#and small children hold hands all the time

[mytherapyisreading14]

Magic Tricks

Summary: You are celebrating Henry’s birthday but when Spencer shows some magic tricks, his hands quickly become a distraction to you

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female Reader

Category: Fluff, Smut (18+ MDNI)

Warnings: mentions of alcohol consumption, kissing, dirty talk, hand kink, praise kink, choking, fingering, oral sex, multiple orgasms, creampie, unprotected sex (stay safe y’all)

Word Count: 3,5k

Authors Note: This is the first time I wrote smut, so please let me know if I forgot any warnings/ if there’s anything to improve! Hope you enjoy :)

It's a sunny afternoon, the garden is full of life and everyone came to celebrate Henry's birthday today. Henry is currently sitting on a small wooden bench surrounded by his friends while Spencer shows them his favorite magic tricks. He lets cards slide through his fingers, pulls handkerchiefs out of the air and amazes the children - especially Henry, who sits there with his eyes wide open almost the entire time.

"What do you think, Henry? Ready for something you've never seen before?" Spencer stands in front of the boy and raises his hands, which start to intertwine in a fluid movement. “Yes, definitely!" Henry says enthusiastically.

Spencer quickly brings one of his hands down and pulls a glittering ring out of the air, which immediately appears in his other hand. "Look here, Henry, it's really easy,” Spencer says with a wink. “Wooooow!" the children shout in unison and Henry claps euphorically.

You, sitting next to Penelope on another bench, are also completely fascinated - but you're not just looking at the ring or the tricks. Your gaze keeps wandering to Spencer, to his hands to be precise, which performed the magic with such precision. It's not just the art of magic that captivated you, but also the man himself.

How skillfully his fingers move, how naturally he juggled the small objects - all of this makes your thoughts drift away. The fact that you’ve been in love with him for years now makes it even worse. You imagine how his hands would touch you, how he would hold you when...

You suddenly hear your name and flinch. You didn't even really hear him talking to you, as your thoughts were far away from the magic trick. "Are you even listening to me?" Spencer asks. "Why are you staring at my hands all the time?" You freeze. Suddenly you are so aware of the situation that you almost feel like everyone in the circle is watching you.

Your cheeks turn red. "Uh... I... I just wanted to know how the trick works," you stammer. Penelope, who is sitting right next to you, couldn't help but giggle and whispered to you: "Sure, that must have been the reason..."

"Yes! Exactly," you answer way too quickly. "I... wanted to find out how you did it!" Spencer looks at you for a while, then nods. “Sometimes, it's better if you don't understand the trick," he says with a mysterious smile. "Otherwise the real magic is lost." You try not to blush any more. "Of course, that's true," you murmur and try to relax. Penelope, who is watching the whole situation with a grin, giggles quietly.

Spencer turns back to his magic tricks, but his gaze keeps wandering over to you. You try to look away from his hands now, but unfortunately it's all to no avail. You find yourself looking at his hands and your thoughts wandering in another direction, and Penelope, noticing this, nudges you teasingly with her elbow. "Looks like our genius is enchanting you even more today than usual," she says.

To get out of the situation and keep a clear head, which is never possible around him, you stand up. "I'll get a drink," you mutter. "Good idea," Penelope says with a cheeky grin as you walk towards the house. The other children are busy watching the magic tricks again, but you can't shake the thought of Spencer.

His hands, which unleashed the magic so precisely and elegantly, preoccupied you much more than you would like to admit. You wonder what else he could do with those hands - if it wasn't just about magic tricks.

Spencer, who is busy with the children and their enthusiasm, casts a quick glance at Penelope, who looks at him with an amused smile. He goes over to her while the children continue to marvel and chat. Spencer casts a glance in the direction you went and then wonders if he missed something. “Tell me, Penelope,” Spencer begins, “do you also think she was acting a bit strange just now?”

Penelope laughs. "Oh, come on, Spencer. She was completely distracted." Spencer raises his eyebrow. "By my hands?" he asks, now slightly amused and curious. "Why?" Penelope looks at him and then grins widely. "Well, because she... watched pretty closely how you used them. She was completely fascinated," she explains.

“Fascinated?" Spencer repeats, now even more confused. "And what's so fascinating about that?" Penelope shakes her head and laughs softly. "Come on, you genius, do you really have no idea?" She clicks her tongue and looks at him with an expression that was almost too good-natured to be serious. "Um... no, not really," Spencer replies, looking at her confused. "Explain it to me."

Penelope raises her hands in an innocent gesture. "You're a genius, you should be smart enough to figure that out on your own." She winks at him and then stands up. "I'm going over to the others. Use your clever head properly," she says and then walks towards the house. Spencer ponders, the explanation has triggered something in him, but he still can't quite figure out what exactly Penelope meant.

Then he decides to tell Morgan - who is standing on the other side of the garden - about the previous conversation. He had no idea what had just happened, but something told him that he had to understand it. He walks quickly towards Morgan, who is just getting a beer from a cooler.

“Hey, Morgan," Spencer says, stepping next to him. "You didn't happen to notice what just happened, did you?" Morgan looks at him with a grin when he hears the question. He laughs quietly and takes a sip from the bottle. "Yeah, I noticed. She couldn't take her eyes off you the whole time.”

Spencer suddenly feels a little embarrassed. "What exactly do you mean by that? She was just a little distracted by the tricks. That's all." Morgan raises an eyebrow and then shakes his head, still grinning widely. "So you're really the only one who doesn't notice, huh?" Morgan asks. "Notice what?" Spencer replies. "Well, if you don't understand..." Morgan says, laughing again. "She's in love with you, pretty boy. That's what's going on."

Spencer is so surprised that he just sits there speechless for a moment. "You really think she's in love with me?" Morgan laughs again. "Um, yeah? Have you never noticed how she acts when you're around? How nervous she gets?" Spencer blinks as he thinks about it. He actually hasn't noticed that you sometimes act differently around him.

He thought about the tricks and the magic all the time, but never about the fact that you might be interested in him for another reason - something much more personal. He tried to push the thought away, but something inside him wouldn't let it go. He wanted this - you - for years and he doesn’t want to get his hopes up now. This has to be a misunderstanding, there is no way you are actually interested in him like that.

Deep down, he's wondering if he was really that blind. And what if Morgan was right? What if you actually feel more for him? He looks around again, glancing at you. Spencer puts the thought aside for now - but he knows he can't shake it off so easily. He feels like he can't ignore the whole situation any longer. After talking to Morgan, he realized a lot of things, but he really needed to talk to you to understand them. He has no idea how you would react.

You, on the other hand, try to avoid Spencer for the rest of the evening. You can't be near him without imagining what his hand would feel like around your neck or between your legs. But since Spencer is so popular with the kids and they can't get enough of him and his magic tricks, it's fortunately easier than you think to avoid him. But you still often feel his gaze on you and it makes you nervous.

Later that evening, after most of the guests have already left, you help JJ bring in a few glasses and bottles. You are just about to go back outside when Spencer comes towards you. "Hey," he says, but before you can even reply, Spencer pulls you aside and into the small guest room at the end of the hall. The door closes behind you and the atmosphere in the room is suddenly much more intimate.

“What's wrong?" you ask, still a little confused because he took you aside so suddenly. "You avoided me today," he says. You avoid his gaze so he doesn't see that you are blushing again and start babbling. "Henry and his friends were so impressed by you and your magic and it's his birthday, I didn't want to disturb you. JJ also needed help and I agreed to do that. We were both busy, so it's clear that we don't run into each other that often," you explain hastily.

“That's not true. You deliberately avoided me. And your mind was somewhere else. As if something was distracting you,” he says, taking a step closer to you. “Why don’t you want to tell me what distracted you today?” he asks, looking down at you. Your heart is beating faster and faster and you are a little overwhelmed by the whole situation.

You didn't expect Spencer to confront you with it. "Now you’re quiet. That's uncharacteristic of you. I think I'm making you nervous," he says. "I...uh," you start, but you're unable to form a sensible sentence. "I was just talking to Morgan and… now I know why you were looking at my hands like that." You look at him questioningly. "What?"

"You were looking at my hands," he says, "because you're in love with me." A laugh escapes you. Your reaction leaves Spencer startled, his voice suddenly uncertain. "Why are you laughing?" he asks, and for a moment he looks as if he's not sure what to make of it. "Is it because I'm wrong? I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable -"

But before he’s able to continue, you quickly grab his arm and pull him towards you. Your lips meet his, and for a moment everything else is forgotten. The kiss is gentle and at the same time full of emotions - as if you want to tell each other everything you never put into words. When you pull away from him, you look deep into his eyes and whisper “Morgan is right... I'm in love with you."

Spencer stares at you for a moment, as if to make sure he heard you correctly. But before he can say anything, you quickly add, "But that wasn't the only reason I was staring at your hands," you tell him. "No?" Spencer raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What was the other reason?" he asks, and you can see in his eyes how eager he is to know. "I want to know."

You can see the sparkle in his eyes, the mixture of relief and curiosity, and for a moment you feel your heart beating a little bit faster. There's something you haven't told him yet, something you need to explain to him. But the look in his eyes melts your nervousness.

"I was looking at your hands," you begin, "because you use them in a way I've never seen before. Your movements are so precise, so... controlled. It's not just magic, Spencer. I want to know what else they can do." Spencer is silent for a moment, and then you see a slight smile appear on his face. “So, you're looking at my hands because you want to know what else they can do?" he asks. "Yes," you answer quietly, "but also because I just can't get enough of you."

“I don’t want you to get enough of me. Ever. Because I am in love with you too. For quite a while now. Since the day you sat down on the jet next to me and challenged me to play chess, to be more exact,” he says and leans forward to kiss you again, his hands grabbing your hips to pull you closer.

A gasp escapes your mouth and Spencer takes the opportunity to deepen the kiss and explore your mouth with his tongue. You can feel the heat rushing through your body and you press yourself even closer against him, reaching for his hand. His eyes follow every move with a curious look. You take his hand and slowly guide it to your neck.

His mind slows for a minute and then he finally understands. “That’s what you‘ve been fantasizing about earlier. My hands exploring your body. Me choking you. Haven‘t you?“ he asks and you nod. His eyes darken and you can see the lust sparkling in them.

His hand now wraps around your neck entirely and he squeezes gently. “More,” you whisper. “You tell me if it’s too much, okay?” Spencer says with a concerned look on his face before he tightens the grip on your neck. “Yes Spence, of course,” you breath out before getting distracted by his hand sliding up your inner thigh.

His hand is now under your skirt, running over your panties. “Can I touch you?” Spencer asks and you pull him down by his tie to whisper in his ear. “Of course you can, Spence. I need you to touch me. I’ve been dreaming about this since forever. I’m all yours.” You kiss slowly down his neck, then nibbling on his skin to mark him with a hickey.

That’s all Spencer needs to hear. His hand pulls your panties to the side and he grazes your clit with his finger to tease you. “Spence, please. Touch me,” you whimper and he chuckles. “Someone’s eager. Fantasizing about my hands got you worked up, am I right, sweetheart?” he asks, finally touching your clit with his thumb. Your only respond is a moan and you press down on his finger to show him you need more.

“I barely touched you and you’re already soaked,” he says as he runs his finger through your folds. “Only… only for you, Spence,” you manage to say and slide your hands up to his shirt to open the buttons, taken off guard when he pushes a finger inside you. Your knees are trembling and you have to hold yourself against his body in order to stay up.

“Spence, that’s so - it feels so good… I - I need more, please,” you whine and he pushes another finger inside you. He reaches all the spots you never could and you’re a moaning mess, rocking yourself against his hand. “Good girl,” he praises you and it takes you off guard. You clench around his fingers and he chuckles. “You like that, didn’t you? Me calling you a good girl. So praise kink and hand kink, let’s find out what else you’re into.”

You didn’t expect to hear such words from him. He is always the sweet, gentle and unassuming genius when you are around him, but now, that both of you snapped, finally giving in into your desires, he shows you a completely different side of him, one you’re more then excited to discover. It turns you on immensely.

He squeezes your throat more and pumps his fingers faster, rubbing your clit in circles with his thumb and it doesn’t take long for you to come on his hand. You hold yourself steady against him with trembling knees while he is busy running his hands down your shirt, tugging at your bra and squeezing your breasts. You help him taking off your shirt while he’s guiding you to the bed.

He unclasps you bra skilfully and pulls down your skirt and underwear in one motion, before he pushes you down onto the bed. His gazes wanders over your body and he licks his lips. “You are gorgeous, sweetheart,” he says before he leans forward to kiss down your neck to your breast. He takes one of your nipples in his mouth, grazing it with his teeth while squeezing the other one.

You arch your back and slide your hands up to his shirt again to go back to unbuttoning it, after you got interrupted earlier by Spencer giving you so much pleasure that you were unable to continue your actions. You pull his shirt off and run your fingers over his body.

Spencer slowly kisses down your tummy now, reaching your inner thighs where he sinks his theeth into the sensitive skin, sucking the spot to leave a hickey there before he gently kisses it and leans back to admire his work. It earns him another moan from you and he and grins. “So you like marking me, huh?” you decide to tease him back. “You are in no position to tease, darling,” he says with a mischievous grin before he presses his mouth against your cunt, licking a strip up your folds.

Your hands reach for his hair immediately, pressing him closer to you while he devours you like a man starved. Your whimpers are music to his ears and he can’t get enough of you. “You taste even better than I imagined,” he says before he dives back in. You lift your hips to press more against his mouth but he holds you down with his arm. “No, you have to stay still and take what I give you, do you understand?” he asks and you nod.

He shakes his head in disappointment. “Words, sweetheart,” he simply says and you need to concentrate to form a sentence. “I - oh… yes, I understand,” you manage to breath out and he goes back to eating you out, his grip firm on your hips to keep you still. You never felt this kind of pleasure and when you look down and see him devouring you completely, it becomes too much, you come again moaning his name.

Spencer comes up between your thighs with a satisfied smirk on his lips and you pull him down to kiss him again. You taste yourself on his lips and he pushes his tongue into your mouth. Your hand slides down to his pants and you open them with shaky hands, pulling them down. “Need you now, Spence. Please,” you tell him. “You need me that badly?” You nod. “Yes, I want to feel you inside of me.”

He takes off his boxers and your eyes widen, he is bigger than you expected. You watch as he pumps his cock a few times before he lines himself up at your entrance, sliding through your folds a few times to tease you. Then he pushes in and you moan his name. He claps his hand over your mouth to shut you up. “Shh, as much as I enjoy hearing you moan my name, you have to keep quiet,” he says.

From the lack of movement you are feeling right now you were sure he’s giving you time to adjust. When you feel ready you lift your hips to show him. He starts to slowly thrust in and out of you, hitting your G- spot with every thrust. “You feel so good, so warm and wet just for me,” he says and feels you clenching around him.

It feels even better than you imagined. He’s big, but it’s not uncomfortable and you want more. “Harder. You can - you can fuck me harder now,” you say and he chuckles when he hears how eager you are. He starts thrusts in and out of you faster, his hand wrapping around your throat again.

“Is this what you wanted? Is this what you imagined every time you looked at my hands?” he asks, squeezing until you see stars. “Yes, oh god - Spence. Feels so good,” you moan, already feeling another orgasm building up, gripping the arm around your neck for support.

Spencer, who can feel how close you are increases the speed and thrusts even faster and deeper inside of you. Your body is on fire and when Spencer starts to apply pressure to your already sensitive clit, you feel like you’re going to explode. “Come for me, sweetheart. Come around my cock,” he says and his permission is all you need to let go.

Spencer fucks you through your orgasm, also close to reaching his own now. “Fuck, I need to come inside of you. Can I, Sweetheart?” he asks, his thrusts getting sloppier. “Yes, in- Inside me,” you say and he finishes a few thrusts later. When he pulls out you can feel his cum dripping down your thighs, but you don’t mind. He collapses next to you on the bed and pulls you into his arms, placing a kiss on your head.

“Are you okay?” he asks you while he plays with your hair. “Yes, that’s was amazing,” you say and give him a peck on the lips before you cuddle closer to him, gently stroking his hair. He looks down to you. “Do you have to get the morning after pill? I can get it for you,” he says and you smile. “I’m on the pill, Spence, but thank you anyway,” you say and give him a kiss.

You stay in bed cuddling but after a while you speak up. “I would love to cuddle with you all evening, but I think we need to go back out soon, the others are probably already looking for us,” you say and he nods. “A few more minutes. I don’t want to let you go just yet,” he says and you smile. “I love you,” you say and he smiles back. “I love you too.”

[elixirfromthestars]

Dancing Embers

Pairing: 1940s!Bucky Barnes x Nurse!Reader

Summary: A cozy cabin, the love of your life, and the warmth of a fire. What more could you ask for on a cold winter night?

Word Count: 1.3k

Warning(s): none. pure fluff. slight insinuation at the end. female reader.

Prompt/Event: @the-slumberparty december daze -> a crackling fire sets the mood

a/n: This piece is written as a standalone. However, I will link below the pairing this fic is based on in case you want to read more of them. For context, this timeline is one where Bucky made it back from the war safe and sound and is enjoying his life now that the war is over. Thank you for reading! ₊˚⊹♡ Likes, comments, and reblogs are much appreciated!! ♡♡♡

how their love story began ♡ || fluffy winter drabbles masterlist ❆

The hum of the radio travels through the air and finds its way into the kitchen where you’re placing tonight’s dinner in the oven. A puff of hot air caresses your face as you close the oven door, the casserole dish cocooned inside by a blazing heat. You pick up the small timer from the counter and twist the dial, setting it for thirty minutes. 

Now, you have to find something to do to pass the time…

You look around the unfamiliar kitchen, its rustic woodsy furnishing a cozy contrast to the one in your apartment in the city. A smile makes its way to your face as you recall how Bucky surprised you with this weekend getaway. It was after you came home from a shift at the children’s clinic—exhaustion heavy in your bones. An exhaustion he eased with a homecooked meal and a plethora of loving kisses. All leading up to the surprise of a weekend trip just for the two of you, presented to you with a bouquet of your favorite flowers and a handwritten note.

You started packing right away after that. 

While still ruminating on the joy of the memory, you begin to tidy up the mess in the kitchen—the one left from your dinner preparations. There wasn’t much to clean up—bits of leftover ingredients here and a few prep dishes there—but at least it gives you something to do while the timer counts down in the background. 

Out of the blue, a frosty air embraces you from behind. You let out a small squeal as the arms that usually radiate warmth are bitterly cold against your skin. A sharp intake of breath escaping you at the contact.

“Bucky, you’re freezing!” you say with concern and caught off guard by the piercing chill of his hands. How long had he been out in the cold? 

“Not anymore,” he mutters a response as he nuzzles into the crook of your neck, his icy lips pressing kisses into your skin. A shiver goes down your spine as the frost on his lips melts away into a heat that you’re used to. 

You twist in his arms to face him, pulling him even closer by his wool jacket to kiss the tip of his reddened nose, hoping to bring warmth back to it. Bucky grins at you with a gentle adoration, even more so when you brush off the remnants of winter from his hair and shoulders. His eyes take in your every feature like he wants to commit this moment to memory. 

When it comes to you, he always does. There’s never been a moment with you he doesn’t hold dear in his heart. His time at war taught him to treasure every second he gets with those he loves most. And of course, as the love of his life, that includes you. 

“I’m going to need more than that to warm up, doll,” he claims playfully, before connecting his lips to yours, pulling you flush against him by your waist. Your arms eagerly wrap around his shoulders, melting into him faster than the snow on his body does. The kiss is sweet, yet profound as if the hour spent apart had been entirely too long for the both of you. 

When the kiss has restricted enough air from your lungs, you both pull away only slightly and out of breath, smiling from ear to ear. You collect yourself enough to say, “Dinner should be ready soon.” Bucky, however, has his attention elsewhere as he plants a soft kiss to your forehead, your nose, and then your lips once more. 

“Sounds. Good. Doll,” he mumbles the words between kisses that leave you in a fit of giggles. A sound that almost drowns out the grumbling of his stomach. 

“Someone’s hungry.”

“Mm, chopping lumber will do that to you.”

“Chopping lumber?”

“For the fireplace. I should probably go and get it started.”

Bucky lets out an exaggerated sigh, not entirely keen on going back out into the cold night. He presses a tender kiss to the top of your head before reluctantly detaching his arms from your waist as he heads back outside. He spends the next few minutes hauling in pieces of wood into the living room where he tends to the fireplace. Meanwhile, you get the dining table ready for your dinner for two. 

As you are on the brink of finishing setting up, you notice the radio gets louder—a slow song replacing the previous hum. It’s not long before Bucky comes back into the kitchen, however, this time he’s swaying slowly to the rhythm of the music. There’s a glimmer in his eyes as his hands outstretch to beckon you to him. 

“Dance with me,” he says, taking hold of your hands and placing them on his shoulders. You laugh softly, looking at him with fond mirth. “Maybe later, sweetheart. Dinner’s almost ready,” you mention, glancing at the mechanical timer that would go off in a few minutes.

Bucky shakes his head, watching as your hands slide down from his shoulders, but before they can go anywhere, he swiftly intertwines them with his own. He uses this small leverage to begin coaxing you out of the kitchen and into the living room with gentle tugs. “Dinner can wait, doll. I want to dance with my best girl first,” he replies, his expression full of pleading affection. 

You can never say no when he looks at you like that. 

You throw the image of the timer to the back of your head and follow Bucky into the center of the living room. To your right, the fireplace crackles beautifully with bright embers, cascading the room in an amber glow. To your left, the coffee table, handcrafted in oak, is pushed up against the sofa, giving you enough space by the fireplace to dance. 

Bucky’s hands find purchase at your waist as he anchors you closer. Your hands settle against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your fingertips. Soon your hips and his gradually sway in sync, letting the melody of the song guide you. 

You hold each other close for what seems like a lifetime, the heat of the fire amplifying the warmth that radiates between you. Its flames flicker alongside you as if slow dancing themselves. The serenity of the moment forever engraves itself into your heart. 

“I love you, Y/n. I can’t wait for the rest of our lives to start,” Bucky’s voice is full of devotion, bringing your left hand up to his lips to kiss the spot right where your engagement ring is. You look at him as if he hung the moon for you, “I love you too, Bucky. Forever can’t come soon enough.” Your hands snake up to wrap behind his neck, pulling him in for a deep kiss, the kind that consumes as quickly as a spark catches fire. However, before the intensity can reach a boiling point, a loud ringing suddenly breaks it. The timer in the kitchen signaling whatever desires were igniting would have to be put on pause until after dinner. 

“Dinners ready,” neither of you are ready to break apart when you whisper this. A beat passes and Bucky lifts your chin gently with his finger, so your gaze locks with his adoring one.

“One more kiss.”

“The casserole is going to burn.” 

“Just one more?”

There he goes again with that pleading expression you can’t resist. 

“You know it won’t be just one more, James Buchanan Barnes,” you point out and he lets out a hearty chuckle. 

“You know me so well Mrs.Barnes-to-be.” 

He kisses you again anyway—short and sweet—leaving you with a promise for more to hold onto. Your laughter mixes with his as you lead him back to the kitchen. He hugs you from behind one last time as he whispers an enticing promise into your ear. 

“After dinner, I’m having you for dessert.” 

[happybunny999]

(Dangerous monster!) Neglected Omnipotent fem reader x Yandere Batfam

Prologue

-

Gotham….a place known for its crime, drugs, poverty, corruption, violence and vigilantes and villains and how people in the city know the rules. Keep head down,don’t get involved,and if you see a group of vigilantes or the Batman fighting someone you pretend you didn’t

But that didn’t matter to you at all because any normal person would be scared of Gotham but you weren’t normal not in the slightest in fact you are not fully human and not a normal 4 year old either since your mother is a powerful meta human with so, well almost every abilities you could think of and that if you try and named them all it would take years to describe them all

You took after both parents with your hair being one side pink and the other side black just like your eyes that you were told by your mother to hide since as she said that if people found out about my powers and how I looked they would hurt me and only show your face to people you trust and you believed her. how could you not?

Your mother is a kind, caring and beautiful woman who never use her powers outside the house and who you know had gotten lucky with the one and only Bruce Wayne aka the Batman and after just one night she had you and never told Bruce about you since he already had sons and daughters

And well Gotham was a city that was cruel an everyway which is why she always kept you close to her when ever you and her go out for groceries and the bare minimum and you were happy with that and your mom because despite her never talking about your father or his other children you still loved her because you could always play with her and she was the one who was there for you

But the happiness was cut short when the day she told you that she would be right back from the store and gave me a small smile and before leaving she told me something that you will never forget

“Sweetie I want to know that mommy will always love you and remember to please stay in control of your powers”

(That was the last time you would see and hear from her)

Because remember how you said that she had almost every ability….that excluded her ability to heal and reviving herself too(guess you must have gotten more power then her) so when she want out for food and got in the middle of a gang war by accident and the end result was her getting shot in the head and chest while you were sitting at home waiting for her until realizing that she was gone when a couple of police officers came to get you from your home and take you to the police station with you cry the whole time

After that you were sitting on a chair holding your plushie and your mother’s scarf as well as the cloak she made for you as a man called Jim Gordon comforted you and after running some test and they found out Bruce Wayne was your father you are taking to the manor where a butler was waiting for you and greeted you with a warm smile as you held his hand as he led you inside the manor

And so your new, terrible life began.



[blond3ang3l]

❄️Snowy day with Batkids❄️

(Male reader)

Dick- 17 Jason- 16 Tim-12 Duke & Cass- 10 Steph- 7 Damian-5

———————————————————————

“Get your cold ass hands off me you son of a bitch!”

“No way, not after you had us outside for two hours because you lost the key.”

You shook your head listening to your two step children go back and forth. You had came home to see them in nothing but pajamas outside to your confusion. What made it worse was that it was snowing heavy, at least 4 inches now. You had just came back from food shopping and Bruce was out grabbing other stuff. You two left the oldest two to watch their younger siblings so just how did they end up out here? You unlocked the door and pushed them into the house to warm up.

“Cmon boys. I’m gonna go check on your brothers and sisters. You two try not to kill each other please.”

Your hand went to the back of their heads rubbing it softly before going upstairs to check on the younger five kids. It was the middle of the days so the youngest two Damian and Steph were in their rooms napping. You stepped into the room and your heart practically melted. The two tended to argue about literally nothing but they looked so adorable. The two fell asleep on the floor next to each other after they seemed to have finished painting. They were covered in it and their finished products were on the floor. Steph’s was a picture of the family and Damian’s seemed to be of you, Bruce, and Talia. A small smile came on your face and you picked the two up and laid them in their beds. You’d have to bathe them later but it was so worth it.

Duke was playing quietly with Cass in their shared room. As you stepped in the two kids practically lit up. You were ambushed and tackled to the floor making you groan but chuckle as well.

“I’m glad you guys are happy to see me.”

“Daddy! Is papa Bruce with you? He said he was gonna train me when he got back from the store!”

You smiled at Cass’s eagerness to see and be like her other father. It was adorable how much you guys children adored him.

“No, but he is on his way. Why don’t you get dressed so you’ll be ready when he comes.”

She practically squealed with excitement at your words. Duke was holding on to your leg. You looked down to him and he was smiling up at you. It was damn cute, while bruce had Cass, Damian, Dick and Stephanie you had Duke and Jason who were total daddy boys for you. You pressed your lips to his forehead before letting go back to playing.

That was four now only one was missing. When you heard a sudden crash from the bathroom you knew it was the last one.

“Tim, what are you doing this time?”

He turned around and all you see is him messing with your hair and skin care. The twelve year olds face was covered in your charcoal mask making you shake your head to keep from laughing.

“I uh- I didn’t know you’d be home so soon dad.”

“Uh huh, and you seem to be havin a real good time with my stuff kid.

You wet a rag to wipe the excess away from his eyes to keep it from getting inside them.

“Need to be careful boy. Next time wait for me to help you. Or ask Dick, he knows how to do it without getting messy. And ask before you just touch my stuff, you could have been allergic to something in this”

“My bad dad.”

You hummed in response until you hand sudden thought.

“Wait a minute did you not hear your brothers knocking on the door?”

“Oh no I did. But they wouldn’t let me play the game with them so I ignored it.”

You deadpanned at your son’s words and got ready to scold him when you heard Stephanie’s small voice calling out to you.

“Dada!”

You had a long day ahead of you..

———————————————————————

I’m gonna make a part two probably next week

My Christmas sucked so writing what I want my future to be<3

[neocrias]

all of my fears, my inner scars

synopsis: In a cursed village where the leaders plan to sacrifice their own to monsters in the forest, you escape for freedom and safety. But instead, you encounter a terrifying vampire who lives in an isolated castle. After an attack that leaves you on the brink of death, escape becomes impossible. Vernon’s dark castle is your new prison… or perhaps the key to your survival.

pairing: vampite!vernon x female reader wc: 5,8k genre/aus: thriller; suggestive

warnings: mentions of blood, mentions of death, violent content, +18.

No one could explain the reason for the countless misfortunes that plagued the small village where you lived. Before, life had been calm, peaceful, and quite prosperous – except for a few mysterious disappearances. The crops flourished, and the livestock were healthy. Now, the crops were devoured by pests, animals were disappearing, the water tasted strange, women and children fell ill constantly, and the men who volunteered to hunt in the forest never returned.

The leaders – the ones everyone accepted as leaders, though no one had ever chosen them – began to worry about the village's grim fate and proposed a very old practice as a miraculous solution.

— Dear villagers! — said one of the leaders, the eldest. — You all know that our village is plagued by terrible afflictions! But what have we done to the heavens to deserve such punishment?

His deep voice stirred the crowd, men and women shouted fervently at his words, shaking leaves of cycas revoluta to ward off curses. All the houses were decorated with these same leaves and scented with rue. Everyone took superstitions seriously, no one dared leave the village without a sprig of rosemary in their pockets. Mothers feared losing their children, and men feared not returning home before nightfall.

Everything was in chaos.

— We must calm its anger! — the second leader cried.

A murmur of “its?” and “who?” spread through the crowd, silencing the men standing on a sort of pulpit. Seeing the villagers’ agitation, the man smiled wickedly, his hollow eyes glinting with sadism.

— The beast! — he shouted. — The terrible monster that lives in the depths of the forest, he’s responsible for the curses. He’s poisoning the fertile land and killing our animals. We must appease him, or he’ll come after us, slaughtering our women and children; there will be nothing left once he’s satisfied.

— How will we do this? — the crowd cried, exchanging startled glances.

— A sacrifice! — said the last leader. — A virgin, as was done in ancient times.

The young girls in the crowd began to tremble, clinging tightly to the long skirts of their mothers, who, in turn, now appeared less confident. The last leader, noticing the women’s indecision and resistance – that made up most of the village now – rushed to continue.

— It only needs to be done once — he shouted. — One single life in exchange for many. A noble death.

— Who will it be? — a voice cried from the back, a man. — The chosen girl, who will it be?

The girls squirmed, hiding their faces in their mothers’ clothes, their small hands shaking and their eyes welling with fear at the thought of an imminent death. Mothers clutched their daughters tightly, terrified of losing them.

— Don’t worry! Young children will not be chosen — the leaders assured. — A careful conversation will be held to select a worthy offering who can rid us of these curses.

This did little to calm the villagers, but only one person really needed to fear the fate that awaited her, after all the girl had been chosen long before the solution was shared with the villagers.

You.

Consciousness returned slowly as if you were emerging from an endless nightmare. Your senses awoke one by one, revealing the cold dampness of the night, the smell of dry leaves, and the feeling of something hard against your body. You’re being carried, you realize with a shiver. Your body swayed with the heavy steps of the man holding you, and a throbbing pain pounded in your head, blurring your thoughts.

A growing panic took hold of you as you realized where you were and who was carrying you. You tried to move, but your body was still weak, your legs barely responding to your commands. Your heart raced, your breathing grew ragged, but before you could react, you heard a deep, mocking whisper:

— Finally awake, aren’t you, sweetheart? — said the youngest of the three leaders, with a venomous smile.

— Damn, finally! I thought she’d overdosed. — The man carrying you grumbled and dropped you to the ground.

You stumbled, your body still a bit numb, your legs trembling from cramps, and you only didn’t fall to the ground because the man held you roughly. Suddenly, you found yourself surrounded by them, the three of them looking at you with a predatory gleam in their eyes, their expressions cynical, as if they took pleasure in your vulnerability.

At some point in your life in the village, you had noticed those looks, but you never paid much attention. Surviving on your own, without family or friends - no one to rely on - already took all your energy. You focused on staying alive, ignoring the intentions of the men around you.

But now, in their presence, the discomfort you’d once felt was real fear and pulsing panic. Their expressions were open, undisguised, and filled with a malignant desire and a bitter resentment. The oldest leader tilted his head to the side and let out a dark laugh:

— And to think if you hadn’t been so proud… — he left the words hanging, intentionally unfinished, his eyes tracing your face and finally lingering on your body.

The three men encircled you, their dark faces illuminated by the faint lamplight, their eyes fixed on you with a threatening intensity, making it clear that their interest went beyond the sacrifice they had spoken of so fervently. When you finally found the strength to speak, your voice came out weak, but full of confusion and panic:

— Why are you�� doing this?

For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, a laugh echoed, low and cruel, and the three men looked at you with cutting contempt. The oldest leader, his hollow eyes dark and menacing, leaned close so you could hear his cynical laughter up close. He grabbed your wrists firmly, pinning you to the damp ground, mud spreading across your skin as he brought his face close to yours.

— Why are we doing this? — he repeated, dragging out the words with irony. — Why do you think?

His words hit like a blow, revealing something deeper, something you’d been afraid to see. He laughed again, a cold sound full of resentment.

— Did you really think you could avoid us forever?

He pressed you harder against the ground, immobilizing you in the mud, his eyes now closer, full of contempt and barely hidden desire.

— So beautiful… A shame it has to end like this — muttered the second leader, crossing his arms as he watched the scene. — You know, I would’ve married you. You would’ve been protected, safe, and quite satisfied, but you chose to scorn us as if we were nothing.

You tried to move, but the grip was too strong, the weight of the oldest leader’s body preventing any chance of escape. The truth began to take shape on your faces as the panic inside you grew like an unrelenting wave.

The youngest of the three, with small, cruel eyes, shook his head with disdain. — If you’d been smarter, you could have saved yourself from this. Well, we have other plans for you now but don’t worry, sweetheart. It’ll be quick!

— Will it? — said the quietest of the three, his voice filled with sarcasm and poison. — I don’t think the creature will be satisfied if she suffers too little…

You shook your head in desperation. — Please, don’t-

— Sungjin… — the youngest warned, but the other just shrugged.

The eldest, who was holding you down, pulled a silver dagger from his back pocket and raised it above his head, smiling darkly. He let out a laugh as you struggled harder and closed your eyes, screaming in fear.

But instead of what you expected, you only felt the soft scrape of the silver tip against your cheek, making you shiver. Reluctantly, you opened your eyes to find the three men looking at you with sadism and twisted smiles. You turned your head, glancing from one face to another in confusion and dread.

— Silly… — the oldest cooed, and with the tip of the knife, he cut the high collar of your simple harvest dress, slitting it until your skin was exposed.

You groped at the ground around you, searching for something to grab onto, something you could use to strike at them and escape. The youngest of the three noticed what you were doing and kicked the ground near your hand, clearing away anything you could use to flee. Then he knelt beside you, holding both your wrists as their leader continued to cut the collar of your dress.

The terrified scream of the third man interrupted the others’ actions, and they turned around completely startled. Because of their large statures, you couldn’t see what they were looking at, but you knew it was bad by the way their bodies tensed.

The savage growl echoed through the trees, slicing through the heavy air with a bestial force. Before you could react, the body of the man on top of you was brutally torn away and ripped apart with a deafening noise. The blood of what was once the oldest leader now stained your skin and dress, and fear exploded in your chest, propelling you into instinctive, desperate movements.

You crawled through the mud, trying to escape the beast capable of tearing a man apart, looking up at the colossal creature standing before you. A monstrous figure, covered in thick black fur that absorbed all light around it, like a living shadow.

The powerful muscles moved beneath dense skin, each step causing a slight tremor on the ground as he advanced with a predatory and lethal grace.

The eyes, two large blazing embers, red as freshly spilled blood, locked onto you before shifting attention to the two remaining men with a glint of hunger and cruelty. The elongated snout revealed razor-sharp fangs, so long they barely fit in its jaw, dripping with thick saliva that glistened in the moonlight. Its hot and dense breath carried a metallic scent of blood, filling the air around with the smell of death.

The beast’s claws were enormous, like dark, gleaming daggers, each one capable of tearing flesh and bone with ease. The creature emitted a low, guttural sound, almost like a sadistic laugh, as it advanced toward the middle brother, throwing him to the ground with brutal force in a single move. The sound of bones breaking echoed, muffled only by his strangled cry of despair and pain that faded into the night. The beast then crouched over him, its fur soaking in blood as its teeth sank into the flesh.

You watched, paralyzed, unable to look away from the carnage before you, your mind swirling with terror and disbelief. The shadows seemed to dance around you as if every drop of blood attracted the very evil haunting the village.

The last man, the youngest leader, backed away slowly, his face a mask of pure terror as his eyes darted frantically between you and the creature that was now advancing toward him. He barely had time to scream before the monster struck him down, his body falling lifeless.

Breathing heavily, you stood up, legs trembling and heart racing. Your mind was a whirlwind of terror and confusion, desiring one thing only: to escape. You ran as soon as you could, stumbling in the mud and over roots, unsure of where to go, guided only by the need to distance yourself from that carnage and avoid a painful, imminent death.

Adrenaline was all that kept your legs moving, even as your feet became bruised and bloody from stepping on broken branches and sharp stones. You continued running without thinking, each heartbeat echoing like a frantic drum in your ears. Blood still pulsed in your temples, and the metallic smell mixed with sweat and mud covering your skin only intensified the sense of terror corroding your senses.

With each step, the forest seemed to close in around you, the twisted shadows of trees extending like deformed, menacing fingers. You refused to look back, afraid of what you might see – the creature with red eyes, the claws that tore bodies as if they were nothing, the growls that still echoed in your mind. The ground beneath your feet was treacherous, filled with roots and sharp stones, but the pain in your feet was just another detail you ignored, fighting to keep moving forward.

Suddenly, the forest opened into a corridor of trees, the twisted trunks like dark guardians of a forbidden path. The silhouette of something massive emerged in front of you: an ancient construction, a fortress of dark, impenetrable stone. A castle. You stopped for a second, panting, your mind was torn between the impulse to enter or try a different direction, but a distant, familiar growl broke the night's silence again, and the decision was made in an instant.

Without thinking twice, you ran toward the castle. Your hands trembled as they touched the worn, damp, slippery stone stairs. The steps were narrow and winding, like a serpentine path climbing the fortress's side, almost like a mountain road. The cold wind whipped against you, lashing your face and mixing with the sweat and dried blood, while you climbed without stopping, stumbling but refusing to give up.

You hesitated at the door, your trembling fingers tracing the rough surface of the old, heavy wood, dark as coal and damp as if it had never seen the sun. There was no time to think; another growl tore through the forest's silent air, and your hand, almost acting on its own, pushed the door. It creaked with a grave, ominous sound, revealing a cold, damp interior steeped in shadows.

The air inside was dense and icy. Each step echoed as a ghostly sigh while you advanced, feeling the weight of the walls around you as if the castle itself were breathing. You knew you weren’t safe here, but if the alternative was facing the creature outside, the castle had become your only hope. The silence of the castle enveloped you in a cold embrace, and your heart still pounded uncontrollably, adrenaline sustaining your caution, trying to figure out where to go and what to do.

You followed a long corridor, shadows seeming to stretch and intertwine around you, guiding you to a grand room at the end of the path. As soon as you crossed the carved stone arch, your gaze was immediately drawn to the center.

The throne made of bones was a macabre and impressive work of art. Countless interwoven bones formed its base and structure, arranged with terrifying precision and symmetry, composing a throne worthy of a dark king. Human and animal skulls were arranged in layers, forming a deadly crown around the man seated at its center, enclosed by a prison of bones, reinforcing his aura of power and predation. There was something disturbingly alive in how these skulls seemed to gaze at anyone who approached. Every detail seemed to breathe darkness, and you felt that if you got closer, the cold of the bones would engulf you, bringing with it all the secrets and sufferings of those immortalized there.

Vernon sat there, motionless, as if he were a statue sculpted by a divine artist. His skin was of flawless paleness, so delicate and translucent it could easily be compared to porcelain. His face was angular, with severe and incredibly beautiful lines, a dark, well-defined brow that highlighted even more the icy sharpness of his eyes. The gaze – cold, cruel, piercing – seemed to cut through you with unsettling ease, as if he could see every hidden fear and thought within you.

The dark black hair fell around his face with an almost ethereal softness, glinting in the room's dim light, making him stand out even more amid the shadows. He exuded a surreal beauty, too perfect to be human, unreachable and dangerous, something out of a dream. And yet, everything about him inspired dread: every detail, from the predatory look to the barely-there smile curving his lips, showed a threat that couldn’t be ignored. You felt every cell in your body scream to run, but something stronger – perhaps his very presence – held you captive, hypnotized.

Vernon was imposing, a figure that dominated the entire space with undeniable authority, and the aura around him was dark and powerful. Whoever he was, he looked at you as a helpless prey who entered the predator's territory unknowingly.

The simple sight of him was enough to steal the air from your lungs. You didn’t know his name, or what he was, but even so, you knew you were in the presence of something ancient, far older than you could imagine.

When he finally moved, leaning slightly on the throne, your heart skipped a beat. And then, a single word, soft and laden with danger, slipped from his thin lips: — Who dares enter my castle?

You felt the impact of his voice reverberating throughout your body, a low, cutting sound that seemed to grip your heart with invisible claws. His sharp gaze was the last thing you saw before everything began to blur and darken. Your body felt heavy, as if being pulled down, the ground coming closer, and you felt your legs give way, unable to bear the weight of fear any longer.

Your field of vision narrowed until only shadows surrounded you, like a dark veil closing slowly. The sound of your heartbeat echoed, muffled, and your mind grew cloudy and unfocused. The sensation of being pulled away from yourself intensified, as your senses faded one by one. All that remained was the cold feel of stone against your skin…

And then, nothing.

When your eyes opened again, a face was looming above you. Vernon was even more intimidating up close, his flawless, unreal skin under the shadows hanging over him. He gazed down at you with a look of disdain and cruel curiosity, as if examining a broken insect. His eyes slowly traced over your blood - and mud-streaked face -, then over your injured body, as if trying to decipher every mark of pain and suffering you bore.

In his expression, there was a hint of interest, cold and impersonal, an almost predatory fascination with your fragility.

Realizing you were awake, he curved his lips into an icy smile, his eyes glinting with a silent threat. In one swift, ungentle motion, he gripped the torn collar of your dress, pulling you to stand, despite your trembling legs and aching body.

— What do you think you’re doing in my castle, little creature? — he murmured, his voice low and disdainful, full of curiosity.

His touch, though delicate, was impossible to ignore. His cold fingers held the fabric tightly, and the slight smile on his face suggested he already knew the answers—he just wanted to see you struggle, vulnerable, as you tried to explain your presence.

Fear coursed through your veins like poison, even as the question lingered in the air, laden with palpable tension. You tried to respond, but the words tangled in your throat, choked by panic and pain. The sense of helplessness was overwhelming, and you squirmed, trying to break free, but your strength seemed to slip like sand through your fingers.

Vernon continued observing you with disdain and amusement. His smile was a thin mask covering the cruel curiosity that sparkled in his red eyes. When he tilted his head, assessing every fragment of your being, every ragged breath, and tremor of fear.

— Silence, then? — he whispered, but his voice still held an authority that allowed no opposition. Vernon brought his face close to yours, and the smell of damp earth and fresh blood surrounded you, sending a chill down your spine. — Do you think you can escape your fate?

You tried to avoid his piercing gaze, but it was as if an invisible force compelled you to meet his eyes. Fear burned like a wildfire in your chest, and as he leaned closer, you felt the sensation of drowning in the darkness of his gaze. Emotions clashed within you – despair and the determination to live.

— I am not an offering — you finally managed to murmur, your voice rough and weak, almost a challenge. The tone of your voice made a subtle smile form on his lips, but there was no joy, only a recognition of your bravery — or perhaps your foolishness.

— I’m not the one who decides, dear. Your village has already chosen your fate — he replied, irony evident in his words. — Pathetic. Sacrificing virgins as if that would solve the plagues that they created.

— It wasn’t a sacrifice — you denied it, knowing your fate was still death, but it was not justified as the village’s salvation. Still, your heart tightened at his contempt and mockery of your pain. — You have no idea what you’re talking about!

But Vernon’s expression remained impassive, his eyes fixed on you as if analyzing every word.

— I’m not interested in the concerns of a village that ignores its destruction, although sacrifices always have the finest blood…

His words resonated like a death knell, and you felt hope slip away. But amid the despair, a thought arose. You should fight, and find a way to escape, even if every fiber of your being screamed to surrender to the terror Vernon represented.

Vernon noticed your hesitation, pulling you closer, the fury behind his gaze now evident. — What will you do now? What do you desire?

A challenge. A spark of determination rekindled within you. — I want freedom — the words came out as a whisper, but there was an intensity in them that changed his expression. The disdain transformed into something deeper as if he were assessing the essence of your soul. Vulnerability mixed with a glimmer of courage for a brief moment, the air between you charged with possibilities.

— Freedom, you say? — he repeated thoughtfully. — Do you think that’s something you can have? What would you do to earn it?

— I… — you began, your heart pounding fiercely within your chest. — I’ll do whatever it takes. Just let me go.

Vernon smiled, but it offered no comfort, only a promise of a negotiation in which you’d never come out ahead. The game between the two of you had taken on a new form, and you found yourself walking a tightrope between life and death, between freedom and captivity.

— Then let’s see what you’re made of — he said, releasing your collar but keeping his gaze fixed, as though every move you made was being evaluated.

You didn’t back down, though you wanted to, you knew you had to face him head-on, with every ounce of courage you had left, preparing for the next step with the monster before you. An enigma wrapped in shadows and desire.

The atmosphere in the castle grew dense, as though the air was electrified by an impending storm. Vernon moved around you, surrounding you with his presence and power, his steps silent and graceful, like a serpent ready to strike. Every movement was laced with grace, and you found yourself struggling not to shrink back, not to let his presence intimidate you.

— Ah, the fair virgin — he whispered against your ear, his seductive voice dancing in the space between you. 

Vernon dragged his cold fingers across your jaw, leaving a trail of goosebumps that ran down the length of your skin and weakened your knees, clouding your mind with an uncontrollable urge to melt into the arms of imminent death.

Your eyes became hazy, and your eyelashes trembled with an uncontrollable urgency to shutter your eyes closed. Your soul sought his touch, the same way your lungs sought oxygen. You turned your head to the side, looking at the man behind you.

— Is it freedom you seek? Or deep down, is there a hidden desire for something… more thrilling?

You swallowed hard, your emotions a mix of anger and confusion. The way he moved closer, how the dim light of the lanterns reflected on his pale face, made your heart race, but you wouldn’t give in to the attraction you felt. He was just toying with you, you knew you shouldn’t fall into his traps.

— I am not a plaything for your amusement — you replied, your voice firm, though a tremor had started to seep into your words.

Vernon tilted his head, examining you intently. — That’s exactly what you are, dear, a game. What do you think happens when a little mouse gets lost in the cat’s den? Do you think there’s a way out?

He was almost touching you, and the intensity of his presence left trails of fire on your skin, the warmth spreading throughout your body, mingling with the cold of the surroundings. You found yourself wondering if he felt the same if this attraction was just an illusion born of fear — or perhaps it was exactly what he wanted you to feel.

— What do you want? — you asked, your voice now a whisper, almost defiant, but the emotions you were trying to suppress began to bubble to the surface.

Vernon smiled in a way that was both charming and terrifying.

— Intriguing. I could want many things... Your submission, perhaps? Your despair? Or maybe a piece of your resistance, just to see how you break under pressure?

He grasped your chin, tilting your head back against his shoulder. He inhaled along the length of your neck, reveling in the sweet, pure scent that you carried in your being. His red eyes glistened in the darkness; his scent was intoxicating, deep, and primal, making your body react even against your will.

— I will not play your game! — you murmured, indignation breaking through in your words, though your conviction had already begun to waver. What he was doing was dangerous, and you knew you were playing a risky game, a dance of seduction and power.

— You already are, my dear — the provocation in his voice was clear. — Every word you speak, every emotion you reveal, only feeds my curiosity. Do you not understand what’s at stake here?

You tried to remain firm, pulling your face away from Vernon’s touch, but his gaze was so hypnotic it was hard to focus.

— I know you're feeling something you shouldn’t — he whispered, brushing your hair from your shoulders. The soft touch of his cold fingers on your skin made you close your eyes, holding in a sigh. — Your scent betrays you, darling. Part of you wants to surrender, while the other tries to break free.

You bit your lips, trying to keep your composure, but his words were a direct assault on your resistance and desire. The tension between you was oppressive, and the warmth of his body enveloped you as if he were a flame and you, a moth drawn to the light.

— You can’t deny there’s something between us — he whispered, challenging you. — Something that transcends your fear. And if you allowed yourself to feel, you might discover a pleasure you never imagined possible.

His proximity was almost unbearable, and you found yourself on the thin line between surrender and struggle. Each word was a trap, and you were already ensnared in the web he wove without realizing it. Vernon smiled, knowing he was winning the little power struggle between you.

— Surrender, darling.

— I'm no fool — you replied, your voice now weaker, the defiance almost fading into uncertainty.

— No, you're an untamed spirit — he replied, his penetrating gaze making your heart race even more. — And that's your true beauty. But what will you do when your resistance begins to crumble? Will you surrender your soul to me or run away like a frightened kitten?

— I’m not afraid of you— you declared, although your words were nothing more than lies that didn't convince him at all.

— Oh, you are. And it’s that fear that makes this all so delicious. Now, what will you choose? Resistance or surrender?

You found yourself at the edge of a precipice, Vernon’s question resonating in your mind as he awaited your answer, his eyes gleaming with a near-predatory expectation.

Vernon leaned in closer, his eyes penetrating your soul. The space between you diminished even further, and he leaned in, his lips separated by only a breath. You felt the warmth of his presence, and the way he held your hair, elegantly pulling it, made your heart race. He left a soft kiss at the corner of your mouth, intimate and provocative, as if he were peeling away every layer of defense you’d built over the years.

Your eyes met, and you blinked slowly, the internal struggle beginning to dissipate under the intensity of the moment. The way he moved, so close and yet so distant at the same time, made you feel a deep connection that defied your logic.

— I can give you everything you’ve never had — he whispered seductively. — Pleasure, power, freedom. The choice is yours, but you must be willing to surrender.

You hesitated, but something within you, a curiosity and desire, began to shine brighter than fear. You’d never allowed yourself to feel like this, never surrendered to anyone. And yet, here he was, this magnificent and terrifying being you didn’t know, offering a new life, a new experience you never thought you could have.

— I… — you began, but the words were lost as he touched your face with his cold fingers, the softness contrasting with the strength he emanated.

In an unexpected movement, he pulled your face close, pressing his lips against yours. The kiss was eager and intense, an explosion of sensations that seemed to break all barriers. It was as if he’d awakened something inside you, a passion and desire that had been hidden, ready to emerge. You felt his cold, demanding lips molding to yours, and the ferocity of the moment consumed you both.

The elegance of the kiss contrasted with the urgency of the moment. It was as if you had known each other for centuries, every movement perfectly synchronized, a supernatural connection. Your emotions intertwined – passion, fear, desire, and a silent understanding that went beyond words. You surrendered, the world around you fading, and for a moment, there were no curses, villages, or sacrifices, only the two of you.

You brought your hands up to his neck, feeling the softness of his skin beneath your fingers, and sighed, surrendering to the intensity of the moment. As he felt your warm sigh against his lips, he abruptly pulled back, surprising you. Your eyes widened in confusion, and before you could protest, he turned you around, lifting you effortlessly into his arms.

You were surprised by Vernon's speed and strength as he walked to the throne of bones, your pulse quickening with each step. The sinister throne of skulls and bones didn’t terrify you as you expected; in fact, you felt safe, as if that were your place.

Vernon sat, placing you gently in his lap, his powerful presence enveloping you as he observed you with a burning need. The intimacy of the moment was palpable, and you realized that the surrender that once seemed distant now became inevitable.

— Now, you are mine — he declared, his eyes shining with a mix of desire and possession. — And there is nothing you can do to change that.

You felt a shiver run down your spine at those words. Vernon’s tone was final, laden with an authority that seemed to carve his declaration into the air. Your heart raced unevenly, torn between the fear of the unknown and an attraction that felt impossible to resist.  

— I’m not an offering, sir — you replied, your voice low but defiant, reaffirming. It was a fragile attempt to maintain some control over the situation, though your own will was dissolving under the weight of his gaze.  

Vernon’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile as if savoring the confrontation. He tilted his head, his fingers softly tracing the line of your jaw, a touch that felt both like a promise and a threat. Suddenly, he grabbed both sides of your face, locking you in place and reclaiming the dominance he so effortlessly exuded.  

— You’re a bad liar, my sweet little creature. — His voice was a husky whisper, each word dripping with an unsettling familiarity. — Your body has already made its choice. Your soul… well, it was mine the moment you ran straight into my castle.  

You couldn’t explain why, but those words sent a tremor of anticipation and dread through your body. He was terrifying, his sharp eyes reflecting pure power, and everything about him screamed danger. Yet, the gods knew just how much you had longed for the idea of belonging.  

In a late, unpremeditated reflex of self-preservation, you tried to pull away, but his arms tightened around you, firm as steel. Yet there was a surprising gentleness in his control over you. Your eyes never left his, and you saw something there deeper than desire or possession — an abyss of conflicting emotions, dark and seductively enigmatic.  

— Why..? — you whispered, the question slipping out before you could hold it back. — Why is all this happening?  

Vernon paused, his expression softening for a brief moment, as if your question had struck a chord he didn’t expect. His fingers stilled, and he leaned in closer, his lips hovering dangerously near yours.  

— Because, my dear, you’re the only one who can destroy everything — he murmured. — Or save it.  

His words resonated within you like a distant echo of a forgotten prophecy. Before you could process them, Vernon pressed his lips to yours again, this time slower, as if he wanted to etch every second into his memory. The intensity lessened, but the gesture carried a deeper, more possessive meaning.  

When he pulled back, his eyes gleamed with determination.  

— But you won’t have a choice. In the end, you’ll understand.  

And then, he ran a hand along the side of the throne, a casual gesture that made the shadows around you come alive, making even the bravest warriors tremble in fear. The sensation of being under his power was overwhelming; the shadows danced and twisted, forming barriers that pulsed with living energy. It was as though the entire world bent to his will, molding itself to seal your fate.  

Now, more than ever, you felt like you were walking toward something inevitable.  

Vernon’s lips returned to yours, but this time with an urgency you hadn’t expected. It was as though all the careful control he had shown earlier was dissolving. His kisses became more desperate, less precise, yet there was still an innate elegance in every touch. His lips trailed down the line of your jaw, exploring with an almost reverent attention.  

You sighed as you felt his lips trace a slow, deliberate path down your neck, the warmth of his breath sending shivers through your skin. When he reached your shoulder, his kisses became softer, but the weight of the moment was even more intense. Each touch seemed to claim you, marking not your skin but something deeper, something essential.  

Vernon’s hands, large and firm, slid down your back to your hips. You felt the precise strength of his fingers as he held you, as though he didn’t just want to touch you but anchor you to him. Without warning, he pulled you down against him, the movement firm and possessive. Your body responded before you could think, a warmth spreading through your veins as the closeness between you seemed to erase any trace of space or doubt.  

— You feel it, don’t you? — he murmured against your skin, his voice low and laden with a desire that felt inescapable. — This connection… the destiny.  

His words touched something deep inside you that you didn’t know existed, a call that echoed in your very soul. Your breathing grew uneven, and for a moment, you thought of protesting, of pulling away. But when his fingers lightly pressed against your hips, a fire ignited in you, burning away all doubt.  

You brought your hands to his shoulders, trying to steady yourself, but Vernon tilted his face, his dark eyes meeting yours with an almost overwhelming intensity.  

— Don’t fight it, my little creature — he whispered, his voice both a command and a plea. And then his lips were on yours again, more insistent, more voracious. His movements became less calculated, more primal, as though the entire world around you had disappeared, leaving only the two of you and the destiny he seemed so determined to claim.  

Vernon acted like a man insatiable — if he was a man at all. He sought to claim every piece of you with his kisses and needy touches as if quenching the longing for something he hadn’t possessed in a long time. What remained of his earlier delicacy gave way to something raw and primal.  

His lips explored your skin hungrily, descending along your neck and collarbone, where he paused for a moment, pressing kisses that sent a scorching heat through your body. The sharp tips of his white teeth scraped against the crook of your neck.  

You felt his hands grip your hips more firmly, as though he wanted to fuse the two of you into one. He pulled you even closer, and the force of the gesture made you gasp against his lips, the sound escaping involuntarily.  

Vernon lifted his head for a brief moment, his eyes gleaming with an almost feral intensity as he watched you, each heavy breath of his matching your own.  

— See? — he murmured, his voice rough, almost unrecognizable. — You belong to me, little creature.  

Before you could respond, he tilted his head again, his lips capturing yours in a kiss that seemed to consume everything around you. He moved his hands with confidence, exploring the curves of your body with a mix of urgency and reverence, as if engraving every detail into his memory.  

When he slid one hand along your side, the other remained firm on your hip, holding you against him. His breath was warm and uneven as he kissed the curve of your shoulder, slowly trailing down to the base of your neck. Each movement made your body react in ways you couldn’t control, a mix of desire and a strange sense of surrender that left you breathless.  

You found yourself gripping his shoulders tighter, your fingers digging lightly into his skin as a wave of overwhelming emotions washed over you. Vernon noticed, and his arrogant smile returned for a moment. He leaned his body, adjusting your position on the throne of bones, and you realized just how much at his mercy you were. But strangely, there was no fear. Only an intensity so overwhelming that resisting felt impossible.  

The bones beneath you creaked slightly, creating a trail of mystery and unease, but you were so absorbed by his presence that all you could feel was the electricity flowing between you.

As Vernon held you firmly, his lips traced a gentle path along the length of your neck, each touch affectionate. You tilted your head back, giving him space to continue kissing the skin of your neck and shoulders, holding onto his broad shoulders, trying to find balance as he enveloped you in his powerful presence.

— I missed you so much, darling — he murmured, but the words left you confused as if a mystery lingered over you. What does he mean by that?

Before you could ask, Vernon bit your neck, and the sharp pain exploded through your body, making you scream. It was intense as if time had stopped for a moment, while you found yourself lost between pleasure and agony. The feeling of blood trickling down your skin, the awareness of what was happening, all turned into a nebulous confusion.

You began to feel dizzy from the blood loss, your vision beginning to darken as a metallic taste spread in your mouth. And then, you were thrown to another place, another life.

A vast open field stretched as far as your eyes could see, the fresh morning air still carrying the dampness of the previous night’s rain. Your bare feet sank gently into the wet grass, the sensation both comforting and raw as if grounding you to the earth in a way few things could. Ahead of you, an enormous creature rested. Its coal-black fur gleamed faintly under the first rays of sunlight, and its red eyes, which could inspire terror in any mortal, gazed at you with a mix of reverence and affection.

To the world, he would be a living nightmare, a sight capable of freezing even the bravest in their tracks. But to you, Monster was just that: a big, needy baby, whose soul was as heavy as the footsteps he left upon the earth. You reached out instinctively, your fingers sliding through the dense, coarse strands of his fur as he closed his eyes briefly as if savoring the tenderness of your touch.  

— Who’s my favorite guardian? — you asked in a soft, almost whispered tone, as if protecting a precious secret.  

He replied with a deep, guttural growl, easily mistaken for a threat, but you knew it was pure happiness. A sound that vibrated in his chest, resonating through the air, and brought an involuntary smile to your lips.  

— Yes, it’s you — you confirmed, your eyes meeting his once more.  

There was something deeply moving in that exchange of gazes, an understanding that transcended words and forms. You knew he was more than the monster his fearsome appearance suggested – he was yours.  

Your guardian. The creature who would kill anyone just to protect you.  

He moved closer, his massive head resting gently against your shoulder, as though seeking a comfort only you could provide. The connection between you was as visceral as it was inexplicable. In the vast and silent field, surrounded only by nature, you were two exiles who had found a home in each other.  

Vernon’s whispered voice pulled you from that memory, only to throw you into another, further back. — It’s been so many years this time, darling. I suffered every day you weren’t here.

The small room seemed even smaller under the silver moonlight timidly filtering through the dusty window. The air was heavy, almost tangible, carrying the unspoken intentions that lingered between you and Vernon. Shadows danced on the walls, partially concealing your figure as he remained motionless, a predator waiting for the right moment.  

— I know you're here, Vernon. — Your voice cut through the silence firmly, but not without a hint of provocation. — Come out now.  

For a moment, everything stayed still, the sound of your breathing filling the room. Then, he emerged from the shadows with the ease of someone who had always belonged to them. The smile that spread across his lips was predatory, sharp, and dangerous. He ran his tongue slowly over his fangs, a gesture that should have made you uncomfortable but only fueled the tension between you.  

— You were quite confident I’m not a killer — he said, his voice low, laced with a veiled threat.  

You raised an eyebrow, responding with a defiant smile as you stepped forward, closing the distance between you.  

— You are a killer, darling. — Your provocation was accompanied by a look that said you knew exactly what you were getting into.  

Before you could react, Vernon moved with feline speed, his strong arm wrapping around your shoulders as he lifted you effortlessly. Your back met the wall with a light impact, enough to remind you of your vulnerability. He leaned in, bringing his face closer to yours, his warm breath brushing against your skin.  

— Then you should be terrified — he murmured, the threat in his words softened by the kisses he trailed along your shoulder. His lips were insistent yet controlled, struggling against the evident desire to bite.  

You tilted your head, exposing more of your neck in a gesture that seemed both defiant and submissive.  

— I’m not afraid of you, darling. — Your voice was low but carried a strength that made Vernon’s eyes narrow.  

He laughed, a deep, almost amused sound, as he tilted his head to the side, observing you like he was assessing his next move. Suddenly, his tongue slid across your cheek, an unexpected gesture that carried as much challenge as it did desire.  

Before you could respond, he lowered his head, his teeth capturing your shoulder gently. The bite was firm but controlled, leaving a trail of heat where his fangs grazed your skin. There was no pain, only enough pressure to remind you of who he was and the power he held at his fingertips.  

The air around you seemed to crackle, charged with an almost tangible electricity. It was as if fate itself was caught in the fine lines between you, pulling you closer with every word, every touch, every provocation. And in that moment, in the silence of the moonlit room, you knew there was something irrevocable about what you shared.

— Nothing will take you from me now, I promise — Vernon's voice pulled you out of that memory again, throwing you into a much more cruel one.

The world around him seemed to crumble slowly, as if time itself had decided to prolong the agony of the moment. Vernon knelt by your side, his hands trembling as they held yours, his eyes lost in a void so deep it seemed there was no return. The shadows on his face highlighted the pain etched into his expression, every feature marked by guilt and remorse.  

Your body felt heavy, sinking into something that was both physical and ethereal, as if the line between life and death was dissolving. The pressure of the silver dagger embedded in your chest was a constant reminder of what was happening. Each breath felt like a battle, the air burning your throat as the metallic taste of blood filled your mouth. You coughed, the weak, wet sound breaking the somber silence that surrounded you both.  

Vernon’s eyes finally met yours, and something in them shifted. The pain he had tried to hide spilled over, leaving him as vulnerable as you. He gripped your hand tighter, as if that alone could stop you from slipping further away.  

— This won’t happen again, darling, I promise. Never again. — His voice broke on the last word, every syllable laden with the hopelessness of someone who had already lost everything and couldn’t bear the thought of losing again.  

You wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. There was no strength to form the syllables that might have eased his pain—or yours. The connection between you, even in such a tragic moment, was unbreakable, a bond forged in something deeper than time or circumstance.  

Vernon lowered his head, pressing his forehead against your bloodied hands as if praying to a god he knew would not listen. His body trembled slightly, but his resolve was clear. He wasn’t just making a promise to you; he was making it to himself.  

The distant sound of thunder rumbled through the air, but neither of you paid it any attention. The world outside was irrelevant. There was only the two of you, trapped in that instant, sharing the pain and love that defined the essence of everything you were.  

And as the light began to fade from your vision, you saw something in Vernon’s gaze. Not just regret or sorrow, but a dark, almost dangerous resolve. Something that said, if he had to defy fate itself to keep that promise, he would.  

Reality rushed back to you like a lightning bolt, cutting through the haze of unconsciousness that had clouded your mind. Your body was overwhelmed by a new and strange sensation—a mix of overpowering strength and unsettling vulnerability. Your eyes opened slowly, and the world around you seemed sharper, more alive, as though every detail carried an intensity you had never noticed before.  

And then your eyes locked on him again.  

Vernon’s figure was cloaked in an aura of dark majesty, but there was something different in his sharp eyes—a rare warmth.  

— Vernon? — Your voice came out as a fragile whisper, full of confusion and recognition.  

He didn’t respond immediately, merely continuing to watch you, as if committing every detail of your expression to memory. Tears began to stream down your face, tracing warm paths over your cheeks as you struggled to process what had happened.  

— What did you do? — Your voice trembled, laden with disbelief and a mix of surprise and anxiety.  

Vernon leaned forward, the shadow of a smile on his lips, but his eyes were intense, carrying the weight of the world.  

— I transformed you. — His voice was deep yet soft, a combination of disdain for the world around him and a nearly desperate affection for you. — You will never be apart from me again. I cannot lose you, not ever again…  

His words struck you like a blow and an embrace all at once, and your body shuddered. Vernon extended his hand, his fingers brushing your face with a tenderness that contrasted with the possessiveness in his gaze.  

— You are mine forever. — He declared, the words sinking deep into your soul, sending shivers down your spine.  

You closed your eyes, feeling emotions crash within you—the despair of this sudden twist in your life, the weight of eternity beside someone as intense as Vernon, and a spark of something undeniable that felt much like relief. As you trembled in his arms, his firm hands held you steady, anchoring you to a new reality.  

And there, in that room consumed by silence and Vernon’s overwhelming presence, you realized there was no going back. The line between love and obsession, between fear and desire, was completely blurred.  

You belonged to him, just as he had always belonged to you.  

Forever.

[aventurineswife]

May I please request Aven playing with his twin babies??? (I always imagine him having boy and girl twins)

Like, imagine their tiny hands trying to grab his expensive trinkets and use them as teething toys (idk what they're called LOL) 💖💖

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart”

Summary: Aventurine finds himself caught in the simplest yet most precious game of them all: fatherhood. As he watches his twin babies playfully fight for his trinkets, he is overcome by a rare sense of joy and love and forgets his usual guarded ways. The twins bring out this part of him, an element of play which he has kept hidden for so long, reminding him that the gamble may not always be about wealth or power but about love and family and sometimes just the little things in life.

Tags: Dad!Aventurine, Family, Parenthood, Humor, Mischief, Love, Emotional Vulnerability, Joy.

A/N: searched it up and it's called teething toys (for babies), so you're correct! Don't worry :3

Aventurine had always been a man of risk—whether it was navigating the volatile corridors of power or placing a bet on an impossible con. But today, the stakes were far more personal, and far more precious.

He sat on a plush velvet armchair in the lavish sitting room of his estate, his usually composed features softened by a rare, unguarded smile. His children—his twin babies—played at his feet. The boy with his bright eyes and unruly hair laughed as he reached out for the small trinket that rested on the low table in front of his father. The girl, her dark eyes twinkling mischievously, was already doing her best to grab at the same piece of jewelry, her chubby fingers curling around the delicate gold chain.

They get him with a teasing, affectionate smile, the careful mask slipping in their presence. Aventurine thought himself a strategist: one reads the room and predicts the next move. This game of life has changed, though, when it comes to these two; his heart runs in an uncharted course.

"Ah, no, no," he crooned softly, reaching down to pull the gold necklace from their jaws, "That's not for you to chew on."

The boy whimpered softly, his huge eyes looking up at his father, while the girl beamed up at him as if plotting her next move. It was as if they were already working together—hard not to laugh at this. He had a feeling of something between alarm and endearment at the mischievous streak that mirrored his own.

"You two are already scheming," he said to himself, shaking his head. His eyes remained on their small hands, still reaching for anything they could grab. The girl grabbed the chip coin, clutching it in her chubby little fist. Aventurine's heart fluttered at how such small hands could hold such weight in his life.

"You know," he started, settling back in the chair as he absently fidgeted with his bracelet, "your parent would have a fit if they saw you two playing with my trinkets. They're far too expensive for you to be using them as teething toys."

But the two of them did not give up. The boy, not wanting to lose, managed to tug at a delicate gold ring on his father's wrist with a surprising strength in those baby fingers.

With a theatrical sigh, Aventurine carefully took off the ring, his voice playful yet firm. "If you keep this up, you'll ruin my reputation as the greatest gambler in the universe," he teased. "People will hear about the time I lost my ring to a toddler."

The twins giggled in perfect synchrony, their little voices harmonizing in the most innocent way yet having in their expressions mischief written. Perfect, the gamble paid off in the most wonderful of ways—though Aventurine would never admit how much a gamble fatherhood was truly.

As the boy squirmed closer now to pull at his father's choker, Aventurine couldn't resist. His usual wariness was forgotten in the glow of the moment, and he let them have their play. For the universe held no treasures to rival the joy he felt in their company.

"You little thieves," Aventurine laughed, hoisting the girl up onto his lap, her face breaking out into a grin that was at once his charm and her parent's warmth. The boy crawled up to his side, reaching for his father's face, as if trying to claim him entirely.

Aventurine’s heart fluttered again—this time, he didn’t even try to stop it. He was theirs, every last bit of him. And for once, he didn’t need to calculate the cost of that connection.

For this gamble, there was no risk at all.

[derww]

Three small oneshots written on keys from people. First, @mapicccc and TA going groccery shopping, second, @happy-mountain-goats and Subz fixing his wings (apologize in advance for the errors/inaccuracies in the anatomical details), third, @nivalulu and 4C doing small differences.

***

– No, – Zam says sterntly, suddenly perhaps even to himself, as he throws a frozen pizza out of the cart. Mapicc rolls his eyes like he's dealing with a small child.

– Okay, genius. Then you choose. Just hurry up, we've been here for half an hour already.

– No problem, – Zam goes to the shelves and – as if completely at random – pulls out a package of frozen vegetable yakisoba.

– Absolutely not, – Mapicc snaps, – there's not even meat in there! I'm going to starve!

– There was no meat on the pizza either, – Zam retorts, waving the box.

– There was pepperoni in there! – Mapicc crosses his arms over his chest, determined to stand his ground. – It counts!

– It's not, – Zam continues to bicker, but he is stopped by a package of mac&cheese hitting him in the temple. He catches it, rubbing the bruised spot with his other hand and swearing under his breath, and then throws it back. Spoke catches it and mockingly puts it into the cart. He is sitting in the place where small children were usually put – with his height, his feet almost touch the floor – and is clearly laughing at their silly squabbles.

– You don't have to eat the same thing, you assholes, – Spoke chuckles, – it doesn't matter – in short, just throw anything, otherwise, we'll be yelling here until closing time. By the way, where is Ro? Terry! – He waves his hand aggressively, and Terry, who is a few meters away from them collecting an obscene number of pastry bags, turns around and bows his head in a silent question, – Terry, find Ro, we've lost him again!

– I think we all know where Ro is right now, – Terry replies with a giggle, dropping everything into their shared cart, – but I can go and take him, of course, – he yawns, – we can't send Mapicc or Zam to this. Zam will get lost, Mapicc will crash into a shelf.

– I'm not that hopeless! I'll find a way back! – Zam objects, but Terry shakes his head and slowly disappears around the corner.

– At least pretend you have something in your brain, – Mapicc mutters irritably, randomly throwing several more random boxes and freezer bags into the cart and pushing it forward in the direction Terry has gone.

– Who would say that! – Zam is indignant, catching up with him, – It was a terrible idea, next time I'm going alone.

– If you go alone, you'll only bring juice, a pack of chocolate croissants, and a half–eaten chipotle burrito!

– Last time you brought sriracha and 32 sausages! Who eats this for a week in a row!

– Relax, – Spoke drawled, – let's not argue about little things.-

Mapicc stops, and Spoke, too lanky for his position, almost falls out.

– You weren't given the right to vote, – he says, – you brought five original monsters last time we've asked you to buy shit. What is there to eat, the jar itself?

– Great breakfast! – Spoke answers calmly, giving Mapicc a thumbs–up and kicking him in the knee, – I don't know what you don't like about it... – he hurriedly turns around and, noticing something, starts shouting, - hey, Ro! - at first it looks like he's trying to distract their attention, but in the distance there really is a familiar figure looming. Ro holds a half-filled shopping basket in his hand. To his left is Terry, who has clearly regretted agreeing to go with them a hundred times.

– Hello, people, – once at an acceptable distance, Ro waves at them, – are you still arguing? Who should I calm down? Has anything been trashed yet?

When Ro gets even with them, Zam immediately reaches in with his hands into the shopping basket.

– Well, I can understand that, – he picks up tomatoes and sweet peppers without any pretense, – at least someone in this circus thought of bringing some vegetables... Also no questions, – a bag of spinach, celery, bananas, – let's say fine, but you'll be the only one eating it, – edamame, some hummus, – why the fuck do you need so much turmeric? – Ro shrugs his shoulders, and Zam rolls his eyes, but approves. – Is there at least someone in our house who drinks it? – a liter of soy milk, – I'll confiscate it, if you decide to get drunk, suffer for yourself, I have to put up with you all anyway, – he takes off a box of alka-seltzer, to which Ro squints suspiciously, and Mapicc says something remotely obscene... – my God, why do you need twenty-one ounces of olives? – Zam looks dumbfounded, first at the cans, then at Ro. Ro spreads his hands.

– He likes olives and eats them, – Mapicc calmly informs and shrugs his shoulders, – it's not for you to object. It's strange that you didn't know.

– It's all bullshit! – Zam objects, - he'd rather pour them down someone's neck than actually eat them!

– I'll go buy some bread and eggs, – Terry informs them meekly, but his words are drowned out by the hubbub of an argument starting again.

***

Okay, the problem is, his wings have been on the verge of breaking for a fucking eternity, but it's not like he could just take them off. Frankly, he had no idea how to solve the tangle of lost magic without ripping off his own spine. When he was sculpting the spell, he was sculpting hard and forever, and you couldn't fly on a Lifesteal anyway... before.

And, okay, the bases of his wings were in a mess, too, of course, but oh, well, not that he could do anything about it. The last time he checked, there wasn't any major damage, so it wasn't important anyway. To his personal surprise, his hind wings in general were not seriously injured in any way, only worn and torn at a couple of edges.

Do I really have to deal with this, he asks himself. It wasn't that important. They still will last a decent amount of time. And even if he falls in the middle of the flight, it's not a big problem. At last... He rolls his eyes and sighs. Friend agrees with him, humming approvingly. Well, or so it seems to him.

First, he has to make all the tools, because of course he doesn't have the right ones – he wanders in circles through the chaos of his base from side to side and over and over and over until he has everything he needs – or a replacement that will do. A brush has to be made very soft and delicate, small and fluffy, and then his hand cramps for half a day from small work, all sharp corners are cut off from the planed stick, leaving a smooth but thin tip, and the formula for the adhesive material is based on water and made as non-toxic as possible... At least he thinks it came out non-toxic... Well, if it didn't work out, then he'll realize the mistake when he can't fly. Or get a couple of chemical burns. Or get poisoned and die. What a cool perspective to have!

At least there is a directional lamp of the right brightness, and that's how he unfolds everything, in the middle of the corridor, holding onto the part of the hind wings that he can reach: first, he cleans off all the dust and dirt with a brush with unbearable care, first wet, and then dry. Some of the debris refuses to move away, and in the middle of the process he has to build forceps and, swearing under his breath, wield them as well. His hands can't reach everything, but something is better than nothing, and the elytras obviously turn out to be much easier to clean – denser and clearer, they soon turn out to be in an acceptable form. He refuses to reach the inside.

It's even more difficult with glue: apply it to the gap with slow movements – hey, and why did he kill the ancient god at all, if even his wings are tearing – and, having fixed it in the right position, leave it alone. There don't seem to be any symptoms of toxic shock. For now.

He's already putting everything together to put it in a corner and not see it for another hundred years when he hears a block breaking – almost a knock on the door when you live in an underground base without a normal entrance. Well, or breaking in with a chainsaw, if it's an enemy. With the garbage in his arms, he turns around only to see Red. Both of his hands are busy, so he just nods.

– Hi, dear friend. – Red drawls. – And what are you doing here?

He shrugs his shoulders disinterestedly.

– I was fixing the wings. They've been worn out all this time.

– So you can take them off? – Red wonders, – then why do you go everywhere with them?

Subz rolls his eyes.

– No, I can't, – he says, bored. – I fixed the part that I can reach.

– Well, – Red says dramatically, – it's a matter of your safety, Subz! You clearly need the help of a friend who will do you a favor in this difficult and painstaking task!

He makes a face and sighs.

– Yes, yes, of course, my friend Reddoons, – he mutters and resigns himself to the fate.

***

4C is familiar to people here as someone who is simple... exists. He doesn't hold grudges, doesn't maintain bad relationships, goes about his business, and lets the others do the same, and tunnel rats smile when they see him and pass him candies in gratitude to the founding captain. People don't attack him in battles, they don't bother him with arguments, they don't see any threat or danger in him, and he takes full advantage of it. He appears here and there, invisible in his routes, never having anything planned, and people shrug their shoulders and perceive him a little better than the moving element of the interior.

Sometimes it seems to him that he really is some kind of ghost: he cleans the bedroom and hall of the FOCUS base, not forgetting to change the linen and put fresh flowers in the vases, he takes care of the trees at the spawn and decorates the buildings for the holidays, he puts an elytra in the Spacewaffles chest and leaves three copper swords with colored handles in the chest in the tunnels, he waters the valley of daisies and wipes discs lying there from the dust.

He feeds pandas with bamboo and cats with raw tuna, he cleans empty houses and lights candles in churches, and he repairs doors and greases bolts. He lures wardens away from busy places and leaves them in ravines and gorges. He collects items from the corpses and leaves them in chests.

He builds a house at Zaun: he has to choose a simpler design, but it's still nice. Maybe one day I'll really be able to live here, he thinks with warm sadness, leaving only a crafting table inside. On the sign at the entrance, he writes: Home.

In 4C, there is no desire to be a good person, both for himself and for others, he is an invisible man, devoted to the grave, a worthy tunnel rat and keeper of secrets, someone who has laid down his life to avoid conflicts with people, not someone with at least some good or heartfelt motives, but something motivates him to continue. Sometimes he plants a new daisy, and it fills the void in him, sapling by sapling.

[strawberrybunnystuff]

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 🎂

𝘐𝘛'𝘚 𝘔𝘠 𝘉𝘐𝘙𝘛𝘏𝘋𝘈𝘠 𝘚𝘖 𝘐 𝘋𝘐𝘋 𝘛𝘏𝘐𝘚!!!🐇

Leland Coyle

Leland would become so chaotic because of this. He really wants to do something very special for you, he would spend hours thinking about every detail he would do to celebrate.

In the end Leland would do something chaotic, noisy and "grand".

In celebration, Leland would hold a small parade at the prison, where of course, you would be at the center of it all. Leland would also bring some "volunteers" (forced by threats) to participate and applaud you.

Gift, Leland would try to make a gift by hand. Something very useless but he thinks it would be a way to show that he loves you.

"I know this isn't the best...but I've never had someone I really care about...so you deserve this and the best. I hope you enjoyed it."

Mother Gooseberry

Gooseberry would organize a surprise party in the "motherly" style.

With a colorful and "childish" decoration, with some old balloons scattered around, some dolls sitting on chairs in the shape of "guests" and a large cake in the center with candles.

Mother Gooseberry would really take the time to make it a very special day for you.

Gift, Mother Gooseberry would give something that she thinks will have meaning to you, a children's toy.

The Night Hunter

Night Hunter would do something more exciting and wild. He would go hunting with his partner, where you would be the “victim” and he would be the hunter, but as a way of demonstrating that it is your birthday, he will let you win.

The Night Hunter will also leave a small hidden gift for you to find, something to protect you from other assassins and stalkers.

Franco Barbi

Franco would be quieter at first. He would think and plan everything silently so that in the end it would be a special surprise.

Celebration, Franco would set up and decorate a well-lit space, with some colorful decorations but something just between the two of you.

Franco would try to make an improvised cake. (It's horrible but PLEASE don't tell him that.)

Present, Franco would also make his handmade gift. Something that has emotional meaning for you.

In the end, Franco would make sure you had a delicate and romantic moment together, with you hugging or kissing and him declaring himself to you.

"I've never been very good at showing my emotions but I hope this makes you feel special."

Dr. Esterman

Esterman was quiet and calculating about his birthday. Esteman wouldn't throw a party, and he wouldn't make decorations either, but he would do an experiment for you.

Something sadistic but that he thinks is special for you. He will show his love through his genius with this experiment.

His gift will be something he created through someone's macabre experiment.

· · ─ · 𝜗𝜚 · ─ · ·

[cherrykasugayama]

Fleeting Memories

Kenshin struggles to overcome his grief after the death of his wife, straining his relationship further with his children. He became detached and distant. (Part 1)

Warning: Heavy angst, bad daddy Kenshin, unnamed MC

Children: Uesugi Takeru, 13 years old, Uesugi Ken, 13 years old, Uesugi Sakura, 5 years old

Part 2

.....................................................

The training grounds of the Kasugayama castle stretched beneath the pale light of dawn, dew glistening on the grass like a scattering of diamonds. In the center of the grounds stood the lord of the castle, Uesugi Kenshin, his imposing figure perfectly still. His light blonde hair shimmered in the morning light, flowing freely as a faint breeze carried it. His mismatched eyes, one a piercing green and the other an icy blue, were as cold and detached as a winter storm.

He gripped the hilt of his katana, its blade gleaming like a shard of the moon. With deliberate precision, Kenshin moved through a series of practiced strikes, his movements elegant yet deadly.

Hiding just beyond the training grounds, a small figure crouched behind a cluster of trees, clutching a wooden doll tightly to her chest. Her soft blonde hair fell in soft waves, catching the sunlight, and her large blue eyes, so strikingly similar to her father’s, peered nervously at the man she had longed to meet.

Uesugi Sakura, a child of only five, watched her father with wide, awe-filled blue eyes. She clutched a wooden doll to her chest, her tiny hands trembling as she peered at the man she had heard so much about but had never seen.

For as long as Sakura could remember, she had been confined to a secluded manor on the outskirts of the castle estate. Her life was one of quiet isolation, with only her maids and occasional visits from her elder brothers to break the monotony. The world beyond the manor was a mystery, and her father, her distant, powerful father, was the greatest mystery of all.

She had grown up on whispered tales, fragments of conversations she wasn’t supposed to hear.

“The lord hasn’t visited her once, has he?”

“Not since she was born. He blames her for the Lady’s death.”

“Poor child. She may have inherited his lordship's color, but she is sweet just like her mother. No wonder he can’t bear to look at her.”

Sakura didn’t understand why her father wouldn’t see her, why she wasn’t allowed to leave her manor. But she loved him anyway, in the way that only a child could. She had clung to every story about his strength, his victories, his unyielding will, and dreamed of the day he might hold her hand or smile at her.

That morning, when she overheard the maids talking about her father’s training session, she couldn’t resist. For the first time in her life, she slipped past the watchful eyes of her caretakers and ventured into the unknown. She didn't know how she made it to the training ground without getting caught, perhaps she was just lucky.

Now, as she watched him, her heart pounded with a mix of fear and longing.

.....................................................

Kenshin paused mid-swing, his mismatched eyes narrowing. He sensed a presence, a small, hesitant one.

“Who’s there?” he demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.

Sakura froze, her heart leaping into her throat. She hadn’t meant to be seen. Clutching her doll tighter, she stepped out from the shadows, her small frame trembling.

The training ground fell silent. The vassals, mid-drill, stopped and turned to see who had dared to interrupt. Their gazes landed on the child, and their expressions shifted from confusion to shock.

Kenshin stared at her, his expression unreadable. His eyes swept over her blonde hair and blue eyes, so much like his own, and the delicate shape of her face that mirrored someone he knew very well and would rather forget.

“Who are you?” he asked, his voice colder than the wind that brushed past them.

Sakura blinked, the question striking her like a physical blow. “I-I’m Sakura,” she stammered, her voice trembling. “Your daughter.”

For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and suffocating. Then Kenshin’s gaze hardened.

“You have no place here,” he said flatly, his voice devoid of warmth.

Sakura flinched, but she forced herself to speak. “I… I just wanted to see you. I wanted to know you.”

Kenshin’s lip curled, not in anger, but in something colder, disdain. He sheathed his sword in a single, sharp motion, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.

“Then let this be your first lesson,” he said. He turned to one of the nearby vassals, “Who is responsible for this child?”

The soldier, visibly nervous, stammered, “L-Lord Kenshin… the nursery… the maids… we—”

Kenshin interrupted his words coldly.

“Find them. Tell them their incompetence will be punished.”

.....................................................

Sakura’s heart dropped into her stomach. She blinked rapidly, her tears threatening to spill.

“I… I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” she whispered, taking a small step back. “Please don't-"

“Return to your manor,” Kenshin interrupted coldly. Then he turned his back to her.

Sakura stood frozen, watching him walk away, her tiny figure trembling under the weight of his rejection.

.....................................................

When Sakura returned to the manor, her older brothers were searching for her. Unlike her, they were allowed to be raised in the main castle.

Despite their busy schedules with training and lessons, the twins always made time for their little sister by visiting her manor almost every day.

Takeru, the eldest and the heir of the clan, sighed in relief upon seeing his sister, his black hair falling over his forehead and his blue eyes filled with concern once he saw her visibly upset.

Beside him was Ken, the second son of Kenshin and Takeru's twin. His blonde hair glinting in the sunlight and his green eyes burning with barely contained anger when seeing the tears on his baby sister's face.

“Sakura,” Takeru said gently, kneeling to meet her eyes. “What happened?”

"Did one of the maids say something mean to you again?" Ken asked.

Sakura shook her head, her tears falling anew. “I... I went to see father but he...he doesn’t want me,” she choked out.

"So you went to see him," Ken’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “I’ll kill him,” he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.

“Ken,” Takeru said warningly.

Ken shrugged him off, his anger boiling over. “How can he call himself our father?” he snapped. “He’s a coward.”

“Ken,” Takeru said more firmly. “This isn’t about us. It’s about Sakura.”

Ken looked at his little sister, her tear-streaked face breaking what little restraint he had left. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before kneeling beside her.

“Sakura,” he said, his tone softer. “Listen to me. You don’t need that jerk's approval. You have us. You’ll always have us.”

Takeru nodded, his expression warm. “That’s right. You’re not alone, Sakura. We’re your family too.”

Sakura sniffled, her small hands clutching at their sleeves. “But why doesn’t he love me?” she whispered.

Takeru and Ken exchanged a look, the weight of her question hanging heavy between them.

Ken patted her head gently, and Takeru wiped the tears away from her chubby cheeks.

“Do you remember what Lord Yukimura said?", Ken tried to comfort her.

"Adults are mostly dummy, and father is the dummiest of all. It doesn't matter if he loves us or not. You have us. You’ll always have us.” Ken hugged her gently.

“And we will always protect you,” Takeru added with a reassuring smile.

Sakura nodded slowly, though the ache in her chest didn’t fade.

.....................................................

The twins skipped their lessons for the day and spent the whole day playing with her to cheer her up. However, they left her later that night, Takeru insisting she get some rest. But sleep didn’t come easily for Sakura. She hid in the blanket, clutching the wooden doll Takeru had carved for her after learning the craft from Shingen's son, its simple features worn smooth from her touch.

Her mind replayed the scene from the training grounds, the coldness in her father’s mismatched eyes, the finality in his voice as he told her to leave.

Tears pricked at her eyes and she cried again.

.....................................................

In the quiet solitude of his room, Kenshin stood by the balcony, staring out into the night. A few bottles of sake couldn't comfort him at all.

The memory of the small girl in the training grounds refused to leave him. Her innocent eyes, so much like her mother, haunted him. He thought he already forgot everything about her. Why did she need to appear in front of him again?

Kenshin clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. He shook his head, trying to forget his daughter's face, as it came with the unbearable memories of someone he used to love with his whole heart.

The knock at his door broke his thoughts.

“Enter,” he said.

Takeru and Ken stepped inside. Kenshin’s gaze flicked to them, his eldest calm and composed, his second brimming with barely contained fury. Their contrasting tempers palpable in the air.

It was intense silence at first, but Ken was the first to speak, his face was twisted with barely restrained anger.

“What is wrong with you?” he spat.

Kenshin frowned. “Careful, boy,” he said coolly. "You have no manners."

"And you have no heart!" Ken took a step forward, his fists clenched at his sides. “I will not watch my tone. You don’t deserve it after what you did today."

Kenshin was indifferent, his expression a mask of icy control. “She has no place on the training grounds. I made that clear.”

“She has no place anywhere, according to you,” Ken snapped. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done to her? She ran back crying, thinking you hate her.”

“You dare to lecture me?” Kenshin said, his voice sharp.

“She’s five!” Ken shouted, his voice shaking with rage. “She’s your daughter! And you couldn’t even look at her without spitting venom. What kind of man are you?. You’ve made it clear you’re too much of a coward to face your own daughter!”

“Ken,” Takeru said warningly, placing a hand on his brother’s arm.

“No,” Ken snapped, his green eyes narrowing.

“I’m not done. Do you even care what you’ve done to her? You treat her like she’s a curse, like she’s the reason Mother is gone. She’s not. She’s just a little girl who wants you to love her. But you can’t even give her that.”

Kenshin’s expression darkened, the air in the room seeming to chill. His voice low and dangerous. "You know nothing."

“Oh, you think so? I know what it means to abandon someone who depends on you. It means turning into a coward who hides behind his grief and lashes out at anyone who gets too close.”

“Ken,” Takeru interjected, stepping between them. “Enough.”

“He needs to hear this. He needs to understand what he’s doing, to Sakura, to all of us. You’re breaking her, Father. She’s too young to understand why you hate her, but it’s killing her.” Ken said fiercely, his gaze never leaving their father’s.

Kenshin’s hands tightened into fists, his jaw clenching as he fought to maintain his composure. “I do not hate her,” he said, his voice quieter but no less firm.

“Then prove it,” Ken said, his voice trembling with emotion. “Because right now, all she knows is that her father won’t even look at her.”

For a moment, silence filled the room. Kenshin’s mismatched eyes flickered with something, guilt, perhaps, or pain, but he quickly buried it beneath his cold exterior.

“This discussion is over,” he said, his tone final.

Ken let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head.

“You’re hopeless,” he said, his voice filled with disdain. He turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the shoji door behind him.

Takeru remained, unlike his brother, his expression calm.

“Father,” he said quietly, “we’re not trying to fight you. We’re trying to help. Sakura loves you, even after everything. She deserves to be loved in return.”

Kenshin didn’t respond, he turned around to continue watching the moon.

Takeru sighed, the weight of the moment heavy in his voice. “It’s not too late to fix this. But if you keep pushing her away, you’ll lose her. And us.”

He hesitated, then added softly, “She’s what’s left of Mother for us. If you let her slip away, you’ll lose everything.”

With that, Takeru turned and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

.....................................................

Ken was punching the poor dummy furiously in the training room, the warm glow of a lantern illuminating his restless form. His frustration evident in every punch.

Takeru leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed and his expression calm, though the sadness in his blue eyes betrayed his thoughts.

“You were too harsh,” Takeru said, breaking the tense silence.

Ken whirled around to face his brother, his green eyes blazing. “Someone has to be,” he snapped. “He won’t change if we keep tiptoeing around him.”

Takeru sighed, his voice gentle yet firm. “Perhaps. But there’s a way to reach him without letting anger take over. Lashing out only makes him retreat further.”

Ken snorted, his tone dripping with bitterness. “Retreat is all he knows. He’s been running ever since Mother died, hiding behind his coldness. It’s pathetic.”

“Maybe it is,” Takeru admitted. “But Sakura doesn’t need more broken pieces. She needs us to stay strong, for her.”

Ken’s anger flickered, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I just want her to be happy,” he muttered, his voice quieter now. “She deserves better than him.”

Takeru smiled faintly. “She does. And we’ll make sure she has better. We’re her brothers. It’s our job to protect her, even from Father.”

Ken turned to the window, where the moonlight painted the garden in silver hues.

“I guess it’s our responsibility to knock some sense into that man’s head,” Ken said at last, his tone laced with determination. “I don’t mind breaking a few of his bones. He’s still young—he’ll recover.”

Takeru laughed softly. “Pfft, you couldn’t even land a hit on him last time.”

Ken’s ears turned red, a rare sign of embarrassment. “That was different,” he grumbled.

“Different because we are still thirteen?” Takeru teased, earning a glare from his brother.

Ken crossed his arms tighter, trying to brush off the jab. But his resolve didn’t waver. “Father’s tough, yeah. But maybe if someone else talked to him…”

“But who is strong enough to go against father?” Takeru asked, curious.

Ken hesitated, then muttered, “Maybe Lord Shingen could knock some sense into him.”

Takeru raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. “Lord Shingen?”

"Yeah, I heard he was father's rival. But perhaps he is too old already... "

Takeru shot him a dry look. “He’s older, not ancient.”

After a few seconds, Takeru continued with a knowing grin, “Himeko would be sad if she heard her crush insulted her father.”

Takeda Himeko, the first daughter of Kenshin’s greatest rival, Takeda Shingen, was a spirited and confident girl around their age. Despite her father’s protests, she had taken a liking to Ken. Her determination to charm him had become the subject of many teasing between Takeru and Ken.

Ken stiffened, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. “This doesn’t concern her,” he said quickly, his tone defensive.

“Doesn’t it?” Takeru teased, enjoying his brother’s rare flustered reaction.

Ken glared at him, his voice dropping into a dangerous growl. “You’re treading on thin ice, brother.”

Takeru chuckled but relented. “Alright, alright. But if you’re too afraid to ask Lord Shingen for help, maybe Himeko could talk to him instead. You should send her a letter since both of you were already exchanging love letters."

"No we're not! Perhaps I will break your bones instead." Ken said with a threatening tone.

Takeru raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing softly. “Alright, I’ll stop. But for now, let’s go check on Sakura. She’s probably having nightmares about this morning.”

Ken nodded reluctantly, his protective instincts taking over. “Yeah, let’s go. But don’t think I’ve forgotten about breaking your bones for that comment.”

Takeru chuckled again as they left the study together to check on their baby sister.

.....................................................

Sakura was curled up in her bed, clutching her wooden doll tightly. Her small form was barely visible beneath the blankets, and her sniffles were the only sound in the quiet room.

The twins entered softly, their presence immediately soothing the heavy atmosphere.

“Sakura,” Takeru said gently, sitting on the edge of her futon. “Are you awake?”

She peeked out from under the blankets, her tear-streaked face breaking their hearts. “Takeru… Ken…” she whispered, her voice shaky.

Her tear-streaked face still bearing traces of sadness but softening under their reassuring presence. Takeru glanced at Ken, who was clearly unsure of what to do next.

“You know, Ken,” Takeru said with a small smile, “maybe you should sing her a lullaby.”

Ken’s head shot up, his green eyes widening in horror. “What? No way.”

“Why not? You have a decent voice,” Takeru teased, his tone light.

Sakura, nestled under her blanket, managed a faint giggle. “Ken singing?” she asked, her voice still shaky but curious.

Ken sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fine,” he muttered, “but don’t expect much.”

Takeru grinned, tucking Sakura comfortably as Ken cleared his throat.

“Twinkle, twinkle, little—”

“Ken!” Takeru interrupted, laughing. “Not like you’re giving orders to a troop!”

Ken glared at his brother, but even he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright.” He softened his voice.

Ken cleared his throat, his voice low and uncertain at first, but as he began to sing, it grew steady. The melody was soft, hauntingly familiar, and steeped in nostalgia. It was the lullaby their mother used to sing to them:

"Nenneko yo, nenneko yo,

Yama no usagi wa, hora ne wo suru,

Kaze mo sasayaku, hoshi mo nemuru,

Ware no akanbo, nenneko yo."

(“Sleep, sleep, little one,

The mountain rabbits rest,

The wind whispers, the stars slumber,

My little baby, sleep peacefully.”)

The lullaby was a melody etched into their souls, a song their mother had sung on the nights they were too scared to sleep. Her voice had always been soft, full of warmth and love, wrapping around them like a protective embrace.

But now, it was Ken’s voice that filled the room, raw and tinged with pain. Each note seemed to crack under the weight of what was lost.

Takeru’s smile faded as he listened, the melody pulling at a long-buried ache. It had been years since they’d heard that song, and hearing it again now brought back memories of their mother.

As Ken reached the final verse, his green eyes shimmered, but he quickly turned his head to hide the emotion threatening to surface.

Sakura blinked sleepily, her small fingers clutching the wooden doll tightly. “That’s so pretty,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ken cleared his throat, his usual sharpness returning. “It’s just a song. Go to sleep now.”

Takeru swallowed hard, his blue eyes shimmering. “She used to sing that to us every night,” he murmured, his voice breaking.

“Did she?” Sakura’s voice was fading as sleep began to claim her.

“She did,” Takeru confirmed, his voice warm but tinged with sadness. “She had a beautiful voice, just like Ken’s.”

Ken shot him a glare but didn’t argue. Instead, he tucked the blanket closer around Sakura and muttered, “Sleep. We will be here until you fall asleep.”

Sakura yawned, her eyelids fluttering shut. The room fell into a hushed stillness as her breathing evened out, signaling that she’d finally drifted off.

The twins sat in silence for a long time, the weight of the lullaby still lingering.

“I haven’t thought about that song in years,” Takeru said softly, his gaze distant.

“Neither have I,” Ken admitted, his tone quieter than usual. The melody took him back to their mother’s warm embrace, her soft voice weaving a barrier of love and safety around them. Her hands had been gentle as they stroked their hair, her smile radiant even as her body grew frail.

The last time she sang it was the night before she died.

“She used to sing this to us,” Ken said abruptly, his voice rough and filled with suppressed emotion. He stared at the floor, his green eyes glistening. “Every night. Until she couldn’t anymore.”

Takeru nodded, his voice barely a whisper. “She always said the song would keep us safe. That as long as we had each other, we’d never be alone.”

Ken let out a shaky breath, his shoulders trembling. “But she left us. And now Sakura—” His voice cracked, and he buried his face in his hands.

“She didn’t want to leave us,” Takeru said softly, stepping closer. “She loved us. She loved Sakura. And she would hate seeing us like this.”

Ken looked up, his eyes red. “She deserved to see her grow up,” he said, his voice breaking. “She would’ve loved her so much. More than… more than he ever could.”

Takeru knelt beside him, his hand gripping Ken’s shoulder firmly. “We’ll love her enough for both of them. For Mother. For us. We’ll make sure she knows she’s not alone.”

Ken’s gaze shifted to Sakura, now sleeping peacefully. Her small face was still streaked with dried tears, but she looked calm, her breaths soft and steady.

“She’s all we have left of her,” Ken murmured, his voice heavy with grief. “How can he not see that?”

Takeru’s lips pressed into a thin line. “He’s blinded by his own pain. But we can’t let that stop us. We have to be stronger, for her.”

Ken nodded slowly, though his heart felt like it was being torn in two. He stood, brushing a hand through his blonde hair, and turned toward the door. “She’s asleep. Let’s leave her be.”

As they stepped into the hallway, the moonlight bathed their weary faces. Takeru paused, glancing back at the closed door. “That song…” he began, his voice unsteady. “It always worked, didn’t it?”

Ken exhaled, his green eyes shimmering with tears. “Yeah. Because she sang it. Because she was there.”

Takeru looked at him, his blue eyes filled with sorrow. “Do you think she’d be proud of us? Of how we’ve handled everything?”

Ken’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “She’d probably comfort us and tell father to get his acts together.” His voice wavered. “But… I think she’d be proud we’ve kept our promise to her.”

Takeru nodded, his throat tight. “We’ll keep going. For her. For Sakura.”

*End of part 1*

[wetpussyju1ce]

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Raymond Smith x fem!reader

+18. mdni

note: quite obviously inspired by the movie of the same title from 2005. Ray and reader r married and secretly assassins behind each others back, until one day their real identities get exposed n they have to work through what it means for their marriage and relationship.

the whole street knew them as the cute couple that everyone wanted to hang out with during bbq parties, or when football was on and someone invited everyone to come and watch the game in their house. Ray was a gentleman through and through, always prepared, polite and reliable, whereas his other half was the more spontaneous one. She's easily the life of the party, sweet, friendly and warm.

and when they were together they were a sight to behold, Ray was one handsome fucker, slicked back soft hair and a thick beard, broad shoulders and kind yet intense eyes. His other half was simply gorgeous, brimming with youthful mirth, the one that somehow all young children gravitate to, always ready to play with them or offer snacks. 

Ray worked as an accountant in the city while his wife was a freelance artist as a cover, but both were actually assassins. She ran her own small business and even got to open a few galleries to show off her art, she was doing well, they were doing well. 

until one day they both ended up going after the same target, raymond was settled on top of a building, ready to put a hole in the target's skull until an ice cream van barrelled down the street, hitting the target's car and Raymond cursed. It all happened so fast, a hand poking out of the window of the van holding a gun, and Raymond didn't think, pulling the trigger, missing and nicking the person's hand, making them pull their hand back and shoot with the other, straight at him, almost taking out his left ear. How that person was able to see him from that far, and barely miss, was beyond him.

the next day over dinner, Raymond noticed his wife's bandaged finger, he froze and watched her happily chew the pasta he made and enjoy his homemade garlic bread.

“Love?” He said and she hummed, lifting her head to look at him, mouth full of pasta. 

“What happened to your finger?”

She froze and he saw something flash behind her eyes, she quickly chewed and swallowed her mouthful, “Hot glue gun got me,”

“Hm,” He slowly stood up and made his way around their dinner table, standing over her and reaching to hold her hand when she snatched it away, “It's still sensitive.”

“I just want to see how bad is it,” Ray said, tone neutral and stable.

“It's not too bad, I already cleaned it well and wrapped it pretty tight, I can't open the bandage to show you,” She explained, clutching her finger with her hand, and looking at him with her big Bambi eyes. He observed her carefully, about how open and honest she sounded and looked. There's no reason for Ray not to believe her. But then he had a gnawing feeling in his guts, and he learned a long time ago to never ignore it. 

So he smiled, “Dessert?”

She lit up, “Yes, please!”

He'll have to investigate later because he really wants to trust his wife, but he knows from experience not to ignore his gut feeling if he wants to keep on breathing. So for now, he'll serve his lovely wife dessert, clean the table and make love to her that same evening, like he always does. 

. 

. 

. 

“Where were you?”

Ray was greeted at 4 in the morning in his home by his wife standing in the kitchen, wearing his t-shirt and her undies, looking delicious as ever. if it was any other time Ray would already be balls deep inside his wife's perfect cunt, but it wasn't one of those times. 

instead he slammed his duffel down on the counter, in the middle of their kitchen, he opened the bag and took out a brick of clay, the type you can get from art stores, from the same brand that his wife likes the most. he then took his butterfly knife out of his pocket and easily sliced the thing open, and instead of bits of clay falling apart, a neatly wrapped pack of bullets fell with a clank. 

“Now, are you going to tell me what the fuck is this?” Ray said, inhaling sharply and pointing at the bullets and the rest in the duffel bag with his knife. 

His wife didn't move, her arms crossed over her chest and looking at the bullet pack, then slowly raised her eyes to meet his and he frowned, moving a step back when he was met with icyness. 

She unfolded her arms and let them hang at her sides, licking her lower lip as Ray watched, knife in hand and heart hammering in his chest. 

“A regular civilian is not capable of finding that out,” She said and Ray’s fingers started itching, he was hot all over under his clothes and he was so close to doing something he's never done to the love of his life, to his wife, ever. 

“A regular civilian also can't own devices that can't be traced, or work in a company that doesn't fucking exist,” She spat, her previously warm eyes emitting nothing but danger, and all bells in Ray's mind rang loud and clear; he needed to kill her before she kills him.

It all happened so fast, her snatching one of Ray's fancy butcher knives that are magnetised to the wall and dodging Ray throwing the duffel bag at her. Knives sliced the air between them and Ray charged at his wife with everything he got, not holding back, twirling his knife quickly and fast in his fingers, from one hand to the other as he slowly walked her further inside the house, his wife walking backwards, knife in hand and a wild look in her eyes.

She grinned sharp and predatory, “No wonder you're so good with your fingers,”

Ray couldn't hold back his laugh, “What can I say, I'm a natural.”

“How did you figure it out?” She asked, the back of her knees hitting the sofa. 

“Be honest, how did you hurt your finger?” Ray asked. 

“Gunshot,” She answered and Ray didn't know whether to be relieved or concerned. 

“Sorry, babe. Didn't mean to nick you.” He said and watched as her eyes darkened, “You dickhead! Why did you shoot me?! I was after a fucking terrorist!” She shouted, almost giving him a new haircut as he dodged the knife, Ray knocked her off her feet, she fell with a grunt. “It's just protocol, eliminating anyone who gets between me and the target,” 

Ray was about to grab her when she wormed herself away at a fast speed, pushed her body up with ease and balled her fists in front of her, jumping on their glass coffee table, “What sort of fucking company do you work for? I could've been a civilian!”

“Listen– get your feet off the coffee table!” Ray warned. 

“Fuck the coffee table, it's ugly anyway!” She spat and slapped the knife off his hand quickly, and as soon as he lost his knife he jumped her, her own butcher knife flying in the air and landing buried in the sofa. 

Ray fought to hold her still but she was strong and squirmy, hitting him with her elbow on his side, a gasp was punched out of him and he decided then to not hold back, Ray gathered her in his arms and threw her across the room, breaking the window and bringing down the blinds.

When she got her footing back, she glared at him with the power of fifty suns, “I can't believe you hit your wife, Ray.”

“Last time I checked my wife wasn't an assassin,” Ray said, throwing his coat on the sofa and unbuttoning the first 4 fout buttons of his shirt, then rolled the sleeves watching his pretty wife wrap a ripped piece of fabric around both of her wrists, “Your hypocrite, you're an assassin too! And your name is probably not even Raymond Smith either!”

She grabbed Ray's favourite potted plant and threw it at his head, as he dodged the hit, he found himself embraced by his wife, her legs wrapped around his waist and arms wrapped around his shoulders, “You know that won't work-” His voice quickly got cut off when she squeezed his neck with the remainings of the blinds, the white fabric pulling tight at his thick neck as he clawed at her to let go.

“Did you even love me? In those 5 years of marriage, was anything real?” She asked, squeezing harder until Ray slammed them both down on the ground, bruising her back, she screamed and he took that second to get her hands off him, finally gulping oxygen into his lungs, “Yes! Yes, I fucking did!”

“Then why didn't you tell me?! Why did you hide??” She shouted, eyes brimming with tears at being slammed down on her back, but also at the anger at being lied to. 

“To protect you, that's why! I can't tell my bride I was a killer, what sort of girl would marry a man like that?!” Raymond said, hovering above her, hair dishevelled and eyes wild. 

She then started giggling, giggling for the love of God. “Ray, my love, the light of my life,” She said, holding his face in her hands, Ray feeling his chest burn at the overwhelming emotions he was feeling, “You told me you were an accountant and I married you. If a girl is willing to marry an accountant, she'll marry an assassin,”

Ray didn't mean to laugh, his eyes burning with unshed tears as she brought his face lower and kissed him gently on the lips, and for a moment everything was okay. 

That's when she decided to grab him and flip them around, squeezing his head between her thighs and pulling at his arm, hard. 

“Even though I really did love you. Don't even think I'll let you go, now. I'm not a civilian, baby, and you'll do well to remember that.” She threatened and Ray grinned, he won't have her any other way. 

He brought his free arm up and squeezed at her naked thigh, “Are we fighting or fucking? I'm getting mixed signals here.”

“Oh, can it, Mr Smith,” She squeezed his head tighter, cutting off his oxygen as he gasped and relaxed her hold, just to give him a taste of what's to come if he tries to run away. 

Their short moment of peace was erupted with a rain of bullets. Raymond both threw them on the ground, under the range of the gunfire. 

“What the fuck!” She cursed and when the gunfire finally stopped, Raymond dragged her up the stairs and the gunfire resumed as they tried not to get hit, “Meet me in my studio, okay?” She said and Ray nodded, turning to get to their bedroom, to probably, well, most definitely get a gun. She was about to turn around when he grabbed her by the back of her neck and kissed her hard, when he pulled away she grinned, her cheeks warming up.

“Go on, then.” He smirked, patting her cheek and sneaking to their bedroom as she made her way to the studio, quickly grabbing every hidden weapon in the room and shoving it all in a backpack, she opened the window and hopped on her desk, and looked outside, immediately spotting guys from her organisation, and others most definitely from Ray's firm. And, they definitely weren't here for tea. 

She quickly loaded her gun and waited on her desk for Ray, the wind making her shiver under her t-shirt and undies. She was totally barefoot too, but she'll worry about that later. 

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith! Come out whenever you are! You know the rules! No banging the competition!” A voice called out and she cursed under her breath, then gunshots resumed, in that moment Ray walked inside the studio, greeted by her gunpoint, “Let's go,” He placed her pair of Uggs in her lap and nodded at the window facing their garage. 

“That's what took you so long? My fucking shoes?“ She said, quickly slipping them on and hopping out of the window, walking slowly on the roof to then jump down behind the house. “You're not walking barefoot in the streets, it's really unsanitary.” Raymond said, disgusted. 

They sneaked inside the garage, getting inside the car, Ray in the driver's seat and her in the passenger's, with the two bags of weapons and other stuff by her feet as the garage door opened up automatically, catching the attention of the other assassins, “Put your seatbelt on,” Ray said, absolutely running over anyone jumping in front of their Mercedes as she shot them out of her window, Ray driving furiously down their street. 

“You got me shoes but didn't think to get me trousers?” She said, pointing at her lap, she was still wearing underwear.

“You look great, don't worry.” He shrugged as she glared at him, “My ass is freezing, just so you know.”

“I'll warm it up for you later.” Ray said, smoothly driving down the empty road, looking at the rear mirror every minute or so, making sure they were not being chased.

I really wanted to write something for like secret spy AU or something. but didn't know how to do it. only that I wanted it to be funny n sexy in a way. so I luckily remembered that Mr and Mrs Smith 2005 was still in my watchlist. so I watched the movie and immediately wrote this after finishing the movie. and I used Ray Smith cuz his name is ALREADY smith and I'm in love w him so yeah 😍😩

[lostintransist]

You’re writing is amazing you’re amazing and just all the love my goodness I can’t get enough 💕

Oh my goodness! Thank you! I know sometimes (I feel at least about myself) that it reads as just a casual thanks! as if you were passing on the street but I need you to know that this is like caught me in the side of the neck with feels and I will gush about you to my spouse and my soul mate (I am supremely lucky they aren't the same person).

Now I don't know if you are a fan of König (or reading Chiseled Heart) but this has been rattling around my brain like those cans people use to tie to the bumpers of cars for people who got married so I want to share becase we are a long way from it showing up in the fic.

*I like to give people words when they stop by. I treat it the same way sevice people come to my house to fix things. "You want a snack? I got snacks."

I've only had one guy take a snack.

I keep offering.

König freezes, hand on the doorknob, as your voice drifts in from the porch’s open window.

“König? I really like him.”

Your words are full of soft meaning that slaps at him; beating against his skin like the hands of the children who would laugh and pinch him. Even when he was small he had been too big.

“What about him though?” It’s your friend, Tori, “We haven’t seen his face and yes he is built but he doesn’t say much.”

“He seems to treat you well. I guess what we are saying is that we are concerned. He is nothing like your usual type and I want to be sure this isn’t a rebound.” That is Amara, Tori’s girlfriend.

His hand is starting to cramp around the round knob. He relaxes his hold; nothing in life was built with him in mind. König knows he should move, leave, make his presence known, something. The deepest parts of him, those bits hidden that would flourish if only a spare drop of love could find its way down, made him stay silent and still. No one else had been in the house when he came in to use the restroom. The openness of the floorplan would alert him to anyone entering the front door. And so, he stayed.

An annoyed huff leaves your mouth as you must shift in your chair, cloth shifting against wood. He can imagine you, arms folded tight as you force your shoulders down.

“He is kind, and not only to me. Mara, I have seen him pay for a stranger’s tank of gas when we stopped once. I hopped out to use the bathroom. There was a line so I happened to glance outside and see him getting hugged by a sobbing man with his hand still pressing something to the machine. The two receipts for gas confirmed what happened. He buys gift cards every time he goes to the grocery store and often turns around and hands them to moms in line behind him.”

You take a deep, shuddering breath before continuing.

“My usual type is pretty. But pretty men only bring pain. König isn’t pretty.”

König had been stabbed several times, your words punched him with the same force. He shifted his weight to move away, deepest soul shriveling further at the imaginings of your harsh words.

“Have you ever had someone become beautiful before your eyes?”

Your friends must nod or respond in some way he can’t see because you go on.

“He is striking. König’s face is my favorite thing to look at because every time I look he has become more beautiful to me. There is a scar here,” you must be pointing somewhere on your face. Lord knows how many scars he has mapping the landscape of his. It is one of the reasons that he wears a mask even now. “That whites out when he smiles big.”

Something unfurls in his chest, a desert plant tasting rain.

Tori again, “But this isn’t a rebound?”

“I don’t see how it can be? He doesn’t know I like him this much. Honestly, I would be happy being his friend. If he got a girlfriend I would sob myself to sleep for a few weeks as I make friends with her,” you sniff and clear your throat.

“Ah, hun,” Amara croons at you, “You’ve got it bad for him.”

The watery laugh you let out trails König as he slips away to the front door and away from the private conversation.

“God, I’ve got it so bad for him.” The tears in your voice water his broken parts.

Divider

[soullessxpandora]

Pandora could only attempt to hold out some shimmer of hope their daughter makes her grand return once the war reached a dramatic end, but she and Zeke both understood the trials of a resurrection spell and all the ways it could go wrong. "I was not a coven leader by title only, my love." Her lips lifted in a small smile as their hands connected, entering a parlor that held many memories for the First Family. The time they were together as one strong unit despite any tribulations that arose as parents raising their children. "Their tendencies are akin to the dark ages and unorthodox, those evening rituals were so my favorite." Pan could do nothing but stare in amazement, watching her husband divest himself from his clothing. She did her best to remind herself for why they were doing this before she slipped the blouse she was wearing over her head, shimmying out of her pants and undergarments with relative ease. "I cannot help thinking I hold a secret you do not know, darling." Stepping closer, her gaze lifted along his features. Pandora took the bowl of paint and dipped two fingers in, reaching out to begin smearing it gently along Zeke's forehead before making two lines on either of his cheeks and along both sides of his collarbone. "Slipped my mind how cold it was."

He couldn't blame his wife for having no hope of seeing their little girl again, not when it was one that he also didn't hold either. Ezekiel held many hopes in the world, the coven, and his personal life. In a way, he balanced his wife's cynicism– it was why they worked so well. Then he lost his daughter, his mini-me, and he felt lost. Following Pandora's movements, Zeke finished what was left of his tea before placing it on the table; pushing himself to his feet. "You always were one to be prepared for anything, darling," the man responded, wandering to where Pandora stood at the exit. Taking her hand in his, he lead the pair into the parlor. "I guess it's a good reminder that neither am I. The coven nowadays are prudes in comparison of how we ran things– not so many nighttime naked rituals as there was in our time." The parlor was as he remembered it as clear as day even though he hadn't set foot in the quarters in centuries; dim with only candles lighting the room with the moon's glow. With deft fingers, the man unbuttoned his shirt and folded it, placing it to the side before divesting himself of the rest of his clothing; standing before his wife in the nude. Grabbing two bowls of colored body paint, he waited for Pandora to follow suit.

[technically-human]

Wait if you feel up to it would you be willing to complete the set? Fem!comic paineland? (No pressure of course!)

I never read the comics, but I can try!

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

The dog days are over.

[First] Prev <–-> Next

[random-thot-generator]

Ghost decides after one blind date that you're going to be his.

>>>>>

Simon isn't used to dating. A quick hook up in the loo, sure. A drunken one night stand? He's had too many of those to count. But proper courting? Hell, it's been years, maybe a decade, since he's taken a bird out on an actual date.

It's probably going to be a disaster, but he gave Johnny his word he'd go out with his bird's best friend, so he can't back out now. He'll just have to grit his teeth and power through it.

His sour outlook for the evening is forgotten the second he sees you walk in with Johnny's bird. You're no tipsy tart on the pull, like the birds he's used to dealing with. You're a proper lady, dolled up nice for your date with him. It makes his chest feel tight when he gets a good look at your pretty face and nervous little smile.

His usual gruff manner is obviously not going to fly with you, so he quickly tries to recall the mannerisms he's seen his captain use around women. He gets to his feet with Johnny when the two of you reach the table, trying his best to look less intimidating.

Johnny introduces the two of you, and Simon melts inside when he takes your soft little hand in his for the first time. His brain goes fuzzy, dark eyes glazing over, and he's not sure what he says when he greets you, but it earns him a smile.

"It's really nice to meet you, Simon," are the first words you say to him.

Your voice is soft and sweet, and the way you say his name? Oh, he's gonna need to hear more of that, and often.

For the first time in a long time, Simon's worried about what someone thinks of him. He's worried he'll put you off with his harsh manner. So, he minds his words and gentles his tone. He slows his steps to match your pace and tucks your small hand at his elbow to keep you close and safe. He's holding doors and pulling out your chair. He compliments your dress and hair.

And when your heel catches on the sidewalk and you stumble, he doesn't bark a laugh or say something mean, wouldn't bloody dream of it. No, he catches you before you fall, and all that softness in his hands makes something shift in his brain. You're such a fragile little thing, delicate as spun sugar. You need a big nasty mutt like him to protect you, take care of you, and he's more than willing to do the job.

When the date is over, Simon sees you home, and you kiss him on your front stoop. It's not all groping hands and tangling tongues. It's a gentle press of lips, his big hands cradling your face, the sweet intimacy making his eyes flutter shut. He's floating when he finally gets back in his truck and drives himself home.

Instead of going to bed, Simon begins to formulate a plan of strategy. He figures it'll take a few more dates before you invite him into your flat, and several more after that before you invite him into your bed, then eventually into your life. It might take months, even a year or more. That's alright, though. If his years in the military have taught him anything, it's patience.

Simon knows how to play the long game. He'll go at your pace, let you get used to having him around, then make himself indispensable to you. No one will treat you as good, meet your every need and desire the way he will. He won't stop until he is your world, your reason for being. Your everything.

And when enough time has passed, he'll claim you completely as his. He's going to put a ring on your finger and a baby in your belly, then tuck you away safe and sound in one of those cute country cottages he looked up online. You'll be his little missus, and he'll be your tamed beast, keeping his teeth and claws hidden but at the ready.

By the time he arrives at your flat the next evening for your second date, he's already got your engagement ring in his safe at home and the names of your future children picked out.

And when you text him the day after to invite him for dinner, the new name he replaced yours with pops up on his screen.

It says 'Missus Riley', of course.

-

[deathsmallcaps]

Ok when I reblogged this last night, I picked 3rd because that’s what I’ve heard, but I also said maybe a little bit #4? Because at the time I thought ‘well something not really mattering to you = a sort of rejection” so I was a little confused as to how they were separate options?

And then when I woke up and I saw this I remembered that the ‘rejection’ idea was an antisemitic talking point. As in supposedly you saw the undeniable truth of Jesus and were like nah.

So I’m not sure how else it could’ve been worded - it was quickly visible to me after a good night’s sleep - but I wonder how many other people were thinking similarly to me when they picked #4, and how many are genuinely antisemitic. But I hope there’s just a lot of confused people.