#and then spending the day with her outside of work made those feelings bubble up real big

[himblebo]

Hate that I’m having a huge fucking freak out after a really nice day

[jittersbitters]

The Long Game pt.1 [Doodles]

{Viktor from Arcane Smut Story}

Warnings: Smut, light dom!vik, Fingering, Exhibitionism, AFAB reader, Doodling kink?, Established acquaintanceship so there is some length to this first part, the words- note, pen, doodle, and others associated come up a lot due to the plot, sorry!

Word cound: ~4.5k (25-40 minute read)

Story plot: A holistic healer from NW Shurima works privately for Councilmen Hoskel as a sort of assistant. Viktor and her meet years before the events of Arcane and have an up-down relationship that takes shape over the course of many years. Starting all the way back in their academy years, first knowing each other as respective transcribers for their council mentor/patrons during meetings. Maybe they should have stayed in that room?

Chapter Summary: You work as an assistant for Hoskel and are attending one of the meetings as his note-taker. However, you have a horrible habit of getting distracted during said meetings and not completing notes, instead doodling. Viktor, a peer you have a growing bond with, only within the council chambers, over the last few months decides to try out positive and negative reinforcement. Perhaps taking it to far this time and taking your playful acquaintanceship to a different level.

| Part 1 | Part 2 | • Viktor Masterlist •

MDNI NSFW below cut (Far below)

Spending all day at a council meeting wasn’t the exact plan I had for my day, but it wasn’t the worst place I could be. I could be stuck outside in the winter storms that started to blow in a couple days ago. Instead, I sat in the warmth of the council chamber with lukewarm tea in a paper cup at my feet and a half-eaten cheese bangle on the bench to my right. The council heater was on above us, keeping the chill at bay as the snow outside transformed the red brick and golden frames into a picturesque white wonderland. I could appreciate it from the window rather than braving the elements to run errands for my patron in town. 

However, as the meeting dragged on, my ears began to feel numb—not from the weather leaking in, but from the endless topics blurting through the air. It was one of those informal meetings that seemed to stretch indefinitely, so much to do as the cold months approached with the dauntingnes of the holidays. Salo always complained about how the undercity's activities affected his business, while Medarada would steer the conversation toward broader trade relations. My pen had begun to wander absent-mindedly over the page, searching for blank spots to occupy. While I had come to enjoy my time in the council chamber, I found little interest in the discussions about transportation, ordinances, or tedious changes to department funding. This time spent here had become enjoyable for an entirely different reason.  

As we neared the two-hour mark, doodles began spilling flagrantly into the margins of my notes, my random scratches hidden amongst the sharp sounds of pages flipping and other assistants transcribing. Starting with simple loops and circles in the corners, they quickly grew into intricate flowers with winding vines and leaves that had crawled up the negative space. By now, I had, obvious to those around me, lost track of the meeting entirely, and my attempts at shading the petals were becoming increasingly elaborate. 

 “Don’t you think you’re playing with fire?” a hushed voice broke through my filibustered concentration, an amused lilt peppering the words. I turned to find Viktor leaning into the edge of my metaphorical bubble, his eyebrow raised as he scrutinized my embellishments. His expression blended playful scrutiny with genuine curiosity, much like a cat trying to determine whether a new toy was worth the effort. The way his brows furrowed slightly as he concentrated only made it harder for me to suppress a smile, especially as his gaze danced from my paper back to my face, a weird mix of anticipation and amusement bubbling within me. 

Having becoming Hoskel’s ward a few months ago, Viktor had made it his mission to sit next to me during these meetings. He seemed invested not only in keeping me engaged but also in observing the increasingly elaborate designs that filled Hoskel’s notes, much to the merchant's dismay whenever I handed them in. I still vividly remember my first day—nervous energy radiating from me as I tapped my foot incessantly while the other academy students settled into their seats across the room. I knew no one besides Hoskel, which made me retreat into my own small world, avoiding eye contact and trying to shrink into my bench as if it might protect me.  

By the time the meeting started, I had chewed my nails down to stubs and added the frantic clicking of my pen to my growing list of anxious habits, blissfully unaware of the glares directed my way. I scanned the room, desperate for something—anything—interesting to focus on, completely lost to the mundane political discussions swirling around me. That’s when our eyes locked. I was momentarily frozen by his intense, assessing gaze. Golden pools looking from my shoes to my hair. It wasn’t until he placed a hand on his chest, took a deep breath, and flashed me a reassuring smile that I realized I had forgotten to breathe.  

By the next meeting, he had claimed the seat beside me, casually convincing the girl on my other side to switch places with him. He became my new distraction, despite his best efforts.  

“Chairman Hoskel doesn’t, uh, exactly seem like a pagonia man,” he remarked, head tilting slightly to the notes I had filled with random foliage. 

 I pursed my lips, forcing back a smile as I lightly bumped my leg against his. “It’s begonia. Like the bergenias I drew last week."  

Viktor clicked his tongue before flipping the page of his own notes. “Your language is most confusing. I don’t understand how you manage all the, eh, nuances and rules.”  

I couldn’t help but watch him—the way his jaw tightened slightly before he licked his fingers to shuffle his papers. My thoughts wandered to less than respectable places while I jotted down something about lifting restrictions for a project somewhere. “My language? I learned it on the boat ride over-” I was interrupted by the curt shushing from those around us. I risked a glance across the benches and noticed several peers watching us. I sheepishly went back to my notes, feeling my cheeks flush. Viktor shook his head as he mirrored me, neatly correcting his misspelled words while returning my knee bump, keeping his leg pressed against mine. 

Since Viktor had settled into his spot next to me, we had developed this little game. Whenever I got distracted, he’d give me a little nudge. It started subtly—just a light bump of with his shoe when I stared into space for too long. Soon after, he began tapping my paper with a finger to bring my attention back; perhaps that's when I develop a bit of a staring problem when it came to his hands. Eventually, there came a day where he took my pen away when my doodling became too extravagant. I remember staring at him wide-eyed in embarrassment, but he simply handed back my pen with a clever grin. I was careful to keep my doodles subtle and less conspicuous until a month or two ago, when he leaned over and whispered that my sketch of his boss resembled an ‘overindulgent gerbil’. His word’s not mine.  

After that, the atmosphere in our meetings shifted significantly. The dean’s assistant, whose name I learned through conversations with Hoskel, became increasingly daring with his ‘tactics’, and as the hours dragged on, we began to seek our own ways to pass the time. Our exchanges grew bolder; Viktor’s playful teasing and my daydreaming became hinderances that were hard for either of us to ignore. Each time I got derailed—or tried to—Viktor would lean in to correct me or chuckle at my notes, seamlessly bringing me back into the moment.  

We both knew, in the back of our heads, there were very few ways this was going to end. 

I tried to refocus, again, on the current discussion about suggesting new tax policies— but with the words "withdrawal" and "ordinances" swirling around the room like a fog it wasn’t long before my pen began dancing across the page once more. I’d rather pay more attention to flowers instead of the dull, useless to me, topics of the day that seemed to never end. I tried to hide it for several minutes, drawing tiny butterflies flitting around, like the ones I saw in the courtyard when I arrived this last spring. 

It was like clockwork. As soon as I started to lose track of the meeting Viktor leeeaned in closer, his foot slowly sliding toward mine before lifting up to step on my toes lightly. “If I remember this was the theme for the last meeting, was it not?” he whispered, smirking as he eyed me trying to turn a butterfly into a weirdly shaped lizard.  

“Perhaps,” I replied, equally quiet, “but it distracts from the gloom, though, don’t you think?” I smiled proudly when he chuckled. His gaze lingered on my page; his own notes momentarily forgotten as he rubbed his chin in thought. It didn't take long for me to notice that he was still staring, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his small lecture table. When I glanced over, I caught Viktor, lips relaxed into a half-smile, his eyes flitting between me and…  

...Was he judging my lizard?  

The bench creaked as he scooted closer, his shoulder pressing against mine. The unexpected scent of caramelized sugar wafted as Viktor’s breath brushed down the side of my neck. He craned in, trying to get a good look of my entire drawing. His face was so close that, even as he mumbled to avoid drawing attention from anyone else, I could hear every drawl. I had to force myself not to shiver as goosebumps erupted along my neck, as if his words were grazing my skin. “Is that a... curved... pastry? Odd thing to be in a garden, wouldn’t you agree?”   

Even though Viktor was mummering, I could still catch that sly tone beneath it... He was judging my lizard.  

I shook his foot off mine, willing the slight chaff in my voice to no take over the volume. “No, it's obviously a lizard. Why would there be a pastry-” 

“Will you two please keep it down,” We turned to see our neighbor to my right on the other side of the pew divider, her irritation palpable even through her whispered shout; her expression sour enough to make me giggle nervously under my breath. The sound seemed to shock her even more, compounding my embarrassment. 

“Sorry...” I shifted in my seat, suddenly acutely aware of how much I had begun to slouch and returned to writing. Insecurity creeping into my shoulders and causing some muscle spasms I tried to shake off. He wasn’t usual so talkative or suggestive in his actions, something was different today. Perhaps there was a point to be made about needing to curb whatever this dynamic was... 

Tick... Tock... Tick.... Tock  

Just as my pen started to wander, Viktor seized the moment to step on my toes again. The ever-increasing pressure was a blatant warning this time, igniting a spark of irritation within me that was dangerous when in a pen drop quiet room. If he was hoping to regain my attention, he was failing spectacularly, a gem I made sure to whispered in his direction just to make sure he got the message. 

“You’re still not taking notes” He chided, making me lift my foot and step on his toes like I was a child, a fact that I tried to look past. “Your patron might start to think you’re a bad girl- hamph~” He tried to mask his obvious laugh at my humiliated retaliation - via backhand to the chest - in an ill-timed cough. The unnatural, suspicious sound only succeeded in silencing the room, the discussion between our superiors halting instantly. 

I hadn’t meant to smack him, especially not in a way that drew everyone's attention, but something about those words wrapped in his Czech accent did all the wrong things. It stirred feelings that absolutely had no place in a council meeting. And, oh, the way Viktor smirked, concealing it with his hand—he knew exactly what he was doing, the bastard. 

Always pushing boundaries, and he called me the unfocused one. 

All eyes from the council shifted towards our row, centering on Viktor and me. My patron’s face twisted into a scowl, far grimmer than the Yordle scientist beside him, who regarded his assistant with a mix of curiosity and concern rather than outright anger. I did my best to avoid his probing gaze, focusing instead on fidgeting with the edge of my papers.  

I had become accustomed to this sort of thing after spending nearly six months with Torman Hoskel. Unlike many of the more complex socialites in Piltover, Hoskel stood out as one of the most one-dimensional people I’d encountered, if not the very most. Stubborn and quick to temper, he occasionally displayed brief flashes of hope, only to have them shattered by his narrow-minded perspective. Hot and cold, blunt to snappy—he was like an emotionally detached father figure. One I couldn’t just run away from. 

“My sincerest apologies, sirs, ma’ams,” Viktor began, clearing his throat as he addressed the council on our behalf. I hadn’t even noticed he had stood up, seemingly unfazed by the hushed murmurings from our peers. “Just had a bit of a cough but we—I will remain perfectly silent,” he added, shooting a playful glance over his shoulder, “for the rest of the meeting.”  

“I trust that's the case,” Heimerdinger’s high-pitched voice echoed through the chamber, cutting off the whispers and signaling that the session would continue. He glanced at me, suspecting something, but let it go in favor of moving to the next topic on the docket.  

Viktor sank back into his seat, a horribly satisfied smile spreading across his face. He took my hand gently as he sat, pulling it away from fidgeting and pinning it between our thighs. His thumb pressed against the back of my wrist, his fingers wrapping around my pulse. As he adjusted the scattered pages on his fold-up table, dissatisfied murmurs floated among the council members, but they soon began to find their footing again. I let their words drift through one ear and out the other, jotting down whatever I could grasp, my handwriting becoming progressively less legible.  

I went to lay my arm on my table, getting comfortable again, but Viktor's grip only tightened around my wrist, pressing it firmly into the wood beneath us. “Don’t even think about starting to draw again,” he chided, sliding his fingers closer to the base of my wrist, feeling my pulse quicken beneath his touch. “Or, maybe, I should worry about potential cardiac arrest?”  

“That is yo—” I cut myself off, noticing the smug expectation in his gaze. I wasn’t ready to unpack the tangled feelings our banter stirred up. “I’m not having a heart attack, now let go.” I attempted to snap at him, keeping my voice steady and hushed.  

“No,” he said, testing the limits of my patience.  

"You’re just trying to distract me, now" I shot back, reaching the end of my rope with his antics today. This side of him was new.  

Viktor shrugged, “You need to learn how to focus. It’s an important skill.” 

 “I can focus,” I bluffed, unwilling to let him point it out. “I just… choose not to.” I felt his gaze linger on the side of my head for a long moment, watching my scribbles. His eyes eventually flitted to the chaotic lines that filled my pages, and I could see the way he tapped his pen against his notebook, his jaw tightening with a definitive look in his eyes. 

I was taken aback when his grip relaxed around my hand; I had anticipated a stronger reaction. But it didn’t take long for him to make his move, his hand gliding up to brush his knuckles lightly against my knee. My gaze shifted to his hand as it deliberately nudged the loose fabric of my long skirt aside, revealing more of my bare leg through the split. 

I tried to shift my thigh away, looking up at him, surprised by his boldness - his hand following after. A flush of warmth settled in my stomach, mixed emotions bubbling up my throat as I struggled to swallow them back down. I could feel the intensity of his gaze as I quickly looked back to my paper.  

Viktor turned his hand over, tapping a gentle rhythm on the top of my thigh like he was playing piano. “If you just needed a little motivation,” he started, leaning close as if studying my notes. His taps slowly moved to drag up and down, callouses start to scrap the goose flesh building up as he made sure to linger along the remaining hem of my skirt's slit. His intentions were unmistakable. “Then all you need to do is pay attention and write your notes.”  

I could only swallow hard, aware of the game we'd been playing over the past few months. The exchanged glances, light touches, the foot games, the playful teasing. It all began the day he took my pen, and since then, the tension had only grown, with neither of us trying to pull back, but rather escalate it.  

He kept tapping my thigh, expectantly waiting for my response or a sign.  

I glanced at Viktor again; his golden eyes sparkled with wanton glee, sending my heart racing as I thought of the possibilities and the ramifications of being caught. We rarely interacted outside this room, so I wondered what the harm could be... right? 

I tightened my grip on my pen, my ears red as I tried to focus on the concluding topics of the meeting. I held it over the page for a brief moment, granting myself a fleeting pause before I began jotting down notes. The letters started off a bit shaky as I wrestled with the distraction of his fingers nonchalantly roaming across the expanse of my exposed thigh. He watched me patiently, allowing me time to get used to the feeling - exactly the length it took me to use the rest of my page before I had to turn to the next. 

Viktor's little finger brushed against the fabric, the others following slowly as they curved around the inside of my thigh. He played delicate patterns into the supple flesh, his touch steadily gliding further and farther up. The anticipation swirled in my stomach, it increasingly difficult to breathe unless I told myself to. He closely watched the slight movement of my brows, jotting down short notes —my reactions holding his full attention. 

He was moving at a painfully slow pace, each moment stretching out longer than the last. His carefulness was more distracting than anything else, and being careful not to attract attention to his hand. The thought of being caught sent a bolt of unexpected heat through me right to my core, causing me to bite my thumbnail with my free hand in a desperate attempt to regain my waning concentration. My cheeks were burning as he halted right before where I expected... wanted. My thighs wanted to twitch, to jerk in response. I had to breath, letting out a long breath, as I gradually shift them further apart without making any sudden moves. He smiled, yet remained utterly still, offering me nothing more than his presence. 

I heard a faint chuckle from above, his eyes fixed on me as I began to squirm in place, waiting impatiently. I hadn’t realized I’d stopped writing until his fingers lifted away, leaving the spot cold and making me whimper without meaning to. I quickly stifled the sound, biting my lip enough to cause a mark as I shot a glare at Viktor from the corner of my eye. 

“Try again,” he whispered, tucking his ‘T’ as his fingers gently tracing the skin just above my knee attempting to encourage me. 

I inhaled through my nose, closing my eyes for a brief moment to regain myself - and stow irritation- before writing again. I anxiously waited for his hand to return, ignoring misspellings in favor of getting out as many words as possible in the hopes that it might hurry him along. Coincidence or cause, I still had to stop myself from rolling my hips into his hand when his fingers finally returned, going farther than before.  

At first, his fingers only gently pressed against my covered cunt, experimenting with small gliding motions before gradually increasing pressure. My eyes fluttering a bit, teeth biting down hard at the dead skin of my lip. The split focus between his hand and the meeting was excruciating already; our cat and mouse games from the past meetings winding me up.  

My thigh spasmed a bit as he pushed my underwear aside. I hiccupped out stagnate breath, sniffling a bit, to keep myself as silent when his rough fingers collected the wetness that had been dampening the cotton. Spread it around as I turned the page, feeling the edge of my thoughts become increasingly hazy — exposed by the ink of my words. 

“You’re doing so well,” Viktor cooed softly, almost mockingly. I caught a sparkle in his eye that made my hips roll forward again, becoming desperate.  

“Please,” I begged near silently into my hand, covering my mouth. Viktor seemed as though he wanted to request more, but ultimately settled for this meager display of mine given the circumstances we found ourselves in.  

Obliging finally, he slowly pushed one of his fingers into me with a second following soon after the first knuckle. The sensation, the sudden bit of stretch, making my hips roll and lift slightly from the bench to meet him. I was warned to sit back down with a foot returning to stepped on my toes. Another silent whimper escaped from my throat as I obeyed, tilting my hips slightly to make up for the pressure I lost. 

My mouth hung open, pen cutting into part of my page, as Viktor started to slowly push in and out. Curling his digits and dragging the pads against somewhere that made the muscles in my legs quiver. My struggling breath was hard to hide as all I wanted to pay attention to was the circles Viktor’s thumb drew around my swelling nub, joining the delibrate and leisurely strokes of his fingers. His motions were so methodical it made me wonder how long he had planning this. 

 The first day? Week later? Last month? I don’t fucking care. 

My heart raced, skipping a few beats, while my eyes threatened to close once more. The tightness in my stomach intensified, and I could feel the warmth pooling and spreading through me. My sight starting to blur as my lids became heavy, feeling the fringe right before the fall. It made my knuckles white around my pen as my other nails dug into the edge of the bench seat. I struggled not to clamp my legs around his hand when curled fingers swiped back and forth.  

I was so close; I only needed a little more. 

“That seems to conclude everything submitted for this meeting,” Professor Heimerdinger cheerfully called out as he closed up his file. Glancing around, he spotted what seemed to be his assistant charming Hoskel's new ward. He raised a fluffy long eyebrow, observing their peculiar interaction as Viktor stood. 

My eyes widened as my head shot forward, my palm pressing against my agape mouth. I let out a pitiable moan that came out more like a strangled cough at the sudden absence of Viktor's fingers. Offering me nothing but that infuriatingly smug smile of his while quickly standing to gather his belongings, leaving me feeling cold and vulnerable. I shot him a pointed glare, crossing my legs tightly as I began to pack up, actions expressing my dissatisfaction. I shuffled my papers into their leather binding and stuffed the remainder of my cheese bagel into my mouth to muffle my verbal lashing. 

“Need a hand?” Viktor extended his offer, his eyebrow arched playfully as I squinted back at him. Hesitating as I picked up my now cold tea and rolled my tongue over the inside of my lip, before I took his hand and stood up with a gentle pull from him. Though I found myself being drawn closer than I anticipated as he held onto my hand. The air between us crackling with tension; he leaned down, observing the blush that crept from my cheeks to my ears and raced down my neck. His thumb brushing over my wrist as he turned it over, sending my pulse racing again as his eyes darted across my face, gauging my reaction. “Sense we skipped proper formalities—” 

 Hoskel’s snap of my name cut Viktor short; his approach forcing me to jerk my hand away from Viktor’s. The atmosphere soured further as Viktor took a step back, his demeanor slightly withdrawn now. With a soft huff, I attempted an awkward smile, clinging to the flutter in my stomach as I turned away. Biting my lip, I trailed after Hoskel, who immediately began reprimanding me for interrupting the meeting. Oddly enough, I found myself too flustered to care. 

 I stole one last look over my shoulder, catching Viktor gathering his things again as he waited for Heimerdinger. Upon noticing me, he waved and, before I could return the gesture, he raised his fingers to his lips with a mischievous wink. My breath caught in my throat again as I watched him glide his fingertips across his lower lip, his tongue peeking out just to taste— “ 

I jolted at the sound of my patron screeching my name again, following him as he hurriedly exited the council building, clearly not a man of academics. 

~~<3~~

Viktor hummed, pleased, to himself as he packed the last of his things up. He hadn’t meant for things to develop today the way they did; he had jumped forward in their little game. Not that either of them minded, but it was going to make the next time they saw each other a little more interesting.  

“Viktor, come here.” The elder’s voice brought him back to the present making he straightened. After grabbing his cane from where it sat, he stepped forward — struggling to separate his thoughts still tangled in the recent encounter. As he approached the table, Heimerdinger looked up, his wizened eyes observing the slight differences in his assistant's demeanor. He was no fool, he saw the young infatuation between the two young humans. “I wanted to discuss your latest project before the day leaves us. I’ve heard the most promising feedback.”  

Viktor’s eyes widened, remember something mentioned this morning before the meeting, “Thank - thank you, Professor.” Viktor hurried toward the round council table, snapping open the buckles of his bag again to retrieve the information for this little presentation. “I’ve been refining the prototypes. I believe if I just upped the electrical imput I could, potentially, maybe—” Before he could continue his unpracticed rambling, Heimerdinger peered closer at him. The Yordl looked at Viktor with narrowed eyes, sensing a depth, something different, in him that hadn’t been there before today. Viktor just saw his boss waddle towards him with a (kind?) stare that could unsettle Noxian soldiers. “Professor?” 

 “You seem... distracted. Is everything alright?” The question hung in the air, the short creature watching the seven stages of grief flicker across Viktors face.  

 Viktor’s mind flickered back to their blush, the rush of their connection. He cleared his throat, shaking himself back to the task at hand. “Yes, quite alright, Professor. Just eager to make progress.” 

 With a nod, Heimerdinger gestured for him to elaborate, but Viktor felt the nerves in his stomach tighten. He needed to focus. Perhaps later, once the day’s work was done, he might see where this new... path took him with the ward. But for now, he pushed aside these unprofessional thoughts, diving into the technical matters at hand, trying to channel these intense feelings into the brilliance of his inventions. 

(idk how much I like the name but were going with it because that's what won the google coin toss! Plus if I can make it to the ending I have planned I got a nice piece of dialogue to go with it. Media literacy and symbolism and all that stuff.

MOSTLY I just wanted to right Vik smut!)

[geotjwrs]

hey hope your doin’ well bro… Can you do a Olivia Rodrigo x male reader… one were he ask her to be his girlfriend with maybe a bit of smut at the end?

kiss it better (18+)

Pairings ; Olivia Rodrigo x Male!Reader

Warning/s ; short smut

The café was one of those quiet little places that felt like a well-kept secret. Nestled away from the busy streets of Los Angeles, it had the kind of charm that made you feel like you could stay for hours, just talking, sipping on coffee, and forgetting the world outside. It was your and Olivia’s go-to spot. You’d spent countless afternoons here, laughing about anything and everything. But today felt different. There was something hanging in the air between you two—something you’d been thinking about for a long time.

Olivia sat across from you, leaning back in her chair with her arms loosely crossed, a soft smile playing on her lips. She was in one of those oversized band tees she loved wearing, paired with ripped jeans and her favorite pair of worn-out sneakers. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, but she still looked effortlessly beautiful. She was talking about a new song she’d been working on, her eyes lighting up with excitement. You’d heard that tone in her voice before—the one where she got completely lost in her music.

“…and then the chorus just kinda hits you, like all the emotions at once, you know?” she said, waving her hands in front of her as if the music was right there between you.

You nodded, though your mind wasn’t entirely focused on the song. You couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation you wanted to have. It had been playing in your head for days, weeks even. Every time you were with Olivia, it just felt… right. And tonight, sitting here with her, the soft glow of the café lights casting a warm hue over her face, you knew you couldn’t wait any longer.

“Liv,” you started, your voice a little quieter than usual.

She paused mid-sentence, her eyes darting to yours, noticing the sudden shift in your tone. “What’s up?” she asked, the curiosity clear in her voice.

You took a breath, running a hand through your hair. “I’ve been thinking… I’ve been wanting to tell you something.”

Her eyebrows raised slightly, and she leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. “Tell me what?” she asked, her tone now softer, more attentive. The way she was looking at you—like you had her full attention—made the nerves in your chest flutter. But you had to say it. You had to get it out.

“I… I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you,” you began, stumbling a little over your words. “These past few months, hanging out, talking… It’s been amazing. But I’ve been feeling something more than just… you know, friendship.”

Olivia didn’t say anything, but you noticed the way her expression shifted ever so slightly, her eyes widening just a touch. She was waiting, hanging on your every word now.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is… I want to be more than just friends. I really like you, Olivia. A lot. And I’ve been wanting to ask you if you’d… if you’d be my girlfriend.”

The words tumbled out, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow down. The usual hum of the café’s background noise seemed to fade, leaving just you and Olivia in this small bubble of anticipation. You watched her, every second feeling like an eternity.

Her lips parted slightly, and for a second, you wondered if maybe you’d messed it up, maybe you’d misread everything between you two. But then she smiled—slowly at first, like she couldn’t quite believe what you’d just said. Her eyes softened, and she bit her lip, like she was trying to contain her excitement.

“Wait, are you serious?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

You nodded, a nervous chuckle escaping you. “Yeah. I’ve been wanting to ask you for a while, but… I didn’t know if—”

“I’d love that,” she cut you off, her smile growing wider. The relief that flooded through you was immediate, and you couldn’t help but grin back at her.

“Really?” you asked, your voice a little incredulous, though you didn’t know why.

“Of course!” she laughed, standing up suddenly from her chair, her excitement overflowing. “God, I was starting to wonder when you were going to say something.”

You blinked, not sure if you’d heard her right. “Wait… you were waiting for me to ask?”

“Duh,” Olivia teased, making her way around the small table to stand in front of you. “I’ve liked you for ages, Y/N.”

Your heart skipped a beat at her words. She liked you too? This whole time? She slid into the seat beside you, her knee brushing against yours as she turned to face you fully. She was close now—closer than she’d ever been before—and the air between you felt suddenly electric.

Her hand reached for yours, her fingers intertwining with yours gently. “You have no idea how happy this makes me,” she said, her voice softer now, her smile still bright.

You could barely believe it was happening. Everything felt surreal, like you were floating. But the warmth of her hand in yours grounded you, made you realize that this moment—this perfect, intimate moment—was real.

Before you could respond, Olivia leaned in, her breath warm against your skin. Her lips hovered just inches from yours, and you could feel the tension building, the anticipation crackling in the air. You didn’t need words anymore. You closed the small gap between you, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

At first, it was gentle, almost shy, as if you were both testing the waters. But then Olivia’s hand slipped to the back of your neck, pulling you closer, deepening the kiss. Your heart pounded in your chest as you felt her body press lightly against yours, the heat between you rising with each second that passed. Her lips moved against yours, soft yet insistent, as though she’d been waiting for this as long as you had.

When you finally pulled away, your breath came in short bursts. Olivia’s eyes were dark, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her lips curved into a smirk.

“So… that was a yes, then?” you asked, your voice playful, though you were still catching your breath.

Olivia laughed softly, her fingers still tracing the back of your neck. “Yeah, I think that was a pretty solid yes.”

You leaned in again, unable to resist the pull between you two, but this time the kiss wasn’t gentle. It was heated, filled with the pent-up emotions that had been building between you both for so long. Her hands tangled in your hair, and you felt her shift, moving closer, almost on your lap now.

The café, the people, the city outside—all of it faded into the background as the world narrowed down to just the two of you. Your hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against you, and you could feel the heat of her body through her clothes. The intensity of the moment was dizzying, and every touch sent a jolt of electricity through you.

Just as things began to blur into something more, Olivia pulled back, her forehead resting against yours. You both sat there, breathing heavily, your hearts racing, the tension thick in the air.

She looked up at you, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “We should probably get out of here before we give these people a show,” she teased, her voice low, but there was something more behind her words—a promise of what was to come.After leaving the café, you followed Olivia back to her apartment. As she unlocked the door, she turned to you and whispered, "I've been thinking about this all day." She pulled you inside and pressed her lips against yours.

Your hands explored her body as you kissed, feeling the curves of her hips and the softness of her breasts. You broke the kiss and trailed kisses down her neck, making her moan with pleasure.

Olivia led you to her bedroom and pushed you down onto the bed. She straddled you and began to grind against your growing erection. You reached up and squeezed her breasts through her shirt, causing her to gasp.

She pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it aside, revealing her lacy bra. You reached behind her and unclasped it, freeing her breasts. You took one in your mouth and sucked, making her moan even louder.

Olivia stood up and slipped out of her pants, revealing her matching lacy thong. She crawled back onto the bed and straddled you once again, this time with nothing between you.

You reached down and stroked her clit, making her wet and ready for you. She positioned herself over your cock and slowly lowered herself down onto it.

You both moaned as you felt the warmth of her pussy surrounding you. She began to ride you, grinding her hips against yours. You reached up and squeezed her breasts, causing her to moan even louder.

You flipped her over onto her back and began to thrust into her harder and faster. She wrapped her legs around your waist and pulled you deeper inside of her.

You could feel yourself getting close to climax, but you wanted to make this moment last. You slowed down your thrusts and reached down to stroke her clit.

Olivia moaned and bucked her hips, getting closer and closer to her own orgasm. You could feel her pussy tightening around your cock as she came, triggering your own release.

You collapsed onto the bed next to her, both of you panting and covered in sweat. "That was amazing," Olivia whispered, snuggling up against you.

You smiled and kissed the top of her head, already looking forward to your next intimate encounter.

[lunajay33]

Enjoy the Silence🌪️Part.3

Summary: Things in your past has driven you to be silent but will someone be able to break that shell, will someone finally listen to you(might make this into a series!)

Part.2<-

•Masterlist•

After poring my heart out to Daryl, which was about a week ago, he’s been slowly helping me let go and move forward, he would stay with me some nights to help with the night mares or he’d hear me scream at night and come over from his room to settle me, comfort me

I woke up seeing him laid on the couch by my bed still deep in sleep, he was so handsome, I don’t know what it is about him but he was breath taking to look at, as I looked at him that tingly feeling in my chest happened, still not knowing what that was I decided to maybe talk to Michonne about it later when I got the chance

I decided to let Daryl sleep more knowing he barely ever got a full nights rest, I placed another blanket over him and went to get ready in the bathroom, then going upstairs seeing them eating breakfast as usual

“Morning y/n!” Rick said smiling

“Morning” I said quietly as I sat down and started nibbling in a piece of toast, over this week I’ve been able to open up more with the people in the house I felt safe here

“Where’s Daryl?”

“Still asleep, I woke him up again” I said as I felt my cheeks heat up

Everyone went back to eating when Daryl came up rubbing his eyes groaning as he sat next to me

“Why didn’ ya wake me?”

“I wanted you to sleep” I said smiling feeling that overwhelming joy just being around him

He squeezed my shoulder before he dug into his plate of food

“Well we gotta head out on our run soon so when your done Daryl meet me outside” Rick said as he got up and left outside after he kissed Michonne

Daryl finished, got his crossbow

“Be careful” I said and he returned it with a little smile before he left

“I’m gonna go out with Enid so I’ll see you guys later” Carl said leaving just me Michonne and Judith

“Sooo how’s things going with Daryl?” Michonne asked as soon as everyone was gone, with a wide smile

“Umm good, I was meaning to ask you something” I said picking at my nails feeling those nervous bubbles in my stomach

“What is it sweetie?” She asked as she bounced a giggling Judith

“When I’m with Daryl, I get this feeling in my chest, like my heart starts beating faster and my stomach feels weird, even thinking about him I feel it……..but I don’t know what it is, what does it mean?” I asked feeling stupid

“Oh honey, you like him”

“Ya I know that I like all of you”

“No this is different you wanna spend all your time with him, be his girlfriend, share private moments together, you love him y/n, like how I love Rick” I was shocked

Is this what love feels like cause if it is I never wanted it to go away, he made me feel so special, so important, he never made me feel like I was doing something wrong or that I was a burden he made me feel…….feel loved

“Love….i love him?” I felt like I was floating but I quickly came back down at the realization that he might not feel the same

“But what if he doesn’t love me? I’ve never had that before so why would he?”

She gave me a sad look but her eyes were happy

“I know Daryl, he’s hard to read but I can tell by the way he looks at you, the way he gets you things because it reminded him of you, take your chance and tell him because we never know what’s gonna happen tomorrow” she said getting up patting my shoulder before she went to get ready with Judith for the day

As I worked in the gardens all day I kept thinking about Daryl, how do I tell him I’m not the greatest with words obviously, or how I’m feeling but then again when I’m with him it’s easy to talk to him about things

Michonne is right though, I don’t know what going to happen and if something happened to him or me and I never got to tell him, I’d regret it so I’ve decided next time we’re alone I’m telling him what’s the worst that’ll happen he doesn’t love me? Then atleast I have a friend still…..hopefully

The sun was starting to set and usually they would be back by now maybe they just got more supplies this time, I went back home bringing back some fresh tomato’s for Rick like he asked and placed them in the fridge, Michonne poured me a glass of wine and we sat on the couch waiting for them

“It’s been a while do you like they’re okay” I asked biting on my lip

“It’s Daryl and Rick I’m sure they just had to stay some where but I’m sure they’re fine, probably will be back by morning” she said as she took a sip of her wine

“So how are things with Rick?” I asked trying to make the subject not as gloomy

“Good, great even, I was able to calm him down a bit but I kinda like his crazy side, specially in bed” she said making me choke on the wine as my cheeks turned red

I never really talked or even thought much about that kinda stuff atleast I tried not to so I wasn’t sure even how to respond

“Sorry, do you not think of that stuff about Daryl? Nothing about him turns you all gooey” Of course I saw him as beyond handsome with his strong arms and the way he turned golden in the sun, or the way his voice would get deep in the morning made me feel a certain way but I didn’t know that was a turn on thing

“I mean I guess thinking about it everything about him makes me tingle and my head all fuzzy”

“Y/n you think he’s hot, that’s what being attracted to someone is”

“I’m learning so much I feel so far behind” I said embarrassed

“Don’t push yourself if this is all new take it at your own pace”

After we finished drinking and eating we said our goodnights and went to bed, I laid up thinking about Daryl missing his presence on the couch, I decided to sleep on the couch and when I laid down his smell was there making me feel comforted

I woke up early from another nightmare and without Daryl I couldn’t go back to sleep so I walked out the front door and sat on the porch steps enjoying to cool morning breeze as the sky was bright orange and pink from the sunrise that’s when I heard the rumbling of a car pull up in front of the house and out came Rick and Daryl

Before I could even think I got up and ran into his arms holding him tight as I felt his arms wrap around my waist

“I was so worried are you okay?” I asked as I pulled back to look at him, he was a little dirty but that was normal other than that he seemed fine

“ ‘m okay, got blocked by walkers couldn’ risk it” he said squeezing my hips

“I have to talk to you……alone” I said as I saw Rick watching us smiling

“I’ll just go seeing Michonne and the kids” he said as he threw a bag over his shoulder and going inside after he patted Daryl shoulder

“So what goin on?” Daryl asked as we sat on the porch steps

“I was talking to Michonne…….i needed to ask her what this feeling was when I’m around you and she told me I should tell you because this world is never guaranteed so I’m just gonna say it and if you don’t feel the same it’s okay so here goes…….Daryl I love you, a lot” his eyed became squinted and he didn’t say anything making these nerves even worse

Before he said anything Carol came walking up the sidewalk interrupting us

“Hey Daryl you’re back how was it?” She asked, I was so embarrassed I wanted to shut myself off again so I got up and went inside leaving them alone to chat, Rick and Michonne were standing there smiling which only made the tears build up more as I ran downstairs to my room closing the door

I knew it, this was a mistake

Taglist: @deansapplepie @in-this-minute @pollito-chicken

Part.4

[joylvetie]

write a fluff/comfort fic where fem! Reader comforts Korra as she is drained out from being the Avatar and the responsibility’s that come with it. Along with being upset because she thinks she isn’t giving enough attention to her GF and feels bad 🥹

˳ ׄ  ⟡ ◌ ⃘  Time Consuming

Word count: 924

— Korea overthinking and being her worst enemy, as usual.

You knew what you were getting yourself into when you agreed to be the Avatar's girlfriend. You knew you two would get into arguments and get mad at each other, you would worry about her on those dangerous missions you didn't accompany her on. But you also knew that you two would be able to love each other, talk for hours, go on late-night rides with Naga, and just enjoy being in one another's presence. 

It didn't matter if you two were going through a rough time or a great time, it was always hard finding time for each other but you two always seemed to manage. Lately, it's been getting worse, Korra has been tending to her Avatar duties not only in Republic City but outside of it as well. 

She wanted to make an impact on the world and not let anyone down who was counting on her, any more than she felt like she already had. So she's been working harder than normal but it was all in good spirits. 

You couldn't lie it does hurt when you have to spend many days and nights alone, without Korra by your side because she was busy. But you didn't be petty about it, instead, you cherished all the time that you two had together. 

Sitting on the couch, a sigh left your mouth as you listened to the radio. Hearing the voice of the announcer as he spoke of the events that were happening during the pro-bending match. You waited in anticipation as it was the last round of the match and both teams were close to winning. 

This was the only sound that echoed throughout the sitting room, your back straightened as two people were knocked off into the water. Leaving only one person on the team standing, therefore it was 3v1. You could hear the announcer get louder so you knew it was closer to the end of the match. The excitement was bubbling up inside of you.

"He's in the last ring getting closer to the edge! AND-" The radio was immediately drowned out when you heard a knock on your door. You turned the dial on the radio, turning the volume down, and stood up. Confused about who was at the door, since you were not expecting anyone. 

Your feet walked you over to the door and you cracked it open, only to see who was standing on the other side. To your surprise it was your girlfriend, you quickly opened the door all the way and brought her into a hug. "Hey! Why didn't you tell me you were coming by?" you said with a smile on your face.

She hugged you back but stayed silent, soon you two parted and she walked inside, closing the door behind her. Your eyebrows furrowed when you looked at her. She didn't say anything, which was weird because she was quite talkative. Something was off with her "What's wrong?"

It was quiet for a while, all you could hear was the small noises of the outside world around you. It caused nerves and worry to fill your body because you didn't know what she was going to say. 

Soon she finally opened her mouth to speak. "I know I have a job as the avatar and I love doing what I do, truly but I'm just so... tired. I work so hard, every. single. day to make people happy and for the world to be a better place but no one is ever a hundred percent satisfied, no matter what I do"

A lump started to form in her throat and tears threatened to fall from her eyes "And I'm sorry because I spend so much time worrying about other people and trying to make them happy, I've barely made time for you. god, I'm such a terrible girlfriend" She brought her hand up to her hair and ran her fingers through it "I wouldn't even surprised if you wanted to break up with me"

Your eyes softened at her as you listened to her speak. You let her finish before you spoke "Korra we may not spend a lot of time with each other but we love each other and that's what matters. It's quite frankly your job to worry about everyone, you don't have to apologize for that" You moved to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"I know but you're my girlfriend and you're way more important than any of those other people may be and I rarely get the chance to show that" She sighed but you shook your head, disagreeing with her. "You show it all the time, even when we're not with each other because you're improving the world that I live in, If it wasn't for you who knows where I would be"

"I do admit, it's hard not seeing you often but we're both trying as hard as we can to make things work with our schedules so don't beat yourself up over it" You move your arms around her neck, letting your hands drape by her back. "I love you," Korra said before she placed her hands on your waist and leaned in, kissing you. 

After a few seconds, you two pulled away from each other "I love you too baby" you said and then started kissing her face repeatedly, landing one for every letter in love with you. A small smile finally appeared and she looked at you. 

"Can we go lay down?" She asked and her voice was a little low, "Of course we can" And with that, the two of you went to your bedroom. Just enjoying the fact that you were in each other's presence. 

A/N: I hope this is what you wanted, I didn't really know how to go about it even though it was a pretty simple request I overthink stuff a lot.

[the-amazing-wonderss]

“Cry for me”

A/N: Felt like writing this after listening to 'Cry for me' by twice 😭😭😭 NOT RLLY GOING WITH THE MEANING OF THE SONG BUT definitely wanting to make these characters cry... ⎯ Mod ☠️

Content: Hurt/Comfort (mostly comfort), already established relationship, no gender mentioned for reader asides from the use of 'Prince' that is stated in Nene's part, isn't properly proof read/edited. Summary: A moment where you confront them about something

Characters: Nene, Kou, Hanako

“Baby, no more real love” ⎯This love was based on your imagination, you wanted something that you can only see in fairytales. Don't you realise you're expecting too much? Lower that expectation, love ⎯ we've got more than enough time to get our happy ending.

NENE was always romanticising the smallest of things that occurred or happened, wanting that to also happen to her as well but... She wasn't exactly sure how to bring it up to you.

Thus why she was usually in her own little bubble fantasying about it, instead of stepping forward with the idea.

Which leads to why you sometimes feel as though you don't meet with her expectations in the relationship. She wants a prince, but could you fill in that role for her?

It was already difficult for you in that aspect, but after finding out she's been going on her own little adventure ⎯ going against rumors, ghosts, and even putting her life at risk just for the sake of others.

You're far from just 'worried' at this point.

Depending on how you handle the situation ⎯ whether you were the one confronting her about it, or Nene coming up to you if you were the type to put distance between yourself and others in situations like this. It'd still end up with you, her, or both of you crying your eyes out.

Nene understanding where you're coming from and hugging you desperately in her arms, her short daikon legs on their tippy toes as she clings onto you.

She'll try her best to reassure you through the coming days after the incident that you mean so, so so much to her.

Trying to also find times to spend more times with you in or outside of school.

Even begging Hanako to let her off of cleaning duties for a bit to hangout with you too. Kou would often help with this by taking on those duties for her instead.

She feels really bad about how she made you feel and what she's kept from you, that she's making a really desperate attempt to make it up to you.

You were her first lover, so how could she make you feel such a way?

In the end you both do make up and find solutions to compensate on what happen.

Even when Nene still has to go against a lot of things, in life and against apparitions...Through thick and thin she knows you have her back supporting her on her decisions, as she does with you.

She loves you. You love her. "You'll always be my prince, alright? You can be charming, clumsy, or even silly and you'll be it!" Suddenly turning around with her hair swishing along with her movement, she grabs hold of your shoulders, eyes mixed with so much determination and love behind them. - "S/O I...I love you!"

“Yeah, you really make me a sad” ⎯ Yeah you're busy wanting to work on yourself but baby I'm still here. Lean on me, cry for me, let me help you rest just for a moment in my arms and we can start a new day with no regrets. Wouldn't that be nice?

KOU is a real sweet guy, he truly is. There isn't a bad bone in that body of his and yet... You could feel as though there's some things he won't tell you.

From the way his brother has the title of the 'School prince' to his family being renowned exorcists, there must be a lot of weight on his shoulders as he tries to catchup to their achievements.

It's sad that you already know what he's going through and how he tries to hide it in hopes that you won't worry about him or think little of him, but you want to help in some way.

You wanna be the pillar he could go to when he needs a break.

So you were most definitely the one to confront him about it first by approaching him after school in his class.

Saying what you felt and want from him, how you're worried he's pushing himself too hard, and even saying if there's anything you could do to help him ⎯ leaves Kou speechless.

How could someone like you care for him so much? Just the thought alone and how you came to him about this, starts making tears brim and spill from his eyes.

He wants to seem tough, strong, reliable ⎯ but on the inside he's far from those, no, he isn't but... There's a side to him that wants to lean on someone else for a change.

And that's what happened.

In the moment of vulnerability he clings onto you and just holds you in his arms, crying his eyes out like a child who's lost something precious to them.

The aftermath of the situation would be him telling you everything that's been on his mind. Exorcisms, apparitions, even the adventures he's been exploring with both Nene and Hanako.

It's hard to ingest the new information he dumps onto you but... You were glad to break through to him in the end that you don't really care.

Whenever he's done with his little adventure, you immediately receive a text from him saying he's fine and heading home now. Or if he could stop by your place to recharge.

You love him. He loves you. "Ah⎯ S/O! Sorry I was just..." He sighs, "I got carried again and might've uhm... hurt my hand again, sorry. I-I know you told to be careful but⎯!! Aah, don't give me that look! I swear I'll be more careful I promise!!" - "....I really don't deserve someone as kind and caring as you, yknow? I love you so much, S/O."

“I want you to die for me (for me)” ⎯ Even though we live in separate worlds from each other, there's still time to spend. Stop thinking and relax, don't look so far ahead into the future just focus on the present ⎯ focus on me. I'm here. I'm here.

There's a lot of problems with being HANAKO that you thought you could overlook when you got into a relationship with him, but as of recently, it's been getting harder and harder for you to just turn a blind eye to it all.

Especially when it came to things that he decides on his own, thinking he's doing what's best for you and yet, not even talking to you first about it?

Another thing would be how secretive he is. It's natural for him to have things he wouldn't want to reveal yet, but there's just so much kept hidden. Making it hard to tell if he actually trusts you as his partner.

Maybe you talked to Nene or Kou about it but it seems like they also don't know much about him either.

So when the moment happens when you try confront him about it, he'd be silent about it over all. Waiting until you've stopped talking to say his peace.

And yet, all that comes out were remarks about how he doubted the relationship would last ⎯ him a ghost, you a human.

"It wouldn't work out anyways"

Depending on how you react: If you were hurt by what he said and start crying, he'll quickly turn away and look at the window as to not feel guilty for what he said.

But if you confront him more aggressively? Grabbing his shoulders, yelling out him as big fat tears roll down your cheeks ⎯ he'd be shocked and stunned.

"I don't care! I don't care ⎯ Hanako, I just... I want to look on the brighter side and be with you, don't you get that? Don't you think I already knew what I was getting into when I confessed?"

"S/O.."

"You mean so much, so so much to me. So don't throw me away yet.."

In a swift motion he has you in his arms, holding you so tight with your head resting against his chest so you wouldn't see the tears pouring from his eyes.

He's so embarrassed, ashamed, but most definitely touched by your words that struck his motionless heart.

And although it does take a while for you to calm down, you both do end up properly talking in the end. Before that though, he does apologise for what he said and did, for acting cruel and not considering how you felt before coming to a conclusion.

Everything after the incident is just him reverting back to his normal self, teasing and poking fun at you but in a more... closer kind of way? You can tell it's more personal and different from how he teases Nene and Kou.

And he is slowly opening up more, just a bit though. But that's a far better result than before.

Of course it'll take a bit for him to open up properly, but when the time does arrive, you'll lend an ear to him at any given moment.

You both love each other. "Back again already? Haha did you miss me that much? S/O ... You really do love me, don't you? Well your lucky that I love you too, yknow!!" He laughs more louder as you punch his arm from how cocky he sounded in the end. - "Mmm... But I guess I should say I'm the lucky one?" He mumbles under his breath, idly watching you clean the bathroom.

[severeaesthetic]

In another life

@wttcsms banner credit

I am so sorry in advance

���️Angst, Death, mentions of violence, suicide⚠️

Nanami Kento is a very serious man. He was serious in his job as a salaryman was serious in the four years he did it full time. He is serious about his wife and his daughter and son on the way. Now though, he has more pressure as a jujutsu sorcerer and teacher at Jujutsu high. He doesn't get to spend as much time as he would like with, you, his heavily pregnant wife and two year old daughter Kurotori. He has a picture on his desk from when you moved to your new country home in a tiny village not far from Jujutsu High. He looked forward to coming home to his girls every day.

After leaving the school after another draining day, he was excited when he saw Kuro in the window waiting on him. As soon as he parked and got out of his car Kuro took off towards him, screaming at the top of her lungs "papa home! papa home! papa home!" Ken dropped his briefcase and immediately picked her up and smothered her in kisses causing her to giggle at the feeling of his stubble tickling her.

He was a man who loved his routine. He loved parking his car and picking up his daughter who always ran outside to be the first to greet him before you could. She was a daddy's girl through and through. He loved you though, just as much. He loved you waiting for him at the door with a kiss and when your daughter would push you away cause "das my papa mama!" and you can't kiss him until he Ken tickles her and calls her a brat(playfully) for not letting you kiss him. Dinner changes every other day depending on leftovers. He always looked forward to eating the delicious food you made, and getting your daughter stripped and in her high chair ready to make a mess with whatever it was.

Most parents find being with their child and doing little tasks tedious and annoying. But not him. He loves being home early enough to spend time with Kuro before she goes to bed. He does bath time every night, unless he has to work late (which is very rarely does, that was his one rule when going back to sorcery). He enjoys rolling up his sleeves and playing with the bubbles and bath toys and spending as much time as he can with these little moments. Both of you have to get Kuro ready for bed. One of you does the diaper and the other gets her dressed. Then, her night time routine. Her cup of milk and snuggled in her big girl bed between you and Ken and one of the many books she has. Her favorite series is Skippyjon Jones, so those books are read over and over again, but Ken doesn't care. He loves seeing the way her eyes light up at the silly cat and the very cute way she repeats certain words and phrases like a parrot.

After getting her to bed, it's big people time. This is the time where you both clean up and put away dinner and do the dishes. Soft music playing in the background and glasses of wine for the bu both of you. After the dishes are done the two of you dance in the dim light of the kitchen having a moment to be with each other in a way that isn't sexual. After cleaning up, you two head to the bath or shower with soothing lavender candles. Most of the time it leads to passionate love making, neither of you in a rush and just being together in the moment. Your night time routine is pretty much intertwined, you do yours and his skincare, brush your teeth, rub lotion on each other, Ken is always the one to rub your baby bump with lotion, he talks to it and tries to feel the baby kicking. Massages are a must, his shoulders kill him and your lower back and hips is typically what kills you with the baby on the way.

He loves his routine and wouldn't change it for a thing. So when his routine gets interrupted by whatever the case may be pissed is an understatement. Not at you or Kuro, never at you two. Working late is usually what pisses him off to no end. But this time it was important. Curses everywhere, wiping out all the sorcerers. He knew you and Kuro would be safe away from the city thank God. There was so much damage to the city and the innocent people by the major attack. He was hurt badly, so even though he knew you were up waiting for him he stayed at the school and got his wounds tended to before coming home.

"Mr. Nanami? Mr. Nanami?" He was confused, at first he thought it was your voice but you never called him that. It was a mans voice. All of a sudden everything isn't blurry anymore. The police tape on his front door, red and blue lights illuminating everything. Including the three bodies under sheets being put back into the coroner vans. He was sitting in the back of an ambulance with a shock blanket, barely registering that an officer was telling him he would have to identify the bodies.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today..." Ken zoned out after that. He was sitting in the front pew of the church with all the staff from Jujutsu High. All he could focus on was the three pictures. You, Kuro, and your baby boy who didn't have time to live. He knew that your daughter would've wanted pink and glittery, so he fulfilled her request. Matte black for you and a powder blue matte for your son. He knew how much his girls loved flowers so he spared no expense and the whole church was an array of flowers in different colors and species even if it wasn't the right season.

Empty. That doesn't even describe it. There is nothing to describe the hole that is his heart. He has tried to go on about his routine as best he can. But the ultimate interruption has driven him mad. He has no more tears to cry. He sleeps with your clothes and Kuro's favorite blanket and stuffed teddy bear because it smells like you both still. He goes to work and stares at that picture on his desk. He goes through the motions of his daily routine.

Sitting at his desk, he was watching your wedding video. One thing you said in your vows stuck out to him though.

"I found you in this life, and I promise to find you in every other life after this one." Both of you were crying and looking absolutely stunning in your dress and his suit.

In another life. You said you would find him. He said he would find you. So it's okay that he wants to leave so much to be with you and his kids. He has thought about it a lot since that day. It is so tempting. He hasn't been eating as much. Again, it's his planning period, so he is alone in the classroom. He planned it all out. Something quick and painless, he would simply go to sleep in his chair.

The needle in his neck hurt like hell, so did the liquid going in. He leaned back in his chair and got comfortable staring at the ceiling. His vision started going blurry before he saw everything clear as day. It was his normal routine. He got out of the car in the driveway, Kuro was running to greet him after seeing him in the window. He picked her up and smothered her in kisses. He saw you, standing on the porch holding your new son waiting to give him his kiss.

In another life, you and your children were brutally murdered by curses. This life though, this life is perfect and he wouldn't change a damn thing.

[kristannafever]

Mountain Man - Ten

Kristanna Modern AU Rated: M WC: 2997

Collab with @lukin08

Chapter Index

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

Anna woke up wrapped around Kristoff’s back.  Hazy memories of being half asleep surfaced in her mind.  He had rolled away from her in his sleep, and Anna had chased him, settling her arm around his side and her face pressed into the nape of his neck. 

She pulled in a gentle inhale, breathing in the smell of his clean hair.  Even though she wore the same shampoo since she’d used his, it smelled different on him.  It smelled better. 

Smiling, she remained still so as to savor being this close to him for as long as she was able, when something suddenly clicked in her mind.  It was like everything he had said to her suddenly made sense.  The way he chose to live his life.  The simplicity of it.  She realized that since she’d been trapped up here with him, she had not once thought about her business, or her bills, or even her sister.  All she thought about was the work that needed to be done that day and that in and of itself was a certain kind of peace. 

Could she do it?  Live this life with him?  Absolutely.  Would she?  …No.  And as much as she tried to think of a way that they could compromise; spending winters in the cabin and summers back home, part of her understood that it was likely something Kristoff could not do.  This was his very specific life that he had chosen.  It was either his way, or her way, and neither of them were willing to give it all up.

Kristoff stirred a moment later and Anna backed away from him, worried about her compromising position.  He seemed not to notice and was soon standing beside the bed, stretching out his back.  He turned to look at her. 

“Morning.  You sleep well?”

With you, always.  “I did, thanks.  You?”

He smiled.  “Like a cat in a sunbeam.”

They went about a morning routine that somehow seemed familiar now, talking through it all, even while they ate their oatmeal breakfast.  Kristoff told her he wanted to check the beaver traps that Anna had moved, and then see if there were any martins on the sled line.  He told her since they’d moved the beaver traps to calmer waters where the river split, they didn’t have to snowshoe it since the trees were much more thinned out in that area.

Anna liked the idea of going out with him on the snowmobile again, being able to wrap her arms around his thick, muscular waist.  And she was trilled that she didn’t even have to ask to help.  Kristoff just invited her along. 

They went outside to clear air and high cloud cover.  The storm had almost passed them by.  They gave each other a quick look, neither of them being able to acknowledge out loud what it meant, and trudged to the snowmobile shed.  Kristoff hooked up the sled to the back and they took off to check the beaver traps.

The morning went by quickly.  They pulled the sled along the river checking the traps and Kristoff told Anna about his childhood and how Linda and Cliff had taken him in after his parents died.  He asked her about her parents and sister and couldn’t get enough of her talking about her business.  He seemed honestly intrigued.  No one, besides Frank, had ever been as interested in what she did.

There was something else Anna noticed as well.  Kristoff had a large grin on his face.  It was exactly like the other night when their rum induced laughter filled his small home.  She couldn’t stop looking and at how happy he seemed.  Kristoff caught her gaze more than she’d like to admit.  He gave her a larger smile each time before looking down and away from her. 

Each trap was full and Kristoff’s elation and relief made her bubble over in pride.  As they put the beavers onto the sled, Kristoff looked across to Anna.

“Thank you.”  Those chocolate eyes were gazing at her and Anna’s heart melted a little more for him.  “I don’t know what I would have done without your help.”

Anna could only stare back.  It was suddenly too hard to fight her feelings.  She had a sudden and deeply strong urge to jump over to him, wrap herself around him and beg him to let her stay.  She tore away from his gaze, trying to gain her composure.

“We have to take them back to process now, right?” she asked, getting on the back of the sled.  “Then check the martin line?”

He nodded and got on in front of her and spoke over his shoulder.  “Yeah.  Between the both of us it shouldn’t take long.”

Anna smiled again that she did not have to ask him what she could do to help.  She wrapped her arms around his waist, setting her cheek in the middle of his back and sighing deep with satisfaction as he took off.

Back at the homestead, Kristoff was right.  They processed the furs quickly and loaded up the sled with some new bait for the martin traps and a few extra that Kristoff wanted to set up near the end of the line. 

They baited every trap they passed, still chatting idly about their lives, until they came to the last one on the line.  There had been a Martin in it, just like the first time they had gone out and checked.  Kristoff retrieved it, rebaited it, while Anna grabbed the two traps he wanted to set up near this lucky spot. 

“Um… So where did you say you wanted to set the traps?” she asked as he trudged back to her. 

Kristoff pointed past the snowmobile.  “Not too far.  We can walk if you think you’re up to it.”

Anna crinkled her nose at him.  “Is that a challenge?”

Kristoff’s hand went to his head to adjust his cap.  “Nah, nothing you can’t handle,” he said as he waved his hand down. “You’re strong.”

After hey strapped on their snowshoes and walked in the direction to where Kristoff wanted to set his traps, he asked Anna more about flying.

“So, tell me,” Kristoff said after all the traps were set and they started to make their way back to the snowmobile, “what’s the best part?”

“Best part?” Anna asked, giving Kristoff a side glance.

“Out of everything you told me.  Everything you do.  What is it that keeps you getting in the plane time after time?”

Anna took a moment to think, the crunch of their snowshoes on the fresh powder eerily poignant in their silence.  “I think…”  Anna stopped herself trying to figure out the best way to describe her feelings to Kristoff.  “There’s a ridge.  It’s not all that far from where I take off.  I have to go over it a lot – to get to you as a matter of fact.  It looks so imposing as you approach, just the shear walls of the mountains daring me to cross.  Then right after you pass over it, the whole valley opens up and the mountains seem to go on forever, all capped in this unending white.  It takes my breath away each time.  There’s a beauty being up there that you can’t get on the ground I tell you.  I feel so free every time I see it.” 

Kristoff didn’t say anything, only nodding his head.  He remained quiet, almost in contemplation.  Anna was only able to last a few minutes before she was filling the silence with whatever popped into her head.  It took her a second to notice he had fallen back behind her.  Anna’s words died as she looked back to see Kristoff standing several paces back.

“Can’t keep up with the pace?”  She playfully called back to him.  When he didn’t answer her, Anna asked again.  “Everything alright?”

Kristoff regarded her for a few moments before waving his arm in a beckoning motion.  “Follow me.  I want to show you something.” 

He took a turn off the trail and disappeared into the trees.  Anna had to hurry up to see where he went.  His tracks led to a small clearing between the trees.  It looked like it may have been a trail, but not one that Kristoff could have used much.  After a few more hurried steps, she caught up with him.

“Where are we going?”  No response.  She tried again.  “Kristoff, where are we going?”

He didn’t slow down or look back at her.  “Just wait.  You’ll see in a minute.”

She continued to follow him along the narrow path, growing more impatient by the second.  Finally, the trees started to clear.  In front of them was a grouping of boulders that Kristoff hopped up on.

He stopped and looked back at her, offering his mittened hand to her.  “Are you ready?”

Anna narrowed her eyes at him, and reached out for his hand.  He pulled her up over the cropping of rocks.  After she made sure her footing was secure see looked up and what she saw took her breath away.  In front of her was the entire valley stretching out as far as she could see and framed by mountains.  It was the same view she had been seeing for years from her plane.  Anna stood there, frozen in place as she gazed at the magnificent spectacle in front of her. 

“There’s beauty here too,” Kristoff said. 

“Oh my God, Kristoff.  This… this is amazing!”

Anna looked at Kristoff.  His eyes were already on her, a soft smile on his face.  She sucked in a breath as his fingers grazed her cheek.  He reached up to her only to tuck a stray tendril of hair back under her hat.  He turned his gaze back at the valley and Anna was grateful he wasn’t able to see the look of disappointment washing over her.

Kristoff drew in a large breath before he spoke.  “Even though we may be seeing at it from different angles, in the end it’s still the same view.  Magnificent no matter which way you look at it.”

They could have stayed out there for days as far as Anna was concerned, but eventually Kristoff nudged her, telling her they needed to start heading back before it got dark.  He disappeared behind her, jumping down from the rocks.  She took one last longing look back before jumping into Kristoff’s outstretched arms.

On the way back, Kristoff told her how he stumbled on the view once on an excursion and how he liked to come out here sometimes on warmer days in the summer when the walls of the cabin were starting to close in on him and he needed a moment to relax and take it all in.  Anna listened to him talk.  His voice was like velvet and she could get lost in hearing him talk about absolutely nothing.  It wasn’t until the snowmobile was in sight that she realized her hand was in his.  He looked down like he’d just realized the same thing.  Neither of them let go. 

Anna looked up into his eyes.  He met her gaze for a moment before it flicked quickly to her lips.  Perhaps he did remember that kiss.  The way he was looking at her now was the same way he was looking at her when they were drunk.  She desperately wanted him to kiss her again.

Then, like he suddenly realized how vulnerable he was in that moment, he blinked and slid his hand out of hers and gently cleared this throat.  “We should get back.”

A thought rose up in her and before she could think about it, she blurted out.  “Race you to the snowmobile!”

Kristoff pulled a face.  “What?”

“I said,” Anna straightened and said confidently, “race you.”

“In snow shoes?  I wouldn’t do that.”

“Why not.”

“Have you ever tried to run in snow shoes?”

“No, but there’s a first time for everything.  Come on!”

“You’re crazy.”

“Maybe.  But I’m still going to win.”  She gave him a wicked smile and took off.

“Anna,” Kristoff sighed, but quickly raced to catch up with her.

It wasn’t the running that was hard.  It was trying to stay in a straight line and pick her feet up high enough, and she was determined to beat Kristoff.  Anna flailed through the snow until about halfway to the snowmobile, the front tip of her shoe caught hard, sending her face first into the white powder with a quiet thud.

Anna heard the laughter before she saw him; ten feet behind her and doubled over.  She sat up and crossed her arms over her chest but it only made Kristoff laugh even harder.

“I swear… swear to god that was the fucking funniest thing I’ve ever seen.”  Kristoff stood back up and wiped a tear from his eye.  “Let me catch my breath for a second, but do you think you could do that move-”

Thwak

The snowball burst open on impact with Kristoff’s face, showering crystalline fragments into the air and embedding in his beard.  He stood there in shock until he noticed Anna pumping her fists in the air and jumping up and down in victory.

She caught his smirk a little too late, didn’t see the snowball he had scooped up or that he was waiting for the perfect moment.  She tried to take cover behind a tree, but the snowball hit her in the back of the head right before she ran behind it.  Anna shrieked as fragments of the soft snow fell between the gap of her neck and snowsuit. 

“Oh, game on!  You’re going down!”  Anna called out from behind the tree, trying to form as many snowballs as she could and build up a stash.

The first snowball whistled past Kristoff, just above his head.  He didn’t have time to react before another one hit him squarely in the chest.  “Hey!”  He put up his arms defensively and turned to his side.  More snowballs whizzed past him until another one smacked into his shoulder when he tried to bend down to grab more snow.  “Ow!  No fair if you just stay behind that tree the whole time,” Kristoff said, not able to stop the laugh in his voice.

“Don’t you know?” Anna said, picking up another snowball.  “There are no rules in snowball war.”  She launched another series towards Kristoff then pressed her back against the tree again for safety. 

Her breath was heavy from the adrenaline coursing through her.  Everything was quiet behind Anna until she heard crunching of snow.  She dared a peak around the tree and saw Kristoff heading right for her.  With no place to run, Anna darted out from the tree, releasing as many missiles as she was able to hold onto from her stash.

Kristoff laughed with each of her throws, flinching each time not knowing if the snow would make contact with him or fly past him at a safe distance.  He was more deliberate in his attack, throwing when he knew he had a shot.  Anna couldn’t form the snow fast enough, half of her throws disintegrating before they even came close to Kristoff.

“Give up?” Kristoff asked as he continued to walk towards Anna.  His smile was so bright and he looked like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. 

He pushed them into a clearing near the snowmobile where was no where for Anna to find shelter.  She was open and exposed and a sitting duck for his attack.  Her response was what she always did, throwing herself head on without a second thought.

“Never!” She exclaimed and launched herself at Kristoff.

Anna’s momentum sent Kristoff stumbling back.  She wrapped her arms around his waist as they moved backwards until Kristoff lost his footing and they tumbled into a snowdrift.  They were tangled up in a fit of giggles.

“Okay you win,” Kristoff chuckled. 

Anna was laying back on the snow with Kristoff on top of her.  His arms were on either side of her and he pushed on them slightly to take his weight off her.  As they fought to regain their composure, Kristoff locked his eyes on Anna.  His breath was still labored, his face only mere inches from her.

“You still have snow in your beard.”  Anna reached up and grazed her mitten along Kristoff’s beard.  He didn’t move, but his eyes closed slowly at her touch and she couldn’t bring herself to move her hand away.

Was it minutes? Seconds?  She didn’t know.  Didn’t care.  When Kristoff opened his eyes, there was an intensity to them that she knew she was matching.  They stayed like that, both giving their silent approval yet unwilling to break their gaze.  Kristoff moved first, dropping his head the rest of the short distance between them until his lips met hers.  This was not a drunken impulsive kiss made before they both passed out.  This was soft and deliberate and Anna felt herself smiling as she kissed him back and slid her hand to wrap around the base of his neck.

His lips parted and Anna took that as an invite, sliding her tongue into his mouth.  After a loud groan of approval, he reciprocated.  Their kisses became hungrier and Kristoff’s desperation became instantly evident.  Anna gave into it, lost in the moment of his utter need, when suddenly it was over.

“I’m sorry,” he said, rolling off of her and sitting up in the snow, panting.  “I’m sorry, Anna.  I just can’t do this.”

Her mind was still a little foggy with what had just happened.  She wanted him more than anything and he was not allowing it.  Again.

She swallowed the emotion welling up in her throat, pushing it down for the time being in the swiftly dwindling light of day.  “We better get back.”

“Yeah.”  He nodded, unwilling to meet her eyes.  “Okay.”

--

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[romancingromanoff]

This is a Life

Andy of Scythia x f!reader

Summary: You end up escaping an arranged marriage set up by your abusive mother in a strange way.

TW: Verbal/physical child abuse (child is now over 18 but it is implied that it has been going on for some time), arranged/forced marriage, 1950′s typical homophobia, somewhat graphic death/injuries, accidental suicide?

Words: 4225

A/N: Hello I am alive! I’ve been wanting to get back into writing recently and I’ve  been disappointed by the lack of Andy x reader content on here so here’s my contribution. More marvel stuff is in the works starting with Thena from Eternals!

“It’s my life!”

“And you are my daughter! You will do this if you wish to remain a part of this family!”

“I told you I won’t marry him!”

A cold hand hits your left cheek.

You were fighting with your mother yet again as the two of you had constantly done for the past 23 years, which was way too long for you to still be living under her roof according to societal standards. While you were inclined to agree, being forced to marry a man in six weeks was not how you wanted to escape.

On paper, you supposed Nicholas Turner was the perfect match, basically everything you could ever ask for in a husband. His wealth certainly appealed to your mother, though he was also kind and considerate with a pleasant looking face others might find attractive.

Unlike those that had briefly tried to court you in the past, what really set Nicholas apart was that he seemed to truly care for you and respect your opinions. There certainly weren’t very many men like him in the 1950’s who didn’t immediately insult your intelligence or worth as a member of the lesser sex.

Not too far into your relationship was when you were finally forced to come to terms with a fear that had been looming over you since your teenage years. It had been easy to tell yourself you were still normal when all the suitors you rejected were immature little boys with stunted emotional development and only seemed to be interested in your body. You could tell yourself that no woman would ever settle for such disrespect in a lifelong partner.

However, you knew there was no denying that Nick was everything you should ever want in a man. You waited for those butterflies you had heard about from your friends to fill you whenever he asked to hold your hand or guide you by the arm for a stroll. But those bubbling feelings of love never came no matter how much you tried to force them. And if they couldn’t show up for Nick, you knew that no man could summon them at all.

The only person that had ever excited you in that way was another girl a few grades above you in school. She tutored you in math for two summers and lived just down the street. You had never felt so drawn to anyone else before.

“I have three brothers so it’s nice that we can spend some time together, just us girls,” she had said. You couldn’t agree more.

As your friendship grew, rumors about her older brother being a… sexual degenerate spread throughout the neighborhood and your mother quickly forbade you from ever speaking to anyone in her family again. The last time you’d heard about your friend was when her parents had thrown her brother out of the house and cut all contact with him.

No part of you wanted to believe that your friend had agreed with their actions but what if she had? What would she say if she were to ever find out about your true feelings for her? She would surely be just as disgusted as your mother.

“Yes. You. Will. You think this is your life? Well I gave it to you and I can just as easily take it away!”

You weren’t too certain about that after the strange events that took place the day before. Another argument with your mother turned violent and she started throwing some of her empty bottles at you. Although none of them hit their target, one flew through the back window and caused glass to shatter everywhere.

After cleaning up inside the house, you made your way outside to assess whatever damage certainly awaited you there. What you hadn’t been expecting to find was that one of the bottles hit a poor baby bunny not too far from the window. Falling on your knees in front of it, it pained you to watch as its small body twitched only a few times before ultimately turning as still as stone. The thought of leaving it there for other animals to pick on or carelessly throwing it in the trash didn’t seem right to you, so with a sigh you decided to find a shovel and dig it a small grave. It’s not like you were in a rush to face your mother so soon anyway.

The shed with the gardening tools hadn’t been organized since the warmer months. Coughing at the cloud of dust that immediately filled your lungs as the door squeaked open, you blindly staggered in the direction of the shovel, trying to feel for it with your hands, when your foot found a rake that was lying on the ground. The wooden pole smacked you dead in the middle of your face, forcing you to fly back like in one of those children’s cartoons that often played before the main films at the cinema. It sounded like a tornado was tearing through the shed.

All you could feel was pain spreading throughout your body. There was no doubt that your skull had cracked open as a gooey warmth began to soak your hair and pool down your neck. A sharp object also seemed to be lodged in your middle area and it quickly became difficult to breath or even remember what life was like before this agony.

You almost tried to call for help, hoping that your mother might at least be decent enough not to wish for your death, but something about that idea stopped you. What would she even be saving you from exactly? You knew you were dying as a strange numbness began to take over all your senses, yet a part of you seemed to be at peace with what was to come.

Lying about who you were for the rest of your life was worse than a death sentence in its own way. Maybe this could be your mercy if happiness was never attainable for someone like you. Maybe this was for the best.

There was absolute darkness and a sense of peace that seemed to stretch on forever. Suddenly, all of that shattered as oxygen forcefully filled your lungs. Something inexplicable had brought you back.

While your body still ached, a quick assessment helped you conclude that your injuries had healed almost miraculously. Your skull was awfully bloody but definitely smooth and in one piece. Slowly sitting up, you discovered that a long pair of garden shears is what had impaled your abdomen where you were certain a few of your vital organs must have been torn.

You were covered in both dried blood and newly formed skin with no idea how any of it was possible. The only thing you could think of doing was running back into the house to wash yourself off.

Darkness had covered the sky by then and you knew your mother must have been asleep by that point. Initially that made you feel relieved that you could dodge any questions she had until morning. However, as you scrubbed the leftover blood and sweat from your body, the fact that she must not have been concerned at all dawned on you. You had died out in the shed and where had she been?

“No, you don’t get to hurt me anymore!” You shook your head and stood your ground with a newfound sense of power only coming back from the dead could have given you. “You don’t get to control me like I’m your puppet! I’m not going to marry him or anyone else you try to push on me either. I’ve known this for a long time and I think you have too. But I can’t because I’m–”

“NO! No, I will not hear this nonsense again! I have things from the store I need to pick up and I expect all of this sudden change in attitude to be over when I get back. Or I will be beating you everyday until it’s your husband’s problem!”

Somehow her words managed to hurt you more than any physical attack could. You tried your best to hold in your tears as she gathered her purse and keys before slamming the front door behind her, but your eyes began stinging just as you retreated to your bedroom. This time, your instincts were successfully able to guide you on where to step.

You don’t know how long you stood there, disassociating and losing track of the time as you urged yourself not to cry.

A hand landed on your shoulder and caused an instinctive shudder to roll through your body. “Please, don’t!” You whimpered at the contact which you expected came from your mother.

“I’m not here to hurt you. But I need you to trust me.”

You turned and your eyes shot up. The speaker of the voice was unlike any other person you had ever seen. Her hair was cut extremely short, like the style Audrey Hepburn was known for, but with no makeup or bold lip color she appeared more boyish. She was also very tall for a woman, about as tall as some men you knew, though it didn’t scare you to stand beside her like it would with them. It was subtle, but sometimes you felt like they relied on their height advantage to make sure you were on a lower peg than them.

This woman was different with the way she assessed you with a lack of judgment. Something told you that she was worried about scaring you, not wanting to come off like she was sizing you up. You could see it in her eyes and god were they gorgeous. They were a mesmerizing shade that made you believe you were seeing the color for the very first time. You would gladly let the woman hypnotize you with those glowing pools of green.

“Who are you?” Your voice shook even though you could sense she didn’t wish to harm you.

She kept her voice calm and steady. “My name is Andromache of Scythia. But you can call me Andy.”

Andy? Andy. Hearing the name caused something to resurface in your mind. Not quite a song or a memory but something you had definitely heard recently. A man had been screaming that name as you felt him die.

“I’ve seen you before. I dreamed you were trying to save a man. A friend. Two other people were there as well. You were all surrounded. You were dying.”

“There are five of us now, including you, and we all do the same thing. We die and come back. And I know you probably have a lot of questions, which I promise I can answer, but you need to pack some clothes and come with me now.”

“Go with you? Where?”

You had been on a rollercoaster once as a child. It was a tall wooden one with a large loop that initially made you change your mind about riding it. That was before your mother informed you she had already bought your tickets and wasn’t about to let the money go to waste. The fear rose within your stomach with every inch the giant wooden coffin you rode in crept higher and higher into the domain of the clouds and birds. Every voice in your head screamed that you weren’t supposed to be here. A part of you was so terrified that you considered reaching for your mother’s hand. As if she would comfort you.

But then you finally made it to the top. All you could think about as you saw the sun setting on the horizon was how badly you wished you could chase it. And then you did. The ride dropped and your fears dissipated as laughter escaped from your body instead. For the first time ever, you could taste a sense of freedom.

That’s what it felt like when Andy reached for your chin and gently brushed the back of two of her other fingers against the cheek most recently marked by your mother. You weren’t entirely sure what the future looked like with her, yet you were eager to find out and explore all the possibilities opening up before you. No one had ever held you with such tenderness and care while also making you feel protected and safe. You watched as the woman’s eyes flickered from your cheek to your slightly parted lips before she withdrew her touch. It left you feeling empty.

“The woman that hurts you will be coming back any minute now,” she announces quickly before she starts darting around your room. She pulls out a suitcase from your closet and stares at you expectantly, like she needed you to move as if the house was on fire. “We need to leave before that happens.”

“My mother? She’s done terrible things but she’s still my mother. I can’t just leave without letting her know.”

“What’s your name?” Andy asks you. You tell her.

“Y/N, please listen to me,” she sets the suitcase down on your bed before taking your hands into hers. A part of your soul leaves your body right then and there. “Individuals like your mother have hurt you your entire life when you should have been protected. I’m so sorry no one stood up for you before. You didn’t deserve any of that. But now even more people that want to harm you are going to be on our trail as soon as they find out who and what you are. Now that I’ve found you, I can protect you. Me and the other three guys on our team. So please, come with me so that I can keep you safe.”

“Y/N?! Come help me!” Your mother’s shrill voice rings through the house.

“Pack quickly, I’ll hold her off,” Andy urgently reaches for something in her pocket which is when you realize she’s had a knife on her this whole time. Your eyes go wide.

“Wait! Please don’t hurt her! I’ll go with you but you can’t hurt her. That’s my only condition, I swear.”

You haven’t known her for long. You wish you could spend the next hundred years studying her face and getting to know everything there is to know about her. But somehow, you can still tell that something breaks inside her because of your pleading. She holds your gaze for the shortest eternity before nodding back at you.

“Okay,” she promises. You can tell she’s going to be true to her word. “But you have to follow my lead. When I say we need to leave, we leave.”

“Okay.”

You scramble to pack the most important things that come to your mind. A family picture of you, your mother, and your sister. The bracelet that your grandmother gave you. Your drawing notepad. It’s not too difficult to decide what clothes you bring as you have no real attachment to any specific pieces.

Echoes of your mother marching down the hall cause you to freeze up instantly. There’s one last thing you need to grab and of course it has to be in the trickiest place to get to.

“There’s a box of letters under the rug and the floorboard right here. Can you please get it? I’ll talk to her.” Andy nods before you dart out a small crack in your door and quickly close it behind you. It brings you face to face with your warden and the only obstacle that stands in your way of escape.

“What are you doing in there? I expect you to help me bring in my bags from the car. Are you going deaf or do I need to slap some more sense into you?”

“I’m leaving,” you manage to blurt out before fear stops you from changing your mind.

“You’re what?”

“I’m leaving. I’m not marrying Nicholas. I can’t and I won’t.”

“This again? How much longer will you insist on acting like a petulant child? I demand you stop this nonsense at once!”

“No. I’m leaving and you won’t get to control my life anymore.”

A look that you can only describe as amused appears on the woman’s face as she gives you a scoff. “Oh really? And where do you think you’ll go with no car or money to your name? I know you’re nervous about the wedding but-”

“I will never marry him or any other man either!” This was the first time you had ever raised your voice this loud and it was having quite the effect on both of you. The woman in front of you was completely stunned at your change in demeanor, her eyes wide and mouth slightly agape.

“I’m not like you! And I’m tired of pretending to be someone I’m not. For so long, I’ve tried to feel the way I know I’m supposed to feel about boys but I simply can’t. And I think a part of me has always known that I’m-”

The swift sound of a crack silences you, though you don’t exactly register the pain straight away like normal. You bring a finger to your lower lip and it comes black with a droplet of blood. A second later, you touch the same spot and it’s completely healed.

“Silence! You’ll shut your mouth right this instant if you know what’s good for you. These ideas of… of perverse behavior aren’t you. You’re obviously ill and need to see a doctor immediately.”

“No mother, I-” You’re interrupted once again, although this time as your bedroom door swings open you aren’t scared of being struck or hurt. Andy’s presence alone means you are protected.

“Your items are secure. We need to leave now,” she takes a firm hold of your waist and pulls you closer to her body. From the threatening look she’s throwing at your mother you can tell that your presence is the only thing keeping the much taller and stronger woman from breaking out into a fight. Although, calling it that felt entirely wrong as it implied your mother would be able to stand a chance at winning.

“Excuse me?” The older woman spat like she had nearly swallowed a fly. “Who is-... Who do you think you are and how dare you come into my house!”

“Lady, all you need to know is that I’m the one that’s going to be doing what you’ve failed to do and actually protect your daughter from now on. Unless you want this to get violent, I would suggest stepping out of our way.”

No one had ever spoken to your mother that way and had anyone but Andy been foolish enough to yell at her,  you would be worrying for their safety. But even after five minutes of knowing her, it was clear that Andy wasn’t easily swayed by a few empty threats.

“I–... Oh, now I understand everything completely. You must be the one that has corrupted my daughter with these wicked thoughts! Y/N, you can’t possibly believe this… this stranger intends to do anything but manipulate you! Whatever feelings you think you may have for her are wrong and can be corrected. I don’t want you to end up like this disgusting degenerate!”

“Don’t you dare call her that!” Your anger spikes hearing the venom in her words. Andy may or may not be immune to them but that doesn’t mean you can’t be offended on her behalf. “She actually respects me and treats me like a human being!”

“So what? Your plan is to run away together and go where? Do what? You are nothing without me and you know it! Since you were born-”

An involuntary scream leaves your body as the taller woman moves like a flash of light. Before she can even process anything, your mother falls to the floor into an unconscious slump at your feet.

“Oh my God.” It seems almost impossible to tear your eyes away from the sight before you. You’ve never seen someone so… still. Then it dawns on you that she might be…

“She’s just unconscious,” Andy cups your face in her hands and you’re forced to look at her, ”I promise. She’ll be fine but we have to go now.”

Nodding, the two of you set off like there’s still someone on your trail. For a few seconds you’re able to look back at your mother one last time. The woman that gave birth to you. Raised you. Hit you. Broke you. She’ll never be able to hurt you again.

You breathe a barely audible “goodbye” to her, wondering where you’ll be by the time she wakes up. There’s the tiniest twinge of guilt at the thought of her actually missing you when she does, yet with every step you make towards your new future you yearn to speed up.

Andy guides you straight to the front door and outside into the rain. The two of you don’t stop until you reach a car around the corner that she unlocks for you. Your body is cold and numb, which the other woman immediately notices and she tries to drape your body with a thin blanket from the backseat after she starts the engine. You doubted that this car had any heating but couldn’t care too much about that.

“Thank you,” you’re able to mutter. “I’m sorry she… about those things she said.”

“Y/N, you have nothing to apologize for. You are in no way responsible for her actions.”

You could get used to hearing Andy say your name like that. She had a way of saying it that reminded you how it was your very own. How you were your own person.

“No, I do, Andy. At least let me say this for my own peace. You got dragged into something that should have stayed between us and she made some wrongful assumptions about you. You are completely right to feel offended or upset with me. And now that you know that I’m… Well, it seems you know more about me than almost anyone else. What I mean to say is that I understand if you’re disgusted by me.”

Much to your surprise, the brunette calmy pulled the car over to stop on the side of the road so that she could better face you. Fear that she might ask you to get out flickered in your heart for a second, but then she carefully took your hand into her own, holding it so tenderly.

“Y/N, everything that I said in there still stands. I care about you and I want to protect you. And for the record, not that anyone else’s opinion but your own matters, I see nothing wrong with you. You love the way you love, that’s nothing to be ashamed about. You deserve all the happiness the world can give you, which is what I’m willing to fight for.”

The buildup of emotions from the past 24 hours combined with the softness in her words is enough to strip you of your very last defenses. Your vision blurs, though the slight stinging in your eyes is admittedly therapeutic. Andy, however, only grows more concerned for you based on the look on her face.

“No, no, I’m okay,” you promise her and crack a smile. “It’s just strange to have someone that cares about me. The real me, I mean. There must be some way I can repay you for everything.”

She analyzed you with such curiosity that it’s impossible to tell what sort of thoughts are running through her head. Her other hand slowly moves to move a stray hair from your face. You doubt she meant for the contact to feel so intimate, yet you relish in the tiny sprinkles of touch she gives you.

Andy releases a deep sigh. “You don’t have to repay me for anything. We’re a team now and that means we take care of each other.”

Of course you had forgotten there was a team, meaning there were more of you she must have been referencing aside from yourself. It felt stupid to think she could have felt differently about you after knowing each other for less than a day. And what were the chances she would even see you in that way?

“Right,” you struggle to wipe the tears from your face. “I guess I should learn about the others then. When will we be introduced?”

“Soon, I promise.” Andy goes to restart the car and you notice her chuckle as she begins to speed up to get back on the road. “I think you’ll really like them, actually. We all have a lot in common so there’s no chance they won’t immediately like you like I do.”

You swear that you almost died for a second time from a heart attack.

“You mean besides being able to come back from the dead?” You tried to play it cool, hoping she wouldn’t notice how nervous you suddenly were.

“Actually, yes. It’s about a three hour drive from here so you can get some sleep if you want. I know you must be exhausted.”

You can’t really protest when a yawn immediately escapes after the mere mention of a nap. So you drift away, driving off toward your new life, with Andy’s hand safely cradling yours.

[demonsandmischief]

-Chapter 10: The Avengers' Therapist-

Bisexual Female Reader x The Avengers

Rated M for eventual sexual themes

800 Words

My Masterlist for Previous Chapters. Please read disclaimer in Ch 1

"I hate seeing her like this," Wanda whispered when it was pretty obvious you were asleep.

"We know who started all of this," Bucky said.

"Yes, but I can't fire Dr. Reynolds. She's under contract, and we are under those stupid stipulations from the pardon now," Tony said. "I already looked into it."

"It's just one more week," Steve said.

"We can't let her anywhere near YN," Nat said.

"Of course we won't," Sam agreed.

"Poor thing exhausted herself," Steve said, peering over Tony's shoulder.

Everyone in the room seemed to go their separate ways except for Tony, who was content at having you so close. For once, his mind wasn't going a hundred miles an hour and he settled, dozing off himself.

---

You woke up in your bed to the smell of something amazing. You sat up. Your face felt sticky and your eyes were crusty.

Once you freshened up, you ventured out to find Sam cooking in the kitchen.

"There she is," Sam cooed with his signature smile. He gestured you closer, and you tucked into his side.

"Thought some soup might cheer you up," he said. "How about some tea?"

"Okay. Thanks," you said, moving to the couch. You dragged a blanket over your shoulders.

It was quiet for a few minutes, until Wanda dropped onto the seat next to you. You adjusted the blanket so it was shared between the both of you.

"Do you regret spending time with us?" she asked. She was always so serious. You wished she would look into your head to see herself the way you saw her.

"Not one bit," you said truthfully. "I'm sorry if the way I acted made you doubt otherwise."

"For the two pretty ladies," Sam said, offering you both a mug. You smiled up at him in thanks.

"You don't have to apologize," Wanda said.

"You can't expect me to not be upset at what happened," you said, meeting her gaze.

She nodded. "You're right. I just care about what you think of me, and I wouldn't want to be the cause of you not wanting to be around us."

"If I have a problem with any of you, I promise to let you know. I hope you will do the same." You cupped her cheek, skimming your thumb across her soft skin.

"I'll try," Wanda whispered. She bent her head, brushing her lips ever so gently against yours.

You smiled. It was relieving for her to convey to you what she was feeling. It took all of the guess work away.

Even though it was going to be really hard, you were going to try not to worry about what the outside world thought of you and your relationship with the Avengers. You were happy in your little bubble, right where you were meant to be.

"Should I pretend like I didn't see that, or-?" Steve teased with his signature smile, as he leaned over the edge of the couch.

"See what?" Wanda teased back.

"Ah, I see how it is. Sam, did they give you this treatment?"

"I'm minding my business, man," Sam answered.

The rest of the Avengers were missing from dinner, having had some work to tend to. Sam cooked an amazing meal, and you felt a lot better than you did earlier in the day.

Steve walked you to your room for the night.

"I'm glad that smile is back," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Something was different. You wondered if kissing Wanda made him see you differently.

"What is it, Steve?" you whispered as he came closer, pressing you against the wall.

He didn't say anything, and your heart started to thud in your chest.

"I want a kiss, too," he said, his lips almost brushing yours.

One of your hands went to his hair, tugging gently to encourage him to continue.

"Is that what you want?" he whispered.

"Yes," you said, standing up on the tips of your toes to reach his lips.

"You were so upset earlier." His hands went to your cheeks. "I hated seeing you like that."

"I'm okay now," you admitted. "I'm still very upset, but I can't change what happened. I wouldn't want to. This is where I want to be, with all of you."

Steve's lips quirked up.

"I'm glad you came to my rescue earlier," you said. "Thank you."

You pressed your lips to his softly, just a brush.

His hands moved to the back of your head, deepening the kiss.

He released you, kissing your cheek.

"Try to get some sleep, okay? Don't stress too much. I know you say you're okay, but I can see right through you."

------------------Author's Note-------------------------

You wished him a good night, and you didn't have any trouble falling asleep, still giddy from both kisses you received.

Here's Ch 11

So fluffy 🥺 only 5 or 6 chapters left. I always knew Wanda would be the first to kiss her.

•you will only be tagged if you comment here

•updates are MWF

•my Wattpad

•i have lots of imagines. be sure to check out my masterlist linked above and pinned on my profile.

Also just in general this is a lot of characters to write for and my intention is never to exclude or include one avenger over the other. I wanted everyone to be as equal as possible ❤️

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[rafesfavoritegirl]

waves between us

chapter 1: waves of the past

𓂃⋆.˚ Aurora is torn between her polished life with Rafe and the raw connection she shared with Jj, her secret childhood friend. When an unexpected reunion brings buried feelings to light, she must decide where her heart truly belongs.

word count 2.3k

content warnings: toxic relationships, emotional manipulation, class tension, physical conflict, nostalgia and emotional turmoil, and mentions of alcohol consumption.

Jj had asked to meet at our usual "spot," which I knew meant the beach. With school finally out, I was more than ready to hit the waves and go surfing. I rode over to The Cut on the bike my parents had gotten me, passing by all the kooks heading to their typical "summer break parties." That scene wasn’t for me—it wasn’t the life I cared to be a part of.

When I got to the beach, I spotted Jj—my best friend, though no one really knew about him. We preferred to keep it that way. But if I’m being honest, we weren’t really “just friends.” I ran up to him and threw my arms around him, grinning.

“I can’t wait to spend the whole summer with you,” I said, my excitement bubbling over. 

Jj hugged me back, his grip strong and familiar, and for a moment, it felt like the world around us disappeared. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the distant chatter of beachgoers—it all faded into the background.

“Same here,” he said, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. There was something in his gaze, a mix of excitement and that playful spark that always made my heart race. “I’ve got so much planned. Surfing, bonfires, maybe even sneaking onto that private stretch of beach down by figure 8. You in?”

I laughed, stepping back to kick off my sandals. “When am I not in? You know I’m down for anything.”

Jj smirked, running a hand through his sun-bleached hair as he grabbed his board. “That’s why you’re my favorite kook.”

We headed toward the water together, the sun warming our backs as we waded into the surf. The ocean was alive today, the waves just big enough to promise a good ride but not too intimidating.

“Race you?!” Jj shouted, already paddling out before I could reply.

“Oh, you’re so on!” I called, quickly following.

Present day

The party buzzed around me, a sea of Kooks dressed in their finest, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft hum of the music. My whole world felt encapsulated by this landscape—the elite, the polished, the untouchable.

I stood next to my boyfriend, Rafe Cameron, the picture of confidence as he effortlessly mingled with the crowd. Taking a sip of my drink, I watched him in his element, commanding attention with every word.

He was deep in conversation, his tone smooth and persuasive as he worked the room, negotiating deals and securing alliances for Cameron Development. It was like second nature to him, following in his father’s footsteps with a sharp mind and a charisma that kept everyone listening.

I stayed quiet, a supportive presence at his side, letting him shine. This was his stage, and he thrived on it. My hand brushed against his briefly, a silent reminder that I was there, his steady anchor in the whirlwind of expectations and ambition.

As I looked around the room, at the faces of those who seemed to have it all, I couldn’t help but feel an ache of something unspoken—a blend of pride and unease. Rafe belonged here, carved from the same mold as these people, yet there was a part of me that always felt like an outsider looking in.

But as his eyes met mine in a brief moment of pause, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, I felt it—the connection that grounded us both. Whatever doubts lingered in my mind, they were silenced by the certainty of his presence.

Though Rafe and I had never really had issues in our relationship, there was always something that held me back from being fully committed. On the surface, everything seemed perfect. We’d been together for about a year, a steady couple in a world full of fleeting flings and shallow connections.

Rafe was the kind of boyfriend most girls in this town dreamed of—charming, confident, and undeniably loyal when it came to the people he cared about. He had a way of making me feel like I was the only person in the room, even when we were surrounded by crowds. He’d take me to fancy dinners, lavish parties, and late-night drives in his sleek car, showing me a world I’d never known before.

But beneath all that glitter and gold, something felt... incomplete.

It wasn’t that I didn’t care about him—I did. But there was a part of me that couldn’t fully surrender to the relationship, a part of me that felt out of place in his world. Rafe thrived in the world of Kooks, with its unspoken rules and its polished façades. I, on the other hand, had always been more comfortable on the fringes, where life felt raw and unfiltered.

I often wondered if he noticed. If he saw the way my smile faltered sometimes when he introduced me to his father’s business associates or how I lingered too long at the edge of a party, feeling like an imposter.

Rafe and his crew spotted a pogue in the corner of their eye. Topper was the most upset, his anger boiling over because this pogue was talking to none other than Sarah Cameron. I didn’t pay much attention to who was doing what, but I couldn’t help noticing the chaos that followed. The kooks started chasing the pogue around the country club, and the chase spilled into the locker rooms. It wasn’t long before security appeared, dragging the pogue—the one I thought I’d never see again—out of the party. Trying to escape the intensity of it all and the lingering unease of not knowing who my boyfriend might be dealing with, I decided to step outside for some fresh air. Sarah Cameron, one of my closest friends—and Rafe’s sister—was already there, leaning against the railing with a drink in hand. I joined her, grateful for the familiar comfort of her presence. 

As we sipped our drinks, Sarah and I chatted idly about the party, the crowd, and anything else that came to mind. The cool evening breeze was a welcome contrast to the stuffy atmosphere inside.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a commotion by the club’s entrance.

A boy with a fresh bruise on his face stumbled out, a security guard gripping his arms firmly. His expression was a mix of defiance and amusement, his dramatic exit drawing the attention of everyone nearby. Behind him, a group of his friends followed, laughing and shouting as if this was all just another wild adventure.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat.

It was none other than Jj Maybank.

I never thought I’d see him again, let alone here, in the heart of Kook territory. I felt like the Last time I’d seen him felt like a lifetime ago, back when our lives were simpler, before everything had changed. Yet there he was, causing a scene in true Jj fashion, completely unbothered by the disapproving stares of the Kooks around him.

As soon as I laid eyes on him, memories flooded back, and for a moment, I was lost in them. But my thoughts were quickly interrupted by Kiara’s voice, yelling, “I invited him here! I’m a member of this club!”

Jj shot something back at her, and Kie, playfully, ran straight to him. I watched as he twirled her around, laughing and giggling like it was all a joke.

He turned slightly, his sharp blue eyes scanning the crowd as if daring anyone to challenge him. For a fleeting moment, our eyes met.

It was like a jolt—a reminder of a part of my life I thought I’d left behind. His gaze was filled with disappointment, and in that moment, I couldn’t help but feel guilty for being in this situation. It felt like everything I’d tried to forget was crashing down all at once. He looked away, shouting something to his friends before disappearing into the night.

I stood there in stunned silence, the world around me feeling suddenly smaller. Jj Maybank, of all people. Here. Now. A past I’d tried to bury suddenly resurfacing in the most unexpected way.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The rest of the night, I grew unusually quiet. The once-lively party seemed to blur into the background as everyone began to drift away, and dawn crept in with soft hues of light. My body was exhausted, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing. The brief, wordless moment I’d shared with Jj replayed over and over, tightening the anxious knot in my chest. My stomach churned.

He was right—this wasn't the life for me.

As much as I tried to convince myself otherwise, the truth was blatantly obvious. Being with Rafe meant living in his world, a world I didn’t belong to, no matter how hard I tried to fit in.

When Rafe flicked his car lights on, signaling it was time to go, I snapped out of my thoughts and made my way to the passenger seat. He slid into the driver’s side, starting the car with practiced ease. The engine purred, and the soft hum filled the silence between us.

He glanced at me, his brow furrowed. “Hey, you good?”

I hesitated, taking a deep breath to steady myself before speaking. “Yeah.. I’ve just been thinking.”

He froze for a moment, his hands gripping the steering wheel. “What’s up?”

“I don’t know, I just…” I pause for a moment before continuing “ I feel like this isn’t my life,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Everything we do is yours, the parties, the events, just everything. I just want to be included or for something to be mine.”

The silence that followed felt suffocating. He didn’t look at me, his jaw tight as he stared straight ahead.

“That's really how you feel?,” he said finally, his voice clipped. 

Rafe continues, his voice taking on a firmer, more serious tone. "I get that you have things you want to focus on, but right now, my business is more important than your personal wants. This isn't just about what you feel like doing—it's about what needs to be done."

"Are you fucking kidding me, Rafe?" I snapped, my voice cutting through the heavy silence that had settled in the car.

Rafe didn’t respond—he just stared ahead, his jaw clenched tightly, his hands gripping the steering wheel. The tension in the air was suffocating, thick enough to choke on.

"Just take me home," I said, my voice quieter now but no less sharp.

The car lurched forward, and the rest of the ride was drenched in an awkward, upsetting silence. The only sounds were the hum of the tires against the road and the occasional click of his knuckles cracking as he gripped the wheel. I stared out the window, watching the streetlights blur into streaks, trying to ignore the frustration simmering between us.

Neither of us spoke. Neither of us even looked at each other. By the time we pulled up to my house, the weight of everything unsaid hung heavier than ever.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The soft glow of my phone screen illuminated the dark room as I lay in bed, the blankets cocooning me in a false sense of warmth and comfort. My thumb hovered over Rafe's contact, the name glaring back at me like a dare. I couldn’t shake the weight of our earlier conversation, his words replaying in a loop, twisting and tangling in my mind like a serpent tightening around my thoughts.

I scrolled mindlessly through my phone, searching for something—anything—to distract me from the urge to text him. Then, it happened. My screen flickered to a notification: "A year ago today" accompanied by a small, cheerful icon and a photo.

The image stopped me cold.

It was a picture of me and Jj. His arm slung casually around my shoulders, his sun-bleached hair tousled from the ocean breeze. He was grinning, that carefree, reckless grin of his that always made me feel like I could breathe a little easier. I remembered the day vividly—the sand sticking to my legs, the smell of saltwater in the air, and Jjs laugh echoing as we raced down the shoreline. It felt like a lifetime ago, a snapshot of a different world. A simpler world.

 My chest tightened, and before I could stop myself, I swiped out of the photo gallery and scrolled to his contact.

There it was—Jayj<3—saved under a nickname I hadn’t changed in years. A pang of something sharp twisted in my stomach as I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering over the call button. The silence of the room pressed against me, heavy and suffocating, as if the universe itself was tempting me to make a move.

I bit my lip, hesitating. What would I even say? Would he even pick up? Would the sound of his voice bring the comfort I craved or just more confusion? My thumb lowered slowly, brushing against the call button. A second later, the faint, steady ring hummed through my phone, and my breath hitched.

The ringing felt endless, each tone amplifying the weight in my chest. I pressed the phone tighter against my ear, half-regretting the impulsive decision already. Just as I was about to hang up, the screen abruptly flashed, the ringing cutting off mid-tone.

Incoming call: Rafe.

As Rafe's name flashes on my screen, a wave of guilt washes over me, and the weight of everything that happened earlier sinks in. I answered his call immediately. At first, there's silence on his end, but then he starts to speak, his tone measured yet firm.

"Hey... so I've been thinking, and, y'know, I don’t want you to feel that way. But I also need you to understand where I’m coming from."

The guilt tightens its grip on me, and I respond hastily, my words tumbling out in a rush. "I agree. I.. don’t know what got into me. I’m just really tired. Thanks for today... I think I’m  gonna get some sleep."

There’s a brief pause before he replies, "Yeah, no problem... I guess. Uh, I’ll talk to you tomorrow then."

And just like that, the call ends.

[writingmaneskin]

Handwritten - An Ethan Torchio Story || Chapter Seven

Pairings: Ethan Torchio x OC Character

Summary: Words are magic and when one author pours their heart and soul into something, the Universe just…answers.

A/N: I think this is one of the fluffiest things I've ever written.

Fluff, mentions of smut 👀

Words: 3329

THE HANDWRITTEN MASTERLIST

THE MAIN MASTERLIST

kofi || send a request || sign up for the taglist

Aurora hummed quietly while adding the finishing touches to the table as Ethan started serving the pasta. 

“Thomas is thinking about settling with Tom.” Ethan blurted out, his friend’s words still clouding his mind. Thomas and Tom’s relationship was newer than his and Auri’s, yet Ethan knew Thomas well enough to know that he would not back out on this and he spoke his mind only because he was sure.

“I am really happy to hear this. Tom and Thomas deserve all the happiness in the world.” Auri said between bites.

“Yes, they do.” 

Auri reached out and squeezed his hand gently.

“I am really happy to be here with you.” 

“I am really happy too, cara.” Ethan wiped his mouth before kissing her very gently.

**

“Is it okay if I stay over tonight?” Ethan asked after they finished dinner.

“I was hoping you would.” Auri admitted.

Her words made him smile.

“I’m going to miss our time together when I am on the road.” 

“I am going to miss you.” Auri looked at him.

“I’ll be back, you know that.” 

“I know, but missing you will still be a thing when you are not here.” She went to him and pressed a kiss to his jaw.

“Would it be okay if I take something of yours with me on the road?” He held her and ran a hand through her hair.

“Of course, you can have whatever you want.” Auri smiled.

“Thank you, cara.” He kept holding her.

“I am going to need something of yours too, you know.” 

“The shirts you already stole are insufficient?” 

“I did not steal them! You left them here and I just sleep in them!” 

Ethan chuckled.

“What is mine is yours. You didn’t steal them.” He raised his hands in surrender.

Auri was sure her heart skipped a few beats.

“What is mine is yours too.” She got on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips.

**

Auri felt almost bubbly the next day, Ethan’s words playing over and over in her head. 

“You’re all sunshine and rainbows.” Tom said by way of greeting.

“I am, last night was really lovely.” Auri kissed Tom’s cheek before going inside the cafe where they’d met to order a cappuccino and breakfast.

Tom followed her and ordered food and coffee for himself too before the two sat down outside, each lighting a cigarette.

“It’s really refreshing seeing you this lively and happy.” Tom spoke after a moment.

“Things are finally aligning and the heaviness is lifting, I almost can’t believe it at times.” 

“You went through a lot, Auri. I think it’s a normal reaction to be disbelieving at times.” 

“I think it is too.” Auri took a drag from the cigarette. 

“So what is going on besides Ethan making you so happy?” 

“Well, the apartment is feeling more and more homey with each day which is something I’ve longed for ever since I moved out on my own. My old place might have seen me grow up but it never felt like home. It felt just like an apartment, like a storage space. This place feels like home and I actually enjoy spending time there and having people over.” 

“You have no idea how much relief your words bring.” Tom spoke softly.

Auri smiled.

“I signed up for a writing club and for a book club too, you know.” 

“That does not mean that my early access to your works is revoked, I hope?” 

“Of course you’ll still have access.” 

“And the smut better not stop flowing. I am loving the book recommendations.” 

Auri laughed at that.

“I am sure you are.” 

“Did you make Ethan read your favourites yet?” 

“No, not yet. Did you try those poses from your favourite with Thomas?” 

Tom grinned.

“I never kiss and tell.”

**

The moments when Ethan could roam around Rome without being noticed were rare and few in between but he appreciated every single one of them. Those were fragments of old normalcy that he sometimes missed even though he was off the grid whenever they had time off and people usually respected his privacy.

But he had a mission - to get Auri’s gifts for their birthday and prepare a nice surprise. It was only one step of the plan, he was still to meet the twins to discuss the limits and the grandeur of the surprise that they would pull off.

“When can we meet?” It was a text from Tom, pulling him away from making the decision on which journal to get, and whether or not to get matching journals for himself and Auri.

“I should be done at the bookshop soon. Maybe give me half an hour? I can meet you in Trastevere?” 

“YOU’RE IN A BOOKSHOP WITHOUT ME????” He could hear Tom’s disappointed tone.

Ethan replied with his live location.

“Was it that hard?” His focus was interrupted by Tom who walked up to him not even fifteen minutes later.

“What?” Ethan grinned and hugged his friend.

“Telling me that we are going book shopping to begin with!” 

“Oh. No, I was just distracted. I want to get Auri everything but for everything to also be perfect.” He admitted shyly.

“May I look through what you’ve selected?” Tom smiled and looked in the basket that Ethan was holding. He saw a few titles that he knew Auri was planning to read, a lovely edition of one of her favourite romance novels and two beautiful journals, one lilac and one black.

“She will love the selection, you did well.” Tom praised.

“Thank you. I want to pick out some things for myself too and we can go grab a coffee after, if you’d like.” 

“Yes, Eli should be finishing work soon and we can pick them up on the way to the cafe and just catch up.” 

“That’s a good plan. So, how have you been doing?” Ethan looked at his friend for a moment, whose smile only widened while picking some of the same books that were chosen for Auri as their book tastes ran similarly.

“I am really happy. I was worried if moving back to Rome would be the right decision for me but I am glad I came back. Being closer to my parents and this new thing with Thomas, it’s really bringing me joy. And Eli and Auri both being here also adds so much joy to my life.” 

“I was worried about you, you know?” Ethan admitted.

“Why?”

“Well, for a while you and Thomas were going back and forth but not really taking action, or so it seemed, and I worried that you’ll end up with your heart broken.” Ethan explained.

“That’s… that’s very kind of you.” Tom squeezed the drummer’s arm.

“I love Thomas but that doesn’t mean that you are not important to me too.” Ethan smiled in return.

“You’re important to me too, Eth and I can’t tell you how relieving it is for me to see you happy and with one of the most important people in my life.” 

Ethan blushed at the mention of Auri.

“You’re so cute, really.” Tom teased.

“She is becoming a very important person in my life, you know?” Ethan admitted shyly, knowing that his words would stay with Tom until he was ready to talk to Auri.

“I can tell. Eli is very protective of Auri and so am I, but I feel like she is safe with you and you have brought her so much happiness that I can only thank you.” 

“She has brought me joy too.” 

“I can tell.”

Ethan inhaled deeply, looking at the now small pile of journals that he’d added to the book stack in his basket. 

“I should stop.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” Tom joked.

“I really should.” Ethan chuckled.

**

The closer that time ticked to her birthday, the more unease she felt, and the more she wanted to shut off the parts of herself that she felt were too vulnerable. 

Aurora’s phone lit up with yet another notification that was trying to pull her away from the world she had immersed herself in.

“I am taking you shopping.” She glimpsed Tom’s words and her focus went completely away as she picked up the phone.

“Why?” 

“Since when do you need an explanation for shopping?”

“Is it book shopping?” 

“No.” 

“Then why are we going shopping?”

“Because your birthday is coming and we need to get you an outfit for the party.”

“Tom…”

“No arguments. Consider it my birthday gift.” 

“Fine, when do you want to go?” 

“Now? Unless you’re busy?”

She considered it for a moment, knowing that getting out of the house would be the wise decision but also not really feeling it. 

“I have to get ready.” 

“Just let me in, I’m outside.” 

She pressed the button that opened the outside door and opened the door of the apartment.

“You really should give me a set of keys.” Tom said as a way of greeting.

“I really should, yes.” Auri hugged him tightly and held on for a moment.

“What’s wrong?” Tom held her even tighter when she wasn’t letting go.

“I am not sure, I think it might just be an off-day but thank you for coming when you did.” 

“You are my best friend, and we are both getting used to being in the same city and it’s really nice to be able to see you and hug you whenever I want, you know?”

Auri nodded, a tear rolling down her face. 

“I love my new life, I love the way it’s all coming together, but fuck I am overwhelmed.” 

“I know, tesoro. I know. But you are doing so well.” He got a strand of hair away from her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. 

“I don’t think I am capable of going shopping. Not right away.” Auri sniffled.

“That’s okay. Can I stay? I don��t want to leave you right now.” 

“Please stay.” 

The two moved to the sofa and Auri curled up, her head resting on Tom’s lap.

“You’re like a cat.” 

Auri sniffled again.

“Is it the birthday blues hitting you hard, tesoro?”

“I think so. I talked in therapy about it and my therapist gave me useful advice but I am still overwhelmed. I mean, we are what - eight to ten people, just the closest circle? I am terrified.” 

“You know that nothing bad will happen.” 

“I know but the anxiety is making me spiral. It’s making me freeze and I need to start planning this so it doesn’t turn into a last minute shitshow.”

“Can I take something off your plate? Or just keep you company?”

Auri lifted her head and looked at her best friend.

“Will you?” Tears started coming back.

“Of course.” 

“But I already refused earlier… I told Ethan that I want to plan it.”

“He will understand. As long as you’re okay, I am sure he will understand. Plus, he is really excited about celebrating you.”

“He is?” 

“Yes. But I am not telling you more.”

Auri smiled a little.

“I am not going to push you but I think some shopping might cheer you up and we can go by the bookstore later.” Tom offered.

Auri looked at him.

“And get gelato?”

“And get gelato.” 

She sat up slowly and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Of course, kid.”

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call when she was getting up.

“Hi sunshine.” She smiled, picking up Ethan’s call.

“Hi tesoro. How is the day going?” 

“Mostly okay, I am about to go get ready to do some shopping with Tommy. How are rehearsals?”

“That’s why I am calling, rehearsals are going to be running late because some people overslept and we had a long lunch in the break.”

“Oh. Hopefully they won’t run too late.”

“I hope so too, but I am calling so you don’t worry.”

“Thank you, amo. Text me if anything changes, okay?” 

“I will. Have the best time with Tommy and I’ll see you soon.” 

“Good, have good rehearsals!” 

She hung up and looked at Tom, not saying a word, just smiling.

“What?”

“I am falling more and more each day.”

“I know.” 

Tom knocked on the bedroom door some minutes later, and saw Aurora sitting on the floor doing her makeup, already dressed.

“Just checking on you.”

“I am okay. Will you grab dinner with me?” 

“It will be my pleasure. Eli and Angie are busy at the office, so it’s just you and me.”

“They can come next time.” Auri added the finishing touch of her makeup.

“You look beautiful.” Tom complimented. Auri was wearing a black dress with a small bag, her hair pinned out of her face and her makeup was simple but the red lipstick tied it all together.

“Thank you.” She smiled. 

“Ready to go?”

“Yes, but let’s take a picture first.”

The two posed in front of the mirror in the corridor, Tom towering over Auri and looking very similar to her with his black pants and black bedazzled shirt, his black and blue hair slicked as well. The bedazzling of his shirt and gold elements and he wore his favourite green and gold bracelet.

“You look like Loki.” Auri giggled.

“I will take that as a compliment.”

“It is one.” She took a few pictures before sending one to Ethan and one to Eli and putting the phone away in her purse.

“I’m really glad we get to do this.” Tom took her hand as they walked outside.

“I’m really glad too. It finally feels like I can breathe, you know?”

Her words hurt his heart and he pulled her in for a hug in the middle of the sidewalk. 

“Nothing bad will ever happen to you again.” He promised quietly, still holding her.

“We don’t know that.” Auri argued, swallowing away the tears that were threatening to ruin her makeup.

“Even if shit hits the fan, we’ll take care of you.”

“I know. I will take care of you too.” Auri promised in turn.

He kissed her forehead again before letting go. 

**

“I know that three of you Kens are all lovey-dovey and honeymooning and everything but I really want you to get yourselves together so we can finish rehearsing and go home at a decent hour.” Vic insisted after Damiano fucked up the lyrics of one of their songs and stopped the whole song from frustration.

“Okay, Barbie.” Thomas chuckled.

“No cigarette breaks until we get at least three songs perfect.” Vic insisted.

“Now, that’s rude and uncalled for.” Thomas frowned.

“And no phones until the next cigarette break, Ethan.” Vic added, seeing that Ethan had already picked up his phone.

“Just one second!” He put his drumstick down and typed quickly “you look exquisite” before sending it and locking his phone again. 

“We need to get our shit together.” Damiano also put his phone away.

“Yes, we do, otherwise we’ll end up sleeping here and you three will probably pine the night away.” 

“Okay, then. Less talking, more playing.” Thomas clapped his hands.

“Watch him not make any mistakes now.” Damiano grinned as music started filling the room again.

It was almost midnight when they finished rehearsals. His hands were sore from playing and he was sweaty and tired. 

“You look like you could use some sleep.” Damiano told his friend.

“I just want to figure out which house I am going to.”

“You’ll be so glad when you stop playing the game of going back and forth between the apartments.” Damiano patted Ethan’s shoulder.

“I know but it has to be the right time.” 

“True.” Damiano lit a cigarette. 

“I got you dinner and I can meet you at your apartment in a bit if you’d prefer to go home today.” Auri typed in the chat. 

“Thank you, tesoro. I will meet you at my apartment, I’m leaving the studio now.” He typed back before looking at Damiano. 

“Don’t you always go on about how home is where the heart is?” He teased his friend, lighting a cigarette of his own.

“I don’t always go on about it, but you know it’s right or you’ll figure it out soon enough.” Damiano winked.

“I think I am starting to see the meaning behind your words.” Ethan admitted, inhaling deeply.

“I can only be happy for you.” Damiano smiled.

“Thank you.”

Ethan got out of Damiano’s car not that long after, and sure enough, Auri was waiting outside. 

“Did you wait long?” He kissed her very gently.

“No, Tom just dropped me off.” She smiled and hugged him with one arm, the other holding the bag with the food. 

“Did you two have a nice day together?” He started unlocking the doors to his apartment.

“Yes, we did some shopping and had dinner and gelato, and then I realised that you’ll probably be hungry by the time rehearsals are over so we went to get a snack and get you some dinner, as well as dinner for Thomas and then you texted and Tommy drove me here before going to see his boyfriend.” Auri followed Ethan inside.

“You are saving me right now.” He kissed her again once they got into the apartment.

“I wouldn’t want you to starve.” She smiled and kissed him again and again.

“I missed you today and Vic bullied us because we were all distracted.”

“I missed you too. But I am glad we are together now.” Auri said as Ethan reached to get the bag of food and winced as his hand cramped. Auri noticed it immediately.

“Go and wash up, I’ll set the table and then I’ll take care of you.” She stole another kiss before going to the kitchen, and for a second he was stunned by her words, something warming in his chest before he did as they’d said.

Auri got the pasta she’d ordered for him plated and got two glasses with ice tea on the table for the two of them. 

“Are you in a lot of pain?” She asked as soon as he got to the kitchen.

“No, it’s just a bit annoying. I’ll put on cream later and it should pass by the morning, don’t worry.”

She gave him a look that he knew meant of course, i’ll worry and smiled before sitting down. 

“Thank you again for taking care of me.” 

“It’s my pleasure.” Auri lit a cigarette. 

“How did shopping go?” He asked between bites.

“We got some stuff, Tom wanted to get my birthday gifts even though I assured him twenty times that he didn’t need to get anything. So we bought clothes and books and it ended up being nice.”

“I am glad to hear it was nice.” He smiled and wiped his mouth on a napkin.

“Where is this cream you use?” Auri asked as he started cleaning up after himself. 

“In my room, on the nightstand.”

“I’ll get it.” 

“I need to shower first. Today was sweaty.” 

“That’s hot.” Auri grinned.

“Want to join me? We could save on some water?”

“That sounds ideal actually.” She agreed. 

**

Ethan could hear the noise out on the street, even though it wasn’t too loud. He knew that dawn neared with every passing minute and he didn’t regret staying up, despite the exhaustion, just to spend some time with Auri. 

She had taken care of his hands and the rest of his upper body and he’d held her as she whispered about the ideas that were running through her head about stories that she needed to tell.

He carefully turned on his side and put his hand on her waist, gently enough not to wake her. “You're a dream I didn't know I had and a dream I hope I can keep around forever.” He said quietly before kissing her bare shoulder and slowly drifting off to sleep as well. He held her the entire night.

----

taglist: @iosonoarina @vita-thrasher @ethaneskin @dubist-immerinmeinengedanken @chemical-killjoy @butkutee @8iunie @ventvnni @dpaccione @elvirabelle @cuzimitaliano @daddydamiano @maneskings @moonlight-simp @shehaddreamstoo @iamtashaquinn @alexxavicry @tnu-ree @bigsimpsimp @mynameisangeloflife @queendorkula

[nemorialex]

The 25th June 13th

Today should have been horrible. It always was. Even if it was a “good” day, Alex’s fear, anxiety, and trauma came to tear at them, like wolves and flame to flesh… 10 years ago that was a literal statement.

That being said… Today was…

Today was good. 

Naturally, Frenchie spent the day with them. Alex probably wouldn’t survive the ordeal without him. He brought along Casey, who showed off new skirts and pelted her papa with beanbags. If there was ever a time where he earned that beautiful blue diamond badge and the title of “Moirail” it was now. A solid rock, a warm presence, and he did a damn good job of keeping them from spiraling.

Another reason for their good mood was declaring today a “baking” day. Eight pies (later totaling out to eleven) were made and sent out to friends and family. Shopping at the local consort market, out in the fresh air and bustling crowd of bubbles and chirps, provided clarity. Folding dough and measuring fillings and pipping out whipped cream took concentration that kept even their attention deficit mind occupied. They had even tried their hand at a couple of new creations! 

Dinner was also a success (when it had no right to be.) Frenchie looked amazing in his sky blue and cloudy suit, of course, and Dirk looked pretty ridiculous in a sleeveless tux. The bastard even used his new “accessory” of their sharp tooth as a tie pin, front and center. Taunting. But they weren’t going to get into that sort of fight tonight, Alex was going to keep their own dark blue suit and green tie clean of a scuffle. The restaurant that Frenchie worked at was a nicer place, but nothing RIDICULOUS like $500 garnishes or whatever; it was a good middle ground between dressing up and stressing out, and having been there a few times it familiar territory. 

Dirk gave them a gift. A piece of metal on a necklace in the shape of a tooth (bastard…) and decorated with moving, clicking, shifting parts… Something to play with? Something to solve? He also paid the check. 

After dinner, Alex went back to the boy’s home to spend the rest of the night there. Preferably cuddled up in an obscene number of pillows/blankets/plush while watching comfort movies until they fell asleep. Casey and Deb were dropped off earlier and by now they were tucked in. Or at least, they were off in a room with the door closed and pretending to be asleep. 

Before Alex could reach the cuddle pile, Zack caught them. With a jerk of the head, he lead his sibling outside to the balcony. 

“So… good day?”

“Actually…” Alex ducked their head and lowered their voice, as if some cosmic being would hear them. “Yeah… It was.”

“Cool. Good…” He nodded and looked out at the colorful dusk sky, studying those suddenly fascinating milky clouds. The silence stretched for a moment, just long enough to get a taste of the Awkward it would turn into when Zack spoke up again. 

“Obviously, I know you’re not into today.” He shrugged his shoulders in defense. “And I’m cool with that. Obviously.” 

“Obviously.” They echoed with a nod, a teasing smile playing at their lips.

“Shut up. Point is… Feels wrong to just. Let this one slide completely, y’know? It’s a milestone after all...”

“Milestone.” This echo was less teasing. It lingered as Alex collected the pieces implied. “Wait, is it?” 

“Yeah.” He looked back at them now, a teasing smile on his lips now. “You’re twenty five today, dude.” 

Alex sucked a tight breath through their teeth. Now it was their turn to see what was so fascinating about those clouds. It wasn’t as if they didn’t know their own age (and temporarily getting the dates mixed up did NOT count!) but the connections in meaning- the significance- was still there. He might as well strap a party hat to their skull and start blowing a noise maker.

Zack sighed. 

“Listen. It’s not even about today, okay? Forget about that. This is about you. You’re still my sibling. My little sister. You deserve… I dunno, something, right? Sum’in special. Lets just say it’s for the hell of it, even though making it to twenty five goddamned years with how batshit insane you are is a miracle in and of itself.” 

There was a nudge on their arm and Alex looked down at the small black box in his hand, then up at his face. He was pudgy. Not fat, per say, but his cheeks and chin were more rounded out and peachy and stubbled and healthy than- What mental picture were they trying to compare him to, here? When he was a rounder kid? When he was a re-discovered gaunt teen? When he was a muscular-by-survival young adult? Zack had called Alex his little sister. It wasn’t a forgotten slip-up, and it wasn’t out of malice. He was invoking a time long ago, built on a singularity between two, full of trust and love and defense. It felt… Okay, in this context and this instance. They understood the many, many words buried beneath the one.

Alex stared at him a moment longer as their hand slowly reached out and took the gift. A jewelry box, with a stiff and creaky hinge at the back. Inside was a clear crystal, only a couple of centimeters in diameter and completely spherical aside from the teardrop tail that connected it to a silver chain. While the outside was smooth, the inside was marred with cracks and beautiful imperfections. When Alex lifted it out of the box, those cracks within caught the last rays of sunlight and split it into a rainbow of refracted light.

“So get this, the store names each piece of jewelry, right? ‘Parently, this one’s called “Haven’s Tear.” It’s like, basically a solid fucking diamond, but. You know. Not from Earth. Think it’s got a different chemical makeup or something? Super rare, and I’m not telling you the price because you’ll shit your pants and then kill me.” 

His chuckles died at the lack of a response. Zack stayed quiet, even though they could tell he had a lot more to say. Alex looked up at him and- Wow, when did the world suddenly become wobbly and waterlogged? All at once, a hiccuping sob bubbled up out of them, those built-up tears spilling over. It was stupid! And spontaneous and weak and pointless and-!!! 

And it was a really sweet gift. With sentiment put behind it. With a little speech and a history (Zack had more to say, and Alex could see the little slip of informational paper just inside the cushioning of the box) Also it was at the end of a really, really stressful day that somehow turned out to be wonderful and–

“Thanks…” Their voice was wobbly. 

“No problem. May I?” Thankfully, Zack knew when to tone down the dramatics, but he was still being cheeky. He practically bowed and held out a hand to take their gift back. He carefully draped the chain around the front of his sibling’s heck and redid the clasp behind them, away from any loose hairs. After spinning them around by the shoulders to get a good look (the perfect fit, if he did say so himself) he closed the rest of the gap in a tight hug. Alex clung to his shirt, sniffling. 

“... You know I want to say it, right?”

Alex sniffled extra hard and gave him a wet laugh.

“Fine… Go ahead…”

He squeezed them tighter, and spoke quietly. 

“Happy birthday, Alex.”

[hazelroses1]

Ochako Misses Her Boyfriends When They're Away, So the Bakusquad Keeps Her Company

Kirikacchako Fluff, implied NSFW

Whenever Eijirou or Katsuki leave for missions, Ochako reminds herself that this is part of being a Pro Hero. She and her boys have climbed the ranks into the single digits, and they take on dangerous villains outside of Japan. Still, no matter how many times she repeats “they’ll be back” in her mind, she can’t fight the sadness and panic that comes with being away from them.

Waking up with Eijirou pressed against her back and Katsuki’s face against her chest were simple moments that made her day better. The first week, not hearing their voices made their home feel empty.

She craves listening to Eijirou tease Katsuki and the scathing remarks he’d throw back at him. Ochako can count the seconds to when Katsuki will yell at Eijirou, “Get the hell off me!” and the sounds of kissing follow suit. He always melts under Eijirou's touch. Their dates, days of kicking villain ass, and the nights they spend cuddling together on the couch meant everything to her. Those memories swirl black in her mind from worry that they will be the last she ever makes with them.

The terrible voice in her head reminds her that there may be a day when Eijirou or Katsuki don't make it through a battle… or she loses them both. So, Ochako tries to throw herself into work, taking on long shifts to avoid friends because talking about Eijirou and Katsuki will bring tears to her eyes. It's a good thing their friends, the self-proclaimed squad, knows sweet, bubbly Ochako has a hard time without her boys, so they step in to comfort her.

Mina always plans a get-together to drag Ochako to. This time, she plans a chill night at her place to paint their nails, wear face masks, gossip, and drink way too much sake. Hanta paints Ochako's nails while Denki does her eyebrows, and Mina gives her one of the best shoulder massages she has ever experienced outside of Eijirou’s capable hands.

“You guys are the best,” Ochako sighs, leaning back into Mina. “You don’t have to do all this for me, you know!”

“You’re clearly missing Blasty and Eijirou,” Hanta says, blowing on her fingernails. “Blasty would lose his shit if we didn’t take care of you while they were gone.”

“Plus, you're part of our family now!” Denki adds with a sweet smile. He rubs his fingers over her eyebrows one last time and plops down next to her, sitting cross-legged. “I can’t believe it took you so long!”

“That's Katsuki’s fault!” Mina says with a laugh, her thumbs pressing into the hard knots in Ochako’s shoulders and eliciting a moan from her. “He’s the dumbass that tried to pretend he wasn’t head-over-heels for Chako Cheeks and my sweet Eijirou!”

Denki bursts into a fit of giggles. “And he used to call me Dunce Face! Who’s really the dunce, huh?!”

Hanta moves down to Ochako’s feet and picks a color from the array of choices Mina has brought out. He painted her fingernails black with orange stripes and opts to paint her toenails red. Red Riot red, of course. Ochako would have never guessed Hanta has a knack for nail designs, but she can't wait to see the gears he’s going to paint on her toes. She loved having Eijirou’s and Katsuki’s costume colors painted; it makes her feel closer to them.

“He’s stupid,” Hanta huffs as he opens the red polish, “But yeah, we don’t want you feeling like you don’t have anyone, Ochako. You’re not alone, so get that through your head.”

“Yeah, girlfriend!” Mina exclaims, leaning down to wrap Ochako in a tight hug. “You’re stuck with us. Well, we’ve been together since the beginning, so Hanta and Denki have to take a backseat to me!”

“Hey!” Denki whines, flopping over to lay his head in Ochako’s lap. “I’m the one willing to go on mochi runs any time of the day, so I think I’m the best!”

“Both of you are forgetting that I’m the one making sure she actually stays alive,” Hanta interrupts. “You know, eating something other than mochi, bathing, drinking water; the things she forgets to do because she’s too focused on missing those dudes?”

“Hey!” Ochako exclaims while Mina and Denki chuckle. “I don’t forget! Okay… maybe I do sometimes.”

Ochako is so grateful to have an amazing group of friends who care for her well-being until Eijirou and Katsuki return. They greet them at Eijirou, Ochako, and Katsuki's apartment with dinner and drinks ready.

“She’s still in one piece, boys!” Mina teases while hooking an arm around Eijirou’s waist.

“She better be!” Katsuki snarls, pulling Ochako into a tight hug. She giggles as he nuzzles her cheek before giving it a playful bite. “You miss us that much, huh, Angel Face?”

“Yes,” she admits, reaching for Eijirou, who gives Mina a kiss on the cheek before joining his partners. “I… I don’t know. I just don’t do so good when you guys are gone. I missed you both a lot.”

“We missed you, too, babe!” Eijirou says, grasping her chin to catch her in a soft kiss. “Katsuki’s such a jerk when he misses you.”

“Oi, you’re the jerk, Shitty Hair!” Katsuki snaps but doesn’t bristle when Eijirou wraps them both in a tight hug. "You slammed me through a concrete wall because I said I was gonna have her first when we got back!”

Eijirou gives a boyish grin that never fails to make her heart melt. “We were sparring that's all! Maybe, I got worked up. Sorry, Katsuki! I just get a little passionate about our sweet Ochako here.”

Ochako glances over at their friends, who all wear knowing smiles from watching her encounter with Katsuki and Eijirou. She couldn’t ask for better people to have in her life, friends and lovers alike.

💞

[mahiiimahiiii]

Hiiiii!!!! I saw you were doing Bg3 Pairings and if you’re able I’d be interested in submitting mine. I’ve only don’t this like one other time but I think these a fun so far :))

Age: 19

She/ Her Cis

Myers Briggs: INTP

Likes: Cats (especially mine), Animals in general, classical art, most kinds of music (especially rock and alternative), horror movies, gothic literature, being outside

Dislikes: Cat and Animals Haters, loud noises, people who are very angry all the time, modern pop, Wasps, people who don’t appreciate art and artists, Peas, Lima Beans :(

Favorite Feature: My eyes, most people say I have pretty eyes so I guess thats my most outstanding feature

Favorite Food: Steak and Lobster (also cookies, god I love cookies)

Song that would describe me: Squaring Up by Sir Chloe

Interests: Art, Writing, Going outdoors especially in the rural countryside or in the woods, cats

Hobbies: Drawing, Writing, Reading, Swimming, Weightlifting, dancing, spending time with my cats, listening to music

Mini Description: I’m 5’6, 175 lbs, muscular build, I have shoulder length black dyed hair with purple roots and blunt bangs. I’m goth so I dress in all black like all the time, sometimes I add in some darker colors. Im kind of a quite person until you start talking to me and then I can’t stop yapping about one of my hobbies or interest or some niche topic I really like. It’s funny though because some people are scared to talk to me when they first meet me, and trust me im literally just a goofball who is obsessed with art and cats. When im not studying for my classes im usually working on my comic book that I want to publish and/or working on animation because I want to be an animator and make a show out of my comic book. I like to keep busy, I don’t like to stay still lol

Anyways have a good day/night! Thank you for your time! :D

(i am staring at you with jealousy and disrespect, also you have good taste in music.)

this was a bit more difficult, but ultimately made my decision because sir chloe is very karlach coded, and so is disliking lima beans.

i get that in people are afraid to talk to you, i've heard in some alt subcultures that's the general vibe! i find that those who may be the scariest are the sweetest at heart.

i feel like both of you have an orange cat energy about you, if that makes sense. im feelin, red velvet cupcakes, and those chocolate covered cherries people buy from the dollar store during Christmas time. no clue why anyone would like them, but they're sold nonetheless.

(dunno if that's the most American thing i've said, will someone let me know if it is.)

a couple of odd balls if you catch my drift.

also, you can steal her clothes, though in a modern sense karlach would probably just be in baggy tees and sweats. always the best outfit to have in ones wardrobe.

one thing of her affection would be insisting for you to do her eyeliner, special bonding time, per se.

it reminds me of that image of the two girls doing each-others makeup. :'D

i think because you both have scary dog energy she probably will need to offset it by being bright and bubbly.

a date seems like snuggles when you cant sleep late at night, so you give into the insomnia and watch video essays together, with cups of tea of course. perhaps building a pillow fort!

im sure she would love cats, a little guy in her house!!! a creature just chilling there!!! wow!!!!!

scents would be, rain on concrete, and water left in a water-bottle for too long. both positive things i suppose.

hope you enjoyyyed

[tacticalhimbo]

5O QUESTIONS - COMMANDER EDEN SHEPARD

I saw this template done numerous times on the dash thanks to N7 Day, so I thought I'd answer these all for Eden! Put under a read more because of length and the nature of the materials discussed.

Happy N7 Day to everyone except Bioware <3

Why did Shepard enlist? Any regrets?

Eden enlisted mainly because the Alliance was all she knew. Both parents were enlisted and made life-long careers out of it, so she grew up immersed in military culture and had a passion for it. Naturally, though, there are some regrets and things she would have maybe tried to do differently (e.g., the Torfan incident), but she tries not to dwell on that since it's said and done with.

How does Shepard feel about having a yeoman assigned to them in 2? And in 3?

She's definitely surprised by the assignment, and tends to spend most of ME2's plot being a bit distant with Chambers. It's not out of any negative feelings toward Chambers herself, as the two do get closer toward the end of ME2/throughout ME3, but Eden is so used to running things herself and juggling the crew that she just doesn't know what to do.

What’s their relationship with Anderson?

Oh, Eden and Anderson are very close. She sees him as a role model, especially after learning about his candidacy with the spectres. There's banter in MW2 (sorry, been on a fixation with that JFLSJAFLJ) that honestly captures what I imagine their dynamic to be (with Anderson being Ghost and Eden being Soap):

Ghost – “Be careful who you trust, Sergeant. People you know can hurt you the most.” Soap – “Good advice, Lt. I wanna be like you when I grow up.” Ghost – “You wanna be better than me, Johnny.” Soap – “Maybe I already am…” Ghost – “Now’s your chance to prove it.” Soap – “Think I’ll live that long?” Ghost – “Probably not…”

Is Shepard any good at poker?

Nope, but she tries her best. She's much better at Blackjack.

How well does Shepard know their crew? Not just the companions, but the folks making up the Normandy?

Not well, honestly. Most of the crew outside of the companions are acquaintances at best and strangers at worst, though there's a few exceptions (e.g., Dr. Chakwas. Eden adores Karin with all of her heart). She's just… busy. Tired. Missions end up pulling her left and right, and when she does have the downtime she's either working out, organizing requisitions/resources, or doing the bare minimum in terms of self care.

In terms of the companions, she considers most of them good allies/friends. Even those she doesn't get along well with, she still finds herself talking shit with them at the end of the day.

Initial reaction to EDI? Does it change?

Initially, there was hesitation. It was hard for there not to be any, especially with Joker's thoughts on the matter. Unlike him, though, Eden tried to keep an open mind to the idea and actually came to really like EDI! Once EDI got a body, some of that hesitation came back, but after seeing how capable EDI was and seeing that she could trust them with her life, Eden made EDI one of her primary companions.

Does their love interest move into their quarters?

If there were one, Eden would be reluctant to the idea. Having a relationship in that environment is tough as it is, but to make it more blatant/public? She knows that it's dangerous. There's enough targets on her crew's back (and on her own, but she's less caring about that), she doesn't want to put people in harm's way through association, so she'd keep the relationship as under wraps as possible.

What is their reaction to the Alchera mission? And after?

A lot of feelings bubble up to the surface, and Eden gets very uneasy about the thought of revisiting the Normandy crash site. She puts it off for a hot minute, but eventually prepares to go. Doesn't really tell anybody what's going on, just says she has something from top brass that she needs to take care of.

After, though, she's unwell. Seeing everything and collecting all of the crew tags tore at her. She absolutely pulled back from interacting with her current crew for a little bit after that, and it didn't take much for the longer-term members of her crew to put two and two together.

What type of fighter is Shepard? Do they fight with honor, or do they fight dirty?

It really depends on the circumstances and timeline, but the short answer is she tries to fight with honor. She fought real dirty on Torfan, and spends a lot of 1 trying to make up for that. Then, of course, everything with Cerberus, The Illusive Man, the Council, etc. ultimately puts a sour taste in her mouth and she becomes more focused on making sure the right call is made, politics be damned.

Does Shepard keep any pets? The hamster, fish, something else?

Sadly, she doesn't! She's thought about filling the aquarium in her quarters a good few times, but with her being pulled in so many directions, she decides against it.

What order does Shepard pick up companions in me2?

Zaeed, Mordin, Garrus, Kasumi, Grunt, Jack, Samara, Thane, Tali, Legion.

Does Shepard have any nicknames? What do they think of them?

Not really, outside of Shep (re: her surname). She doesn't mind it.

How does your Shep react to teasing/ribbing?

It depends on who's doing the teasing/ribbing, but she generally tends to play along with it and lean into the energy. If it's a squad mate or crew member, she keeps the joke going. If it's someone like an enemy, she goes along and lets it escalate.

Any good at flirting?

Absolutely not, but she does try.

What colors does Shepard prefer for their armor?

Standard issue. She doesn't put too much thought into her appearance, so the traditional black/white/red for her armor works well enough for her.

Is Shepard a drinker? History of other substances? Do they struggle with sobriety?

No other substances, but Eden did develop a little something with alcohol during her time under investigation/placed in custody. Being stuck with nothing to do (aka: distract herself), and having all the pressure placed on her shoulders, gave her too much time to ruminate.

She drank pretty casually prior to that, though. Usually only upon invitation or when the team was on R&R. It never really became a coping mechanism until everything around her stopped.

How does Shepard react to attention? Do they enjoy it?

Oh, Eden hates being the center of attention. Which is very ironic considering her position, and how she'd got there. Dislikes having a bunch of eyes on her, but stormed into the Council's room damned be the consequences to raise noise about the Reapers.

She does well to bite back the awkwardness and hesitation, but it sets her on edge for a good few hours after the fact.

Who’s the dream team? Which companions does Shepard fight best with, and why?

In terms of both ability and chemistry, Kaidan and Garrus. Having two biotic foot soldiers backed by a sniper provides for really good adaptability in the field, allowing them to handle most situations. Plus, they all share a really good bond with one another, which makes communication a breeze.

If Eden knows she's doing more infiltration work, she'll switch out Kaidan for Tali and/or EDI, so they have a bit more options tech-wise.

Are there any companions Shepard just absolutely cannot vibe with or relate to?

Miranda, Mordin, and Zaeed. It's less incompatible ability than it is just the wrong energy.

The way Miranda handles Eden's doubts in Cerberus' intentions rubbed her the wrong way, and they often get into quarrels about it. That said, Eden's still thankful for Miranda's involvement in bringing her back, and does try to help out with her sister (but ultimately loses Miranda's loyalty when putting an end to the argument between the operative and Jack).

Mordin's kinda similar in that regard, though it's the blinded support for the genophage. Dismissing the impact of the event and the concerns of the krogan all-together rubs Eden the wrong way. Especially given Mordin's role in it.

And Zaeed… Oh him and Eden bump heads quite a bit. It usually starts with them casually shooting the shit, but his lack of regard for things and her stubborn nature tend to create a bad mix. Hell, when helping him with his loyalty mission, she almost did leave him under the rubble. But she knew it wouldn't make her feel better, and she needed all the help she could get in taking on the Collectors, so she helped him up and convinced him to tag along.

Does Shepard enjoy looking for resources and upgrading gear, or do they see it as a chore?

Oh she loves it. It's one of the few times she can actually take a step back and see the universe for what it is. I headcanon that in between side/loyalty missions, she takes her time in traveling between systems and exploring them (granted the context allows it).

Do you have any AUs for your Shepard?

Besides fandom crossovers, not really! Haven't given it much thought, honestly.

What’s the last thing Shepard ate before the final reaper showdown?

Honestly? It wasn't a lot.

I like to imagine the whole crew kind of sat down and had one last big, communal dinner with one another because nobody knew how that shit was going to go when they touched down on Earth. Probably made one last stop to the Citadel markets to pick up proper ingredients. Use whatever spare credits they had in their allowance to buy the freshest things to make a proper, quality meal. Eden was pretty distant as is given all the planning that needed to be done, but she felt too nauseous to eat. It was only after sharing some drinks with Dr. Chakwas that Eden picked at some leftovers the doctor had snuck away (for the sole purpose of buttering Eden up; she knows her commander very well).

Who does Shepard turn to for advice? For comfort? Who do they like to gossip with?

Liara, Garrus, and Dr. Chakwas.

Even if Liara doesn't see a lot of field time alongside Eden, the two grew pretty close (to the point where Liara did begin to flirt with Eden, who respectfully shot it down both because of their work dynamic and Eden being straight). But that didn't damper their relationship one bit.

Garrus and Dr. Chakwas are pretty self-explanatory. Garrus for their work compatibility and their whole dynamic outside of missions. Dr. Chakwas because she's always been by Eden's side, and had her best interests in heart.

How emotionally articulate is Shepard? Do they emote well?

Trying to talk to Eden about her emotions is like talking to a brick wall. She's not very good at allowing herself to open up with what she actually wants to say. She knows what she wants to say. She knows how to describe what she's feeling, and she would be considered fairly emotionally articulate if she opened up. But she's stubborn, so she won't.

But she's not impossible to read by any means. She's pretty open with her expressions (and it's gotten her into trouble quite a few times. Scowls, frowns, eye rolling, and smug smirks galore).

Does Shepard have a canon romance? Who are they, and what drew Shep to them?

No canon romances here! She gets close to people, but she doesn't really see the benefit to getting romantically involved with someone within the crew. Fraternizing, to her, just feels… off. Not wrong, but just something she'd prefer not doing as it'd disrupt whatever dynamic is already going on. Plus, there is some anxiety given her stealth status, and she feels like there's already too many worms on the platter to go ahead and just open another can.

Do they have any pet peeves?

Oh yeah, Eden is very much a "no bullshit" type of person. She doesn't tolerate a lot of things and will absolutely call them out. A big one for her, though, is passiveness. Crossing boundaries, non-apologies, people saying "no offense" to lessen the brunt of criticisms, etc. Just be upfront and honest.

What about hyperfixations? What’s the topic that will get Shepard rolling, no matter the person or place?

None that I can think of! Eden's not much of a conversationalist, but she's more than happy to give her opinion on things if the time is there.

How active is Shepard? Are they hitting the gym, playing sports, or do they prefer quieter downtime?

Eden is very active, and it's one of the ways that she keeps herself occupied and focused when there's downtime between missions. Very much a gym rat, and it's not uncommon to find her in the cargo bay shooting the shit with James while they work out.

What will always make them laugh?

Eden loves when people shoot the shit and "argue" with each other. Throwing a few friendly insults amongst crew members, teasing companions about an embarrassing situation (long as they find it funny, too), and so on. She tends to show a tougher love to her close allies.

Who can always make them laugh?

Garrus. His witty remarks and his comments on things are something that will always make her laugh. He's a bad influence (joking, ofc, but he has definitely influenced her own sarcasm, especially during the events of ME2 and ME3).

What do they do when they have hit their limit angry? When they're just incandescent with rage?

She lets loose, which isn't always a great mechanism considering it's led to some… confrontations. She'll yell. She'll scream. It's entirely possible she'll get physical, whether that's getting into someone's space or outright throwing hands (RIP Khalisah al-Jilani, who absolutely got her shit rocked).

What skills do they have that are a surprise to the people around them?

Not many people would think someone as "hard" as Eden would enjoy tailoring/sewing, but it's a practical skill that she enjoys indulging in. She's always patching up her own clothing, and has offered the same to crewmates when she has the spare time.

Got any tattoos?

Nope!

Which companions have they lost? How do they cope with it?

Ashley and Miranda were the only two companions Eden lost, excluding the SSV Normandy Crew. She didn't cope well with either loss, even with any lingering tensions they had.

With Ashley's death on Virmire, Eden compartmentalized it and focused more on offering a shoulder for the rest of the team (especially Kaidan, as he naturally developed quite the survivor's guilt after the Virmire Incident). She did talk it out a bit, but kinda wrote it off as something that happened and that they all could mourn after the fact.

She did something similar with Miranda, but in the time between 2 and 3 (esp. when she was marooned on Earth and awaiting trial), she used the alone time to really reflect on things. She couldn't exactly talk it out with anybody, especially in Alliance custody, so she ruminated on everything (re: both deaths, her choices, etc.).

Do they like to style their hair, wear makeup and jewelry? How do they feel about getting dressed up?

The most Eden does is makeup, which the boldest part of that is her dark and smokey eyeshadow. I headcanon that she picked the eye style out while in N7 training, after seeing what she'd looked like when darkening her eyes for tactical purposes (re: face paint to help blend the mask for low light cover). She just kinda went, "You know what? I wanna adapt this into my everyday style", and thus the iconic smokey eye was born.

As for her feelings getting dressed up, it's a mixed bag. Dysphoria is a bitch, and she often feels that because of her physique, she comes off as "just a man in a dress" (which isn't true in the slightest, but dysphoria is anything but rational). On the other hand, she does like turning heads every now and again, and wearing that sleek black dress, or her formal blues, boosts her general confidence.

Got any bad habits?

The more accurate question is what bad habits doesn't Eden have. Lots of unhealthy coping (overworking, avoiding meals, drinking, risk taking as self harm, etc) packed into this commander!

Does Shepard do any activities with the companions and crew during downtime?

Oh yeah. Not so much during ME2 (solely because of her unease with the whole Cerberus thing), but during the other timelines? Absolutely.

The most notable example, naturally, is the pull-up contest/sparring session with James. They do that pretty often. They might not be super close, but they're absolutely that gym bro duo. Constantly chatting shit about each other while throwing hands in the loading bay, but it's all meant with love <3

Do they keep around any sentimental items?

Accidentally answered this more in the next question, but aside from those things… She keeps a few things from her parents/home on Earth. Photos of her with her parents, mostly.

Does Shepard actually like to collect model ships? If not, what do they display?

Eden doesn't collect them, but she has been gifted one. The model of the original Normandy sits proudly on her shelf, and she surrounds it with other small little things. A few fake plants, some books she's bought to read (whether or not she has gotten to them… well… it is what it is).

It's kind of sad, but she doesn't decorate much. It's mostly stuff she's received from others (e.g., if someone couldn't pay her for her help, and they've given her an heirloom, she keeps it and respects it).

How is Shepard with a gun? What about hand to hand?

Eden is scary with a gun. Expanding on that below.

As for hand to hand, she's capable (especially if she fights dirty and tunes into her biotic abilities). Even without them, though, she can hold her own against someone considerably larger.

Favorite weapon?

Assault rifles. I don't recall the specific models and all, but Eden likes how easy they are to modify and how versatile they are. Long range? No problem, can even change out the scope to get something with more zoom. Mid range? That's their speciality. Close range? Good stopping power and the perfect size for a blunt force attack.

Which version of the Normandy do they like best?

The SR-2. Having expanded command centers really sold her, but the layout just feels more streamlined to her. It's easier to find everything across the different levels, the crew has a larger quarter to themselves, everyone can get their own space and not worry too much about bumping into each other… It's just nice.

Do they approve of curing the genophage?

Absolutely. Eden was 50/50 at first (thanks propaganda!), but after everything she did with Wrex and Grunt (and for Tchanka), she knew that curing it was the right thing to do.

Does Shepard allow the rachni to live in me1?

She does, and for similar reasons to the last answer. She was kinda iffy about it, but talking with the Rachni Queen about it made her realize that it was just the better option than leaving her imprisoned and alone, or outright executing her.

Does Shepard practice any kind of self-care?

Not often, but when things get particularly hectic, she does try to unwind in a healthier way. It rarely works, but the few extra moments spent in bed, and her steadfast daily routine (same wakeup hours, same retire hours, consistent exercise, etc) do help… sort of.

What abilities do they rely on the most in a fight?

Despite being a vanguard, and having the skill set to use heavy-hitting biotic attacks, Eden tends to lean more into her weaponry/advanced combat abilities.

What is Shepard’s happy ending? What’s the dream that keeps them going?

Eden's ideal ending would be pretty close to what she actually achieved. Granted, she believes it would be nice if she could destroy the Reapers and survive the ordeal, but honestly? By the time that confrontation happens, she's motivated by the fact that she'll simply be saving lives. Countless lives.

Is your Shepard indoctrinated?

No, not in her primary verse. The closest she comes to the concept is when the Illusive Man takes hold of her in the Citadel and forces her to shoot Anderson. Leading up to that moment, and throughout the whole war with the Reapers, Eden knew she wouldn't have wanted to back down on the issue. But that moment in particular was what sold her more than anything: She would rather lay down her life to avenge Anderson and all those who have been lost, than to rely on something that (to her) sounds like a fringe theory.

(+1: what does Shepard smell like?)

Gunpowder lingers to every inch of her and her clothing. A subtle hint of something cosmic, airy; the biotic energy flowing through her. In the morning, conservative spritzes of an unlabeled bottle (an artifact from Earth, gifted to her by her mother every year on her birthday). The misted droplets are rich with warmth and spice. Australian sandalwood, cedar wood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky alloy, ambrox, leather accord… An intoxicating, rustic perfume.