.

The challenge videos were fun to set up and film. The boys and the idol guests did their own things, came up with their own fun twists to the challenge. It was obvious how much fun they all seemed to have with it, interacting with friends they rarely got to see thanks to schedules. Getting to meet new idols that they admired. Just plain interact with other groups. The fans loved seeing them show off the friendships they had with other idols they stanned.

However, you failed to realize just how annoying it would be to listen to the same 30 second clip of a song 500 times. Not even watching them and meeting other idols yourself could stop the irritation that brought on.

You hid your red face as Chan came over with a wide, teasing smile. Apparently you are not used to compliments or praise. You learn something new about yourself everyday. People usually didn’t notice what you did because it was always behind the scenes. They just appreciate the end product.

“So, your video came out half an hour ago.” Chan gently said, knowing how nervous you were about it.

You had been trying to ignore anything to do with it. You knew the boys had been replying to comments, but you weren’t brave enough to go in and look over them to approve them because then you would have to see what people had been saying about you.

“How bad is it?” You ask picking at the table you were sitting at. Han and Hyunjin were still filming their videos. Using the setup while they could for other videos.

“Not as good as I had hoped, but not as bad as you are thinking.” Chan said cryptically. “Let’s go back to the room and we can look at them together. Away from prying eyes.”

Immensely grateful for this man, you accept his offer and his hand when he held it out for you.

When you got back to the room you claimed the couch again, pulling your knees up and letting Chan pull you against his side and hold you. You slowly unlock your tablet, dread and anxiety filling you with every tap.

“Maybe I should have someone else do this.” You suggest before pulling anything up.

“Y/n. Just get it over with.” Chan deadpanned, not letting you procrastinate any more than you already have.

You siged, knowing he was right, but still not liking it. You made a face at him, and he patted your arm in comfort, still holding you around your shoulders.

You suck in a deep breath and look at the damage.

The initial reactions to the video were the fans losing their shit. Being excited for Stray Kids. There was an unholy amount of exclamation points and emojis used, and caps lock seemed to be stuck on everyone’s devices. There were some people unsure about how to feel and they expressed that with general negativity, but not open hostility towards you, so you could handle that.

The second stage is when everyone get over their initial shock and watched the video all the way through once. Now they were watching for a second time, this time to pick you apart. Every little thing, good and bad. Picking at everyone’s answers, body language, and even micro expressions. This is where STAY started to really come to their own judgments about you. This was the part you were not looking forward to.

“Chan, STAY is going to bury me alive!” You whine after reading a comment threatening just that. You buried your face in his chest and groaned/shouted.

Chan caved his chest in trying to get away. “That tickles.”

“What tickles?” Hyune asked. He and Han entered the room, back in comfier clothes now that they were done filming videos.

“She yelled into my chest. We are reading comments on her video.”

“Ah. Freaking out?” Han guessed plopping on the couch with us and draping his legs over Chans. Hyune sat behind him, holding him up.

“Understatement! I was never meant to be known! This is nuts! STAY is nuts!” You complained, stomping your feet.

“They aren’t even all that bad. Theres lots of support here too.” Hyune pointed out. He was scrolling through the comments on his phone again, stopping periodically to reply to one. You haven’t even gotten to check their replies yet. You weren’t past the original comments.

“This one literally wants to bury me alive and take my place in the group! Word for word!”

“Okay. So that ones a little scary. The good news is you can’t be replaced. We would never allow it.”

You reached over and pinched Hyunes’ cheek lightly in affection.

In the end it was exactly as you had been expecting. STAY was divided almost 50/50 on liking or hating you. There were a couple concerning comments you promptly took note of before deleting and blocking the individual, but most negative comments were hateful, hurtful words. Words you were failing to stop from getting to you.

Though you are proud to say you only cried once. You felt that was pretty good since this is the first time you subjected yourself to this level of scrutiny and judgement.

All three of your available soulmates held you and comforted you when they saw the tears. One of them must have texted Felix and Seungmin, because they arrived loaded with comfort food.

“Don’t worry, Y/n. You get numb to most of it after a while. And there is a lot of support too. Focus on them. Haters are a dime a dozen and mostly only want attention.” Felix assured handing you a plate of food after dishing it out among all of you.

You were laying across the couch, your feet in Felixs lap. Seungmin lay on top of you slowly, looking apologetic. You let him, resting your hands on his back as you continued to work and text. Seungmin, you learned, had a love by teasing nature. He didn’t mean any harm by it, and most of his words came from being emotionally constipated, unable to properly express himself.

Absently you rubbed Seungmin’s ear shell as he relaxed on top of you, practically melting against you. Felix moved your feet and wedged himself between the couch, Seungmin, and you, sliding one arm under your back and resting his head on Seungmins back.

When he was settled you reached over and scratched lightly at his scalp before going back to work.

The rest of the day would be calmer. Mostly computer work. So Seungmin and Felix could nap peacefully without being disturbed.

Chan and Han discussed their music quietly across the room, even calling Bin when he had a free moment to assist. It was a very nice, relaxing work afternoon.

🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠

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General Taglist @stellasays45 @beebee18 @weird-bookworm @velvetmoonlght

[ladykailitha]

Share With Me One Love, One Lifetime Part 5

We are now in the latter half of this story and hooboy is going to worse before it gets better. Again this story is done, I'm just putting out the remaining chapters I have.

We have the Forrest talk, The Wheeler House, and Wayne blows a gasket. Poor, poor Wayne.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

~

“Dustin looks up to you so much, Steve,” Eddie murmured. “It’s all he talks about. Hell, it’s all they all talk about. If Jeff and them didn’t know you before they joined Hellfire they would have gotten psychic damage with how much they talk about Steve the hero.”

Steve snorted. “Yeah, well. I wish he’d tell me more to my face instead of all the bullshit I do get from him. Like he had a bag filled with flashlights and I asked him where he got them, do you want to know what he said?”

Eddie let out a pained sigh. “Something snarky and rude?”

“Right in one,” Steve groused. “He said that I was an adult and shouldn’t have to be told everything. Like no one else gets that amount of disrespect. Including you, who is older than I am.”

“That little shit head,” Eddie said with another sigh. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Thanks.”

They walked in silence for a moment or two before Eddie spoke up.

“I’m learning this week that I’m coward,” he murmured, poking and twisting his hands nervously. “I didn’t think I was until Chrissy. But when I saw her raise up to my ceiling...I–I just ran. I could have stayed. I could have tried to help. I knew that this place was and I couldn’t help her.”

Steve shook his head. “Do you remember the first comic I ever drew for you?”

Eddie’s eyes widen and his hangdog expression cleared. “The gun, the boy running to his car before dashing back into save the day, the fear...”

“Yeah, Eds,” he murmured. “It was always about that. Running in is okay as long you know that when the time comes you’ll do the right thing in the right time.”

Eddie ran his hands over his face. “God, Stevie,” he murmured. “I hesitated. To jump in after you. You had just been dragged in and Nancy went in right after you, Robin merely a second later. But I paced that god damn boat before following suit.”

“So what?” Steve said, reaching up to guide Eddie’s face to meet his head on. “I bet I can tell you what your thought process was.”

“Steve...” Eddie whined. “Jumping in after immediately was the biggest sign of true love I’ve ever seen.”

Steve shook his head. “I don’t want her, I want you. Because I know you hesitated to jump because you weren’t sure if you should go back to sure and let everyone know what happened or to jump in and protect me and the girls. You chose to protect us, Eddie. Don’t be so hard on yourself, okay? I love you.”

Eddie closed his eyes and let go of all the jealousy and envy he had over Nancy and what they had before Eddie came along. He knew Steve was gay. He knew that Steve had chosen him and had kept choosing him, time after time. But when he saw the way the two of them teased each other, the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head, causing him to throw his vest at Steve.

He nodded and then accepted the kiss that Steve gave him. They might be in a hellscape running for their lives with an evil wizard and all his minions chasing after them but they had each in other in this.

And they would make it. Together.

~

“They’re gone!” Nancy cried. “They aren’t here. They should be in this shoe box, but all that’s in here are the shoes that I ruined my junior year. I broke the heel on the one and had to toss them both out.”

“What do you mean they’re gone?!” Eddie bit out through clenched teeth. “How could they be gone?”

“It doesn’t make any sense!” she cried gesturing wildly. “They should be here!”

Steve wandered over to the wall and looked up at the poster. “Nance, when did you exchange your Blondie calendar for the poster?”

“Steve is that really important right now?” she snapped and then she turned around to see said calendar on the wall. “Oh!”

“What does that mean?” Robin asked, trying to break the tension that suddenly ramped up in the room.

“I think the Upside Down is stuck in 1983,” Nancy murmured. “But since the revolver isn’t here either, I’d have to guess November 6th.”

Robin and Eddie shared a confused glance.

“I don’t know what that means,” Eddie admitted, sticking his hands in his back pockets.

“That’s the day Will disappeared,” Steve said absently. He poked the calendar a couple of times. “What is so important about that day...?”

Nancy just shook her head. “What are we going to do now?”

“Well,” Steve said with the shrug of his shoulders, “we can always make my weapon again.”

Nancy raised her eyebrows and then grinned. “That will certainly help, yes.”

~

They thundered down the stairs, but Steve stopped. Nancy and Robin kept going, but Eddie slowed down and looked back.

“What’s up, Stevie?” he asked as he watched his boyfriend strain as if he was hearing something the rest of them couldn’t. “Hey, guys wait up!”

Nancy and Robin turned around to see Steve inch down the stairs, his head cocked upwards.

“Can’t you hear it?” Steve asked. “It’s Dustin, I’m sure of it! And I think...Max.” He shook his head. “I can’t quite make it... out...”

Before Nancy could scoff again, Robin giggled.

“I can hear them too!” she said excitedly jumping up and down and clapping.

It didn’t take them long to figure out how to communicate with them and they found out that they had picked up Erica and she had been read in.

“How many times do I have to be right before you believe me?” Dustin barked angrily.

“Jesus Christ. This kid's gotta get his ego in check,” Steve said twisting his lip and shaking his head ruefully.

Eddie leaned over to look past Nancy and Robin, “It’s his tone, right?”

After everything was decided that they all meet up at Eddie’s trailer, Eddie grimaced. “How are we going to get there? It’s like seven miles from here.”

Nancy looked around for a moment. “Well if it is the 6th, then all the kids would have had their bikes here. I mean it might be a little tight for the boys, but it’s better then walking.”

~

Once they were back top side, Wayne bullied the four older teens into showers and changed before sitting Steve down to do a proper stitch job while everyone caught up with what everyone had learned, but especially Nancy’s vision.

“We have to attack now,” Nancy said. “We don’t know who he’ll pick next and Max shouldn’t have to live on borrowed time.”

“Yeah,” Dustin said, nodding along with her. “We know that while Vecna is in the void his body is vulnerable to attacks. If we can lure him into attacking someone to open the fourth gate then we can attack his body in the Upside Down?”

“Oh is that all?” Eddie sneered, rising to his feet.

“Yep!” Dustin said cheerfully and Eddie slowly said back down in disappointment.

Wayne crossed his arms in front of his chest and sat back, allowing Steve to stand up. His back arms had been cleaned and properly bandaged, his sides had been sterilized, stitched, and re-bandaged, his neck cleaned and bandaged to keep further dirt out of the wound.

“Yeah?” Wayne said, “And who’s gonna be fighting this evil wizard of yours? Steve? The fella I just spent the last twenty minutes putting back together? Or the two ladies who are still in high school? Or any of the other children here, present?”

Dustin opened his mouth, but no words came out and everyone shifted around nervously as for the first time an adult put their foot down and said they shouldn’t be doing this.

Max came back into the front part of the trailer. “I tried reaching the Byers again and it’s a busy signal again.”

“Which means we have even less time then we thought,” Nancy insisted, putting her hands on her hips. “We need to take him out now before our friends get hurt, especially since we don’t know who his next victim will be.”

Wayne licked the bottom of his lips slowly. “Well you ain’t doing it with the eight of ya.”

Everyone looked around in confusion as it seemed like they were all counting their numbers.

“Before we get further,” Steve said quietly. “We do know who his next is. I read the files from Ms. Kelly’s office. I know how they all started. For Fred, Patrick, Chrissy.” He paused and then looked up. “Max.”

She froze in place and fought the urge to look over at the person she knew he was talking about, trying to look everywhere else.

“Yeah, Stevie?” Eddie asked gently. “Who’s next on the evil wizard’s hit list?”

Steve sat down hard between Lucas and Eddie and propped his chin on his knuckles. “It always starts off with visions. Visions of things he thinks you’re guilty of. I’m guessing in Max’s case it was Billy, like it was Nancy’s siblings in hers.”

Nancy wrapped her arms around her waist and looked down at the ground, rocking back on one heel of her shoes.

Both Wayne and Eddie tilted their head in the same direction at the same time as they regarded Nancy.

“Something tells me,” Eddie said wetting his lips, “that she knew that. Didn’t ya Nance?”

Max looked back and forth between Eddie and Nancy. “I was about to suggest using myself as bait, because if we can distract him long enough for a strike team to destroy his physical form, we can get rid of the Upside Down for good. But you’re telling me that she knew she was the next victim and was still going to let me be the sacrificial lamb?”

Steve shook his head. “Good ole Nancy Wheeler, only looking out for herself. We could wait a week and have Nancy be bait. Hell, we all have Walkmans. We get enough batteries and enough tapes I’m sure Max could last that long. But she doesn’t want that. She doesn’t want to go through the visions and guilt. Because she knows deep down Vecna, Henry, whoever is right. It is her fault Barb died.”

“Uh...” Lucas said into the resulting silence. “So are we going with Max or Nancy because that is really something we should decide before we get any further...”

“I’m all for taking the bastard out now,” Wayne said with a shrug. “But not with just us. We need more people.”

Steve turned to Eddie. “Are the boys still in town?”

Eddie got up and started waving his hands. “No. Nope. Absolutely not, Steve. We aren’t dragging them into this. Ignorance is hella bliss in this case. You know it is!”

Dustin shook his head ruefully. “If you’re suggesting who I think you’re suggesting, it couldn’t hurt. I mean Jason is amassing a lynch mob and we need all the help we can get.”

“I’d want to know,” Lucas said softly. “After what Jason and his goons did to Gareth. If I were them, I’d want to know.”

Eddie turned to glare at him. “And what did they do to Gareth?”

Lucas explained why he was no longer with the basketball guys to Nancy, Robin, Wayne, and Eddie.

“God damn it!” Wayne cussed. “That’s how they found out about the lake house? And Chief Powell just let them go? I’m going fucking sue this whole incompetent asshole county!”

“Well,” Nancy said, “I’m against it. We need a small strike team not a god damned army.”

“The hell you don’t,” Wayne snapped. “I saw the beast that damn near took out the mall and if it’s Henry Creel like we think it is, then we’re going to need everyone we can. And since we’re spread pretty thin on the ground right now with the Cali crew in the wind and Hopper dead... we need people. I would rather it not be children, but I’m out of options right now.”

Eddie pushed his fingers into his eye in frustration. “Fine.”

They all turned to him in shock.

“Fine,” he bit out again, flopping back onto the sofa. “I’ll round up the Hellfire crew. Shit, I’ll even see if Marty and Janice are in town for the week, because if we’re dragging people into this shit, we’re getting the whole band back together.”

“We’re going to need weapons and supplies,” Steve said with a sigh. He didn’t like the plan, but it was all they had. “And way to get all us of there.”

“The weapons are easy,” Wayne said with a huff, “War Zone. They’ll have everything you need. For both.”

“If we’re trying to avoid people from town,” Erica said, rolling her eyes, “maybe we should avoid a store called War Zone.”

Wayne snorted, “And you got somewhere else we can load up on supplies, little miss?”

Erica opened her mouth but no words came out.

“That’s what I thought,” Wayne said smugly.

“That takes care of one,” Robin said with a nod. “But what about transportation?”

“I have something,” Eddie said with a grin.

Steve came up to stand next to him. “You got some hidden car we don’t know about?”

“It’s not exactly a car,” Eddie said smirking at Wayne, “and it’s not exactly mine, but it’ll do.”

“Boy...” Wayne said warningly.

Eddie willfully ignored him. “Hey, Max you got a bandanna or mask I can use?”

~

Tag List: SEVEN SLOTS REMAINING

1- @itsall-taken @estrellami-1 @zerokrox-blog @sadisticaltarts @dolphincliffs

2- @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @irregular-child @cryptid-system @kultiras

3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

4- @beelze-the-bubkiss @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji @dreamercec @blondie1006

5- @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @genderless-spoon @fearieshadow @thesecondfate

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

7- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

8- @gutterflower77 @a-lovely-craziness @just-a-tiny-void @w1ll0wtr33 @themoonagainstmers

9- @steddieislife @chaotic-waffle @strangerfolks

[ancha-aus]

SansNautica Sneak Peak - Investigating the Nest

It has been a while since I did one of these.

But I wanted to write more out of Killer's POV.

This is right after he and Sans managed to escape the reaper leviathans. Story [Here]

Now we continue on and see what happens :3 another drabble concerning the gangs pov of the main story.

*------------------------------------------*

The next day they spend waiting for he mates to come pick them up.

Killer has complete faith that his mates will come get him and bring him back to their nest.

The biggest issue is making sure that Little Flippers doesn’t try to swim off.

Killer quickly snatches him as he starts to crawl out of their safe little den. Killer points towards the exit and signs Danger. He points to Little Flippers and points to the nest he made and signs Stay.

Little Flippers frowns but it honestly just looks like a pout.

Honestly! With how casual he is being about going out you would think they hadn’t just escaped being eaten by like five reaper leviathans!

Once they finally manage to get Little Flippers into their nest he is never allowed to leave. The little guy does not have any self-perseverance.

It is okay! they will get him food and swim with him in the safe area in the cove their nest is in.

They just need to get Little Flippers there. Which will be easy as the shiver will come pick him up and they will bring Little Flippers home too!

Killer wishes he had time to hunt however, his tail still hurts  a lot and even if that weird stuff that Little Flipper had helped it doesn’t mean it is healed just yet. Some food would be amazing and help him a lot but that would include leaving their nest.

And Killer does not trust Little Flipper to not make a break for it.

Instead Killer will make the gigantic sacrifice of just laying in his newly made nest with Little Flippers tugged in his arms. He is so tiny! And is so light! No wonder Cross just loves to hold the other, Killer can see the appeal.

If Little Flippers would just go back to sleep. The other looking completely relaxed and open had been amazing! The trust he was putting in him!

Now however he is awake and motions towards the exit after pointing at them both and signing Go. Killer raises a brow and shakes his skull before making the sign for No.

To be fair, if Killer could he would tell him ‘Absolutely not and don’t even think about doing something that dangers.’ Sadly he does not have the needed signs for that and will have to make do.

Little Flipper pouts at him from inside his arms. Killer grins as he nuzzles the tiny skull but it seems Little Flipper is too annoyed to allow the gentle affection as he struggles to get out of Killer’s arms. Killer is sad to let go of him but does so.

Little Flippers is quick as he crawls towards the exit. Killer knows he sounds panicked “No no wait Little Flippers. You don’t want to go out that is dangerous!” and he goes after him as fast as he can. Which isn’t very fast at all sadly.

He pokes his skull out and looks around before spotting the crafty selkie on top of the mushroom head that Killer had made their nest in.

Killer huffs “You really don’t want to do this sweety. Just come back into the nest and wait with me for it others.” Wait unless… “Are you hungry? I can get you food easily!” Killer must have left the worst reputation with the tiny skeleton. Killer hadn’t meant to get stuck in the reaper leviathan area! It just happened!

Little Flippers motions between them and then into the distance, he signs Go again.

Killer frowns as he waits the other. He makes a show of snuggling into the nest he made as he looks at the other “See? Very comfy. Lets just wait here okay?” He stares at the other. Hoping he will just go back into the nest Killer made. They could cuddle and nap as they just lay together. Let their scents mix more as they both get their well deserved rest. It would be amazing!

Little Flippers points into the distance again.

Killer sighs and grumbles as he pulls himself out of the den. His tail aches but fine. He will go with the little selkie and make sure he is okay. Maybe he can convince him later to return with him and then all is well.

He makes sure to keep a tight but careful hold on Little Flipper as he swims them both down. Little Flipper is smiling brightly at him as he motions him into a direction and he sighs as he goes into that direction.

Killer knows he could just take the other back to their nest but he doesn’t want to make the other scared. They worked hard to earn his trust and that is important if you want to be shiver mates! Doesn’t mean that Killer can’t try to convince him to turn around and go the other way. Sadly, it turns out that Little Flipper is just as stubborn as he is a spitfire and sweet. Sigh. Don’t get him wrong, it is great and Killer loves the other’s personality already! He will fit in great with the rest of the shiver!

But please Little Flippers stop being stubborn and brave and just let Killer take you back to the nest!

Instead they just continue to swim through the mushroom forest and they cut through a small kelp forest and over the red grassy terrain.

They get very close to the blood kelp area but Little Flippers just points past it. Which is good because Killer would have just let all his good manners go and instead took Little Flippers straight to the nest. Killer is not entering the blood kelp area willingly.

By the time they get to the area with the drop off and very little plants his tail really hurts. His body is starting to ache and Killer really wants to sleep. Little Flippers, meanwhile, just smiles and points towards the drop off.

Yeah… no.

He pulls the selkie closer. But it seems sweetheart had enough as he just points and starts to tug with his limited swimming.

Killer is once again reminded that the other sacrificed his swimming aid and so he pushes his nerves down as he goes the direction Little Flippers asks of him.

They swim over the edge but that is when Killer sees a strange maybe rock formation? He didn’t think something like this was on the cliffs in this area and he is very confused. He stares a moment longer before it hits him.

It is like those other landdweller bases!!

This is Little Flipper’s nest. Little Flipper took him to his nest!!

Killer pulls the other as close as he can as his purring is very loud.

Nest. Nest. Nest. Nest. Nest.

He is so happy.

Little Flippers looks amused as he nods. He points towards the base and makes the sign for mate. Killer can’t help but snort. Little Flippers always seemed to confuse the signs for ‘Mate’, ‘Prey’, ‘Nest’ and ‘Want.’

Killer wonders which conclusions he made for himself on what those words mean but that is alright. He tries and they are generally able to figure it out what he means. Killer happily swims over to the nest and looks it over curiously. Now where will they lay down?

Little Flipper must have felt unsure about staying in an area he didn’t know. He wanted to go back to where he felt safest and- and he wanted to make sure Killer came along! And was safe as well!

Killer’s soul is melting. He wants to nuzzle and snuggle their future little mate. He will not kiss the other just yet, Criss-Cross still has dips and Killer wants to respect that.

Cross had been so nervous about doing every courting and wooing step correctly and Killer would not ruin or complicate this for their nervous mate.

Little Flippers pats his shoulder and leads him towards this stranger circular metal piece with some see through material. He glances inside curiously and oh is there no water in there? Strange.

Little Flippers signs Stay to him as he reaches towards the metal piece. Killer nods as he lets go of the other and he crawls into his den. Killer watches as Little Flippers stands up and rushes off around a corner. He wonders what he is doing…

It doesn’t take long before Little Flippers is outside again. Killer watches as he moves with determination as he holds a new thing in his hands. Killer really wants to investigate is. Especially when it just seems to magic stuff into existence! A whole new structure! Bigger than what was made before! Little Flipper goes to the sea floor as he makes more things. Now just stuff that looks to be made of the metal stuff Dust likes so much. But with sand in it? Little Flippers put some of the kelp seed clusters into that sand before, with some difficulty, swimming towards him and pointing towards the new structure.

They get there and Little Flippers signs at him to Stay so Killer does as Little Flippers disappears into the structure again.

Killer can’t help it as he swims up and pokes his skull up into the little air bubble.

The nest looks weird on the inside. It all looks white and very weird. It is hard to explain.

Killer instead just watches as Little Flippers caries stuff around and message with some stuff only to have the large metal arms move around. Little Flippers ties the stuff that looks kinda like Dust’s kelp hood to the two metal arms.

Little Flipper puts even more of the fake-kelp stuff into it.

His curiosity wins out as he speaks up “What are you doing?”

Little Flippers looks at the thing he had been messing with which may move the metal arms. Only to hear him speak!

Just! Speaking! Killer doesn’t know what he is saying but that is totally him saying things! So it is a matter of him not having air!

His voice is calm and a bit deeper than Killer expected but it sounds really nice! Maybe they can teach him their language!

Little Flippers notices him staring but just messes with the same thing as before and the metal limbs move the net of fake kelp into the water. Little Flippers grins to him as he continues to speak before signing Go between Killer and the net.

Mh? Okay? Killer looks at it as he swims over. It is in the water which is nice. He touches some of the fake kelp and is shocked to notice that it is really soft!

Oh!! It is a nest! Little Flippers made him a nest!

Killer grins as he dives in and rolls up in the fake kelp and purrs. Oh it is already so comfortable and soft. He loves it! He rests his tail on the made net nest and oh it supports it just right! the pressure is off his tail and he is just left purring as he watches Little Flippers.

Little Flippers is saying stuff and Killer just enjoys the sound as he grabs a fish that swims just a little too closely. He needed a snack.

He watches Little Flipper leave to go deeper into his nesting area and that is alright. They are in a relatively safe area, hidden away and out of obvious view. And Little Flippers is inside this structure he made himself. Meaning he is all right and they both are safe and Killer can relax.

Killer is just watching the tunnel thing as he purrs comfortably. Only to see Little Flippers walk out again and-

He isn’t wearing his selkie skin. Instead something bright blue that covers him and only just leaves the landdweller legs visible. Just the blue material and the other smiles at him brightly. He then raises something and oh! That is that white box with a green cross on it! The same that had held the stuff that helped with his tail!

Little Flippers looks at him to make sure it is alright and Killer grins as he lets the other check his tail. More of that amazing stuff is rubbed on it and his tail already feels better. Next Little Flippers wraps more of the white fake kelp and- oh! He is bandaging his wounds!

Killer feels fully relaxed and knows he is purring as he watches Little Flipper do his thing. Moving stuff around and snacking on other food.

Killer yawns as he watches him carry much fake kelp to a corner of the area they are in. “What are you doing?” He doesn’t expect an answer he can understand but it is nice to ask.

Little Flipper just drops the materials down and starts to nudge things around. Oh! He is trying to make a nest near his nest?

Killer grins and purrs “It is oaky sweetheart. You can just lay with me.” He makes some grabby hands at the other but then he decides to get the message clear. He points to Little Flippers, signs Go and then points towards the nest that Killer is already in. before finishing it up with Stay. Nice and close and comfortable!

Little Flippers stares at him with a confused skull tilt before looking amused and laughing and oh that is a nice sound… very nice…

Little Flippers ends up shaking his skull which does disappoint Killer but he accepts it. It does confused him to see Little Flippers point towards his- Clothes! That was the word for it! Either way little Flippers points towards his blue clothes before pointing towards the water and signing Danger. Huh?

Killer stares at him as Little Flippers continues to try and explain this and it takes him a while but Killer thinks the other means that his stuff can’t go into the water.

Which really confuses him… why wouldn’t something that is from a selkie be able to go into the water?

For now he just nods as he watches Little Flippers mess with his own tiny nest. Clearly getting his own thing ready but it doesn’t look the best. He is still learning how to make his nests it seems. But he got the basics down! The nest Killer is laying in is very soft and comfy. Clearly Little Flippers has been learning and improving a lot on his nest building.

Little Flippers frowns at the little nest he is building before clearly just giving up as he just rolls up in the little made nest. Looking cozy and comfy. Oh Killer wishes he could grab him and just hold him again.

Killer sees Little Flipper grin at him and he grins back. Little Flipper does something with that information holder and the light in the den goes dark. It is nice and cozy and no longer the harsh light. Killer sighs as he snuggles into the nest that has been created for him.

Oh this is such a treat! Maybe Killer can help Little Flippers make his own private nest in their area! A little place just for him to decorate! Killer could help him make a nest for him and Cross. Killer will absolutely help Little Flipper and Cross get together. It will be so sweet! And Killer hopes he will get a chance too!

Killer dozes as he lays in the dark. Not very tired as they just woke up but Little Flippers is very tired clearly as he sleeps.

Except he seems bothered. He keeps rolling up tighter and try to bury himself into the nest materials.

He is… shivering. Is he cold?

Does he normally have his nest in a better spot and is now cold because he wants to make sure Killer is okay?

Little Flipper opens his sockets and those pure white eye lights are slightly fuzzy with confusion as he glances around. Looking confused at the room and the very nest he is laying in. Eventually Killer manages to catch his eye.

Killer speaks gently “Hey there little spitfire. Come on, just come to this nest. We can cuddle and that will be warmer.” He holds out his arms in invitation. Please. Killer can make sure he is comfortable.

Little Flippers just continues to look confused before yawning loudly.

Killer smiles as he speaks again “I know you are tired. But you can sleep here and be comfortable while you rest.” He pats the soft nest he is laying in. He will help keep the selkie warm.

Little Flippers point to the blue clothing and points to the water before shaking his skull.

Right. That is a problem as apparently it can’t get wet.

An idea comes to him but it is risky. Little Flippers may not like the idea of being completely bare, he must be wearing that piece of clothing for a reason after all. Killer still offers the idea by pointing at the clothing before he points to the nest. Then he points to Little Flippers and points to the nest he is laying in. Killer grabs one of the parts of it and raises it, making a neat little warm spot for Little Flipper to lay in.

He seems to hesitate as he frowns. He touches the blue clothing as he glances at his own nest before looking at the spot Killer is offering.

He keeps frowning before going back into his nest and warping himself with the materials there.

Killer is honestly disappointed. Mostly because he really wanted to cuddle more with Little Flippers but also because it means Little Flippers will remain cold-

The blue piece of clothing gets removed from the little wrap that Little Flippers made of himself and he lays it carefully at the very center of his nest.

He slowly inches closer towards the water, keeping a piece of his nest wrapped around him.

Killer can’t help but smile “That is it sweety. Just slow and steady. It is okay.” He wants to wag his tail. He wants to grab him and holds him close. But he needs to let him come closer on his own. He clearly feels exposed as he made sure to still keep himself covered.

Killer has to help guide him into the nest and one splash later and Little Flippers is back in his arms and Killer embraces him. Holding him close with the wrapping as a whole. The little selkie sighs happily and snuggles closer into Killer’s hold and Killer just knows he is starting to purr already.

This is perfect.

Killer nuzzles the skull and lays with him. Perfectly content to just sleep for now.

The morning arrives much too soon before Killer wakes up with Little Flippers trying to leave the nest. Which he isn’t a fan of so Killer just hums as he holds the other tighter against him and nuzzles into him. Closing his sockets again to continue to sleep.

Little Flippers keep wiggling around and eventually he manages to leave his little cocoon and get out of the water. Killer pouts for a moment before looking curiously as he can see the full landdweller form of their little selkie. Killer saw Farm’s landdweller form a few times, both before and after he became a full selkie and joined Geno’s and Blue’s little duo to travel with the three of them. But it is still strange to see it.

He walks back towards his abandoned nest and puts on the blue clothing again. Then he walks away for a moment before returning with stuff to help his tail again. After it Little Flipper walks off, probably to get himself food again and this suspicion is confirmer very quickly as he returns chewing and biting something.

Some kind of plant. Killer offers him the fish he managed to catch, they really should stop swimming this close to Killer, Little Flipper looks between his own meal and what Killer offers and joins the side of the water and accepts the offering.

Killer grins as he watches the other eat the fish. Much better! Their little selkie needs to eat well to recover from whatever he went through.

Little Flippers glares at him and aims his fish with a throwing arm ready and he says something in his language. Killer grins as he playfully hides further into the nest. It pulls another sofft laugh from the other and Killer just knows he is purring softly.

After they ate their meal Little Flippers looks over his tail again and Killer lounges as he grins with a wink “If you wanted to feel me up you could have just asked sweety.” The other just looks at him confused.

Killer will one day be able to release all the flirting on the selkie and he will not be ready for that. Killer is going to woo him or at least get him to be flustered!

Little Flippers checks his tail again before nodding as he starts messing with those metal things again and suddenly he is released fully again as Little Flippers pulls the stuff out of the water and into another corner.

Killer grins as he swims some quick circles and it feels so good! His tail is almost fully healed already! This is amazing!

Killer grins at Little Flippers and waits as he lays in the water, ready for the other to join him. Little Flipper will probably need some time to grab his skin and put it back on but Killer can wait.

The selkie watches him from the water edge. He seems to get what Killer is waiting as he shakes his skull before pointing between himself and the nest area and signing Stay.

Killer frowns as he speaks “No it is oaky. You can come with and we can join the others.” He quickly gets to signing and pointing. He points at the selkie and then at himself and then he signs Mates.

They are straight up courting at this point! Cross is of course still main courter but it counts!

Little Flippers looks amused and says something again. Right, he can’t understand him. Is this how Little Flippers feels the whole time when Killer and his mates are communicating? Guy must have the patience of a saint to be willing to bother with them.

Killer swims a few circles as he tries to figure out how to get the other to agree to come back home with him to the others. This nest location may be fine for now but he is much too close to the path leading even deeper and the alien hunters are getting closer to the shallows.

Killer frowns before diving deeper and going to circle the area for a bit. Best scout it out to make sure he can find it again and that it is actually safe for their selkie to remain in.

Killer is studying the strange see through walls that show something that could be a nest when he sees the entry open and Little Flipper jump out.

He isn’t wearing the right swimming skin!

Killer doesn’t think as he grabs him and brings him back to the open part of the nest and quickly puts him on the dry area.

Killer glares at him “Why would you swim without your aids or your swimming skin! That is dangerous!”

Little Flippers however just looks excited as he signs Stay before rushing off.

Okay?

What is going on?

Little Flippers returns as he hides something behind his back. A large mischievous smile on his face. Killer shoots him a look. Half expecting to get another fish thrown at him.

Little Flippers sits down at the edge again before proudly showing what he was hiding as he speaks with excitement.

Killer however can’t truly hear what he is saying. Because… that are… three more.

Holy ancients.

Little Flippers found three more cuddlefish eggs?!

How?!

Killer slowly brings his hands closer to the precious little treasures. He takes the eggs one by one and stares at the see through membrane to see all three of them have the little baby inside still.

That are four eggs. Little Flippers found four cuddlefish eggs!

He stares at their future mate and the other looks away shyly. Rubbing the back of his neck as a bit of blue colours his face. He speaks before gaining a look of concentration as he signs.

He points to himself. Signs Go. Signs Danger. Then points to the eggs.

Little Flipper Go Danger Eggs?

…

Wait!

Killer stares at Little Flippers “Please tell me you didn’t go to the dunes to get one of these eggs!” He searches for what to sign before settling on making sure that the other knows not to go to dangerous places. He hopes he gets the message across to the other.

Little Flippers dares to just smile and shrug at him. He says some stuff again before motioning to himself with Stay and then pointing to Killer and signing Go.

Killer holds the eggs close to him, almost right by his soul. They are just as precious honestly. Then he motions for Little Flippers to get closer. The other tilts his skull but does as asked and waits.

Killer can’t help but purr as he nuzzles his skull all by the neck, shoulder and the skull of the others. Trying to transfer the scent as best as he can. It is a bit more of an intense scent mark than he would have done but he needs to make sure the other knows.

They all want him as mate so badly. Cross especially but Killer knows he is a close second at this point.

Killer pulls back and spots the shocked and slightly flustered look on the other’s face and he grins and winks at the other. Killer would love to do more but he promised Crossy.

With that he leaves the area and rushes home. Three very precious eggs with him.

With the one that Little Flippers found before that now makes four.

They may be able to safe the species of Cross’s fish counterparts after all!

Killer makes a flip in his swimming before pushing himself to swim faster. He needs to get home now!

[writerjayne]

Out-context things Overheard in FOX Tower (or on campus) Pt. 4

These quotes are a combination of myself and friends, memes and random internet quotes so enjoy!

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Drunk Kevin: Pork chips? Did you mean pork chops? Sober Matt: No

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Matt: You look sad today Nicky: Actually, I'm sad every day. I just don't have the energy to hide it today

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Allison: Girl advice, you want to know what boy you like? Get drunk, and you'll cry about the boy you like! Neil: Well, apparently, the boy I like is pasta. This comes as no surprise.

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Nicky: If you see a guy with long hair he's either gorgeous or weird, and the answer lies in what kind of shoes he's wearing

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Aaron: Please excuse my drunk ass snaps Neil: So that's what PEMDAS means

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Andrew: Self-isolation just doesn't feel the same if you're forced to do it. Kevin: Are you okay?

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Nicky: I'm sorry, but shouldn't British websites use biscuits? Neil: WHY DO YOU KEEP ASKING ME???

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Neil: Is anyone else losing touch with the concept of time?

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Aaron: Identity theft is a serious crime! Neil, sighing: I will explain once more. I didn't steal any of my identities!

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Allison: Do you ever feel like you're not getting enough credit for simply not being batshit insane? Andrew: Nope, can't relate at all.

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Kevin: I just want to say I'm disappointed in modern architecture and its distinct lack of gargoyles!

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Neil: Kill me once, shame on you. Kill me twice… How did you do that??

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Nicky: We gave morning people too much power. Why is it okay for them not to be functional past 8:30 PM, but it's not okay for me to not be functional before 8:30 AM? Aaron: You're the one who signed up for morning classes

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Allison: What scares you about marriage? Drunk Seth: Marrying someone who just settled for me because they couldn't get who they truly wanted

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Renee *reading a sign*: This door is alarmed after 5pm Dan: Before then, it's just generally anxious

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Seth: I'm sure you've done a lot in your life but have you ever gone tubing with a raccoon? Matt *Concerned*: Have you??

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Nicky: Why are you like this? Are you okay? Neil: Well I have brain damage. I got two pretty serious concussions back-to-back

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

Andrew: Every zoo is a petting zoo if you're not a coward Renee: I worry about you

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

Nicky *sleep deprived*: strawberry milk doesn't taste like strawberries or milk Andrew: Go the fuck to sleep, Nickolas

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

Neil: I have one brain cell and it bounces around my brain like a Windows screensaver Andrew: When it lines up with the corner he experiences a thought

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Aaron: You'll never be bioluminescent Nicky: Okay that one hurt :(

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New Fox: Why do you hate authority so much? Andrew/Neil/Allison/Literally any of them: I'm glad you asked-

[honeyxbee]

Can you please do a part 2 to losing game yandere L

Checkmate

Yandere!L x gn!reader

TW : captive reader, runaway attempt, manipulation(sorta?) words 1167 A/N: Okay, I may have gotten a little carried away lol. But I hope you enjoy! Find part 1 here!

It's frustrating how normal life as L's captive can feel sometimes.

Actually, no. It's infuriating.

Oh, you want to watch a movie? The television in the living room has almost every streaming service you could think of. Want to read a specific book? You just have to let Watari know if you can't find it in the library, and he will get it for you. Hell, you're even allowed to call your friends and family as long as L or Watari are there to supervise you. In a way, it's almost like you're just a normal girl living with your rich, genius boyfriend and his father.

Well, aside from the fact you're not allowed to leave.

"L mentioned that he would be back in time for dinner this evening," Watari's conversational tone brings you out of your thoughts, your eyes landing on the older man. He's holding out the steaming teacup for you to take. You accept it as you always do, watching him set out finger sandwiches and tiny pastries on the table.

"..Thanks," you murmur softly, taking a small sip of the hot beverage. You don't comment on L's return, choosing to shove down the feeling of unease that always seems to make itself known when thinking about him. He mentioned before that his current case requires him to work with others, so it's not abnormal that he's away for most of the day, though he's given you no further information as to what that even means.

Admittedly, the thought of him working with another person feels strange to you. When you applied to work with him, it was made very clear to you that he almost always worked alone. That you were a special case.

The thought sends a shiver up your spine, and your eyes quickly return to the window. One good thing about the sunroom is that it's easy to avoid conversation when you keep your eyes fixed on the flowers. Well, at least when it comes to Watari. He always seems to understand that it's a sign that you don't wish to speak, and he sits quietly.

L just seems to see it as a reason to ask a thousand questions ― oh, you like flowers? Have you always liked flowers? What's your favorite flower? Did you know that research shows that flowers have an immediate positive impact on mood and happiness?-

"Would you be okay here on your own while I go get ingredients for dinner?" Watari asks after a few minutes of silence, making you blink.

"..Huh?"

"I need to get some things from the store," Watari repeats, taking a drink of his tea. "Would you be okay here by yourself while I'm away? It should only be an hour, but if you don't think-"

"Yes!" you blurt out before realizing that you sound a little too excited. "I mean, yeah, I'll be okay," you correct yourself, forcing yourself to take another sip from your teacup.

Watari studies your face for a moment, clearly searching for any sign of apprehension. But when he finds none, he nods. "..Very well."

You try not to seem too eager as you watch him finish his tea and then take the cup to the kitchen, your thoughts racing. They're leaving you unattended. You're actually going to be alone.

"I shall return soon. Is there anything you wish me to grab for you while I'm out?" Watari asks as he heads to the door. When you shake your head no, he walks out, the door shutting softly behind him.

And then it's quiet.

For a few minutes, you don't move. You remain seated, sipping your tea as you wait for any signs of Watari's return. And then you set your cup on the table and slowly make your way to the closet for the shoes L bought you so you could visit the gardens.

You unlock the front door with shaky hands, opening it ever-so-slowly and looking around for any signs of life.

There's nothing.

So you slam the door shut, and you run.

You don't even know where you're running to. But you see some buildings in the distance, so you run in that direction. Your lungs protest at the unexpected sprint, and your heart feels like it may pound out of your chest, but you try to force yourself to ignore it and focus on the feeling of the fresh air. The heat of the sun on your skin. Freedom.

You had almost forgotten what that felt like.

You almost want to cry in relief when you get closer to the buildings; you realize you're in Tokyo.

You guess L isn't as intelligent as he thinks he is, you consider with a small triumphant smile. If he was truly a genius, he would have kept you somewhere isolated, right? Definitely not somewhere so close to the heart of Tokyo.

Now you just need to find some help ― a hospital, maybe.

Or the police station, you think, your heart rate picking up in excitement when you see there's one not too far up the street. You run the entire way there, not stopping until you're in front of the desk and you're sputtering out everything that's happened.

The police officer seems completely confused until you say 'L', and then his eyes widen. "Wait, L?"

"Yes! You know who I'm talking about, right?" you ask desperately.

He nods and asks for your name. You give it to him, and he escorts you to a private room in the back and asks you to wait there. And for the first time since you left L's house, you allow yourself to take a breath, the exhaustion hitting you full force. When he returns, he tells you that he has the chief's permission to escort you to the building they're working in.

You don't realize what he means by 'they' until you're already in the building.

And you want to scream. To cry. To curse whatever cruel deity that seems to enjoy your suffering.

"..Hello," L says, tilting his head at you from where he's seated at his computer; his lips twitched upwards in a barely noticeable smile.

The police officer who brought you to the building smiles, his eyes wide in amazement. "I can't believe you're actually dating someone, L!"

L's eyes remain fixed on your face in silent contemplation. And then speaks. "..Chief Yagami, it has been a while since my partner has helped with an investigation, but I assure you, they're quite talented. If you do not mind, I would like for them to join our efforts.

"I'm sure they will be a valuable addition to our investigation going forward," the older man agrees with a nod, a friendly smile on his face.

And you feel as if you are once again back at L's house, a familiar scene on the table between you. A lone king on an oversized chessboard, unable to do anything aside from awaiting your opponent's final blow.

Checkmate.

[samwellwinchesterthebrave]

BuckTommy Fluffebruary day 20: Baby Fever

This is day 20 of the challenges by @bucktommyfluffebruary and it was actually hard for me to start. But once I got writing, a lot came out hehe

Safe Place

Read on ao3

Rating G / Words 3389

“Hey, Tommy, can we talk?”

An atavistic terror went through him when he heard those words in Evan's voice. The last time he'd heard those words in that serious tone, Tommy had made the biggest mistake of his life and tried to walk away from Evan. Had succeeded, too. For a time. Now, seven months into their marriage, he had to remind himself that he was committed now. Whatever it was, they would figure it out together.

“Sure,” Tommy finally said slowly when the silence stretched a few moments too long. “What's up?”

“Okay, so, this is gonna be weird and possibly a lot,” Evan started, huffing out a breath. But there was a tenor of - excitement? - under it. “But you know how firehouses are safe drop places for babies?”

“Yes?” Tommy replied, part of him starting to put the pieces together. Especially as they'd started talking about possibly adopting or finding a surrogate in the near future.

“Well, funny thing, when Ravi went outside to make a phone call, he found a stroller with a pair of twin girls inside,” Evan explained, speaking quickly. In the background, Tommy could hear crying. It was moving closer. “They can't be older than a few weeks. There was a note with them. The mother couldn't handle them anymore and wanted to give them a better life. She didn't leave her name or name the girls. She just signed the letter Mom.”

“Okay, sure,” Tommy nodded though he knew Evan couldn't see him. Feeling like he needed to sit down for the next part, he groped behind him until he found the couch. “What exactly did you need to talk to me about?”

“Well,” Evan said, drawing the word out hesitantly.

But before he could continue, the crying suddenly got even louder. Tommy winced and held the phone away from his ear. The poor baby, he assumed, sounded angry. Also that she wanted to let the entire world know. Underneath the crying, he could hear a whuffling, sobbing noise that caught at his heart.

“Buck, for the love of God, please help,” Eddie's voice came over the phone. He sounded defeated and exhausted. “I've been walking her for twenty minutes and she hasn't stopped screaming.”

“Baby number 2 is very sad,” Chimney's voice broke in. “Not even the funny faces I use with Jee and Kevin are helping.”

“You gotta take them,” Eddie begged. “Please. You're the only one they stop crying for. Even Cap couldn't do anything and he finally had to hand her off to me. He's still on the phone trying to find placements for them.”

“Apparently, there's a lack of foster parents with space at the moment,” Chimney added, then made some silly noises that Tommy didn't even try to interpret. “See? Not even a pause in the tears!”

“Okay, okay, okay,” Evan replied. “Tommy, hang on a sec.”

There were some shuffling noises while Tommy sat and listened. He was pretty sure now exactly what Evan was going to ask. Part of him wanted to say no. No, they weren't ready for kids, they'd just started talking about them in the future. That part of him was terrified, gibbering in a corner of his mind.

Another part of his mind supplied him with memories of Evan with Jee, Evan with Christopher, the couple of calls they'd ended up on together where Evan had taken care of kids. He was a natural, warm and loving and affectionate. He would be a wonderful father. Suddenly, the image of Evan with their child in his arms filled his mind. He wanted that with an intensity that surprised him. Maybe this was a chance to have a trial run, as it were.

By the time Evan managed to start talking to him again, Tommy had made up his mind.

“You got it on speakerphone, Eddie?” Evan's voice came over the phone again, a little tinny. Eddie murmured an assent then Evan continued, “Okay, sorry about that Tommy. I've gotta be holding them or the waterworks start.”

“You sure you want me to overhear this?” Eddie cut in.

“It's fine,” Tommy said at the same time as Evan. They all chuckled. “So, Evan, you're going to ask me if they can be placed with us until they find another placement for them, right?”

“Uh,” Evan replied. Eddie chuckled again. “Yes. Yes I am. They're so tiny, Tommy, and they need somewhere safe. They like me. They have nowhere else to go.”

Before he could reply, his phone buzzed with an incoming text. Tommy switched the call to speakerphone. When he pulled up the text from Chimney, his heart stopped in his chest. Then it melted.

The text was an image. Evan was standing in the vehicle bay, Eddie at his shoulder. Eddie was holding Evan's phone up between them. But Evan. Oh. Evan was holding two little blanket-wrapped bundles. One was in a purple and white striped blanket and the other was in a green and yellow striped one. Tufts of dark brown hair poked up from the blankets. The baby in the green and yellow blanket had one pudgy fist up in the air. The baby in the purple and white blanket had her fist wrapped around one of Evan's fingers. He looked a little awkward holding them, his hands crossed over the bundles so that the one baby could hold his finger. But his face as he stared down at the two girls was so soft and tender and bright.

“Yeah,” Tommy said softly, feeling something lurch and settle into a new shape deep inside him. “We can take them.”

“Are you sure?” Evan asked just as softly. In the background, Tommy could hear Eddie murmur a fervent thank God. “Really sure?”

“Yeah,” Tommy nodded again. He took a final look at the picture then switched the phone off speakerphone. “I'm sure, baby. Take them home with you.”

It wasn't quite that simple but the decision had been made. After Bobby was informed that they were willing to take the girls in, he discussed it with the person he'd been arguing in circles with on the phone. She agreed to an emergency temporary placement. Evan was designated as the man left behind with Ravi to help. It left them a man down if a call came in but they would manage.

A few hours later, Tommy was exhaustedly happy that today was the first day of three days off work. Chimney had called Maddie after Evan had cornered him about what baby supplies they'd need. Chimney had passed him off to Maddie, they'd made a list together in a conference call with Tommy. Then, about an hour after the call ended, Tommy found himself with Maddie, Jee, and little Kevin at a baby store. Both he and Maddie were pushing a cart. Maddie had Kevin sitting in her cart while Jee walked with Tommy and held his hand.

“Uncle Tommy?” Jee asked, tugging on his hand as they passed a display with a collection of stuffed animals. “Do you think the babies want a stuffie?”

“Maybe,” Tommy said, staring at the display. “Why don't I send a picture to Uncle Buck and see if he thinks they do.”

Maddie hid a grin behind her hand as Jee jumped excitedly in place. Tommy took a picture of the display and sent it to Evan along with Jee's question. When Evan texted back Can't hurt :), Tommy smiled. Then he turned to Jee and gestured at the display.

“Why don't you pick out a stuffie for each of them?” Tommy asked. “I bet you will make great choices.”

Jee jumped again excitedly and Kevin waved his arms around. He barely missed punching Maddie on the cheek. Apparently used to the exuberance, Maddie swayed out of the way so his hand flew right past her. It took a couple minutes, and Maddie lifting Jee up so she could see the top of the display, before Jee decided on two stuffed animals. One was a green narwhal with a soft silver horn. The other was a purple dragon with a snakelike body.

“I love them,” Tommy said when Jee presented them for his inspection. “Thank you, great job.”

She dumped the stuffed animals in Tommy’s cart, hugged him, then skipped up to Maddie as Maddie started walking again. By the time they were finished, the two shopping carts were full. Tommy goggled a bit at the price for everything. But, better to have too much and not need it than to need something and not have it.

He was so distracted by the total and paying for everything that he missed the considering look Maddie shot him.

~*~*~*~

By the time Evan got home that first night, using the carseats Maddie had dropped off at the firehouse, Tommy and Madde had set up enough in the spare bedroom that the twins had somewhere to sleep. As soon as Evan texted him he was on his way, Tommy made up two bottles of formula for the babies, following the directions on the packaging. One thing he knew about babies was they ate a lot.

“I love you,” Evan muttered when he walked in the door, a baby carrier in each hand. His tired eyes were locked on the bottles Tommy was holding. “They're gonna be hungry again in about...”

There was a small snuffling sound followed by a hiccup. Then soft crying sounds came from one of the carriers. Garbled noises came from the other. The noises rapidly escalated into wails.

“Now,” Evan sighed. He set the carriers down and started unbuckling the babies. “Looks like this little one picked up the screaming from her sister. Here, can you see if she'll take a bottle from you?”

Evan carefully handed over one of the babies after Tommy set down the bottles. A distant part of Tommy's mind noted that it was the baby wrapped in the green and yellow blanket. The larger part of his mind was panicking at having a tiny life in his hands. But Evan arranged his arms so he was cradling the baby then handed him the bottle. As soon as Tommy angled the bottle towards her mouth, the baby stopped wailing and latched onto it. One hand scrabbled at the side of the bottle then wrapped over his finger.

“There you go,” Evan said, smiling at Tommy and the baby with such fondness that Tommy's heart flip flopped. “She likes you. That's good. Maybe I'll get a break from soothing them every once in a while.”

While Evan picked up the other baby and grabbed the bottle, Tommy slowly drifted over to the couch. He sat as slowly and carefully as if he held a live grenade. But the baby didn't seem to notice the motion. Instead, her eyes gazed blearily at his face before slowly closing. A flicker of motion caught Tommy's eye and he glanced sideways to see Evan sitting next to him on the couch with his own bundle. She was drinking just as thirstily from her own bottle. A silence that felt weighted and golden filled the room while the girls drank their bottles.

That night, their routine was completely different. They settled the girls into the cribs Maddie and Tommy had spent far too long puzzling out how to put together. They both seemed happy to sleep after their bottles and about ten minutes of both Evan and Tommy walking them in a circuit around the living room and the kitchen. Tommy turned the baby monitor on and grabbed the receiving end, carrying it into their bedroom. There, he found Evan flopped facedown on their bed.

“Thanks again for agreeing,” Evan mumbled as Tommy sat next to him and rubbed a hand down his spine. He waved one hand in an expansive gesture. “And I'm sorry for springing this on you. Have I told you recently how much I love you?”

“You have,” Tommy hummed, leaning down to press a kiss to the back of Evan's head. “I don't mind hearing it again. I love you, too. As for it being sudden, we'll figure it out, right? It's just until there's a foster family for them.”

“Yeah,” Evan replied after a long moment. “Yeah.”

He didn't sound all that thrilled at the idea. If he were being honest with himself, neither did Tommy. Now that they were here, sleeping in their cribs in the spare bedroom, part of Tommy didn't want to let them go. But he didn't voice that. It was too much, too quick.

They fell asleep wrapped around each other. Though both slept lightly, one ear trained on the baby monitor. They were woken twice during the night. First Evan went to feed and soothe the babies. Then it was Tommy’s turn. They weren't hungry but needed their diapers changed. After, he hummed a song that he dimly remembered his mother singing to him as a child. The babies seemed to like it too. At least, they fell back to sleep quickly.

The next morning, both Evan and Tommy worked it out with their captains to take vacation time until this situation was resolved. Bobby was understanding and wished them both well. Tommy’s captain was confused but allowed the time off. It wasn't like Tommy didn't have enough days banked.

They fell into a new routine over the next few days. It was shaky at times and both lost their tempers more than once. But still, it started feeling more and more right, having the two girls here. By the end of the third day, they were smiling more than they were arguing.

Besides, the sight of Evan holding one or both of the girls was imprinting itself on his heart every time Tommy saw it.

He didn't know that Evan was doing the same thing every time he saw Tommy holding them.

As they found their way to bed at the end of the fourth day, Evan curled into Tommy’s side and took his hand. He played with Tommy’s fingers, his eyes distant. Tommy waited, knowing that look in his husband's eyes well. Evan had something on his mind that he wanted to talk about. It might take a bit but Tommy knew Evan would talk to him about whatever it was.

“I was thinking about names,” Evan finally said. He ran his finger over the back of Tommy's index finger and across the back of his hand. “For the girls. It doesn't feel right, just calling them girl or the baby or something.”

“You want to name them?” Tommy asked.

A little thrill fluttered in his belly at the thought. Giving their girls names. Well, their girls for now. Until a placement was found. But more and more, he was finding he didn't want to let them go.

“I was thinking about it,” Evan said hesitantly, not meeting Tommy’s eyes as he continued tracing his fingers. “Part of me wants to name them right now. But part of me thinks it'll be that much harder to let them go if we name them.”

“What if we didn't?” Tommy asked, his mouth moving without conscious input.

Evan froze, his fingertip just touching the back of Tommy's hand. Then he shot up, balancing on one elbow to stare down at Tommy. There was an intense glitter in his eyes. The finger touching Tommy's hand started to shake.

“Didn't name them?” Evan asked. Though the expression he wore told Tommy he didn't believe that's what Tommy meant.

Tommy took a deep breath and sat up. This wasn't a conversation he wanted to have lying down. He took Evan's hand, holding it gently between both of his. It still trembled and Tommy could see those trembles starting to overtake his whole body. Well, Tommy sympathized. His insides felt like they were dancing a jig.

But this felt right. Inevitable. Ever since he saw the picture Chimney had texted him.

“Evan, I know this was only meant to be temporary,” Tommy said. He tightened his hands over Evan's hand when it trembled harder. “But I love them. I don't want to let them go. I want to have a family, this family, with you. If you want it too.”

“If I want it too?” Evan echoed, his voice breathless. Then he laughed and shook his head. “Tommy, I've spent the last two days trying to convince myself to let them go when the time comes. Seeing you hold them... I want this, so much. All of us. Together.”

They stared at each other for a moment, the enormity of what they both wanted crashing over them. Then they surged together, wrapping their arms around each other and kissing desperately. It was release, relief, joy, and a kind of manic exaltation. They continued to kiss until they were breathless, hugging each other tight.

When they finally broke the kiss, Evan leaned his forehead against Tommy's. They breathed quietly, breaths feathering over their lips. Neither was shaking now. Instead, their hands were steady as Evan stroked down Tommy's arm to tangle their fingers together again.

“So, we're going to keep them,” Evan said, wonder filling his words. “We really should name the girls, then.”

“What did you have in mind?” Tommy asked as names started tumbling in the back of his mind.

“I kind of want to name one of them Danielle,” Evan replied after a short pause. He looked a little sheepish but also determined. “After Daniel. It... it feels... right? And I definitely don't want to name one of them after my mom.”

“Of course. Danielle it is,” Tommy squeezed Evan's hand and stole a quick kiss. Evan had shared the story about his older brother not long after they got back together again. “What about a middle name? Do you want to name her after Maddie?”

“Hmmm, no, I don't think I do,” Evan shook his head. “Don't get me wrong, I love Maddie, but I think one sibling is enough. So maybe... hmmm.”

Tommy was quiet as Evan thought, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles. He was content to wait, wanting to hear the possibilities Evan would come up with. This was their second momentous decision, after deciding to keep the girls. There was no need to rush their names.

“You know, I've always liked the name Sophia,” Evan mused. His lips moved silently for a moment before he smiled. “Yeah, Danielle Sophia Buckley-Kinard. It's a mouthful but she'll grow into it.”

“I can't wait to see who she becomes,” Tommy said, pulling Evan's hand to his mouth to kiss his knuckles.

“What about you, sweetheart? Do you want to name one of our girls?” Evan asked. He smiled wide on saying our, his eyes glittering with happy tears.

“Cora Rose,” Tommy said immediately, the names rolling off his tongue. That was the only choice he could make, once he allowed himself to think about names. “Cora Rose Buckley-Kinard. For my grandmother and my mother. The last people who truly loved me for me before you.

“Tommy,” Evan murmured, his voice fond and full of love. He cupped Tommy’s cheek and pulled him in for a soft kiss. “So, we're really doing this?”

“We are,” Tommy agreed. Then he let out a disbelieving little laugh, tears glimmering in his eyes too. “We're going to be parents.”

Evan kissed him again. The kiss started sweet but soon turned hungry and desperate. Together, they laid back down and loved until sleep claimed them.

~*~*~*~

With the help of the lawyer Hen and Karen had retained in the fight to adopt Mara, Evan and Tommy worked through the legal system to formally adopt their girls. No one showed up to claim them or dispute the adoption.

A couple months later, Evan and Tommy threw a party to introduce their daughters to their extended families. Everyone gathered, cheerful and full of laughter and congratulations. Gifts piled up in the corner of living room as each new person came in.

Danielle Sophia and Cora Rose were officially Buckley-Kinards. They spent the party tucked in the crook of their father's arms, alternately sleeping and staring out at the multitude of people with curious eyes. Though they wouldn't know or understand until they were older, they were home. And they were loved.

[herearedragons]

ahem now it's only fair that you talk about YOUR watcher's relationship with Edér because i want to know everything please and thank you 😊😊😊

EYES START GLOWING LIKE AN ANIME CHARACTER

ahem yes hello hi welcome to herearedragons dot tumblr dot com where being not normal about Selene (my moon godlike cipher) and Edér is my favorite pastime.

Selene's thing is that she's a cipher with Big Trauma from growing up in an Ondrite cult that almost ritually drowned her, and her first moment relating to Edér comes when she realizes the way he talks about Eothas reminds her a lot of how she feels about being an Ondrite: this thing that used to bring you comfort, walking through the halls of a temple and knowing that miracles are real, but it's gone now. gone because your god has directly or indirectly ordered your death, and you have chosen to live, and now you can never go back.

all throughout POE1 Edér is her closest friend out of all the canon companions, partially because she relates to him, partially because listening to his thoughts grounds her (she can't really turn off her telepathy but she can choose when and where to tune in), and partially because she just. likes him. his attitude of "you can tear your hair out and check yourself into the sanitarium, or you can keep going", his ability to find joy in the small things despite everything he's been through, his faith in people and his ability to understand what they feel. and for Edér, well, he really just needs a purpose and an excuse to do anything other than let Gilded Vale eat him alive, and following a shiny stranger is as good a reason as any, and at first she's weird and alien and impossible to read, but there are things about her he understands. he knows she's been through something bad, because the signs he sees in her he's seen in other soldiers and in himself. he knows she's keeping it to herself, and he doesn't pry because it's none of his business, but he also knows it can get lonely going like this, so he offers a little support, in whatever way she'll accept it. conversations by the campfire. he keeps her distracted with jokes. he tries to figure out if there's a substance she can take to make the voices in her head quieter - hey, he's got his whiteleaf, right? might work for her too.

basically not to quote my own post but before there ever was an "I love you" or even a "you're my friend" between these two there was an "I want you to live" and that's really the Edérene Thesis if I'm being real.

everything under the readmore is SPOILERS so everyone who hasn't finished the White March Part II DLC: DON'T LOOK

okay so The White March. The Ondra DLC. The Ondra And Abydon Were In Love DLC. the "wish they knew you like I did" DLC. that DLC.

my first iteration of Selene's White March arc had her stay behind to strike the crystal and realize some Feelings upon hearing Edér's "wish they knew you like I did" line, but the rewrite that eventually became the "canon" version for me is SO much more fun to me.

I wrote a whole fic about it and I am legally obligated to plug it here. it's like 10K words in total.

the short version is: Selene is DEEPLY unwell about the Abbey of the Fallen Moon and the Low Tide because that's what SHE was. when her cipher powers awakened supplicants would come to her to have painful memories removed, remembered by her instead, and when she couldn't bear it anymore she was supposed to be drowned like the Low Tide. but she wasn't. she killed four priests and escaped.

coming back to the White March, realizing that the Eyeless are Ondra's, feels like her decades of running away brought her exactly to where she started. a dread settles in. she's going to die here.

but she's stronger now. not alone. she resists. she defies Ondra again. she sets the Low Tide free. she reads past her words and realizes that she was in love with the god she killed.

Ondra decides to teach her a lesson.

there's no choice, when it comes to striking the crystal. Ondra sweeps in and floods the cave, and when the water recedes, almost all of Selene's party is by the exit, and one of them is near the crystal, with the hammer. and it's Edér. and there is a cave-in separating him from the exit.

see, Ondra saw her godlike standing there, having defied her over and over again, confident, in love (and she hasn't even realized it yet), and decided to put Selene in her place. make her choose between saving everyone and saving the man she loves.

Edér tells her to leave him. she tries to argue, but, eventually, she does. out in the snow, she collapses and communes with the Eyeless, and asks them to rebuild Abydon, to rebuild him angry, so he can hurt Ondra like she never could.

and then Edér survives. he's carried out of the cave by the spirits of the Forge. they both make it. and, at some point, Selene realizes two things:

- Ondra chose Edér as a direct stand-in for Abydon, because Selene loves him

- if she tries to act on her feelings, Ondra just might try to kill him again just out of pettiness

so Selene decides, well, it's fine. she doesn't really need anything more than they have right now, anyway. just having him around is enough. which serves her alright until Thaos is dead and Edér leaves to find his own way or whatever and she's UNWELL. she buries herself in work (restoring Dunryd Row after Lady Webb's death) and tries not to think about it (she's thinking about it.)

......about two years later she gets a letter from Edér saying that he settled down in Dyrford and inviting her over, and she starts visiting, and it takes a few months before Edér realizes having her in his house feels right in a way that probably Means Something aaaaand he confesses to her and she's not made of stone so she confesses right back and then they kiss about it. and by the time Deadfire rolls around they've been together for a couple of years and HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I think you might have to send me a separate ask about that one because it's a WHOLE OTHER THING and I've already typed out a lot but: basically I'm rewriting a lof of things about Deadfire Edér. kind of have to because they're Already In A Relationship. Bearn is still there. Selene is doing badly again. then she gets better. Selene has to confront the fact that, being elf-born, she's going to outlive Edér by A LOT. they have a breakup arc and then get married midgame.

.......also idk if you want to read Edér x Watcher fic it's like. most of my fic these days dhsjdhdkdndj you can look at the Pillars fic list in my pinned post or in my "#edérene tag" tag or on my AO3 or whatever, I. literally cannot shut up about them. emotional load bearing sun/moon ship

[paintedpineleaf]

i like how my parents don't let me have anything until i give up on it then they push it towards me telling me it was something i wanted and i agree but i don't want it anymore and this happens with literally everything i want. i wish i had the money to rebel and didn't have to ask for everything.

[selfinflictedgunshotwound]

my various mental issues make liking people so hard because i already put people on a pedestal to begin with if i genuinely like them so i am automatically laying myself at their feet like a dog but then i wrestle with the ego death of seeing that they're just a human being who is capable of being wrong and stupid and annoying me and it kind of makes me sick to my stomach not because i expect people to be perfect but because i know if i had like 5 minutes to sit down and talk to this person i would feel more secure in knowing where they stand on any given thing. but you aren't granted that when you just like some random guy who will never know you because you can't take the feeling of someone who could actually know you. or whatever.

[nochepsicodelica]

The door to your shared bedroom creaks open, and Toji is greeted by the sight of you sleeping. It's five in the afternoon and you're bundled up in the covers, soft breaths exiting through your mouth because your nose is congested. You look all cozy, like a hibernating bear, on his side of the bed. It would be a more adorable sight under different circumstances, but this is the product of you catching a cold.

Toji sets the small bag filled with your medicine and other little things he hopes will make you feel better, on his nightstand. He crouches down in front of you and brings a noticeably cooler hand to your heated cheek.

"Hey," Toji calls, gently pinching your cheek. Your hearing must be muffled, because you don't budge and remain in your deep sleep. "Ma," he tries again, shaking you by your shoulder this time. You stir and attempt to roll over in the other direction, towards the center of the bed, but Toji keeps you steady by tugging on the blanket you're cocooned in. "Wake up, mama. Just for a little. I got your stuff. Medicine, snacks— you probably won't be able to taste them, but they're there."

You open your eyes, and simply blink. The room is darker and more shadowy since you went down for your supposed nap. It's been hours, but your body still feels so tired and your head is pulsing.

"How are you feeling?" Toji asks.

You were trying to say "so so", but no sound came out, so it seemed like you were mouthing the words instead. You felt the effort your vocal cords made, but your voice was shot. Nothing is audible unless it's strained. A huff and a roll of your eyes let Toji know how bad of a time you were having.

"Gotcha," Toji responds to your attempt to speak, a soft smile on his face.

He stands up from his crouched position and turns to the bag on his nightstand, rummaging through it to grab the box of medicine at the bottom and your water bottle. He sees you untangling yourself from the covers and sitting up to rest against the headboard, in his peripheral vision. Your hair is messy, some of it is stuck to your forehead from how much you've been sweating, even though you've felt cold the whole time. You can't breathe properly out of your nose, and your throat is sore. Your entire demeanor just screams "sick".

Toji offers you two gel capsules and twists the cap off your bottle of water, before handing it to you as well. You toss the pills into your mouth, and wash them down with a swig of water. In an attempt to clear your nose, you sniff a few times, getting absolutely no change in your ability to breathe through your nose.

"Go back to sleep. I'll get you some soup for when you wake up, 'kay?"

You nod and set your water bottle down on Toji's nightstand, before you slide back down the bed and shift comfortably onto your side. The blanket is wrapped around you, again, and you're ready to shut your eyes. Toji comes closer, crouching down like he did when he woke you up.

"Mm-mm," you hum, the sound cracked and barely audible, a response to Toji leaning in and trying to kiss you.

"Come on, ma. It's been a whole day. Just one. A peck?"

"No," you whisper, only able to communicate verbally in this hushed voice.

"Oh. You want me to have two?" He says, with a playful smirk.

You give him a deadpan expression and shift in the blanket, bringing it up to cover your mouth.

"Okay, fine. Just one."

You shake your head, minimally. Just enough so that you don't shake your brain and make your head hurt even more, and he still gets the message.

"Be nice, mama. Just one, then i'll leave you alone--" he pauses, briefly, "--until I come back with your soup. Then you gotta give me another one. You know, Toji Tax."

You roll your eyes and huff. The Toji Tax is just Toji's way of getting extra loving from you. There's a Toji Tax on just about everything he does for you, so you're not surprised that your sickness doesn't exempt you from it.

Your reaction showed the signs that let Toji know that he's about to get what he wants. The barrier you raised over your mouth is lowered, your involuntary pout now on full display, ready to be kissed whenever Toji's ready.

"Don't look too excited," Toji jests. He chuckles at the gloomy expression on your face. You look absolutely miserable in this state. It's adorable, and while he would love to keep teasing you, he decides to move faster so that you can get your rest.

It starts with a peck—as promised. He's slow with separating his lips from yours, to keep the contact with you going for as long as possible. Then he goes in for another one—just as gentle and delayed in separation. You still haven't done anything to stop him, so he keeps going in for more and more, each kiss more fervent than the last. Within seconds, he's barraging you with quick kisses, back to back, as if to make up for the last twenty-four hours he went without feeling your soft lips against his. He's getting closer, almost climbing into bed with you, so you hum and turn your head. He starts following your movement, like an eager puppy, chasing after more of your kisses.

"Don't care if I get sick, ma."

You hum in disapproval and push his face away when he starts leaning in, again. Quickly, you cover your head with the blanket and roll to the other side of the bed.

Toji sighs, a mischievous smirk lingering on his face. He got way more than he expected, but when it comes to you, he can never have enough. He stands up from the awkward position he got himself into while he chased after your lips, and looks at your bundled up figure, now out of his reach.

"I'll be back, doll. Gonna go get your soup, but remember... Toji Tax."

[sematarygirls]

        BOYFRIEND!RAFE x ANXIOUS!READER

WARNINGS .ᐟ protected p in v, oral (f! receiving), established relationship, loss of virginity, reader and rafe being dorks, slow sex, these bitches do not shut up, reader is very insecure about her body and of course, has anxiety

NOTES .ᐟ this is representation for all my anxious and insecure girlies who giggle and blurt out random stuff when they're nervous (aka me)

You and Rafe were both on his bed making out, him laying underneath you as you straddled his waist—his idea, of course, citing that it would be more comfortable for both of you that way. "You better just have something in your pocket," you jokingly mumbled against his lips, feeling something distinctly hard and suspiciously close to his dick pressing against you.

You had a tendency to make a lot of dumb jokes and laugh when you were nervous, blurting out whatever came to mind before you could decide against it, which was ironic since overthinking was a second nature to you. You were shy and got nervous a lot, especially around Rafe. He was your first boyfriend and the hottest guy you'd ever laid your eyes on, neither of which helping your nerves.

Rafe's hands slipped under your shirt to touch your bare skin, holding you firmly on his lap. "Wouldn't you like to know," his smirk was teasing as he pulled back from the kiss to peer up at you.

"Uh, yeah, that's kind of the whole point of asking," you also pulled back, sitting up as you smiled down at him. You liked it when Rafe went along with your stupid jokes, bantering with you to put you at ease. He never made you feel weird or awkward for using humor to cope with your anxiety.

"Well, if you must know, I'm packing heat," Rafe quipped with a mischievous grin, his grip on your hips tightening.

You gasped exageratedly, feigning shock. "You have a gun?" You knew very well what he meant, but when did that ever stop you from saying something stupid?

He snorted, his blue eyes shining with amusement. "Yeah, I have a gun in my pants because that makes so much sense," he replied sarcastically, finding your nervous humor endearing.

"Okay, Mr. Sassypants," you rolled your eyes playfully, your palms resting on his chest as a smile pulled at your lips.

"Mr. Sassypants?" Rafe repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You know, that's not a very nice thing to call your loving, patient, and amazingly sexy boyfriend."

"Well, I can't help that my loving, patient, and amazingly sexy boyfriend is such a diva," you grinned, feeling his chest rise and fall, his heart beating steadily under your fingertips.

"Diva?" He gasped in mock offense, his hands sliding up your sides. "I'll show you a diva." In one swift motion, he flipped your positions, pinning you beneath him.

You laughed, looking up at him with a smile despite the anxiety gnawing at you. He had a way of putting your mind at ease with just one look, and the soothing circles he was rubbing on your skin were definitely helping. He stared back at you, his gaze softening. He loved your smile and the way your eyes sparkled when you laughed. Truthfully, he loved everything about you, even your innate ability to make everything a tad bit awkward.

His eyes searched yours intently, searching for any signs that you wanted him to stop. Noticing his serious turn of demeanor and his intense gaze, you felt your cheeks heat up. "Oh, cmon, don't get all serious on me now," you rolled your eyes, trying to lighten the mood.

"Well, I take my role as your boyfriend very seriously," he grinned, leaning down to kiss your neck. "And, it wouldn't be very boyfriendly of me to let you go on without knowing the wonders of sex."

"Oh, right, of course, it would be for my benefit," you giggled, your heart racing at the idea of being intimate with him. You weren't exactly against the idea, but you were still a virgin, and the idea of being with someone like that was undoubtedly nerve-racking.

You could feel Rafe smile against your skin, his hands sliding farther up your sides. "Uh huh, always thinking of what's best for my girl."

"Wow, who knew you were so selfless?" You giggled, biting your lip as he nipped as your skin. Your fingers slotted into his hair as he continued to kiss and suck at your neck, his hot breath fanning against your heated skin.

"I'm a saint, what can I say?" He mumbled, his tone teasing. He was being careful, trying to reassure you without actually saying anything because he knew you'd prefer to keep things as lighthearted as possible to make you forget about how serious the moment actually was. He could tell you were nervous, and he was determined to make you as comfortable as possible.

"Uh huh, a saint," you smiled as he slowly, tentatively pushed your shirt up your body. He was giving you time to tell him to stop, maybe even slap him if you wanted to, but you didn't. As much as you felt like you were going to die on the spot at the idea of him seeing you naked, you trusted him, and you wanted this.

"I am but a humble servant of my sexy girlfriend," he pulled back from your neck to search your eyes again, pausing for a moment before your shirt revealed your bra. You gave him a small nod, and he smiled, tugging the shirt over your head as you leaned up a little and lifted your arms to help him. He threw the shirt aside, eyes roaming your skin, as if memorizing every detail. "God, you're beautiful," he breathed out.

"Shut up," you said bashfully, your heart beating faster under his intense gaze. There was a voice in the back of your head telling you that you weren't pretty enough for him, that he would hate how you looked, and that was why you preferred to fill the silence with easy jokes and stupid quips. It made it easier to silence that nagging part of you that thought you weren't good enough for him.

"No, I mean it," he insisted, his fingers slowly tracing the lace edging of your bra. "You're like, way too pretty to be real. I mean, look at you." There was a sincerity to his words that he couldn't fake, an edge of awe and pure unbridled devotion that made your head spin.

The way he looked at you like you were the only thing that mattered, the way he touched you like he worshipped every inch of you—it was all overwhelming in the best possible way. It had you scrambling in your mind to say something, anything, even if that something was a dumb dick joke.

"I bet you're thinking about saying something stupid, aren't you?" he asked, a knowing smirk on his face as he leaned down to pepper kisses over your collarbones and down the swell of your cleavage.

"I never say anything stupid," you breathed out, as he kissed the skin that wasn't hidden behind your bra. It made your heart flutter that he knew you so well, but it also made you realize how awfully predictable you were.

"Uh huh and I'm the Queen of England," he retorted sarcastically, reaching up to slide one of your bra straps down your shoulder, kissing the bare sliver of skin that was revealed.

"Oh my God, you are?" You gasped, his remark loading you with the perfect ammunition to say something stupid. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness."

"Mmm, flattery will get you everywhere," he murmured, his breath hot against your skin as he continued to kiss and touch you, slipping your other strap off. He slowly unhooked your bra, his eyes meeting yours as he paused, asking for silent permission. You bit the inside of your cheek nervously before nodding.

He pulled your bra off almost instantly, his gaze sweeping over your bare chest. You felt so vulnerable beneath his gaze, resisting the urge to cover yourself. "Okay, your turn, pretty boy," you swiftly said, trying to ease your nerves and figuring you might be a little more comfortable if you weren't the only half-naked one.

"Yes, ma'am," He smirked, leaning back to pull his own shirt off, revealing his muscular chest. You couldn't help but stare, eyes roaming over his abs and the way his muscles flexed as he tossed his shirt aside. He settled back over you, his hands sliding up your sides. "Better?"

"You are annoyingly hot," you huffed, finding it completely unfair that someone as perfect as him could even exist, let alone be on top of you right now.

"Aw, you're just saying that because you want in my pants," he teased, his hands sliding up your sides to cup your breasts, thumbs brushing over your nipples. "But I can't blame you, I am pretty irresistible." He leaned down, swallowing the small gasp you let out at his touch as he captured your mouth in a deep, heated kiss.

"That's slander," you mumbled into his mouth, wrapping your arms around his neck and curling your fingers into his hair as you pulled him closer.

"Mmm, then sue me," he murmured against your lips before trailing kisses along your jaw and down your neck, slowly making his way to your chest.

Your eyes fluttered shut at the feeling of his soft lips on your skin. He was ridiculously skilled with his mouth, knowing exactly how and where to kiss you to drive you crazy. "Yknow what, maybe I will," you retorted breathlessly, your chest rising and falling a little faster.

"I think we can come to some sort of settlement out of court," He paused, his hot breath washing over your skin before he slowly, deliberately wrapped his lips around one of your peaks, swirling his tongue around it. "What do you think?"

Your lips parted at the feeling, intaking a sharp breath of air. "Uh, yeah, yknow that could work maybe," you grinned, your fingers gently tugging at his hair as he ravished your tits with attention.

"Mmm, I thought it might," he hummed with a cocky grin, switching to give equal attention to your other breast, your back arching ever so slightly, urging him closer. He smirked against your skin, making his way lower and leaving a trail of wet kisses in his wake. His hands slid down your sides to your hips, fingers curling around the waistband of your pants.

"Hey, wait, I don't want to be naked first," you protested, only half joking. You would rather die than be fully naked in front of him while he sits there with his clothes on.

"Oh, trust me, I have no intention of leaving my pants on any longer than necessary," He assured you with a mischievous grin, slowly unbuttoning your jeans, his knuckles brushing against your skin.

"Yeah, 'cause you're a freak," you grinned, moving on to the making fun of your boyfriend portion of the program in an attempt to soothe the pit of nausea in your stomach. You were kind of scared, not that you wanted to be lame and admit that.

"Hey, I resent that," He protested, but his tone conveyed the opposite message as he tugged your jeans and underwear down your legs in one smooth, expert motion, his gaze never leaving yours. "I'm just enthusiastic, that's all."

"Enthusiastically a whore," you snorted, letting your head fall back, staring at the ceiling. You'd really rather not see yourself naked right now, not with the amount of anxiety already coursing through your veins. You did not need a reminder of what Rafe was seeing.

"Whore?" He teased, his fingers dancing along your inner thighs. "I think you mean an amazing boyfriend who loves you and wants to make you feel good."

You hummed thoughtfully. "Uh, no, I'm pretty sure I mean whore," you grinned, reluctantly looking down at him despite yourself.

"Well, this whore is about to rock your world," He smirked, slowly trailing kisses up your inner thigh, gripping your hips. "Just relax and let me do all the work." His voice was low and seductive, his intentions clear.

"You're such an idiot," you laughed at his cheesy choice of words, a little nervous that the witty banter would have to be put on hold. He can't exactly respond to your sarcastic remarks with his mouth occupied.

He hummed, his breath hot against your core. Your breathing picked up, and you were unsure whether it was anticipation or if you were on the verge of a panic attack.

He slowly dragged his tongue along your slit, groaning at your taste on his tongue and the subsequent gasp that fell from your lips, making his painfully hard cock twitch in his jeans. His hands gripped your thighs, spreading them further apart and opening you up to him. He had dreamed of this moment, imagined this exact scenario about a half a dozen times as he got himself off, and now that it was actually happening, he was going to relish every moment.

He began to eat you out like a man starved, his tongue delving deep inside your tight heat, familiarizing himself with every inch of you. His nose nudged at your clit, sending a jolt of pleasure through you that pulled a low whine from your throat. Your fingers threaded into his hair, moaning at the unfamiliar pleasure.

His fingers replaced his tongue, his mouth moving up to the sensitive bundle of nerves and sucking it into his mouth, determined to send you over the edge. He pushed his fingers deep inside and curled them, finding that spot that made your back arch and your hips buck against his mouth.

"Rafe," his name left your lips a breathy whimper as your head fell back against his pillows. Rafe was no stranger to having women under him, writhing and moaning his name, but something about it being you made him crazy. It took all his self-control not to blow his load in his pants right there and then.

He redoubled his efforts, eager to make you cum, rubbing that sweet spot inside you with ruthless precision and sucking on your clit, his tongue swirling around your sensitive nub. Another moan fell from your lips, your grip on his hair bordering on painful as you felt your orgasm wash over you, your legs practically shaking at the intense pleasure.

He groaned as he felt you spasm around his fingers, your chest rising and falling rapidly as you tried to catch your breath. He slowly pulled away, grinning as he took in your dazed expression. He carefully slipped his fingers from your quivering hole, bringing them to his mouth. He couldn't help the moan that rumbled low in his throat as he tasted you on his tongue. God, you were perfect.

His eyes flicked up to yours as his tongue darted out to lick his lips clean. "Good, huh?" He asked, his tone smug. He knew it had been good, but he wanted to hear you say it.

"I'm gonna slap that stupid look off your face," you playfully rolled your eyes, your skin practically burning up with embarrassment.

"I think that would take our case from a civil lawsuit to a criminal assault charge," he grinned, calling back to your previous joke about taking him to court. He positioned himself over you again to press his lips against yours, letting you taste yourself on his tongue.

"It's my first offense and a misdemeanor," you mumbled into the kiss, cupping his face. "Worst I'll get is a fine, so... totally worth it."

"Okay, smartass," he pulled away, brushing a strand of hair away from your face, gazing down at you lovingly.

"Just saying," you smiled softly up at him, his hair falling into his face and his blue eyes sparkling. He really loved you, and it was evident just from the way he looked at you. He'd never felt anything like it before. He loved you so much it terrified him.

But, of course, you had to ruin the moment of peace because shutting up was not something you were wired to do, especially not in the face of such charged silence. "Your little friend is poking me again," you blurted out the words before you could stop yourself. Little friend? You really couldn't have come up with anything else?

Rafe couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips as he rocked his hips against you, making you gasp softly. "He's just happy to see you." His eyes crinkled at the corners as he grinned down at you, his fingers absently tracing along your side.

"Okay, well, can you tell him I don't really know him like that, so maybe he should calm down a little bit," you couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, but you loved it, and you loved him. He understood you in a way you never thought you'd be understood by anyone.

"He says he's not planning on staying a stranger for much longer," he smirked, his hips rolling against yours.

"This is actually so stupid," you giggled, your hand covering your mouth as you laughed beneath him.

"Oh, now it's stupid?" He rolled his eyes, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "You're the one who started it."

"Shut up," you smiled, leaning up to kiss him. "Okay, okay, you can... start now, I guess," you said awkwardly. There was only so long that you could stall with stupid dick jokes. Besides, you felt a little bad that he had been so patient and undoubtedly, extremely hard.

"About time," he murmured with faux annoyance, his voice low as he fiddled with his belt buckle and pulled it through the loops, tossing it aside before popping the button on his jeans and slowly unzipping them.

You sucked in a breath, trying to calm your nerves as the sound of him pulling his jeans off seemed to echo through the room. You wanted this. You knew you did, but you couldn't help the pit of fear in your stomach.

He paused, feeling your body tense beneath him as you took a deep breath, a sign he knew all too well. "Hey, look at me," he coaxed softly, cupping your face and stroking your cheek with his thumb. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to do. We can wait if you're not ready. Just tell me to stop, and I will, no questions asked, no hard feelings. We can just forget all about it," he reassured you.

Your heart fluttered as you heard your boyfriend's words, meeting his gaze and seeing the sincerity behind his eyes. "No, I- I want to. I'm just... scared, yknow," you bit your lip nervously, mentally kicking yourself. You always seemed to be scared. There probably wasn't a single thing in the world that you weren't scared of.

"Hey, hey, hey, it's okay," he soothed, pressing gentle kisses to your face, your neck, your collarbone—anywhere he could reach. "There's nothing wrong with being scared. It's your first time. If you weren't scared, that would be a little concerning."

You laughed softly at his words. "You just make sure you wrap it up. I don't know where you've been," you joked. "Safe sex is great sex as the Lil Wayne once wisely said."

He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Lil Wayne, huh? I didn't know he moonlighted as a sex ed teacher." He reached into his bedside table, pulling out a foil packet and waving it in front of your face. "But don't worry, I'm always prepared."

"Jesus, that's a lot of condoms," you said, peering into his drawer and seeing way more condoms than you realistically thought one person would need. "You are a whore of massive proportions. Like, literally a menace to the female population."

"Oh, hush," he grinned, tearing open the packet and rolling the latex down over his length. "I bought them in bulk. You know, for... emergencies," He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, leaning back down to press kisses to your skin once more.

"Eugh," you giggled, your face scrunching up in disgust. "I genuinely do not want to know what a sex emergency is."

"Hey, a guy's gotta be prepared, okay?" He murmured against your neck, his breath warm. "Now, are you going to keep talking, or are you going to let me kiss you and calm you the hell down?"

"Yo, I am literally so calm," you rolled your eyes, lying through your teeth in the name of comedy and also not sounding like the total little loser virgin you were. "So calm and so chill. Literally have never been calmer or chiller in my life."

"Uh-huh," he hummed, clearly unconvinced as he pressed a soft kiss to your jaw, his fingers slowly trailing down your side, his touch gentle. "Because nothing says 'calm and chill' like sex jokes and rambling like you're on speed."

"Well, I can't help that I'm the funniest person alive," you argued, the realization dawning on you that you were naked, and he was naked, which meant there was only so many more sex jokes you could make before the sex actually commenced.

"You're not even in the top five funniest people I know," he teased, his fingers reaching your hip as he slowly pulled you closer, the heat of his body pressing against yours.

"Oh, you got jokes, huh?" You grinned, nervously giggling when you felt his tip nudge at your entrance. "You better take that back if you wanna get laid tonight."

"I think I'll stick with my original statement," he said, his voice low and husky as he pressed forward, the head of his dick pushing into you slowly as he rubbed soothing circles on your hip. "You're just not funny enough to make the cut, sweetheart."

You sucked in a sharp breath through your teeth, wincing at the painful sensation. You grabbed his bicep for support, digging your nails into his arm. "Liar," you joked weakly, your chest heaving as you breathed through the intrusion.

"Shh, just breathe," he whispered against your neck, his voice low and soothing as he paused, letting you adjust to the foreign feeling. "You're doing so good, baby. You're taking it like a champ."

"Okay, don't call me champ while you're inside me," you grimaced, trying to keep the conversation lighthearted as you slowly adjusted to having him inside you.

"You okay, baby?" He asked softly, pushing the slightest bit further into you as he examined your reaction closely.

"Oh, yeah, just peachy," you said sarcastically. The pain was gradually starting to fade, making the whole thing more enjoyable by the second. Though, the pressure between your thighs was intense.

"Mhm, you're a real ray of sunshine," he chuckled softly, pushing the rest of the way into you, his body shuddering as he bottomed out. He was as deep as he could go, his hips flush against yours.

You gasped as he pressed all the way into you, your grip on his bicep tightening. "You're gonna look like you got mauled by a lion after this," you panted out, apologetic for the involuntary response.

"I'd wear that badge of honor proudly," he said, his voice thick with amusement as he slowly began to move, his hips rolling against yours in a gentle, soothing rhythm. "Now, shut up and let me make love to you."

"Don't say 'make love' either. That's so gross," you giggled softly, a breathy moan falling from your lips as he set a slow, pleasurable pace.

"Then what would you prefer I call it?" He murmured, his lips brushing against your ear as he continued his steady movements, the friction building between your bodies. "'Coitus'? 'Intercourse'? 'Fucking'?" He punctuated each word with a sharp thrust of his hips.

You moaned, your head falling back against the pillows and brows pinching in pleasure. Okay, you were definitely starting to see what all the fuss was about. "Let's just not refer to what's happening right now as anything at all."

"Mhm, I can work with that," he hummed, his pace picking up slightly as he felt you start to relax more, your body welcoming his thrusts. "Just focus on how good it feels, baby. Let me take care of you."

He leaned down, pressing his lips to yours and kissing you deeply as he continued to fuck you with a pace that demonstrated his love and devotion to you. He never thought he would be one for slow, romantic sex, but he didn't think he was into a lot of things before he met you. You had a way of making him discover things about himself he was completely clueless to.

As he kissed you, he slowly shifted his hips, changing the angle of his thrusts to hit that particularly sensitive spot inside you. He felt you tense up, a sharp gasp escaping your lips into the kiss, and he smiled against your mouth. "You like that, huh?"

"You're such an ass," you grinned, your fingers curling into his hair, back arching into him as his tip continued to hit that spongy spot inside you, the pressure low in your abdomen building.

"Maybe so, but you love it," he smirked against your mouth, his hands gripping your hips as he increased his pace, his hips snapping forward in a steady rhythm. "And you're gonna come for me again, baby. Aren't you?"

Your mouth fell open in pleasure, your breath hot against his lips. "uh huh," you nodded, your eyes fluttering shut. He was a cocky motherfucker, but he was hot and he put up with your shit, so it was only fair you put up with his in return.

"That's my girl," he purred, one hand sliding down to rub tight circles on your clit as he continued his relentless pace. "Come on, baby. Let me feel you. I want to watch you fall apart for me."

You gasped sharply at the added stimulation, his name leaving your lips in a whine as you tensed around him, sent over the edge for the second time.

He groaned as he felt your walls clench around him, the sensation of you practically choking his dick sending him into his own release. "Fuck, you feel so good," he panted, his hips stuttering as he spilled himself into the condom with a low moan of your name.

Your walls pulsed around him as you slowly came down from your high, relaxing into the mattress. Your chest heaved as you caught your breath, your whole body on fire and coated in a thin sheen of sweat.

He collapsed on top of you with a satisfied hum, peppering gentle kisses along your neck and collarbone as he softened inside you. "I love you, you know that?"

"Good 'cause otherwise this would be pretty awkward," you laughed breathlessly, gently raking your nails over his scalp soothingly. "But, seriously, I love you too," you added quietly after a beat of silence.

tags .ᐟ   @starkeysprincess / @cometmultiverse / @iheartjjmaybnk / @all4l0vee / @kissesfrmriri / @xoxohoneymoongirl / @bradshawed /

[tetsuskei]

⟣insufferable husband – kuroo tetsurō [nsfw]

synopsis: your husband invests in other activities as you pack his lunch for work

notes: repost from old account. working on newer kuroo things in the meantime

warnings: established relationship, female reader, creampie, oral sex (female receiving), pet names, fingering

"there you are."

you shift your head in the direction of the voice to see your sleepy husband standing in the opening to the kitchen. he rubs his eyes tiredly, a frown on his face as he looks at you inquisitively.

"good morning, grumps." you smile before looking back to what you're doing.

kuroo mumbles, shuffling over to you, "what are you doing up so early?"

"i'm making your lunch for work today," you answer, feeling his body warmth from behind you, "i forgot to do it last night, sorry."

"'is okay," he says, resting his chin on the top of your head, wrapping his arms around your waist.

it's normal for kuroo to cling to you while you do things. even normal for him to pet at you and get a little touchy. but today, this particular morning, he seems...different. more needy than usual.

his fingers rub circles into your hipbone before he moves his hands up your sides. knowing him, it's only a matter of time before he would try something.

you feel him press some of his weight into you, and you take that as a sign of him being drowsy.

"hey, if you're still tired go back to bed. okay? i'll make sure i wake you up when it's time." you pat his arm, and he only grunts, moving to hide his face in your side.

"m'not tired." he says, breath tickling your skin. the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

"okay..." you sigh, shivering when his large hands move under the large t-shirt you wear. his t-shirt. the cold metal of his wedding band forces a hiss from your mouth and you click your tongue.

"tetsu, you're cold."

he smiles into your neck, his mischievous nature practically emitting off of him. "sorry...but, i know a way to warm us up."

"that's...not what i meant."

he laughs, a free hand grabbing at your boob. "yeah, well, i did."

you sigh, rolling your eyes. "you're insufferable and an idiot."

"you married this insufferable idiot, sweetheart." he hums, hand wandering down to your shorts. his hands finger at the waistband before hooking in them, pulling them down.

"i guess you're right about that." you say. he pulls off your panties and you step of them and kick them away.

he hums, "glad you agree. let's see if 'she' does too."

"you're so corny." you giggle, a small moan escaping when his thick fingers tease your opening.

"and you're so wet. just like i'd knew you'd be."

you go to retort, but stop when he pushes two fingers into you. a gasp leaves your mouth and you put your hand up to your face to suppress a moan.

kuroo makes a sound of disapproval, removing your hand from your face. "wanna hear you.”

and it isn't long before another moan slips out of you, louder than you initially wanted it to be. he's pushed in a third finger, making you feel almost as full as his cock.

"you're always so tight, it's a miracle i can ever fit in you." he mutters, pumping his fingers leisurely. you whine, trying to move your hips against his hand, but the steel grip of his free hand on your side prevents you.

you try your best to focus on your task at hand, but with the way your husband is moving his fingers vigorously against you is almost too distracting.

the feeling is shallow and slow, you can feel the knot in your stomach wanting to break, but he purposely is depriving you of it.

"tetsu, stop teasing me..." you pout, looking back at him with a small frown.

"m'sorry, i couldn't help it." he chuckles before he moves his thumb over your nub, circling it generously.

a sharp whine leaves you and your back instinctively presses into his chest.

"i-i'm—" you gasp.

he hums, kissing your temple. "let go for me, baby."

you waste no time cumming, quivering and shaking in his hold. you have to stop what you're doing and grip onto his forearm for stability.

"good girl," he praises, watching in awe as you cream on his fingers, mesmerized by the throbbing of your clenching muscles. he can't wait to feel that around his cock.

he slowly pulls out his fingers, sucking on them with a groan.

you normally would reach back and pull him out, but due to the preoccupied nature of your hands making his food, you don't. you only hear the sound of clothing being removed and discarded away. the audible 'slap' of his shaft hitting his skin makes you shiver.

your breath hitches when you feel the heat of kuroo's thick cock before he rests it on your butt. he slowly strokes himself, groaning at the sensitivity.

"you don't mind if your 'insufferable' husband fills you up, do you?" kuroo asks, his voice low in your ear.

"i think you know the answer." you huff, parting your legs slightly.

the tension in the atmosphere is so thick, a knife could cut it. but it slowly dissolves away with your husband entering you. and as much as you try to remain composed at him pushing himself inside of you, it's impossible when handling his thickness and length.

a small whimper escapes you and he leans over to kiss you on the lips, mumbling soft words of encouragement as he slowly presses himself into you.

the stretch is always so worth it when he finally fills you up all the way. instinctively you clench around him, pleasant euphoria washing over you at being full.

"shit," kuroo hisses, pressing his pelvis completely flush to you. he closes his eyes, sighing at the welcoming nature of your warmth and gently rubs the fat of your ass.

the two of you stay like that for a moment, kuroo pressing kisses over the bare skin of your neck.

he squeezes your hip, "is it okay for me to move, baby?"

you nod frantically, losing your voice. "please."

and when he does, it's not fast, and hard. it's slow and deep enough that your toes are left curling. his now bruising grip on your hips makes up for the lack of roughnesses present.

the only sounds present aren't ones of any innocence. the slight squelch coming from how wet you are makes the both of you more aroused. small whines and whimpers escape you paired with the sound of his balls slapping against your skin.

kuroo, usually the charmer with words, is silent. the only sounds are his heavy breathing and quiet moaning.

"more tets, more," you plea, and you feel him shake his head.

"don't...don't want this to end so soon," he groans, "if i move any faster i'll cum. wanna feel you longer," he explains, tone ending in a whine.

his words nearly make your eyes tear up and you understand, relishing in the way his cock carves itself repeatedly into you. the knot in your stomach there, but not quite present.

"always feel so good, sweetheart," he's moving a bit faster now, his movements rocking you against the counter a bit. "love being inside of you."

your heart flutters at this statement, humming, "always feels so good being filled up by you, 'ro..."

his heart swells at the praise and he grips you harder, his lips sneaking to nibble and bite at the column of your neck

"just a little more, i promise." he assures, kissing your shoulder. his thrusts switch to being slow and shallow and the feeling of your impending orgasm is slipping from your hands.

"kuroo," you warn.

he rolls his eyes, clicking his tongue, "don't call me that. you have the same last name, kuroo."

"tetsu," you try, "baby, please. i want to cum..."

he nearly stalls at the pet name, eyes wide, "don't..don't say that without warning me..."

"what? my sweet tetsu, my handsome man..." you coo, reaching back to run a hand through his hair, tugging on the roots.

"i'm gonna cum," he groans, head bowing back for a moment, "if you don't stop..."

you squeeze his hand, batting your eyes innocently, "inside?"

"f-fuck, wherever you want me to. whatever you want." he's twitching uncontrollably by this point, just about ready to burst.

you smile back at him, pouting a little, "then can my husband cum for me? for his wife?"

at the feeling of your hand pulling on his hair again, he cums instantly, warmth spilling inside of you quickly as he fills you up.

you squeeze your cunt, milking every bit that he gives you greedily, as you don't want to miss a drop.

kuroo slowly pulls out of you, groaning when part of his cum leaks down your thighs. that's a sight he'll never get tired of.

by that point you were done fixing his lunch and you lean against the counter to hold up your jello legs.

"god woman, were you trying to kill me just then?" he huffs catching his breath.

you grin, "no, not today."

he looks at you dumbfounded but laughs, grabbing your face to kiss you. you giggle and he slips his tongue in your mouth, hand holding your jaw as he greedily tastes you.

when you both pull away for air, you speak, "you—"

"yeah yeah, i'll clean you up." he mumbles before you can complain.

but what you aren't expecting is for your husband to kneel right there in the kitchen and use his mouth to do so.

you gasp, knuckles gripping the counter and jaw going slack as you try to look back at him. "t-tetsurō!"

he only hums, grinning lazily, "itadakimasu," hands firmly keeping you in place as he licks and sucks up every bit of you and his cum from between your legs.

you cry at the way his nose bumps against your clit and shamelessly grind back on his face. he moans at this, feeling his cock twitch back to life but pays it no mind, only touching himself occasionally.

"i know you got another in you, pretty girl," he says, before promptly reaching around your front and toying with your clit.

you lean forward on the counter for support, bracing yourself with your elbows as your legs start to give with how good he's making you feel.

it should not surprise you at this point that kuroo is able to bring you to an orgasm so quickly even when you just had one. as your husband, your lover, your eternally bounded soulmate, he knows your body inside and out.

he's sucking and licking at your cunt like a starving man. slurping and gulping all together and making a mess between your legs. the grip he has on your ass cheeks is brutal with how spread they are.

it hits you before you can even think, and you wail, feeling your orgasm wash over your harder than the other times.

"fuck, that's it. cum for me like a good girl." he praises as you do. he pulls away slowly, kissing your hip and stands back up.

he wipes his mouth, smirking at you, "don't think i'll need to eat breakfast after that."

"g-get out of here before you're really late to work." you stammer, cheeks hot with embarrassment as you try not to look down.

"as you wish, princess. love you," kuroo laughs at how cute and shy you've become, swooping down to plant a quick kiss on your mouth so you can taste you both. he takes both of your clothes off the ground before proceeding to your shared bedroom to start his day.

you can't help but slap him on the butt, making an uncharacteristic yelp leave him.

"love you too!"

a dazed smile sits on your face. it's mornings like these that remind you just how grateful you are to have a man like him in your life.

[purinfelix]

you're no good for me, but baby i want you - n. riki ✶⋆.˚

summary: after growing tired of his constant teasing you made up your mind not to give Niki anymore of your attention, but you should've known that he wouldn't let you go that easily - and is willing to go to desperate measures to get you just to look at him ──── delinquent Niki x class president reader || sfw but a little suggestive, kissing/making out, so much tension like so much, enemies to lovers sorta? || w/c: 2.7k

a/n: okay i'm trying to get better at writing longer fics/ones that actually have closure bc looking back i realise i kinda always leave u guys on cliffhangers LOLL - also i rlly tried to avoid making this too cliche given the trope i hope it worked !!! actually really like this one so i hope it doesn't flop rip

‘Bad boy’ felt too cliche - at least for your liking. You preferred to refer to Niki as what he was, a delinquent, a troublemaker, someone who skipped most of his classes and spent the rest dosing off or arguing with the teacher. But no matter what you called him you were sure of one thing, he pissed you off.

To be honest, you had absolutely no interest in the sorts of things a student like him got up to in his own time, but it was the fact that he insisted on dragging you into his business that irritated you the most. You weren’t sure why exactly he kept targeting you, maybe it was because he just wanted to mess with the class president or because you seemed like an easy target to him - whatever reason he had didn’t make it any less tiring though.

Skipping classes was one thing, but his constant breaches of uniform code meant that you were running out of warning slips - and patience. It didn’t help that whenever you did, he would only look you up and down with an amused smirk, brows raised as if daring you to continue telling him off - which only worked to make you stumble over your words.

That’s why you had made the decision to stop giving him anymore of your attention, and the most recent time you had seen him sporting his signature look - no blazer, dress shirt half unbuttoned and several silver earrings, you chose to ignore him. You simply walked past him in the hallway without so much as a passing glance, hoping it would tell him to stop wasting your time and causing trouble.

Little did you know, he would misinterpret your signs to mean the exact opposite.

The next morning when you were waiting at your desk you heard a wave of hushed murmurs coming from down the hall, and couldn’t help but feel partly responsible. A loud thud sent the classroom door flying open and a couple of his friends filed in with amused grins - and it was only when Niki followed them in did you see why. Not only had he gone and messily bleached parts of his jet black hair, but he now donned a piercing straight through his right eyebrow which, judging from the pink tinge surrounding it, was both brand new and self-made.

You were unable to stop your neck from craning as your eyes followed his figure, watching as he sauntered over to his desk in the back corner of the classroom, threw his books onto it and sat down. The expression on his face showed that he couldn’t care less about being there, but his eyes trained on you as if waiting for you to make a move.

You hated that he knew you so well, because before you knew it you were out of your seat and at the head of his desk, arms folded with a stern expression on your face. You can’t remember exactly what you said but it must’ve been harsh, and loud enough to summon the attention of almost the entire class, and your teacher who stormed into the classroom shortly after to tell the two of you off. It must’ve also been harsh enough to earn the two of you an after-school detention, which was your very first - though it clearly wasn’t Niki’s.

So that’s how the two of you had ended up alone, in an empty, hot classroom - waiting as the minutes of your detention ticked by agonisingly slowly. Irritated was an understatement. It was taking every ounce of self-control you had not to turn around and punch Niki right there and then. You kept your fuming to yourself, at least for now though, while you worked silently on an assignment, determined to at least make good use of being stuck here for the next hour or so - even if it meant spending it in a tense silence.

Niki didn’t seem to share the same sentiment, having sat himself in the chair right beside yours and kicked his feet up on the desk, twirling a pen in one hand as he hummed softly to himself. You were trying your best to ignore him, and he was trying his best to make that very difficult.

“What are you working on?” he asked curiously as he leaned in over your shoulder.

“Just an assignment,” you shot back curtly.

“Ah of course, what a goody-two shoes,” he scoffed as he sat back.

“Rather a goody-two shoes than a good-for-nothing delinquent,” you mumbled under your breath, though not quiet enough to escape his ears.

“A delinquent? Is that really what you think of me?” he asked in faux-offence, “I’m hurt.” You turned slightly, just enough to see the dramatic pout he had formed across his lips, his brows curving upwards and his piercing going with it.

“Whatever,” you huff, feeling both irritation and exhaustion rise in you, “it’s your fault we’re here in the first place anyways.”

“Oh yeah, my fault that you started a petty argument.”

“Your fault for dyeing your hair that stupid colour and getting that piece of metal jammed in your face!” You cry out, fully facing him now as you felt your face burning hot, “I mean seriously, all I did was ignore you once, and you go ahead and did something ridiculous like that?” Gesturing to his piercing and new hair, you can’t help but feel even more infuriated at the sight of his smirk which only grew as he watched you from half-lidded eyes.

“What makes you think I did it for you?” He asks teasingly, and you suddenly feel your bravado begin to crumble - he’s right, who are you to assume that?

“Well, I-” you stutter, but he interrupts you.

“Well maybe I did,” he laughs softly, “that depends on whether you like it or not.”

“That is so besides the point, Niki,” you whine, “it’s against uniform policy.”

“Oh c’mon, you think it’s a little cool,” he taunts, and you turn back around in your seat, chewing your bottom lip as you’re determined not to give him a response which you’re sure will only fuel his ego.

You sit in silence for a bit, and you can tell he’s watching you carefully in the way he leans in, keen eyes trained on your expression - almost as if he’s trying to figure out what you’re thinking. But that’s a challenge even you’re struggling with right now.

He’s the one to break the silence again. “I am sorry about getting you a detention though, that wasn’t what I meant to do.” You blink in disbelief because for the very first time, he sounds almost as if he really means what he’s saying.

“Is that an apology?” you say, gasping to show your surprise, though this quickly dissolved into a soft laugh.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t let it get to your head,” he sighs, “I just couldn’t sit here and watch you sulk for the next hour.”

You can’t help but smile to yourself, feeling the tension between the two of you melt away at his apology, just enough for you to want to keep talking to him - even if it means neglecting your homework, for now. Your eyes move over his face, his sharp jaw, his eyebrow piercing glinting under the warm classroom light.

“Did it hurt?”

It’s a stupid question, you know, but it’s the only thing you can think to ask as you fiddle nervously in your seat. If you’re being completely honest, you do think it’s cool, you’ve always thought his piercing were cool - and right now you want nothing more than to reach out and feel them for yourself. But your common sense stops you.

“Well, duh,” he scoffs, sitting back in his seat as his eyes fix on yours, “figured a smart-ass like you would’ve been able to guess that.”

“Just asking,” you grumble defensively, though your curiosity urges you to keep talking. “If it hurt, why’d you do it?”

“Well, you like it, don’t you?” He asks, “that’s all the reason I need.”

You’re tempted to tell him off again, but something about his tone catches you off guard - it’s oddly earnest, and he says it with such a simplicity that makes you really believe that maybe he’s telling the truth and you’re unable to find the resolve to spoil this moment

“Can I feel it?”

He’s almost as shocked by your request as you are, and even as it leaves your mouth you’re unsure entirely why you’re asking it. His eyes widen in a way that you can’t help but find a little cute, even as you’re struggling to process your own thoughts.

“Sure,” he replies, a little too quickly, almost as if he had been waiting for you to ask him that, but can’t believe you actually did. You turn in your chair to face him, your arms coming up awkwardly to bridge the distance between you both but it’s clear you’re still too far.

You’re about to lean forward more in your seat to reach him, until you notice his hand coming down to grip the leg of your chair and it isn’t until you feel yourself moving and hear the faint screech of the legs against the floor that you realise that he’s pulling it - pulling you closer to him.

Once you’re close enough he stops, though his hand doesn’t leave the back of your chair, instead resting there as if trapping you in with him as he leans down as that his face is level with yours. You try not to overthink the way your knees are touching, or how this is your first time seeing him this close and how he’s even better looking up close. Carefully, you bring your hand and pray that he doesn’t notice the way it trembles, as your thumb grazes his thick brow gently. Even though you wish he didn’t, he keeps his eyes open and you can feel the weight of his gaze on you as your fingers close around the small metal ball.

“It’s cold,” you mumble, not sure what else to say to fill the air between you two.

“It’s metal,” he says matter-of-factly, letting out a small laugh at your fascination with it.

“You didn’t need to to do this just to get my attention, you know,” your eyes focus on the piercing as you speak, unable to look him in the eyes when admitting something that feels like a confession.

“I had to get you to look at me somehow.” You’re again amazed at how he can say such earnest things with such a serious face, and even as you look away you know his eyes are on you.

“Most people would’ve just said hi or something, not put a brand new hole in their face,” you sigh, fingers moving to tuck a stray strand of bleached hair behind his ear.

“Well most people wouldn’t be here now with you touching their face, so by my standards my plan worked better.”

“Did that plan have to include getting me my first-ever detention?” You ask in annoyance, though you can’t help but laugh softly at his simplicity.

“Well, not at first,” he admits, “but at least we’re alone, hm?”

“Because you need me alone to talk to me?”

“No, because I need you alone to do this.”

You’re pretty sure if you weren’t already leaning towards him you would’ve fallen backwards from the forceful way his lips crash into yours - and if not from that then the sheer shock of just that. Luckily for you though, he already has an arm snaked around your waist, keeping a hold of you and pulling you closer.

It shocks you though that, despite the initial force, Niki’s kiss is gentle, almost as if he’s easing you into something he knows you’re struggling to accept. He’s experienced, that’s for sure, but you can tell in his movements that he’s holding back from pushing you any further.

You don’t even realise it but your hands are cupping his face, caressing his strong jawline and pulling him closer to you. You open your mouth to talk but the only noise that comes out is a breathy gasp and if you weren’t so caught up in the feeling of his hands in your hair you might’ve stopped to feel embarrassed about how desperate you sound for him right now.

“Niki,” you mumble against his lips, unsure of what to do as you feel your mind struggle to comprehend what’s happening.

“Want me to stop?” he says in between heavy breaths, and even though it sounds like a taunt you know him well enough to know he’s being serious.

You shake your head in response, but decide to have a little fun of your own while you can. “When have you ever cared what I want?”

“Oh, you have no clue,” he hums in a low whisper as he leans back in.

“And when have you ever listened to what I’ve told you to do?”

“You’re right about that,” he smirks, pressing his lips to yours again, this time with the reckless abandon you’ve come to expect from him - almost as if he was waiting for your permission to let go. You thought you would’ve felt a little predictable, pathetic even, for having fallen so easily into his trap and giving him much more than just your attention at this point. But from the way his hands roam your body, grasping for more of you as he whines against your lips you smile to yourself at the realisation that really, he’s the one who’s fallen into your trap.

This sense of control is what finally calms your mind, even if it still struggles with just how ‘wrong’ all of this sounds against how right his lips on yours feel. The sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway however forces you to tear yourself away from him, though his hands don’t leave your body as you strain to figure out who it might be.

“Shit, it’s the teacher,” you say under your breath, pulling away from him to smooth down your skirt. Niki clearly doesn’t care, but still lets out a soft sigh as he hangs his head, leaning back in his chair.

“Tomorrow,” you continue suddenly, “I want the eyebrow piercing and the bleached hair gone.” You know you’re being harsh, but you also know that, given what just happened, you can’t afford to be nice.

“Wh-” he says suddenly, looking at you in disbelief, “I thought you liked them though.”

“Doesn’t matter,” you say firmly, “they’re still breaking like ten different uniform rules.”

“Just when I thought I’d finally broken your guard down,” he groans.

“Well, they’ve served their purpose already, haven’t they?” you taunt lightly, bringing a hand up to swipe at your bottom lip which you can feel is a little plump from him biting it. His eyes watch attentively as you do, and he lets out a soft laugh followed by a nod in agreement.

“You’re right,” he exhales, “but now I’m thinking if I keep them in I might keep getting lucky.”

“Niki,” you sigh.

“I mean, maybe if I had a reward for following rules I might feel more motivated,” he hums, looking away as he feigns innocence.

You pause, thinking to yourself for just long enough. “I’ll be studying in the library after school, maybe if you do as I say I’ll let you join me.”

“Studying? That’s what we’re calling it now?”

“Take it or leave it.”

“I’ll be there,” he laughs, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smile - one that you can’t help but share even as the same teacher who gave you both this detention comes in to tell you you’re free to go.

You watch as he swings his bag over one shoulder coolly, tossing you his signature smirk - only this time, it doesn’t just annoy you, it lingers, sticking to your thoughts in a way you don’t want to admit. Because you know you should be mad, you should roll your eyes and remind yourself that he’s still the same infuriating troublemaker. But as he walks away the only thing you find yourself wondering is if he’ll actually show up tomorrow, and worse, if a part of you wants him to.