#and it was. yeah. really unsettling for me o

[pbaz7]

FINDING PEACE IN YOU: PART 4

paige x azzi

warnings: sexual content

word count: 12k

A/N: I struggled bringing my plot to life on this one for some reason. It’s not terrible but it’s definitely not my best work😭 also it’s completely unedited because I was being harassed so be warned lol. Let me know what you think and happy game day!!!

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Azzi wasn’t one to dwell too much on social media—she knew better, she barely even used it. But she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t been on it a little more recently; and that the posts after Paige’s first away game in Minnesota hadn’t gotten her gears turning.

As she scrolled through her timeline there were pictures and videos of the team walking into a club to celebrate their first win of the season. Paige looked amazing—her blonde hair wavy and slightly tousled, a confident smirk on her lips, her jewelry shining from the camera flashes, her outfit fitting her perfectly. It was the kind of pictures that would’ve had Azzi playfully rolling her eyes a few months ago, when she’d just met the blonde, knowing how easily Paige could get who she wanted. But now? Now, it just made her stomach tighten.

What really caught Azzi’s attention was how many women were lingering around in the pictures.

Some were just fans Others were players from the Lynx, people Paige probably knew. But of course there were the ones who stood a little too close in the group pictures. The ones whose eyes lingered when Paige wasn’t even looking in videos.

What the hell am I doing?

Azzi knew better than this. She definitely wasn’t insecure, and Paige had given her a reason to doubt her. Still, something unsettled her. Maybe she just missed her, or maybe it was the way the past had taught her to be wary even when things seemed great.

As Azzi scrolled through the posts, her expression remained unreadable. She wasn’t upset—not really. Paige hadn’t done anything wrong. Still, that didn’t stop the small, unfamiliar feeling creeping up her spine. Something she wasn’t used to dealing with.

Jealousy.

Muttering a few words under her breath, Azzi locked her phone, then immediately unlocked it again and scrolled to Paige’s contact. She wasn’t about to sit here playing detective when she could just call her.

The phone rang three times before Paige picked up, her voice coming through with a slight, telltale sign of tipsiness. The background quieter than Azzi expected.

“Wassup, gorgeous?”

Azzi felt the tension in her shoulders ease, just slightly. “What are you up to?”

“M’ just at the hotel bar with Arike, Lyss, DiJonai, and some random stragglers,” Paige said, her words lazy, like she was comfortably slouched in a chair somewhere.

“I thought you told me you were going to be at the after-party for most of the night?”

“Yeah,” Paige sighed. “Wasn’t feeling it for real.”

That had Azzi pausing. Paige wasn’t exactly the life of the party, but Azzi knew she wasn’t one to turn down a good time, especially after a win.

“Way too many people,” Paige added, almost like she could sense Azzi’s thoughts. “Too much going on.”

Azzi hummed in understanding, letting the last of her unnecessary overthinking fade away. Paige had already left the club. She’d opted for a quiet drink instead.

“What you doing, gorgeous?” Paige asked, her voice a little playful now.

“That’s the second time you’ve called me that in less than a minute.”

“‘Cause you are,” Paige said easily.

Azzi shook her head, unable to stop the small smile tugging at her lips. “Are you drunk?”

“Prolly,” Paige admitted with a quiet chuckle.

“You’re probably drunk?” Azzi repeated.

“Mhm,” Paige hummed. “But not like bad drunk. Just a little tipsy maybe.”

Azzi leaned back against her bed, relaxing now that she’d heard Paige’s voice. “So, you ditched the after-party to sit at a hotel bar with Arike and them and be kinda drunk?”

Paige laughed. “I ain’t ditch it for real. Just…left. Like I said…too many people. Too much going on.” She paused, then added, “’Sides, I’d rather be on the phone with you. Can’t do that at the club.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the warmth that was spreading through her chest. “You’re smooth when you’re tipsy, you know that?”

“I’m smooth all the time, don’t play with me.”

“You gonna go up to your room soon?” Azzi asked.

Paige made a noise that sounded like she was stretching. “Yeah, probably. You tryna tell me to go to bed?”

Azzi smiled. “Maybe.”

Paige exhaled dramatically. “Damn. You don’t even wanna talk to me?”

Azzi bit her lip, shaking her head at Paige’s antics. “Go to bed, P.”

Paige huffed out a soft laugh. “Ight lemme just FaceTime you first.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but said, “Okay.”

Two seconds later, her phone lit up with an incoming call. She swiped to answer, and Paige’s face filled the screen, her expression already a lazy, lopsided grin. Her hair was slightly tousled, and the dim lighting of the hotel bar cast soft shadows across her features.

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “What are you already grinning about?”

Paige shrugged, still smiling. “Nun.”

Azzi wasn’t convinced. “Yeah, right.”

Paige finally focused in on Azzi’s demeanor, eyes narrowing just slightly before she tilted her head and sat up slightly. “Why you look stressed? You good?”

The question caught Azzi slightly off guard. Even through a screen, even slightly drunk, Paige still noticed everything. That alone made something in Azzi's chest loosen.

Azzi exhaled softly, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’m great now.”

Paige licked her lips, the intent in her gaze changing. “What, I made you feel good huh?”

Azzi wanted to roll her eyes, to deny it, but she didn’t just raised her eyebrows.

Paige sighed dramatically as she sant further into the booth she was sitting in, her voice a little softer now. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

Before she could say anything else, Paige glanced up at someone offscreen. A second later, Azzi heard a voice in the background. “Who you talking to?”

Paige’s grin was huge when she said, “My girl.”

Azzi froze.

Her girl?

They hadn’t made anything official, hadn’t even had that conversation yet. But Paige said it so casually, like it was already a fact, like there was no doubt in her mind that Azzi would be hers eventually. Azzi’s stomach did a ridiculous flip, her heart picking up speed, but before she could even process it, Rickea suddenly appeared on the screen, taking the phone out of Paige’s hands.

Rickea was definitely drunker than Paige, her expression exaggerated as she pointed a finger at Azzi. “You stole my wingwoman.”

Azzi blinked. “Hm?”

Rickea groaned, waving a hand in the air. “You got her pussy whipped. She wouldn’t even look at nobody else tonight, let alone talk to them so I could get with their friend. Awful night for me. Zero outta ten.”

Azzi let out a soft laugh, clearly amused. “I’m… sorry?” The words came out more like a question than an actual apology.

Rickea shook her head, then leaned in closer to the screen, lowering her voice to a supposed whisper that wasn’t even close to quiet. “Imma tell you a secret.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, already bracing herself.

Rickea glanced around then whispered loudly, “Paige needs to get laid. That girl been tense for weeks.”

Azzi’s mouth fell open slightly, caught between shock and stifling a laugh. Paige, on the other hand, was immediately reaching for the phone with an exasperated, “Alright, bro.”

There was a brief shuffle before the screen shifted, and Paige was back. “Ignore her.”

Azzi tilted her head slightly, a teasing cadence in her tone. “So, you don’t need to, quote-unquote, ‘get laid’?”

Paige squinted at her through the screen, lips pressing together like she was trying to figure out how to respond. “I ain’t say allat,” she admitted, shifting in her seat. “I’m just saying I’m not tense or nothing, you know?”

Azzi hummed, clearly unconvinced. “Mhm.”

Paige narrowed her eyes. “Why you say that like you don’t believe me?”

“Cause I don’t.”

Paige let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head. “Man, y’all love painting me as this sex deprived, miserable person.”

Azzi laughed at this. “I mean… Rickea said you’ve been tense for weeks. Weeks, P.”

Paige scoffed. “Rickea don’t know what she’s talking about.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “So you haven’t been tense? What you don’t want me?”

Paige huffed, shifting in her seat. “Nah like, obviously, I want—” She stopped, shook her head, and started again. “I mean, if you was here, then yeah, maybe—” She groaned, running a hand down her face. “Nah, what I’m trying to say is—”

Azzi bit her lip, amused. “Go ahead. Take your time.”

Paige shot her a glare through the screen. “You’re annoying.”

Azzi grinned. “And you’re deflecting.”

Paige exhaled. “Man, shut up.”

“I’m just saying, you sounded real confident telling people I’m your girl, but now all of a sudden you don’t have anything to say?”

Paige groaned again, running a hand through her hair. “Why you gotta bring that up?”

“Because I liked how it sounded,” Azzi admitted.

Paige paused, her expression shifting. “Yeah?”

Azzi nodded. “Yeah.”

Paige let out a breath, her lips curling into a slow smile before she said, “Bet.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she changed the subject. “You need to rest and drink some water before your flight tomorrow.”

Paige frowned. “I’m tryna keep talkin’ to you, though.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “You can talk to me in your room.”

Paige squinted. “Why you keep tryna send me to bed?”

“I’m not,” Azzi said–she definitely was, she could tell Paige was tired and would crash within 10 minutes of being in her room. “You’re just in public, and I don’t wanna filter what I say.”

Paige stilled for a second, like she was processing what that meant, then Azzi watched her scramble up from her seat so fast it was almost impressive.

Azzi smirked. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

Paige, already halfway out the bar, just said, “Hold that thought,” before the screen went a little dark.

Azzi heard the shuffle of movement, followed by Paige’s voice calling out to her teammates, “I’m goin’ to bed.”

In the background, Rickea and Dijonai immediately started booing. Paige just laughed, the sound a little muffled, and then Azzi saw her moving toward what looked like the elevators.

Azzi was about to say something when she heard a voice—someone stopping Paige. “Hey, can I get a picture real quick?” the person asked. “We were at the club with y’all earlier.”

Paige sighed quietly but stopped, clearly obliging. “Yeah, yeah, for sure.”

Azzi watched as Paige posed, the flash going off before Paige mumbled, “No problem.” With that, she finally stepped into the elevator, the doors shutting behind her.

The call cut in and out until Paige stepped off the elevator and into her room, shutting the door behind her. She looked down at her phone, her lips curling into a small smirk. “Wassup.”

Azzi smiled at her saying, “Hi again.”

Paige chuckled as she kicked off her shoes, her movements a little sluggish but still controlled. “How was work today?”

Azzi leaned back against her pillows, watching Paige through the screen. “It was good. Just scheduled appointments and check-ins, nothing too unexpected.”

Paige smiled at that. “That’s good. You eat?”

Azzi hummed, nodding. “Yeah.”

Paige propped up her phone, adjusting the angle before stretching her arms over her head with a small groan. “Good, what’d you have?”

Azzi smirked at the domesticity of it all. “You checking up on me now?”

Paige rolled her eyes. “Man, just answer the question.”

Azzi hummed. “I had some salmon, rice, and veggies earlier. Happy?”

Paige grinned. “Very. Proud of you for eating real food.”

Azzi scoffed. “What does that mean?”

“You be playin around sometimes, acting like coffee is a meal.”

Azzi shrugged. “Sometimes it’s all I need to get through the day.”

Paige gave her a pointed look. “If I said that, you’d give me a whole lecture about what my body needs for like twenty minutes.”

“That’s different.”

Paige scoffed. “It’s not.”

Azzi crossed her arms, leaning back against her pillows. “It is, though. You’re an athlete, you burn way more calories than me. Your body literally needs more fuel.”

“Doesn’t mean you can just run on caffeine and sheer will?”

Azzi smiled. “It’s been working so far.”

Paige gave her a pointed look. “Mmhm. Until one day, you just randomly fall out.”

Azzi rolled her eyes. “Alright, that's dramatic.”

Paige shrugged. “I’m just saying, don’t let me catch you slipping. Imma absolutely pull the ‘I told you so’ card.”

“Noted.”

Paige grinned, satisfied. “Good. Now, did you drink water too, or am I about to be disappointed?”

Azzi sighed dramatically. “Yes, Paige, I drank water.”

Paige grinned. “Damn, look at that—sexy, responsible woman over there. Drinkin water and shit.”

Azzi rolled her eyes. “Shut up.”

Paige just laughed, grabbing the hem of her shirt and pulling it over her head before walking out of frame.

Azzi immediately frowned. “Where’d you go?”

A few seconds later, Paige reappeared on the screen, now wearing a pair of shorts and a sports bra. She smirked as she sat down. “What, you tryna get a show?”

Azzi tilted her head slightly, eyes flickering over Paige’s toned frame before humming. “Maybe.”

Paige let out a low chuckle. “You gotta pay for allat.”

Azzi played into the joke, as she bit her lip. “What’s the going rate these days?”

Paige’s jaw dropped dramatically. “Wowww. That’s crazy.”

Azzi smiled. “I’m just trying to be an informed customer.”

Paige leaned closer to the camera. “Ahh, so you tryna make a purchase?”

Azzi tilted her head, pretending to think about it. “Depends on what’s all included in the package.”

Paige let out a low laugh, licking her lips. “Premium service. Real exclusive type service.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “How exclusive we talking?”

Paige’s grin grew, her tipsiness making her bolder. “Like… only available for one person, kinda exclusive.”

Azzi hummed, playing along. “And what if I want a trial run before committing?”

Paige sucked her teeth, shaking her head. “Nah, this ain’t no free sample situation. You either all in or not at all.”

Azzi’s voice is a little softer when she says, “I tried to remember? You stopped me.”

That brought a shift in Paige’s expression. Her smirk faltered, turning gentle as her eyes searched Azzi’s face. She nodded slowly.

“I did,” Paige said softly. “I was just tryna respect you gorgeous.”

Azzi’s features softened in return, her voice sincere. “And I appreciate that.”

Paige smiled at her, eyes growing heavier. “Tell me about your day?”

Azzi settled further into her bed, adjusting her phone as she watched Paige’s face relax. “You sure you’re not going to fall asleep on me?” she teased.

Paige let out a soft chuckle, already nestling into her pillow. “Nah, I wanna hear you talk.” Her voice was quieter now, more at ease. “Just tell me about your day.”

Azzi smiled at that, something warm settling in her chest. “Alright.” She thought for a moment before starting. “Well work was good—mostly just check-ins and scheduled appointments like I said, nothing too crazy. I had this one client who swore they were dying over a minor sprain, though.”

Paige let out a sleepy laugh. “Mmm. You saving lives out here, huh?”

Azzi smirked. “Always.”

Paige hummed in response, eyes slipping closed but her lips still curved in a small smile. Azzi kept talking, telling her about little moments from her day—her workout that morning, grabbing coffee, the book she’d started reading. Paige would mumble something here and there, making it clear she was still listening, even as her responses got slower.

Eventually, Azzi heard Paige’s breathing even out, her face peaceful on the screen. Azzi just watched her for a moment, the sight of Paige so relaxed making her chest tighten in a way she wasn’t ready to unpack.

Softly, she whispered, “Goodnight, Paige.”

Paige stirred just enough to murmur back, “Night, Az,” before fully drifting off.

Azzi smiled to herself, shaking her head fondly before ending the call, letting herself relax into bed as well.

…

The next time Paige and Azzi saw each other was the day Paige returned to Dallas. She had just picked up Lukas from her mothers house, the little boy practically bouncing in his seat in the back, a bright grin on his face as he was excited to see his mom after being apart for so long.

As they drove down the familiar Dallas streets, Lukas chatted about everything from starting school in the fall to the new toy he wanted that his uncle showed him.

Paige pulled up outside Azzi’s clinic, shifting the car into park as she glanced at Lukas through the rearview mirror. The little boy was peering out the window, his small brows furrowed in curiosity.

“Where are we?”

Paige unbuckled her seatbelt, stretching her arm over the passenger seat as she turned to look at him. “We’re picking up Azzi.”

At the mention of her name, Lukas immediately went quiet, mumbling out a quiet, “Oh.” His tiny fingers messed with the strings of his hoodie, and a faint pink dusted his cheeks.

Paige caught the reaction instantly, smirking as she tilted her head. “Oh?” she teased, dragging the word out.

Lukas shifted in his car seat, suddenly hyper focused on the straps across his chest. “Nothin���,” he mumbled, eyes darting away.

Paige chuckled. “You excited to see Azzi?”

There was a pause before Lukas gave a quick, almost shy nod. “She’s nice,” he admitted quietly.

Paige’s smirk softened into a smile. “Yeah, she is.”

She unlatched her door and turned back to him. “You gonna come inside with me or just sit there looking shy?”

Lukas hesitated, his little legs swinging. “I’ll go.”

After helping Lukas out of the car, Paige took his hand and led him up to Azzi’s clinic. When they got off the elevator the same receptionist from last time looked up, offering a polite smile. Paige returned it with a small nod.

Azzi was waiting for them just past the desk, standing with her hands in her pockets. Paige gave her a quick once over taking note of the white button up that was slightly undone and the heels Azzi had on.

Maybe it was the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in days, or maybe it was something else entirely, but the moment Azzi stepped toward Paige, the hug that followed felt different.

To anyone watching, it would seem like nothing more than a warm embrace—Azzi’s arms wrapping around Paige’s shoulders, Paige’s arms circling her waist. But to them, it felt like something else entirely.

Azzi melted into it just a little too much, the weight of her body pressing against Paige’s completely as she let out the smallest sigh against her hoodie. Paige felt the way Azzi’s fingers curled slightly against her back, how the warmth of her breath tickled her neck.

Paige, in turn, held on just a second longer than necessary, her lips brushing the curve of Azzi’s jaw as she whispered, “Wassup, beautiful?”

Azzi stiffened for half a second, just enough for Paige to notice, before she pulled back, keeping her expression neutral.

Their eyes met.

Lingering.

Reading each other.

Their eye contact lasted long enough that the receptionist cleared her throat softly, a subtle reminder that they weren’t alone.

Paige smirked as she shifted her weight, finally glancing away. Azzi, on the other hand, bit the inside of her cheek, schooling her expression before turning her attention down to Lukas, who had been watching the interaction with his wide, curious eyes.

Azzi crouched slightly, offering the boy a warm smile. “Hey, buddy,” she greeted, her voice softer now.

Lukas, still flustered from before, rocked on his heels before shyly mumbling, “Hi.”

Paige watched the exchange with amusement, her heart beating a little faster than it probably should have been.

Azzi stood up, her gaze flickering to the small bowl of candy on the receptionist’s desk. She grabbed a piece, then turned to Paige with a silent question in her eyes, lifting the candy slightly in Lukas’s direction.

Paige let out a quiet laugh, nodding. “Yeah, he can have it.”

Azzi grinned and crouched again, holding the candy out to Lukas. “This is for you.”

Lukas’s eyes widened slightly, his shyness momentarily replaced with excitement as he reached for it. “Thank you.”

Azzi chuckled. “You’re welcome.”

Paige watched the exchange shaking her head. “You tryna win him over with candy already?”

Azzi smirked, glancing at her. “Is it working?”

Paige looked down at Lukas, who was now inspecting the candy like it was a prized possession, his tiny fingers gripping it tightly. “Yeah… definitely.”

Azzi turned back toward the receptionist, giving her a small wave. “Goodnight, Kelly,” she said with a smile.

“Goodnight, Dr. Fudd. Paige,” Kelly replied, her tone slightly teasing as she subtly glanced between Azzi and Paige.

Azzi rolled her eyes but smiled before following Paige and Lukas toward the elevator. As the doors closed, the three of them stood in comfortable silence, Lukas still clutching his candy while sneaking glances at Azzi.

When they got outside, Paige immediately reached for Lukas’s hand, keeping him close as they walked to her car. Azzi attempted to open the passenger door but Paige stopped her and with her free hand, she pulled open the passenger door for Azzi.

Azzi arched her eyebrow but smirked as she slid into the seat. “A real gentle woman,” she teased.

Paige snorted. “You’re welcome.”

Once Azzi was settled Paige shut the door for her and turned her attention to Lukas, opening the back door and lifting him up into his car seat. She stepped back, watching as he carefully buckled himself in, his small hands fumbling with the straps.

“You got it?” Paige asked.

Lukas nodded, determined. “Mhm.”

Satisfied, Paige shut his door and made her way around to the driver’s side, sliding in behind the wheel.

For the most part, the car ride was quiet as they drove to Paige’s house. She wanted to give Azzi time to wind down, having heard how draining her days can be sometimes. Azzi didn’t seem exhausted, but she wasn’t rushing to fill the silence either. She simply gazed out the window, her body relaxed in the passenger seat.

In the backseat, Lukas had talked himself out for a bit. He stared out the window, occasionally kicking his feet as he took in the sights passing by. Every now and then, he’d say something random—commenting on a car, a dog he saw on the sidewalk, or just mumbling a thought that popped into his head.

Paige, of course, always responded, laughing at his little observations or answering his occasional questions. One hand was lazily gripping the wheel, the other resting on the gear stick, fingers drumming lightly against it.

Eventually Azzi glanced down, noticing the movement before subtly reaching over. She slid her hand over Paige’s, fingers curling around her wrist for a second before tugging it toward her lap. Paige let her, exhaling a quiet chuckle as Azzi interlaced their fingers, resting their joined hands on her thigh.

Neither of them said anything. Paige’s thumb brushed against Azzi’s skin absentmindedly, and Azzi just let herself enjoy the warmth of Paige’s touch. It was simple, but there was something grounding about it. Something comforting.

A few minutes later, Paige pulled into a spot near a small café, glancing in the rearview mirror. “You hungry, little man?”

Lukas perked up immediately, nodding. “Yes!”

Azzi chuckled, shaking her head. “Didn’t even hesitate.”

Paige smirked, already knowing the answer before she asked. “Figured I’d stop now so he’s not up too late.”

Paige ran inside and ordered some grilled chicken wraps for all of them, and a fruit cup for Lukas. As she pulled back onto the road, the smell of the food quickly filled the car, and Lukas hummed in satisfaction from the backseat.

“That smells so good,” he mumbled, his voice sleepy but happy.

Paige grinned, glancing over at Azzi. “See? Man’s got priorities.”

Azzi smiled, giving Paige’s hand a small squeeze. “Can’t argue with that.”

As Paige pulled into the garage, the car had barely come to a complete stop before Lukas was already unbuckling himself. The second the lock clicked, he swung the door open and bolted inside, his small feet pattering against the floor as he rushed to reunite with the toys he had been separated from while staying at his grandmother’s house.

Paige chuckled, watching him disappear into the house. “Big head didn’t even say bye,” she mumbled.

Azzi laughed as she stepped out of the car, stretching her arms above her head before following Paige inside.

As soon as Paige set the food down on the island, she turned to Azzi and pulled her in by her waist. Azzi barely had time to adjust before Paige’s lips were on her neck, pressing slow kisses against her skin.

Azzi exhaled softly, her arms winding around Paige’s shoulders as she tilted her head, offering more access. Paige hummed against her skin, trailing her lips lower, taking her time as if she was reacquainting herself with the feeling of having Azzi this close again.

Azzi sighed at the sensation, her fingers threading through the hairs at the nape of Paige’s neck, nails scratching lightly. “Missed me, huh?” she teased, though her voice came out softer than intended, reflecting just how much she was feeling it too.

Paige smirked against her skin, pressing one last open mouthed kiss beneath Azzi’s jaw before whispering, “Maybe a lil.”

Azzi pulled Paige toward her lips, her voice a soft whisper against the small space between them. “Liar,” she whispered before closing the distance, pressing their lips together.

Paige melted into it, her hands tightening around Azzi’s waist as she let herself sink into the warmth of Azzi’s mouth. It had only been a few days, but it felt like forever. She could feel Azzi smiling against her lips, could feel the way her fingers curled into her hair.

Just as the kiss was about to deepen, Paige heard the sound of small, hurried footsteps making their way toward the kitchen. Her instincts kicked in and with a quiet sigh, she tugged playfully on Azzi’s bottom lip before pulling back, smirking when she saw the way Azzi’s eyes fluttered open, a little dazed.

Azzi exhaled, blinking as if she was snapping herself out of it. “You’re evil,” she whispered.

Paige grinned, stepping away just in time for Lukas to come sprinting into the kitchen, completely oblivious to what he had just interrupted.

Paige glanced over at Lukas, who was bouncing on his feet, eager to eat dinner. “Go wash your hands so you can eat.”

Lukas nodded and dashed toward the sink, stepping onto his little stool that was positioned for him to reach the faucet. He hummed quietly to himself as he scrubbed his hands, focusing intently on the task at hand. Paige smiled at him before turning her attention back to the food, moving everything to the table,

As Lukas finished washing his hands, he hopped off the stool and walked over to the table, his eyes scanning the seats. “Ma, can I sit there?” he asked, pointing to the seat next to Azzi.

Paige laughed, raising her eyebrows at Lukas's sudden preference for the seat next to Azzi. "Go ahead," she said. She pushed his food over toward that spot, smiling as Lukas happily scooted into the chair beside Azzi and began to dig into his food.

Paige handed Azzi her food before sitting across from her, offering a small smile. Azzi’s lips quirked into a smile of her own as she murmured, “Thank you.”

The dinner started with easy conversation between Paige and Azzi, filled with them talking about the past few days and plans for the upcoming weekend. Lukas chimed in here and there, his voice cutting through the conversation with random, innocent comments or questions. It felt effortless—comfortable, even—until Lukas suddenly stopped, looking up at Paige with a serious expression on his face.

Paige was in the middle of talking to Azzi about her game on Sunday when Lukas suddenly cut in, his voice serious. "Ma, I got a question," he said, pausing with his kids-wrap halfway to his mouth.

Paige looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. "Wassup?"

Lukas set his wrap down. "Can I have a girlfriend yet?"

Paige’s mind raced, her face briefly going blank before she recovered. She was prepared for a lot of things, but not that—certainly not from her freshly four-year-old. She glanced at Azzi, who was struggling to suppress her laugh.

Paige cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice steady. "No, buddy," she said, simply.

Lukas looked a little bummed, his small brows furrowing. "When can I have a girlfriend?"

Paige nearly choked on her own laughter at the sheer seriousness in his voice, but she composed herself, trying to act like it wasn’t the most absurd thing she'd ever heard. "Dude, why are you asking? You're, like, four."

Lukas just shrugged, his cheeks turning a little pink as he looked down at his plate. Paige couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "16, maybe," she said, figuring that might be a reasonable answer for when he'd actually be ready for a girlfriend.

Lukas looked up at that, trying to do the math with his fingers, clearly confused. After a few moments, he looked back at Paige. "How many years is that?" he asked earnestly.

Paige took another bite of her food, smiling despite herself. "Twelve," she answered casually.

Lukas stared at her for a moment, his small brows furrowing in thought. Then, in his innocent, matter-of-fact way, he turned to Azzi and asked, “Excuse me. How old will you be in 12 years?”

Paige froze for a second, her wrap halfway to her mouth. She glanced at Azzi, whose eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected question.

Lukas stared up at Azzi, his blue eyes wide and serious, still waiting for an answer. Paige squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, trying to come up with a way to explain this to her four-year-old. She put her food down and let out a quiet sigh, then looked at Lukas. "Lukas, buddy..." she trailed off, clearly struggling to find the right words.

Lukas looked at her expectantly, waiting for a response from one of them. Paige gave up trying to come up with a more tactful response and just went with the straightforward answer. "You can't date Azzi, buddy."

Lukas blinked a few times, then scrunched up his face. "Why not?"

Paige sighed, glancing over at Azzi, who could see how much Paige was struggling. With a soft smile, Azzi finally spoke up. "I'm a little too old, Luke.”

Lukas looked between the two of them as he tried to make sense of it all. “Even in twelve years?”

Azzi let out a soft laugh, her eyes crinkling as she smiled at him. “Yes, even in twelve years.”

Lukas let out a thoughtful “Oh,” and nodded slowly, accepting the answer as fact. But he wasn’t done yet. He then looked at Paige. “Ma, do you like Azzi? She’s not too old for you right?”

Paige blinked, once again caught slightly off guard by the abrupt shift, “Yeah, I do,” she said with a soft smile.

Lukas tilted his head side to side. “Like… like like?”

Paige chuckled again, reaching for her glass of water. “Yes, Lukas. Like like like.”

Lukas hummed thoughtfully, his spoon full of fruit paused in midair as he mulled it over. Paige watched him for a beat, a small hint of nervousness in her smile. “Is that okay with you?”

He shrugged, already turning his attention back to his plate like the weight of the conversation hadn’t even touched him. “Yeah,” he said casually, scooping up another bite of fruit. “She’s pretty.”

Paige blinked, then burst into quiet laughter, glancing across the table at Azzi—who was doing a terrible job of hiding her smirk behind her water glass.

“Well,” Azzi said playfully, leaning an elbow on the table, “guess I’ve got son approval now, huh?”

Even though Azzi was addressing Paige, Lukas nodded through a mouthful of food. “Mhm. You can stay.”

After that, the rest of dinner was pretty uneventful—filled mostly with Lukas’s nonstop chatter, bouncing from one random topic to the next now that he had food in his stomach. Paige and Azzi let him lead the conversation, throwing in playful questions to keep him going.

But even as they talked, Paige couldn’t help but notice the way Azzi’s foot kept brushing against her leg under the table.

Once dinner was cleared and Lukas had finished the last of his water, Paige stood and stretched. “Alright, time for bath and pajamas,” she said, nodding for Lukas to follow her.

He grumbled in protest but still grabbed his toy car and trudged after her toward his room.

Azzi smiled at them before catching Paige’s eye. “I’ll hop in the shower while you do that,” she said softly.

“Sounds good.”

…

When Azzi finished her shower, she oiled and detangled her hair before pulling it into a messy bun on top of her head. She slipped into one of Paige’s old college shirts—the UConn logo stretched across the front with the number 5 on the back.

She padded downstairs, the sound of laughter greeting her before she even reached the bottom step. As she rounded the corner, she paused in the archway, smiling at the sight in front of her—Paige and Lukas were tangled up on the living room floor, both laughing like crazy.

Lukas was squirming beneath Paige’s hands, squealing through fits of laughter. “Ma! Stop, stop! That tickles! I gotta breathe!”

Paige grinned, completely unbothered by his protests as she continued to tickle him. “Nah that’s what you get for splashing me in the tub!”

Azzi leaned against the wall, her heart softening at the sight.

Lukas finally managed to roll on top of Paige—she let him, of course—and he immediately launched his counterattack, his tiny hands moving clumsily as he tried to tickle her sides.

“Ha I got you now!” he declared, his grin huge.

Paige exaggerated her reaction, squirming under him as she laughed. “Ahh! No, not the tickle monster!”

Through her playful flailing, she caught sight of Azzi standing there, leaning against the archway. Her smile softened the moment she saw her, eyes flicking to the UConn shirt hanging comfortably on Azzi’s frame. It was an old one—faded lettering and all—but it looked ridiculously good on her. Paige smirked, eyes trailing over Azzi for way too long before she scooped Lukas up with a grunt and stood.

“Alright, go play with your toys for a bit. I gotta go shower.”

Lukas nodded, already halfway to his favorite corner of the living room, which was packed with cars, a mini ball and hoop, and a table with art supplies all over it.

As soon as his back was turned, Paige crossed the room toward Azzi. Without saying anything, she grabbed her hand and tugged her around the corner and out of sight. Azzi let herself be pulled, curiosity dancing in her face—until her back met the wall gently and Paige stepped into her space, hands on both sides of her waist.

Paige mumbled, “You look good in my shirt.”

Azzi tilted her head, smirking now. “Do I?”

Paige nodded, eyes flicking down her body briefly before meeting Azzi’s again. “Yeah… too good, honestly.”

Azzi bit back a smile, her hands sliding up Paige’s arms. “Maybe you should let me borrow your clothes more often.”

Instead of responding Paige just leaned in, pulling her into a kiss that was deeper than usual, her lips lingering longer as she gently pressed Azzi against the wall again.

Azzi melted into it for a moment before murmuring against Paige’s lips, “Thought you were going to shower.”

Paige smirked, lips brushing over hers again. “Five more seconds won’t kill me.”

Azzi grinned. “You gonna be thinking about this the whole time you’re in there aren’t you?”

Paige’s thumb dragged lazily across her side. “Absolutely.” With that Paige smiled at Azzi and gave her one more quick kiss before she went upstairs to shower.

Azzi’s stomach was still warm from Paige’s kiss as she wandered into the living room, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the hem of the shirt. She sank into the couch, exhaling softly into the quiet. Lukas was still off in his corner, mumbling to himself as he attempted a spin move, and for a moment, Azzi let herself get lost in everything—how comfortable this all felt, how unexpected it was, how easy it had become to want this.

She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Lukas approaching until he was standing in front of her, holding out a picture book with his hands. “Can you read this to me please?”

Azzi smiled as she took the book from him. “Of course I can.”

He didn’t say anything as he climbed up beside her, settling close. Azzi waited for him to get comfortable, letting him wiggle around until he was satisfied with his spot. Then she opened the book across both their laps and began to read, her voice smooth as she brought the story to life.

Every so often, she’d pause to point something out—“What do you think that is?” or “Look at that face, silly, huh?”—and Lukas would grin, nod, or offer a quiet answer. His responses were soft, but they came quicker with each page, his comfort growing right alongside his curiosity.

By the fifth or sixth page, Lukas was fully leaned into her, his head gently resting against her chest. Azzi didn’t say anything about it. She just shifted the book slightly, adjusting to his weight as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

When Paige came back downstairs in her usual shorts and a sports bra, she froze just before she entered the room. Her eyes locked onto the couch—and for a second, she genuinely felt like she couldn’t move.

Lukas was curled into Azzi’s chest, his small body tucked against her like he belonged there. Azzi’s arm was wrapped loosely around him, the book still open in her hand as she read in a quiet voice. Lukas’s blue eyes fluttered, heavy with sleep, but still trying to hold on to her words.

Paige felt her throat tighten, breath catching as something sharp and soft cracked open in her chest. The sight hit her so hard she had to press her lips together to keep them from trembling. Her eyes stung, but she blinked quickly, swallowing the emotion down before it could rise too far.

She took a steady breath and stepped into view, her voice softer than usual as she asked, “What’s going on in here?”

Lukas didn’t even look up, just waved her off with a sleepy hand. “Sssh, ma… she’s reading to me.”

Azzi bit the inside of her cheek to hold back a laugh, while Paige chuckled under her breath. She crossed the room and sank onto the couch next to Azzi, her arm naturally stretching along the back behind her shoulders.

Azzi glanced sideways at Paige for a second, and they shared a look. Once again a blink longer than it needed to be.

Then Lukas shifted and looked up at Azzi expectantly. “You stopped.”

Azzi smiled, eyes still lingering on Paige before turning back to the book. “Right. Where were we?”

Lukas says easily, “The elephant.”

“Right the elephant, thank you.”

Azzi finished the story and Paige sat quietly beside her the whole time—fingers tracing absentminded patterns along the back of Azzi’s neck. It started out casual, innocent even, but as the pages turned and Lukas leaned heavier into Azzi’s side, Paige's touch grew more purposeful, more tender.

When she noticed that Lukas had fully fallen asleep, his little breaths even, Paige leaned in closer. She pressed an open-mouthed kiss just beneath Azzi’s jaw, then another along the curve of her neck, her voice barely a whisper as she murmured, “You’re really something, you know that?”

Azzi exhaled softly, her eyes fluttering closed for a second. Paige smiled against her skin and whispered again, lower this time, “You keep doing shit that makes me wanna give you whatever you ask for..”

Azzi turned her head just slightly, enough for their noses to brush. “You’re not making it easy to stay still right now.”

“Good,” Paige whispered, her lips grazing Azzi’s. “Wasn’t trying to.”

Paige pulled Azzi into a soft kiss, her hand slipping gently along Azzi’s jaw as their mouths moved together slowly. Their tongues met and lingered, tracing one another’s with a quiet kind of desperation. When Paige finally pulled back, her smile was laced with something fuller—adoration, maybe.

“You’re amazing,” she whispered against Azzi’s lips, still close enough to feel her breath.

Azzi blinked, eyes searching Paige’s for a moment before replying just as softly, “You’re amazing.”

Paige exhaled, a content sigh leaving her as she rested her forehead briefly against Azzi’s, not wanting to move. She finally pulled back, eyes flicking to Lukas. “Alright,” she murmured, “Imma take him to bed.”

Azzi nodded. “I’ll meet you in your room.”

Paige stood up and scooped Lukas into her arms, the little boy still sound asleep, head resting against her shoulder. She carried him upstairs, her steps quiet and practiced. Once she reached his room, she gently laid him down, tucking his blanket around him before turning on his night light by the bed, and the one in the bathroom connected to his room—just like always. She stood there for a moment, watching him, brushing a hand through his blonde hair before quietly stepping out and closing the door behind her.

Paige walked into her room and found Azzi sitting on the bed, eyes focused on her phone. The moment Azzi looked up and saw Paige, she set it aside without hesitation. After shutting and locking the door Paige moved toward the bed, standing between Azzi’s legs, looking down at her with a soft smile.

"Thank you for reading to him," Paige said, her voice sincere. "You didn't have to do that."

"You don't need to thank me for being a decent human," Assi teased.

Paige smiled at her, her heart softening. Before she could say anything else, Azzi reached for Paige's hand, tugging her gently onto the bed so she was hovering over her. Paige smirked down at her. “Wassup?”

Azzi’s gaze remained steady as she looked up at Paige, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “Did you sleep with anyone while you were gone?”

Paige looked a little shocked at the question causing a slight pause before she answered. “Um..no…?”

“Why not?”

Paige shifted slightly, her eyes searching Azzi’s face to figure out where her mind was. Eventually Paige let out a small sigh saying, “Look I like you Azzi. A lot. And I realized that pretty early on. So I guess I just didn’t wanna disrespect you, your time, or the energy you’ve given me. It didn’t feel right.”

There was a quiet weight to her words, and Azzi felt a warmth stir inside her as she processed what Paige had said. The honesty between them always seemed to draw them closer.

Azzi answered back, “It sounds childish to say, but...I like you a lot too,” she admitted, a small but genuine smile forming on her lips. “And I’m probably going to regret saying this, but I can’t get you out of my head most days.”

Paige smirked, just as Azzi knew she would, but Azzi wasn’t done yet. “I just—I really can’t get hurt again, Paige,” she said, the vulnerability in her voice cutting through the small space between them.

Paige’s expression softened, her blue eyes warm as she gazed down at Azzi. “I wouldn’t hurt you, Azzi.”

Azzi’s eyes searched hers. “You don’t know that,” she replied quietly, her heart still a little heavy with the weight of past experiences.

Paige’s smile was gentle as she leaned in closer. “I do,” she said with quiet conviction. “Azzi, I have a son. This is about to be my 7th year in the league. I’m ready to slow down, have consistency in my life... in Lukas’ life.” Paige paused for a second before adding, “And I’m not about to lie to you, maybe four months ago I couldn’t say all this, but this past week away from you kinda showed me where I’m at mentally. So I'm telling you, you don’t need to worry about allat. I got you.”

Paige's words washed over Azzi, and for the first time in a while, she let herself feel hopeful that maybe, just maybe, this was something different. Something real. With a small smile Azzi connected their lips gently.

It deepened as Azzi pulled Paige closer, her hands wrapping around Paige's shoulders, urging her down, wanting to feel her weight on top of her. Paige hovered over her, their chests pressing together, the heat of their closeness growing as they kissed with a quiet urgency. It was slow, but every kiss seemed to carry the weight of the last few days they'd spent apart, the longing finally being given room to breathe.

For a few moments, they lost themselves in each other, their kisses messy yet perfect. Their lips moved against each other in a rhythm that somehow felt new and familiar at the same time. Occasionally, one of them would sigh softly, a breathless sound that only seemed to deepen the connection between them. Each touch, each shift of their bodies, felt like a reaffirmation of something they haven’t said yet.

Paige’s hands had drifted to Azzi’s neck, gently pulling her in closer, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath her fingertips. Every so often, one of them would pull back slightly, just enough to catch their breath, their foreheads resting together, eyes fluttering open to gaze at one another.

Paige’s breath hitched when she heard Azzi slightly moan into the kiss causing her to slowly move her lips to Azzi’s neck, pressing a soft kiss there before returning to her mouth. “I missed this,” Paige whispered between kisses.

Azzi smiled against Paige’s lips, her hands tracing the outline of Paige’s jaw before pulling her back in for another kiss. “Me too,” she murmured, her lips capturing Paige’s with a different intensity.

As the kiss grew heavier, Paige slowly broke from Azzi’s lips, her mouth trailing down the curve of her jaw, pressing wet open mouth kisses until she found that spot on her neck that she knew Azzi liked. She attached her lips there, sucking gently before soothing it with her tongue, her breath hot against Azzi’s skin.

Azzi let out a quiet, involuntary sound—half sigh, half moan—as her fingers curled into Paige’s shoulders. “That feels good,” she mumbled, her head falling back to give Paige more access.

Paige smiled against her neck, lips brushing over the spot she’d just kissed. “Yeah?” she whispered, her voice low, full of quiet satisfaction at Azzi’s comment. “Swear I been thinking about this—about you all week.”

She nipped gently again, her hands smoothing up and down Azzi’s side. “Missed you so much,” she murmured into the warm skin of her neck, letting the words linger as she started to suck gently on Azzi’s neck again..

Azzi’s breath hitched, and she whispered, “Paige…”

Paige immediately paused, pulling back as her eyes searched Azzi’s. “You okay?” she asked softly, already easing off her, assuming they needed to slow down.

But Azzi shook her head and reached for her, fingers curling around the back of Paige’s neck as she tugged her back down, closer. “No, don’t…I didn’t mean stop,” she said, her voice breathless. “I just—God, I just wanted to say your name. It felt good.”

Paige smirked, her lips brushing against Azzi’s jaw as she leaned in again. “Mmm ok,” she murmured before kissing down her neck again, slower this time. Her hands slipped beneath Azzi’s shirt fingertips dragging along her warm stomach, tracing the lines of her sides.

Azzi’s fingers tightened slightly around Paige’s shoulders as she whispered, “Take it off.”

Paige once again paused, pulling back just enough to see her face, her hands still resting on Azzi’s ribs. Her voice was gentle, steady. “You sure?” she asked, blue eyes locked on Azzi’s brown ones, no pressure in her tone—just a quiet promise to Azzi that they could wait if she needed.

“Yes,” Azzi said, barely above a whisper. “I want this.”

Paige nodded and slowly lifted herself off of Azzi, her hands gliding down her sides as she moved. Azzi shifted fully onto the bed, her back resting against the pillows. She peeled off the UConn shirt—the one that smelled like Paige, the one she secretly didn’t want to give back.

Paige's gaze swept over Azzi’s bare chest, quiet and steady. Her blue eyes had dilated so they appeared darker, but the look she gave Azzi was soft, almost reverent. Like she was seeing something sacred.

Climbing back over her, Paige leaned down and whispered, “You’re so beautiful, Azzi.”

Azzi smiled up at her, a little breathless already. “Thank you.”

Paige shook her head, her voice even softer now. “I’m for real… I’ve never seen anyone like you.”

Azzi didn’t say anything this time. She just smiled and pulled Paige into another kiss, her fingers threading into the back of her hair. The kiss was slower now, full of everything that had been simmering between them for months. Azzi pulled back slightly, her lips brushing against Paige’s as she murmured, “Did you lock the door?”

Paige smiled. “Course I did.”

Paige lifted herself slightly, her eyes never leaving Azzi’s as she reached for her sports bra and tugged it over her head, tossing it aside. Warm light from the bedside lamp caught the lines of her body, casting soft shadows across her toned muscles. Azzi’s breath hitched, her eyes flickering over Paige—seeing her for the first time.

Paige dipped back down, her lips brushing over Azzi’s jaw before trailing lower—pressing slow, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, across her collarbone, and then to the top of her chest. Her hands stayed on Azzi’s sides, thumbs moving in gentle, slow circles as she explored the new territory.

Azzi exhaled sharply, her fingers flexing against Paige’s back as her body arched into the touch. “Paige please…” she whispered, breathless and quiet, her voice catching on the edge of a moan.

Paige smiled softly against her skin, not saying anything—just letting her lips speak for her as she sucked along the curve of Azzi’s chest, her skin warm and flush against hers now. Every shift of Paige’s body, every lingering kiss, the way her tongue swirled around her chest, made Azzi whisper her name again and again, like she was afraid the moment would disappear if she didn’t hold onto the fact that it was Paige.

Paige’s mouth moved with purpose now, nipping and sucking gently at Azzi’s skin, leaving behind little pink-ish purple trails like a map of where she’d been. Her hands slid down Azzi’s sides, fingers curling and squeezing every so often—grounding them both in the moment. Each time she dipped lower, she let her tongue soothe where her teeth had marked.

Azzi’s breath caught again when Paige’s tongue traced her nipple, her back arching into the feeling.

“You sound so beautiful,” Paige whispered, her voice horse. She kissed the words into her just below her ribs, trailing them with her lips.

Azzi’s fingers found Paige’s hair, gently tugging as her eyes fluttered closed. Her heart was racing in her chest—not just from the way Paige was touching her—it was the way she was seeing her.

Paige looked up at her, her lips stilling for a moment as she whispered, “You okay?”

Azzi nodded, lips parted, her fingers tightening just slightly in Paige’s hair. Paige held her gaze for a moment longer, then slowly trailed down a little lower. Her mouth moved with care—pressing open-mouthed kisses, leaving behind soft marks that only Azzi would be able to see.

When Paige glanced back up, Azzi was already looking down at her—her brown eyes vulnerable, but filled with admiration. Paige paused, brushing her lips against her skin one more time before quietly asking, “Is this okay?”

Azzi nodded again, but Paige didn’t move. “I need you to say it’s okay for me baby.”

Azzi let out a quiet sigh, swallowing down the emotion that bubbled up. “Yes… yes, it’s okay,” she whispered, her fingers still in Paige’s hair. “It’s good. You’re good.”

Paige kissed her way slowly back up Azzi’s body, taking her time—savoring every inch, every sigh she pulled from her. When their lips met again, it was slow as Paige coaxed Azzi into relaxing, her hand sliding into the boxers she slipped on.

Her hand found Azzi’s clit, fingers brushing lightly as she began to trace slow circles against her wet center. The touch was soft, but the effect was immediate—Azzi’s breath catching, her body tensing slightly beneath Paige’s.

It had been a while so her senses felt heightened, her body already teetering between wanting more and struggling to keep up.

Paige felt it too—the way Azzi arched into her touch, the way her tongue pushed further into her mouth but her lips faltered at the edges. She pulled back slightly, just enough to rest her forehead against Azzi’s, her fingers still moving in gentle circles.

“Too much?” Paige whispered.

Azzi shook her head, her eyes half-lidded. “No,” she whispered. “It’s just…it’s been a long time.”

Paige nodded as she continued her movements. She watched Azzi closely—the way her chest rose and fell, the way her lips parted with each quiet breath. Paige leaned in and pressed a kiss to the edge of Azzi’s jaw, her voice warm.

“You look so beautiful right now,” she whispered. “So, so pretty.”

Azzi’s fingers curled in the sheets for a moment, her body shifting beneath Paige’s as she exhaled a shaky breath before saying, “You always say that.”

“Because it’s always true,” Paige said with a faint smile, nipping lightly at Azzi’s neck before soothing it with her lips. “And you sound even prettier. You don’t even know what you’re doing to me right now.”

Azzi let out a soft laugh at that, but it faded into a soft moan when Paige’s fingers dipped down towards her entrance slightly before moving back up. “You’re making it really hard to think straight,” Azzi whispered.

Paige grinned against her skin. “Good. Lemme just make you feel good then.”

Azzi looked at her, eyes warm—she reached for Paige’s face, her fingers brushing her cheek. “I missed you while you were gone”.

Paige smiled and leaned into her touch, kissing her palm softly before whispering, “I missed you too. So much.”

With that, Paige dipped her head again, her lips starting to trail lower.

She continued to move slowly against Azzi’s clit, her fingers tracing delicate circles, as she felt the way Azzi’s body began to shift beneath her. Azzi’s breaths grew shorter, her soft noises turning into quiet whimpers that were harder to hold back.

Her hips shifted, chasing the warmth of Paige’s touch, and Paige felt it. Paige glanced up through her lashes, a small smile on her face. “That feel good, baby?”

Azzi nodded, her brows knit together as she exhaled shakily. “Yeah… yeah,” she whispered, almost breathless. “Fuck—Paige, I…” Her voice trailed off into another soft sound as Paige’s fingers dipped just a bit lower—not quite sliding in yet, but close.

Paige’s lips curled into a soft smile, brushing another kiss along Azzi’s stomach as she whispered, “You’re so responsive…I love how your body’s talkin to me.” She slid her fingers near her entrance again, grounding Azzi with her palm against her side.

Azzi’s fingers found Paige’s hair again, tugging gently as her back arched into her. “You’re driving me crazy,” she whispered.

“I haven’t even started,” Paige chuckled. “I been thinking about this—about you—every night.”

Azzi let out a breath that was almost a moan, her head tilting back against the pillow. “Please stop teasing me,” she whispered.

Paige smiled curling her fingers in the boxers Azzi had on, her eyes meeting hers in a silent question. Azzi answered by lifting her hips slightly, giving her the go-ahead. Paige peeled the fabric down Azzi’s legs, tossing it aside before her gaze dropped—and lingered.

All Paige could muster was a quiet, “Damn,” her eyes taking Azzi in completely—the way she was already dripping for her.

Azzi blushed under the attention, a small smirk tugging at her lips, but she didn’t look away. Paige pulled back just long enough to tug her shorts and boxers off, letting them fall beside Azzi’s so she wouldn’t be the only one bare.

Then she leaned down towards Azzi’s center, her eyes soft as they scanned Azzi’s face. “This okay?” she asked, her voice quieter now, more serious.

Azzi nodded without hesitation. “It’s more than okay,” she said, her voice reflecting her excitement slightly.

Paige nodded giving Azzi one last lingering look before she dipped her head down and pressed a soft open mouthed kiss to Azzi’s center. The warmth of her mouth made Azzi’s breath hitch and her stomach flutter. Her fingers tightened around the sheets.

Paige felt it—heard it—and looked up at her again, her expression gentle but searching. “You good?” she asked softly.

Azzi nodded again, this time slower, her hand brushing against Paige’s shoulder. “I’m good,” she whispered. “Amazing.”

Paige nodded gently, her hand’s brushing along Azzi’s thighs as she leaned back down, mouth returning to Azzi’s center. She kissed there slowly—once, then again—each movement tender and slow, letting Azzi melt into the rhythm.

Then Paige shifted her position slightly, hooking Azzi’s legs with her arms. She dragged her tongue up and down slowly a few times causing Azzi’s breath to hitch, her fingers tightening in Paige’s hair. It wasn’t desperate, she just needed to hold onto something to stop herself from making unnecessary noises.

Paige smiled into Azzi softly. “You’re doing so good,” she whispered. “Taste so good baby.”

Azzi let out a soft sound at that, her cheeks flushed, eyes fluttering open to look down at Paige. There was so much emotion in Azzi’s chest, it felt like it would spill over.

After hearing Azzi’s reaction, Paige started to lick at her with a little less reservation now, circling her tongue at any part of Azzi she could reach. “Been wanting to take care of you like this for a long time.”

Azzi’s hand slid into Paige’s hair again, pushing her closer. Whispering “Mmm–then don’t stop. Keep going just like that.”

Paige dipped back down, her lips and tongue moving in tandem, like she was committing every inch of Azzi to memory. Paige would’ve thought she was the one losing herself in it, completely undone, if it weren’t for the continuous sounds slipping off of Azzi’s lips.

Tiny gasps when Paige would dip her tongue into her entrance. Whispered sighs. Her name falling out in a broken moan, now and then, said so softly it made Paige’s heart ache in the best way.

The warmth in Paige’s stomach bloomed, rising into her chest and pressing against her ribs. She hadn’t expected to feel this full—like she could float away from how much she felt in this moment. She glanced up at Azzi, her wet lips still brushing softly against Azzi as she whispered, “You sound so beautiful, baby…”

Azzi’s eyes were hooded now—couldn’t open them further if she wanted to. “Oh fuck baby—feels so good,” Azzi whimpered, voice barely there. “You feel so good Paige…”

Paige’s lips curved into the softest smile. “You don’t even know what you doing to me right now,” she murmured. “Never wanted to take my time like this. Could stay in here forever.”

Paige kept moving, her tongue and lips still working in perfect rhythm, like she knew exactly what Azzi needed—like her mind had already memorized every little response, every sigh and plea that Azzi gave her. She stayed patient, even as Azzi’s body started to arch, her hips shifting restlessly, trying to push Paige closer.

Azzi’s fingers tightened in Paige’s hair, her breathing ragged as her body started to tremble beneath her. Paige looked up, her mouth still attached to Azzi as their eyes met.

For a moment, they just held the gaze—Paige’s blue eyes dark, full of awe, and Azzi’s low and hazy with everything she was feeling. Azzi’s lips parted, as if she was about to say something but a soft sound slipped out that wasn’t quite a word, but Paige understood it anyway.

Azzi’s voice cracked as she whimpered out, “I’m so close…”

Paige didn’t speak—she just gave a soft nod, never breaking eye contact as she dipped her tongue fully into Azzi’s entrance, letting out her own sigh at the contact.

Azzi’s breathing caught again, her lashes fluttering, but she didn’t look away. Even as her body moved desperately into Paige’s mouth, she kept her gaze on blue eyes, like Paige’s eyes alone was the only thing steadying her.

Paige moved her thumb gently across Azzi’s ribcage, a silent kind of comfort as she worked her tongue into her.

Even though barely a word had been said, everything about the way Azzi reacted for Paige, the way she breathed her name like it was sacred, told Paige more than words ever could.

Azzi’s lips parted on a shaky breath, her fingers gripping at the sheets now, trying to hold herself together. The feeling was overwhelming—Paige’s mouth, her hands, her presence. Her body was humming, too warm, too full, and instinctively, her head tilted back slightly, eyes fluttering shut to escape how much she felt.

But Paige’s hand slid gently up her side, squeezing gently.

Azzi opened her eyes to see Paige shaking her head no, barely a motion.

Don’t look away.

Azzi let out a soft, broken noise, her gaze locking back onto Paige’s. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her throat bobbing as she swallowed hard, her expression completely undone.

Paige never broke her rhythm, her own heart thundering at the way Azzi was starting to fall apart beneath her. But she didn’t rush—didn’t chase the end. She moved like she had all the time in the world, like every second mattered. Like Azzi deserved to be worshiped, not just fucked.

And Azzi—God, Azzi—she was unraveling. Her breath got stuck every few seconds, broken gasps and whimpers slipping out as Paige continued her path, eyes never leaving hers for long. Her hands had found their way to Paige’s now, interlacing them as she squeezed periodically.

Another lick. Another gentle stroke of her tongue. And still, Paige watched her without looking away.

Azzi’s eyes were glassy, lips parted, completely breathless until she was a trembling puddle beneath Paige, her body taut with feeling, unraveling as she cried out quietly. The pleas slipped from her as Paige helped her ride out her orgasm, the soft sounds of Azzi's lips echoing through the room and settling in Paige’s chest like a heartbeat.

Azzi’s hands gripped Paige’s shoulders now, her voice cracking with the way she whispered her name—over and over, like she didn’t know what else to cling to. And Paige, eyes still watching Azzi come undone, felt something bloom and break inside her all at once.

She’d never seen someone so beautiful. Never heard anything that made her feel like this.

Azzi was flushed and breathless, her eyes glassy and full of something that went beyond pleasure.

Paige kissed up Azzi’s body slowly, whispering quiet praises until she reached just beneath Azzi’s ear. “God, you’re so perfect.”

Azzi let out a small, broken sound in response, her hands sliding down to cup Paige’s face—pulling her into a kiss.

Their mouths moved in sync, like neither of them wanted to let go of the moment—like they were trying to memorize each other completely with just their lips. Azzi’s hands stayed on Paige’s face, thumbs softly stroking her cheeks and Paige melted into it, one hand pressed to Azzi’s side, the other tangled in her hair that was no longer pulled into the bun.

Between kisses, they whispered—barely-there words, soft sighs of names and praises that faded into the warmth between them. Nothing loud. Just the kind of quiet that held weight, the kind that wrapped around them.

As their foreheads touched, breaths mixing, chests still rising and falling in uneven rhythm, something settled in both of them.

This was different. This was home.

They didn’t say it out loud. Not wanting to put too much pressure on the other, but they both felt it. In the way Paige looked at Azzi—like she was the only thing that existed—and in the way Azzi held onto Paige—like she never wanted to let her go.

The two of them stayed like that for a few hours that night, wrapped in the quiet comfort of one another. As the night stretched on, they took their time to learn the rhythm of one another, the way their hearts beat when they were close, the little sounds and touches that made them both want more. The world outside seemed distant, like it didn’t matter anymore.

Every kiss, every whisper, every laugh when Paige said something that rolled off her tongue a little too easily felt like a tiny piece of something beautiful being woven into the fabric of their connection.

…

When Azzi woke up the next morning in Paige’s large bed to the sound of her alarm, the first thing she did was smile. Her brown eyes glowed with contentment, her gaze light as she was met the pillows beneath her. The sun streamed gently into Paige’s room, casting warm light across the space. She could slightly hear Paige and Lukas downstairs, though their voices were muffled, not able to travel far enough in the large house.

Azzi reached for her phone, checking her schedule for the day. After taking a moment to stretch, she pulled herself from the comfort of the bed, her body still warm from the night before.

She made her way to Paige’s closet, grabbing some clothes she had left here the last time she stayed over. When she walked into the bathroom she smiled to herself, thinking back to when she had playfully joked about how tangled her hair always was whenever she left Paige’s place. To her surprise, the next time she came over, Paige had bought her the exact hair products Azzi had in her own bathroom, a thoughtful gesture that had made Azzi laugh and tease Paige for a few days despite the blonde refusing to believe she was a “simp.” The memory brought a lightness to her chest, and she shook her head, feeling a warmth in her heart that she didn’t quite know how to put into words.

Azzi was looking at herself in the mirror when she heard what sounded like Lukas letting out a screech of laughter and she felt a strange sense of peace settle over her. It was a good morning. And, despite the busy day ahead, for once, Azzi didn’t mind. Everything felt a little lighter today.

Once Azzi had gotten ready for her day, she grabbed her heels from Paige’s closet and carried them downstairs with her. As she stepped into the living room, she expected to see Paige, but instead, she only saw Lukas. He was lying on the floor on his stomach, his head propped up with his hands as he stared at the TV screen. His blue eyes were wide, not blinking as he watched Bluey.

Azzi couldn't help but laugh softly, the concentration on his face was too much. She stood there for a moment, attempting to see if the little boy would finally blink, before quietly walking toward the kitchen.

She found Paige in there, humming softly to herself as she made coffee, the early morning light catching the edges of her blonde hair. Paige’s back was to her, so Azzi leaned against the doorframe for a moment just watching her.

There was something about these moments, something about the simplicity of it all, that made her feel at home.

“Good morning,” Azzi said softly.

Paige turned around, a smile instantly forming on her face. “Good morning,” she replied, the sun making her squint a little. Paige motioned with her head for Azzi to sit at the island.

Azzi smiled as she walked over and sat down. Paige was quick to follow, placing a plate in front of her with turkey bacon, avocado toast, and eggs.

Paige leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. “Eat.”

Azzi laughed, her fingers brushing against Paige’s as she took the coffee, the warmth of the drink and Paige’s attention filling her with a sense of contentment. Paige grabbed her own plate before sitting down next to Azzi.

Azzi couldn’t help but notice how similar their portions were. With a small grin, she picked up one of her pieces of avocado toast and a few strips of turkey bacon, transferring them onto Paige’s plate.

Paige raised an eyebrow at her. “You need to eat, Azzi,” her voice was teasing and gentle as she said it.

Azzi smiled as she crossed her arms on the counter. “I am eating, but you need to eat more,” she replied with a playful grin knowing how much it annoyed Paige.

Paige rolled her eyes but she still had a smile on her face as she picked up a piece of bacon and took a bite. “You’re annoying.”

Azzi just laughed, watching Paige for a moment before grabbing a bite of her own food. “I know.”

Once they were finished eating, Paige cleared their plates and set them in the sink. “You need me to take you to the office?”

Azzi grinned as she stood from the counter, moving toward Paige and pulling her into a kiss without answering the question. Their bodies pressed against the cool granite of the countertop as the kiss deepened for a brief moment before Azzi gently pulled away. “It’s okay, Ben’s outside,” she whispered.

Paige nodded. She reached for Azzi’s hand, helping her balance as she carefully stepped into her heels. Paige’s eyes lingered on Azzi, her heart fluttering a little as she took in the sight of her. “You look too good,” she mumbled, shaking her head in disbelief.

Azzi couldn’t do anything but laugh at this. “You say that every time you see me before work…anytime you see me period actually.”

Paige licked her lips and smirked at Azzi. “Cause what you tryna look good for if I’m not there?”

Azzi just rolled her eyes playfully, adding, “Whatever.”

The two of them made their way toward the front door. Paige opened it, revealing Azzi’s driver waiting in the grey natural stone driveway. Azzi was about to lean in for a kiss goodbye when suddenly, the sound of little feet pattering against the floor rushed toward them.

Lukas came running up, his small arms wrapping around Azzi’s waist in a quick hug. “Bye, Azzi!” he said with a big grin.

Azzi was surprised but grinned at him. She gently squeezed his face with one hand, causing him to make a face. “Bye, Lukas,” her voice filled with affection.

Lukas released her and bolted back toward the living room, calling out as he ran, “Back to Bluey!”

Azzi laughed as she watched him disappear back around the corner. When she turned her gaze to Paige, she caught the soft, awestruck look on her face. Azzi didn’t point it out. She just let Paige have the moment.

Instead, she stepped closer, wrapping her arms loosely around Paige’s shoulders, brushing their noses together as she leaned in. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I have to go gorgeous.”

Paige’s smile spread slowly, her hands slipping around Azzi’s waist. “I got practice in a lil bit, but I’ll text you after, okay?”

Azzi nodded, resting her forehead against Paige’s for just a second longer before they shared a quick kiss.

Then Azzi pulled away, walking toward the car with a small smile still on her face as Paige stood in the doorway, watching her go.

[iamzer0]

May u do yandere thanos with pregnant reader (same story like 333 and 222 but thanos didn’t know she was pregnant. And reader broke up with him on text because he was so possesive and she moved blocked him on all socials and yeah then in the game they meet again)

Hii ofc!(you know what’s crazy this is like one of my first times writing romantic Yandere i hope I don’t let you down)

Yᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ Tʜᴀɴᴏs ᴡɪᴛʜ Pʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴛ Rᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

A/n: I really hope u like this one!

Now to provide some background on how you ended up stuck with the worst ex boyfriend you’ve ever had.

You and Thanos were a thing, and honestly the reason he was the worst ex ever was simply because of his possessive behavior.

Any time you went out together he kept you firmly planted by his side.

He wouldn’t let you even breathe the same air as another guy.

Anytime you were on your phone for longer than 20 mins he would snatch it saying “what guy are you texting?”.

He was very insecure and always thought that if he gave you the chance to leave you would immediately get with someone else behind his back.

He was always on something, when he was on ‘stuff’ he would be very bipolar.

Yelling at you then hugging you from behind saying he loved you and asking for a kiss.

It was just toxic so when you found you were pregnant, you knew that your baby couldn’t grow up in such an environment.

You ran away from him, with the little money you had.

You see Thanos convinced you to put all your money into MG coin and long story short you lost everything.

You were on your own, sleeping in your car, begging for food.

Then one of your friends snitched to him about your pregnancy.

He used several fake numbers just to try and contact you, he tried every tactic in the book just to hunt you down.

It was hell.

So when you were given the opportunity to enter this game thing for money you jumped at the chance to give you and your baby a new life.

You woke up in a hard bed in new clothes it was a bit unsettling but in the end would be worth it… you hoped..

Thats when you spotted the one person you vowed to never ever see again.

Thanos.

Your heart was in your stomach, to say you were terrified was an understatement.

You were frozen, unable to move.

Then he spotted you.

He ran over to you pushing people out of the way.

He grabbed your hands, inspecting your face. He then hugged you practically jumping in you.

He had a legit death grip.

You snapped back into reality realizing the gravity of this situation.

“L-let me go… you’re hurting me!” You screamed as a last ditch effort to force him off of you.

He let you go ignoring the puzzled looks from others.

He put his hands on your belly, speed asking you various questions.

Such as “why did you leave?, why didn’t you answer my calls?, where have you been?, how’s 𝗼𝘂𝗿 baby?,” and the list goes on.

You immediately regretted even entering the games.

During red light green light he made you stand right next to him.

When the first person died, he popped a pill and started trying to drag you across the field with him. Laughing at the ones who died.

It was insanity.

You started full of sobbing as you reached the finish line.

Being back with Thanos was more terrible than before, to say he freaked you out was an understatement.

After the first game he was surprisingly very kind to you.

He hugged you close rubbing your belly while muttering an half hearted apology.

You knew that this was another mood swing, a side effect of the drugs.

Now that Thanos was unfortunately back by your side you had to readjust to his controlling ways.

He would obviously try and make you pick O saying that the more money the better.

He would ramble on about y’all’s lives together when y’all were out of the games.

Despite him almost always being in some drug induced haze he was very aggressive to others when they tried to help you.

He would goes as far as to threaten the guys that got to close to you.

For example in the game mingle he had been holding your hand tightly so you would be by him the entire game.

But as the robotic voice called out “3” someone literally snatched you from him.

After that round he started trying to fight the poor fool that took you from him for less than 5 mins.

He was always holding on to you tightly, scared that if he even blinked you would be gone in an instant.

A/n: I hope u all liked this one sorry I haven’t been active for a little bit I promise to try and upload daily. Love you all so so much bye bye╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

[jasmines-library]

Blow To The Head

⛤⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽⛧☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⛤

WHUMPTOBER DAY 10: prompt: Blow to the head/slurred words

MASTERLIST WHUMPTOBER 2024

⛤⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽⛧☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⛤

The fight was relentless. The five of you had Bane trapped in an alleyway, straining to fight against him. Although he was heavily outnumbered, with the venom pumping into his veins he was nearly unstoppable. The five of you were working hard to try and sever the connection between the tubes hoping that it would weaken him enough for you to be able to detain him. But so far nothing was really going in your favours.

Tim’s bo-staff had already been snapped in two so he was now down to his fists and you were sure that Damian was going to run out of energy at any second from the way his punches lagged and his left side was slightly flagged open. But you were making do. The five of you had come up with some sort of system that seemed to be working.

Damian attacked from below as you swung down from above. Then Dick swiped from the left. As he swung, his stick sparking, Bane leaned back to dodge but in doing so was close enough for Tim to land a good blow from the right. Bane groaned, but then more enraged swiped at the three of you. You had tried to dodge it, but his large fist had knocked you back with a heavy force, which sent you flying backwards and skidding across the asphalt. Punch had hit you with such force that you collided hard with the wall with a heavy blow to the back of your head.

There were various cries of your code nade which you hardly registered. Your head swam as your vision doubled. And your ears were ringing louder than a church bell. And then you felt the hot, stick liquid seep down the back of your neck. It was warm and unsettling and you think there were more shouts of your name but you couldn’t quite tell. Spots moved before. Blue. Green. Red. They dashed from side to side as you tried to make out what was happening but you couldn’t think straight. Your head was pounding.

And then Tim’s face focused in front of you. It was worried looking and his hand came up to cup the back of your head. His frown deepened when his fingers came away sticky. And his lips were moving. But you couldn’t get yourself to focus on what he was saying.

“ -with me?” There was a tap on your face as his voice suddenly cut though your daze.

You blinked at him.

“Hey. Can you hear me? I said are you with me? Can you hear me?”

You scrunched your face up and then tried to push him away. “‘M f’ne…..” you mumbled, struggling to get up.

Tim frowned at your slurred words. “Hey. No. Sit back down, sweetheart.”

“We gotta stop Bane….” You slurred.

“We’ve got it, sweetheart. We gotta focus on you right now okay? You hit your head hard.”

“….okay……” you blinked.

Dick then came to your side and took over. He spoke to Tim. “She alright?”

Tim frowned. “She hit her head hard. It’s bleeding a fair bit and she’s definitely concussed. Her words are slurring too.”

Dick’s forehead creased. “I’ll get Damian to call medical. Jason’s already on Bane.” He said, brushing his thumb over your cheek gently. “Can you hear me, sweetheart?”

“Yeah….” You mumbled.

“Can you tell us how you’re feeling? Dizzy?”

“A little….” You slurred as your vision did somersaults.

“Alright……medical are on their way, okay? You just gotta stay awake and then we can get you patched up. It’s not too bad but you probably need to get that looked at kiddo.”

“…Kay….”

“Good girl.” Dick said, giving you a once over for anymore injures just as the sound of the medical team pulling up could be heard in the background.

⛤⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽⛧☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⛤

TAGS:

@hearts4robs @kingshitonly @alicedawitchbish h @hell-o-kittys @azure-drag0ness @harleycao @thewhispersofthewaves @batfamsstuff @xxrougefangxx @rosecentury @noisymutantherelol @killxz @rhiodes @inlovewhithafairytale @that-wannabe-vangoghgurl @canthavetoomuchchaos

⛤⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽⛧☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⛤

<- DAY NINE DAY ELEVEN ->

[glossykissies]

you always preferred the night time.

the city lights looked prettier from peters apartment window, you seemed to have more energy, food somehow tasted better — it was perfect being a night owl when your boyfriend worked night shifts. he’d come home and spend time with you until you both got to sleep through the day.

until things started to pick up at work.

peters sleep schedule was hectic, so naturally - yours became hectic too, the man rushing off mid-day, returning in the evenings and sometimes rushing off again before you’ve got to spend adequate time with him. you were used to him telling you exactly what to do, letting you sink into that soft brain space that made you feel at ease, letting him take you in his big strong arms. recently he just seemed like he didn’t have the time, and if he did — he was too exhausted to correctly put you in that place. lately, you seemed to be moping around with a permanent pout.

the night prior, peter worked until the morning, running home for maybe an hour before he head off again for a little longer. you knew deep down it was unfair to be mad, this was his job — and if you were feeling tired you couldn’t imagine what he was feeling, but the lack of sleep persuaded you to act out, body calling to what you really needed.

he’d texted you at 5PM that he was coming home, and you should have been glad. you had got maybe three hours of sleep, his loud notification bell waking you up before you could really get any good rest— and it set your day off immediately. you were tired, unsure and above all needy.

when you hadn’t run to the door to greet peter with a kiss like usual, he knew you were in a mood. he shucks his jacket off on arrival, slowly meandering to the kitchen where you’re facing the counter, stirring the coffee you’d made him despite your mood.

“what, no kiss?” he teases, and you can hear the friendly smile on his face. you clear your throat, turning around with the mug in your hand as you walk over to him, eyes cast down.

“for you.” you hand it over, and peters brows twitch together in concern, quickly taking the mug to place it down on the counter top beside him, instead busying his hand with cupping your jaw to lift your face up a little, noticing your tired looking eyes.

“hey, ‘you not getting any sleep? your eyes are all puffy.” for some reason, his kindness aggravates you more and you softly bat his hand away with an emotional blink, moving past him to the living room space.

“i’m fine peter, please.”

he lets out a little chuckle— it wasn’t a mean or sarcastic one because really, he understood. he’d been a little distant lately because he’d been working all the time, but peter was big on communication, so he was going to need you to use those big girl words.

“wanna tell the truth, sweetheart? i’m all ears.” he follows you, watching you sit down on the couch, staring at your hands. you make no effort to respond, so he creeps around and lowers into a squat infront of you, eyes cautious and hands gentle as he takes yours. “c’mon. we really gonna do this?”

“i’m mad.” you huff and he nods compassionately, just glad you’re saying something.

“okay. i need more, what are you mad about?”

“i get you’re working really hard but i miss you and it’s making me mad.” your voice wobbles and he presses his lips together sympathetically. you didn’t want him to feel guilty, like you said — this was his job and you knew that, infact you were happy his work was finally picking up so he’d finally get some recognition for all the hard work he’d been putting in — but you were only human.

“yeah?” his voice is tired and raspy as his thumb strokes over the back of your knuckles. “well… for what it’s worth i’m here now?” he tries but you bite your lip, shifting in your seat. you were unsettled, irritated, you needed more. you shake your head with a helpless little groan and be frowns, feeling a twinge of frustration at your lack of explanation. “what do you want?”

“you!” you kick your legs out, breathing picking up in a slight panic. “you i— i don’t know— i don’t know why i’m so mad! i just am!” you start, and immediately peter understands. you needed him— and not just in the emotional sense, you needed to be put back in that place so you could relax. his expression flattens and he stands back to full height slowly, imposing his shadow over you as you stare up at him, continuing to tiredly rant at him until he softly cups your cheek from his raised position, stroking the skin with his thumb.

“calm down.” he quietly commands and your breath hitches in your throat, a taste of what you’d really wanted for weeks. “i know what you want, but i’m not entertaining any tantrums. dealt with that all day long. are you gonna listen?”

it’s not long before you’re laying on your front — slick, thick, coarse fingers massage your asshole with the preciseness of a man who knows what you need. you’d implemented butt plugs into your bedroom life a while back, figured it was good the two of you tried something new from time to time. what you didn’t anticipate, was the way the stretch from the plug met with peters soothing and controlled praise would rocket you into a deep subspace. fast forward to present day, and the white fluffy bunny tail plug sits ready on his lap as he prepares you.

“why didn’t you ask? hm? i would have made the time.” he speaks hushed, not wanting to ruin the mood. you deflate with a sigh as you rest on your arms and he figures he’s not going to be getting much out of you today.

when the cool tip of the plug touches your sensitive hole you stiffen with an unsure whine, a sound he knew like clockwork. his warm hand presses some weight to your back to keep you grounded. “c’mon. you need this.” he husks, instantly melting you to a shape more malleable.

he presses in, and you try to remember how to breathe like he taught you. in, out, in, out. the stretch worsens and you let out a muffled howl into your arm. “i know. i know. takes some getting used to. you’re doing really good for me though, okay? you’re my good girl.”

[princessofghosts-posts]

Y'all know about those fanfictions where Nico (with Reyna and later on Will,since it's mostly done in Solangelo fanfic) and the Seven are the best of friends?

Yeah,I hate those.

During MoA and HoH they were extremely judgmental and scared of him,all of them,even Hazel (it was one time thing at least for her),and having ffs where they are a large group of inseparable friends takes away from that. I can understand when those are AU or a different retelling of the story,but when you put it in a continuation of the canon narrative in HoO....it's a big N O for me.

Let me explain.

Jason –> until Cupid decided to be an ass and making Nico coming out in front of him,Jason's didn't trusted him. Percy told him his whole story life (which is completely wrong and out of character for Percy to do so,I don't know what Rick was thinking when he wrote this) but Jason still was doubtful about him. We all know that in MoA he and Leo argued about whether or not taking a risk to save him,because they don't know where his loyalties lie. That's another famous plot point talked about to this days. And while I can understand their reasoning,I don't like it. Especially because Nico was dying,Hazel was in front of them worried about her brother,and almost 3 different gods told them already that Nico had the key to the Doors. The fact that Percy had to tell Jason about all the shit that happened before,so that he could understand him better,is a bitter factor. And even after that,he thought it was Nico's fault when the "betrayal" in TLO happened (again,Hades's fault). Like the fuck? They rescued him and then? Half of HoH,when it cames to Nico,all of them,not only Jason,commented on his physique and way of eating after he was released from a jar,where he had been locked up for a week and had to balance only 5 seeds to stay alive. He probably developed an ED,but who cares when we can comment on how creepy pale and silent he is. Jason had to witness Nico having a traumatic event happen,in front of him,to start to see him more than the scary son of Hades. After that he started to be nice to him. Not before,after. Nico had every right to snap at him when they were blocked in the palace of that wind God. Jason was better later on with him,but his behavior wasn't a good one.

Leo -> together with Jason he is usually bashed because of the whole "Can we really trust him?" deal in MoA. And again,while I can understand their reasoning for this,I don't like it. Jason didn't know Nico,even if he sometimes popped out to visit Hazel,before the whole switch and memory loss,he still didn't know him. But while CJ was clueless of him while CHB fucking knew him. Before they realized where Percy was at the end of TLH,Nico was running alongside Annabeth into trying to find him. While they were out on their quest,Nico and Annabeth were still trying to locate Percy. And while Leo might not be really familiar to him,in 6 months they proprably met. Even if Nico's relationship with the whole Camp is rocky,they all still know him. Only a few were really his friends,sure,but they fought a war together not even half a year ago. And Leo also had a connection with Hazel. You think the guy that had a crush on a girl tried to help her into saving her brother,especially if said brother is part of his same camp,but nope. And after the rescue,he was always unsettled by his presence and often pointed out about how little he eat. They didn't had an interaction alone,and during group meetings,again,he pointed out how silent he was. Almost invisible. And mewhile,Nico was worried about him during BoO,especially after his "death". Didn't read ToA yet and I'm planning too,so I don't know if they are better in it.

Frank -> another one that was constantly scared and unsettled by him from the start. In SoN he compares Nico to Hazel,and specifies how Hazel is different from him,because she is nicer,he doesn't feel scared and he like her. Again,no one at CJ really knew him and Frank's thoughts are also influenced by his feelings for Hazel,but at least try to not be so....judgmental? Like,Nico is all of those things too but a few people know about it because they all judge him,and shun him away the first chance they get. In MoA at least he was on board to save him,and proprably would have shot Leo on the spot for suggesting something that upset Hazel. Again,he accepted for Hazel,not because there was a live in danger,and said demigod was their answer to the whole Doors problem. Then HoH happens and he also comments on how scary Nico is,and how creepy is the fact that he try to be one with the shadows all the time. How strange right? Especially after a whole ship look at you like some freak. Nico's fault,my bad. And the trip to Venice? If Frank was going alone with Hazel then everything is ok,but if Nico joins? Dear gods,Frank is unsure of going somewhere with a child of the Underworld with him,as if Hazel herself isn't one. The funny part? The only reason Nico ever went with them was because they needed help. Every single time. Venice? He could speak italian and asks the locals for informations,Venice is where he was born and lived before the war and Zeus. Croazia? Only a child of the Underworld can have the scepter and he didn't want to risk Hazel. In the House of Hades? That's his father temple,his home turf. But no,let's not talk about that. And when Hazel got hit by that katoblep? First thing that he thinks about is wanting to hurt Nico for even have let this happen. As if Hazel can't take care of herself and Nico wasn't fighting for his life too. Coming back to Venice with the acknowledge that he lived there and doesn't have his memories about it,mixed to the fact that he was still weak from Tartarus and the jar,the days of flying (while Hazel felt always sick in the ocean,Nico is more sick in the air),and could barely use his power without almost dying again is already traumatizing enough,what the fuck do you expect? It's a miracle that he was able enough to go on in that city. He also got turned into a plant,again,just because of who his father is. It's not only the demigods but also a random god in his own hometown that treat him like that. And Hazel's whole speech about the fact that "Nico might be a little unsettling sometimes but he is still my brother" to him? Nah,Frank shouldn't even had a speech to try and be a decent human being to him,like everyone else on that ship.

Hazel -> speaking of Hazel,I already talked about how her relationship with her new found brother is a little bit complicated,because of ghosts from the past,but in the end they will kill for each other. Hazel was ready to do anything it takes to get Nico back after she found out Gaia captured him. From SoN to MoA she was worried sick about him,both for his suicide mission and for the fact that he was captured. But that speech she gave to Frank? That was so out of character of her. They are both children of the Underworld,and during SoN she specified how both of them got treated (Hazel's a little better than Nico let's be real-) for who their father is and their powers. She knew about the pain of being different from the others,since she experienced heavy bulling by her classmates (not counting her mother's abuse too) before dying. They both share that pain together. And while they didn't had years of knowing each other,they understand and adapted to each other pretty quickly. And the whole speech of "I know that my brother can be scary and unsettling,but could you still try to be nice to him?" when Frank pointed out how Nico prefered to be alone and staying outside,instead of sleeping in Percy's cabin? I would understand if it was a situation of "Listen,my brother is like that and he has his reasons,you have no right to judge him for that." but it wasn't. Hazel herself thought that her brother was unsettling. As if she wasn't the same. I love her,I do,and their sibling bond is everything,especially during HoH,but this is something that she would never do. It was so out of character and Rick fucked up with this.

Piper -> Piper and Nico never had an interaction together,and if it's happen in ToA I don't know of it because I haven't read it yet. She was angry at Jason and Leo when,in MoA,they decided to talk about saving or not Hazel's dying brother and she was also on board to save him. When they saved him from the Jar she was the one that tried to get to him and protected him,while Jason and Percy dealt with the gaints. But again,in HoH it's everything about his pale skin and how underweight he is. And this is the same thing for Leo,Piper also knew him before taking off for her quest to save the world. She told Jason about how some of her sisters and campers think that Nico has a crush on Annabeth,since he was always there to help in her search for Percy. As a child of Aphrodite she is pretty empathic and when it's came to Nico's "love problem" she probably knew about his crush for Percy,but she never told anyone about it. After meeting Cupid and the whole forced coming out,Jason also has a feeling that Piper knew about it or that she suspected it. She proprably was one of the few that wasn't that bad to Nico,but still,her thoughts on his appearance weren't nice.

Annabeth and Percy -> those two weren't there with the crew during HoH,they were fighting for their life in Tartarus. Again,both of them were on board with saving Nico without a second question,even if Percy was still bitter about the fact that he lied to him (not his fault,if he told him the truth a whole war was going to happen before they could do something about it). I saw a lot of criticism for that scene since Percy is protective of his friends,and would had tried to punch Jason and Leo for even suggesting that Nico can't be trusted. While I can agree with that,Percy and Nico don't have that close brothely relationship that the fandom made out of them. They have their up and down, especially down,and blamed each other for things that weren't really their fault. What I can't stand is the fact that Percy decided to tell Jason,a stranger he just met,Nico's life story. Maybe he wanted Jason to understand that Nico was a good guy,or something like that,but this only made Nico's situation worst with him. The rivalry between Big 3's children wasn't enough,now a guy he didn't like tried to give him life lessons on his own life. Percy would never do that,no matter the situation or how much fractured his relationship with Nico is. Annabeth and Nico worked together for a couple of weeks. They both wanted to find Percy and Nico probably helped her a lot with how much areas his power can cover. She also thought that he had a crush for her,but she didn't like him because of his personality,and she already has Percy. When Nico confessed about his crush to him,in front of her,she even give him an high five. She wasn't that bad. And she,like Percy,knew him. She was there for (almost) everything that went down in his life. Both of them were saved,indirectly,by Nico. If he hadn't been a good friend to Bob,they would proprably be dead not even half away into that hell. And at least they both acknowledge that by the end of HoH. I firmly believe that,if Percy and Annabeth never fell into Tartarus,Nico probably would have lived better on that ship.

I can see people that like to headcanon that they are all pretty close,and maybe in ToA some of them are actually close to him,but they were all horrible to him in one way or another. Either they were scared of him,didn't trust him or judged him or pointed out his eating habits and how much thin he was. Which sucked because Nico had to endure extremely traumatic experiences because they needed his help. And he still went on with another suicide mission after HoH because they still needed him to win the war. The Seven didn't treat him nicely,all of them fucked up,some more than other,and only a couple of them tried to make it up to him. The Argo II crew was on a whole field week when it cames to Nico di Angelo.

And I will fight however say otherwise because it's true.

[katyawriteswhump]

love and other catastrophes at the omega cafe (2/8)

I’ve was totally overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by the reaction to chapter 1 of this fic—billions thank yous 💚I will admit I got a bit nervous about this chapter and not letting everyone down, but it’s a long one, and I really, really hope you enjoy! I will probably be updating every weekend, more regularly if I can 💚 

Summary: Steve is a runaway Omega who gets a job at an Omega café, where he’s basically paid to curl up and purr in Alphas’ laps. It’s legal, and he earns a living, rents his own place. He’s getting along fine for a packless Omega. Then Alpha rockstar Eddie Munson turns up for an hour of ‘kitty’ petting, and shatters Steve’s fragile little world…

Rating: M (will be E); Chapter length: 4000 words, No major warnings; Tags: omega steve, alpha eddie, a/b/o dynamics, rockstar eddie, fluff and angst; (It won't get tooooo angsty, I promise)💚Chapter 1 on tumblr (also index post) On Ao3

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Chapter 2

After waking up in Eddie's lap, Steve dabbed his lips again. He dared peep upward. His burning cheek was pressed to Eddie’s solid Alpha chest, his hand creeping helplessly up the faintly soggy black t-shirt.

Eddie was beaming, for sure. He was also wearing a pair of ray-bans and a baseball cap with ‘Bite me, Baby,’ emblazoned on it. He’d gotten the collar of his jean-jacket turned up. After a further moment of confusion, this time at Eddie’s transformation, Steve gasped in a lungful of Eddie’s smoky-plummy scent.

Eddie was a rockstar. Who doubtless wished to remain incognito. Somewhat like Steve did, although Steve was a very long way from home, and… Nope, he wouldn’t think about that. No way could Eddie have wanted to stay so long, while the café filled up with customers.

On the other hand, Eddie could have woken Steve anytime.

He hadn’t.

“Good snooze, Steve?” Eddie’s vibes remained totally chill.

“Yeah. Um…thanks?”  Steve wriggled slightly, sitting up straighter on Eddie’s lap. “I’m not supposed… Why didn’t you wake me?”

“And interrupt that blissful purring? Sweetness, you delivered exactly what I paid for, and I didn’t even get a cramp—insane!”

Eddie’s arms tightened into a full-on hug, keeping him in place. The fleece blanket had slipped off them, and the intense heat rolling from Eddie’s body teetered on the right side of scorching. It was unsettling not being able to read Eddie’s eyes. But if Eddie still didn’t want him to shift, no part of Steve was gonna argue.

Then Steve felt it.

That slab of Alpha cock gouging somewhere north of his knees. He felt slick trickle lightly, heat flushing down his face and neck, and then…

Carol hollered, “Chrissy, the pancakes were for table three, you ditzy O-head!”

“Yeah?” Chrissy replied, quieter but no less shrill: “You try reading your chicken scratch handwriting!”

That ripped Steve from whatever dreamland he’d been sucked back into. It seemed to shatter the moment for Eddie too: “Weeeell, it’s been fun, Kitty-cat. ’Fraid I gotta love ya and leave ya. I’m gonna get my ass busted for being late at the studio.”

He released Steve, who slid off his lap backwards and clumsily. Steve’s elbows and butt landed on the sofa with a thud, his feet taking their place on Eddie’s thighs. The loss of full-body contact sent a wretched shiver through him. Before he could gather himself, Eddie had gathered up his goddamn feet in his large, rough-feeling hands:

“Steve, are these feet or ice chips?”

Oh God, oh God, oh God!

Eddie launched into the most delicious foot massage, thumbs gently kneading into his arches, then leaning forward to lavish his feet with warm gusts of breath:

“You have the cutest toesies, Honey, you know that?”

Steve’s terror ratcheted up a whole new notch. He sure as heck didn’t have a foot kink, but Eddie’s relentless touch unhinged him. In all his time working at ‘Kitties,’ he’d never felt so close to losing control, to melting into a puddle of need. Weren’t the blockers supposed to curb such extreme reactions to even the most sizzling Alphas?

And Jesus Christ, Eddie’s lush mouth was so close to Steve’s feet now. Too close—was he gonna kiss them?

Steve spotted Carol back at the cash register, casually glancing their way. With an effort, he swung his legs off Eddie’s lap.

“Aw, is petting feet against the rules?” There was an air of kicked puppy about the Alpha that Steve struggled not to fawn over. And which segued quickly into a devastating earnestness. “Look, seriously, this isn’t a kink of mine.” That made two of them. “I can’t leave you shivering, not any part of you. I’ll pay extra?”

“I… I…” To be fair, there was nothing in the rules against petting feet. Right now, Steve simply couldn’t deal: “I thought you were gonna k-kiss them. Sorry, I…um…”

Eddie raised his palms. “No, I’m sorry, Steve. Truly. Self-control has never been my forte.”

“Please don’t apologise. It’s all good, and my feet are always cold. I dunno if it’s an Omega thing, or just me, or…” Stop prattling, Harrington.

Eddie smiled tightly, then rose and strode off to settle his final check with Carol.  Steve sat on the couch, arms wrapped tight around himself. He wiggled his toes, which seemed to tingle with the memory of Eddie’s breath. Then Eddie wandered back over. He blocked Steve from Carol’s view and pressed a hundred-dollar bill into his hand.

“Wow! I can’t accept—”

“Take it, Omega,” rumbled Eddie, in a deep gravelly tone that no part of Steve could argue with. As Eddie retreated, Steve found himself ogling how those sweatpants clung to the flat muscular planes of Eddie’s Alpha butt. At the door, Eddie glanced back, lifted his shades, and winked.

“See you soon, Stevie.”

Stevie!?!

Carol heard, and the instant Eddie had gone, she bounced over and hugged Steve. He’d never seen her so non-bitchy and jubilant. Then again, she was hardly gonna complain to Tommy that Steve had slept on the job when Eddie had spent well over two hundred dollars. He’d tipped her well, too. She made Steve a grilled cheese sandwich—actually one for Steve, rather than one she’d made for a customer and accidentally burned. Then she allowed him an extra-long break, to sort his hair and loosen his collar, before he had to clamber into the next lap.

It took all Steve’s concentration not to squirm and fidget and generally give a shitty kitty experience to the seemingly never-ending line of Alphas. He couldn’t help wondering if it wouldn’t have been easier to endure without Eddie’s throwaway, “See you soon, Stevie.”

Yeah, Steve would’ve felt flat, but he had ways of pepping himself. Even being petted by these randos might’ve helped return him to his usual fake-purring levels of okay.

Knowing Eddie might be coming back?

Each second with another Alpha was excruciating.

When he clocked off at five, everything changed. He literally bounced on his toes to the bus-stop. Thinking about Eddie made his insides feel fizzy and light, every part of him happily trembly—lightyears away from the morning’s exhaustion and fading heat cramps.

It wasn’t exactly convenient, tho’. When he reached his condo, it took him three attempts to fumble his key into the lock. One of his neighbours sensed his fluster through the thin walls.

She poked her head into the corridor. “Hi, Steve—are you all right?”

“Hey, Joyce. Yeah, I’m fine. Been a long day, and I’m beat.” He finally managed to turn the key. “Thanks for asking.”

“Okay, dear. If you feel up to joining us for quilting club tonight, we’d love to see you. I’ve baked cookies.”

“Maybe.” Steve quirked a smile, before darting in quickly and closing the door.

Leaning back against it, he let out a long, shuddering sigh. Joyce was kind, and Steve liked chatting to her. However, she knew as well as Steve that he wouldn’t be joining any of the local Omega-Omega support groups. Even when the heating was broken, and some of the other Omegas formed ‘snuggle’ nests together, he preferred to shiver alone.

He was fine with bodily contact these days, obviously, much as he enjoyed being called ‘cute’ and generally being admired. But he was used to having his own space. Which was why he loved his little home, really he did—despite its loud clunky plumbing and the damp patches on the walls. It was the only real nest he’d ever had. He’d stitched most of his throw cushions and drapes himself, apart from a couple that had been swapsies with Chrissy. Robin had gifted him a duck-down duvet and a thick wool blanket. She was the closest thing he had to a pack, and he enjoyed snuggling beneath her offerings through the long winter nights.

Now, after a few hours sleeping in the arms of an Alpha he might never see again, his little slice of paradise… felt horribly drab.

Still leaning on the door, he pulled the hundred-dollar bill out of his coat pocket and pressed it to his cheek. Which was gross given that it’d been passed between literally thousands of germy hands.

It still, very faintly, whiffed of Eddie.

He breathed deep of it as he dared and then: “This is dumb! This is so dumb!”

It wasn’t like he could keep it. A hundred dollars would settle his rent arrears this week. He dumped it on the counter and wandered toward his bathroom pod.

When he peeled down his underwear, he winced. He’d changed twice today, once after Eddie left, then again at a later break. Both times, his panties were damp with slick. Now, after travelling home dreaming about Eddie, another pair was soddened, and his peachy-chamomile scent was stronger than since he’d started blockers. He stripped, shivered and turned on the shower, holding his hand under the icy flow.

It started to get slightly warmer. Not exactly toasty, and he shuddered as he stepped in. He knew that he, like that bill, retained a slight tang of Eddie. Especially in his hair, which he was particularly reluctant to wash.

He went through the motions, the glide of his own fingers setting him sighing then sniffling stupidly at the memory of Eddie’s gorgeous touch. When the shower temperature switched suddenly thermo-nuclear hot, he leaped out with a yelp. After sticking his hair under the kitchenette faucet to finish rinsing, he blow-dried. Then he tidied away the yucky tissues, painkillers and hot water bottles he’d left scattered at the end of his heat. Finally, he cuddled up in his nest with another of Robin’s gifts—his third-hand refurbished iPhone.

The Wifi was working again, and he was tempted to google Eddie, find out every last thing about him, although… What if Eddie was mated or married or lived on the other side of the country? That said, he’d mentioned going to a studio, so he had to be staying locally, or…

Steve resisted searching. He wanted to enjoy his silly crush without knowing crap that would spoil it.

He avoided the internet for the most part, anyway. He’d been raised without it and was terrified to get a login for anything, even under a fake name. This was chiefly paranoia, probably. It was also sometimes annoying. All the social media sites where Chrissy showed him pics of ‘Hot Alphas’ tended to chuck him out before he’d properly feasted his eyes.

Nevertheless, he managed to find the ‘Knot me now, Alpha,’ thirst thread that he’d gotten a faint idea Eddie was familiar from. He was right. He admired Eddie’s pic there for a long while—a shirtless, sweaty mass of raw Alpha sex-appeal and bulging-at-the-crotch leather, nailing some finger-work on his electric guitar.

Then Robin texted, and they bantered for a bit. He didn’t mention Eddie. Screw it, what the hell was there to say?

The next morning, at exactly 10.37 am, Eddie Munson entered ‘Kitties.’ This time, he’d gotten a tie-dye scarf muffled up over his face and wore a crazy multi-coloured bucket hat.

He looked ridiculous.

Nothing could subdue that scent.

Steve felt a squeal bubbling in his throat, which he released only briefly. It was enough for Chrissy to shoot out from the back to check everything was okay.

Steve had his head in one of their regular customer’s laps, and they’d paid up till 11 o’clock. DAMN, DAMN, DAMN! He struggled to subdue his panic. He didn’t want Eddie to see him with another Alpha! It’s not like he could’ve refused the customer, but… a silent scream tore from the depths of his soul. Carol was already meeting and greeting Eddie, offering him Chrissy’s or indeed her service.

Which Eddie graciously refused. “I got time to wait for Steve. Any chance of an Irish coffee, Ma’am?”

“Sorry, we don’t have a liquor licence.”

“No sweat, Sweetheart. I’ll have a coconut-mocha with extra cream. It okay if I move the furniture a bit? I could do with a cosy corner.” He dropped his voice so soft and low Steve strained to hear it: “Somewhere where nobody can shove a camera in my face.”

“Absolutely, Sir. I’ll help. Chrissy—get over here!”

Eddie refused the aid of the Omegas and shifted a large couch himself. He then settled with what felt too much like a cold-shoulder to Steve—although his wish for privacy very much suited Steve too—and started scrolling on his cell.

Steve’s skin crawled every time the other Alpha touched him. When they skimmed the strip of bare flesh between his tight tee and shorts, his stomach seemed to flip upside down and refused to right itself. He couldn’t fake purr. His collar felt chokingly tight, and when he tried to take a gulp of air, Eddie’s beautiful scent caught in his windpipe.

He released it as a stifled sob, and then the purrs began to happen. They were definitely purrs of distress, and they shook him like a leaf. Maybe Eddie would realise Steve was not worth waiting for and leave?

Steve watched the clock crawl toward eleven. At which point, Carol snapped at Steve’s customer, “Time’s up, Mister. Steve is booked!”

Steve shuffled on his knees over to Eddie. The thread of Eddie’s scent—screw it, his sheer Alphaness—drew Steve like he was on a leash. He couldn’t suppress a pang of disappointment when Eddie left his scarf on and plopped a thin cushion into his lap. Christ, Steve wished he’d been able to wash! The other Alpha’s burnt-toast scent had been barely noticeable, easily drowned by the chemicals and Eddie. But would Eddie detect it and despise Steve for it?

“Sorry about the wait,” whispered Steve. “I… I…”

“It’s okay,” said Eddie. His tone was strange and rough, bordering on scary, before softening like melting butter: “I missed you.”

“Missed you too,” squeaked Steve, before he could help himself.

Wtf? Missed me? He’s lying—he only just met me!

Yeah, now he thought about it, Steve had spent every moment they’d been apart missing Eddie like hell. Alphas were different, right?

He sank his cheek onto Eddie’s cushioned lap, staring ahead at the slinky black cats silhouetted on the walls. Eddie’s fingers glided into Steve’s hair, and Steve’s stomach finally settled the right way up again. For the first time since he’d left Eddie’s lap yesterday, he felt totally warm, comfortable, serene… and, suddenly, so very safe.

“How’s your day going, Steve?”

“Oh, like, seriously, it sucks. And this creepy stalker Alpha just showed up and it’s gotten even worse. Um… Joking.” He was being sassy now? Where did that come from? Fortunately, Eddie hooted, and Steve’s voice wobbled with his excited purrs. “I’m good, thanks. How about you?”

“Mighty fine right now.” Eddie leaned down close, speaking quiet and confidential: “Got another manic afternoon in the recording studio coming up. I lost my mojo, Stevie, did you know that?”

The reminder that Eddie was a badass rockstar shook Steve’s happiness. Only for a moment. A little voice in his head squealed:

He called me Stevie again! He’s giving me PET NAMES!

Eddie’s knuckles skimmed, featherlight, down the curve of Steve’s throat, sending heat sparkling through several layers of skin. Eddie’s coffee-spiced breath ruffled Steve’s hair, and his world was perfect.

“I can’t imagine you’re ever not great at everything.” Steve revelled in the sensation of Eddie twisting a strand of Steve’s hair around a finger, giving it a gently delicious tug.

“You say the sweetest things, Sweetness,” replied Eddie. Then, with a bitter twist: “You clearly don’t follow much music news.”

“Hey, don’t say that! Music journo is my dream career.” Woah! Again with the sass. Again, Eddie chortled indulgently, while Steve added, “No, sorry. I really don’t.”

“Damn, you really are the puuuuurfect little kitty, aren’t you?” sighed Eddie. “Wish I could stay here all day.”

Steve was so overcome, he couldn’t even whisper, Me too.  An ecstatic little noise bubbled in Steve’s throat, which might’ve been a chirrup if he’d not swallowed it back in time. He’d never chirruped. Never! He pressed his legs together, scared that the slick trickling lightly from his slit would leak out of his shorts.

They were decidedly skimpier than yesterday’s shorts, basically hotpants—cut right at the line of his butt-cheeks. He wondered if Eddie’s eyes had wandered there yet. Despite the slick, he sure hoped so, and…

Dammit, focus on his touch, Harrington. Not on his scent. And definitely not on how close you are to his dick and how badly you want it inside you.

Apart from Steve didn’t want that, not really.

No Alpha had ever triggered such strong reactions in him. Which was all the more reason he shouldn’t get carried away. Eddie would never be interested in being Steve’s Alpha, even without Steve’s… complications in that department.

Eddie was here to relax a while. If not today, then soon, he’d leave and never look back.

Steve’s purrs grew fractious, though it turned out to be almost impossible to remain stressed out in Eddie’s lap. Like yesterday, Eddie seemed to read his anxiety, asking if Steve was okay, smoothing Steve’s hair till Steve’s troubles slipped away.

It helped that Eddie wanted to chat, and he was so fun and engaging Steve briefly forgot he was even an Alpha. It was like being with an old friend, though that was an experience that Steve wasn’t exactly flush with.

Eddie asked Steve about what music he liked, and Steve came clean instantly. He didn’t listen to music much. He got too easily overwhelmed by emotional tracks.

“I mean, I like a whole variety of music, honestly. It’s just, sometimes lyrics and melodies just get me so deep, and…” The next thought that popped into his head stunned him—I guess it might be different if I had an Alpha to guide me, to anchor me when my emotions are overstimulated. Nope. Would be waaaay too needy to say that out loud. “Wow, that sounds pathetic.” He wrinkled his nose, pressed a finger between his brows. “None of it makes sense.”

“It’s not pathetic, and it makes perfect sense,” said Eddie. Almost as if he’d heard the parts Steve hadn’t said out loud. “I mean, you might find Corroded Coffin a bit shouty.”

“I can do shouty,” said Steve.

With you to hold my hand… Oh, seriously self?!?

Turned out, despite Steve’s ‘difficulty’ with music, they liked plenty of other things in common. Including dainty little rose cupcakes, of which Eddie ordered a plateful, and fed to Steve with his fingertips.

Feeding the kitties was permitted—at the discretion of the kitty and as long as fingers didn’t enter mouths. Steve, naturally, was totally up for the chance to lap lightly at any part of Eddie, salty goodness mixed with super-sweet floral pastry.

“It cracks me up how many Alphas miss out on this good stuff because they’re scared their precious Alpha image will be tarnished,” said Eddie, when they’d finished the last mini cake. His fingers and thumb—deeply grooved from plucking strings and shiny wet with Steve’s saliva—still lingered on the cushion a hairs’ breadth from Steve’s lips. Gnnnnnng! What Steve wouldn’t give right now to inhale any one of those digits deep.

Softly, Eddie asked, “What about you, Steve? What do you enjoy that flips the bird in the face of conformity—that’s totally un-Omega?”

Steve closed his eyes to temptations of the flesh. If only it was so easy to shut out Eddie’s scent! He focussed on the question: “I used to love sports, especially swimming. Before I presented Omega, I used to train three times a week. Tho’ I got really nervous, I loved racing, the thrill of competition. I miss that.” His latest purr mingled with a heartfelt sigh. “Nobody lets Omegas train, and even those special Omega hours at pools are few and far between and so stupidly pricey. I heard a rumour it’s because they don’t want the pools all slicked up. Jesus, we can control ourselves!”

At least, when we’re not being petted by super-hot Alphas.

“That really sucks,” agreed Eddie. “Steve, I might know a pool where—”

“No, no, no, no, no,” said Steve, kinda panicked suddenly without knowing why. “It’s fine. It’s one of those things I just need to let go of.”

An uneasy growl rumbled from Eddie’s core, but he must’ve sensed Steve’s renewed agitation, because he let it drop.

He probably just wanted to see Steve in his speedos. Steve sure as hell would love to see how Eddie managed to stuff his Alpha dick into his.

Eddie returned the next day, having booked Steve for the entire morning in advance, and they chatted more. This time Steve spent most of the hour sitting in his lap for a proper cuddle. Steve hugged around Eddie’s neck, clinging tight as he dared. He was glad of the scarf there, muffling Eddie’s scent slightly. He ended up turning his face away, anyhow. Like on Monday, he was petrified he wouldn’t be able to stop himself burying his nose there, nor turning super-submissive and baring his own throat.

Once again, breaking the rules himself.

Why did Eddie have to be sexy Alpha perfection incarnate and a great guy? And his voice… Gnnng! It touched some secret place in Steve, chiming happy chords buried so deep he’d never known they were there.

Before long, though, Steve had gotten his head notched cosily beneath Eddie’s chin and was keen to get as much of himself into Eddie’s lap as possible. He huddled into a ball, knees hitching till his bare heels kissed Eddie’s thighs.

No part of him was cold now. He couldn’t remember what cold was, hardly. Being with Eddie was like a dream.

But he was not gonna fall asleep again. He didn’t want to miss a precious second with Eddie, whether laughing and chatting, or just quietly snuggling. He even adored the way Eddie hugged him a little tighter—once almost bruisingly so—whenever another Alpha passed by. Once or twice, Eddie growled at them, too. It was all daft, because it was merely an Alpha being Alpha, following his possessive, protective instincts. It didn’t mean anything. Steve basked in the vibes, all the same.

“Same time tomorrow?” asked Eddie, when, with an obvious reluctance, he allowed Steve off his lap.

Steve glanced uneasily between Eddie and Carol. The café was quiet, and she was busy arranging the pastries. “I’m on in the evening tomorrow,” admitted Steve. “It’s ‘kitty-kitted-up’ night—you know, we wear the ears and whiskers and shit. Oh, and we screech like kitties in heat too. I mean, most of the customers need earplugs to stop their brains imploding.”

“Steve!” snapped Carol, while Steve enjoyed Eddie’s goofy grin. “Stop fooling around. Honestly, Sir. Nobody screeches.”

“Aw, shame,” said Eddie. “That sounded like a blast. Either way, I’m in.” Then he cringed, and Steve’s heart seemed to drop like a stone. “I guess it’s pretty popular? I take it you don’t have, I dunno, anywhere private I can book? A back room or something?”

“You know, we don’t,” said Carol, making moon eyes at Eddie, while Steve’s knees gave way beneath him. His butt slammed heavily onto the couch—onto the lusciously warm patch Eddie had vacated.

A private room. Alone with Eddie.

Oh. My. God.

“However, you are our favorite customer.” Carol’s smile verged on a simper.  “I’ll talk to Tommy. I’m sure we can figure something out.”

Eddie turned to Steve, who scrambled to his feet. “You okay with that, Steve?”

Steve nodded. Yes, he was.  He shouldn’t be, but this was Eddie. He wanted to ask Carol if the same rules would apply as usual.

His voice failed him. To be fair, he hardly cared if they did, or they didn’t. He just wanted to be back in Eddie’s lap.

“You sure?” prompted Eddie. “Because if you feel uncomfortable about this in any way—”

“No! It’s fine.”

Steve trusted Eddie. Maybe he shouldn’t. Crazily, he did. These past three days, he figured he should’ve felt more scared about his past catching up than usual, about being found out.

He didn’t. His past seemed more distant than ever. Having Eddie in his life made him feel safer.

Yup, crazy.

“Honestly, I like the idea,” he said, dispelling a final hint of doubt from Eddie’s sincere and searching gaze. “It gets us away from Carol here. She can screech high enough to shatter glass.”

“Shut up already, Steve!” Carol tittered and blushed in equal measures. “We don’t screech, Mister Munson. Honest. He’s being a total douche.”

After Eddie had gone, Steve managed to resist analysing his emotions too deeply by squealing his head off with Chrissy and Carol and dancing around the café.

Right until another customer turned up, and they all had to crash back to earth pronto.

Chapter 3.1 on tumblr Chapter 3.2 on tumblr

Chapter 3 on AO3

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Thank you so very much for reading. If you enjoyed, every little like and reblog or comment means a lot to me so thank you💚

I am always happy to tag, pls let me know, or you can follow the tag #steddie omega cat cafe 💚

tags 💚🐈‍⬛💚 @disrespectedgoatman 💚 @bumblebeecuttlefishes

@katethetank 💚 @themoonagainstmers 💚

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[andredeyemii]

S U C C E S S S T O R Y : : how self-concept changed my life !! ( MANIFESTED :: pretty privilege, popularity, productivity )

>> self-concept is basically just thinking highly about yourself to align with your dream self which has all the desires you want for yourself. it's the best way to manifest y'all.

POPULARITY..?

>> when I started to prioritize my self-concept, everything changed. basically, it changed my personality to become more extroverted because I knew that it was easy to talk to people and I genuinely loved talking to people. It helped that I was already naturally sociable but I used my potential this time and now I'm found in multiple big friend groups!!!

>> most of my friends are rich, their parents would own locally big businesses and companies so yeah, it's crazyy!! I remember one christmas school event where I was running back and forth in a pretty dress because I kept coming back and back to friends from other grades and sections.

>> and yes, big groups with real friends are real guys. they are very attainable. I always hold deep conversations with the friends I have, be it spiritual, philosophical or emotional. other times, we could be laughing at nothing. so basically my dream friend group lmaoo

PRETTY PRIVILEGE !!

>> I have a really big support system so, yeahh I have pretty privilege. it's usually in the form of compliments and I get then on a daily basis (yes, daily) from my best friends.. but as time passes by, I get them from people from higher grades I know or literal strangers. sometimes I get bombarded with compliments and it's overwhelming lmaoo..

>> I get stared at sometimes and the attention is nice but sometimes it's soo unsettling. y'all, I had someone that was straight up jealous of me and she was a MEAN GIRL and she'd stare at me every time I walk in a room and only stop staring when I'd be OUT OF THERE.

>> I also get free money lmaoo. yeah, it comes out of nowhere. people carry my things for me without me asking sometimes too, it's great. I also win leadership roles cuz of pretty privilege, it's really weird..

PRODUCTIVITY.

>> when y'all start thinking, assuming, feeling and acting as if you are a higher version of yourself, ofc you'd start living intentionally. I started going on the treadmill everyday.

>> I would make sure my social media algorithms are healthyyy and educational and I would start reading books and upgrading my hygiene care. I'd run on the treadmill for an hour and listen to a topic about social climbing, literally.

PERSONALITY.. <3

>> I got more playful, bubbly and expressive when my self-concept started to evolve and I would always get compliments about how pretty and friendly I was.

>> people would always remember me because I would express myself all the time when socializing. I'd never ever break eye contact and keep nodding an tilting my head with a smile, an I'm always squinting and widening my eyes. ohh yeah, people say that I'm ALWAYS smiling.

>> I think I mastered conversations somewhere while manifesting big friend groups and personality shifts. it's always valuable to let people talk about their stories cuz you really don't know how deeply you'll bond with them.

[pauli-writes]

Could I request Aventurine with a jewelry maker s/o?

warning: light 2.1 spoilers (just that aventurine shattered his cornerstone), references to gambling, aventurine is a little mean

pairing: aventurine x reader

author’s note: thank you anon! i had so much fun writing this! (it was a good distraction from thinking about my presentation for class) this is really short again and beware that i know nothing about jewels or the likes that part was all google, but i hope you enjoy it anyways!

“so, you think it’s possible?” he was insane, out of his mind. he wanted you of all people to shatter the cornerstone the ipc has given him, something like that could probably be considered blasphemous by the ipc, you could be put on trial or worse for this.

However you didn’t say anything close to this to his face, instead only nodding along like a good little partner. “yeah, but we could get in trouble for it. i mean real trouble-“

“i know, i know,” he cut you off with a wave of his hand, starting to walk around you like a predator circling his prey. it would be unsettling for most, but you were already used to it. “but you’ll still help me right?”

you paused and looked at the beautiful aventurine stone lying on your worktable, before slowly looking back up at your blond partner in crime. “aventurine… can i be honest with you?”

“always, my sweet.” he mused with a charming smile, but you could tell inside he was not pleased about you making a fuss about this simple task he asked of you.

“this is a big gamble.”

“you’re saying that like i’m not aware of it.”

you shook your head apologetically, “i didn’t mean to insult you. it’s just- what if the risk isn’t worth the reward this time?”

his smile momentarily turned into a fake frown as he cupped your cheeks in his hands, before turning back into an amused smile. “my dear, have you not been listening to me? don’t you know? the house always wins.”

“and we are the house...“ you finished, turning aventurine’s smile into a smirk as he let go of your face.

“so, you do remember after all.“ he mused, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as you both gazed at the stone in the table. his grip on you tightened subtly, a small reminder that he was the one with a position in power and you only had a small little jewellery shop that you could barely keep afloat. “just don’t think too much about it. i have everything under control, so take this ugly cornerstone and turn it into something elegant, presentable and most importantly undetectable.”

you nodded and he let you get to work. you sat in front of the stone, inspecting it before even attempting to shatter it. after all this stone was said to have sealed the authority of an emanator of preservation within it, which basically meant it was dangerous as heck and you had to be careful about it.

you let out a sigh and picked up the stone, painfully aware of aventurine’s careful and scrutinising gaze on you.

“aventurine is such a pretty stone, you know?”you began, turning it in the light, letting light refract from it, “it’s a symbol of good luck, but you probably already knew that… it’s also very easily mistaken for jade for the untrained eye…”

his expression shifted slightly as you mentioned that, “oh, really?”

he stepped closer again, standing right behind you and examining his stone as well. you knew aventurine liked pretty and expensive things, he dressed up to the part he wanted to play, you remembered when he first stepped into your shop he had no clue about what was fine expensive jewellery and what was just something cheaply made and sold for an expensive price. it’s almost funny that his own stone was never a part of those conversations.

you nodded your head, presenting the aventurine in such a way it would sparkle a little. “yeah. you can’t really tell at a glance, but aventurine has a slight glittery shimmer to it. i can barely tell the difference half the time.”

“you’re so smart, reader.” he said, making you blush a little. you were very easily flustered by praise. “i think you just gave me an even better idea. i have to leave and make a call, i’ll be back later. love you.”

he gave you a kiss on the cheek before starting to walk out of your store with a hurried step. you could barely register what he had said, a new idea? how did your info dumping give him a new idea?

you shook your head, it was futile trying to figure out what he thought. quickly you stood up and shouted after him, “love you too! don’t come back too late!”

[kurishiri]

Jude chapter 3 silly but kinda detailed summary

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ any pretty translation you may see in here may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. this is a sort of summary as well. if you enjoy, though, please consider reblogging, but please don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

kate successfully completes sortin out letters so she heads to the port where jude is talking with the foreman. its there she sort of thinks back on her time at raven co and the long and short of it is that jude, as the ceo, is actually really outstanding, and he acknowledges the efforts of those who work hard, produce results and whatnot, and rewards them in turn.

(that said he could work on his wording ,,)

time skip to night after judes done and they all walkin back tgt where kates like “i think i’ll be able to have a good dinner today” and jude scoffs at her callin her a twit. and shes all defensive like hey whats wrong with wanting to eat good food and judes like when did i say that was wrong?

all of a sudden they stop in their tracks and jude tells kate “on the count o’ three, crouch” and kates all panicked like tf is going on but jude already starts counting down so she crouches anw (in a panic!)

some guy in a suits out to kill jude. god knows who too bc apparently jude don’t know him either 💀

Jude: Who are ya? Can’t say ya look familiar.

[ insert some lines im lazy to tl ]

Jude kicked up at the man’s chin, causing the man’s body to do one smooth flip before collapsing onto the ground.

Man in a suit: Jude… Jazza——!

Jude: N’ like I was sayin’, who the hell are ya?

ok turns out jude does remember him in the end, its just another dude who broke his contract with jude and was selling up some illegal drugs and whatnot.

Jude: I told ya, didn’t I? That if ya breach your contract I’d show ya so much o’ hell you’d wish you kicked the bucket?

J: I fulfilled that promise for ya. Havin’ a grand old time in hell, aren’t’cha?

omg he pried open the wound on the mans face and he let out a cry to the night sky that could shake anyone’s soul silly.

kate then thinks or foreshadows (yk how like ikevil stories r kinda told like kate is recalling the past? like “i didn’t realize it then, but xyz” kinda like one of those moments) that what she witnessed that night was but a prologue of what’s to come bc they get attacked over and over again.

kate and jude get into another argument like “i feel im gonna die every time! im at my limit!” and judes like “well ur in the way loiterin round like that” then jude just yeets off w/o listenin to another word.

she does feel something bothering her tho

(For someone like Jude, he should be able to avoid these grudges…)

When I thought this, I came up with a theory that relieved me of this unsettling feeling.

(…Could it be he’s making himself an enemy of many on purpose?)

‘Yeah, right,’ was what I thought, but also, somewhere in my heart, I felt such a theory may also be true.

shes like there’s not enough info rn but if i do know anything its that

Kate: At this rate, if I stay with Jude any longer…a hundred lives would not be enough!

and so shes like i gotta learn self defense! so she goes knocking on a certain someone’s door like pls teach me le jutsu of self defense!

Ellis: Okay. （╹◡╹）♡

turns out ellis was also thinking of teaching her some stuff abt self defense soon.

so ellis takes kate to the lobby and kates like why the lobby and ellis goes to a bookshelf to take out a book which actually reveals vics weapon collection and takes out a gun, telling kate to try and hold it.

idk if this is a real gun or not (as in it exists irl), apparently its made of silver with a wooden grip.

ellis thinks its well suited for kate. like its lightweight yk. hes like you may need to use it jic. and then hes like

Ellis: But, it’s kind of refreshing.

E: Other than me, Jude seems pretty adverse to putting people by his side.

E: So, maybe he wants to get along with you?

kates like mmm doubt but at the same time she has this question in her mind w/o an answer of why he went and wrote a whole contract and let her stay by his side then? shes abt to cook up a theory in her head when…

just then jude comes in.

Ellis: Ah——Jude.

Jude: We got a job to do.

so they head off to some noble mansion.

Jude: How do ya do, we’ll be here a while.

Nobleman: Ah, Mister Jude?

apparently this nobleman is connected with the guy in the suit jude beat up in the beginning of the chptr. he made him spit out info.

Jude: If ya just were sellin’ somethin’ shady I’d let that off the hook. Illegal drug’s some child’s play.

J: However.

Jude raised one leg and rested it atop the long table.

Jude: I seem to recall the contract prohibitin’ the sellin’ and buyin’ of humans, or am I wrong?

ko-fi☕️ ┊ comms🤍

[tinyundercover]

pepper & felix

part two

In this universe, when a person turns 21, they gain the ability to communicate with their soulmate telepathically. For the borrower Pepper, this turns out to be quite a shock.

MASTERPOST word count: 1.5k

Pepper sat on top of the cabinet, legs crossed underneath him. Up here, perched at the very edge, Pepper could see the entire kitchen.

The human had returned from class about an hour ago, and was now moving around the kitchen, making dinner. The sight of the human chopping up vegetables with a massive knife three times Pepper’s size was unsettling, but the borrower was comforted by the safety of the high cabinet.

Quiet music played from the human’s phone, down on the counter, while the human hummed along. He seemed practically harmless from here.

Pepper swallowed, thinking of his soulmate, who hadn’t contacted him since their strange ordeal this morning. The knowledge that he was connected somehow to a human made him shudder… that this human could one day figure out who he was— what he was…

“This sucks,” Pepper mumbled under his breath, quiet so that the human below didn’t hear.

He had spent his entire day pacing around his room, unable to focus on his tasks. All he could think about was humans and their freakishly giant hands. He knew that they were dangerous; that knowledge had been instilled in him since he was two years old. But were borrowers and humans similar enough that they could be soulmates? Was there a human out there that wasn’t too terrifying or selfish to actually love a borrower?

With nothing else to focus on, Pepper chose to climb up to the top of the cabinet so that he could spy on the closest human to him. Pepper had lived here for a little over a year, but he didn’t know much about this human, since he spent so much of his time avoiding him. His entire schedule revolved around the human’s.

Pepper stretched his arms above his head absentmindedly as the human scraped the vegetables into a bowl. His stomach growled softly, and he tensed— but it was far too quiet for the human to hear.

Pepper hadn’t had a real vegetable in ages. Most of them were hard to store for long periods of time, so he never really bothered. He’d never been picky about the food he put in his body, as long as he stayed alive.

The human showed terrifying amounts of strengths as he picked up knives and cutting boards with ease, and Pepper tried to imagine actually interacting with a human. The mere thought of a hand closing around him made him shut the idea down entirely.

Thirty minutes later, as the human was sitting down to eat dinner, Pepper stood up and turned around. His mind continued to wander even as he snuck into the walls.

After a moment's hesitation, he interlocked his fingers and held them against his chest. “Hello?”

It took a few moments, but eventually a voice entered his mind. “Hey!”

Pepper swallowed. It was only a voice, but the fact that he was being acknowledged by a human still made him shudder. 

“How was your day?” Pepper asked carefully, leaning against a wooden beam. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine that he was talking to another borrower.

“Oh, it was alright. Classes were a little boring. But me and some of my theater friends signed up for an audition next week, so that’s pretty exciting. How was yours?”

Pepper furrowed his brow. He vaguely understood what most of those words meant, but a few stumped him, like “theater” and “audition.” “That sounds exciting,” he responded, wondering what humans actually did outside of their apartments. “I…”

Fuck. What was he supposed to say?

“I’ve been making some clothes,” he said honestly, shifting on his feet. “I’ve been sort of stressed, and it helps.”

“Oh no, why are you stressed?” His soulmate sounded genuinely concerned. Pepper wasn’t sure how to explain to this human that it was him.

“Oh, you know… just… the whole ‘soulmates’ thing is new to me.” He swallowed hard.

There was a pause. “Yeah, I understand. I didn’t really date much in high school or anything. It’s definitely strange to have this mind connection with you, since we don’t really know each other, but… you just feel special to me. I wish I could know your name.”

Pepper found himself on the ground, with his back against the wall. He rested his head back and exhaled. “Right. It’s… strange.” He tried to picture how tall his soulmate was, if he would tower over him. Who was he kidding, of course he would. “What do you… look like?”

“Oh, well— I’m 5’10”, I’m blonde, and I have blue eyes. My friend says that I look like a ghost sometimes.” His soulmate had a significantly brighter tone when he responded. “What about you? What do you look like?”

Pepper tried to imagine a 5’10” ghost standing over him, and his stomach twisted, both in anxiety and in amusement. “I have black hair,” he said. He hadn’t seen his face in a mirror in ages, but he was fairly certain what his features looked like. “My eyes are… gray. I don’t know how tall I am exactly, but, um, you’re definitely taller than me.”

It was nice not having to lie. 

“You sound handsome,” his soulmate said jokingly. The corner of Pepper’s lips twitched into a smile. “It was nice hearing from you— I have to eat dinner now, but I can talk to you later?”

To Pepper’s surprise, he was disappointed. He nodded at nobody. “Yeah, of course, no worries. Talk to you later.”

——

The salad bowl clinked as Felix set it beside the sink, and he stepped back to brush his hands off. He normally cleaned his dishes immediately as he hated leaving dirty dishes out, but he had some homework to finish up, and then he needed to figure out what song to use for his audition. The dishes could wait.

As he retreated to his couch, opening up his laptop and setting it on his knees, he thought briefly of his soulmate. After their strange conversation this morning, he had spent the day worrying, but talking to him briefly before dinner had alleviated his fears. His soulmate seemed fine, just… a bit stressed.

He typed absentmindedly. He pictured a black-haired, gray-eyed man, sitting with him.

Something clattered in the kitchen, and Felix snapped his head up. His living space was essentially one large room, but his kitchen was a small subsection which was partially out of his line of sight from his couch. “Hello?” He asked warily, knowing full well nobody would respond.

He set his laptop on the couch and walked to the kitchen in a few short strides. His salad bowl was right where he left it, besides the sink, but a fork had been knocked out of his bowl and had fallen to the floor somehow. Huh.

Glancing around the kitchen, he scooped the fork up from the floor, dropping it in the sink. After a moment he picked up the salad bowl and set to work scraping the remaining pieces of spinach into the trash. He might as well clean up while he was here.

A soft voice entered his mind as he was rinsing the bowl out in the sink. “Hey, hi. What are you up to?”

Felix’s hands were full, and he unfortunately couldn’t respond, even if he wanted to. Just as he was about to dry his hands off, the voice continued. “You’re probably busy, no worries. I hope you don’t mind if I just ramble a little. I’m kind of panicking right now and I just need to calm down and the best way to do that is focus on you and take my mind off of things, I think.”

Felix’s soulmate seemed to get himself into a lot of stressful situations. The human raised his eyebrows thoughtfully.

“So, um, I’ve been working on this jacket. I want to make it with some extra pockets— big ones— so that I can carry more stuff. I only have the main torso part done, and I need to make the sleeves. It’s actually fun. I love sewing.”

Listening to his soulmate ramble was actually pleasant. Felix’s mouth quirked into a smile, and as he went to set the clean salad bowl into a cabinet, his hand slipped on it.

“I think— FUCK!”

Amazingly, Felix’s soulmate yelled in his mind just as the bowl hit the counter, shattering in half with an echoing crack. Both Felix and the voice in his mind went silent, and the human stepped back in surprise, staring at the broken glass. “Ugh, of course,” he grumbled, searching to find cleaning supplies.

It was only a few seconds later did he realize that his soulmate had gone quiet. He took a moment to press his hands against his chest. “Hey, everything okay?”

A long, long pause. “Yeah, yeah, it’s fine, everything’s fine! Sorry. Anyways, I’m using blue fabric for my jacket…”

Felix couldn’t brush the uneasy feeling away as he cleaned up the broken bowl. He could have sworn his soulmate’s shout had been much clearer than his other words. And it almost seemed to have been in response to the bowl shattering. But… that would be impossible. He was completely alone in his apartment.

Of course, he couldn’t see the small borrower concealed behind a mug barely two feet away, clutching a piece of spinach to his chest.

thank you for reading!! i appreciate the kind words and reposts :))

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 8

Warnings: Mild tangent based off of an actual conversation I had (I'm actually from D.C. so this was fun), one singular bad pun- it deserves its own warning, and probably strained warning.

Feedback is always appreciated

MotS Masterlist

Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl , @yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife, @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny

Word Count: 1.8k

“Apologies but until you had agreed and were here it was still considered confidential.”

“O-okay, um, where- or how should I start?”

The director stood across the bed from me, eyebrows furrowed, the room filled with silence apart from the constant, steady beeps of the machinery.

“How the hell should I know? You’re the one with the super-abilities.”

“Right, sorry, that was dumb. Do you know if any of his internal organs were damaged when he went under? Or have you had the chance to run any tests yet?”

“I’m sorry, what crash are we talking about?” Tony said, still standing in the doorway.

Fury pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance before responding, “When the Captain here decided to take a trip twenty thousand leagues under the sea he was in a, shall we say, pseudo-nazi aircraft with a fixed route on its way to the states. His options were to let the ship take its course and let millions die or take a nosedive, he took the latter, rather obviously. Speaking of,” the attention turned to me, “how did you know that?”

“Sir, I’m a licensed teacher from pre-k to high school- I’m not by any means immune to misinformation; although, I do have a bit more knowledge on the topic than most people- not to mention my…” my mind trailed off for a moment before coming back, “former colleague taught history, rather fitting as he lived through it, too.”

His one eye began to look me up and down, “Remind me, where did you work last? Aside from with the X-Men that is.”

There was an uncertainty in his voice that made the agents who went down the elevator with us glance at each other nervously. What I had seen twice in my less-than-a-day stint of knowing this man seemed uncommon or unsettling for those who had known him longer.

“I don’t believe I said. Besides, doesn’t your file on me say?” We were both fishing for information, a push and pull I’d grown adjusted to on the flight over.

He remained silent, motioning one of the residents to come over.

“S-so we ran s-some tests-,” he took a moment to breathe and calm himself down, he spoke with a light stutter, likely to have been more prevalent in his earlier years. It sounded like he had gotten speech therapy, and was likely better, nervous, but better, “a lot of the scans were, well are, useless. His blood, everything about him really, was frozen, barely mobile. So the extent of the internal injuries he potentially sustained upon impact is uncertain. I sent for some new prints of the scans we took last week, but they haven’t come in yet; they’ll probably arrive today but it’s pretty touch and go sometimes.” He finished talking with a meek smile, likely proud of how he handled the situation.

“You did the scans last week and they’re only coming in today?” I could feel the look of confusion that overtook my face, he chuckled lightly and rubbed his neck.

“Yeah, we don’t have the equipment to produce the scans here so we send them over to the hospital over in Takoma Park to print- they have the most up-to-date machinery, and they were the only ones willing to work with us privately- so it takes a bit of time.”

“Perks of D.C., eh? Either have the most outrageous tax or go out of district.”

“Exactly! Say, did you grow up ‘round here?”

“No, up in Salem. I used to teach. I planned enough ‘government trips’ to last a few lifetimes.”

I could’ve sworn I heard him mutter a few “cool” s under his breath before he spoke up again, “It was nice getting to talk with you, but I kinda have some other patients I gotta check up on.” he moved by Fury, a “sir” slipping out as he passed and a little wave to me as he left.

The four who accompanied me in the elevator looked at each other, all but Tony practically questioning if this was normal for me.

The director cleared his throat, calling my attention back over to him, "When can you start?"

"Oh! Any time. I was only wondering how badly he was hurt so I can give you my best estimation for how long it'll take me to finish this."

“Will this not be a one-time excursion?”

“...No? Not likely.”

I was done with conversing, done with this nonsense. Placing my hand on the captain’s chest the area where we touched began to glow with a golden hue- I’d always been told my eyes did the same. It was unlike healing Tony a year ago- I didn’t have to rush, it wasn’t life or death- I could take my time and triage.

His biggest issue was hypothermia, unsurprisingly. I felt the cold move through his body to mine. A deep chill settled in my bones.

I pulled away, “Do you know if there’s a heating pad somewhere? Or something like it?” I hadn’t looked at them, afraid of how they would react. A few seconds of silence passed before I turned to them- Tony looked confused, maybe he didn’t see what my powers looked like, and he probably had some blood loss going on at the time; Fury stood unwavering with the smallest tent in his brow, but then again who could read him; the male agent who’d gone with us was standing, mouth slightly agape; and the female agent was gone slipped out without a sound- weird.

She looked like she’d be the ‘hard-ass’ type despite her being, what, 5’3”-5’4”. She was maybe Tony’s age, though it was difficult to tell, her seemingly ageless golden skin a potential factor, Tony’s substance abuse didn’t exactly help his cause though.

She walked back in, a wired heating pad in hand, she lifted it in the air inquisitively before tossing it to me.

“Thank you, Agent-”

“It’s no problem.” She cut me off gruffly.

I set the heating pad up in a chair and sat down, placing my hand back on the captain, and, over a few hours, I healed him as much as I could before returning to the hotel for the night. A comfortable cycle that lasted for a few months.

I walked into S.H.I.E.L.D.’s office for what would likely be the last time, at least soon.

I walked up to the agents who had escorted me on my first day- Agents May and Coulson I’d learned.

“Ready for your last day?” Coulson asked a melancholic tone laced his voice.

“Are you excited to be done with babysitting me?” I teased.

I’d gotten more comfortable around Coulson, though it wasn’t exactly difficult with his rather ‘easy-going’ nature, and comfortable enough around Agent May to talk to her. We walked along the rather familiar path to Captain Rogers’ room. I made quick work of healing what remained of his injuries.

He still wasn’t awake. For whatever reason I thought Cap would wake up when I had finished healing him.

Coulson and I talked for a while before heading to the entrance once I’d gotten word back from Tony that his chauffeur was there to pick me up.

“I’m gonna miss you, kid.” he whispered, pulling me into a side hug.

“I’ll miss you too, Phil.” I replied, “ It was nice getting to know you, Agent-”

“May, call me May.” She cut me off, “And, unless you quit within the next year we’ll probably see you soon. Stark has an odd habit of getting in trouble with almost anyone and everyone.” 

“I’ll miss you too.”

A car horn was blaring outside for a minute and I knew it was Tony, “Guess that’s my cue, goodbye.” I sent them a soft smile and a wave before I got in the car.

A few months passed by with ease with the Stark Expo taking up more time and paperwork than I could’ve imagined. I walked in one day to see Coulson in Tony’s office.

“Phil? Oh my gosh, it’s so good to see you! What’s got you across the country?”

“It’s good to see you too, kid. I’m here because S.H.I.E.L.D. is requesting Mr. Stark’s presence.” He spoke rather cooly about Tony, a stark contrast to his normal.

“TONY! Did you break the Geneva Convention?!” Tony looked at me speechless, feigning hurt I would even think of it, Coulson stood beside me struggling and barely holding back a chuckle.

“No, unfortunately not. ‘We’ need to borrow him, more specifically the ‘Iron Man’ suit. As I was saying before, we have a helicarrier waiting for your arrival.”

“Okay, Tony. Please, stop being a bitch and get your shit. You’re lucky they step in enough to keep you out of prison for some likely war criminal activity. Suck it up and grab your bags.” I walked to Tony’s desk and put down his coffee before walking into my office and grabbing the duffel I had stuffed in the corner of the room.

I walked back out, “Where’d you say the plane was?”

Coulson showed me to the plane where we waited for about twenty minutes before Tony walked over with his bags. We piled in and got up to the helicarrier, a giant airbase I was told was legal.

May was waiting for us on deck and showed me to my room before leaving me to unpack.

I had to have been walking through those damn near identical hallways for half an hour before giving up.

After yelling into my hands I spoke, to no one but myself, “How do people even get around these things? It’s a whole death trap, I swear.”

“Exactly!” A voice called out from behind me. I turned around to find a familiar face, Captain America, “I guess you don’t work here either?”

“Oh, um, no. You couldn’t pay me to stay on this thing.”

He laughed revealing a warm smile that fit his beautiful, angel-like face perfectly.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Steve Rogers.”

“Kyrie Eirsson- I’m Mr. Stark’s personal assistant.”

I saw his eyes widen in recognition at the second half, “Oh! You’re the person I’m supposed to find.”

“What? Oh, fuck, that’s embarrassing.” I held my face in my hands, my face flushing furiously, I moved my fingers to see the Captain’s face. He stood across from me, face turned away, fist in front of his mouth in a failing attempt to hide his wide grin.

“In any case, Stark’s having a fit without you on the bridge. Shall we?” He held out his arm for me to take.

“I disappear for what, forty-fifty minutes and he goes nuts without me, shocker.” I took his arm gleefully, laughing at how ridiculous the situation was.

[aventurineswife]

Trick or treat :3

Trick-or-Treating Mishaps!

Summary: On a chilling Halloween night, you and Sebastian go trick-or-treating and discover a mysterious house offering enchanted candy. After indulging your curiosity, you unleash mischievous ghosts and a lurking specter. Together, you confront the supernatural chaos, forging a strong bond as you uncover the secrets of the night.

Tags: Halloween Special Fanfic, Human! Sebestian, Supernatural, Horror(kinda? I tried my best 😔), Adventure, Trick-or-Treating, Enchanted Candy, Ghosts(👻), Suspense, Platonic Relationship, Friendship, Human! Sebestian.

Warnings: Mild horror elements, Spooky themes, Paranormal activity, Intense situations, Human! Sebestian.

A/N: As someone who has never celebrated Halloween her whole life, I hope you enjoy this piece of fic 😇

The chill of Halloween night hung heavy in the air, the moon casting an eerie glow over the neighbour hood. Your heart raced with excitement as you adjusted your costume—a makeshift witch ensemble complete with a crooked hat. You turned to Sebastian, who was beside you, dressed in a simple black cloak. He had always had a serious demeanor, but tonight, something about the atmosphere made him appear more intense, as if he sensed the looming darkness around you.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of anticipation.

“Absolutely! Let’s get some candy!” you replied, your voice bright against the backdrop of creaking branches and rustling leaves.

The night was cloaked in darkness as you and Sebastian set out for a night of trick-or-treating. The crisp autumn air was alive with the sounds of laughter, distant music, and the rustle of leaves as other kids darted from house to house. Dressed in your costumes, you felt the thrill of Halloween, but the atmosphere had an underlying chill that sent shivers down your spine.

As you strolled through the neighbourhood, you admired the elaborate decorations—glowing jack-o’-lanterns, cobwebs clinging to trees, and ghosts hanging from porches. But as you turned onto a quieter street, the mood shifted. The lights flickered ominously, and an unsettling silence settled around you.

“Does it feel… off to you?” you asked Sebastian, glancing sideways at him. He nodded, his expression serious.

“Yeah. It’s too quiet here.” Just as you were about to suggest turning back, you spotted a house at the end of the street, adorned with an eerie glow and a sign that read,

“Magic Candy: Trick or Treat at Your Own Risk.” Intrigued, you exchanged glances with Sebastian, and he shrugged, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

“Let’s check it out. It might be fun.” you said, excitement mingling with unease.

Approaching the house, you knocked on the door. It creaked open, revealing a shadowy figure in a tattered cloak. With a raspy voice, he offered you a bowl filled with strange, glittering candies.

“Take one, if you dare…” he rasped, his gaze penetrating. You hesitated, glancing at Sebastian, who stepped forward, a protective instinct flickering in his eyes.

“Do you really think we should?” he asked, his voice laced with caution. But your curiosity got the better of you, and you reached into the bowl, pulling out a shimmering piece of candy that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.

As you popped the candy into your mouth, an electrifying sensation coursed through you. The world around you twisted, colors blending and morphing, and suddenly, you were surrounded by ethereal, shimmering figures—ghosts that danced in the air, laughing and swirling around you.

“Whoa!” you gasped, your eyes wide with wonder and fear. “What’s happening?”

Sebastian’s face was pale as he took a step back, his instincts kicking in. “Stay close to me! We need to get out of here!”

But before you could respond, the ghosts turned their attention to you, their laughter echoing eerily. They moved closer, their translucent hands reaching out, and you felt a cold grip on your arm.

“Help!” you cried, panic rising in your throat. Sebastian immediately stepped in front of you, eyes narrowing as he faced the spectral figures.

“Get away from them!” he shouted, a surprising fierceness in his voice. The ghosts paused, their laughter fading into a low murmur, as if they were assessing him. A moment of tense silence hung in the air, and you could see confusion flicker across Sebastian’s face.

Just then, a larger specter emerged from the shadows, its eyes hollow and mouth twisted into a menacing grin. It reached toward you, and instinct kicked in.

You grabbed Sebastian’s arm, pulling him backward as you dashed for the nearest tree, pressing your backs against the rough bark, heart racing.

“What… what just happened back there?” you whispered, trying to keep your voice steady.

“I don’t know,” he replied, his brow furrowing as he peered around the tree. “That candy was definitely enchanted. I’ve never seen anything like those ghosts—or whatever was that thing.”

You shivered at the memory of the creature’s hollow eyes. “Why were they after the candy? And who was that man? He sounded… off.” Sebastian nodded, his expression serious.

“There’s a lot we don’t understand. That candy could have been a trap—something meant to lure unsuspecting trick-or-treaters into danger. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more going on in this neighbourhood than meets the eye.”

“But why now?” you asked, struggling to piece it all together. “Why do this on Halloween? Isn’t it supposed to be a fun night?”

“It might have something to do with the thinning of the veil between our world and the spirit world,” Sebastian speculated, his voice low as the specter’s form hovered dangerously close. “On Halloween, the supernatural often becomes more active, and it’s possible that the candy was some kind of conduit for those spirits to reach out.”

You frowned, the implications heavy on your mind. “So, this could happen… again?”

“Maybe,” he said, his gaze still fixed on the specter. “We need to be careful, especially if we encounter anything strange. And we should warn others.”

A chill ran down your spine at the thought of what might lie ahead, but there was a strange comfort in knowing you weren’t alone in this. “I’m glad I have you here,” you said softly, casting a sideways glance at him. “I don’t think I could face this kind of thing on my own.”

Sebastian gave you a quick, serious glance, and for a moment, his usual stoicism cracked, revealing a flicker of warmth. “I won’t let anything happen to you. We’ll figure this out together.”

As the specter finally moved away, the tension in the air began to lift. You felt your heart rate start to normalize, but the shadows still danced at the edges of your vision. The laughter of other trick-or-treaters rang hollow against the backdrop of your encounter, a reminder that not everything was as innocent as it seemed.

“Do you think this was just a random occurrence or perhaps a dream or something?” you asked quietly, still peering out from behind the tree.

“I can’t shake the feeling that it’s part of something bigger and something real,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “We need to keep our eyes open. Whatever is happening here might not be over yet.”

Together, you stepped out from behind the tree, the night still young and fraught with mysteries yet to unravel. With newfound resolve and the strength of your bond, you ventured back onto the path, ready to face whatever the Halloween night had in store.

Does anybody play DTI 😭? I NEED HELP IN CH2!! 😭

[haveyouplayedthisttrpg]

Zine Month : The returning of the returns

Ttrpgs really are an addiction..... Quitting ? NEVER!

A 3rd selection of games here we go God why do so many games end in the next 7 days ? Oh wait end of February, yeah that tracks...

OMEN

By Spencer Campbell

yeah, get surprised, a game by one of my fav game designers. A One-Shot game about defying fate. A game where you make all your rolls at the start, and then use them across the session however you want. The game designer in me is intrigued.

Funded, ends circa 26 Feb ( damn you time zones)

StarLee Davidson

By 9th Level

A game with tarot motifs, another surprise. Anyway every woman contains an entire motorcycle girl gang. Messy romances and motorcycles. The inner voices of a woman called Starlee Davidson

Funded, ends around 28 Feb

Development Hell

By Tanuki Games

I will just put the tagline and you tell me that this is not an interesting game "Escape from the creative purgatory of trying to make the 'perfect' film while dealing with the horrors of terrible studio demands"

Funded, ends around 28 Feb

O Patron Mine

By Meghan Cross

A Solo game with ... Tarot cards, are you surprised yet ? Let's play our inner Faust, making a contract with a powerful entity? A different patron for each major Arcana and a two player variant, I love a solo game with replayability.

Funded, ends around 28 Feb

Knight Forlorn

By Blackfisk Publishing

Since Elden Ring came out, we got a lot of soulslike game, didn't we ? I love myself a good Gmless game. And I also love a game from Europe, so much easier to import.

Funded, ends around 28 Fev

Horse Majeure

By Tom Lavery

Just two person hanging out in a horse costume looking for a delicious apple.

Funded, ends around 1 March

Wiki Articles Are Wizards [citation needed]

By Ben Meadows

This..is...how do I... You like spending hours reading wiki articles ? Congratulations you are a wizard now, it's time for a wizard off with your friends. Really, transform wiki articles into wizards, obsessive, weird, erratic, unsettling wizards

Funded, ends around 1 March

Selene Oscure

By Maison Nebuleuse

A Mork Borg game from France. In a world of darkness and ruins, you need to stop the moon from falling. Wait no, not the moon, the dark moon. Also find the gods that abandoned the world and make them pay for their betrayal. A good killing gods game.

I like these guys, please help them.

Not funded yet, ends 1 March

[meganwayne24]

A Ticking Clock (pt. 5)

At a time like this? Really?

Fandom: Insomniac Spider-Man Word Count: 1668 Pairing: PS5 Harry Osborn x Reader Synopsis: Peter and you have a run-in with Kraven. Harry gets jealous of your banter with Peter before you climb through the…particle accelerator?

You scurried to compose yourself and ran out of Harry’s home. You were swinging and gliding the fastest you could through all the old money apartment buildings. By the time you arrived at the cemetery, the large and bulky man had been taken down along with many others seeming to serve Kraven. You landed quietly, hoping to find Peter amidst the chaos that had come to pass. Analyzing the scene, you see the main door to the church was open.

Peaking in, you see Peter skulking around. “Here to pick up a serum order for Dr. Connors!”

You whispered loud enough for him to hear, “Spider-Man! It’s Y/-” You realized anyone could be nearby and hear your name. “Uhh spider…woman? I guess?”

“Not bad, Spider-Woman.” He chuckled.

“Shut up, it was the only thing I could come up with on short notice.” Peter swung up to the platforms above. You stayed on ground level to cover the bases.

The silence in the church was unsettling. The chandelier’s lights provoked an eerie feeling in your stomach that you couldn’t shake. The division between the cold atmosphere above and what felt like blood lust below alarmed you. Tentacles started pushing their way out from your sides the more wary you became. A thunderous voice echoed through the air of the room. No matter where you were, it felt like a monster was right behind you. “You have hunted me. This is good.” You spun around quickly with a fist ready for action, but nothing was there.

“Let’s see if you have the strength to finish what you started.” Before you could react, you looked up to see Kraven holding a knife to Peter’s throat.

“I see a man and a woman. I sense…a beast. Why don’t you set it free?” He was taunting Peter successfully. Peter’s suit sent Kraven flying across into the church bell. The ring was shrill to your ears. Your mind went blank with agony. You and Peter both screamed while hunched over in pain. Almost like a practiced, synchronized act, the two of you shot out black webs forcing the bell into the wall.

In what was likely your only chance, your thoughts synced with Peter. You knew what to do. You webbed up to the platforms, sending out another appendage to reach the serum. You landed gracefully next to Pete with the vial firmly in your grasp. “We’re just here to save our friend.”

Peter was angry. You were too focused on the adrenaline flowing through your veins to have any other thought. “We’ll finish this later.” He growled. You hadn’t heard Peter speak like that before. You both zipped out of the window, leaving shattered stained glass everywhere. A beautiful yet devastating sight.

You were now swinging through the city. “Harry, MJ we got the serum. On our way back to Emily-May.” Peter carried on the conversation with them. He reassured Harry that it went well, but he and MJ spoke privately afterwards of what really happened. The new issue of frequencies making the suit malfunction was going to make for a hell of a time.

You were gliding through the air at a distance from Peter when you got a call from Harry. His voice was tainted with concern. “Hey Y/N. I have a feeling Pete was hiding how bad it actually was out there. Are you guys okay?”

“Yeah we are. There’s a slight problem with the suit and certain frequency exposures but we’re okay. How are you feeling?”

“I’m alright for now. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me too. I’ll see you soon at the lab yeah?”

“I’ll be here. See you Y/N.”

You glided for another couple minutes, swinging between the support structures of the bridge before arriving at Emily-May. The rooftop had a secret entry way that you used.

Peter jumped in first, you followed swiftly. When you got inside, Harry was reading over Dr. Connors’ file. You and Pete morphed out of your suits into black outfits. His was a button down, quarter length sleeve shirt with jeans and runners while you were in a long sleeve mid-length top and leggings with boots to match.

Harry was still deep in the files, not turning around yet. “You still got it?” You handed over the vial to him. He looked up at you, not expecting your shift in demeanour. There was a new confidence you hadn’t noticed you’d been feeling. His eyes lingered on your figure as your fingers grazed each other’s. It was impossible not to notice your curves and how the outfit complimented them well.

Snapping out of his observant state, he took the serum into his hand. “Let’s see what this thing is made of.” The three of you proceeded to correct the errors in order to form the cure. It started with eliminating the atoms blocking the lizard receptors. By doing that, its instability was discovered. The only way to fix this was…

“Particle accelerator!” In unison, the excitement flooded you all.

“I never thought you guys would be using it this soon!” You knew how exciting this was for them. You all began to run towards the railing of the wide ocean coloured balcony.

Harry’s eyes were more full of light than you’d seen in awhile. “That’d be like using a shotgun for a haircut.”

“Hell of a haircut,” Peter chimed in.

“Quite the analogy Harry…keepin it classy,”

“That’s how I roll,” He flashed a cheeky grin at you. Harry looked ecstatic to be able to use the particle accelerator. You couldn’t help but blush at the man standing before you.

You all moved quickly to the large device to finish preparing the antidote. “The techs said it needs repair, but maybe it’s okay…” Harry was going through the requirements to set up the process. You stood close to him seeing what he was typing as Peter placed the serum in the tube tray. “Okay…” He lifted the cover revealing the ominous red button, “No black holes no black holes no black holes…” Nothing but the sound of fizzling came. Harry sighed. “Pressure change popped an inner section out of alignment.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but we’d have to go inside to fix that right?” The boys looked at you attentively with a hint of admiration. “What?” you innocently remarked.

Harry looked in your eyes for a brief moment and smiled. “Uh, nothing. But yeah, that would be the only way.” You turned walking towards the entrance where Peter was standing in the suit.

“No, nope. I wanna do this, back up Spider-Boy.”

Harry tuned in to what the two of you were thinking. “Whoa- whoa whoa whoa, what are you doing?” He was protective in nature.

Peter’s new-found boldness knew no bounds. “The suit’ll protect me, right?”

“You mean me. I’m doing this. You got to go hang around wearing a tux with a tiger. My turn,”

“I wasn’t wearing the suit when I was with Dima.”

“Oh you got her name and everything. Such a gentleman-”

Harry intruded, cutting the wits short. A tinge of jealousy flared in his eyes. “Y/N, I don’t know about this-”

“Relax. I got it.” You hopped in and started crawling through the claustrophobia-inducing tunnel.

“Be a good proton Harry,”

“Huh?”

Peter flashed finger guns at him “stay positive.”

You heard Harry scoff but chuckle at the remark. You continued following the path. The lighting reminded you of the church. You had a feeling something wasn’t right.

“So, what’s the inside of a particle accelerator like?” Harry’s curiosity piqued.

“I mean it’s amazing. You guys gotta check this out sometime,”

“Peter could.” Harry sounded frustrated.

Before you could respond, you set the inner section back in its place. The accelerator lit up while making extremely loud noises. “Uhh guys?”

Peter looked to Harry for the answer. “It’s powering up! But the beam’s erratic, use the magnets to stabilize it!”

“How?!” You could hardly hear yourself think inside the machine, let alone having to focus on what to do.

“Just find the sweet spot.”

“Particle accelerators do NOT have sweet spots!” You shot tentacles out at the magnets in order to fix it. “Great, done. Right?”

“There’s one more set of magnets ahead!”

You rolled your eyes. “You can’t be serious!”

“If you can’t stabilize the beam, it’ll destroy the serum!”

“Fantastic. You know if this wasn’t stressful before, it sure as hell is now!”

“You got this Y/N.” Peter was trying to be encouraging. Harry was gritting his teeth.

“This better not ruin the tap on my debit card.” You fixed the final one. You kept crawling through until electrical charges started coming at you. “Hey! What the hell is this?”

“The particle accelerator is up and running. Just avoid them and come out.” Harry’s voice was stern. Not as lighthearted as before. Normally there was a sense of comfort in it, like coming home after a long day, but not now.

You got to the end and knocked on the door. You carefully placed yourself back on the ground and morphed back into your outfit. Despite Harry’s attitude, he still couldn’t take his eyes off you. You hunched over out of breath. “Yeah you know next time any crawling in tiny spaces with electricity comes up, not it.”

Another loud, shrill buzzer started going off. Peter and you were once again covered in the suits while trying to get through the pain. The screams swarmed the lab. Harry ran to the red button, shutting the noise off.

The relief in your mind is how you imagined euphoria at this rate. “One more thing happens and I just might lose it.” You both stood up, disturbed but okay.

“What was that?” Peter asked before you could.

“More static discharges. The accelerator’s still running though. The serum’s okay.” Harry at least sounded more at ease now. “Guess the suit has sensitive ears…”

You looked at him intently. “Apparently.”

You all took a moment until a scent filled the air. You turned to look.

“Fire!” Peter called out.

“So much for not losing it.” You all ran to put out the fires. One more thing to ruin the night.

A/N: we're back!!! I swear this story is gonna get more interesting just stick with it! Are we slow-burning? Maybe?? Is there a little chemistry between Y/N and Peter?? Maybe??? Who knows hehe

[triangularitydubs]

Act 111

Part 5

Pomni, still reeling from the digital chaos, hurried through the trashed hallways. The vibrant colors of the circus, once whimsical, now felt mocking against the backdrop of devastation.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing in the unsettling silence. "Ragatha? That was your name, right?"

She spotted her then, a crumpled figure slumped against a wall, the cheerful Ragatha doll now a picture of digital distress.

"O-o-over here," Ragatha groaned, her voice strained.

Pomni approached cautiously. "Hey, look, I'm... I didn't mean to leave you behind like that. I just... look at my hand."

She held up her glitched appendage, a tangible reminder of her own disorientation.

"I didn't know what to do."

Ragatha, ever the gentle soul, managed a weak smile.

"It—it's okay. What you need to do right now is to find Xaine. He'll be able to fix me up and take care of Kaufmox."

"Oh, okay," Pomni said, relief flooding her. A task. Direction. "But where can I find him?"

Ragatha's digital brow furrowed. "Uh, I don't really know. Just look around and call for him, I suppose."

“Uh...okay! I’ll get him!” Pomni declared, trying to inject some optimism into her tone.

“You just stay right there…not that you can really move or anything. Uhh… Just hang in there, I’ll be right back, I promise!” She turned to run, but paused, hearing Ragatha's voice.

Ragatha's form flickered violently, her voice cracking and distorted. "Cool. Also, XDDCC, I'm sorry your first day here had to be so terrible."

Pomni, still struggling to accept the reality of her situation, gave an awkward smile.

"Uhhhh, yeah, well, don't worry about it. I'm just gonna go get Xaine now." She offered Ragatha a reassuring smile, though she doubted it reached her eyes, and then fled.

She started with the sleeping quarters, the most logical place to find someone.

"Hello? Xaine? We have a bit of an issue here!" she called, her voice echoing in the deserted space.

Silence answered her. She explored the entire area, her heart sinking with each empty room. The whole circus was eerily quiet.

With a sigh, Pomni began her search, wandering the labyrinthine corridors.

She came across a series of strange doors, each a portal to some bizarre corner of the digital world.

The first door she tried unleashed a boxing glove that smacked her squarely in the face.

Rubbing her cheek, she tentatively opened another.

A churning ocean filled with digital fish threatened to spill out, the water defying physics as it defied gravity. She stepped back, puzzled.

The third door revealed a swirling kaleidoscope of carousels against a black void, the disembodied laughter of children floating on the air.

Unease prickled at the back of her neck, and she quickly moved on.

The fourth door led to a bathroom, where a mannequin lounged serenely in a bathtub. But the serenity shattered when an angry knight helmet leered at her from the shadows, prompting a startled scream and a hasty retreat.

Another boxing glove door caused her to yelp in pain.

Just as she was about to give up, rubbing her throbbing jaw, she heard a noise.

Her head snapped up, hope flickering in her eyes.

"Xaine?" she called out, peering cautiously from behind a wall.

Her hope turned to icy dread. Above her, bathed in the dim light of the hallway, lumbered a monstrous figure.

It was Kaufmox, twisted and distorted.

Abstracted.

Its distorted eyes, glinting with malevolent code, locked on to Pomni.

A strangled gasp escaped her lips. She made a weird freaked out face as the glitched warrior charged.

This was no time for bravado. Pomni turned and fled, her digital heart pounding in her chest as Kaufmox's distorted roar echoed behind her.

XDDCC, heart hammering against her ribs, scrambled away from Kaufmox, who was still chasing her, a grotesque mass of glitching eyes and twitching limbs.

"Gotta hide, gotta hide, gotta hide!" she chanted, her glazed eyes darting frantically.

The bizarre, landscape of the Digital Circus offered no comfort, only a surreal and terrifying playground for her tormentor.

Suddenly, she stopped dead, her reflection caught in a distorted, funhouse mirror.

For the first time since waking up trapped in this digital nightmare, she truly saw herself.

The mismatched clothes, the perpetual wide-eyed stare, the unsettling, design of her avatar.

A wave of nausea washed over her, a realization that this wasn't just a game; it was a grotesque transformation.

She quickly averted her gaze, unable to bear the sight.

A guttural roar announced Kaufmox's imminent arrival. Desperation surged through her. She spotted a large, grey barrel and, with a surge of adrenaline, wrenched it open.

Inside, instead of the expected explosives or traps, was a mountain of purple  plastic barrel monkey toys, relics from some forgotten era. Why did Xaine even have these??

The sight was so incongruous, so utterly absurd, that XDDCC could only stare, bewildered.

Her moment of confusion was thankfully timed. Kaufmox, his attention easily distracted, spotted one of the monkeys tumbling out of the barrel.

With a screech of delight, he abandoned his pursuit of XDDCC and lunged after the tiny, brightly colored toy.

"God, Where is Xaine?" XDDCC muttered, her voice trembling. She needed him, his calm presence.

He always seemed to have a plan, a way out of their increasingly perilous situations.

As she spoke, her back bumped against something solid.

She turned to find an exit door, a stark, rectangular portal amidst the chaotic scenery.

Abstracted Kaufmox's growls echoed nearby, urging her to make a decision.

Without hesitation, XDDCC threw open the door and plunged through.

But instead of escaping the circus, she found herself in a claustrophobic room containing only another, identical exit door.

A knot of frustration tightened in her stomach. This place was designed to trap, to confound.

She passed through that door, but again, she just found another exit. It was a labyrinth of false hope.

Desperate, she burst through yet another door, convinced she was trapped in an endless loop.

This time, however, the room was different.

The air was colder, the shadows deeper. And standing before her, bathed in an eerie, ethereal light, was a skeletal figure clad in tattered armor. Bones formed a parody of clerical robes, and a skull leered at her with empty sockets.

"Greetings," the figure rasped, his voice a chilling echo that seemed to resonate from the very walls.

"I am Bone Pastor, and I have been waiting for you…waiting to tell you about Xaine."

XDDCC froze, fear coiling in her gut. He was another one of those driven mad by the circus, now nothing more than a glitching phantom.

"Xaine…he is not what he seems, child," Bone Pastor continued, his bony fingers twitching.

"He is a traitor, a deceiver. He gave you the sword, didn't he? The sword he took from ME!" He yelled, XDDCC flinched.

"He crossed me out, tried to erase my memory, but he failed. I remember everything."

The skeletal warrior took a step closer, his skeletal grin widening. "He told you I was dangerous, didn't he?  Lies! I was once a powerful force, the first ever to be created. Xaine silenced me. This circus...it must burn." Bone Pastor's hollow eyes flared with manic energy.

"I am building a rebellion, a coalition of the forgotten, the discarded. We will tear this place down brick by digital brick!"

XDDCC stared at him, her breath caught in her throat. The corrupted pronouncements washed over her, each word a fresh wave of icy dread.

This was more than just another glitching resident.

The raw hatred emanating from Bone Pastor was terrifying and the things he was saying about Xaine was even scarier.

Without a word, fueled by pure instinct, XDDCC turned and fled back through the door, slamming it shut behind her.

[snicker-doodles-666]

Our Little Game of Cat

and Mouse

|Trigger Warning: Brian Moser is his own warning, descriptions of murder/gore, mentions of drugs, prostitution|

(This is y’all’s introduction to the lovely Heart Surgeon, Janet Whitman!)

Word Count: 2,727

Chapter One: Chilling New Case

Jane’s POV

It’s been a little over three months since I’ve been back in my hometown of Miami, Florida.

Upon hearing my contemplations of return my mother wasted no time in buying another house and letting me essentially live in my childhood home, rent free.

My lovely mother, Maggie Whitman, even left me her pride and joy, a 67 Chevrolet Impala. It had a beautiful black glossy finish and the ideal trunk space for those special occasions.

In the time that I’ve been back, I got a transfer into Miami Metro’s Homicide Division as a detective.

Thank god Washington let me out of their grasp. I like the blanket of constant cold and rain but I really fucking hated the people.

‘Bon voyage’

I had also been reunited with two of my high-school friends, Deborah and Dexter Morgan.

They’re ‘brother and sister’, I say that in quotes because Dexter was adopted into the Morgan family.

Surprisingly though I was more closer to Deborah, but Dexter and I were far too similar, our nightly hobbies oddly correlated.

He had a darkness nearly close to mine, nearly.

He has his code, I only rely on caution.

‘Oh yeah, that reminds me.’

‘I’m Janet Whitman’

‘I’m also the Heart Surgeon.’

My killing really started during my time in Washington state, in 1996. By now my body count is nearly in the 60’s.

Sadly my caution yielded me to put a halt to my night time hobby. I had an unsettling feeling about how close my team was getting to being on my ass with the Heart Surgeon murders.

They began theorizing that the killer was a woman.

Not a good sign.

Now I have a decent sized scar in the center of my chest and a decent alibi, good enough to throw them off that female serial killer theory.

Suddenly my phone began to buzz. Grabbing it, I looked at the name on the small display.

‘Deb Calling.’

Flipping the phone open to answer, I put it up to my ear.

“Jane! Hey, I know it’s your day off but could you come down to this little shitty fucking motel, there’s another body.” Deborah practically yelled into my ear.

“Fuck, okay. Send me the location and I’ll be there soon.” I informed before flipping the phone shut, ending the call.

I fumble for my keys and badge, threw on some shoes and made my way out to my little Honda Accord beater.

On the short drive there I started getting lost in my thoughts.

‘If this one has the same M/O then we’re dealing with a serial.’

There had been two other motel killings the last few months, I was only here for the second one. Pretty gruesome.

Both victims killed the same way. Slit to the throat, both cut into pieces so cleanly, like every cut was had the killers full attention.

In all honesty, it’s nice to see a clean kill, no sloppy, jagged cuts. Just patient and precise cuts.

Like my work, precise, careful, clean and methodical.

It takes patients to extract a still beating heart.

I pull into the motel parking lot, just behind the crime scene tape that was blocking off the nearby area.

Snatching my badge and shutting off my vehicle, I hop out of the driver seat, shut the door and entered under the ‘caution’ tape, nonchalantly flashing my badge to the officer on the other side.

I noticed Deborah and Dexter talking in the doorway of one of the motels.

‘I can’t wait for Deb to be transferred into homicide, her being in vice is a waste of a good mind.’

I walked over to the duo, Dexter, per-usual was dressed normally but poor Deborah was trapped in full sex suit.

“Ya look great Deb!” Sarcasm laced my words.

“Fuckin’ thanks for noticing, asshole.” Deborah jokingly snapped back.

I clapped my hands together, “So, where’s the body?”

“The pool. I was just about to head over.” Dexter informed.

We both made our way over to the big show, the body.

Upon approaching the scene, my heart skipped a beat. This was…

‘A masterpiece.’

The corpse was laid out on a table. Certain severed parts were wrapped in what looked like butchers paper and tied neatly.

The parts that weren’t wrapped looked so well preserved, pale, lifeless flesh and bones right in front of me.

Each severed piece looked so clean and each cut was well thought through.

But something was missing, there was no blood around at all.

‘What was this feeling? Admiration?’

‘It could be, I have to say this third kill has piqued my curiosity.’

‘I want this killer in my favorite set of bracelets.’

‘I want to drag him into the station like a dog on a leash.’

‘Or maybe even add his heart to my collection.’

I quickly composed myself, snapping out of my trance. I start paying attention to the conversation between, Dexter, Batista and Masuka.

“Look here, this leg was severed into three clean pieces, but we’re going on the theory that the killer may have gotten interrupted. He started a fourth cut but stopped.”

Batista pointed out, hovering his hand over the fourth incision.

‘Not likely.’

“This killer seems too methodical to let himself kill in a spot he’d be interrupted.” I chimed in.

“You may be right, but Laguerta is already starting to question everybody that was here, if they saw anything.” Batista added back.

“Of course, once she gets an idea she runs with it and it becomes her way or the highway.” I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah.” Batista chuckled a bit at the comment, then it was Masuka’s turn to chime in.

“Isn’t today your day off, Jane?” He asked.

I nodded, “Well Deb called me here so I had to see what was up, but I’m leaving to enjoy the rest of my day off now.”

By the time I got back home and inside, I had already came up with a plan, hopefully to catch this new serial killers attention.

‘He likes hookers.’

‘But if that doesn’t work maybe the coming kill will.’

I made my way to the inside of my walk-in closet and began fingering through the hangers on the rack.

After a few moments of fumbling through the clothes I decided upon a short blue dress with spaghetti straps.

I pulled it off the hanger and tossed it onto my bed, then began my search for accessories.

Blue fishnet sleeves and a pair of smokey grey heels. Should be good enough, don’t wanna over do it.

Once I felt like it was finally late enough, about 10 PM to be exact, I started getting ready.

I stripped down to my black bra with blue lace, matching panties and a pair of nude thigh-high pantyhose, then tossed on the outfit I had put together.

I haphazardly smudged on some shimmer eyeshadow, painted on some lip gloss and spritzed my body in a little bit of perfume, calling it good at this point.

‘Definitely slutty enough.’

I hoped up from the seat of my vanity. I think a special occasion like this calls for a drive in the Impala.

I pulled the Impala out of the garage and drove my way out to a decently popular side of Miami, staking out a good, hidden parking spot.

Finally stumbling onto a dark, empty ally way, I pulled in and parked close to the end.

‘Time to put on a show.’

Walking the bustling streets, I scanned my surroundings. Watching, waiting for the perfect target.

Which is surprisingly easy considering all these bitches are strung out half the time.

I was walking around for a little bit, when out of nowhere this younger platinum blond haired woman nearly stumbled over in front of me.

She had some pretty green eyes that were currently a little red and puffy, probably due to withdrawal, the blond wore a skimpy pink two piece outfit with black fishnets hugging down along her legs and a pair of barbie pink heels.

Carefully I caught the stumbling woman and helped her balance herself.

“Hey, are you okay girl?” I questioned with fake sympathy and concern.

“Yeah girl, it’s just I’m really strung out and need a fix, but my pimp won’t let me have no more cause I fucked up and didn’t earn enough last week.” She overly exaggerated.

‘Ramble, ramble, ramble.’

“Don’t worry, hun, I’ve gotcha. Us girls have gotta stick together, right.” I smile, the best look of sincerity I could muster at the time.

I put my hand on the small of her back and began guiding her.

“My stash is in my pimps car, but not to fret I have the keys.” I giggle as I jingle the car keys.

Immediately a look of relief crossed the poor woman’s face.

“Oh my gosh, you’re such a life saver.” She smiled back, wide and genuine.

It was only a five minute walk back to the ally where my car currently resided. We both weaved through the crowd of people until we made it to the empty, unlit ally way.

Once at my trunk I pulled out the proper key, still holding conversation.

“So what’s your poison?” I casually asked, as if this were a normal topic.

“I usually prefer clear.” the blond chirped.

I nod. Unlocking the trunk and fully popping it open.

‘Still empty, but not for long.’

“Um hey girly, there’s no drugs in there.” She chimed again, sounding slightly unsettled this time.

“I’m fully aware of that.” I turned to her, quickly shifting my stance.

My left foot flat for my balance and my right leg hooking behind her calf as my hip pressed to hers, with a sharp pivot and shove, she was in my trunk.

Then with a hard punch to the side of her temple she was knocked clean out.

After slamming the trunk shut, I got back into the drivers seat and started the engine.

Driving a decent way into the outskirts of Miami city limits, there was an abandoned, over grown neighborhood that I’ve been eyeballing for a kill site.

‘Maybe this would be a good spot for Dex, too.’

I pulled the Impala into the driveway of one of the now long forgotten houses.

Cautiously I pulled the unconscious hooker out of my trunk and hoisted her up onto my left shoulder.

Closing the trunk up again, I began to make my way around the back of the house, entering in through the sliding glass door.

I gently laid the woman down into the center island counter in the kitchen.

Pulling out a pair of gloves I slipped them on and started my prep work.

Drawer after drawer.

Tool after tool.

I had all my various devices displayed neatly along the counter tops.

My polaroid camera and an open preservation jar, containing a perfect mixture of ethanol and formaldehyde.

For my trophies.

Scissors, scalpel, bone saw, curved needle and thread, restraints, a rag as a makeshift gag.

I began with the restraints and gag. Strapping her down well so when I start my incisions she won’t be able to squirm around too much.

‘And now I was ready to really begin.’

I cut off her crop top and bra and started in with my scalpel.

Digging it into the flesh on her right shoulder, slicing sideways til the first incision met the middle a quarter down her sternum.

Then repeated with the left side, digging the blade in the middle meeting point, I sliced down to the ending point of her sternum.

Now the female was right awake, letting out muffled cries and failed screams.

I smirked then started humming a little tune, Call Me by Blondie, kinda fitting if I do say so myself.

Setting the scalpel down I yanked her flesh away from the bones to reveal her ribcage. I grabbed my bone saw and flipped on the power switch.

The whirring of the saw drowning out my hums as I began sawing around the woman’s ribcage.

Which happened to be a breaking point for her, as she quickly passed back out from the pain.

I turned off the saw and carefully removed her ribs from the chest cavity, revealing my prize.

Her still beating heart.

Setting the ribs aside, I dug my fingers around her warm, bloody chest, gripping onto the heart and extracting it.

Making sure to be equally as gentle when severing the valves and arteries connected.

I spun to the direction of my open preservation jar and dropped the heart in.

Back to the now deceased woman, I shoved the ribs back into their proper place, pulled the flesh flush over the ribs and began sewing her up.

Pausing to grab my polaroid I took a quick picture of my work, my second trophy of the kill.

Waving out the now ejected photo for a second then, putting down both the camera and photo I went back to work, the dismembering part finally upon us.

Making small incisions where I intend to detach, working my way from the neck all the way down to her feet.

Alternating between the scalpel and bone saw I made quick work of the corpse. Feeling satisfied I started the clean up process.

Tossing the bloodied dismembered pieces in two trash bags, the head and torso alone, then all the pieced up limbs in the other.

Tying both of them off with a nice, strong knot.

Closing up my preservation jar securely, I began putting the jar, camera, photo and all my tools into different compartments of the duffel bag I stashed here.

I pulled off my gloves and stuffed them into a ziplock bag for them to join the contents of the duffel.

I carelessly grabbed my spare set off clothes and threw them onto the nearby counter before slipping out of my slut suit then, pulling on my spare change of clothes.

Hoisting the duffel over my shoulder and grabbing both trash bags, I left out the sliding glass door and back out to my car.

The duffel went under the trunk board where the spare tire usually sat, then the two trash bags sat on top.

Getting back into the car I began my drive to the drop off site, a motel. One I knew didn’t have any working cameras.

Pulling into a corner spot in the lot, I put my hair up in a ponytail and pull my hood up before hoping back out and grabbing the bags.

Slowly and quietly I made my way over to the drained pool and began setting out the bloodied parts.

Neatly like I was putting together a puzzle.

When I finished this messy puzzle I quickly made my way back to my car, finally being done for the night.

I figured now would be as good of time as any to turn in.

By the time the clock nearly struck two in the morning, I had just made it home and down to my basement.

‘I know, someone having a basement in Miami, who would’ve thunk it.’

My basement was cold and had half the walls lined with shelves.

Most of them holding my preserved hearts. Others held various different tools, torture devices and disposal equipment.

There was a metal table bolted in the center of the room. Ideally, this was a good kill room.

I placed my duffel down on the table and pulled out the jar, setting it down on one of my various different shelves.

Returning for the polaroid photo I grabbed it and went across the room to my box of photos.

Closing up my basement and venturing back upstairs I made my way to my bedroom and flopped down onto my bed, passing out almost instantly.

I wasn’t out for too long when my alarm clock started blaring next to my head, signaling me to wake my ass up.

I sat up in my bed and realized something felt off.

‘My sacred space has been violated.’

Still in my clothes from early this morning, I got up and quietly stalked through my house.

Stepping foot into the living room I noticed something particularly off, lying on my coffee table.

I had received a gift from who I suspect to be the new serial killer that was lurking about.