#and i can’t even explain what’s going on to her

[lotties-ashwagandha]

THE FIRST TO BREAK

agatha harkness x reader x rio vidal

NSFW! when they can’t decide who indulges you more, agatha and rio find a way to settle it in competition. based on this ask i got. 1.3k words. i might have written this at 7am (that’s my excuse if it’s bad <3).

Rio’s arms rest looped around your waist as you stand at the stove. Her head rests on your shoulder as she watches you work, as you pour herbs and spices into a pot —you got up early, stalking through the kitchen to create something to prevent the illnesses that will be coming with winter soon. You use your witchcraft in the way of herbs, a potion witch as they would call you.

“You don’t need any of this,” Rio whispers. She watches you stir, and her arms around you grow tighter. “I’m not taking you from illness.”

You smile softly. You’ve tried to explain to her before that it’s not just about life and death, but discomfort — how much life resembles the gleaming, shifting ideal of thriving. She is still learning, it’s a concept too human for what is ancient, for Death.

“You’re going to keep her alive forever,” Agatha’s voice rings out into the gentle silence of the kitchen as she speaks to Rio. You turn slightly in Rio’s grasp to look over at her, and as she pours a coffee for herself Agatha raises her eyebrows at you accusingly. “Don’t break my favoritism streak.”

You shake your head. “I’ll try.”

Rio rolls her eyes. She steps away from you, leaning against the kitchen island behind her as she turns to Agatha. “If one of us is treating her with favoritism, it’s not me.”

“Really? That’s a stretch. How do I treat her with favoritism?”

Leaving the contents on the stove to simmer, you turn to watch them argue over you. It is playful, but still endearing, because you know they both treat you with favoritism.

“You answer to whatever she wants,” Rio says, like it’s obvious. “Even when she doesn’t ask, you’re always giving.”

“That’s not a bad thing.”

“No. Stealing diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet in the same week from a shopkeeper you threatened to kill is a little much though, isn’t it?”

Agatha is quiet for a moment, taking a sip of her coffee. She drinks out of a black mug Rio got her, wears a dark blue robe Rio bought her, wears a wedding ring Rio proposed to her with. You don’t think you are the one being shown partiality.

Agatha sets the mug down and looks at you. “What do you think?”

You didn’t think it had been worth bickering over. They had disagreed. Now as you lay on the bed with your hands tied all you want is for them to show you favor, to fuck you until they forget the petty competition they have created between them.

Two of Rio’s fingers slide into you as she takes advantage of her turn. The rules of their competition are simple: whoever lets you come first loses. You’re working up to the third time being edged, this is Rio’s second time on you and Agatha has only edged you once.

It was Agatha’s plan to make Rio go first, and now you can see why, because in the way she’s fucking you so greedily now with her fingers and in the low moans she lets slip as she sucks bruises onto your chest you can tell Rio will be the first to break. She wants to let you come as bad as you need it, her black nails digging into your hips as her free hand presses against you in a reminder to stay still.

“Look at her,” Agatha says, speaking to Rio as if you couldn’t hear, you were something to admire. “Doesn’t she deserve to come? She’s so beautiful for us like this.”

Rio lets out a frustrated breath, accusatory glance shifting to Agatha, who takes advantage of her proximity and pulls her into a kiss. You watch them above you, one of Agatha’s hands drifting to your breasts as she sits at your side. She’s trying hard to do anything she can to make Rio let you come.

Rio notices Agatha’s wandering touch. She pulls out of the kiss, pulling Agatha’s hand away from your breasts and replacing it with her mouth. The sensation elicits a gasp from you, and your back arches into the sensation of her tongue licking across one of your nipples.

“She’s so close,” Agatha whispers into Rio’s ear. She watches you with the same hunger in Rio’s eyes as she keeps fucking you with her fingers. “Think about how perfect she would look for you, how it would feel to have her—”

Just as you reach the edge of your orgasm, Rio pulls her hands from you. She compensates with kissing you — it’s not enough, though, and you can’t help but whine into the kiss. You need her touch, or Agatha’s, something to soothe the need growing in you so sharply.

When you pull away and look at Agatha, a conflicted expression occupies her features. You know she wants to give you an orgasm, but she also wants to win. As she takes Rio’s place and settles herself between your legs, head dipping down to kiss your thighs, you can see it — that there’s nothing she wants more right now than to feel you come on her tongue.

When Rio kisses you from beside you, Agatha delivers a sharp slap to the outside of your thigh. You tense, startled out of the kiss.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Agatha’s tone is demanding as she addresses Rio, who looks back at her with unbothered pride.

“I’m playing by your rules. You want to taunt me during my turn? It has to be even.”

“It will be even when I win,” Agatha says, and you’re overcome with the sensation of her tongue dragging through you. Your hands pull at the restraints above you to no avail. You want to reach down and weave your hands in her hair, or pull Rio closer to you as she watches.

Agatha runs her tongue over your clit. She does it harder, moaning against you when your legs begin to tremble on either side of her head. It’s almost painful how good it feels to have her tongue dipping inside of you and back up to your clit. With Rio’s lips crashing back into yours you can feel yourself slowly building into another orgasm — this time you need it.

“Please,” you beg breathlessly, hands pulling the restraints again. “You win, both of you can win…”

“Agatha,” Rio taunts beside you. She watches as Agatha draws you closer and closer to the edge — she watches when Agatha pulls away.

Yet when Agatha pulls away it’s not to let Rio take her place, but to slide two fingers into you and reposition herself so she can kiss you. You taste yourself on her tongue and a moan escapes you.

“Come for me, baby, give it to me,” Agatha murmurs. Your body responds immediately, any restraint you’ve tried to keep snaps as white-hot euphoria rushes over you. Agatha fucks you through it, fingers buried deep in you as she guides you through your orgasm. Vaguely you’re able to process Rio beside you as well with one of her hands between her legs — she’s gone with you, at the sight of you and Agatha.

Agatha kisses you again as you come down from it. You hear Rio breathing heavily beside you, and then Agatha is pulled away from you again so that Rio can kiss her. When they part, Rio looks into her eyes. “You fucking lose.”

“And you’re the one that got off on it.”

A smile makes its way to your lips. Playfully Rio shakes her head at you, Agatha moving to lay on your other side so that you’re sandwiched between them while Rio undoes the restraints on your wrists. You pull your hands down.

Laying down with them, Rio rests her head on her chest and loops an arm around your waist. Agatha holds her hand, and in their embrace you are enveloped by their love. There is no winner amongst you — the victory is shared.

[gabessquishytum]

Okay silly angsty but cute idea but imagine: Something happens to Death momentarily. She’s fine, as strong and immortal as she’s ever been, but there’s a temporary hiccup in her reach due to some interference (immortal, mortal, maybe something similar to what happened to Dream but she’s out immediately) that all the siblings feel. And that means there’s a momentary hiccup with Hob’s mark. He’s temporarily mortal again.

Dream can feel it immediately. There’s a subtle shift, a missing gap that had once been filled with Death’s mighty presence. And the first thing Dream does (after making sure his beloved sister is okay of course) is frantically careen his way into the living world looking for Hob. Is he okay? Is he too late? What if something happens before the mark is restored?? He can’t lose his stranger, not after the strange, intimate ways they’ve regarded each other since their reunion. He can’t—

Obviously Hob is fine, more confused than anything else when Dream forces himself into Hob’s flat above the tavern and absolutely refuses to leave his side for the entire day before the mark is restored. Dream even looks like he’s going to cry when Hob gets a slight nick from cooking breakfast, when Dream had startled him into slipping with the knife when he exploded into the kitchen

I love protective Dream so so much !!!!!!!!

Like. I'm imagining him hauling Hob across the kitchen and frantically attempting to practice first aid on his slightly bleeding finger. He doesn't even explain anything until Hob actually shakes him and demands some context, please!! And then when Dream briefly outlines what's going on, Hob has a minor crisis and wonders if he's going to suddenly start rapidly aging and end up like that one episode of Doctor Who where the doctor is forced to appear as his real physical age. Fortunately he doesn't start shrivelling up, so he figures that he must be safe from that particular fate.

Despite the underlying panic that still continues, it is kinda... Nice. That Dream sticks around with him all day. Dream refuses to let him leave the flat in case Hob gets run over by a bus, so they spend the whole day together watching movies and talking. Hob gets blankets and pillows and by the end of the day it's impossible to deny that they're cuddling on the sofa.

Death is restored to her usual status and Hob’s immortality is once again restored. Everything ought to go back to normal; Dream ought to return to his business. But he's very comfortable curled up with Hob’s arms around him. He thinks that if he's very still and quiet, Hob might forget that he's there and never ask him to leave.

But Hob doesn't forget. He never could. He's stroking Dream’s hair very gently, and maybe he'll dare to fall asleep in a while. But he'll never forget that Dream wanted to be there for him when he was potentially in danger. It gives him a teeny tiny sliver of hope, that his love could be returned......

[tanjamikaelson]

BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER - CHAPTER 3

MASTERLIST

CHAPTER 3: | RUMOUR |

You sat cross-legged on your bed, earbuds in, music playing softly as you replayed the events of last night in your mind. Every time you thought about Rafe, a heat crept up your cheeks. The memory of his touch lingered, the way his fingers had moved against you, sending shivers through your body. It was intoxicating, the way he made you feel—wanted, desired. You had never felt anything like it before. The thought of it stirred something inside you, something you hadn’t been able to shake all day.

You were so lost in the memory that you didn’t hear the door burst open until Sarah’s voice cut through the air like a knife. “Y/N, is it true?”

Startled, you pulled out your earbuds, eyes snapping up to meet hers. “What?” you asked, still caught between your thoughts and the sudden reality of her presence. The look on her face—disappointment, anger—hit you like a punch to the gut.

“You slept with Rafe?!” The words exploded out of her, each syllable laced with betrayal.

Your heart dropped. “No, I didn’t,” you said quickly, shaking your head, but the hurt in her eyes didn’t waver.

“Then why is everybody talking about it?” Sarah’s arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her posture defensive and hurt. She wasn’t just your best friend—she was like a sister. And now, standing there, she looked at you like she didn’t know you at all.

You took a deep breath, trying to gather your thoughts. “My ex showed up at the party,” you began, your voice steady but laced with frustration. “I told everyone what he did to me... how he cheated. And Rafe—he stepped in to protect me. My ex was jealous and started spreading rumors.”

Sarah’s expression softened, the anger fading just a bit as she processed your words. “And Rafe broke his nose,” she said, piecing together the bits of information she must have heard throughout the day.

“Yeah, he did,” you confirmed. “He didn’t let him disrespect me like that, in front of everyone.”

You could see the tension leaving her shoulders, the rigidness of her posture easing. “I guess it’s nice of Rafe to do that,” she muttered, almost begrudgingly.

A laugh bubbled up from your chest, unexpected and light. “Oh wow, I never thought I’d hear you say something nice about your brother.”

Sarah rolled her eyes but smiled, the last of the anger melting away. She sank onto the bed beside you, a sigh escaping her lips. “Hey, I didn’t say he was nice, just that what he did was.” Her tone was playful, but you could hear the undercurrent of relief.

You nodded, smiling at her. “Yeah, okay.”

But even as you joked, a small knot of guilt tightened in your chest. You hadn’t lied to Sarah, not completely. You and Rafe hadn’t slept together, but what had happened between you was still real, still intimate. And you couldn’t tell her, not yet. Maybe one day you’d find the words to explain, to make her understand, but not now. Now, the truth would only hurt her more.

“So, you want to go dress shopping tomorrow for midsummers?” Sarah asked, her voice casual, as if she was trying to push past the tension that had filled the room moments ago.

“Yeah, of course,” you replied, grateful for the change in subject, and for the opportunity to move forward.

Sarah smiled, the kind of smile that lit up her whole face, and for a moment, everything felt normal again. “Can’t wait.”

•°•°•°•°•°•

The next day, you arrived at Sarah’s house, excited for a day of dress shopping and distractions. You had spent most of the morning thinking about what you wanted to wear for the midsummer event, picturing yourself in all sorts of dresses, each one more beautiful than the last. But when you reached Sarah’s room, she wasn’t there. You called out her name, but the house was unusually quiet.

Confused, you made your way back downstairs, pausing when you saw Rafe lounging on the couch, his expression unreadable. “Hey, where’s Sarah?” you asked, trying to keep your voice light, though the disappointment of not finding your friend was creeping in.

Rafe shrugged, looking genuinely clueless. “I have no idea.”

“She told me yesterday to come so we could go shopping...” You trailed off, glancing around, wondering where she could be.

“Well, I haven’t seen her either,” Rafe said, then paused, his eyes meeting yours with an intensity that made your stomach flip. “Can we talk? Privately?”

Your heart rate picked up, but you nodded. “Yeah, what’s up?”

Without another word, Rafe stood and grabbed your hand, pulling you gently but firmly up the stairs and into his room. The door clicked shut behind you, the sound somehow final, sealing you both in. He turned to face you, his eyes searching yours, his expression serious.

“About the other night...” Rafe began, his voice careful, as if he was testing the waters. “If I made you feel uncomfortable...”

You shook your head quickly, the words tumbling out before he could finish. “No, Rafe. You didn’t.” You took a breath, trying to find the right words. “I just don’t want Sarah to know. She almost found out the truth after my ex spread that rumor.”

Rafe’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening. “I know. He got what he deserved.”

You smiled, the memory of your ex writhing on the floor, blood streaming from his nose, bringing a dark satisfaction. “He did. I loved seeing him like that.”

Rafe’s lips curved into a smirk, his eyes lighting up. He was glad you felt the same way, glad that he hadn’t overstepped. Your gaze drifted around his room, and you noticed a baby blue suit hanging on the closet door, pristine and elegant.

“Nice suit,” you remarked, nodding towards it. “Are you wearing that to midsummers?”

Rafe glanced at the suit, then back at you, nodding. “Yeah. What are you wearing?”

You shrugged, the truth still hanging in the air between you. “I don’t know yet. I was supposed to go dress shopping with Sarah...” But as you said the words, an idea sparked in your mind, a way to match, to be connected without anyone knowing.

Before you could finish the thought, Rafe closed the space between you, his presence overwhelming. You felt the door press against your back, his body inches from yours. His gaze was intense, his voice low and steady as he spoke. “So... I would like that to happen again...” His words hung in the air, charged with the memory of what had transpired between you both at Kelce’s party.

Your heart skipped a beat. You knew exactly what he was referring to, and the thought of it made heat pool in your belly. You swallowed hard, trying to keep your voice steady. “But not right now.”

Rafe cocked his head to the side, his eyes darkening with something that made your pulse quicken. “When?”

You shook your head, feeling the frustration build. “I don’t know. When Sarah’s not around.”

Rafe’s hand brushed against your arm, his touch featherlight, sending shivers down your spine. “She’s not here right now,” he reminded you, his smirk almost teasing.

“But she could come back any minute,” you countered, your voice a whisper, but filled with urgency.

Rafe sighed, the sound heavy with disappointment. “So you want us completely alone? We’re never completely alone.”

You sighed too, mirroring his frustration, feeling it thrum between you like a live wire. “I know, but we can figure something out.”

Rafe stepped back, his eyes narrowing slightly, his voice laced with annoyance. “Well, let me know when you do.” He turned away, his shoulders tense, his disappointment palpable.

You stood there, your back still pressed against the door, your heart racing. The tension between you was almost unbearable, and as he turned his back on you, a mix of emotions swirled inside you—desire, frustration, and the nagging guilt that came from keeping this secret from Sarah. You had to find a way to make this right, to figure out what you really wanted before everything spiraled out of control.

You fled from his room, your heart pounding, the walls feeling like they were closing in on you. You needed air, space—anything to clear your head. The intensity of Rafe’s gaze, the weight of his words, and the way your body responded to him had all been overwhelming. You could barely think straight as you made your way down the hallway, your mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

Rafe stood there, stunned, watching as you hurried out. He hadn’t expected you to leave like that, so abruptly, without a second glance. He felt a sharp pang in his chest, a strange mixture of frustration and confusion that he couldn’t quite place. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he tried to process what had just happened. He hadn’t meant to push you away. Hell, he hadn’t even realized how much he wanted you to stay until he watched you walk out the door, leaving him alone with nothing but the echo of your presence. A bitter taste settled in his mouth as he replayed the last few moments over and over in his mind.

Why did you leave?

Rafe felt a surge of anger—at himself, mostly. He had been so close, so close to having you again, to feeling your warmth, to experiencing the high of being near you. The memory of the other night, the way your body had responded to his touch, was still fresh in his mind, burning like a brand against his skin. And now, standing alone in his room, he felt that heat turning into a gnawing ache. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply, trying to shake off the tension that coiled tightly in his chest. His thoughts were a chaotic mess—part of him wanted to chase after you, to drag you back into the room and make you stay until you understood how much he needed you. But another part, the one that knew he had already pushed too hard, told him to let you go, to give you the space you were clearly asking for.

Rafe’s jaw clenched as he replayed the conversation in his mind. He knew he could be intense—too intense, sometimes—but he couldn’t help it. Not when it came to you. There was something about you that drove him crazy, made him feel things he didn’t understand, things he didn’t want to admit even to himself.

He turned and punched the wall beside him, the sharp pain in his knuckles a welcome distraction from the turmoil inside his head. He didn’t know what to do with all the emotions swirling inside him—frustration, desire, a strange sense of vulnerability that he wasn’t used to feeling. You had gotten under his skin, and he didn’t know how to handle it.

Rafe let out a low, bitter laugh. He was angry—angry at himself for scaring you off, angry at the situation, angry at everything that kept him from having what he wanted. And what he wanted was you. Completely, without hesitation, without hiding.

He knew you were scared—scared of what being with him would mean, scared of how Sarah would react, scared of how this would change things between all of you. But he was scared, too, even if he’d never say it out loud. Scared of wanting you this much, scared of what it meant if you didn’t want him the same way.

Rafe stared at the door for a long moment, his chest heaving as he tried to rein in the storm of emotions crashing through him. He wanted to run after you, to pull you into his arms and tell you that he’d wait, that he’d do whatever it took to make this work. But he knew that right now, that wasn’t what you needed.

With a deep, shuddering breath, he turned away from the door, the frustration simmering under his skin like a live wire. He needed to cool off, to clear his head, to figure out how to fix this. Because he wasn’t ready to give up—not on you, not on what you could be together.

But for now, he’d have to let you go.

For now.

•°•°•°•°•°•

The warmth of sunset had started to settle over the open field, casting long shadows and soft light over everyone who had come out for the outdoor movie night. You found a spot on the grass with some friends, surrounded by laughter and the quiet hum of conversation as the film began. But as the movie dragged on, you found yourself losing interest, your thoughts drifting.

A glance around the crowd was all it took to pull you from your thoughts—you spotted Rafe a few feet away, sitting with Topper and Kelce. He didn’t look like he was enjoying the movie either, his elbow propped up on his knee, his cheek resting in his hand as he pouted at the screen. His presence seemed to fill the air around you, sending a small thrill through your chest.

You couldn’t help but notice when he eventually got up, his broad shoulders and confident stance drawing your attention like a magnet. Without really thinking, you rose to your feet and decided to follow him, weaving through the crowd.

Rafe led you around the back of the movie screen, and it didn’t take long to see what was happening. Rafe, Topper, and Kelce had cornered JJ and Pope, the tension crackling in the air. Before you could even process what was happening, punches were being thrown, and a brutal fight erupted between the kooks and pogues.

“Don’t do this, guys!” you yelled, but your voice was lost in the chaos, falling on deaf ears.

Suddenly, a flash of movement caught your eye. Kie appeared from nowhere, gripping JJ’s backpack with both hands as she swung it at Topper, landing a blow square against his back. “Let go of him, Topper! Fascist asshole!” she shouted, her voice carrying a mixture of fear and fury. Topper, unfazed, turned on her, yanking the bag out of her hands and tossing it aside as he tightened his grip on Pope.

Your gaze shifted to Rafe, who was busy landing a punch on JJ, while Kelce held him firmly, keeping him from fighting back. Kie, seeing this, leaped onto Topper’s back, clawing at him, trying desperately to pull him away from Pope.

The sight must have caught Rafe’s attention because he turned and immediately moved towards them. He grabbed Kie around the waist, pulling her off Topper effortlessly, her legs kicking out as she fought against him.

“Let go of me, Rafe!” she screamed, writhing in his grip.

“Stay out of this, Kiara. Okay?” Rafe’s voice was low, and cold, as he tossed her aside, sending her stumbling to the ground.

Your heart pounded as you watched Kie rummage through the backpack, her fingers closing around something. Your eyes widened as you realized it was a gun.

“Kie!” you called out, rushing over to grab her hand, panic filling your voice.

She looked up at you, her expression wild and unyielding, yanking her hand away. “Don’t!” she snapped, her tone sharp with desperation and anger. Then, without missing a beat, she stuffed the gun back into the bag, her hand now pulling out a lighter.

“Kie, stop!” you pleaded, but she pushed you back, her eyes blazing with a resolve you hadn’t seen in her before.

“Stop being on their side!” she shouted, her voice echoing over the scene. Without another word, she flicked the lighter and held it to the screen, setting it ablaze.

The next thing you knew, flames erupted, consuming the movie screen and casting an orange glow over the chaotic scene. It was a bold, desperate attempt to end the fight, and it worked.

The sudden blaze shocked everyone. For a moment, all movement stopped, the fire commanding everyone’s attention as it leaped and crackled against the night sky. The Kooks froze, stunned by the unexpected turn, their faces illuminated by the flames.

Rafe let out a dark laugh, the flicker of fire reflecting in his eyes. “Let’s go, Kelce,” he muttered, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. His gaze landed on you, still crouched on the ground, and his expression hardened slightly. Without hesitation, he strode over, reaching down to grab your arm, and pulling you up to your feet.

“You shouldn’t have tried to stop us,” he said, his voice laced with annoyance, though a flicker of something softer lay behind it.

“I don’t like it when there’s a fight,” you replied, brushing the dirt and grass off your clothes, but he wasn’t listening.

“They sank Topper’s boat and held a gun to his head,” Rafe explained his tone a mix of frustration and something darker. "We’re supposed to just let it slide?”

You stayed silent, knowing that arguing with him now would only make things worse. He nudged you forward, a light push urging you to start walking with him. As you moved forward, you felt his hand smack against your backside, making you stumble slightly in surprise.

When you glanced over your shoulder, he smirked, feigning innocence. "Your butt had dirt on it," he chuckled, but there was a gleam in his eye that suggested otherwise.

You rolled your eyes, but before you could respond, Rafe’s hand shot out, grabbing your arm and pulling you aside, away from prying eyes. You barely had a second to process before your back was pressed against a wall, his face inches from yours.

"Don’t roll your eyes at me," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

"You’re annoying," you shot back, trying to mask the thrill that raced through you at his closeness.

A smirk spread across his face, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, am I?” he murmured, his voice dripping with a playful edge. “Was I also annoying when I gave you an orgasm without asking for anything in return?”

Your pulse quickened, and you struggled to keep your composure. "No. You’re just annoying now," you muttered, trying to ignore the heat pooling inside you.

Rafe’s eyes darkened, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You’re annoying too, you know that?"

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “How so?”

His face darkened slightly, the playfulness turning into something more intense. “You rejected me earlier today when I wanted something more to happen,” he said, his tone holding a hint of frustration.

“It wasn’t like that—” you started to explain, but he cut you off, his lips brushing against your ear as he spoke.

“But I bet you’d want another orgasm. wouldn’t you?” he whispered, his voice rough, sending a shiver down your spine.

Your breath caught in your throat, and for a moment, you were speechless. Unable to hold back, you nodded slightly, the admission causing a flicker of amusement in his gaze. His hand slid along your thigh, pressing just enough to make you part your legs in response. He chuckled softly, his fingers skimming over the edge of your short dress, teasing you with a touch that was both gentle and maddeningly slow.

“Is that why you’re wearing this short dress?” he murmured, his fingers brushing along the edge of your panties. “You knew I would be here.”

“Rafe—” you breathed out, your voice shaky as his touch ignited a fire inside you.

He grinned, a smug glint in his eyes as he continued teasing you, his fingers brushing against the damp fabric of your panties. “Shit. Does this turn you on?” he asked, his voice low and amused.

You bit your lip, trying to stifle the moan building in your throat. His hand shifted, moving your panties to the side, his fingers slipping through your wet folds, making you whimper.

“Are you turned on because anyone could catch us?” he questioned, his voice rough, “Or do I just have that effect on you?”

“Both,” you answered quickly, barely able to contain yourself.

Rafe let out a quiet laugh, pleased by your neediness. His fingers moved with more purpose, sliding over your sensitive skin, his touch driving you closer to the edge. You clutched at his hand, desperate for him to keep going.

“This is the last time I’m giving you an orgasm without getting one in return,” he warned, his tone dark and possessive.

Rafe’s lips found your neck, and he began to leave a trail of heated kisses, making sure to leave a mark. You clung to him, your need for him overpowering any sense of caution. His hand moved expertly, and you felt yourself melting under his touch, gasping as he continued.

"Do you ever touch yourself while thinking of me?" he murmured, his breath sending shivers down your spine.

"Yes," you admitted, barely able to form the word.

He groaned softly, his own desire evident in the way he pressed against you, his breath hot against your skin. “I’d like to see that,” he murmured, his fingers speeding up, the pressure driving you closer to the brink.

The intensity in his gaze made your cheeks flush, and you could barely meet his eyes as he looked at you, his own filled with a fierce longing. You felt your resolve crumble as he kissed your neck again, his fingers working faster. The familiar tension built in your core, your breaths coming quicker as he guided you toward the edge. When your orgasm hit, you bit down on your lip to muffle your moans, your body going limp as the pleasure overtook you.

Rafe held you steady, his grip strong, and as your legs threatened to give out, he kept you from crumpling to the ground.

TAGS: @wearemadeofstardust0 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp

[porrabett]

Rio, Nicholas and Agatha through time

There’s something that I noticed about Rio and Nicholas, that I really can’t understand why, maybe someone can see some foreshadowing or meaning on it, I don’t know.

They gave Rio a birthmark, and I noticed this birthmark just shows up in the scene before Nicholas birth. Aubrey Plaza don’t have it, so they really put it on her for the scene and for this scene only.

After it, when she comes to get Nicky’s soul and in the present moment, she doesn’t have it anymore. I thought that they would put some birthmark on Nicholas in a way to show he is Rio’s son too, but that’s none birthmark in the baby. And even with Nicholas as a 6 years old, he has three birthmarks on his face, but in different spots, it seems more is just because the actor already had it, not about Rio. It really made me curious why they would put this birthmark in her, and just in that moment.

Second, and just to keep moving the “Rio is Nichola’s mom too” train. I think she really would meet him at night, or maybe in some moments he was alone, like when Agatha was killing the witches with The road scam.

I think in the moment of the two goodbye kisses, not just was something Rio already talked to him, so he knew what he needed to do, but the kisses were giving by his soul.

The way that Rio was there and he just goes in her direction, like is something he already did others nights.

Rio interrupts him going to her and points back to Agatha, and she does it in a affectionate way, like a mother remembering her son something she has already told before.

He looks at Agatha and then stops, like he was think in something, like Rio has already prepared him for this moment, and he knew exactly what he needed to do. As if Rio has told him that in one specifically day, when she would visit him, he would say goodbye to his mama before he would go with his mother. And we can see that there is no hesitation, fear or doubt, he just stops, like he is remebering something he was told, and then goes to do what he already knew he would had to.

And then the two kisses scene, it really looks like he is giving two goodbye kisses, one for him and the other for Rio. And it seems like Nicky’s mouth is barely touching Agatha’s cheeks, I think in this moment we maybe are seeing his soul, ready to go.

Just a curious thing, even with Rio and Agatha not being together, Rio still is more in her Green Witch energy, like she knows that even giving Agatha more time, in the end, Nicky will come with her, because his time there was a borrowed time. I think she thought Agatha would understand that, with some time, what she made, and she said it in 1x08.

But we know that didn’t happened, a mother will always want to be with her son, and is a cruel irony that Agatha lost him for Rio, the person who took him away, and because of Rio, as he is most likely Death’s son too, almost like he was born to die.

I believe everytime they would meet again, when Agatha was killing other witches after Nicky’s death, they would fight, Agatha would throw all her sorrow and pain in Rio, Rio would fight for her, and they would make out, or at least reconnect for a moment, like in 1x04.

But then Agatha would leave, almost like she was torturing Rio, denying to Rio the person she loves, the same way Rio denied to Agatha, to be with their son.

I feel this happened again an again through decades, giving an even more dark and complex energy to their relationship, and for them as individuals. The Rio we met in present time is way darker than the one we see in the flashbacks. Then Agatha got the darkhold and hid from her, until Weastview.

That would explain Agatha’s reaction to Rio acepting the deal with her, in 1x08, she wasn’t expecting Rio would say ok, she probably was used to throw all her tantrums to Rio and Rio trying to make amends with it. But not this time, Rio had enough, so Agatha has her surprise face, and the pain, like she feels, for the first time, Rio is giving up on her.

But at the same time she masks it quickly, and we can see she is almost loosing the control over her emotions. Later, with Billy and Jen, she is on full villain mode because Rio let her there, and she still can get out of the road. Rio is the constant in her life, since Salem, no matter what happens, how much they fight, love or hate eachother. They always find themselves in each other’s path.

And we know how this ends.

[mayrose713]

Beautifully Cruel World-Chapter 9

Series Masterlist | Previous | Next

ABO Non-Idol Stray Kids Universe Poly OT8 x Reader 18+ MDNI

Warnings in the Series Masterlist as well as any other information needed

Just so everyone knows, I have an end goal in mind but I honestly don't know how I'm fully getting there right now. So I hope everyone enjoys my scatter brained chapters

Chapter 9 

“Hey Binnie?” Y/n had woken up early knowing that Changbin does as well to either head to the gym in town or workout in the home gym.

“Morning pretty girl, you’re up really early.” He looks at the clock before grabbing a water bottle from the fridge having just come in from the home gym. “What’s up?”

“Could I use your phone while you finish working out?” She asks shyly. “To call my brother?”

“Of course baby.” He smiles, fishing his phone out of his packet before giving it to her. “I use the tablet and stereo in the gym anyways for music so you’re good to use it however long you need.

“Thanks.” She smiles and waits for him to go back into the gym before she decides to walk into the den, closing the door most of the way as she types in her brother's number and hits call.

“Hello?” A groggy voice that sounds like was just woken up answers fairly quickly.

“Hyuk? It’s Y/n.” 

“Holy shit, Y/n?” The voice perks up. “God you’ve had me so worried about you. I hadn’t heard from you in a bit and dad called saying he got a message from grandma and grandpa that you ran away for no reason. Where the fuck are you? Who’s phone are you calling from?”

“One of my fated alpha’s phone.” She tries to keep her voice light but in reality she’s about to break down. 

“Your fated alphas?” He sounds wary. 

Y/n sighs and starts explaining everything that had happened, including letting the injection wear off. 

“God I’m so sorry sis.” His heart breaks hearing everything she was put through. “I’m just glad you’re away from them and somewhere safe now.”

“Yeah.” She smiles through her tears. “This is the safest I’ve ever felt, really.”

“That’s good.” He sighs. “I want to meet your mates though.”

“Hyuk.” She whines at his overprotectiveness.

“Don’t give me that pup.” He scolds her. “Have they marked you yet?”

She hesitates. “...No.”

“Are they planning to?” 

“Well I believe so. A few of them said soon, so I’m sure they will.” She rambles.

“I’m just wanting to make sure Y/nn.” He tries to calm her down. “Don’t want them to take advantage of you, promising to mark you but never actually do just to get things from you and later sell you to the highest paying pack.”

“They wouldn’t do that.” She defends her mates but she isn’t sure if she’s trying to convince him or herself as she now starts to overthink everything.

“I’m just making sure.” Hyuk then sighs. “Listen, I’ve gotta go get ready for work. Text me when they get you your new phone and we’ll discuss meeting up soon.”

“Okay.” She nods even though he can’t see it. “Bye bro, love you.”

“Love you too sis, talk later.”

After she hangs up she takes in a shaky deep breath before letting the dam break and start sobbing in the nest. Little did she know that Changbin had finished his workout already and had heard her crying while talking on the phone. He didn’t eavesdrop or anything but stayed nearby until he heard her muffled talking stop and just her sobs come through the crack in the door. 

The alpha quickly walks in and when she sees him she lifts her arms up and he wraps himself around her, bringing her into his lap in the nest and gently rocks her as she cries into his shoulder.

“I’ve got you, pretty girl.” He whispers and coos at her. “You’re okay, just let it out.”

Chan opens the door having smelled her upset when he woke up and quickly came to find her. He gives Changbin a questioning look as he watches him soothe their omega.

“She called her brother.” Changbin mouths to him, slightly pointing to his discarded phone while trying not to disturb the girl in his arms.

The pack alpha nods and watches for a moment before leaving the two alone.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

“We’re taking you shopping at the mall in the next town over today.” Jeongin hugs Y/n from behind as she leans against the counter watching Minho cook. 

“Everyone?” She leans back against him.

“No, just Hyunjin and I.” He places his chin on her shoulder. “Hyun still feels bad and said he wanted to be the one who takes you.”

“And you are gonna be under the same rules we have for Felix and Jisung.” Chan walks in. “Rule number one being, you don’t leave the property without an alpha or beta and you don’t leave the town without an alpha. You can be in town with just Hyunjin or Seungmin but leaving town you need one of the four of us alphas.” She nods in understanding. “Lix and Ji can’t drive so we don’t usually have to worry too much about it but we ask you to please follow this rule.”

Minho steps up to her with a spoon. “Try this.” She eats from the spoon and her eyes light up. “Good? Not too spicy?”

“I like it.”

Minho smiles, turning back to the stove. “Rule number two, if you’re leaving the house, even to walk around the grounds a bit, let one of us know.”

Changbin, who’s been making a protein shake, turns to the room “Rule number three, we don’t keep anything from each other. If somethings bothering you, talk to us, no matter what.”

“Rule number four.” Jeongin steps away from the omega to grab Chan’s wallet as Hyunjin walks into the room. “If you want to have someone visit, like your brother, let all of us know first to make sure it's good timing for all of us.” 

“Got it.” She nods, taking mental note of everything. 

“Ready princess?” Hyunjin grabs the car keys from the hook and Jeongin grabs her hand now having Chan’s credit card in his pocket. 

“Yeah.” She nods letting the younger alpha lead her to the front door.

“Get whatever you want or need, baby girl.” Chan follows along to walk them out. “Get any clothes, makeup or skin care you want and need. If there’s anything you want to decorate your room with, then get it. Don’t worry about pricings or how much you’ve already gotten, okay?”

“Yes alpha.” 

“Good girl.” He kisses her cheek and stands on the porch as he watches them get in the car and drive off.

The drive was quiet for the most part besides the music playing and the occasional questions. Y/n still felt a bit iffy around Hyunjin. He’s been better around her, but it’s awkward still.

She follows closely behind them walking through the mall as she looks around at the different stores they go by and Jeongin quickly grabs her hand when she starts to lag behind a bit. 

“Where do you want to go first?”

“Any clothing store is fine.” She mumbles and Hyunjin grabs her other hand leading the two towards a shop and her eyes widen at the amount of clothes.

“Have at it princess, pick out anything you want.” Hyunjin smiles down at her. 

“I don’t even know where to start?” She looks around at the different wracks of clothes.

“We’ll help you.” Jeongin squeezes her hand before taking her to the first rack. 

They all pick out different clothes and she tries them on, some of which she was surprised how much she liked on her as she’s used to having just worn leggings and t-shirts for the last few years. But the sundresses, shorts, skirts, and blouses the boys picked out she loved. She almost felt more like herself for the first time in her life. 

Several stores and trips back and forth from the car later they were almost done. They had even picked up her new phone Chan had called ahead to have ready for pick up.

“Channie hyung said the phone is already all set up for you.” Jeongin explains as he and Hyunjin are holding a few bags of skin care.”We’ll just have to charge it when we get home.”

“Any other stores?” Hyunjin asks, moving over to the mall's map directory. “Do you want to get some makeup?”

“No, I don’t like to wear makeup much.” She looks around. “Is there like a homegoods store or something so I can get stuff for my room?”

“Yeah, it’s on the other side of the mall.” Jeongin points on the map to show them. “How about you guys head over there and I’ll go take these bags to the car and bring it around in front of that store so it’d be easier to load it up.”

“Sounds good.” Hyunjin hands him the few bags he has before taking the omega’s hand leading her to the store. “What were you thinking for your room?”

“Just wanting to pick out some decor, and curtains, maybe a rug.” She starts to walk through the store. “Could you help me paint an accent wall?”

“Of course, we can stop by the hardware store in the town and grab paint.” He follows her to the curtains first. “What color were you thinking?”

“Purple…? Pink…? I’m not sure yet.” She looks through the curtains specifically stopping at the blackout curtains. “I wouldn’t mind having an artist's eye though on deciding what would go the best.”

“I can definitely help with that.” He starts to browse the curtains. “Is there a certain color of curtains and a rug you’re wanting?”

“I was thinking grey for the curtains.” She pulls a set of light grey curtains before handing them to him. “And I’m wanting a big fluffy white rug.” 

“We’re gonna need a cart for that then. I’ll go get one and I’ll meet you at the rugs?”

“Yeah.” She nods and watches him walk away before heading towards the rugs and start browsing. 

She finds a few fluffy rugs as she feels them to decide which one she wants as she waits for Hyunjin and Jeongin to come back. 

“Hey there little omega.” A deep voice is heard as a tall alpha comes up behind her. “Where’s your alpha at little one?” He places a hand on her hip causing her to tense up.

“He-he’ll be back soon.” Y/n stutters unsure what’s about to happen. 

He turns her around, still keeping her in place as he inspects her neck. “No bites? Meaning you’re unclaimed.”

“I-I don’t want any trouble.” She swallows hard, hoping for Jeongin or Hyunjin to be back soon, as she has flashbacks to how her grandfather blocked her path, not allowing her to leave. “P-please walk away.” 

“Why would I do that?” He growls, grip tightening on her waist. “You don’t belong to anyone, yet. We can change that right here and now though.”

“I don’t think so.” Jeongin’s growl is heard before he punches the alpha in the jaw. “Stay away from my omega.”

“Your omega?” The man taunts with a chuckle clenching the side of his face. “If she’s yours then why is she unmarked?”

“Innie.” Y/n gasps, her alpha looks ready to kill but she doesn’t get to move as Hyunjin comes up wrapping his arms around her.

“Don’t intervene.” He whispers as he holds her closely to him. “You’ll only get hurt.”

“But…” He turns her away from the scene as security comes to break up the commotion. 

Hyunjin continues to hold her as Jeongin gets questioned by security explaining how the strange alpha was threatening to claim his omega. Luckily with the security footage showing how uncomfortable Y/n is with the man,9 Jeongin is let go and asked not to come back to that mall again.

“I’m sorry.” Y/n softly cries into Hyunjins chest.

“No baby, I’m sorry.” The beta squeezes her. “I shouldn’t have left you alone, I wasn’t thinking. Felix and Jisung, even though they act like it, aren’t actual omegas so it's okay for them to be left alone for a few minutes in a store when we go to grab something. I should have stayed or at least had brought you with me, especially since you’re still unmarked. I’m sorry.”

The omega whimpers into his chest as Jeongin joins them, still angry, saying they should head back home and leads them to the parked car. Hyunjin helps Y/n into the back before taking the keys from the young alpha to drive. 

After a bit of no one talking Y/n looks up at them in the front seats and sighs. “When… when will you guys?”

“When will we, what?” Jeongin grunts, still a bit agitated from the situation and not happy with his beta for leaving her unattended. 

She shrinks back in her seat. “Never mind.” She whimpers and looks out the window watching the terrain go by the closer they get home.

When they pull up, Chan, Minho and Changbin are waiting outside to help bring in all of the bags. When the three of them step out of the car though, the alphas smell the soured scents causing their brains to overthink. 

“What happened?” Chan looks at all of them, Minho quickly goes to Y/n to check her over for injuries. 

“Hyunjin left Y/n alone in a store.” Jeongin glares at the beta. “And an alpha threatened to take her, probably would have if I hadn’t come back when I did.”

“Is that true?” Chan looks at Hyunjin, getting angrier when he nods. “What were you thinking?”

“I’m sorry.” The beta whines. “I wasn’t thinking okay, I forgot that she isn’t able to be left alone for a few minutes like Ji and Lix can.”

“Did you fight the alpha, Innie?” Changbin is looking at Jeongin’s face who nods and the omega now realizes that the stranger must have hit Jeongin back when Hyunjin turned her away.

“Are you okay kitten?” Minho moves her hair behind her ear and cups her cheek.

“Yeah?” She whispers not looking up at the alpha.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” He forces her to look at him and now sees the tears threatening to spill. 

“It’s nothing.” She brushes his hand away. 

Minho sighs and looks at his pack alpha who notices as well before telling Changbin to deal with Hyunjin as he moves to Y/n.

“Baby girl.” He places his hands on both of her cheeks looking down at her. “What did Changbin say rule number three was?”

A tear falls down her cheek. “We don’t keep stuff from each other. If somethings bothering me, talk to you guys.”

“That’s right.” He wipes away her tears. “So please talk to me, what’s wrong? Is it what happened? Did it scare you?”

“It did. It reminded me of how my grandfather blocked my path.” She mumbles. “But it’s not entirely that.”

“What is it then?” 

“The alpha said I was unmarked, that I don’t belong to anyone because of it and threatened to change that.” She mumbles which starts to make Jeongin mad again as Changbin soothes him. “And it makes me wonder when… when will you guys make me yours?”

“You’re already ours, pretty girl.” Changbin reassures her as he holds the youngest alpha.

“Others just think that omegas need to be marked like property or otherwise they're a free for all.” Minho had stayed close by still looking her over to make sure she’s okay. 

“Baby, just because we haven’t bitten you yet doesn’t mean you’re not ours.” Chan coos. 

Y/n bites her lip still holding back tears. “It just feels like I’m not being fully accepted.”

“Oh baby girl.” Chan pulls her into his chest and lets out soothing pheromones. “Please don’t feel that way. I promise we will soon, it’s just something that’s a bit more intimate than you might realize.”

“And you said I have to take you on a date first before I can do that.” Minho gives a cheeky smirk making her pout and playfully pushes him trying to hold back a smile.

Her smile doesn’t last long though as she’s reminded as to what Hyuk had told her on the phone this morning and starts to wonder if he is right. 

Chan and Minho look at each other as their omega’s scent goes from sweetening to sour again during the whole interaction. They can see her brain working overtime and know that they’re gonna need to get to work on claiming her as it seems their words aren’t fully convincing her anymore.

______________________________________________________________

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[penkura]

PENKURAAAAA

I love your writing, especially for Law and Zoro. I'm also a sucker for the parent fics you do. What if reader and Law/Zoris kids were to surprise reader on their birthday? What would they do? How would they do it? Maybe reader thinks everyone forgot their birthday but the crew is actually just in on the surprise? Thanks for reading friend, I would love to see what you think ^^♡

HIII THANK YOUUUU I'm so glad you like the parent fics, they're some of favorite to write. 😊

I didn't think I'd finish this in time to post on my birthday but I did!! I wasn't sure where to go at first so I just started typing and this is what I've got!! I'm pretty happy with it myself, so I hope you like it too!! 😄

Law

Law has never forgotten a birthday or anniversary ever since you first got together. His ability to remember every date leaves you impresses every time, especially after your son and daughter were born, he kept every important date in the front of his mind so her never forgot. He intended to celebrate every important, special day so you and your kids knew how much he loved you. You make sure to do the same for Law, even if he’d rather you not celebrate his birthday, the grins he gets from your children every year make it worth remembering the day.

That’s why it’s very strange to wake up on your birthday without Law in your bed with you, or even your son Rosinante yelling ‘happy birthday’ to wake you. Your daughter Cora is still learning to talk, but even she would already be in your bed and giggling to help get you up for the day. It’s odd, you’re not sure what to think as you start getting ready for the day, still no sign of your family or the other Heart Pirates around. Once you leave your room, it’s oddly quiet but you pass by a few of your crewmates on your way to Law’s office, expecting him to be there at least. None of them say anything about your birthday, Bepo and Ikkaku seem a little antsy when you greet them, though you don’t think anything of it, even when they try to guide you to the kitchen instead.

You don’t go with them, saying you’d like to see your family first, opening the door to Law’s office and being surprised at what you see. Law at his desk is normal, even with your daughter sitting in his lap, but what’s different is the amount of streamers across the walls and floor, wrapping paper pieces mixed in, your children busy scribbling away on paper likely making cards for you.

It's so early you can’t believe the two are awake, especially seeing how Law appears to he asleep, his hat over this face and leaning back in his chair, but still holding little Cora so she can sit up and continue coloring.

Of course he wouldn’t forget, he was probably trying to surprise you, keeping things a secret and bringing your children to his office so you could sleep in while he got things together. That would also explain why most of your crewmates seemed anxious around you, they didn’t want you to figure it out too soon.

“Mama!”

When Rosi sees you, he’s torn between excited and upset, you weren’t supposed to see anything yet and the five-year-old was doing his best to keep everything secret after Law brought up your birthday and making cards for you. He pouts a little, but still jumps up to hug you, which you return.

“You weren’t s’pposed to see yet…”

Quietly laughing, to not wake Law even though Cora is starting to whine when she sees you, you hug Rosi a bit tighter before kissing the top of his head.

“You’re so sweet! I’m sorry I saw everything, sweetie!”

Rosi whines this time, telling you that you’re hugging him too tight, before you let him go and move to pick up Cora, who squeals when you do so and kiss her cheeks. Law doesn’t even wake at that, you wonder if he actually slept last night or not.

“You’re all so wonderful, I’m so blessed to have you guys.”

Rosi makes you promise not to tell anyone that you know, and you’re still surprised later that day at how big the party is. Law tells you later that your son thought it up, he just helped put it all together with the rest of your crew. No one finds out that you knew, Rosi keeps it a secret too and even when your daughter nearly drops her piece of cake on your shirt, it’s still the best birthday you’ve had in a while.

Zoro

While Zoro isn’t the best at remembering dates, your birthday is one he never forgets, no matter how long you’ve been together or how many other important days come and go. You know your captain and crew well enough that anything worth celebrating gets a huge party, birthdays are no exception, especially so after your daughter’s birth a few years ago. Every first for little Kuina was celebrated as only the Straw Hats could, food and drinks galore, even though she’d be confused by what was happening.

When she’s four-years-old and your birthday comes around again, Kuina is adamant on you having a big surprise party, even when Zoro tells her you aren’t the biggest fan of surprises (your unexpected pregnancy with her being an exception). She’ll pout and fuss until Zoro finally agrees, enlisting Nami and Sanji to get everything planned but not tell him the details. He trusts them to get everything planned, Kuina being their biggest help, but Zoro doesn’t want to know anything, so he doesn’t potentially spoil you on the surprise.

Kuina is better at keeping the secret than anyone else. If you ask her what she’s doing, when she grabs all her paper and coloring supplies, she just tell you she’s going to make a map with aunt Nami. That’s not unusual so you don’t question it, she does bring you her own map later that day anyway.

When your birthday finally comes around, neither Zoro nor Kuina says anything, they aren’t even around when you wake up that morning. Not uncommon though, everyone normally lets you sleep in on your birthday, but usually Zoro is there and Kuina comes running in after a few minutes to wake you both.

Once you’ve dressed and gotten ready for the day, you head for the kitchen, but you’re confused when no one you pass says anything to you apart from a good morning. Usopp just grins and says it, Franky does the same. Luffy is barely audible as he runs off to wherever, dragging Jinbei along with him. It really makes you wonder if they’ve all forgotten what today is. You don’t see anyone else until you get to the kitchen, only to have streamers from party poppers hit you in the face, hearing Kuina say ‘oops’.

“You weren’t supposed to do it in her face, Kuina!”

“Sorry, daddy!” Kuina gives you an apologetic look before she smiles, “Sorry, mommy! Happy birthday!!”

Once you’re able to see the kitchen better, there’s streamers and balloons round the room, your favorite breakfast all made and ready, a cake in the middle of the table, and every member of your crew there, you figure Luffy and Jinbei had slipped in behind you. They all give you their birthday wishes, and it nearly makes you cry which makes Zoro smirk at you.

“Now don’t cry about it. It was all your daughter’s idea.”

“Shut up, Zoro.” You may be near tears but the smile you have tells everyone you’re happy, as Kuina comes out and hugs you with a pout.

“Mommy, don’t cry! I made you a picture!!”

It’s childish work of course, she’s only four, but it’s still an adorable picture she’s drawn of the two of you, making you hug her back and lift her off the ground.

“Thank you so much, Kuina. I love it!”

You never question if any of them have forgotten your birthday again, expecting it to be due to Kuina having her own little plans for your special day. You’ll have to do the same for her next year now.

[fluentmoviequoter]

I have a (The rookie) Tim Bradford x shyreader request please?

Tim and shyreader just recently start dating and one time when Tim, shyreader and his cop friends are at a restaurant “Denny’s” (I always order pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages with Coca Cola) and Tim cop friends are meeting shy!reader.

Tim is surprised when Lucy and shy!reader have secret new best friends handshake and everyone finds it cute while Tim is being sad and surprised puppy asking himself when did this happen. https://youtube.com/shorts/WUON5Q4HDuc?si=4cot1jSQiyi5F-zI

Such a cute request; thank you! 0.7k+ words of fluff (I couldn't figure out how to make it longer without it being super boring. I hope this is okay!)

Secret Relationships, Handshakes, and Pancakes

“It’s been a month,” Tim points out.

“Five weeks and two days,” you correct softly, looking at Tim’s hands rather than his face.

“That’s worse.”

You glance up at him, unsurprised to see that he’s looking directly at you. He hides his smile and lifts his brows.

“Breakfast with a few of my friends can’t be that bad,” he assures. “I don’t even like spending time with them, but I’m still going.”

You push your hand against Tim’s chest before you ask, “Will Lucy be there?”

“Yes,” Tim answers, wondering why you’d ask about her. He’s told you stories about all of them, but this is the big day (Angela’s words) when you finally meet them.

Nodding, you agree to go, then wrap your arms tightly around Tim’s waist. He uses your grip on him to get you out of the door and into his truck. It’s not that you don’t like spending time with Tim or don’t want to meet his friends, but it’s hard being around new people when you’re shy, and you don’t want to make a bad impression and lose Tim forever.

“It’ll be right out,” the waitress says after taking drink orders.

“Thanks,” you whisper to Tim.

“For what?” he replies, lifting his brows innocently like he doesn’t remember ordering for you.

“Tim!” Lucy calls as the door to the restaurant opens behind you.

You smile and turn, then stand and hug Lucy. She pulls back and offers her right hand, which you take in yours. Tim watches as you shake her hand, then flip your fingers to hold her wrist before sliding your palms against one another. Laughing as you hook your fingers with Lucy’s, then snap, you almost forget that other people are around.

“Um, excuse me?” Angela interjects as she stops beside you. “I want a handshake.”

“It’s reserved for best friends,” Lucy argues. She winks at you as she sits beside you.

Angela groans, then smiles and introduces herself and Wesley Evers. You shake their hands before you lower to your seat. Tim’s eyes are on you, but your neck is already warming, so you keep your gaze forward.

“I was under the impression we were all meeting you for the first time today,” Angela tells you, looking pointedly at Lucy.

“We met at the station,” Lucy explains. “I recognized her from one of Tim’s pictures.”

“When did you see my pictures?” Tim interrupts, momentarily distracted from his internal wondering of how you and Lucy hit it off so quickly.

“Anyway,” Lucy deflects, “Nolan is running a few minutes late, but he’ll be here soon.”

“Did you come up with the handshake yourself?” Wesley asks you.

“I did,” you answer softly. “But it was Lucy’s idea.”

“Were you on the clock?” Tim inquires over your head.

“No,” you and Lucy answer together.

Tim pinches the bridge of his nose and looks down to ask, “How long have you been friends?”

“About a month,” Lucy answers.

Their conversation is interrupted by the waitress returning with drinks for the table. After Angela thanks Tim for remembering her favorite, Tim gently taps his elbow against your arm. You turn toward him and interlace your fingers beneath the table.

“So, while I was fighting to get you to talk to me, hold eye contact… you were hanging out with Lucy and making secret handshakes?” he accuses.

“Bet you’re wishing you’d picked up Nolan,” Wesley tells Lucy.

“Wasn’t the goal of breakfast to let us bond?” Lucy defends for you. “We just bonded early.”

“He’s mad that you stole his girlfriend’s limited attention,” Angela explains. She meets your eyes and smiles. “No offense.”

“None taken,” you promise. “Sorry I didn’t tell you, Tim.”

Tim sighs and murmurs, “I suppose there will be even more handshakes now.” As Angela cheers, he reaches across the table for a straw and uses his arm as cover to whisper, “I’m the only one who gets secret kisses, though.”

You nod, fighting the shy smile growing at his words.

“Hey, Nolan,” Wesley calls. “Lucky for you, no one else has to talk once John gets here.”

Tim takes your hand under the table, and as his thumb brushes over your knuckles, you know your relationship is better than all the secret handshakes in the world. But then he orders for you, and the women at the table act like it’s the sweetest thing anyone has done since Fitzwilliam Darcy walked to propose to Elizabeth Bennet. You turn to hide your face against his arm.

“Wait, handshakes?” Nolan exclaims a moment later. “I love handshakes!”

“No you don’t,” Tim warns, his hand warm against your back.

[umbramoons]

TECH MOMENTS PT. 5

The Bad Batch S1 E1: Aftermath

This one's a doozy, my friends! Enjoy 100+ bullet points and 50+ pics of our favorite clone genius!

- Running through the droids, putting an explosive on everyone he can get his hands on. ❤

- “Hey, clanker! Catch!” (This was the moment I realized that I like him. My brain did a double take, like: "Wait he's attractive.") ❤

- Kicking a droid for no reason ❤

- Walking off the battlefield like it wasn’t even hard.

- I love the little distracted wave he gives General Billaba. Everything about him is just so endearing to me. 

- His voice is a little more deep and raspy than usual while he’s talking about the war ending. Gosh, I’m down so bad for this man.

- He’s the only one who doesn’t have a blaster drawn when they first approach Caleb.

- Tech is one of the ones sent to talk to the regs about what’s going on. Echo makes sense since he’s technically still a reg, too, but why Tech? Because he’s the least likely to cause a problem.

- He’s also the first one to run to talk to the regs. Taking initiative once again.

- Tech: “The regs have been ordered to execute the Jedi.”

Hunter: “What? Which Jedi?” 

Tech: “All of them.” The disbelief in his voice is subtle but there.

- This is a glow-up, people (a small one since he was already pretty, but still)! Tech is gorgeous, and no one can tell me otherwise. ❤

- I love his tiny smile when he finishes explaining how long they’ve been gone.

- The disappointed look on his face when Wrecker doesn’t understand his explanation of how long they’ve been away from Kamino.

- He has the smallest smile on his face when he hears that General Grevious has been defeated.

- “Just like I said.”

- He looks so done when Wrecker punches him.

- When the clones pass by with the body of a Jedi, it’s Tech Hunter shares a look with.

- “Excuse me, trooper, what division are you from?” *gets shoved aside* “Oh. Well, they seem the same to me.” ❤

- He immediately starts working on something once he gets back to their barracks.

- All the formulas and calculations on his bunk wall… a result of his sleepless nights, I’m sure.

- I love the curious look he gives Crosshair when he says they didn’t complete every objective.

- “And my exceptional mind.” I love him an unhealthy amount.

- “My guess is we are immune to the effects of the programming.” *looks at Crosshair* “Though I can’t be one hundred percent certain of it.” He looks so. Kriffing. GORGEOUS.

- “You are more machine than man. Percentage-wise, at least.” His little reassurance to Echo at the end.

- Hunter: “This is one meeting I don’t want to miss.”

Tech: “First time for everything.”

- The way he’s just looking at his datapad throughout the meeting.

- Stepping out of line to ask Hunter what’s wrong. First of all, noticing something’s up with him. And second, it takes some serious courage to break formation like that during such an important briefing while all your superiors can clearly see you.

- “Still don’t think the regs are programmed?”

- Crosshair: “Republic, Empire, what’s the difference?” 

Tech: “The systematic termination of the Jedi is a big one for me.” ❤

- “Adolescent human female. Origins... uncertain.”

- Tech’s mouth quirks up in a tiny smile when Omega says she was wondering when they’d come back. He already likes her.

- His look of surprise when he realizes Omega knows his name.

- The way he stares after Omega in wonder. ❤

- There’s this split second (right after Hunter says "everyone's talking about it) where it looks like he’s looking directly into the camera, and it’s just like, “Well hello there, sir.”

- “Hopefully not mental. Clearly, we’d never pass that.” It's okay, I'm not neurotypical either, babe.

- Leaning around Hunter to see Omega.

- “You want to sit with us? That’s never happened before.”

- He can’t stop grinning at Omega after she says she likes him and his team for not fitting in. ❤

- I love the way his expression shifts when Hunter asks where Omega’s family is. Like, "that's actually a really good point."

- The way his face instantly drops when the regs make a jab at them. At Omega. He’s used to being pushed around, but he’s not pleased to see this precious girl being mocked.

- I love the way he’s all squared up in the background of this fight.

- Calling out a warning to Echo and then running over to the clone who knocks him out. It doesn’t show it, but Tech definitely threw a punch at the guy for hurting his best friend. ❤

- “We’re more deviant than we are defective.”

- “Then we are not being reprimanded?” He’s so used to getting in trouble.

- His eye roll when Wrecker charges into battle without thinking. I thank God every day that we can always see his eyes with those goggles. ❤

- He’s not at all phased by passing through live rounds to get to Wrecker. He’d gladly walk through fire for the people he loves.

- “Wrecker, are you alright?”

- That little head shake when Hunter signals a plan to him. Like he doesn’t think it will work, but he knows they have no other option.

- Wrecker: “Aw, I hate hand signals!” 

Tech: “Perhaps if you memorized them?” 

Wrecker: “Why don’t you memorize them?” 

Tech: “I have.”

- They’re in the middle of a battle, but he’s sitting against those barriers so casually.

- The way he stops Wrecker from crushing the droid.

- Reprogramming the droid, then choosing to ride on its shoulders like a legend. (Note that it looks like he’s the only one to specifically get an impressed reaction out of Tarkin with his performance in this simulation) ❤

- Can I also just say how impressive that was? He completely reprogrammed a hostile droid to follow his commands while under heavy fire. In less than a minute. What a man, what a legend.

- “Wrecker. Look alive.” I feel like he has the capacity to lead, he just doesn’t want to.

- Reaches out to Wrecker (who calls him buddy). “I’m -” *flops down* “not going anywhere.” ❤

- I love the way he takes a deep breath and straightens his posture for a second after Echo and Wrecker help him up.

- “There’s a fundamental difference between taking fire in battle and being used as target practice.” I love how upset he is about this. Also, he’s also backing up Wrecker’s feelings with his own here.

- None of the others make eye contact with Tarkin when he’s examining them. Tech does and practically glares at him. ❤

- I love his expression shift when Tarkin says the insurgents are Separatists. I can’t place the expression, but I love it. It’s almost like “Come on, I thought the war was over. Oh well.”

- I love his little disappointed look when Echo says he can’t crack the files. And then how he immediately offers to help.

- “That’s not going near my rack. I refuse to sleep by a projectile again.” AGAIN?!

- Tech comes right behind Hunter to exit the ship (and then leads them for a significant portion of their walk). Possibly symbolizing his position within the squad.

- Echo: “What was that?”

  Tech: “You don’t want to know.” 😑

- “Easy, Wrecker. Your programming’s kicking in.” I legit laughed out loud at this when I first watched the show. ❤

- His datapad lighting up his eyes makes him look so beautiful.

- Hunter always relies on him.

- The way he instantly senses that something’s wrong when he can’t see any droids in the camp.

- “There aren’t any droids, Wrecker.” You can tell that he’s starting to get a little agitated about this situation.

- Defending both sides when others choose one.

- Tech is the first one to ease up and stand down. Almost the second he hears Hunter start talking, like he knew he was going to tell them to back off. (And his eyes look stunning in that shot when he does. They immediately soften and become non-threatening.) You can just tell how much he and Hunter respect and trust each other. ❤

- He looks so pretty in this warm light of the camp. Who am I kidding, he looks good in every lighting.

- Geeking out over Saw. (And Saw is absolutely staring him down as he does. Like, they’re having a staring contest until he’s handed a weapon to examine. I don’t like that foreshadowing.)

- I also love the look on his face when Cross says “Is that a request?” I just always love his expressions.

- The way he leans forward with the tiniest hint of concern when Saw tells them to look at the insurgents they were sent to destroy. Anyone who says Tech is emotionless hasn’t been paying attention to him at all.

- His offended look when Saw said he thought he was the smart one.

- He is absolutely GORGEOUS in that shot where Crosshair says that the war is over. He’s literally flawless, and he’s perfect.

- “At least with the Republic, we knew where we stood. Tarkin and this Empire are a whole different story.”

- He literally jerks back in surprise when Cross says that Hunter isn’t fit to lead their squad.

- The concerned and confused look on his face when Hunter brings up Omega.

- “I would not discount Omega’s insight. A state of heightened awareness is not unusual for an enhanced clone such as herself.” Standing up for Omega before he knows her that well. ❤

- “When Nala Se spoke of five clones, Tarkin assumed that meant us, but Echo’s a reg. The fifth is Omega.”

- “Well, I thought it was obvious.” Leans against the doorframe like he couldn’t care less. ❤

- That glare when Crosshair suggests leaving Omega on Kamino.

- His little breath before saying “this is unusual” just makes him feel so alive to me.

- I love how he’s constantly glancing over and making eye contact with Crosshair. These two were so close.

- HIS BLACKS. TECH IN HIS BLACKS. Hallelujah for this scene. We wouldn’t be nearly as familiar with everyone's body types without it. Gorgeous man. Everyone likes to talk about Hunter's tiny waist, but Tech's is just as snatched.

- “Well, the mission wasn’t a total failure.” Of course he’s the first one to notice Omega. ❤

- His face is so warm and happy when he sees Omega. And then he immediately shifts to unamused at Crosshair’s complaint. ❤

- He shoots another tiny smile Omega’s way when Hunter says they were looking for her.

- “I never thought you disobeying orders was a problem.” Facts, love.

- Crosshair never directs his anger at Tech. It’s always at the others. Even if Tech does say something he doesn’t like, he doesn’t get mad until someone else expounds upon it, and then he snaps at them. Cross clearly has a favorite here.

- Cross starts shaking his head with clear distress and frustration when Wrecker says that they disobey orders all the time, and you can see that Tech notices it. He tilts his head and frowns a little bit. ❤

- The concerned look he and Echo exchange when Crosshair starts to confront Hunter again.

- He looks freaked out when the guards hit Hunter. 

- Reaching out for Crosshair when they take him away. That broke my heart when I first noticed it. ❤

- The way he bounces his leg when he’s thinking hard. ❤

- “I’ve got it! Why didn’t I think of it before?”

- He talks with his hands. ❤

- Covering his mouth when Wrecker talks too loud.

- Running his fingers over the wall to see where the weak point is. ❤

- The confusion and worry on his face when Wrecker says it still didn’t work. Gorgeous, gorgeous.

- The way he glances over at Hunter (or probably the guards) before going over to help Wrecker. Ugh, he’s literally perfect.

- “Oh, yes it did.” ❤

- Bending a metal panel with his bare hands like it’s nothing. My man is strong! I love how he doesn’t follow the trope of the nerdy character being weak.

- Wrecker: “I’ll never fit through that!” 

Tech shakes his head. “Astute as always, Wrecker.”

- I love the way he rolls his eyes and facepalms when Wrecker blows their cover.

- Grabbing a blaster and stunning the last conscious guard. He shoots twice, just to be sure, and carries the blaster. He’s such a boss.

- Turning to confirm the guards aren’t dead (or going to follow them) before leaving the brig.

- Tech looks so cute when he tells Wrecker to hold still.

- I love how Tech serves as the unofficial medic (with Echo’s help, of course).

- Omega: “I guess I got lucky.”

Tech: “She's not the only one.” *gestures to Wrecker without looking up* ❤

- "What's the plan, Hunter?"

- Omega: “What about your friends? Could any of them help us?” 

Tech: “That would be a short list.” 

- The way he leans in and smiles so brightly when Omega asks that question.

- His smile when Hunter tells him to plot a course for J-19. ❤

- I love the way he shakes his head with clear affection when Wrecker cheers this time.

[mykoreanlove]

Win you over

Part 3

„Sorry?“, he repeated dumbfounded.

„I think you’re very brave for coming up here and confessing. I’m really impressed. However, I can’t date you“, you explained.

„And why is that?“

„Because I don’t date“, you said sternly.

Hyunjin kept his cool, on the exterior. Internally however he had no idea what just had happened.

„This is the first time he ever got rejected. I can’t believe it“, Minho muttered under his breath.

„Is that like a set rule?“, he asked.

„It’s a rule I had to implement for myself.“

„Because…?“

You took a deep breath, debating whether you should disclose your reasons. Normally you wouldn’t but you felt like you had to with him. Since he was open and honest with you, you wanted to reciprocate.

„Whenever I tried dating someone I was always the one ending up with a broken heart. It always felt like love was avoiding me. After a while I just gave up“, you explained.

„Gave up?“

The thought alone made him wince in pain, Hyunjin was a hopeless romantic at heart.

„Yeah, I decided to give up on real guys.“

He nodded, feeling empathy for your decision.

„Wait, real guys?“, Minho interfered.

You chuckled nervously, you didn’t think he would catch that.

„Yeah, I substituted real guys for the one in my head.“

Minho‘s eyes widened in shock, trying to figure out if you were a severe nutcase yourself. Hyunjin however was highly intrigued.

„The one in your head?“

You nodded.

„I asked myself why I wanted to date someone in the first place. And I figured out that it was all because of certain emotions I wanted to feel. You know, feeling wanted and adored, appreciated and desired. Stuff like that“, you said with reddened cheeks.

Hyunjin‘s eyes wandered down to your body, taking in your physique.

„I know exactly what you mean“, he mumbled.

„And I figured out that I can give those feelings to myself. So, I invented a boyfriend“, you explained proudly.

„I knew she was crazy“, Minho elbowed Hyunjin.

„A boyfriend, huh?“

„Yeah, he’s basically my perfect type. I imagine him with me, sending me words of encouragement. Consoling me when I’m down, complimenting me when I look into the mirror. Stuff like that.“

„I bet she’s kissing her pillow thinking it was him“, Minho mumbled under his breath.

„I even gave him a name“, you laughed, very well aware how ridiculous all of this sounded. But you were set in your decision - this man, even though he was an invention of your mind, was the only one there for you, always by your side, no matter what.

„I see“, Hyunjin grinned. „That’s a lot to compete with“, he mused.

You packed up your stuff and got up, ready to leave.

„Thank you for understanding. Have a great life, Hyunjin.“

You waved at him and made your way home.

„Dude, I told you! Psychologists are all crazy! Like what the fuck was that? She had a made up boyfriend? That’s a grown woman!“

Hyunjin however was unfazed, smiling from ear to ear.

„What are you smiling about?“

„I’m going to make her mine.“

„What?!“, Minho yelled. „Are you out of it?“

Hyunjin took a step closer to his friend, determination in his brown eyes.

„Hyung, I’m going to show her that I’m better than the guy she made up in her mind. I will break down her walls and show her that fiction can’t even come close to what I can give her. Believe me when I say this - I will win her over.“

[sequinsmile-x]

Favourite

Emily and Aaron try to make some time for themselves early one morning, but they are interrupted by their toddler.

-x-

Hi besties <3

This is a birthday fic for one of my best friends in the entire world. I hope you had a day as lovely as you are. I love you so much <3

This fic is based on the above gif, and is just our favourite idiots being soft and very much in love.

On a different note, today has been a rough day. And I am holding space for everyone who needs it. I'm sad and angry and numb, and writing has always been an outlet for me. I hope this brings distraction and a small amount of joy for anyone who needs it today <3

-x-

Warnings: mildly spicy, a lemon and herb on the Nando's spice scale.

Words: 2.1k

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

Emily hums contentedly as she wakes up, her expression melting into a smile as her senses return one by one. 

The first thing she registers is the smell of home. The smell of comfort and him washing over her as she snuggles deeper into the embrace she’d fallen asleep in hours ago, his chest against her back and his arm over her waist. Then she feels him, his hand tangled up in hers and pressed against her cheek, the soft kisses he is trailing from her shoulder to her neck. She realises that must be what’s woken her up. That he’s gently pulled her from sleep before their alarm or their kids wake them up. His lips against her bare skin where her t-shirt, his t-shirt, has slipped down from her shoulder.

She turns in his arms, smiling when he helps her, her eyes still closed as his hand drifts to her waist. She kisses him, tasting toothpaste, a sign he’d already snuck out of bed, over something that was just him. 

“No fair,” she grumbles, her voice thick with sleep still, rough with misuse as she kisses him again, this time tasting his smile, “You brushed your teeth first. My breath must suck.” 

She finally opens her eyes, greeted with the sight of him. He’s smiling at her, his dimples carved out deep in his cheeks as he pushes her hair away from her face, the hair tye she’d used to put it up the night before lost somewhere amongst the pillows. 

He’s not wearing a shirt, his skin bare and beautiful in the morning light of their bedroom. She can’t help but think of their first night together, how she’d led him into her apartment after their first date full of nervous kisses and easy conversation, and told him for the 100th time that she was sure she wanted this. That she wanted him. He’d been nervous - something about his touch that was hesitant until she asked him why, a part of her worried it was something to do with her. He’d assured her it wasn’t, his expression serious and his touch as sure as it had been all night as he admitted two things - one that he’d only ever had sex with Haley before, that he was worried he’d somehow let Emily down, and two that no one other than medical professionals had ever seen his scars. 

She’d told him in no uncertain terms that neither of those things mattered to her. That there was no way he could let her down in any way, and that his scars were already beautiful to her because they were made of him. They were proof he’d stitched himself back together bit by bit and had survived. She’d whispered that she had scars too, had pulled her dress over her head on in movement to show him the constellation of scar tissue left behind on her abdomen, his focus on where she’d been torn apart and sewn back together, not the new lingerie she’d bought with him in mind. He’d kissed her then, his fingers dancing over skin she still couldn’t feel even now, his touch making her tingle in more ways than one. 

There were moments, all these years later, when even though she was his wife, she’d still feel nothing less than honoured that he trusted her like this. That he’d sleep next to her and wander around their room without a shirt on, his smile soft as he explained either the shirt or the snuggling had to go in the summer and that the snuggling was non-negotiable.  

“Never,” he replies, kissing her again to prove a point, his hand shifting to her back, sneaking under the t-shirt she’s wearing as he moves so she’s half beneath him, another kiss stamped against her lips to prove his point as he settles over her. 

She chuckles, her smile wide as she turns her head to look at the alarm clock on her nightstand, his kiss catching her dimple as she registers the time, her eyebrow raised as she looks back at him, “I’m assuming you have good reason to wake me up this early on a Saturday when both our kids still seem to be asleep.” 

He hums against her cheek, the sound vibrating through her as it makes her shiver, his lips chasing hers as he kisses the corner of her mouth and then kisses her properly. 

“I was thinking,” he starts, kissing her again, his hand under her shirt encouraging her towards him, her back arching so her chest is pressed against his whilst his hand travels downwards, “We rarely have Saturday mornings to ourselves,” he kisses her again, his hand slipping below the hem of her pyjama pants, “And we have 30 minutes maximum before Thea is demanding your attention, and two hours before we have to leave for Jack’s soccer game,” he squeezes the globe of her ass, his smile close to a proud smirk as he draws a gasp from her, “And that we can do a lot with 30 minutes,” he pulls back to look at her, “Is that a good enough reason?” 

She tries to act stern for a moment, but it fails, her smile wide as she wraps her arms around his neck to pull him closer. She rubs her nose against his and kisses him, taking a moment to tug at his lower lip with her teeth when she pulls back. 

“It’s the best reason I can think of,” she says as she pulls him in, her hands in his hair as she holds him close as if there was anywhere else he’d rather be than settled between her thighs in their bed. She groans as she widens her legs, lets him get impossibly closer, and hooks one of them around his back, smiling when he moans as she rolls her hips against his. 

“Sweetheart,” he groans, his hand tight on her hip as she smiles up at him, her eyes full of love and want. He loved their life. Loved the chaos that came with having a two-year-old and an almost ten-year-old, but he loved this too. The place where it all started - quiet moments where it was just him and his wife, the woman he was lucky to love and be loved by in return. His hand slips below the waistline of her pyjama pants again, skimming the soft skin of her thighs, drawing another gasp from her, one of his favourite sounds in the world.

“We’re on a clock here, honey,” she says, using her heel to push his sweatpants down a little, desperation for him thrumming beneath her skin, “We both know-”

“Mama!”

She chuckles and closes her eyes, her grip on him loosening at the sound of their daughter’s voice through the closed bedroom doors and the baby monitor on the nightstand. Her hands shift from his hair to his cheeks, holding him in place as she kisses him softly. His hand moves to her waist, squeezing gently. 

“Turns out 30 minutes was more like 3,” he says, only half grumbling, his love for their little girl already shining in her eyes. 

She hums and kisses him, her hands still on his cheeks, “We’ll try again later after bedtime.”

“Mama!”

“Duty calls,” she says, chuckling at the impatience in Thea’s voice. She taps his cheek as he moves off of her. She briefly pouts at the loss of his warmth as she climbs out of bed, “I’ll go get little miss Thea,” she says, turning to look at him before she walks out of the room, “We can probably get a little more snuggling in at least before the day really starts.” 

He smiles and settles back onto his side of the bed, his smile turning into a smirk as he raises his eyebrows at her, “Snuggling with both my girls is my second favourite way to start the day.” 

She laughs and shakes her head at him, “Later,” she says again, her smile full of promise and mischief. 

She’s not surprised when she walks into the nursery to find Thea already halfway to climbing out of the crib, her tongue stuck out between her lips as she concentrates on the task at hand, “Hold it right there my little monkey.” 

Thea looks up at her, her smile wide, “Mama.” 

Emily is across the room in a second and hauling her into her arms, her quick reflexes only made better by being the parent of a toddler, “Morning baby,” she says, kissing her forehead, “I think we need to get you a big girl bed soon, huh?” 

“Big girl,” Thea repeats and Emily kisses her forehead again, shifting her so she’s on her hip and walks to the master bedroom.

“Guess who was trying to climb out of her crib again?” She says, smiling at her husband as she settles Thea onto the bed, her smile getting wider when the little girl makes a beeline for her father, all but throwing herself at him. 

“Oh it definitely couldn’t have been my little Thea,” he says, wrapping his arm around the toddler, kissing the top of her head as she snuggles against his side, her giggle loud as she shakes her head, playing along with him. 

“You two are lucky you’re cute,” Emily says, her fake irritation given away by her wide smile as she joins them in bed. 

Aaron leans down to speak to Thea, stage whispering so Emily can hear him, his voice louder than it usually was, “I think Mama is a little grumpy this morning.” 

Thea furrows her brows, and looks between both her parents, “Why, Mama?” 

Emily’s cut off before she can say anything, her husband smirking at her over their little girl’s head as he replies for her.

“Oh, she woke up earlier than usual.” 

She narrows her eyes at him, shaking her head before she looks down at Thea, “I’m okay, sweet girl,” she says, pushing her hair from her forehead, “But you know what would make me feel better?” She smiles when Thea shakes her head, and she makes a point of lying down, encouraging the little girl to lay down with her, “If we lay here and snuggle for a little while,” she looks up at Aaron who is still sitting up, his smile fond as he looks down at them both, “We need Daddy to join us though.” 

Thea turns to look at Aaron and stares at him with the stern expression she’d picked up from him, “Daddy lay down.” 

He suppresses a laugh, “Yes ma’am.” 

He lays down with them and tugs them both into his arms, Thea content to lay between both of her parents as they share a pillow, her head on Emily’s chest and her tiny fingers wrapped around the neckline of her shirt. Emily kisses her forehead before she rests her cheek on top of the little girl’s head, taking the opportunity to look up at her husband, his smile once again fond and full of love.

He can’t help but stare at them together, their matching smiles and matching eyes enough to bowl him over every time. Thea was Emily’s double through and through, a tiny version of his wife who he had to convince to eat breakfast most mornings when he cut her toast the wrong way. He couldn’t believe that he had this sometimes. That he had a second chance at building a family after everything that had happened. Something beautiful and precious found amongst Emily’s smile and the broken pieces of his life. 

“I was wrong before,” he says, stroking his knuckles down Thea’s cheek as she starts to fall asleep, Emily’s embrace her favourite place to be since she was a tiny newborn. The sound of her heartbeat the place the little girl found peace and comfort. It was the one thing she’d seemingly got from him apart from his facial expressions - his love for Emily and the comfort he found in her something he’d passed on to both Thea and Jack.

Emily hums, running her hand up and down Thea’s back, “About what?” 

“This is my favourite way to start the day,” he says, smiling when she looks up at him, “No offence.” 

She leans over Thea to kiss him, careful not to disturb the now sleeping toddler, “None taken,” she whispers against his lips, “It’s my favourite too.” 

[lorenzozurzolocanruinmylife]

Until fate do us together pt.2 -Theo Nott x f.reader

t.w. Alcohol, vomit, light drugs

this is a bit more angsty hope you like it:)

Not a single word. That’s how much you got from all the consecutive lessons, you had been in a constant state of panic and you just blacked out during the rest of the day. You just felt so stupid.

You had spent the last five years in the shadow of your own imagination just so that for an act of pity you could be trapped in your personal nightmare.

Pansy told you that she’d pick you up at your dorm so that she could introduce you to all her friends in their common room.

You not only were jumping in the snake’s den, but you were agreeing to do it with a smile on your face. You were too apprehensive for you own sake, stupid hufflepuff behavior, stupid caring about others, stupid stupid stupid you.

You were now in your room with your head in your hands trying to go back to your safe place, but all you could see was Theo staring you down with an annoyed look on his face nearly disgusted. It looked like a prediction of what was bound to happen that night.

Was it too late to fake a stomach ache? Would Pansy come kill you if you did that? Probably. 

Your only way to calm down was now destroyed by your own actions, just great.

After 2 hours of pure hatred towards yourself you came to accept that you had to go to this fucking party. You stared at your wardrobe as if some magical dress could appear in a moment or the other, but even as a witch you lacked of this power, disappointing really. You picked out a black jean’s skirt and a white high neck top paired with some high heeled boots. It wasn’t much but it was the best you could come up with in such short notice. You made your roommates do the rest since they were good with hair and makeup, and also because you were completely paralyzed by fear. You never told them either of your infatuation, so you couldn’t even explain where it was coming from, you had completely cornered yourself in the worst possible situation your mind ever could have imagined. Round of applause please!

Precisely at midnight Pansy knocked on your door, and you wanted to cry, pull all of your hair out of your head and throw yourself out of the window along with all your hopes and dreams. You managed to open the door with a smile on your lips, one that didn’t reach your eyes whatsoever. “You look so pretty I may have just developed a new crush!” Pansy squealed while hugging you, making you blush and slightly boosting your self confidence that was by now 6 feet under. “You look beautiful too, not just that but you look like if ‘fumbled the bag’ was a person that would be you” she blowed you a kiss and winked, right after she took your hand dragging you along until the doors of hell: the dungeons, more precisely, the entrance of the slytherin common room.

Since you’ve had always tried to stay as far away as possible from Theo and any chance of meeting him, this was the very first time you’ve ever gotten this close to this infamous place, where everybody narrates of wild parties and even wilder people. You gulped. Turning to Pansy with your hand shaking and sweating into hers you let out a breathy and low “Can we have a drink first?” “I see you! You’re absolutely right, never go to a party without somewhat of a pregame” and just like that she pulled out of her tiny purse a big bottle of liquor, a green one. She took a swig and passed it to you after scrunching her face, that should have been a warning but you took it as a good sign so you started chugging the bottle until Pansy started laughing. “Someone’s thirsty huh?” “You can’t even begin to imagine”, and you had to admit that it did solve your nerves just a bit.

She opened the doors with the passcode and what unfolded behind your very eyes left you speechless. Hundreds of students dancing under this green light that was shining on them making them look as if the drops of sweat were sparkles on their skin. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their life, exactly in the place where they belonged. It was so chaotic but it all coexisted perfectly together…or you were just already drunk. “What do you think newbie?” “Shit” “You bet” she smiled taking back your hand and guiding you through the crowd, you were shamelessly looking at your surroundings until you returned to reality. She was bringing you towards your end, you had to stop this, you had to do something, anything! “Wait!” Pansy turned around looking at you confused and awaiting “Don’t you wanna go get some drinks first?” “Oh yeah let’s just get to the guys, say hi and we’ll go right after” you wanted to escape with all your heart but instead you took a deep breath and closed your eyes. 

“By the way in all this time I didn’t really get your name” she turned back again when you had arrived in front of the group, you opened back your eyes “I’m-“ “Y/N you made it!!!” “We thought you weren’t gonna come anymore, and you’re here with Pansy?! You guys know each other?” Mattheo and Enzo jumped up to greet you with two big smiles. “Actually I just met her today, she was so nice to me after that bitch humiliated me in front of the whole school, that I couldn’t lose this keeper!” Pansy nudged you, while you were extremely embarrassed and trying to alienate yourself from the whole encounter until “Where are the others?” Pansy asked by looking around, “Oh Blaise and Draco are getting drinks and Theo is out smoking”. Hearing that made you lose up and start to speak with the three of them, you figured that at this point you were there and you could make the best out of it. Draco and Blaise came soon after and Mattheo introduced you as “the special guest”, you were finally feeling quite at ease when Theo came out of nowhere behind Blaise “look who decided to join us” “Sorry, I know you guys get bored without me, how could I ever leave you even for 5 minutes”. That voice, that sarcastic tone, that vibrating low hot sound, took you out. You went blank and his eyes found you, right between Mattheo and Pansy, right between your speechlessness and your blinding need to runaway, there you were with what seemed to be the heaviest secret in the world that you were so hardly trying to not let unfold. You didn’t even dare to look at him, you instantly took Pansy’s hand “let’s go get those drinks” and in a beat you were in the crowd running for your life, “and here I thought you were joking when you said you were thirsty” she laughed.

As soon as you reached the drinks’ table you poured yourself an entire cup of another liquor, this time it was purple. You drank that entire thing in one sip under the eyes of a very surprised Pansy, who also seemed to show a mix of pride and respect. “You definitely weren’t joking, here’s to a hufflepuff who very much understands how things go down in here” she raised her cup and chugged it just like you did. “Let’s get another one” “you know it”.

After several drinks you were all fun and games, you were having the time of your life, just like you everyone you saw as you entered. You and Pansy were dancing like it was your last day on earth, and for a brief moment Theo didn’t matter just like every other thing. 

Enzo approached you from behind making you twirl around “look at you so immersed in the atmosphere” “I feel A L I V E, like I’ve never ever ever ever been before, I’m so lucky that you walked in on me in the greenhouse” you smiled very drunkenly at him pulling both Pansy and Enzo into a hug. “Someone’s a sentimental drunk” “you just had to ruin this moment, didn’t you” you jokingly glared at him. You decided that alcohol wasn’t enough, so you pulled out your secret party ingredient, as you sat down -more like fell- on one of the sofas, next to Mattheo -more like half way on top of him- but you were just drunk enough to laugh about it with him and not overthink the embarrassing thing that just happened.

You shared it with him for a while until he got up to go to the bathroom or something like that, that you didn’t quite get. 

“Is this seat taken?” You looked up and you saw him, with his shirt a little unbuttoned and his hair perfectly messy, looking so effortlessly beautiful. 

You shook your head and he took place beside you, and you didn’t dare to look at him, but you just searched for the others, or just anyone else in the crowd, praying that someone would sweep you off of this couch before you could embarrass yourself. You smoked in silence, sure you were blushing and flustered, and you started to imagine how messy and sloppy you must have looked in that moment, fully indulging in your paranoia. You held the blunt between your pointer and middle finger slowly bringing it to your lips, Theo took it from there, and you felt yourself exploding.  In your head you were nothing but pieces of flesh and blood scattered everywhere. “You don’t mind, do you?” you had only one mantra repeating in your mind-BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE- you just shrugged, incapable of saying anything. “I saw you dancing and chatting all around tonight, have all your words expired?”, you had never felt this ashamed before, you wanted to tell him that if you just as opened your mouth right now you would say things you would regret and he’d regret asking for it. You could still feel his lingering gaze on you, daring you to react to his words. He probably thought this was some sort of game when really it was just your moral compass, your dignity and your rational side (at least what was left of it) begging you to not go full on insane. 

He scooted a little bit nearer to you “you like all my friends but you don’t seem to like me at all” if only he knew “did I do something?” with this intoxicating proximity you couldn’t resist and you looked at him, right in his alluring orbs. He looked exactly like he did in your head, his intensity and this pull that he had on you were unmistakably real though, that was the problem. He was literally your dream come true, and nothing had ever scared you this much, but just like every other scary thing no matter how frightening it is you cannot pull your gaze away from it. 

You two stared at each other silently, as if there couldn’t possibly exist a word that could hold the importance of what you were expressing with your eyes. 

Mattheo coughed from behind the couch, and you immediately looked at him, who was standing there seeming half awkwardly half playfully intrigued, Theo was still staring, you could feel it. “Did I interrupt something per chance?” “How could you tell?” Theo answered quite bothered and not afraid to show it. “I’m gonna go look for Pans” you said standing up and leaving hoping not to have given the impression of wanting to escape from the heat of the moment too fast, as if it wasn’t exactly what you were doing.

“What the hell dude?” “No I should say what the hell? What the hell was that? Were you having a staring contest?” Mattheo laughed while slouching on the spot you had occupied until few seconds before. “I don’t know, I don’t get her, she talks with everybody except me, each time I’ve seen her she was running away” “What possibly can you not get? She likes you, she’s probably just shy” Theo scoffed “no, I’ve seen shy and I’ve seen like, that was something else, she looked…scared” Mattheo laughed even harder than before “my brother in Christ you’re literally scaring the hoes”, he was hunched over holding his stomach with his hand “Whatever shithead, I’m gonna go look for her, this isn’t over, not yet”.

You were running around looking for Pansy, trying to make sense of whatever happened on that couch. It was a minute matter’s worth, but to you that might had been an eternity, or at least 5 years. 

5 years of yearning and hiding, all gone. You were bare in front of him, you told him everything. And you had to admit that just one real look that lasted 1 minute was worthier than 5 years of pure fantasy.

You felt like you just tasted the most powerful drug in the world, and you couldn’t get enough, but you were so scared that you had to get away before you couldn’t see the light anymore. You felt like the most pathetic and coward being that ever walked this earth. You stumbled on Pansy finally, she was drunker than before and she was crying, so you brought her to the bathroom, in a stall on the floor, just like few hours before.

“Talk to me” “I- I really liked her! And I didn’t even think about telling her, I was so scared that she would react like this. A-and everyone thinks I’m some tough bitch t-that can handle everything, but I can’t, I can’t” you hugged her and let her cry on your shoulder “I completely understand how you feel, and I want you to know that nobody expects anything from you, and even if they did, you just gotta do you. And you’re so strong for admitting this, she really doesn’t deserve you, nobody who makes you cry deserves you”. She just cried for some time, until she had enough, partly because she also kind of sobered up a bit and she said she was looking too ridiculous and weak, specially at a party.

So once again you immersed in the crowd, where you found Draco and Enzo emptying a bottle “You guys wanna play spin the bottle with us?” Pansy answered positively for both of you before you could even consider doing it, “just what I need right now” she added with a smirk, seems like she didn’t need a lot of time to move on, you envied her for that. You were going to sit down in a circle that was forming around the bottle, when someone grabbed your arm and pulled you back, “You sure like to disappear” and just like before you were set on mute once again. “We need to talk” he said “actually you need to talk to me, I’m going mad with this silence act that you’re playing” you just stared at him, not functioning “say anything, say what you’re dying to tell me, I can feel there’s something” he nearly sounded desperate. “Guys sit down we’re starting to play” and you sat down, because you were nothing but a coward, he sat down too because he was nothing but a player. 

He was literally in front of you, staring, he didn’t even know you and you were stressing him like no one had ever before. With your silence around him and nobody else, with those eyes like the ones of a deer caught in headlights, like you were holding back, but just with him. 

You on the other hand were processing just how fast things had escalated, this…and you were really drunk, and high, and you couldn’t really recognize the confine between reality and dreams.

The game started and the first couple to kiss was Blaise and a ravenclaw that shared transfiguration class with you, then Enzo and some other girl, then Pansy and Luna Lovegood…and the scene was pretty hot truth be told. Finally the bottle spun and landed on Theo, and you chocked on air, he kept looking at you, and for a second you let yourself believe that all your dreams would have come true in that perfect moment. You professing your love and him too after an epiphany produced by that sealing kiss.

You could already feel his lips on yours, his arms around your waist in bed the morning after, you walking around hand in hand just like in your dreams, so for the first time that night you looked at him and smiled. The bottle started to slow down, feeling ready, actually you had never felt so ready before, ready to embrace your future just the way you always wanted it to be. Some blonde girl from slytherin started giggling and winked at him…you felt sick…actually sick to your stomach, you needed to leave. She got up walked to him sat on his lap, you felt absolutely ill, someone could have casted a crucio on you and it would have hurt less than this, she grabbed him. Kissed him. He grabbed her, tightly. They started to make out. You left.

This was the most unsubtle action you could end up doing but you had seen enough, actually way too much.

You went to the bathroom and you threw up everything you drank, it all came back to you. Before you couldn’t make out the limit that divided fantasy and reality, but here was your goddamn reality check.

When you were done you just stayed laid back on the ground, crying, and this is why dreams are way more comfortable than real life. You dream in your bed, under your covers and you end up falling asleep with a nice warm feeling of hope.

Real life had you face itself on the cold floor of the bathroom at a party, that you didn’t want to attend. Real life leaves you sick to your stomach, alone, with an awful feeling all over you and with no hope but the one to die.

How stupid had you been to think that he had fallen for you just for literally one second of eye contact. You were literally the definition of delusional, because if you spend your life living in a dream, you’ll probably end up thinking that life is one too. 

(I’m probably gonna write a third part, let me know if you liked it and maybe repost it thanks🤠)

[soulofapatrick]

Belong To Me - Cassian x female reader 

Summary: You ask Cassian to dance 

Words: 2.6K 

Warnings: none 

Y/N’s POV

The music pulses through the room, deep and hypnotic, winding around the crowd like an enchantment. On the dance floor, Eris and Nesta move in perfect, dangerous harmony. Her fierce grace matches his controlled elegance, their steps smooth and intimate, drawing every gaze in the room. But I can’t look at them for long, because my eyes find Cassian, and suddenly he’s all I can see.

He’s watching Nesta, his expression stark and unreadable, a glimmer of something raw and unguarded in his gaze. There’s a quiet intensity in his eyes, a vulnerable pull, as if every part of him is reaching for her—and the sight tightens around my heart like a vice. His jaw is clenched, fingers gripping his glass so tightly I half expect it to shatter. I’ve seen Cassian in battle, laughter in his eyes and blood on his knuckles, but I’ve never seen him like this, exposed and aching. And gods, it hurts. It hurts in a way I thought I’d prepared myself for, but the pain still surprises me, a sharp twist I can’t shake.

I glance down, swallowing against the ache. I’ve loved him quietly, fiercely, since the day I arrived in the Night Court. I was drawn to his strength, his warmth, his laugh that could fill even the darkest room. But it was the way he was with his family, his quiet, steadfast loyalty, that made me fall in love with him. He’s never known, of course. My love for him has always been a silent, patient thing, as if waiting in the shadows was enough, as if being near him was all I needed.

But tonight… something inside me snaps. I can’t keep standing on the sidelines, watching him look at someone else like she’s the only thing in the room. If he’s going to look at someone like that, even just once, I want to know what it feels like for that gaze to be on me.

Before I lose my nerve, I set my glass down and cross the room, heart pounding with a courage I can’t quite explain. I reach him just as the music swells, and my hand touches his arm, soft but sure. “Cassian,” I murmur, surprised at the gentleness in my voice. “Would you… would you like to dance?”

He blinks, surprise flashing in his eyes, as if he’s only just remembered there’s anyone else here. For a moment, he just stares, and I feel every second stretch between us, heavy and thrumming. But then, his gaze shifts, softening as he studies me, and something unreadable flickers across his face. Slowly, he sets his glass down, his hand sliding into mine, warm and solid and safe.

The world seems to fade as he guides me onto the dance floor, his touch gentle but possessive, as if he’s anchoring me here with him. His hand finds the small of my back, pulling me close, and I can feel the strength of him, the steady beat of his heart beneath the layers of armour he wears. When our eyes meet, there’s something different in his gaze, something that feels like he’s seeing me for the first time.

For these precious moments, he’s mine. The dance is a slow, deliberate rhythm, each movement drawing us closer, his touch whispering promises that I don’t dare name. His thumb strokes over my hand, soft and reverent, and my breath catches, warmth spreading through me, banishing the ache I’d felt only moments ago. I feel my heart racing, the silent hope stirring within me that maybe, just maybe, he’s starting to feel it too.

Cassian’s hand remains firm at my waist, his other gently guiding mine as we move across the dance floor, steps in perfect harmony. I can feel the eyes of the court on us, though they’re still captivated by the vision of Nesta and Eris moving like dark flames on the other side of the floor. Nesta’s gown is the colour of midnight, deep and endless, studded with faint glimmers that catch the light and make her look like she’s wrapped in stars. She’s magnetic and fierce, all shadows and starlight.

In contrast, my gown is bold and unapologetically red, the same shade as the siphons gleaming on Cassian’s armour. The fabric flows around me, as vibrant and alive as the fire that dances in his eyes, and I feel a strange thrill as I catch the way his gaze lingers. It’s like he finally sees me, really sees me, not just as the newest member of the Night Court but as someone who’s been beside him all this time, yearning for him from afar. He moves closer, and his hand on my waist shifts, his touch spreading warmth through me as we move in sync.

“Didn’t think you had it in you to pull me out here,” he murmurs, voice low and quiet, his gaze intent on mine.

“Maybe I’m just full of surprises,” I reply, my voice lighter than the intensity bubbling inside me. I manage a playful smile, but my heart’s racing, every inch of me aware of how close he is, how he’s looking at me like he’s seeing something he’s never noticed before. He smiles in return, soft and a little surprised, his hand firm on my waist as we sway together in the warm glow of the room.

Cassian’s gaze flickers to mine again, his lips curving up in a soft smile that makes me feel like we’re the only two people in the room. For a moment, I forget about the rest of the court, about Nesta and Eris and the others watching from the shadows. It’s just Cassian, his hand on my waist, his fingers warm as they guide me, strong and steady. There’s a hint of something in his eyes, something deeper than amusement, and it gives me a thrill that’s both exhilarating and terrifying.

We’re moving in perfect sync, and I wonder if he feels it too—this strange, magnetic pull between us. I’m just about to say something, to ask him if he’s felt anything different tonight, when his gaze shifts. He looks past me, toward the centre of the floor, where Nesta and Eris are still dancing, their movements sharp and intense, like they’re sharing some secret language of fire and shadow. I see the way Cassian’s expression changes as he watches them, something almost wistful crossing his face, something I can’t quite name but recognise all too well.

And then it happens—a sharp, painful tug deep in my chest, like a string I didn’t know existed has just been pulled taut, anchoring me to something I can’t see. The feeling is sudden and fierce, a rush of longing and hurt that steals the air from my lungs. I stumble forward, my hand clutching Cassian’s shoulder as I try to steady myself, feeling like I’ve been struck from within.

Cassian’s arm tightens around me, pulling me close as he steadies me, and I feel the firm press of his chest against mine, the steady beat of his heart. His gaze snaps back to me, all concern, and I see a flicker of something in his eyes—a rawness, a vulnerability that looks so achingly familiar. For a split second, it almost looks like he might cry.

“Hey,” he murmurs, voice low and rough, his hand firm and grounding at my waist. “Are you alright?”

“I… I think so,” I manage, though I don’t know if that’s true. My chest aches with something I don’t understand, and the only thing I know for certain is that I don’t want to let go of him. I don’t want to lose this moment.

Cassian’s thumb strokes gently along my waist, his touch warm and reassuring, and he looks at me with that same strange expression, like he’s on the verge of saying something he can’t quite bring himself to say. “Do you feel alright?” he asks quietly, his voice barely a whisper, his gaze searching mine with a depth that makes my heart ache.

“Yes,” I whisper, though I don’t know what I’m admitting to. I don’t know what this feeling is, this pull deep inside me, only that it feels like I’ve been connected to him in some way I can’t explain, some way I don’t yet understand.

Cassian’s eyes soften, and he watches me with something close to wonder, as if he’s seeing something he never expected to find. Cassian’s gaze lingers on mine, and for a heartbeat, it’s as if we’re suspended in a world of our own making, one where I can feel the unspoken question in his eyes, the pull that ties us together yet keeps us apart. And then, as if steeling himself, he lets go. His hand slips from my waist, the warmth of his touch fading as he turns, taking a single step away.

My heart tightens, a fierce ache blooming in my chest, a sensation so overwhelming it steals my breath. I remember something Feyre told me once about the mating bond—that it wasn’t only a connection, but a part of you that awakens, that allows you to feel the emotions of your mate as if they were your own. A bond of heart and soul, she’d called it, and it had sounded mythical, something too profound to be real. But here it is, a whisper in my chest, a raw pain that is not mine alone. It’s him. His longing, his sorrow—because he’s my mate.

The realisation shakes me to my core, and in that moment, I know with absolute certainty that I can’t let him go. I don’t want to.

Without a second thought, I step forward and reach for him, grabbing his hand before he can slip further away. His stride halts, and I tug him back, my fingers entwined with his, refusing to release him. He turns, startled, and stumbles into me, his chest brushing against mine as his hands instinctively come to my waist, steadying us both. His touch is steady and warm, grounding me, and his eyes—those deep, searching eyes—are filled with a glimmer of something that pierces through me.

His expression is vulnerable, torn open, like he’s holding his breath, waiting for the answer he never dared to hope for. My heart twists with the weight of it, of everything he’s tried to tell me with glances, touches, every unspoken word between us.

I reach up, my hands trembling as I cradle his face, feeling the heat of his skin beneath my fingertips. His breath catches, his eyes wide as he stares down at me, waiting, still and breathless. He doesn’t dare move, doesn’t dare hope—so I close the distance myself, lifting onto my toes as I press my lips to his.

The kiss is soft, hesitant at first, but the moment he realises I’m not pulling away, that I’m here and that I choose him, something within him gives way. His hands tighten on my waist, pulling me against him, his mouth pressing against mine with a tenderness that shatters me, as if he’s pouring years of restraint and unspoken devotion into this one kiss. The world falls away, and there is only this: his heart against mine, his breath mingling with mine, his lips speaking all the words he’s never said.

His thumb strokes my hip, his touch reverent, as if I’m something precious. And I feel it, the bond between us, a golden thread that pulses with life and warmth, binding us in ways I can’t yet understand but feel deep in my bones.

When we part, I keep my hands on his face, feeling the roughness of his stubbled jaw beneath my fingertips as he leans his forehead against mine, his breathing ragged, unsteady. He opens his eyes, and they’re shining with something raw and aching, and I can see a single tear slip down his cheek—a tear that holds years of longing, of hoping against hope that he would find his mate.

He whispers, his voice a low, trembling murmur, “I thought… I didn’t think you felt it too.” His words hang in the air, as fragile and vulnerable as the look in his eyes, and I feel the truth of them settle over us, heavy with the weight of all the silent years, the lingering glances, the quiet sacrifices he’d made without ever asking for anything in return. A warmth floods my chest, raw and all-consuming, and I brush my thumb over his cheek, wiping away the tear that slips free.

“I didn’t know what it was,” I murmur, my voice barely a whisper, trembling as I meet his gaze. “I didn’t know why my heart hurt whenever I looked at you. Why being close to you made everything else fall away.” My fingers trace along his jaw, and I feel him shiver under my touch, see the way his eyes darken as he takes in my words, drinking them in as if they’re everything he’s been waiting to hear.

He closes his eyes for a moment, as if steadying himself, and then he pulls me closer, his forehead resting against mine, his hands moving to cup my face, rough and calloused yet infinitely gentle. “I was ready to wait forever,” he breathes, his voice breaking over the words, low and filled with a longing so intense it steals my breath. “I would have waited forever for you to feel it, for you to choose me.”

There’s something in his voice, a tenderness I’ve never heard before, that tightens around my heart, and I know in that moment that every ache, every confused feeling, every quiet pang of jealousy was leading me here—to him.

The bond between us pulses again, a golden thread winding tighter, drawing us closer, until there is no space left between us. I close my eyes, letting the warmth of him, the strength of his presence, seep into me. I feel it in every beat of my heart, in every breath that shudders through me. He’s mine. And I’m his.

I slide my hands from his face to the back of his neck, pulling him to me as I lean up and press my lips to his once more, letting every ounce of feeling I’ve kept buried spill into that kiss. Cassian’s hands slide down to my waist, pulling me flush against him, and the kiss deepens, becoming something fierce, desperate, as if we’re both trying to make up for all the moments we could have had, if only we’d known.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless, our foreheads still touching, his hands cradling my face as if I’m the most precious thing in the world to him. His eyes are shining, full of wonder, as if he can’t quite believe this is real.

“I didn’t think I’d ever feel this way,” I say softly, my voice filled with awe. “I didn’t think I’d ever belong to anyone like this.”

“You belong to me,” he whispers, a fierce protectiveness colouring his words, his gaze unwavering as he looks at me with an intensity that makes my heart ache. “And I belong to you. Always.”

The words wrap around me, filling every empty part of my soul, and I know that this is it—this is home. Right here, in his arms, where I was always meant to be. And as his hands find mine, threading our fingers together, I can feel the bond between us solidify, a golden promise that no matter what comes, we’ll face it together

ACOTAR Masterlist TAG LIST - updated 12th Oct 2024

TAGS:

@lilah-asteria @maleficmuse @fanficscuziranout @angelbunny222

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

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As an American, I need this. Please.

Skipping the queue to do this for you, because yeah. That's a solid af reason.

1k for TWATYTK:

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If there’s one thing he knows, it’s that. Knowing what that’s like has informed so many of his parenting choices over the years. Eddie looks at his husband. He gets the religious, cultural side of it in a way Buck doesn’t. But Buck isn’t a stranger to a different genre of growing up without the necessary affection, either. More so than Eddie, maybe. 

Buck has a strange, contemplative look on his face. 

“And, uh, the open adoption part,” he says to Lourdes. “That’s so you know for sure?”

Eddie raises an eyebrow, not quite following. But the way Lourdes’ face sinks, she does. She understands what Buck is saying. 

“Yeah,” Lourdes nods. “I can’t keep her. I know I can’t. But what kind of person would I be if I just… Didn’t make sure she was okay with people who love her properly?”

Eddie gets that, too. It’s the same thought process that led him to changing his will all those years ago. To changing what would have been the natural, assumed process of things in the case of his death. Chris would have been fine if Eddie died and he went to live with his parents. His physical needs would have been met. They wouldn’t have even been hard on him in the same ways they were hard on Eddie, for a number of reasons from different circumstances to ableism. But would they have loved him properly? Fought for him right? No. Eddie knows that wholeheartedly. No. 

Lourdes may not want or be able to parent this child. But she’s got that bone deep instinct that Eddie recognizes. The one where you’re desperate to make sure your child has it better and easier than you did. 

“She’s lucky,” Eddie says suddenly. Because maybe no one has told this girl that. Maybe she’s only been told that she’s fucked up. “The baby. She’s lucky.”

Lourdes blinks. Her face kind of goes blank.

“Not every kid has someone advocating for them like that,” Eddie explains. 

When Lourdes speaks again, her voice is a little shaky.

“Thank you.”

☆☆☆

They leave Pepa’s maybe an hour later. When Pepa and Maria arrived back from their walk, they did of course make Eddie and Buck tell Lourdes all about Chris. Even though Eddie is certain she’s already heard. It’s a bizarre matchmaking process that leaves Eddie with a poor taste in his mouth. Regardless, he’s glad they met Lourdes. Glad they talked to her. Even if he can be one person to make her feel like she’s not a screw up, whatever. He’ll take it. It was worth the rest of the discomfort. 

Buck is quiet as they leave. He’s got a very intense but distant look in his eyes. He’s thinking so hard Eddie worries steam is going to start coming out of his ears. Eddie feels guilty. He didn’t want to do this. He didn’t want to be here. 

They don’t even make it down Pepa’s street before Buck pulls the vehicle over, puts it into park, and looks at Eddie. 

“What’s wrong?” Eddie asks. 

“I change my mind,” Buck says. 

“What?” 

“I change my mind. We should adopt her baby.”

Eddie can’t be hearing this correctly.

“Buck,” he sighs. “Come on. You don’t have to do this because you feel bad or pressured.”

Buck shakes his head. “That’s not what this is. I really want to do it.”

“Okay, well,” Eddie huffs, a little exasperated. “You were adamantly against this a few days ago, remember? So I’m sort of confused here.”

“I can’t have a change of heart?” He asks.

“Not without me worrying that you feel backed into a corner or-or guilty…”

“I don’t!” Buck practically snaps. “I’m just fucking terrified, okay?”

Eddie feels a bit stunned. That’s not what he expected to hear. In this whole lengthy discussion, spanning over a year, about becoming parents again, Buck has never expressed fear. That’s sort of Eddie’s thing. Buck has always been the one who plows full steam ahead. Confident. Optimistic. Easy-going. But, Eddie supposes, they’ve never been this close before.

“Okay,” Eddie says gently. “Explain that to me.”

Buck takes a deep breath. “I… I liked that we had everything under control before, right?”

“Right,” Eddie nods. 

“But I… I do like the idea of helping her. Of having a little girl in October? That’s, like, so soon. That’s amazing.”

Eddie smiles a little. “Yeah, that would be pretty cool.”

Well… October 19th is less than four months away. So that’s… Scary as shit, actually? But Eddie could handle that. Of course that’s the part Buck is excited about. But, overall, yes. A little girl, sooner than they expected, does sound pretty wonderful. Even if Eddie had been super sure their next kid would be a boy. That hardly matters. 

“But, Eddie… We would have no control,” Buck says. “She could… She could change her mind. She… She could change her mind before. She could change her mind at the birth. In California, she has thirty days to take her back.” 

“Oh,” Eddie exhales, understanding. 

“I couldn’t… I couldn’t handle that, Eddie. How could I handle that? It was hard enough handing over the baby when I knew he wasn’t mine to keep, I…” Buck gulps for breath. “I don’t know if I could do it.”

“Okay,” Eddie nods. “Okay, I understand. And yeah, that would… That would be awful. It would.”

Buck breathes, clearly trying to bring himself back down.

“For what it’s worth,” Eddie says. “I don’t think she’d do that.”

“We don’t really know her,” Buck says. “I like her. She seems great. But we don’t know her.”

“No,” Eddie agrees. “We don’t. I just… I got a sense she’s really serious about setting that baby up to have a happier life than she’s had. Which is why she’d prefer two public servants to the wealthy church family.” 

“Right,” Buck mumbles. “Yeah, she did… She did seem that way.”

“But…” Eddie sighs. “I don’t think that’s the main factor here.”

[unhingedangstaddict]

I'll Hold Onto You While We Run Chap 14 Sneak Peak

(Another Tommy and Lucy scene seeing as so many people enjoy their friendship in this fic!!!)

Tommy pulled open the door, inviting Lucy in. “Hey, wasn’t expecting you. Everything okay?”

“Got some info for ya on the creep from the bar.” Lucy explained as she stepped inside. “Figured you might wanna chat too.”

Tommy nodded. “Alright. You hungry?” Tommy asked as he shut the door behind Lucy.

“Starved actually.” Lucy headed into the house and sat down at the kitchen table.

“Well lucky for you we’ve got a ton of Chinese leftovers. Wasn’t expecting such large portions and Evan didn’t seem too hungry.” Tommy began pulling out containers from the fridge and making up a plate for Lucy, skipping the things she didn’t like and piling on her favourites.

“I could kiss you.” Lucy professed dramatically.

“I still don’t get how you enjoy the leftovers cold, but if it makes you happy.” Tommy shrugged.

“It does.” Lucy confirmed with a grin as she moved one knee to her chest, foot on the seat of the chair. “Lauren always acted like I was committing a crime. But I like it cold, so if I can’t have it fresh-hot I’m not going to the extra effort to reheat it.”

“How are things going on the divorce front anyway? I’d imagine you being here isn’t exactly helping.” Tommy wondered.

“It’s definitely not making things easier, that’s for sure.” Lucy sighed.

“I’m sorry things turned out so shitty in the end.” Tommy said sincerely as he set Lucy’s plate down in front of her.

“It is what it is I guess.” Lucy shrugged. After taking a bite she pulled out her phone. “So the creep from the bar isn’t anyone we should have to worry about. He does have a rap sheet with local PD for harassment, one charge of indecent exposure-”

“Typical creep things.” Tommy nodded as he sat across from her.

“Yeah, but nothing to raise any real red flags that he could be a threat to Evan’s safety. He’s been banned from the bar and if he shows up again he’ll be leaving in cuffs.” Lucy told Tommy.

“Well that’s a relief.” Tommy decided. “Evan didn’t really tell me how he felt about the whole thing, but he looked so uncomfortable when I got to the bar.” Tommy shook his head.

“I wish I’d noticed it before you got there. We were just so busy.” Lucy frowned.

“It’s not your fault. It’s the creep who was harassing Evan’s fault.” Tommy reassured her. “I can’t help but feel guilty though.”

“Why do you feel guilty?” Lucy frowned.

Tommy was silent for a moment, before speaking in a hushed tone. “When Cameron proposed the cover story I didn’t like it. I should’ve fought harder, proposed something else instead. Because if the cover story wasn’t what it is, he never would’ve had ‘bisexual’ on that name tag and he wouldn’t have been harassed and I wouldn't have kissed him.”

“Tommy, you had no way of knowing that was going to happen.” Lucy started. “And I’m not at all saying it was Evan’s fault, but he didn’t write ‘bisexual’ on his name tag because he felt like he had to. He could’ve skipped it altogether, or written ‘taken’ on it instead. He wears a wedding ring and the guy harassed him anyway. It’s in no way your fault or Evan’s.”

Tommy nodded slightly. “Still feel bad about the kiss. We haven’t done anything like that before- I mean we haven’t needed to in order to keep our cover or anything. Never even discussed it.”

“Did he say he had a problem with it?” Lucy asked.

“Well no-”

“Was he mad at you for it?”

“No, but-”

“Did he tell you that you crossed a boundary?” Lucy wondered.

“No.” Tommy admitted.

[betraumatizebaby]

Quick question٫ How did Ody and his crew got married and became gods? And does Penelope٫ Ctimene and Telemachus know? Does Athena even know and what was her reaction? How did this all happened?

I Signed Up for a Quest Not a Wedding Registry! AU part One

Previous = Next

The others don’t have a confirmed story of meeting the gods or how they became gods and goddesses. I made this AU half-asleep at 1 a.m., and I can’t help but laugh at how bizarre my ideas are (which is ironic since I made this account to let myself be “cringe” without caring about other people’s opinions). I do have some ideas for how each character deals with their situation, especially Elpenor, since he’s the only one suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. But beyond that, I haven’t confirmed how each of them ended up in their situations. I do have ideas for Eurylochus and Zeus that don’t make me cringe as much (although they still make me want to bang my head against a wall a bit). One of my ideas is that, during the “Thunder Bringer” arc, Eurylochus tries to offer himself and pull the “Circe seduction” card. But it backfires, as Zeus decides that Eurylochus is so good at his job that he chooses to keep him around.

For the order, it goes: [Polites = Elpenor = Eurylochus = Odysseus].

Perimedes and the other crew members survived and were forced to return to Ithaca, where they had to explain to Penelope, Telemachus, and Citmene what happened to the others.

Citmene’s reaction when she finds out:

Citmene: What!? Well, what are you doing here? Go and save them!

The crew: What!? How the hell are we supposed to do that!? Fight a god? We can’t fight gods!

Citmene: Fine! I’ll do it. Come with me, Perimedes! We’re going to hunt some gods!

Perimedes, dumbfounded and slightly scared: Now I understand why Eurylochus was so in love with you.

If Odysseus could stab Poseidon multiple times, who’s to say that Citmene wouldn’t do the same? This is still just a draft for my AU, but I really wanted to show the similarities between the two siblings. As for Athena, she deserves an entire post in this AU, but I’m not ready to dive into her role just yet.

Please, I’d love to hear your ideas and opinions on this AU!

[90s-suplex]

Okay..this might be a bit of a crazy one but I can’t help it with how huge his biceps are (especially in the early 2000’s) could you please possibly do a one-off about the reader asking Stone Cold to put her in a playful chokehold? Like she’s seen wrestlers do it so she wants to see what it feels like?

But then she quickly realizes how much she actually likes it type deal? And Stone Cold can absolutely tell she’s enjoying it?? 🫣 all safe and sane of course! I just- his biceps man. I can’t help but imagine that scenario when I see those things 😶 especially because I just know he’d be smug about it 🫠

Anon, trust me there’s nothing crazy about this - in fact it‘s 100% perfectly reasonable to want to be put in a chokehold by him!!! 😵‍💫😩

Tw: afab!reader, choking, size difference

nsfw, mdni

“What?“ Stone Cold asked you. "You want me to put you into what?"

You giggled before restating your request.

"A chokehold," you grinned as if you had just asked him a completely normal question. 

"Oh, you know… I‘ve always wondered..,“ you paused. „I’ve seen it so many times, I just wanna know what it‘s like. That‘s it.“

„You sure?“

You nodded a bit too fast, and Austin snickered at your enthusiasm. He wondered how long you had been thinking about asking him this. Eventually, he sighed as he got up and motioned to you to rise to your feet as well.

You stood before him, lifting your head so you were able to look into his eyes. He put his hands on your shoulders.

"Well, first," he spun you on your heels, "I need you to turn around.“

Next, he placed his right arm loosely over your shoulder, while he pulled you closer into him with his other arm until your back was pressed tightly against his torso. 

"As you know, a sleeper hold is pretty effective when you‘re trying to make your opponent tap out."

He angled his right arm, encircling your neck. Your chin was lodged in the crook of his arm as he towered over your body from behind. You felt tiny in his embrace. 

"And there are actually two ways to go about this," Austin explained and put his other hand on the top of your head to hold you in place.

So far, this wasn't too bad, you thought to yourself. You still had some room to move.

"Instead of straight up cutting off someone‘s airflow, you can try to cut off their bloodflow," he said while putting his other hand on the top of your head to hold you in place.

"Kinda like this." He flexed his arm, squeezing the sides of your neck in the process.

Oh. 

You gasped at the snug hold of his arm around your neck. Austin was right; he wasn’t directly blocking your air passage this way, but the applied pressure somehow ignited something in you. A weird, sudden mixture of adrenaline and arousal flushed through you. Before you could‘ve fully realized what was happening to you, Stone Cold decreased the pressure, but still kept you trapped with his arm.

You gulped.

Applying pressure again, he continued. "If applied for too long..." 

His display of strength while being pressed against his strong frame made you feel dizzy and light-headed. He remained like this for a couple of seconds before decreasing the pressure once again. 

".. it can get pretty dangerous,“ he warned. 

Even though you registered what he was saying, you didn‘t want him to stop, curious about the reaction he evoked in you.

He squeezed the sides of your neck again, this time a little harder than before, causing you to let out the faintest of moans. With widened eyes, you couldn‘t help but feel a bit ashamed.

You expected him to comment on this, but he didn’t.

Instead, he readjusted his hold on you by lowering his arms and clasping his hands together right next to your face. This way, your chin was no longer lodged in the crook of his arm, but his forearm was resting against your throat.

Your breath got caught in your throat and your mouth fell open.

"Usually it’s pretty hard to reverse this grapple.."

You began to struggle and dug your hands into his arm. 

Stone Cold decreased the pressure on your throat just enough for you to let you catch your breath.

Breathe in. 

Your chest burned as it filled with cold air.

Breathe out. 

The adrenaline made you feel as if your heart was about to jump out of your chest.

"..so, normally, people wouldn‘t wanna be caught on the receiving end of this hold.“

He released you from his grip and you whined.

"But for some reason,“ he husked, still standing closely behind you, "I don‘t feel like this applies to you, hm?“ 

You honestly didn‘t know what to answer. You wanted nothing more than for him to put his hands on you again, but the your foggy mind only allowed you to stutter out nonsense.

Still, Austin seemed to understand. Moments later, he reached for your right hand, putting it behind your back, while his other hand found its way back to your throat. 

He didn‘t apply any pressure this time around, just holding your neck - rough, calloused fingers on delicate skin.

"I hope this lil‘ demonstration answered your question," his voice was low and you could feel his warm breath on your face. You shuddered.

Suddenly, he dropped his hand, releasing your neck and your heart skipped a beat. His other hand still had your hand behind your back in a firm grip.

Slowly and almost tentatively, you reached for his hand, placing it on your throat again. Your hand slid down his arm, feeling his veins.

Voice hoarse, you asked, “C-Can you do it again?“

He chuckled into the shell of your ear.

“Careful what you wish for.“