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rollinouttahere-writes · 11 months ago

Note

what about platonic Zeff and Sanji where they take in an abanoned baby and Sanji is immediately like guess I'm a big brother now

Adrift, At Home

Platonic Zeff and Child Sanji x GN Baby Reader

2.6k words

Warnings: graphic depictions of gore and mild references of starvation

The fishing line swayed with the water, drifting freely as it waited for something to bite. Zeff had been sitting in a chair on the dock for a while now and had yet to catch anything beyond the errant piece of seaweed that had tangled itself on the hook. This didn’t bother him. The restaurant was closed for the day and he was more than content to simply enjoy the fair weather, the fishing rod was an excuse to be out here more than anything.

He’s not an old man that just wants to relax once in a while, he’s catching some fish for the restaurant, thank you very much.

A page was turned from a little farther down the dock. Zeff glanced over, casually observing Sanji as he paged through that fish book he was so fond of. He was lying on his stomach, head propped up on one hand and feet kicking in the air behind him. The boy was fully engrossed in the book and hasn’t spoken a word to Zeff since coming out here. Which was normal for him.

Zeff went back to idly watching his line, not wanting to provoke Sanji into getting huffy because he caught Zeff looking at him. The horror.

“There’s a boat.”

The off duty chef couldn’t help but tense when Sanji abruptly broke the silence. Looking over at him again, the boy had propped himself up and was pointing. Shifting his focus to where he was motioning to, he saw what Sanji was talking about.

A small boat was slowly drifting past them. It was far too small to be a legitimate sea faring vessel. A lifeboat, perhaps? Had there been a shipwreck nearby? If there was anyone in it, he couldn’t see them. It’s still light out. If they were lost at sea, they should be up and actively trying to call for help. The only reason there wouldn’t be anyone in sight is either because the boat is empty and had simply drifted off on its own.

Or if whoever was in it was already gone.

Sanji suddenly leapt to his feet, “There’s someone in there! I can see a hand!”

A hand? Zeff squinted, internally cursing his aging vision. Just barely peeking over the edge of the boat was the hand Sanji was talking about. Some fingers limply hung off the edge, showing no signs of movement. Zeff really didn’t like that.

Sanji hopped on one foot while ripping off his shoes and was just about to leap into the water when Zeff caught his arm, “Don’t. I’ll go check on them, you go tell the others.”

The boy’s eyes flickered down to his leg, “But-”

“Go. I’m sure that person is hungry, tell Patty to make them something nice,” Zeff’s tone left no room for argument, and Sanji knew better than to push it. He sped off for the Baratie, his previously discarded shoes forgotten in his hurry.

It would be for the best if Sanji wasn’t here to see this if the stranger in the boat was indeed deceased. There was no telling how long they’ve been there, and Sanji did not need to see that.

After reeling in the fishing line, he tossed it to the side and got to work on unbuckling the straps for his prosthetic. He pulled the peg leg off and propped it up against the chair. Using the armrests, he stood on his remaining leg, then dove into the sea.

The water was cold, but not debilitatingly so. Zeff had no trouble cutting through the mild waves, his lack of one of his limbs had done little to slow him down. The lifeboat wasn’t far off, it won’t take him long to close the gap.

Once he was close enough to be heard, he called out, “Are you alright in there?”

The flapping of wings, followed by some birds flying away from the boat was the only response he received. His heart sank. Maybe those birds were only there to rest, but it was unlikely that they would be bold enough to do so if someone was there to shoo them away.

Then the smell hit him. The musty, putrid, and sickeningly sweet scent of death. Before even making contact with the boat, he knew that it was already too late for whoever was on it.

Still, he forced himself to go the rest of the way. Whoever this was deserved a proper burial after what was likely an agonizing death.

Finally, he was at the boat. His hands grabbed onto the side of the boat, the unidentified person’s hand was directly next to his left hand. Steeling himself for what he was about to see, he hauled himself up. If it wasn’t for his rough history, the sight would have left him sick.

Based on the clothing, he could assume the deceased had been a woman. There wasn’t much else for him to go off of. Sea birds had been eating away at her flesh. They would start at the face, the skin was easiest to get through there, and after that they would work their way down. Her face was gone, every strip of meat had been ripped off and left nothing but a blood soaked skull in its wake. The birds had made decent progress down to the chest after that, a couple hours more and they would have gotten to the organs.

If he had to guess, he would say she hasn’t been dead that long. Birds work quickly, and the wounds are all very fresh. She was probably still alive yesterday.

Zeff heaved himself up onto the boat, doing his best to avoid disturbing the body. Empty food tins crunched loudly under his weight as he army crawled onboard. The rocking of the boat dislodged the woman’s sunburnt hand from its perch. Rather than falling limp, the muscles remained stiff, fingers clenched as if they were still holding on to something.

Under no circumstances could he let Sanji see this. His eyes darted around the boat for something to cover at least her face with. He would use his shirt if he had to. There was a turned over crate with a tarp covering it. Perfect. It would be more than big enough to wrap around her entire body. Why she hadn’t used it for protection from the sun was beyond him, but there was really no use questioning it now.

The tarp was ripped off the box unceremoniously, and Zeff was frankly eager to get the body covered. Just because he could handle the sight didn’t mean he particularly wanted to see it.

There was something in the box. No. Someone.

A baby, and it isn’t moving.

Zeff forgot about the tarp in an instant and lurched forward to pull the baby out of its hiding place. You were underweight, that much was notable off the bat. Cradling your weak form carefully, he held you up to his face and pressed an ear against your chest.

thump thump thump

The relief that went through him was indescribable. You were weak, but alive. As bad as your given condition may be, your lack of energy was likely the only reason the birds hadn’t noticed you. He set you down in his lap and scrambled to get the oars into the water and get paddling. There was no telling how little time you had left.

“It’s going to be okay. We’ll puree some of the best baby food you’ve ever had as soon as we get back to the Baratie.” It was debatable if he was saying this to reassure you or himself. It was barely audible, but he heard a small grunt. Looking down, he saw your face pinch as you attempted to open your eyes with what little energy you had left. “That’s it. Keep fighting, kid.”

Fortunately for you, the dock wasn’t far away, it would only take a couple of minutes before you would be out of the scorching sun and in the restaurant. Several of his workers were already waiting for him at the dock, one of them being Sanji.

Shit! He forgot to cover up the body of who he now presumed to be your mother. Setting down the oar, he pulled the tarp over her head and did his best to make sure it wouldn’t come loose. “Sanji, go inside and help in the kitchen!”

It looked like he was trying to argue, but the other cooks shut it down. From their grim expressions, it appeared that they already knew why Zeff would be so insistent on Sanji not being here for this. The kid scowled, but ultimately turned to leave, stomping his way to the restaurant.

Zeff paddled as fast as he could, praying that his efforts wouldn’t be in vain.

—

The time from when Zeff docked to now had been a whirlwind. Everyone had been prepared for a dead body, but had gone into a tizzy upon realizing there was also a survivor. A very young one at that.

Fortunately, you appeared to be old enough to eat solid food, and had been eager to do so once you’d gotten your wits about you. Apparently they hadn’t been feeding you fast enough, so you tried to take matters into your own hands by snatching the spoon out of theirs. For as weak as you’d looked on the boat, it seems your health hadn’t deteriorated as much as he’d initially thought. Your mother must have been giving the bulk of the food she had to you.

As for the deceased mother, there wasn’t much they could do about her. Ships went missing all the time, figuring out which one she had specifically come from would be near impossible. Even if they did… it would be difficult for anyone to identify her. As sad as it was, giving her a burial at sea was the best they could do.

They can only hope that she will be able to rest peacefully now that her baby is safe.

After giving you a much needed bath and clothing you in one of Sanji’s old shirts, you were happily sitting in a basket they’d stuffed some blankets into for padding. The shirt was dramatically too big for you, but it would have to do until proper clothes could be picked up.

Taking in an infant had hardly been something that Zeff planned to do today, but he saw few other options. If he couldn’t figure out who your mother was, what chance did he have at identifying you and tracking down surviving family members? Sure, this situation was what orphanages were there for, but he couldn’t bring himself to abandon you at one. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve to have a good roof over your head, and such a thing is hardly a guarantee at one of those.

“Where is the other person?”

Zeff looked up from the catalog he’d been flipping through at Sanji’s inquiry. Admittedly, he’d been hoping the kid wouldn’t ask about it, however unrealistic that was. He’d been very focused on you since you were brought in. Even now, he was sitting by your basket and letting you play with his hand. Ah, they would need to pick up some toys for you next time they went to shore, too.

The pause was too long for Sanji’s liking, so he continued, “That hand I saw was too big to be theirs.”

Of course he’d notice the discrepancy. While Sanji was far from being a stranger to horrors and hardships, Zeff still did not want to disclose the details of what he saw to him. “The other person was already dead. We had no way of knowing where she came from so she was buried at sea.”

“Was she their mother?” Sanji turned to look at Zeff.

“More than likely,” was his simple response.

Sanji bit his lip and abruptly looked away, then back at the baby. Silence hung in the air a while longer before he spoke up again, “So they’re all alone now?”

“I wouldn’t say that. They’ve got all of us, don’t they? I expect that you’ll help take care of them since you were the one that spotted the boat they were in.” Zeff glanced over the list of baby supplies he’d made. Content with what he saw, he stood from the table. Now he needed to take account of what food they had in stock and make that list next. “Keep an eye on them while I finish making the list.”

He heard a hum of affirmation and considered that good enough before making his exit. The pantry wasn’t far, he’ll be able to hear you if you start fussing. Besides, Sanji’s a good kid. He can handle watching a baby for a few minutes.

You’re going to need a name, he supposes. Can’t keep calling you ‘the baby’ forever. Oh well, he’s sure a name will come to him soon enough.

It didn’t take long to make note of what food they needed, which wasn’t much. They weren’t due for another grocery run for a few more days yet, but there were some supplies for you that they simply couldn’t go without in the meantime. He’ll set out bright and early tomorrow, you won’t have to wait for long.

Zeff came back into the kitchen, only to find it empty. This wasn’t immediately concerning to him. The only people on the Baratie were his staff, and he knew none of them posed any danger. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder where you’d gone off to. Even the basket was missing.

Might as well look around, to sate his curiosity if nothing else.

The first place he checked was the dining room, but that turned up nothing besides a couple of workers repairing a table that had been broken in a scuffle earlier that day. Maybe someone had taken you out to the outdoor seating area for some fresh air? He was on his way to go and look when he heard a muffled voice. It was coming from Sanji’s room.

The door was cracked open just enough for Zeff to be able to peer in.

“And this one is blue-finned elephant tuna. See how it’s got tusks and a feeler that looks like a trunk? It’s supposed to taste really good!”

Sanji was seated behind your basket and used it to prop up the book he was showing you. The book seemed to be holding your attention. You were taking in the pictures with wide eyes while gnawing on one of your fists. Sanji’s enthusiasm appeared to be rubbing off on you, making you let out little coos as he spoke to you in depth about the fish.

The next page was turned to, and he continued excitedly rambling, “This one is a sandora catfish. They’re carnivorous and huge! I bet it would be really good fried and with a cream sauce.”

It would seem that you liked the sound of that. The hand that had previously been in your mouth suddenly went forward and grasped at the page.

“Ack! Hey, don’t get drool on it! It’s not even food yet,” Sanji mumbled the last part. He’d been able to pull the book away without you tearing a page and was trying to wipe off the drool you’d smeared across the page.

His scolding had little effect, you giggled loudly at his outburst and were doing your best to turn around and continue your assault on his book.

Zeff quietly chuckled to himself as you succeeded in grabbing the book again. It seems you two were getting along well, he’ll leave you be for now.

#one piece x reader #one piece #sanji #black leg sanji #red leg zeff #x reader #reader insert

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thefallennightmare · 1 year ago

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Just Pretend-nine

*gif created by me. feel free to use, simply give credit*

Parings: Noah Sebastian x Musician! Reader

Warnings/Tropes: language, angst, fluff, smut, star-crossed lovers, right person/wrong time, cheating, talks of mental abuse.

Summary: “I can wait for years, heaven knows I’m not getting over you.” A story about two star-crossed lovers, that always find their way back because their souls are entwined. The universe desperately attempts to bring them together, no matter what the cost.

Authors Note: PLEASE, we are begging you guys. Take your time with this one, so many different emotions throughout. Its a big fucking deal and read it slow, immerse yourself in this world while listening to the playlist. Enjoy my lovelies. 😉

Collaborating With: @thescarlettvvitch(better give her all the love as well)

Tags: @thescarlettvvitch @ozwriterchick @waake-meee-up @notingridslurkaccount @niicoleleigh @sammyjoeee @xxrainstorm @dominuslunae @notmaddihealy @malice-ov-mercy @crimson-calligraphyx @iknownothingpeople @writethrough @thebadchic @blackveilomens Claudia on Tumblr @tobe-written @blacksoul-27 @loeytuan98 @loverofagoodbeard @comfortcharactercraze @lma1986 @plutonikchaos1 @spicywhenspeaking @lyschko666 @somewhere-diamond

NOAH

"I'm so fucking glad we're staying in a hotel the next few days," Folio groaned as we walked down the long hallway of the hotel.

I nodded in agreement. "I can't believe the tour is almost over; our last show is tomorrow night."

With our last show tomorrow night, we were spending the next few nights in a hotel and we all planned to take flights back home so we could get there faster. Hollow Souls were also staying in this hotel but they were a floor beneath us but it seemed the farther I went from Y/N, those imaginary pull strings inside of my heart tightened. If it hurt this bad when she was a floor underneath, how bad would it hurt when she was a state away?

As far as I knew, she still had plans to go back to Vegas because that's where her home was, granted it was with Trey. There wasn't a part of me that was worried she would go back to him; I knew she wouldn't. Ever since they fired him, Hollow Souls has been thriving. They posted on their social media pages that Trey was kicked out of the band due to personal reasons and while most of their fans complained about them kicking out their main vocalist, there was a select few that were excited to see what the future of Hollow Souls looked like.

Y/N was upset at first that so many of their fans were boycotting them now because they decided to kick Trey out.

"Seems like they only care about Trey's vocals when I'm the one that actually wrote our songs."

It took a while of Malcolm and Chase talking to her to realize that their future together as a band was looking bright. They could reinvent themselves.

I filled in for the last two shows but after playing my set for thirty minutes before their hour-and-a-half set, my voice was getting raw and sore so Matt thought it be best if I didn't fill in for the last show. I was going to argue, not wanting to let them down, but Chase reassured me they'd figure out what to do for the last show.

Y/N has been glowing since Trey left, slowly becoming a better woman in front of all of us; to me, she'd always been perfect. But we could all see her confidence growing. With her face in the dirt far too many times with Trey, she finally said enough; it doesn't hurt anymore. As all of his lies crumbled down, Y/N found a new life.

To say all of us were proud of her was a fucking understatement.

"Hey," Jolly bumped shoulders with mine, pulling me from my thoughts as we stopped in front of the door to his room. "Bryan wants us ready to go in twenty minutes."

Oh, right.

We were currently in Oregon and Bryan planned some time today on our off day to visit one of the national parks here to take some promo photos of us.

"Yeah, I'll be ready to go. I need to change quickly and I'll meet you guys down in the lobby," I said as I walked down a few more doors until I stopped in front of my room; the one I was sharing with Nick.

He patted my shoulder as he walked past me into the room. "You should ask if Y/N wants to come with."

I shrugged off his words, trying not to make it seem that I'd been tossing around the idea for the last hour when Bryan first told us about his plan.

"She might have plans with Chase and Malcolm," I said while tossing my suitcase onto the bed, quickly rifling through the clothes to find something to change into.

"She doesn't. Last I heard, Chase and Malcolm are going out tonight so Y/N will be alone," Nick raised a suggestive brow.

With a long sigh, I turned to face him. "You already planned this, didn't you?"

"It was Chase's idea," he answered.

Rolling my eyes, I pulled out my phone to send a text to Y/N.

Get dressed, I'll be by your room in fifteen minutes.

She responded quickly before I had the chance to set my phone down.

Care to tell me where we're going?

All you need to know is to dress warm, angel.

You're full of surprises. See you soon, mochi. Room 245.

"Mochi?" I chuckled to myself while pocking my phone.

With a smile playing at my lips and my heart pounding loudly in my heart at the nickname, I tossed on a fresh hoodie and my tan jacket, opting to leave my hair down. Nick finished getting dressed when I did and once we stepped out in the hallway, Jolly and Folio were already waiting for us right outside our door.

"Fuck," I cursed while clutching my chest. "You scared the shit out of me, Folio."

"Too busy thinking about Y/N, huh?" He gave a playful smile.

Shoving him on the shoulder, I mentioned we needed to stop by her room before heading down to the lobby.

Jolly adjusted the guitar bag on his back. "She's coming with?"

I hesitantly nodded. "Is that alright? Nick said she was alone, and I felt bad if we left her while we did something."

They all smirked at my rambling as we took the stairs down one floor, our footsteps echoing in the small confined space.

"Of course it is, we don't mind when she tags along," Jolly said.

Coming to a stop in front of door 245, I gently rapped my knuckles against it and waited for her petite voice to carry through the wood. It was silent for a few moments, nerves ate away at my stomach as I wondered why she wasn't answering yet.

I knocked once again, this time with a bit more force, and breathed a little when a loud curse sounded from the other side.

"Hang on, someone's at the door."

I looked over to Nick with a raised brow, and he merely shrugged. "Chase and Malcolm are gone so I don't know who she's talking to."

The door opened with a quick brush of air, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight in front of me. Y/N was dressed in a pair of black tights, and a deep orange sweater that rested to the middle of her thighs, and her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail. I had to resist the urge to wrap my fingers through it to pull her back to me as she turned back into the room.

"Give me two minutes, I have to get my shoes," She said while clutching her phone to her ear. "No, Dad. Not you. I've got plenty of time to talk."

While the rest of the guys hung out in the hallway, I leaned against the wall right next to her bed and watched her as she slipped on her typical Doc Martin, nodding every so often to something her dad was saying on the other end of the phone.

"Dad, you seem to forget that you're seventeen hours ahead of me right now," she laughed causing my heart to flutter. "It's only noon here. Wait, why are you calling me so early? Isn't it your day off?"

She paced around the room looking for something and realizing what it was; I grabbed her bag and slung it over my shoulder. "I got it."

Y/N smiled her thanks before the conversation with her dad took her attention again. "No, I haven't talked to Mom in a while…. well, the last time she tried to guilt trip me into staying with her when the tour was over…I'm not staying at Trey's place anymore. We broke up.…..yea, long time coming, tell me about it….I'm sure I'll figure it out but I'm not staying in Vegas anymore…..hell yes I'm keeping Salem; asshole doesn't do shit for my cat."

I couldn't ignore the way my stomach flipped hearing that she didn't plan on staying in the same state as Trey.

"I can't move in with Malcolm or Chase because they're actually finding their own place together…Dad, they're dating; have been for the last six months…Yeah, that will explain exactly why Chase and I never got together."

I chuckled as I thought of her dad trying to set up her and Chase.

"You saw videos from the show last night?" There was a clear shock in her voice as she continued to talk with her dad as she rushed around the room getting ready.

"I'm surprised because you don't even know how to work face time," she giggled. "Oh, he's a friend of ours. We've been touring with his band for the last few weeks. Yeah, he filled in the last couple of shows….you think so? That's what everyone is saying online."

Her gaze flicked up to mine as her lips parted slightly, whatever her dad said made her give a long pause.

"Just a friend, dad." Then she turned swiftly on her heels away from me to whisper something low into the phone.

"I'm sorry," she mouthed to me with a pulled expression as she looked over her shoulder..

I waved her off. "Take your time."

"Dad, you know I miss you but I can't move to Japan; not now. But yes, I promise to visit you as soon as I can."

Eventually, after another minute, she said goodbye before hanging up with an audible groan. "Don't get me wrong, I love my dad but sometimes he forgets we talk almost every other day. He wants a play-by-play of my life every time."

"He wants you to visit?" I questioned.

She nodded while slipping into a jacket. "Yeah but its hard to find time. You need more than a weekend to visit Japan; there's so much to do."

"Yeah," I pushed her hand away when she went to reach for her bag. "I've got it."

"Noah, you don't have to carry my bag," she chuckled.

I shrugged. "I don't mind. Ready?"

"Yep," she smiled that heart-stopping smile.

When she walked past me towards the open door, my fingers grazed the inside of her wrist to stop her.

"Mochi?" I asked.

"Yes," she responded immediately. "Because you're the sweetest and your tummy is soft."

She poked her finger into my stomach before letting out a loud shriek of laughter as I wrapped an arm around her shoulders to bring her into my embrace, the both of us walking to the doorway where the guys were waiting.

"Malcolm and Chase are going to meet us once they're finished with their date," Y/N said.

"I'll text them the address," Nick said while pulling out his phone.

"Where are we headed?"

"The mountains," Folio answered with a smile.

"Ooh," she slipped out of my embrace, much to my dismay, to rummage around her suitcase for a book before she came back to me, lifting my arm and throwing it over her shoulder once again. "Now I'm ready."

Resisting the urge to press a kiss to her forehead, I set my sunglasses over my eyes and pulled her along with me as she let the door close behind us and ignored the smug look Nick threw my way as we walked past him; Y/N wrapping an arm around my back.

NOAH

"Can you believe how many people are calling for us to collaborate? It's all over Twitter," Nick said while browsing on his phone.

"Shit, really?" Y/N peered over from the back seat so she could gaze down at Nick's phone, who sat in front of her.

I was driving the van to the location that Bryan chose for our photo shoot but Folio called shotgun before she could which earned a cute little pout on her lips; lips that I wanted so bad to taste once again. So she sat in the far back with Jolly while Nick and Bryan sat in the middle. It was weird not having Chase or Malcolm with us since we did everything together on our off days.

"What are they saying?" I wondered while keeping my eyes on the road.

"Fans want you to feature on Hollow Souls next album," Y/N grinned as our eyes locked in the rearview mirror for a few seconds.

I hummed while pulling the van to a stop at the park's entrance. "I'm around whenever you need me, angel."

Once we all piled out, I met Jolly and Bryan at the back of the van to help them unload the equipment while Y/N chatted quietly with both of the Nicks, and out of the corner of my eye; I marveled at how goddess-like she looked with the afternoon sun casting her with her own aura glow. Jolly caught me staring because he smacked my chest before handing me the guitar he brought.

"You could ask her out, ya know," Bryan smirked.

I snapped my gaze over to him. "I can't."

"Why not? It's clear she feels the same since she's here right now," he said.

A long sigh fell from my lips as I ran a hand over my face. "It's not that easy, guys."

Bryan rolled his eyes and then hung his camera from his neck. "I mean you've already kissed, how much easier could things be between you two?"

"You told him?" I seethed at Jolly, who held up his hands.

"I didn't say anything. You two give it away with all the romantic googly-eye shit," he chuckled while he and Bryan began walking up the long trail toward the top of the mountain where we planned on taking the pictures.

"Hey," Y/N smiled as she bounded up next to me. "Little photo shoot?"

Immediately the scowl that followed Byran and Jolly turned into a warm smile, matching Y/N's, and I nodded. We began walking step in step, hands brushing against each other every so often, and I nearly linked fingers with her more than once. However, when we reached some rocky terrain while walking up a hill, Y/N cursed herself for not wearing smarter shoes.

"Here," I bent low in front of her and patted to my back.

"No, you're not carrying me," she tried to laugh it off, but I knew she was nervous about me carrying her weight on my back.

"Angel."

I peered over my shoulder in time to see her place her hands low on her hips.

"Mochi," she teased back with a small smirk.

My heart skipped a long beat at hearing the nickname again. It sounded so fucking sweet falling from her lips; almost as much as my actual name sounded.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way," I said, still bent low at my knees.

Y/N pulled at the bottom of her sweater dress. "I don't want to give these bozos a show."

She threw a thumb over her shoulder towards both Nick's who walked a few paces behind her. I rose to my knees and gave her a suggestive smirk while closing the distance between us.

"What color are they?"

"Uh," Y/N stammered but quickly recovered. "A cute olive green. Looks great against my skin tone."

A low noise vibrated in the back of my throat and I stood straighter as Folio walked passed just in time to feel the growing sexual tension.

"Either you hop on his back or I will," he joked as he and Nick walked passed us.

She stared up at me and slowly licked her lips, an action I watched carefully through my sunglasses. "Noah?"

"Yes, angel?"

"You have a cute nose," her voice was quiet, and I thought I misheard her.

I titled my head to the side. "My nose?"

"Yeah. It's just the perfect size for your facial structure," she finished with a boop to my nose.

I scrunched up my face. "Did-did you just boop my nose?"

"See!" She pointed to my face. "You look so fucking cute; it's insane."

"Angel, literally," I breathed a low chuckle.

"Mochi, literally," she mocked while sticking her tongue out.

My fingers itched to grab it but Bryan's loud voice echoed through the trees from far ahead. "Let's go you losers! You're holding us up."

I swear to-.

"What will it be, angel?" I asked.

Y/N dramatically sighed before motioning for me to spin around, which I did with a quick wink.

"If you drop me, I swear to Hades," She grumbled while adjusting her dress.

The warmth radiated from her in giant waves as her legs wrapped around my sides and I hooked my arms underneath her thighs to hoist her up.

"I swear to Hades that I will not drop you," I promised while walking up the steep hill towards the rest of the guys. "Do you actually pray to the Greek Gods?"

She flicked my ear. "No, silly. I just like to joke around with them. They're my favorite mythology."

"Will you teach me about them?

"I'm honored you asked; I'd love to," she ran her fingers through my long hair and I briefly let my eyes flutter shut at the calming feeling.

"Only if you let me braid your hair."

My eyes snapped open. "Uh, we'll see about that."

She flicked my ear again. "You're no fun."

Hooking her tighter against me, I closed the distance between us and the guys in a few long strides. Nick gave the two of us a look as I set Y/N down gently on her feet, she quickly pulling down her dress.

"You didn't see shit," she pointed a firm finger to all of us.

"Nope."

"Nothing."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Bryan held up his camera and snapped a few pictures of Y/N; who in return, flipped him the finger.

I watched with a racing heart as she messed around with the guys, almost as if she'd been part of our little group for years.

"Alright," Y/N pulled the book out of her bag. "I'll let you guys do your thing. If you need me, I'll be reading over there."

She pointed to the edge of the mountain that looked over the small lake we drove past to get here.

"Be careful, angel," I warned.

"I'll be fine," Y/N rolled her eyes but as she turned, she tripped over a rock and stumbled a bit before standing straight.

I raised a teasing brow at her while crossing my arms over my chest. "What was that?"

"Fuck you," she taunted with her middle finger.

Don't tempt me, angel.

The next hour passed in a blur as we took countless pictures, just having a fun, relaxing time. Every so often, my gaze would fall onto Y/N as she leaned up against a large willow tree, book perched in her lap. The wind blew through her ponytail every so often and I marveled at how fucking breathtaking she looked when her face would scrunch in surprise with whatever she was reading.

I knew from the moment I stepped off our bus the first day of the tour when I saw her standing amongst the group; when we first met. It wasn't the typical love at first sight bullshit Folio talks about that happens in the movies. It was more like a familiarity, almost like 'oh, hello. It's you. It's always going to be you.'

"Noah, could you take a little step forward," Bryan directed.

Snapping my gaze away from Y/N reluctantly, I followed Bryan's orders for another long few minutes until he decided we got enough pictures. I motioned towards Y/N, who still had her nose perched in her book, and Bryan knew what I silently was saying because he snapped a few pictures of her.

Malcolm and Chase walked up just as we finished our photoshoot so a quick idea came to my mind.

"Angel," I called.

She looked up. "Hm?"

Not saying anything, I waved her, Malcolm, and Chase over to our position which they did hesitantly.

"If Bryan is cool with it," I pointed to him. "What do you guys say for a Hollow Souls photoshoot? New and reimagined?"

Bryan immediately agreed. "Let me change out some things and we can get started.

Chase and Malcolm also agreed with a nod. "I think it'll be good for us."

"You guys don't have to do this for us," Y/N stated. "You've already done so much for us, Noah by filling in."

I shrugged while stuffing my hands deep into the pockets of my jeans. "I take care of the people I care about."

She pondered my words for a long moment and eventually let out a long breath. "Alright fine."

Once Bryan returned, the rest of stepped back to give them space to work. Nick was the only one who watched me as Jolly, Folio, and I kept our eyes on Hollow Souls. We grabbed a few beers from the cooler Jolly packed and was nursing them slowly.

"You know, this would be a perfect opportunity to maybe slip away just the two of you," Nick whispered.

I peered over to him and rolled my eyes, shoving him in the shoulder. "Whatever."

"I'm just saying," he held up his hands in defense. "A night under the stars in the mountains. Anybody would kill for a date like that."

Nick's words weighed heavily on my brain and when she began walking towards me, I made the haste decision by grabbing the guitar that was leaning against the tree.

"Hi," Y/N smiled as I met her halfway.

My heart warmed at the sight.

"Do you want to go somewhere more secluded, just the two of us?" I suggested with a hopeful smile.

I didn't want to think how I would feel if she rejected me and walked away from me.

"Sure," she answered quickly with a glimmer shining in her eyes.

Ultimately, after walking for a few minutes, we decided on an area far from the rest of the group down the water's edge. We sat down in the sand, our knees brushing against each other, and held the guitar in my lap as I watched her stare out into the vast distance of the water. There was a faraway look in the depths of her eyes as she messed with something on her wrist, fiddling it between her fingers.

A hair tie; the one I gave her the last time we were on the beach together. I wondered where it went but decided that I never wanted it back. It's hers to keep; along with everything else I gave her.

"How are you doing, angel?" I asked, breaking the growing silence.

She didn't look at me, kept her eyes straight ahead.

"I'm-." A hesitant breath. "I'm not sure. I want to believe I'm doing okay with the breakup of not only my relationship but also the band. For the longest time, Hollow Souls was the four of us and we released three records together. The future scares the shit out of me. Can the three of us reinvent a new Hollow Souls or do we need to find someone to replace Trey completely?"

I strummed a few random notes on the guitar; the melody echoing into the sounds of the waves.

"I think a fresh start in all aspects is good for you," I answered slowly, trying to get my thoughts and words right. "I've said it from the start, you're the heart and soul of this band, Y/N. The screams were a bonus. It didn't make or break you guys."

She finally looked towards me and her eyes darted over every inch of my face, wondering if my words were the truth. With her, they always were.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, mochi. Truly."

I scrunched up my face to show that the nickname wasn't my favorite but deep down, my insides were floating in pure bliss having her call me something so disgustingly cute. If any of the guys heard it, though, they would give me shit until the end of my days.

"Ditto, angel, ditto."

I tried to play it cool, sauvé, and chill. My typical demeanor was chipping like ice though, the fear of what would happen if it broke completely had its vise grip on me. No one has ever considered a fuckin a nickname for me, not one without a punchline. Not one without a groan or a cursed tantrum that followed. I wasn’t sure if the pure bliss I was feeling was normal, but who the hell wants normal? Hearing it come from her lips meant everything to me.

"Let's play something," I motioned to the guitar.

"Ooh, what do you have in mind?" She asked while turning her body to face me completely head-on and letting her hair flow as she took it out of the ponytail.

The view of her sitting in front of me with the waves crashing behind her, the setting sun's rays breaking over the horizon stole the breath from my chest.

"Only Love," I answered without an ounce of hesitation.

Y/N's nose scrunched up with confusion and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't the cutest fucking thing ever.

"Noah, that was a demo song from three years ago."

I shrugged and played the first few notes of the song. "Might be silly to some but to me, it means a lot."

It was true. I listened to that song on repeat when it first came out. It was the first song I heard by Hollow Souls and Y/N's voice captivated my heart with its claws. I remember laying on the pullout couch next to Nick in his bedroom as I stayed there yet again. My mind was racing with only one thought.

I have to fucking make it. I needed to buy my own couch that brought a sense of comfort and security I yearned for.

That's when her soft voice came through my headphones and it shocked me to hear a feminine voice after Of Mice and Men. I brushed the hair away from my eyes as I settled deeper into the couch and let Y/N's angelic voice lull me to sleep that night and far too long after.

Cut to three years later and the girl who wrote that song is here in front of me. Some may call it a ‘rockstar crush. Would she be considered that? Who the hell knows? All I know is that I had pent-up memories, and needed to hear that sweet voice sing it, just for me all these years later.

Y/N's real, right there in front of me.

"I'm shocked you remember that song."

"Why wouldn't I? You talked about it being on the cloud during that one livestream," I answered.

Her eyes doubled. "You watched the livestream?"

"Twice."

A red hue brushed across the soft skin of her face as she tilted her head down towards the sand, long hair covering her face.

"No," I brushed away the hair behind her ear. "Don't hide your beautiful face, angel. I want to see all of you if you'd let me."

"Sorry," she muttered under her breath. "I don't even realize I do it."

"Don't apologize. Never apologize to me. Just understand that this is how I see you. Now, enough sadness. Sing for me, angel."

She looked up at me through lashes with a small smile. "Do you know how to play it?"

I snorted, a little hurt that she would doubt me, but proved her wrong as I played the opening part of the song.

"I told you I watched the stream twice."

"Okay," she nodded. "Where did you want me to start?"

"Sing the whole song for me. Please?" I begged.

"You want me to sing the whole song?"

"I do," I rushed out.

Y/N gave a curt nod. “Okay, I’ll play the whole thing- but only because you asked me too, no one else gets the privilege.”

I playfully narrowed my eyes at her. “They better not.”

She took a deep breath while shutting her eyes as I played the tune on the guitar.

"I’m hoping you weren’t heaven sent cause only hell knows where you’ve been. Your built composure’s wearing thin and all your walls are caving in. Before you shut this down, I just wanna lift you up. I’ll take all this love I found and I hope that it’s enough."

We both could hear the ache in our hearts as it bled out, the lyrics mean so fucking much right now.

"Now don’t you shut this down. Ooh no don’t you give this up. I took all this love I found and I hope that it’s enough. Is it enough? If we don’t bend, then this might break. Please don’t give into this pain. Just keep on counting down the days and dream of me to keep you safe."

Y/n opened her eyes to meet mine, a blaze of passion that cut deep into my bones.

"Before you came around I was lost and out of place. You’re the only love I found and I’m hoping that you’ll stay. Please stay."

As we played on together in perfect harmony, there was one thing bright in clear in my mind: I'd stay for as long as she let me.

"Fuck," she breathed. "I forgot how much I loved singing this song."

I nodded in agreement while setting the guitar down next to me. "It's one of my favorites. It's actually what got me into Hollow Souls. I'd been hooked on your voice since that first night on Nick's couch all those years ago when I first heard it."

Y/N beamed when an idea struck her with such force, she stumbled to her feet. "I have to talk with Chase and Malcolm about something."

She took off a few steps in front of me, clearly excited about this idea she had. As we reached the rest of the guys, Y/N made a beeline toward Chase to tell him about her idea while I walked up to Nick and Folio, the former giving me a look.

"So my date idea was good, huh?" He playfully jabbed my side.

I pushed him away with a groan of embarrassment. "Fuck off, Nicholas."

"Oh, he pulled out the full name," Folio teased.

Jolly and Bryan joined us as we finished packing up the van and when I glanced over to Y/N, I noticed Malcolm pinching her cheeks playfully and she smacked his hands away, her cheeks flushed with her own embarrassment and large smile.

NOAH

"Oh wow, look at all of these beautiful people tonight!" Y/N's voice carried through the sold-out arena.

It was the last show of tour and Hollow Souls just took the stage for their set. We could feel the nerves radiate off of all three of them all the way where we stood on the stage to watch them. This was new what they planned on doing tonight but the three of them spent the rest of last night after we parted ways at the hotel and all morning and afternoon today practicing nonstop a new setlist. They wanted to show everyone tonight the first step towards the new Hollow Souls.

"Where's Noah?!" a voice yelled from the crowd.

Jolly chuckled from beside me. "Think they'll be upset you don't show up tonight?"

I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. "I hope not. This is something that they need to prove they can do. The fans need to have faith in Hollow Souls."

"Well, about that," Malcolm spoke into his microphone while adjusting his bass strap.

"Now before you all start booing us off the stage," Chase spoke next from his spot above on his makeshift drum stage. "Noah has been fucking killing it not only with Bad Omens this tour but also helping us out a lot. But tonight, we wanted to do something a little different. We still have our guitar tech filling in for us!"

The crowd cheered for their guitar tech, which made him give an awkward wave.

"I know this may take getting used to, but we appreciate your support in doing what’s right for us and our band," Y/N said. "It means so fucking much to all of us you still showed up tonight even knowing Trey is no longer with us. For that, we're going to give you a kick ass show you deserved. Don't give up on Hollow Souls. We cut out the disease and are ready to fucking blossom."

Y/N peered over to me and with a small wave and wink, she sang the first few lyrics of Only Love.

NOAH

Darkness cascaded over my sleeping form, a brush of moonlight breaking through the curtains pulled tight in our hotel room, and I buried myself deeper into the cocoon of blankets. Sleep was within my grasp and after the last few weeks, the thought of finally being able to sleep in my own bed back at home made it that much easier to grasp it.

Until my phone buzzed from its place on the nightstand and my hand smacked around until it grabbed it. Through hazy vision, I blinked a few times for the words to clear.

Hey, are you awake?-Angel.

I sat up in bed and rubbed away the rest of the sleep from my eyes. It only meant one thing when someone texted you the typical you up text.

Yeah, couldn't sleep.

Bullshit, you were seconds away from waking up Nick with your snoring.

I stared at the bubbles that appeared on my screen and then disappeared, only to reappear right before her next text came through.

Would it be alright if I came by to hang out? Or is it too late?

The clock at the top of my screen showed it was just before midnight.

Not at all. I've got snacks, and we can finally finish watching Spirited Away. Room 392

Be there in five minutes. I'll bring some goodies too! :)

I chucked a pillow at Nick, who was fast asleep in his bed, but when he remained sleeping, I threw another. Eventually, he groaned, slowly waking up.

"You need to leave." I scrambled out of bed and pulled away the blankets from Nick. "Y/N's coming by to hang out."

Nick smoothed down his bedhead, a sly smirk on his lips. "You're kicking me out right now?"

"Fuck yes I am. Go bunk with Bryan or Matt," I said while changing out of my old gray sweats for a pair of black joggers, opting to put on a shirt.

He yawned before grabbing the things he would need and dragged his feet to the door, sending a text to whoever he bunked with.

"Be safe!" Nick called out before the door shut behind him.

With seconds to spare, I quickly tidied up the room then set up a variety of snacks and pulled up the movie on my laptop, setting it on the bed just in time for a soft knock to sound on the door. I let out a few deep calming breaths and did a quick once over of myself in the mirror.

"Hi," I smiled once I opened the door.

Y/N's eyes grazed over every inch of me as she shifted on her feet in the doorway, clutching a bag close to her chest. She was dressed in a pair of sleep shorts and an oversized shirt.

"Do you always sleep shirtless?" she asked with a raised brow.

I stepped to the side, allowing her to step inside the room. "Every hotel room I sleep in can't get any colder than seventy degrees. I need it to be at least sixty-eight. I run hot when I sleep and the guys know not to mess with the thermostat back home."

"Wow, good to know. I'll keep my hands to myself when I come over," she wiggled her fingers after setting her bag down on the couch.

Please don't.

I peeked a brow. "When you come over?"

"Oh, if you thought you saw the last of me because the tour is over, you're wrong," she fell onto the couch with a huff of breath. "I'm moving to Los Angeles."

My heart thumped loudly in my chest but I did my best to hide my excitement when I sat next to her.

"You are?" I questioned.

She nodded with that room-brightening smile. "I had a long talk with Chase and Malcolm tonight and we thought it is best. With us trying to reinvent Hollow Souls it'd be good if we were together for the writing process. Malcolm already found a place big enough for us and while he's going there to get things ready, Chase is flying back with me to Vegas to help me pack my things."

I shifted in my seat, resting my arm against the back of the couch, behind Y/N. "Do you think Trey will be there?"

"Probably but that's why Chase is coming with me; in case things go south."

"I could come too if you'd like," I stumbled over my words only slightly.

Y/N rested a hand on my knee and squeezed it. "You need to stop worrying so much about me, Noah. I can't ask you to change your plans for something I should do on my own."

"You're worth it, angel," I vowed while running a finger through the soft waves of her hair.

We stayed in that position for a minute longer, simply staring into each other's eyes, and when I ran my tongue over my bottom lip, Y/N let out a soft whine. The thick tension that always seemed to be around us intensified now, and it was almost hard to breathe, let alone keep my thoughts off the way her hand grazed a few inches higher on my thigh.

I cleared my throat while nodding to the bag next to her. "What did you bring?"

"Oh," she snapped out of her trance and set it on her lap. "Last tour, I started this tradition on the final night I celebrate by doing self-care."

She pulled out an array of masks and different colors of nail polish and then set them on the small coffee table in front of us.

"Sweet, hand me one," I nodded towards the masks.

"You do masks?" Y/N giggled.

"What, you think I get this perfect skin with just water?" I jeered with a smile.

For the next while, we sat with our face masks on and watched the movie on the small screen of my laptop. It took almost no convincing from her to paint my nails black; her choosing a burgundy color for her nails. But now, what she was trying to convince of me gave me a slight pause.

"I don't know, angel. I don't let just anyone touch my hair," I said while putting away my laptop, us finishing the movie.

Y/N moved to the chair that sat in the room's corner and had her legs spread wide. "It's a good thing I'm not anyone. Now, get your ass over here and let me braid your hair."

For added effect, she pouted her bottom lip out and gave me those big doe eyes.

"Fine," I sighed before sitting on the floor between her legs, my back to her.

I shivered under her touch as she raked her fingers through my hair to break apart the small knots that gathered while I slept earlier.

"So, which Greek God is your favorite?" I asked.

She hummed. "Without a doubt, Medusa. Her story is tragic and sometimes often told wrong but that's the thing with mythology; there are so many different versions, you just have to choose which one you believe more."

"Medusa is the one with the snake hair, right?"

"Yeah," she turned my head to the left as she began braiding that side. "Some stories said she was an original gorgon sister but recent tellings from Ovid say she was a beautiful maiden who worked in Athena's temple. Poseidon saw her from afar and just like Zeus always did, Poseidon decided he wanted Medusa. He had sex with her on the temple steps and Athena punished her by turning her into the gorgon with snake hair and cursed any man to turn to stone when they looked at her."

I whistled low. "Shit, Greek gods were assholes."

Y/N snorted. "You don't even know the half of it."

Once she finished the left side, she turned my head to the right so she could start on that side.

"How'd her story end?"

"In tragedy, like every other myth. Perseus was sent to behead her by King Polydectes of Seriphus because Polydectes wanted to marry Perseus's mother. The gods were well aware of this, and Perseus got help. He received a mirrored shield from Athena, sandals with gold wings from Hermes, a sword from Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of invisibility."

"Wait," I turned to look up at her, which made her chastise me because I messed up the braid. "Athena, who turned her into this monster, helped the guy who was sent to kill her?"

"Fucked up, I know."

With stern hands, she turned my head to the right again. "Since Medusa was the only one of the three Gorgons who was mortal, Perseus could slay her; he did so while looking at the reflection from the mirrored shield he received from Athena. During that time, Medusa was pregnant by Poseidon so when Perseus beheaded her, Pegasus, the winged horse, and Chrysaor, a giant wielding a golden sword, sprang from her body."

"Oh Pegasus, from the Disney Hercules," I noted.

"That movie is so wrong but what do you expect for a kids' movie," Y/N chuckled then slapped her thighs. "All finished."

She showed me my reflection through her camera on her phone and I couldn't stop the smirk that pulled at my lips.

"I'll have to admit, angel. I look good with braids," I admitted while snatching her phone from her.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" She asked while reaching for it.

I leaned far back from her and posed for a few selfies. "I thought you'd like an updated selfie of me. I know you have the other two I sent you a few weeks ago."

With a red face, she snatched her phone back and held it close to her chest. "I do not."

Bullshit.

"Right, then let me see your pictures," I teased while kneeling in front of her, hands resting on her thighs, her skin ablaze with heat.

She swallowed thickly. "Fuck you, Sebastian."

READER

I swallowed thickly while clutching my phone to my chest, knowing that he was correct about saving those two selfies he sent me before.

"Are you going to look at the selfie I took?" Noah taunted.

With a breath, I peered down at the phone only to suck in a large breath, body shivering underneath his warm touch on my thighs.

"That's your new contact picture, mochi," I smirked while setting it and leaned deeper in the couch, not realizing that I pressed my core closer to Noah's face.

His eyes burned as his gaze darted from between my legs up to my face and his tongue darted out to wet his lips, almost imagining the taste.

"Angel," his voice was deep, it rumbling in his chest.

All the heat shot straight to my pussy as it clenched with desire, something that always happened when around Noah. Before, I took care of myself with this exact image in my mind but now that it was about to happen made me buzz with excitement.

"Can I?" He asked while breathing over my lap.

I raised my hips towards his face, all morals or thoughts if this was the best idea flew out of the window. We waited long enough for this moment ever since we shared that kiss so long ago. I wasn't a religious person at all but fuck, did I pray to Aphrodite about this moment countless times.

"Please," the word choked out on my lips.

With a low growl, Noah pulled me off of the chair and tossed me onto the bed before he crawled between my spread legs. His long fingers hooked the waistband of shorts and panties pulling them off in almost a quick snap and when blazed eyes stared down at my bare pussy, I tried to close my legs.

"Don't," Noah demanded while gripping my thighs tight to spread my legs again. "Don't hide a fucking thing from me, angel."

Shit.

"I've never actually-," The words died on my lips when I felt embarrassed about what I was about to say.

Noah leaned over me. "Wait, are you going to say what I think you're going to say?"

I turned my head away from him. "He never wanted to go down on me."

Noah cursed while cupping my chin so I could meet his gaze. "Don't think about him, angel. Just lay back and enjoy this."

I did my best to nod in his grasp. "Okay."

He suddenly crashed his lips to mine in a fiery, passionate kiss, as he forced his tongue past my lips to taste every inch of my mouth and I moaned into it, nails scratching against the bare skin of his chest. Noah's teeth dragged over my bottom lip as his hand dragged down my side to slide up underneath my shirt, fingers pinching at my nipples.

"Noah," I breathed while breaking apart from the kiss.

He buried his face into the crook of my neck to breathe me in. "Say it again."

I did, over and over like a mantra, as he left a mark on the skin of my neck while his hand switched to the other breast, mimicking his actions from before. The wetness that pooled between my legs was almost a new feeling, never being this turned one, and for a moment I wondered if it would be alright; no pain.

Noah helped me sit up so he could pull my shirt over my head and soon was laying bare in front of him, hair sprawled around my head.

"Fuck, angel. You're fucking beautiful."

For the longest time, I was told something different from how I looked. So hearing the truth and sincerity from Noah made me almost close my legs in front of him. But with his tight grip on my hips to keep me locked against the bed, I knew he could read my thoughts.

"Don't go there. Stay here with me," he said before his lips pressed over every inch of skin from my lips to my chest, down my stomach, and stopped right about my pussy.

I whined the smallest of sobs when Noah took his time, lips ghosting over me. By now I was almost begging and when I finally felt the wet flick of his tongue against my clit, I breathed out a shaky curse. Noah pressed the fullness of his tongue against my lips, licking me up from the bottom to the top, spreading my legs wider apart. I bit my hand to keep the noises at bay.

"I want to hear you," he left a gentle bit on the inside of my thigh.

"Fuck," I moaned when his tongue speared inside of me for a few strokes.

My hands now grasped at the blanket beneath me as I raised my hips farther into his mouth, his lips wrapping around my clit to bite and suck at the bundle of nerves. I always thought my Gspot was in my clit because it was hard to have an orgasm any other way than rubbing myself. Without even telling Noah this, it was as if he knew exactly what my body needed.

It happened so fast, before I knew it he was devouring me like a dying man. I’ve never felt euphoria until now; this must be how it feels to see the moon, the moon that changes its orbit. He had me spinning.

"I love the way you taste, angel." Noah broke away from my clit for a second before diving back it.

The familiar feeling of an orgasm built in my stomach, the tension pulling so fucking tight it was seconds away from snapping. My spine tingled with anticipation as my body tensed, knees shaking underneath Noah as he rubbed his tongue in faster but shorter circles, moaning with the taste that lingered on his lips.

"N-noah. 'M so close," I let my head fall back deeper into the mattress.

"Let go, I've got you."

With a strangled breath, I let the orgasm crash through me like a tsunami, a bright white light edging at the corners of my eyes while Noah licked me through the last few aftershocks. As my breathing calmed, I lifted my head in time to see him stand to his feet, stepping out of his joggers only to stand in front of me in his black briefs.

I licked my lips when I saw his cock straining against the confines of the material until he palmed himself in a few strokes.

"Do you want me to stop?" He asked.

I shook my head with desperation clear in my voice. "No, please. I need this-I need you, Noah."

He cursed before sliding off his briefs with desperation and urgency, his hard cock springing against his thigh, and I nearly died at that sight alone. All of my imagination did nothing compared to the real thing, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared for a few different reasons. Sex with Trey was uncomfortable but with Noah's size, I feared it would only hurt. The only saving grace was that he worked me open and the added wetness would make up for the slight pain.

"Are you on anything?" Noah asked while kneeling between my legs.

A lot of different shit.

"No," I said.

He leaned over to a bag that lay at the foot of the bed and rummaged around for a few seconds before retrieving a condom. I watched with anticipation as pre-cum seeped out of the slit when he ripped it open and slid it over his length then perched himself between my legs again, the head of his cock pressing gently against me. He wrapped one of my legs around his hip then slowly, sunk deep inside of me, and I bit my tongue hard to keep my strangled cry quiet. I knew there was going to be some pain; it was inevitable, but I didn't expect it to feel so good either.

"Fuck," Noah rested his forehead against my collarbone. "So tight."

He didn't move at first, relishing in the way I felt gripping his cock, and I couldn't take it anymore; I needed him to move.

"Noah," I begged while grinding against him.

One hand gripping my thigh, the other was placed next to my head to keep himself supported as he finally moved his hips in slow, deep strokes.

"Faster," I panted, almost pleading.

Slow was good but right now I needed fast.

Noah accepted my pleas and began slamming into me with such force, I cried out in name with a mixture of pleasure and pain. My hand slipped between our bodies to rub at my clit, hoping that the sensation would ease the pain a bit, but it could only do so much.

He noticed something was wrong with the way my face contorted in pain. "Angel, do you want to get on top?"

"Fuck yes, please."

Still buried deep inside of me, Noah rolled our bodies so now I was straddling him and almost immediately, the pain subsided; it was still there but not as strong. My hands sprawled over the tattoos that covered his chest as I leaned down to lick my way across the snake and apple on his neck. The noise he made, and his moans were so soft as my hot tongue went up and down his neck, I grazed over his Adam's apple with my teeth and bit down. Noah shook underneath me as he wrapped an arm around my back to hold me closer, burying his thick, aching cock, deeper inside of me.

We felt the rush, the aching, burning blush. We surrendered to the touch. I gave him a show. This is heaven in hiding.

"Angel," he begged as my teeth worked on leaving a mark against the hand on his neck. "I need-."

"What do you need?" I ground my hips against his pelvis and the sensation sent sparks to my clit and I clenched around him.

"Fuck," he cursed. "Don't stop what you're doing. It feels so good."

"Oh," I bit down on a new patch of skin on his throat. "This?"

"Yes," he dragged out the S for a few seconds.

My hands went to run through his hair but I almost forgot in our haste that I braided it a few minutes before this.

"Angel," Noah's voice was raw. "You have no idea how much I've wanted you."

I sat up slowly to stare down at him in awe as his words made me feel unspeakable things.

In one quick action, his hand snaked behind my head to pull my lips back down to him to kiss me feverishly.

"Noah," I tugged on his braids.

"Shit, give me a minute. I can take them out."

I didn't stop moving my hips against him. "Noah. I-."

"Just second, angel."

His hands left their vice grip on my hips to take out his hair but I quickly slapped his hands while sinking deeper on his cock. "Leave them."

The same sensation of a cresting orgasm filled every inch of me, ecstasy shooting through my veins like a drug, and when Noah's thumb pressed fast circles against my clit, I leaned my head up towards the ceiling, lips parting as my hands wrapped around his braids, pulling with such force he choked on my name. I rode Noah faster, needing that last little bit of friction to tip me over the edge and when I finally let the bliss plow through me in droves, I held my breath.

"Angel," Noah cupped my cheek so I could look down at him. "Breathe through it with me."

I did as he said, both of us breathing out my orgasm as our eyes locked intently with each other. I writhed against him, my arousal soaking the condom and parts of his hips. It was such a simple action but the way it set my body on fire intensified the aftershocks to something I'd never experienced. Noah stared down to the place where we met and with a noisy moan, he wrapped an arm tighter around me to pull me flush against his chest as his hips stilled for a second before he emptied himself inside the condom.

NOAH

I pressed light kisses all along Y/N's shoulder blades, in shock and almost slight jealousy as I took in every inch of the large tattoo that covered her back. It was of a large snake that wrapped along every groove of her spine with an array of different Japanese flowers.

Afterward, I let her fall onto the mattress with a happy sigh, immediately grasping the pillow closer to her chest and that's when I noticed the tattoo.

"I can't believe I've never noticed this before," I mused while running a finger over the ink.

"It's taken like two years to complete. It's my second favorite after the one on my leg of the Gods," she rested her chin on her palm. "You know what I just realized? We have similar tattoo themes; copy cat."

Her finger grazed over the snake and apple along my neck.

"Yeah," I chuckled. "All you need is an apple right here."

I smacked right above her ass and she shrieked while falling into the pillow once again, a long but content sigh falling from her lips. I kissed from between her shoulder blades down her back, my nails grazing beyond the wake of my lips.

"Are you okay?" I wondered while gently squeezing her hips.

“Yeah, I think so. I feel content, just basking in it. You?”

I nodded and kissed the side of her head as I lay next to her. "I feel great."

"Do you know what you want in 10 years?" Y/N blurted out.

“That’s a random question” I chuckled while kissing her lips.

She sighed and looked up at me through her lashes. “I know but think about it, like really think about it?”

I thought deeply about her question, fingers still grazing her spine. “Alright I’ll bite, I don’t know, I’ve always been trying to make it with whatever bullshit has been going on in my fucking life- just wanting to mean something to somebody, make music- for anybody out there to listen. To be the fucking king you know?”

She laughs. "And?"

"Way down the road maybe one day in the future- to live in the middle of nowhere with a dog, cats, and a family of my own. In my wooden home that I built."

Y/N's body went rigid with my words.

"But right now, no dog, no family just…just Bad Omens," I finished with a hopeful breath.

She hummed in response but turned her head to face the wall opposite of us, something bothering her. Not wanting to push it, I left another kiss on her spine before I slipped out of bed to discard of the condom in the bathroom trash, a light red color catching my attention.

Once back in the room, I slipped back underneath the covers.

"Angel?"

Another hum vibrated from her throat, sleep weighing heavy on her shoulders.

"Did you get your period?"

I swore I saw all the breath leave her body with my question and my mind panicked, thinking she was embarrassed.

"It's fine," I rubbed her back soothingly. "I just saw some blood on the condom, that's all."

When she still said nothing, I nudged her face with my nose. "Are you alright?"

"Yep," she said quietly.

"Stay till morning?" I asked, hopefully.

Finally, she turned to face me and left a kiss on my nose. "I have to go."

My heart fell into the dark pits of my stomach as I watched her slip out from underneath the sheet to gather her clothes. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Noah." She slipped back into her clothes rather quickly. "I just have an early flight to catch and I know you have one too."

I shook my head and stood to my feet while slipping my briefs and joggers back on. "I don't buy that. We were great, where did you go just now?"

She doesn't want to leave, I can see that in the way her movements slowed once she was dressed, almost as if she was buying time for me to say something that would change her mind. But she refused to meet my gaze.

"Angel, look at me. What's the matter?" I asked again.

"Nothing-," she began with a sigh.

"Then why won't you stay?"

The fear of her slipping between my fingers was debilitating.

"Noah, you know I can’t; we can’t," Y/N stumbled over her words.

I stretched my arms out wide at my sides. "Why? Why can’t you?"

With her gaze still cast down to her feet, she shook her head. "You don’t want me Noah, trust me, you don’t want any part of this."

"Bullshit," I spat as my anger got the best of me.

Y/N's head snapped up towards me, finally looking me in my eyes and all I saw in hers were the wetness of tears. "I have this condition that already makes my life harder every fucking month. I don't need to bring you into it and ruin our future, alright?"

My heart stopped for a few seconds. "Condition? What the fuck, are you dying or something? I don't know what the hell this means."

"No," she rushed out. "I'm not dying. I-I don't want to get into this right now. All I know is that I would need you a lot more than you'd need me. And you deserve better than me, anyway."

"Don't-" I started while pointing a finger at her.

She ran a distressed hand through her hair. "You know it’s true Noah, please. This is hard enough as it is. Walking out right now."

The bed stood between us and I hated feeling so far from her even though we were still in the same room so I walked around it, standing a few inches in front of her now.

"I’ve been through a lot of shit in my life too, Y/N. Don’t sit there and tell me what I can and can’t handle. Don’t sit there and tell me what I want or don’t want. You’re just so afraid of us," I pointed between us.

She grasped her elbows to hug herself and I could see the way her mind was running, gears turning hastily. Y/N was shutting down in front of me and I fucking hated it.

"Don’t fucking do that. I’m not him," I assured her with a gentler tone.

All of this was a trauma response, something so embedded deep into her brain that it was the only way she knew how to act. I know she felt the same way that I did; it was clear with what happened not even an hour ago. If she didn't feel the way I did, she wouldn't have shown up tonight. Y/N wants to stay, I can see it in the way her eyes keep darting to the bed but the pain and trauma were too deep.

"I’m sorry angel, I just- you’re wrong. I know how I feel about you, and I know what you feel about me."

I went to reach for her hands but she took a step back, a few tears falling to the ground below.

"I know what I feel. It’s not you, it’s me, Noah."

Not that fucking line.

"No. Fuck, angel! Stop! The future hasn't even happened yet. Please, don't-what do you need to happen?"

Her bottom lip trembled as a broken sob clawed its wait through her throat. "I-I think we need to remain friends right now. I can't-I can't get lost in you, Noah. It's so fucking easy to. I think we need space."

"I-I don't fucking want that, Y/N. I just want you."

"Noah, please understand where I'm coming from," she begged.

I paced the room, hands shaking in anger. Defeat? I wasn't sure.

"Angel-I. Please, just-," I eventually sighed in defeat.

"I'm going to head out."

Y/N nodded towards the door after gathering her things and stepped past me to leave.

The fear of losing her completely is what made me give in to her wishes. As much as I wanted to fight her choice, I needed her as a friend more than something more. I'll take what I can get for right now until she realizes she feels the same; I know she does.

As she opened the door, my feet closed the distance between us in two large steps and I grasped her chin, forcing her to look at me. The tears burned with the need to fall but she held fast and strong, refusing to show me how badly walking away was affecting her.

I brushed my lips across hers in a soft kiss. "I can wait for you."

She tried to disagree but my grip was too strong. "Noah- I can’t ask you to do that. That’s not fair. You deserve-"

“Don’t tell me what you think I deserve." I let out a shaky breath. "Look, heaven knows I’m not getting over you, I can wait”

“Besides. I’m known for having a lot of fuckin patience. I will wait." I finished with a shrug.

If I wasn't already staring intently at her, I almost would have missed the small nod she gave me; but I didn't. I saw it.

“Goodnight Noah.”

With one final kiss, not enough to remember the way she tastes, Y/N let the door shut behind her as I burned my hateful gaze through it. She left? How the fuck could she just leave after the night we had together?

No, fuck that.

I barreled through the door in time to notice she was only two doors down, frozen in her spot.

"Angel," I called after her.

Slowly, she turned, and I sucked in a breath when I saw the redness in her eyes, puffy with teh tears she let out as soon as the door closed. Mine mirrored hers.

"Please," I begged. "Just come back to me. I'll wait for you."

Y/N hesitated but within that hesitation, something stood out clear as day; she took a small step towards me until that doubt filled the back of her mind yet again. I stayed in the hallway watching as she turned the corner, disappearing from my vision and life; my words not being enough to make her stay.

Back inside the room, I let the door slam shut and made a beeline toward the minibar. I screwed off the cap of the Hennessy, downing half of it in one go.

"Bitter ends to the night. I'm along for the ride," I raised the bottle in the air before taking another long, slow gulp with my eyes screwed shut.

Suddenly, they snapped open, and I rummaged around the mess of my room for my phone, quickly typing out a text to Jolly.

I need to write a song, now.

Only a few minutes passed before he responded, just enough time for me to pop open another bottle.

Now? It's three in the morning and we have nothing here.

Doesn't fucking matter. I'll figure it out. Come to my room.

Letting the bottle slip from my fingers, I stalked over to the wall and slid down until my ass hit the floor with a thud; the image of Y/N crying and walking away burned into my brain. I was out of breath, out of time trying to stop her but, in the end, everything has a price. And I was paying for it.

#noah sebastian #noah sebastian and reader #noah sebastian x reader #noah sebastian reader insert #noah sebastian smut #enemies to lovers #right person wrong time #starcrossed lovers

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fandom-junk-drawer · 1 year ago

Text

The Witcher Headcanon - Headaches

Geralt is no stranger to headaches. He gets them when he's dehydrated, gone without eating or sleeping for too long, or when Jaskier won't stop talking. He usually just drinks some willow bark tea, or takes one of Yennefer's potions and rides it out. He doesn't really get them often, not like Jaskier does.

Jaskier gets the usual types that humans get. As a bard, he is familiar with hangover headaches. They don't really last that long, surprisingly. After a few hours, the hangover is gone, and Jaskier is ready to inflict another on himself with another round of drinking while entertaining the crowds.

He also gets the I-stayed-up-too-late-working-on-a-song headache.

Geralt is surprised that Jaskier doesn't get those types of headaches more often. Many a time, Geralt had woken up to find Jaskier still awake, well past midnight, frantically scribbling away by candlelight.

"Only work on my songs during the day light hours? Perposterous! When the muses speak, I must listen!"

"Wait until morning?! But the idea is already there in my head!"

"Make a note? Make a f***ing note?"

"Do you even know how inspiration works?"

He's always a real b**tard in the morning after these late nights.

Jaskier whines as they travel, about how his head hurts, and about his eyes hurting, rubbing at them and squinting. He eventually stops complaining, and returns to his cheery self, going back to annoying Geralt for fun by making up silly songs to go with the situation.

Geralt mostly ignores the complaining and the whining. He's used to it by now. He can tell when something is really hurting his bard. It's all in how he complains.

"You okay, Jaskier?" Geralt asked as he watched Jaskier from the other side of the campfire. The bard had been quietly working out a tune, making notes and adjusting lyrics, pausing often to blink his eyes or rub them.

"Yeah, Geralt. My head just...hurts, and my eyes too."

No overly dramatic whining. Uh-oh... Geralt saw how the bard's eyebrows pinched together and he closed his eyes for a second.

"I'll make you some willow bark tea."

Jaskier had nodded and put his notebook away. He'd finished the tea and turned in. He seemed better in the morning and was back to his chatty self.

Hmm...

As the year went by, Geralt noticed Jaskier was getting those random headaches more often, and his eyes kept feeling tired. Geralt said nothing, merely kept an eye on him. Jaskier was squinting more when he worked on his music, and especially when he was copying lyrics and notes from loose pages to his notebook.

He would pause and hold up his page, staring intently at it, sometimes holding it at a distance. Then he would grumble and go back to scribbling.

Jaskier tried to ignore the f***ing sharp pain in his temples that he would get after only a few minutes of working. He tried sitting closer to the fire or use a few extra candles at night. He tried working on his compositions during the day, in the sunlight. His eyes just sometimes refused to focus on the letters, but he didn't seem to have a problem seeing.

He didn't notice that he was slowly having to hold small things farther and farther away from his face. When he did notice, it was right in the middle of patching Geralt up after a contract. It had been quite inconvenient when he'd had to ask Geralt to thread the needle for him first. He'd blamed it on the adrenaline and his shaking hands.

The headaches became an almost daily thing, and Geralt was starting to worry. Adjusting Jaskier's neck didn't help, and Geralt didn't know what else to do. He was getting to the point where he was about to suggest Jaskier see a Healer.

He watched Jaskier trying to write a letter to Yennefer one evening as they rested at an inn. Jaskier wrote her often as he and Geralt traveled the Path, keeping her abreast of their adventures, and indirectly telling her how much he missed her by complaining about Geralt and what an inconsiderate c*ckwomble he was, dragging him all over the Continent, etc.

Jaskier leaned away from the table, head craned back a little, and doing The Eyebrow Thing while he tried to stay close enough to write comfortably. After a few monents, he heaved a quiet sigh and closed his eyes, wincing.

Something in Geralt's brain clicked. Ah, that could be the problem! He pulled out the supply list he'd made earlier and handed it to Jaskier, rumbling casually, "Here's what we need from the market. Is there anything else you want to add to it before I go tomorrow?"

Jaskier held the list out at almost arm's length to examine it.

He did The Eyebrow Thing.

"You can't see it clearly, can you?"

"Of course I can f***ing see it! I just can't tell if that's and 'a' or an 'e'. Your handwriting is sh*t!" *holds paper a little farther away and squints*

Geralt: *takes paper and runs to the opposite side of the room with it* "Can you see it now?"

"You're such an a**hole!"

"And you're having trouble with your eyes, Jask. That's why you're getting so many headaches."

"It's just the late nights and early mornings! My eyes are a little strained!"

"Then what's the list say?" Geralt held the paper up at a normal reading distance. Jaskier glared at him, tried to force his eyes to focus on the writing, then answered sarcastically, "It doesn't say anathin. Paper can't talk, Geralt."

"Don't be a smarta**."

"Fine, ya b**tart! Ah can't f***ing read it that close!" he snapped, Northern accent getting heavier.

Jaskier's tone went from annoyed to anxious, "Geralt...do, do ye think am going blind...?" Geralt was quiet as he thought about that possibility.

He knew there were instances when healthy humans just lost their eyesight to some weird human disease. He tipped Jaskier's head back and looked closely at his eyes. He didn't see any cloudiness, or odd coloring. But that didn't mean it wasn't there. It could just be in the early stages.

Jaskier gripped Geralt's arms abruptly, fear lacing his voice, "Geralt, what if it's what happened to that man at the harvest festival last year?"

Geralt felt a little icecicle of dread slide into his heart. Last year, a young man complaining of a headache had dropped dead in the middle of the harvest festival.

It probably wasn't the same thing, but the tiny seed of doubt had been planted, and Geralt did not want to take the risk.

"Let's go see Yen. She'll take a look at you and find out what's wrong." Geralt contacted Yennefer that night, and arranged for her to meet them on the road.

They found each other on the road outside of White Bridge. Yennefer had rushed, rushed to meet them, and she made sure they both knew it. Geralt saw right past the front she was putting up. She was worried about their bard. She had jumped off her horse and swept up to Jaskier, demanding to know what dumba**ery he'd gotten himself into.

Jaskier had stood there looking like he was considering taking his chances going blind or dropping dead from whatever mysterious disease he was suffering from. A few moments later, after Yennefer had intensely examined his eyes and his head, she was yelling at him for scaring making her waste her time.

Then they were arguing back and forth, insulting each other and carrying on while Yennefer fixed the very minor problem.

"Absurd, absolutely absurd, making me leave my very important work because your dumb a** panics over f***ing age related vision changes!"

"Age related-!"

"You're 40, you kn*b! You're starting to feel your age. Here, hold this! *hands him his open notebook*

*gasps dramatically, goes Northern* "Feel my age-! How dare ya, ya hag! Implying that am old! Remind me again who's over 70--what the h*ll am Ah supposed tae be doing with this?"

"Just hold it right here-!"

Jaskier: *starts moving book away*

Yennefer: *slaps him on the head* "I said right here! Melitele, can't you follow simple directions?"

"But Ah can't read it! It's all blurry-!

Yennefer :*lays her hand on his head and does magic* "Can you see it clearly now?"

"Oh, f**k! Wow, Ah can! And it's so clear! It says...it says, 'F**k you, you mediocre tw*t. P.S. Your eyeliner looks like sh*t, and that shirt is ugly!'" *affronted screeching*

Geralt watched them fuss and cuss at each other while Yennefer made a few adustments to Jaskier's eyesight. They were still quarreling when they set off, escorting Yennefer back to Aretuza.

Geralt sighed. He felt a headache coming on.

#the witcher #the witcher headcanon #the witcher netflix #twn #geralt #geralt of rivia #yennefer #yennefer of vengerberg #jaskier #julian alfred pankratz #geraskier #geraskifer #geraskefer #yenskier #yennskier #yennaskier #yenneskier #headache headcanon #henry cavill

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rumbelleshowdown · 7 months ago

Text

Moderator note: There will be only one fic posted for Groups G, H, and J. The other person in each of those groups dropped out.

Author: Rose Tea

Group: G

Prompts: Goddess. Let us sail astray. Skunk in the garden.

Stuff of Legends

Belle opened the massive tome, eyes darting across the first page. Whether she’d read this one already the little maid couldn’t recall. But some books get better each time you read them. She couldn’t count the times she’d poured over Her Handsome Hero; enthralled in the adventures of Alma and Gideon.

Blowing away a tiny bit of dust, Belle turned the page. To her surprise, she hadn’t read this one. It contained various legends and stories of the gods and how they controlled every part of the realms.

Halfway through the first chapter; however, at the sudden noise of footsteps entering the library, Belle paused. Rumplestiltskin said he’d be back at sundown.

Then who—

“Am I disturbing you, Miss Belle? I could go back out to the garden and explore. Only something is out there. A skunk, I think.”

Belle sighed. Peering over the book, she looked into the dark eyes of the little master. Well, ‘little’ being a relative term, as Baelfire would protest he is now eight years old.

“No– No. You aren’t bothering me” She replied, giving the boy a friendly smile. “I have been exploring a little myself. “ She gestured around the room. “There’s enough books in here for a lifetime!”

The boy sat down on the floor. “So what are you reading now?” He asked, face lit up in curiosity.

“Oh? “ Belle showed him the cover. “It’s some old stories. About the gods and goddesses. “ She chuckled. “ I don’t think you’d find it interesting, Bae.”

Bae shook his head. “Could you read me one? I like hearing you read, Miss Belle. And I think Papa likes it as well.”

Belle swallowed; keeping back the forming blush. “He- he does?” She asked, quavering.

Bae nodded. “He told me last night.”

Well, Belle thought, she could at least read one.

“Let’s see” she muttered, flipping the pages until back at the beginning. The page showed a simple drawing of a woman in a blue gown. “This one?”

Yes!” Bae moved closer to hear every word.

—----

There are many legends about this world. From stories of the smallest ant who worked all summer, to the selkies who can change their shape, to the Black Fairy. But none is more beautiful than the tale of the man who loved a goddess.

Long ago, there lived a lonely man. No one wanted to be around him. And no one completely knew why: some say it was something in his eyes or how he moved. Others said it was his attitude. How he always acted rude and utterly callous. Either way, no one wished to come close to him.

The man had very few things that mattered to him. Those being his wife and son. With them, he felt like he had everything he needed.

But one day, his wife grew unhappy. She wanted to venture out into the world. To see new things and meet new people.

“Let us sail astray” she would beg at least once a day.

But he’d refuse.

Until one day, the man came home to find his wife had done just that. She’d headed off into the night with no indication she would return and leaving their son without a mother.

This made the man bitter. His son was growing fast and would soon not need him anymore. The thought of losing everything terrified him. He consulted with sorcerers and found all sorts of magic. He wanted to try anything he could to ease the fear and hurt he felt.

His son couldn’t bear to see his father in such a state. He wondered if something could be done to help him.

—--

Belle caught the wide-eyed look on Bae’s face. “Should I stop?”

Bae shrugged. “Keep reading. I want to hear how it ends. “

—-----

He developed a talent over time: knowing exactly what someone desired the most and how to get it. Even if it cost their lives. This consumed him, making him fall further and farther into darkness. So deep it took him over like a huge wave.

One day, however, when the first flushes of springtime came to the land, the man saw a beautiful woman. Her eyes such a bright shade of blue, they seem to pierce the darkness for a moment.

He could sense something special about her and had to find out. So he took her to his home.

“You will stay here for the rest of your days” he declared, “And we shall never be apart.”

The woman didn’t like this idea at first. Why would she want to stay with such a disagreeable man? She hoped and prayed each day that he’d let her leave.

That is until an afternoon in early autumn. She had gone out to gather fruit for a pie when all of a sudden, a great bird attacked her and almost carried off his son.

A bit later, she heard sounds coming from outside. What the woman saw startled her more than the bird. That this man, who had been so disagreeable to her cared enough to not harm the bird upon learning it had a nest full of chicks. In that moment, she knew there must be more to him.

—----

“Miss Belle, this man kind of sounds like Papa.”

Belle bit her lip as realization of what the boy said dawned on her “He does, doesn’t he?”

—---

Autumn turned to winter. The trees once bearing fruit now wore a layer of frost. The house became colder, as did the man. Any time the woman talked to him, he snapped at her.

His breaking point came when she inquired as to the fate of his wife. He’d yelled at her to leave, to never return.

The woman cried a pool of tears. She had grown to love the man in spite of everything. As she turned to leave the house, the man noticed something not there before.

A brilliant glow illuminated the woman: brighter than anything he’d ever seen. The man froze.

What he hadn’t known was the woman was a goddess; one of great beauty and knowledge. She came to find someone who loved her truly and thought she’d found it.

As she left, she said these words: “You have grown so cold to love that when it comes, you can’t see it . I loved you. And I do hope that one day you will come to realize you aren’t immune to the concept. “

—---

Marking her place with her finger, Belle turned to the little master. “Did—--Did you like it?”

There came a long pause before Bae answered. “Miss Belle, if Papa is the man, does that mean you are the goddess?”

“I—-I’m don’t think I am.” She stood up, putting away the book.

“But do you love Papa ?”

Thoughts raced through Belle’s mind. How could she answer that truthfully?

“Do you?” Bae repeated.

#rumbelle showdown #round one fic #author: Rose Tea

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ashleymasenado · 1 year ago

Text

QSMP Reader Insert One-Shot: It's a Deal

Summary: You were one of the residents of Quesadilla Island running for presidency; at least, you were. Halfway through, you had decided to drop out due to some other runners having similar campaigns to yours. But after listening to them better, something about them makes you uneasy, so you decide to get back into the run…with one of the few people you would ever trust.

Hi everybody! Alexa here! I'm feeling quite optimistic about this little bit I'm writing today, even though I've told myself quite a few times to wait for when I'm getting to the real fic, but that's not important right now. What's important is that I get this out before the final elections on the QSMP, because that's what this one-shot is all about. And man, if you guys have time to read this, might wanna grab a snack and a drink cause this is lengthy; probably one of the longest solo pieces I've tried writing.

Anyway, this is a female reader insert, as those are easier for me to write and because we don't have much girl power on the QSMP. But, if you are not a girl who is reading this, feel free to change things up for your own preference. I am a fifteen-year-old Christian teenage girl, but I know I have to respect and be thoughtful of others. This takes place after the third debate (Day 106). As for what you're up to, well—you'll just have to find out.

Major spoilers if you're not following the QSMP, or if you're still catching up on it. I'm sorry if anything is not entirely accurate to the timeline of the QSMP; I've checked the characters' pages on the QSMP wiki yet they're not entirely up-to-date on events. This is actually the first one-shot in a collection of two or three, because I had to get this out soon with the recent lore on the QSMP being absolutely crazy and getting darker and deeper, and the elections being close to wrapping up. I hope you don't mind what I did to get this out soon, everyone. I just hope I did a good job.

Will also be posted on quotev.com, fanfiction.net, and archiveofourown.org, on my account with the same name: Ashley Masenado, except for fanfiction.net with the username being AshleyMasenado15.

I hope you all enjoy, and remember—stay safe, and stay weird.

——————————————————————————————————

I can't believe I'm doing this…

You pursed your lips together as you walked through the woods, far away from the town, one hand in your pocket as the chatters grew quieter and farther away from you as you walked. You shuffled around your fingers, trying to stay calm, as you went over the crazy plan in your head again, over and over, to make sure you had it.

This plan was crazy. You were going crazy, and you absolutely hated it. For a while, you always thought you were the only sane one left on the island—until now. But this—this idea changed that thought. There was no turning back—but now you wished there still was.

Your steps came to a halt as you glanced around your surroundings, then raised your left hand to look at the screen of your Portable Minecraft Guide (PMG). You pulled up the map to check your location, and your icon confirmed that this was exactly where you needed to be. Pulling up the inventory tab, you rummaged through one of your backpacks for the three item kinds you would be needing: lava buckets, water buckets, and a flint and steel.

Your plan was simple: create a Nether portal with the bucket method to get Cucurucho's attention so you could negotiate with it. Normally you wouldn't break the rules on purpose; you had strong morality boundaries after all (unlike a majority of the people on the island). But you had no choice. You had missed the chance and had to come up with this in desperation, especially after what had happened near the end of the debate today. The chaos had prevented you from even getting a chance to see Cucurucho, so this was your best and only shot. You were not going to waste this only chance.

Letting out a deep sigh, you began to build the portal as the afternoon sky gave way to night. The cool breeze cooled the heat on your face, calming your heart from the nerves of today's events. As you poured one lava bucket down, followed by a bucket of water following your exact calculations, your thoughts drifted to the past events that you were around for since the beginning of Quackity's QSMP. Some were fun and fueled your resolve for adventure and to solve the mysteries of the island, while some were quite…depressing. Ordo Theoritas had been reestablished, the Nether portals at the end of the train tracks were a huge discovery, Quackity's mysterious disappearance (which you were still trying to solve today), many eggs had died (including your own, which nearly destroyed you and you were absent for a week, even needing therapy once), and the beginning of the elections of presidency for the island.

That was actually where you were now. Out of pure curiosity you had actually opted to run for president; and being the "do-it to-it" person you were, you went for it. After a bit of hard brainstorming and plenty of rewritten drafts, you had the perfect campaign: a program designed to protect the eggs and the people, and everyone and everything on the island. Cellbit, whose primary goal you knew was to leave the island—you knew he was going to be against the idea. But that didn't bother you, even if he was a good partner outside the elections.

As the elections had gone further with the first debate, you grew bold enough to share your further ambition to bring down the Federation, as they had done nothing to stop the problems of the Binary Code Entity and its attacks on the other eggs. It had been the cause of so many deaths, of people and eggs alike, and all they did was sit back and watch? Well you had had enough. If this so-called government wasn't going to do anything about your problems, you would. You would make sure of that.

At least until the very next debate. After you had heard the proposals of Bad and Baghera, you had decided to drop out of the elections as they had similar ideas to yours, and you figured since they were older than you and had more experience with these things. And besides, you figured with your lack of self-control that you'd probably go mad with power the moment you started your first day. It was probably for the better that you had dropped out. Thanks to some negotiations with Cucurucho and having the official paperwork signed, you were out of the run for presidency.

What some people didn't know, was that not long after the second debate, you were having second thoughts. There were many things you knew that the others did not, and these things worried you. Had you made a mistake to drop out of the elections? Maybe. Especially with Bad's proposal, which you had reflected on more after reading back on your draft for the QSMP newspaper (you were the main editor as it gave you something to do after you lost your egg). You didn't want something like that to happen again; you couldn't let it. You would not let it. If anyone was going to actually make things better on this cursed island, it was going to be you.

As the heaviness of the load in your hands began to lighten, you stopped pouring and put down the empty bucket. The portal was finished and now it only needed to be lit. You stared at the flint and steel in your hand, seething through your teeth at the thought of the crime that was about to be committed. Standing in position and gripping the tools tight, you flicked the flames and the deed was done. Now all you had to do was wait.

As you stood there waiting for Cucurucho to come by and give you your news, you thought of the strange nature of this white robotic bear. Ever since your first interaction with it, you had thought it to be an A.I., due to its use of a soundboard to communicate, having no desire for itself, and its constant presence to ask questions to the reidents as surveys. You were very wary of Cucurucho, especially after its first jumpscare on you. You nearly had a heart attack that day. No joke; you had to pump your fist on your chest plenty of times and your child had to calm you down since you were even laughing your head off with insanity.

As time went on and you were noticing patterns in its behavior, you began to understand it more—at least, you hoped it did. Cucurucho was only doing its duty, given to it by the Federation. It was only doing what it was told, even if it did have some… interesting methods to getting the job done. It reminded you of yourself in a way, with your "get-right-to-it-before-I-get-too-lazy" attitude. Except you weren't the kind to use force to get your work done, so of course there were some major differences. At least you didn't laugh in someone's face when they were about to lose the last of their hearts.

A flash of white caught your eye from the trees in the left, and you immediately stepped back as Cucurucho came running. In a single click it destroyed the portal, one block at a time. Not a single trace was left, not even a particle. As soon as the portal was out of existence, it turned around and faced you with that same eerie smile, plastered on its white mask for hours at a time. It sent a chill down your spine whenever you saw it; it was like a prison it couldn't escape. If you still didn't think Cucurucho was just some AIR (Artificial Intelligent Robot, as you called it), you would have felt a little sympathy for it.

"Hello," it said, its iconic leather-cover notebook in its left hand. The feather pen was stuck in-between the pages, serving as a bookmark for where it could write when it had to communicate with the residents beyond its limited soundboard. Its white long-sleeved shirt, white pants, white fingerless gloves, and white socks and shoes were spotless as always, somehow completely free of stain. The white mask sported the usual shiny black eyes and button pink nose, and the unmoving mouth where the soundboard played its repeated words held the same old smile. "You have committed an illegal act. Please, follow me."

"Yes, Cucurucho, I know I did, but I only did this to get your attention," you muttered, holding your hands up in defense as it tried to walk away. "I just wanna talk alright? It's really important, so please just listen."

To your surprise, the bear stopped in its tracks and turned around, returning back to you as it had walked away a few paces. It opened its book and wrote down some quick scribbles, then handed it to you to read.

I'm listening; what is it you need? The text read; inwardly you sighed with relief. You didn't think this plan would have actually worked, and yet it did. You figured it was now best to move on to the next phase, so you explained that you wanted to get back into the elections, and you needed Cucurucho's help for it. The bear was quiet the whole time, completely still as you talked. Halfway through, you realized the danger of the current situation and frowned slightly, looking around to see if anyone was listening in. Internally you sighed and rubbed the bridge of your nose, reprimanding yourself for not thinking this entirely through.

"We're not safe talking about this out here," you said, turning around to the direction of your house. The bear had put the book away, its paws now empty as it stood there; perhaps contemplating its decision in the matter. "Would you mind if we have to go to my house? I think we're close enough to it."

"No."

"Okay cool," you said, as you began to walk towards the direction of your home. You turned around to check if Cucurucho was following, and you kept going as it stayed three blocks behind you. As you went, you kept your map window open to make sure you were taking the most inconspicuous route, even making sure no one was following you by checking behind you every minute of the way. Normally you wouldn't call yourself paranoid, but things on the QSMP were making you more and more afraid of the island everyday.

Ever since the death of your egg child, you had been feeling less like your old self. You had become more tense, more wary of your surroundings and especially very careful with who you made friends with. You even stopped frequently hanging out with people, which you used to do plenty before to make more friends and be more socialised. Sometimes when some players would come by to ask how you were, they would be answered with an "I'm fine" and a chill wave. But in reality, sometimes you forgot how to smile a genuinely happy smile.

It took a bit of a long walk and a bit of quick sidestepping to avoid some of the player residents, but you and Cucurucho finally arrived at your little wooden cottage in the larger cherry blossom biome, near a quaint little village where you had built your house. It stood on top of a hill where the sun could shine into your windows. You opened the door to let Osito Bimbo in, then after you closed it you flicked on the lights with your redstone-powered lever that went all the way to some lanterns up on the ceiling.

Your living room was simple, yet enough to make one feel right at home. The red couch on the right side of the house was enough to seat atleast five people, and it was clean and inviting. On the right armrest was a jukebox with a chest labeled "Non-Copyrighted Relaxation Music" on its right side. A window with shutters was on the left wall, the shutters having been pulled up so the sunlight could flow in and warm the room enough; albeit with nighttime coming through, it was more of the sunset coming in. A ceiling fan whirred on in the middle of the ceiling, surrounded by the warm glows of the lanterns above. At the far side of the room were the stairs leading to the upstairs, with the bedrooms and the guest rooms. A hallway to the far left of the room lead to the dining room and the kitchen, where you lead Cucurucho into. You gestured for it to take a seat at one of the chairs at your table, while you went into the kitchen to prepare some refreshments for the both of you.

"Hey Cucurucho," you called from the kitchen while you poured pre-prepared hot water into two little teacups. "Jaiden told me you like tea a few days ago. You want some honey in your green tea?"

"Yes."

Nodding, you took out two of your green tea bags from the second top cabinet, dipping them into the cups and stirring a tablespoon of honey into one of them. You quickly stirred it and carefully made sure to evade the steam quickly lifting from the cup, as to not burn yourself from it. While the cups cooled on the counter, you took out a few home-baked Fita crackers from another one of your storage cabinets and put them on a plate, then put them aside to make room for the cups. After you brought and distributed them on the table, you took one of your discs from the shelf in the living room and played it in the jukebox near the table, then took a seat as you took your cup to sip your tea.

With the comfy music, you took some time to collect your thoughts while you looked around the dining room. The place was rather homey as intended, nice and simple with a long wooden table and wooden cushioned chairs. It took up most of the dining room, but left enough space for people to walk around the table, especially when you needed to serve visitors their refreshments. Lanterns hung from the ceiling from reinforced iron chains, bathing the room in a warm and comfortable glow.

You put down your cup and chewed on some biscuits, then after another sip you took a deep breath and braced yourself. Gently clapping your hands, you turned your attention back to the white bear, who seemed to have not budged from its seat except for having opened its book on the table and the cup in front of it being noticeably half-empty.

"So, Cucurucho," you started, holding out your hands in a hopefully professional manner. "Like I said, I wanted to talk to you about the elections. I would like to get back into the run for presidency."

"Why?"

You shuddered inside; this was new. You didn't think Cucurucho could have its soundboard updated to include new vocabulary, especially since you were used to hearing its usual "Good morning" , "No", "What are you doing?" and its eerie monotone "Hahaha". But maybe it was always there and you just didn't get an opportunity to hear it before.

"I want to get back into the presidency because I am concerned about the proposals of some of the candidates. Not only because of what they plan to do, but also because I am wondering if they will actually do it. Many running candidates often tend to forget about their promises because of their want for power. Once they have the power offered to them, they often forget about what they've promised and only care about themselves. Do you follow me?"

"Yes."

"Well, I'm not going to be like that. I've decided that if there's a fat chance that these candidates won't do what they've promised to do, then I'll do it myself, as I've always told myself all the while while I was in the run for presidency. Basically, I'd like to get back into the run for presidency because I want to help the island, and everyone in it, in my own way. What do you say?"

There was another reason you wanted to get back into the run for presidency, but it was one you would rather prefer to keep to yourself. Not only did it make you uncomfortable to think about, but it reminded you of terrible things that only further motivated you to get back into the run. You couldn't let something like that happen again, especially not with Bad and Foolish. They were some of your best friends on the island and the QSMP itself, and there was no way you would let history repeat itself over.

H̷͙͘ö̵̼́w̵̡̾ ̶̝͐c̵̦͝a̸̫̚n̵̞̊ ̷̥̏y̵̻̍ö̷̹́ū̴̠ ̷̭̿b̵̫̚e̶̱͌ ̷̖͠s̷͝ͅo̵̝̓ ̸͇̌c̷͚̚ǎ̵ͅl̴͍͗m̴̲̀ ̷̭̈́ȁ̵̼b̷̧̈́o̵̾ͅu̴̙̍t̶̲̀ ̴̣̋j̶̝̈́ú̸̹s̷̯̋t̵̙͐ ̷͙̊t̴̹̊ă̸͇k̷͚͊ī̶̧n̵͚͘ĝ̶̭ ̸͇̔s̵̤͠ỏ̸͓m̸̜̆e̵̱͊ō̶̫n̸͓̎é̶̩'̸̫͒s̶̔

"̸W̸h̴a̶t̴ ̸h̴a̸p̷p̶e̴n̵e̵d̸ ̷t̷o̴ ̷t̷h̶e̸ ̵B̴a̷d̴ ̵B̶o̶y̴ ̸H̸a̸l̵o̴ ̴I̴ ̵u̸s̵e̶d̴ ̷t̸o̷ ̶k̷n̵o̸w̴?̴!̷"̷

"̸I̴ ̶t̴r̷u̵s̸t̸e̶d̶ ̴y̶o̴u̶

Deciding not to dwell on the past, you looked up and noticed that Cucurucho's notebook was in front of you with the words written inside: "Please wait while I discuss this with my workmates." From across the room, Cucurucho had pulled up a window on its PMG, which you figured was where it was talking with its fellow workers of the Federation. You decided to be patient and think of what you could request to Cucurucho in case it would need you to do something to fulfill your requisition. You carefully closed the notebook with the pen inside as a bookmark and slid it back to the bear, chewing on the rest of the biscuits on the plate while leaving some for Cucurucho.

After only a few minutes, Cucurucho turned off the window and carefully took out a page from its notebook. Your eyes widened as you never thought Cucurucho was allowed to do such a thing. But you figured it was best to say nothing, so instead you opened the chat on your PMG and began to talk with your friend Foolish. The QSMP members were put into an all-members group chat where if a single person messaged, everyone would immediately be able to see it. Luckily, the QSMP admins had created something new for the players: a personal chat similar to the private messages in Minecraft, except without the /msg command which made things a little tedious. You were especially grateful for this new function, which you used plenty of times when you weren't busy building.

Hey Foolish, what's up? You put in the personal chat for Foolish Gamers, his profile picture of him in his shark hoodie and doing a silly face in his selfie. This always made you giggle and actually made you feel a little better when you were feeling down, especially since you all liked to joke about Foolish being a comic relief during all of these hard and angsty times.

Nothing much, just hanging out with Leo rn He typed, an adorable little peace sign emoji following after. An image of Leo with a poppy doing a little dance came on, which you immediately reacted with a little red heart for Leonarda exclusively.

She actually misses seeing you around He texted. Asking when you gonna be able to come see her again

Tell her I said I'm sorry that I can't like, come over cause of how busy I am with my house You replied, with a little sad face emoji with the little teardrop. I do miss seeing all the eggs, Leonarda especially

Cucurucho's usual "Good morning" made you look up from your PMG at the white bear, who gestured to two pieces of paper it slid across the table to you. Curiously, you tilted your head at it then looked down at the paper, and what you saw made your eyes widen.

A little ping made you look back onto the open window, with a message from Foolish saying You still there bud? with the little sad face with puppy eyes. You giggled for a second, then replied with Yeah, but I gotta go now though. On the next message you said Sorry bud Then a little wave emoji, brown for your skin color from your Asian heritage. Bye you texted, putting away the chat window without waiting for an answer. You glanced back at the paper on the table in front of you, your heart dropping once again as you picked it up with the utmost delicacy.

The papers were but pieces of a contract, written down with Cucurucho's iconic feather pen. Despite being written with a feather quill pen, it was very neatly in the Courier New font, as if it were written on a computer and printed. The Federation's logo was in the upper-left corner, as it always were in the bear's notebook (you noticed this logo a while after it would ask you to answer its surveys). You didn't know the Federation was now starting to print contracts for the residents, which was making you nervous, frightened even. Quietly you opted to ask Cucurucho when they had started writing these for the residents, albeit it only answered with an ominous "I don't know. Maybe". With a frown, you began to read through the paper's contents, remembering to read through the fine lines so as not to miss anything majorly important. The contract read as follows:

The rest of the paper read about an agreement to keep everything about tonight confidential: the meeting, the agreement, every single little detail. Not a word was to be uttered to anyone about what had occurred in this little cottage in the woods, on top of the hill above the village. You wondered how Cucurucho had been able to write this all down if it really wasn't an A.I. Perhaps it had had some help with its fellow members of the Federation, as it had been talking with them in a private chat window just a few minutes earlier.

Speaking of the Osito Bimbo—it was making you nervous; like, somewhat jittery in your seat as you tried not to let your heart pound so hard. It had been staring at you from its side of the table, never moving from its spot except for a few notably missing biscuits off the nearby plate. The cup was empty as well, which made you wonder if Cucurucho had been eating silently while you read as you had not heard a thing.

"So let me get this straight," you said, rubbing the side of your temple to get rid of a small headache and straighten your thoughts. "If I can fulfill the guidelines talked about in this contract, I can get back into the elections—back into the run for presidency right?"

"I don't know. Maybe."

"Mmhmm, right. So this is only effective until July 31 huh? That's plenty of time for such simple items, but I'm not asking for harder work."

Carefully you read the contract's fine lines over again at least three times before nodding and putting down the paper to face Cucurucho. Its black eyes stared back at you as if it were waiting for you to make a move first before it would, and you already knew what it was waiting for. To seal the deal and get you right to work.

You stood up, locking a firm gaze with the white bear as you held out your hand in agreement. This was it—the point of no return. "I've made my decision," you alluded. "I accept your offer, and I understand that there's no turning back from here. From here on out, it's a deal. I'll do my duties well and I'll make you proud."

Cucurucho stood up as well and took your hand in a rigid grip, the touch feeling cold despite the warm feel of the fingerless gloves. With a simple handshake and a quick signing, the deed was done, and the deal was sealed.

"I hope you enjoy the island."

"I will, thanks," you muttered as Cucurucho quietly left its seat, pushing back in the chair to the table. You figured it had other duties to attend to after this, so you knew it was time to bid goodbye for now—yet somehow you knew it would always be watching. Showing it the way out from the front door, you waved to it goodbye and good night as you tiredly stretched from the doorway. After it disappeared behind the trees below, you closed the door and went back to the dining room.

The papers still lay on the brown table, a stark contrast in the color scheme that was somehow pleasing to the eye. Your brows furrowed in worry as you picked it up, knowing there was no turning back now from this. You had to do it. For the island's sake, and your friends. Even if you had to explain a ton of things later down the line.

Deciding this needed to be secure, you sealed the document into a spare plastic bag and looked around for a good hiding spot. Your paranoia was making you worry about the thought that someone could come in here while you were gone and steal it out of pure curiosity, then your secret would be out and no one and nothing would be safe. It took you a while to find a secure location, but after that you figured you could rest easy. You pulled up the Settings window on your PMG, then logged off the QSMP for the day.

Back in the real world, you took off the VR helmet and shook the spare strands of hair out of your face. A quick stretch did you good, and then you opened your face cam to talk to your chat. You had been streaming on YouTube for atleast a few hours, and you needed some food and a quick nap; that sounded good enough. And the people in the chat definitely needed some of that too.

"Alright guys, I'd say this is a good time to end today's stream," you said to the camera, smiling for your viewers. You quickly read a few comments asking what was next for the lore, and you said there wasn't going to be too much major stuff except for what had just transpired, so they didn't have to expect much to happen except for stuff-gathering for the rest of the month if you could help it. Some joked that it was a bit like Jaiden's lore on the QSMP, and you couldn't help but agree that it was a bit similar in a way.

"Please note however that everything you have seen or will see in the QSMP is all heavily improvised roleplay, so please do not send any hate to the content creators for any action of theirs you find displeasing. Thank you, God bless, and have a great day."

From there, you ended your stream with your brief ending screen, then you stood up to prepare yourself for the rest of the day. Now out of role play mode, you couldn't wait to see what would await you in the QSMP the next day.

#qsmp #quackity smp #qsmp lore #qsmp cucurucho #cucurucho #qsmp osito bimbo #qsmp x reader #reader insert #q!cucurucho #q!chayanne #fanfic #oneshot #one shot #collection

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ochrearia · 2 months ago

Text

Little Lullabies

Holy shit why is this 4k words long what the fuck is wrong with me (I know why it's literally just a compilation of 8 ~500 word drabbles put into one post because they're all kind of connected) HEY YOU GUYS LIKE HURT/COMFORT?

BFs in this One-Shot: PoPr!BF (Biff, mine), cs!BF (Beefer, mine), wyd!BF (Beef, Karl's), fc!BF (Boyf, Keyy's), Cyborg!BF (Cyber, Keyy's), sfa!BF (Peacock, Shed's), S2!BF (Bee, Isaac's), Candy!BF (Blue, Slushgut's), Yourself (YS)

It was a little funny how Biff was more likely to go over to YS’s place than the other way around these days. At the start it wasn’t even possible for him to do that, so it made it seem like the smaller was making up for lost time every time he mirror-walked over.

This was not one of those days, though.

YS was proving to be a hypocrite. Just a little bit. He’d made Biff promise not to take on his bad emotions and feelings anymore after the one time. But now as he was sitting here, Biff pitifully laid across his chest, he really wanted to take a page out of his book and take his suffering away. Would that even work with how it was? He didn’t know, didn’t stop him from wanting to.

Biff was sick. Most likely nothing left in his stomach, everything having been emptied into the toilet earlier. Cherry was stuck at her parents’ for the weekend, and Pico had gone out to get a few things for the poor guy. YS was here to make sure Biff wasn’t alone as per his Pico’s request. The ginger had refused to leave the apartment otherwise. YS could have been the one to go out and let him stay with his boyfriend, but it wasn’t his world, he didn’t know where basic stores were. And by the time he’d realized he could just go back to his own to buy things, Biff had already gotten surgically attached to him.

“Pico should be back soon, little man.” YS said softly, a hand rubbing gently across Biff’s back. The small, in-pain whines he was hearing from the other was making him more upset than he needed to admit. “The worst of it should be over, you’ll start feeling better soon.”

“Stomach hurts.” Biff complained softly, his energy having been drained a while ago. “Trying to sleep, keep jolting… Can’t fall asleep fast enough.”

Well that wouldn’t do.

YS sighed, slightly frustrated that he couldn’t do more. He gently pulled Biff a little farther up into his arms, not wanting to aggravate his stomach more than it already was. It was easy to curl around his other selves when he was the tallest of them all. Regardless of his hesitations about his voice when it came to humming things, YS pushed that aside and let himself bring a bit of a lullaby into the air.

It was one he’d hummed to Biff before. Not the more music-box version of his own song, he’d only used that once and decided to take up a different to-go instead after. Personalized comfort, a song just for him when he needed it. It always worked, thankfully. YS could feel him sag further into his hold, the pained breaths becoming slower and more deep as he continued.

His Pico would be back soon, and Biff would probably need to be awake again to take some medicine and other things, whatever the hitman was getting. But YS saw no harm in leading him to doze off for a little. He needed the rest.

______________________________________________

Hot ball of hollow fire you are. YS thought to himself, slightly amused. It was rather interesting how quickly Beef had gone from being the equivalent of an angry rat backed up into a corner around him to completely okay and willing to be close. He was still surprised the other had the courage to go up to him and ask directly to be a little brother too. Not at all what he’d expected from Beef of all of the instances.

It was more than okay with him, though. Meant YS could do more to help, and be more efficient with it too.

It also made him happy that all of them along the line wanted to be his little brother but that wasn’t the point.

Beef had gotten overly-angry at something as far as YS could tell, and had come here as a way to cool off and remove himself from the situation. It wasn’t an argument with his partners according to him, which was good. But he was still adamantly refusing to say what he even got mad about. A little concerning, but he couldn’t force it. If they wanted to trust him then they would. It’s not like he could be talking, considering just how much he was hiding from all of them.

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it? Not even a little?” YS tried again, immediately going back on what he’d just thought. Just one more try.

“No.” Beef grumbled, shoving his face further into YS’s shoulder. “No talking. I don’t pay you to talk. Just want a hug.”

YS grinned, rolling his eyes as he let his arms encircle tighter around the other. Hug? Yeah, he could do that. Apparently he was really good at it. His best skill some would say, which was hilarious, but a nice feeling. Beef was hesitant in his endeavors asking for affection, so him being so direct about it was enough to earn him exactly what he wanted.

I wonder… YS thought, letting his mind wander a little into his own memories. Personalized comfort was always nice to have. There wasn’t much to be changed about a hug, not that any of them seemed to want it to change. But there was another thing he could do. Picking out a different one from his thoughts this time, he began to hum. Not the same melody he had for Biff, no. A different one picked specifically for Beef when he would need it.

Gotcha, you little shitter. YS thought mischievously when his humming coaxed Beef to all but melt into his embrace. Good to know that what worked on one would work on the rest in terms of offering comfort. Choosing a different tune for each would be a fun little game. You think you’re so smug having blackmail on me, don’t you? Now we’re even. But that’s a story for another time, I think. You’re safe to cool off here for as long as you need it.

______________________________________________

Boyf proved harder to completely curl around when he needed comfort. His fault for deciding to be a tall instance really, without the power to shapeshift. Didn’t stop him from being an oversized baby sometimes. Realistically, they kind of all were. But dammit, couldn’t this guy at least be a little shorter so he could be good at his hugging job? One of the apparent good parts of YS’s hugs was how he was able to completely surround them.

Boyf had a nightmare, apparently. He was getting nightmares often as of late. Why he’d come to YS in search of comfort compared to his partners was beyond him really, but he was here. And then he’d had the gall to look almost offended by the fact the taller had been awake at this god-forsaken hour. YS didn’t really sleep that much, they had to have figured that out by now.

The song YS had chosen as his to-go for Boyf was a little different. Somewhere along the line he’d gone searching for songs that weren’t exactly upbeat or uplifting to begin with, and he was using those to pick from and spin into comforting sounds instead. He wasn’t entirely sure if this one was working, though, because Boyf seemed to be grabbing tighter to his hoodie the more he hummed, and he really couldn’t tell if that was a good or bad emotional response.

“You okay?” YS asked gently, pausing his humming. He got a noise of complaint in response.

“Why’d you stop, don’t stop.” Boyf’s thoughts echoed in his head. “Keep going… please keep going. Miss my sister, she used to sing to me when I was upset…”

Ah. Good emotional response, then, entirely by accident. Boyf hadn’t done much to speak about his siblings aside from the fact he had them. YS knew his brother was Ritz, younger brother. And somehow it was a common theme across multiple universes that Hatsune Miku-- Yes, THAT Hatsune Miku-- was a sister. Kind of hysterical to think about, but he supposed weirder things had happened.

YS picked up where he left off, deciding that this song was a keeper. This would be the go-to for Boyf. He was still running with the personalized comfort idea, because the more he thought about it, the more he realized the things he was willing to do for them were things he’d wish he had someone do for him. It’s not like he’d tell them he had personalized lullaby choices for each of them though. They didn’t need to know all things considered. That would ruin his already fragmented facade.

“Keep going…” Boyf’s thoughts repeated as he snuggled further into YS’s arms. “Might fall back asleep here…”

YS sighed gently, bringing a hand up to scratch softly in Boyf’s hair. Such was his fate, getting stuck under another one of his selves. Well, it’s not like he was doing anything important anyway. Staring despondent at the ceiling isn’t so despondent when you had someone and their warmth to keep you company.

______________________________________________

YS knew that there was never going to be a time where you’d just be fully fine with severe changes to your body. He knew that very well, because most times he could be fine by not thinking about it but there would be other times where it would eat him alive. Beefer was no exception to this rule, but he kind of wished that he’d be that lucky. He wasn’t of course. There wasn’t much he could do about it other than just be there for the Dinaurian.

Beefer was hiding his face adamantly against YS’s chest. His eyes were closed, because he didn’t want to see. Didn’t want to see the tail, the overly pale white of his skin, didn’t want to see the elongated ears and claws, didn’t want to see himself. Changing species against your will wasn’t something YS had any experience with, but he assumed it was a special kind of hell to deal with.

“I’m grateful to be alive.” Beefer mumbled against the fabric of his big brother’s hoodie, almost like he was trying to… distract himself? Convince himself? “I’m grateful to be alive and that will never change. I just wish… it hadn’t been this way. Or that I didn't have to feel so gross about it.”

“I’m glad you’re alive too.” YS said carefully, unsure how to tread on this. “And I’m sure your Cherry and Pico are too. I wish I could say how to not hate it, seeing features that you never used to have. But I don’t know.”

“I know you don’t.” Beefer sighed. “I can’t expect you to. I just… wanted some comfort without judgment. Not that they would do that, probably, I don’t know. I don’t need to be giving them any more problems than we already have. They’re getting suspicious on why I disappear for so long randomly too. I can’t explain all this, not now, I don’t even know where I would begin…”

“You don’t have to.” YS placated quickly, letting his arms wrap around the Dinaurian softly. “Don’t worry about any of that shit here. If you need an escape then that’s what you’ll get. Try not to get yourself too in over your head with the secrets, though, okay?”

Beefer nodded, too tired now to respond. YS tilted his head with a sigh, knowing that this was sadly the best he could do. With the short conversation over, he put into practice his little plan again. Another lullaby came tumbling gruffly from his throat, this one being more of a proper lullaby compared to the rest. If nothing else, he could offer this to the smaller one.

At least it was doing something, though. Every time his target of comfort relaxed or snuggled closer, YS took relief in knowing he was at least doing something. Beefer would have to go back to his world soon to make sure his friends didn’t completely freak out about his absence, but for now he was free to stay and forget his problems.

______________________________________________

Compared to some of the others, YS hadn’t actually seen Peacock get genuinely upset about something much at all. Suppose that was a positive side to not caring much at all about most things, it made it easier to roll with sudden changes and unfavorable results to things. Sometimes not caring so much was a good thing, but YS couldn’t stomach the idea of doing that. God knows he cared almost too much. But that was him. He was actually a little lost for words on how he could make this better.

Peacock was more insistent to try and help YS with his problems despite being tight-lipped about them. So the fact he’d come through the mirror today looking like the world was ending, that was enough to freak the angel out a little. The hug and humming combo immediately jumped to his mind, and Peacock wasn’t complaining. So, hug it was.

It was thoughts about his Pico again. The ginger being so hesitant and cut off was bothering him. He didn’t understand why he was doing it again, running off on him when all he wanted was to have Pico back in his life and not have to worry about him disappearing again. Peacock wanted him there, but with the way the other was acting, it didn’t seem like that sentiment was a shared one. That would hurt anyone to figure out.

“He’s… being an idiot.” YS decided, resting his chin on the top of Peacock’s head. “I don’t know what his deal is. I don’t really know how to help, either. But you should at least know you don’t deserve this nonsense.”

“I just want him around.” Peacock grumbled softly, returning the other’s hug eagerly. “He doesn’t listen to me when I say that. Always rushing off and making excuses. Fuck, I was so happy when I ran into him again. Now it’s like I’m watching him pull away more and more each time he accidentally gets in my line of sight.”

Hopefully this idiot will stop doing that and come around or I swear I’ll go over there myself. YS thought. His ability to mirror-walk was still locked behind needing the rest to look at a mirror, or at least accidentally be reflected in something for him to get through. He was sure that would happen eventually, and YS could go on a hunt for this idiotic hitman. Though he was unsure if Peacock would want that.

There wasn’t much else he could really say to help, so now seemed like a good time to practice the humming part of his hug-hum combo. Another instance, another personally picked tune. If anyone was going to get the song that felt like flying above the clouds, it would be him. Angels could sense other angels. Peacock had always kept his wings out of sight whenever YS saw him around, but he knew he had to at least have them still. The sky was still a comfort they could both agree on. Maybe he hugged a little tighter to the other too.

______________________________________________

Crying wasn’t allowed. YS already didn’t like crying when it was himself doing the crying, it made him feel stupid and ridiculous. An outward showing of his own turmoils that he hated letting other people know he even had. But when it was any of his other selves crying instead, somehow it made him feel even worse. It was like watching himself fall apart and knowing there was nothing he could do to stop it from happening.

Well, almost nothing.

He wasn’t sure which was worse, the fact that Bee was leaking silent tears while hugged to his chest, something that reminded him of himself and he hated the idea of any of them being like him, or the other possibility he could have gone with which was loud and unstoppable sobs. He’d prefer there to be no tears at all really. YS wasn’t entirely sure what exactly was wrong, if this had been caused by an action or words said, but anything that made his little brothers cry was bullshit and not allowed. God, they were turning him into such a dedicated protector, what was happening to him?

“Hey.” YS started softly, trying to capture Bee’s attention enough to get him to look up at him. “Come on now. I don’t know what’s going on, and I obviously won’t unless you want to tell me. But I can’t let you leave my apartment before you dry those tears.”

Bee just kept looking at him, unsure what to say. He knew what the problem was and even now with YS showing clear care for him his head was telling him it wasn’t deserved. I can’t believe I manipulated him into caring about me. “I just want to feel like I’m okay.”

A simple request and yet it wasn’t anything YS could fulfill for certain. He frowned slightly, offering Bee a sympathetic look as well as he could for how his face looked. “Not gonna let you leave until those tears dry.” He repeated. “I can’t do much other than remind you you’re wanted here.”

Bee buried his face back against YS at that, conflicting thoughts at war in his head. Face covered, he was slightly surprised when he heard YS start humming something. He’d heard the other sing before, he had a strong and commanding voice but it was nowhere to be found here. Gruff still, sure, but soft and comforting in a way he hadn’t heard before. A lullaby, for him? Soft and dragged out notes, no lyrics to be heard, just a melody.

As much as Bee felt like he didn’t deserve it, didn’t belong with any of them, he couldn’t stop the deep breath the sudden comfort drew from him. This was nice. Did he maybe deserve it after all?

“There you are, little man.” YS spoke between his hums, using the silly nickname he’d started using with Biff first. There were only so many variations he could say, after all. “You’re alright. Stay for as long as you need.”

______________________________________________

“Dude, be serious, you look like you’re about to pass out any second now.”

YS wasn’t even sure that Blue even had any problems to speak of. The dude was always overly happy and excited for basically everything, every time he’d come around to hang out was met with eyes full of wonder and an air of sunshine around him. But at the same time he came off as utterly clueless at best and straight up stupid at worst. To be fair, they were all stupid, but like, come on. Was this a persona he was putting up or was he genuinely just this excited and happy about everything? Maybe he was too air-headed to even tell he had problems.

It somehow didn’t seem like the dude even knew he wasn’t human as well. How do you go through life not knowing what you are? How do you just not know you’re an angel, has he just never looked in the mirror and seen literal wings and a halo?

“Noooo, no I’m fine!” Blue responded, clearly not fine. He looked just about ready to take the best afternoon nap of his life, but for some reason was stubbornly keeping his eyes open to stay watching shitty reality TV with his big brother. “I can stay awake, I don’t want to ruin my sleep schedule!”

“Dude.” YS snorted a laugh, shaking his head. “It’s not worth it to stay awake watching this shit. Nothing I have is good and you don’t have to pretend like I have anything exciting to offer.”

The words were met with a pout. YS rolled his eyes, wrapping an arm around him and guiding him into a hug. He’d already been heavily leaning into the taller’s shoulder and he put up no resistance. YS folded one hand into his hair and the other left comfortably on his back. “Take a nap, idiot. You’re clearly not going to last until your bedtime.”

“Bedtime? I’m not a five year old.” Blue fired back.

“Sure are acting like one right now.” YS teased, giving him a gentle squeeze. “Insisting on staying up because your big brother’s still up too? Very child-like behavior.”

It was fine, he was getting good at it now. Having all these times where his other selves came seeking comfort, and giving it all to them in the form of a hug paired with a lullaby. Blue didn’t necessarily need comfort in this scenario, but it wouldn’t hurt for YS to pick out a personalized melody for him too, just in case. Settling on another one he remembered hearing once, the tune rumbled from his throat while he let his hand massage into the other’s scalp.

“No fair…” Blue whined, already starting to lose the battle with his heavy eyelids. “Lullabies are cheating…”

“You’ll thank me later.” YS said in reply, a smug look on his face as the angel’s eyes slipped closed, body completely leaning into his own. Yeah, he was getting good at this.

Maybe he was proud about that.

______________________________________________

Maybe this time it was an instance where neither of them were okay. YS didn’t know how to handle this at all, looking at him made him want to tear his hair out and curse out whatever shitty excuse of a god was out there that let this happen. He knew he’d fallen into contact with this version far too early in the timeline, but he had been doomed to stay the moment he caught sight of him. Cyber. Another him, only 14 years old and possibly having the worst ending he’d seen yet. It wasn’t fair.

Cyber had died. He came from a world where the events at the school so many of the other instances of him experienced had gone wrong. They’d lost. The world was on the brink of ending and it was up to these kids to fix it. They’re just kids, how was that fair, it wasn’t fair, this wasn’t right. He’d died, only to be brought back as a fucked up science experiment by the aliens who’d attacked the school in the first place. A cyborg puppet meant to be used for destruction and conquering.

YS had found him locked in a shed with a dusty old mirror.

He couldn’t blame Cyber’s Pico fully. That Pico was also only 14, and what else was a kid supposed to do when they knew their dead boyfriend was dangerous, yet didn’t have the heart to let him go? Just kids, left to deal with all of this mess, this trauma. How was YS supposed to leave and wait for the timeline to advance to where they were the same age after seeing this?

He didn’t.

Cyber didn’t speak much to him, or at all really. The only thing YS had to go off of was the fact he wasn’t trying to attack him. Actually, the poor kid seemed to get attached to him rather quickly. His Pico had been slowly unlocking the human still left in him, and that part was fighting off the robotic programming. Slowly but surely, and the progress was far from linear. Sometimes it was all he could do to just not be violent, stay silent and huddle against the older for comfort. YS could do that. He could give comfort, because he was learning really fast he was entirely in over his head with some of his other selves. How was he supposed to fix this?

It was easy to completely curl around Cyber in a hug. Still small, he was supposed to be still growing at this point- would he even still get to? The lullaby he’d picked for the younger was repeating in his throat over and over, and for once it wasn’t as strong as he wanted it to be. His voice shook slightly, catching on itself the more YS thought about how fucking sad this situation was.

He was good at comforting the rest. That’s what he did.

But who, YS thought bitterly, who would be left to comfort him?

#RGBFverse #Big chunky writing for everyone #Cyber's here now we have overthrown Keyy /silly #Poor YS at the end though. He didn't plan for getting overwhelmed himself...#Playlist linked at the end <3

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dc418writes · 2 years ago

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•|All I Need is You|•

Pairing: trucker!Ari Levinsonxblack!reader

Summary: Your plans for Ari’s birthday just keep falling apart

⚠️: First and foremost: Ari (the girls that get it, get it✨), pretty much all fluff, negative self talk by reader

*Disclaimer: although collage was made by me, I DO NOT claim ownership of the pictures used as they were all found on Pinterest

“What do you mean it’s gone?”

“I-I’m sorry ma’am, but there was a glitch with our system,” the young receptionist nervously explains pushing her black frames further up the bridge of her nose. “The room you ordered appeared to be available when it really wasn’t.”

Yet another mishap to what was supposed to be the perfect weekend.

The first being you taking much longer than you wanted to pack since you couldn’t find the extra special gift you bought for Ari. You searched your bag - twice -, the closet, under the bed. Ari tried to help you look, but you refused not wanting anything to be spoiled.

Finally tired of looking, you figured maybe you could find it when you returned and didn’t feel rushed. That was until your boyfriend opened the trunk to see a small, glossy black shopping bag resting in the corner.

“What’s this?,” he asked peaking in before you could stop him. At least you could tell he liked what was inside from the blush creeping along his cheeks and ears.

“It was your surprise,” you sigh instantly making him feel guilty for looking. “I forgot I left it in there since you were home and I couldn’t sneak it by.”

Taking your hands in his, he can tell you’re kicking yourself from the slight frown on your lips. He ducks down to be at your eye level flashing that adorable smile that always had one appearing on your face as well. “Well I’m definitely surprised if it makes you feel better gorgeous. And even more excited for this weekend.”

“I would set you up with another room, but unfortunately we’re all booked due to the game and the other events this weekend.”

The same game you were surprising Ari tickets with and built his birthday weekend around.

“Do you know if there’s any other hotel available?,” Ari asks.

“Preferably in this same area or like a 15 mile radius, please?”

“I’ll try to contact the hotels nearby, but I have a feeling they may be booked too. If you’d like to use our computers to look at some others, you’re more than welcome.”

Nodding your head along with a quick thanks from Ari, he follows behind sitting in the black, leather desk chair beside yours as you type away. The way your knee bounces and you sigh when the page doesn’t load fast enough Ari can tell you’re getting more frustrated as the time passes.

“Hey, it’ll be okay,” he softly smiles placing his larger hand on your thigh. Your eyes stay glued to the screen though moving on to the third hotel on the list of those somewhat close by.

“Um Ms. Y/L/N?,” the receptionist calls. Her heels clacking against the polished tile as she gets closer to the computer area. “I looked and I’m sorry to say that there’s no rooms available in those I mentioned earlier.”

You’re not surprised, but still disappointed nonetheless feeling what little hope you had drain away. “It’s okay. Thanks for looking.”

“Of course. And for the trouble, I can set your names aside so the next time you’re in town we’ll set you up in our best room! All amenities included and at a discount.”

“That’s very nice of you,” Ari states. “Thanks for everything.”

“I’m sorry again for the inconvenience. Your full refund should be in your account within three business days. I hope you two still have a nice weekend amid everything, a-and feel free to use the computer as long as you need.” Her heels clack once again as she walks back to the front desk cheerily greeting the family waiting for their keys.

Maybe even to the room you and Ari were supposed to have.

Another sigh slips past your lips checking the last hotel in close proximity to find it completely booked. You probably could find a room farther out, but then that would mess up everything time wise. You’d have to leave earlier than you planned due to traffic, then worry about parking since you wouldn’t be in walking distance anymore-

“Hey I was thinking, my family’s cabin is only a couple hours out from here. Why don’t we go there and then we don’t have to worry about a hotel?”

And potentially miss out on the game having to really be careful with your time now.

“If you don’t wanna go that’s fine too. I was just trying to make things easier.”

Honestly, it didn’t. Well not completely that is. But Ari loved that cabin. He’d told you countless stories of his vacations there as a kid and how he would have trips with his dad as part of their “man’s weekend” when he hit his teenage years. How could you say no to such a big part of his childhood? Especially after he’d mentioned wanting to take you there so you could experience this magical cabin for yourself.

“Sure,” you softly smile. Ari notices it doesn’t quite meet your eyes though. “That’s fine.”

“You sure? If you’d rather the hotel then-,”

“No no it’s okay. Plus it’s your birthday weekend and if that’s what you want then let’s do it bubbas.”

Following behind, you both wave a final goodbye to the kind receptionist - still appearing sympathetic for the system’s mistake - before Ari’s sliding in the driver’s seat of your Toyota. The ride seeming a bit quieter this time as you mostly gazed out the window.

With Ari’s hand on your thigh, he tried getting you to smile or laugh with his goofy antics and saying how excited he was finally being able to spend the weekend together, but your smiles and conversation didn’t last long. Eventually you were back to the window or briefly scrolling on your phone.

And your fiancée was left worried about what was going on in your head.

“Hey I’ll meet you on the snack aisle. I just need to grab something first,” Ari states handing you the nearest shopping cart.

“Oh um okay. You don’t need it?”

“No you go ahead. I’ll be fine.” Leaning in, he sweetly pecks your cheek before moving to your full lips, “Love you.”

“Love you too.” Watching you journey towards the chips and your other favorites, Ari removes his phone from his pocket as he turns for the opposite end of the store. His sneakers squeaking along the linoleum of the older looking supermarket while he hopes for someone to answer the phone.

“Hey honey, how’s everything? Did you guys make it to the hotel? Is it as luxurious as it looks online?!,” his mom excitedly asks. He can practically hear her bouncing in place on the other side of the phone.

“Well actually we’re on our way to the cabin. There was a glitch that caused us not to have a room,” he explains searching along the shelves of various wines and other alcoholic drinks.

“Oh no. Good thing you have that spare key then.”

“Yea,” he half heartedly chuckles finally settling on a Merlot and Moscato before moving onto the cold fridge of brightly colored bouquets.

“What’s wrong? You don’t seem excited this go round?”

“I am it’s just..I don’t think Y/N’s too excited to go. Really she’s seemed bummed since everything with the hotel.”

“Well, I know she’s been planning this trip for a while now and is probably just disappointed things didn’t pan out how she expected. Nothing personal against cabby.” He only hums in response quickly scanning his items in the self checkout while occasionally twisting his head to make sure you weren’t anywhere in sight.

“Have you tried talking with her?”

“No, not really. I’ve just been trying to get her mind off everything, but it’s not really working. I still got a few more tricks up my sleeve though so fingers crossed.”

His mom lightly giggles, “While I’m sure your tricks are well effective, talk with her too. Make sure she knows you’re still enjoying every moment even though there was a slight bump. I don’t have to be there to know she wants everything perfect for you.”

She was right. You were a perfectionist putting so much pressure on yourself since a young age to make things right for others and appear put together yourself. There were a few times over the span of your relationship that Ari would comfort you after a rough day at work where you made the smallest mistake but expected to be fired the next day. His body holding you close - nearly suffocating you - as he tried to help rid those negative thoughts from your mind with praises from his soothing voice and sweet kisses.

Even if everything fell apart this weekend he’d still love you though. By now he hoped you knew nothing could ever change that.

Sneaking out the store, he jogs to the car carefully placing his items in the trunk before returning back to the store searching down the aisles. Sure enough you were still with the snacks deep in thought as you held a box of Cheez-itz and a bag of Doritos.

“I’ll talk to her. I gotta go but I’ll text when we get there. Let you know how everything looks.”

“Okay, love you and drive safe! Tell Y/N I said hi.”

“Alright love you too. Bye.”

“Your mom?,” you ask.

“Yea just letting her know we’re headed to the cabin. Whatcha got?”

“There’s cookies; chocolate chip, Oreo, and sugar. Lays original and now I’m stuck between these two,” you answer holding out both. Ari looks like he’s in thought for a moment, taking both in his own hands as his eyes switch from the red box to the blue bag before he easily dumps both in the cart with a wide smile making you giggle.

“Or that works too.”

Ari couldn’t help the smile on his face as soon as he stepped out the car. The cabin was just as he remembered with its dark wood a bit worn from battling with the elements over the years. It’s grass and bushes a bit overgrown from the lack of visitors, but nothing he couldn’t handle before they left.

It’s inside only sparked more nostalgia as he remembered running across the wooden floor as a child with a blanket around his neck pretending he was a superhero. The floor littered with toys his mom repeatedly told him to pick up and take to his room before someone got hurt.

Eventually that someone was his dad having slipped and fell on one of his Hot Wheelz.

“Larissa begged and begged until she got that hanging chair,” Ari shares gesturing to the woven rope seat gently swinging on the front porch. He chuckles to himself remembering how exhausted their parents looked hearing his sister go on - yet again - about this super cool chair that she had to have because her favorite singer had one on the cover of some magazine.

“I think that’s the closest they ever came to locking her in the closet.”

You haven’t heard a word he’s said busy removing the contents of your purse before frantically moving on to the few shopping bags left on the counter. Each one aggressively rustling as you mumble to yourself.

“Um you okay?”

“M-My ring. I can’t find my engagement ring,” you nearly cry patting the pockets of your jeans.

“Hey, it’s fine sweetheart. We’ll just retrace your steps.” Ari tries to soothingly rub your back, but you move just out of his grasp now beginning to pace the small kitchen.

“It’s not fine Ari! That was your grandmother’s ring that I lost because I’m dumb and can’t do anything right-,”

“Y/N look at me,” he sternly orders immediately making you still as tears rolled down your heated cheeks. The confusion and concern in his blue eyes stepping closer towards you only causes more to flow while your chest heaves with soft hiccups. “Where’s all this coming from huh?”

Your stressed eyes close in a moment of peace feeling his warm palms on your cheeks and thumbs removing as much liquid from your skin as they could before another set is joining its predecessors. “Because it’s true,” you whisper.

“It’s not. Far from it.”

“If I would’ve checked on things beforehand, then I would’ve known about the room and gotten another one so we could go to the game-,”

“Game? What are you talking about?”

Taking a breath you try to shift your gaze down to the floor beneath you, but Ari’s grip purposefully makes that hard to do. You’re stuck meeting his eyes and his eyes only. “It was the other part of your surprise. I got tickets to the playoff game and at the hotel I was planning on getting us couples massages since you’ve never had one. Then go check out some new restaurants and do anything else you wanted, but all that’s ruined now because I didn’t check first.”

“C’mere,” Ari coos pulling you into his chest as he slowly rocks you back and forth. His lips staying attached to your temple while his hand rubs up and down your back. “Nothing’s ruined. We can still do all of that.”

“The spa’s only for guests. We can’t go anymore.”

“Well, guess we’ll just have to give each other massages then huh?,” he grins. Hearing your short, muffled giggle has his heart warming leaning back to wipe the remaining tears from your eyes.

“I just wanted everything to be perfect for you.”

“This is perfect! We’re seeing my favorite team in a sold out game, staying here in one of my favorite places. And not to mention I got my fiancé here with me for it all,” he smiles pecking your forehead. “As far as I’m concerned, this is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

“Better than the surprise party last year?,” you ask playfully quirking your brow.

“Yep, because I get you all to myself now.” His strong arms suddenly lift your feet from the floor as he races towards the bedroom with a trail of your squeals and laughs in his wake - the sweetest music to ever touch his ears. Soon you’re both hitting the bare mattress and Ari’s lips shower your face with unlimited kisses as he comfortably smothers your body with his bulkier form. “And if I wanna steal you away, I can.”

“You could’ve that day too.”

“Pretty sure I tried, but someone was very busy being hostess.” His head slightly tilts upward in the direction of the gleam that hits his eye, causing a short huff of a laugh to escape his lungs.

“What?,” you ask as he gently lifts on his hands to retrieve the small diamond ring from the beside table.

Specifically, your engagement ring.

“I think you were looking for this.”

“That’s right, I took it off back here when we sat our bags down because I was afraid it’d get caught on something. S-Sorry for freaking out earlier.” Sliding the cool metal on your finger, his lips meet your knuckles before he’s shifting to lie on his side with a comfortable sigh, and hand caresses the side of your neck. His thumb grazing against your jaw leaves a tickled sensation along your skin.

“Sweetheart I want you to really hear me when I say you don’t have to ever worry about being or doing anything perfect around me.”

“I know I know, I’m already perfect to you.”

“And I mean it. Hopefully you truly believe me when I say that.”

“…I-I know that’s how you feel, and I really appreciate it, but it’s hard sometimes to see in myself what you do,” you shyly admit leaning more into his touch. “Like we’re looking at two different people.”

“I assure you it’s the same person gorgeous. And I have no problem reminding you how wonderful you are until you finally realize it.”

A soft smile forms on your lips placing your hand over his to sweetly peck his palm. “You’re the one supposed to be getting all the compliments and nice words birthday boy.”

He shrugs. “My day, and I say different,” Ari smirks leaning down towards your waiting mouth. “Which reminds me..”

Carefully rolling out of bed, he jogs out the room to the kitchen where you hear a cabinet opening and closing before he’s jogging back with a giddy smile and hands behind his back.

“What are you up to?”

Rather than speak, he brings his hands in front of him to show the bouquet of pink lilies and a bottle of your favorite wine. God this man really was too good to you.

“After the hotel I could see how bummed you were so I thought I’d surprise you too,” he explains handing you the flowers then placing the bottle on the bedside table to join you on the bed. His lips find your cheek as you take in the sweet scent of each bud.

“They’re beautiful! When’d you get them?”

“While you were getting snacks. Then I snuck them out to the car.”

“Thank you for loving me like you do,” you whisper leaving a kiss on his shoulder before resting your head on the exact spot.

“Only showing exactly what you show me everyday gorgeous.”

Taglist: @celestianstars @stargirlfics @fumbling-fanfics @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @adoreyouusugar @lovebittenbyevans @royalwriteroftheuniverse @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @theartisticqueen @chrisevans-world @literaturelove @ivorylei @elrw24 @pono-pura-vida @justile @sunsetfreedom05 @jackiekae @luvingmyships @give-me-a-million-dollars-pls @bekinds @maxcullen @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss

#ari levinson #ari levinson x black!reader #ari levinson x reader #ari levinson x woc #ari levinson au #chris evans #chris evans x black reader #chris evans x reader #chris evans x woc!reader #red sea diving resort

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dubiousduskwight · 3 months ago

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Day 5: Stamp

Fishing off the edge of Pier #2 was an everyday kind of farce in Kugane. A good catch wasn’t impossible, but the anglers that congregated around the dock stuck near boats where they were unlikely to get a bite. Many didn’t even bother to bait their hooks. During the day it was a place for those with someone to avoid and nothing better to do beyond gossip with the locals. At night, it was a useful place for calm and quiet, and many a henpecked spouse stayed out late “fishing at the pier” only to come home empty-handed.

Calm and quiet also made the pier a useful place for clandestine nighttime meetings, something the Sekiseigumi also knew, which is why Suzume only went fishing during the day. Despite the bustle of daytime business, it was harder to be observed among the business at the docks. Don’t do anything outlandish, focus on the rod and water, and every so often, cast and recast, and blend in. Few would notice a ragged-looking peasant woman in a frayed and old-fashioned sugata, and fewer would care. The common folk of Hingashi were much like those of Doma in their desire not to trouble themselves with what did not concern them. She appreciated that.

Beside her, Ryūsai was trying, and failing, to avoid outlandishness. He’d made the effort to blend in, trading his robes for a cheap outfit from the shops, one so bland and grey she felt inclined to ask after the tailor. The failure was in his reaction beside her. She’d delivered the prints to him for review as planned but his loss of composure was not: From the corner of her eye, she could see his curiosity change to revulsion as he flipped between each thin piece of parchment in the pack. By the third one, his mouth was half-open and his brow had knit in upon itself in disgust, lip curling up his and hiding his thin mustache, and by the fifth he looked as if he might retch.

Wordlessly, she took one hand off of her rod to place it on his left shoulder. It wouldn’t do if he dropped them the goods off of the pier. He didn’t bother looking through the rest of the papers in detail, simply packing them back up with shaking fingers and placing them back in their case. “It’s perverse,” he said, his voice trembling to match his hands, which carefully tied a set of twine string and wrapping paper back into place around the set.

Suzume shrugged, drawing back her fishing rod. “It’s art.”

“It’s sick. How could you stand to see it?” “I didn’t look for long.” She had seen worse in the Resistance, but there was no point in mocking Ryūsai for his reaction. Suzume envied his disgust; when she had reviewed each piece of the set, in detail, she had felt an anger, a tightening of her chest and a desire to strike the artist that she still suppressed. She would gladly have traded that for disgust. “But they work, don’t they?”

“I don’t see how they won’t get a reaction, no,” said Ryūsai. “Put them in the right places with the right people and the Enclave will have no end of complaints. It’s a small set, though, so we’ll have to be careful.”

“What do you mean, small?” Suzume tipped her head just far enough to get a better look at him, her mouth twisting to the side in irritation. “The artist said the same thing, but that’s nine-hundred pages.” “Right, and they’re nine to a set, so you have a hundred sets. That’s not bad, but it’s mass distribution. And the people who use these most, they hide them away. It’ll work for a test run, and that’s what we asked, but soon enough we’ll need ten times this many.”

“Oh.” She looked away from Ryūsai, keeping her eyes fixed on the water. “I thought he was trying to gouge me.”

“...Did you tell him that?” Ryūsai asked, but Suzume didn’t respond. He turned his head and bent forward to look her in the eye, causing her to twist her face farther and farther to the left to avoid his gaze. He gave up when looking any further would risk him tumbling off of the pier. “Do I have to apologize for you?”

“No.” Her sigh was soft and exasperated, and some chatter on the pier behind them, and the call of a ferryman looking for passengers, filled the silence. “Maybe.” “If he’ll still take our money, I’ll check with him after the test run. I meant to see how he block prints anyhow, or get something designed.”

“Fine. When you see him.” Suzume’s lip curled and nose twisted in frustration. Without warning, her head fell to the side, landing on Ryūsai’s shoulder and loosening the ill-kempt bun that tied up her hair. “I want to see her again,” she murmured.

“You’ll see her soon, you know that.” Ryūsai’s shoulders tensed, and he continued looking straight ahead. His voice dropped to match hers; the moment she had made her request, secrecy trumped the need to blend in. “It won’t be much longer.” “You see her all the time. It’s been weeks for me.”

“Not as often as you say,” he replied. Suzume kicked the side of the pier with her feet in response. “I know, it’s tough. You have the worst job. Somebody has to keep an eye on things here. Please, endure it.”

“We don’t endure.” Her reply was sharp and icy, and Ryūsai flinched, seeming to regret his choice of words. “Stay in my place,” she continued. “Just for a few days. I’ll deliver the prints and come back right after.”

“Right after, of course.” Ryusai placed a hand in the folds of his kimono. Shortly after, a small card passed from his hand to Suzume’s, that of a bright, white full moon on a red background over a dark hillside. She was quicker with her hands when she placed its identical counterpart in his palm.

“Thank you.” She lifted her head from Ryūsai’s shoulder, and looked back at her fishing pole. “Why didn’t you bring your own, anyway?”

“Was I supposed to? I thought we were only making the exchange.” “We were, and we did. You can’t just get up and walk away right after, though, that’s suspicious. Here,” She passed the cheap bamboo rod into Ryūsai’s hands. “Just cast for a little while. Anyway, you still look a little pale, it’ll take your mind off of things. Please, just end - “ She stopped herself mid-sentence, and Ryūsai gave her a wry smile. It was a difficult phrase to overcome, beaten into both of them as citizens of Doma.

“We don’t endure,” he said. “But it’s a nice day. Show me how to use this.”

#ffxiv rp #ffxivwrite2024 #a bright and beautiful moon

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mouser26 · 6 months ago

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Ooo ooo!

One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey

Has a rather wonderful example of this. While there is healing magic in the various regions of the 500 kingdoms how common or rare it is, and the strength of it, varies greatly.

So we actually spend a brief time with the princess getting an eye exam and new glasses from the court magician

She pulled out from the desk and sat, facing the piece of card-stock he had propped up on the table across the room. The pattern on it was of crisply ruled lines going both horizontally and vertically. He fitted the oculars to her face, and got out of the way so that she could see it. "It looks quite clear, Sophont," she said truthfully. "Well, this matches the last set I made you, but we might as well see if your eyes have changed in the interval. "Now" he muttered under his breath, something she didn't quite catch, and she sensed the glass of the lenses warm, just a little "-better and clearer, or fuzzier?" "Better," she said decisively. The lines on the card were sharper than they had been before. He muttered again; again the lenses warmed. "Better, or fuzzier and farther away?" They repeated this three more times, until the lines got oddly distant and did get a little fuzzier. Не reversed his last spell, which was subtly changing the shape of the lenses, exactly as he would have if he had been grinding them by hand. And, as a matter of fact, he once had done just that. As he had shown her years ago, he wasn't so much altering the lenses as matching them to sets he had hand-ground, when he first began making both telescopes and oculars down in his workshop. He had one master set of telescope lenses, and one of ocular lenses, which had taken him more than a year to make. Those were carefully stored away, but he had touched this set to every set in his workshop, and as he had explained to Andie, by the arcane Law of Contamination, that meant that these lenses "knew" how the others were shaped and could mimic that shape at his command. "So," he said, taking out a scrap of paper and writing down the number of the lenses to which he had matched these new ones. "I'll have three more sets up to you by day's end. Lady Kyria has astoundingly sound design sense-you ought to go have a look at yourself in a mirror."

And this all comes after a discussion with the the queen that oculars can in fact be made fashionable if you leave the designing of the frames to a craftsperson such as a jeweler who would know how to balance form and function.

As someone who has been wearing glasses daily for 2 decades plus I was delighted by this whole process which only took maybe 3 pages total out of 393

Whgskl. Okay.

PSA to all you fantasy writers because I have just had a truly frustrating twenty minutes talking to someone about this: it’s okay to put mobility aids in your novel and have them just be ordinary.

Like. Super okay.

I don’t give a shit if it’s high fantasy, low fantasy or somewhere between the lovechild of Tolkein meets My Immortal. It’s okay to use mobility devices in your narrative. It’s okay to use the word “wheelchair”. You don’t have to remake the fucking wheel. It’s already been done for you.

And no, it doesn’t detract from the “realism” of your fictional universe in which you get to set the standard for realism. Please don’t try to use that as a reason for not using these things.

There is no reason to lock the disabled people in your narrative into towers because “that’s the way it was”, least of all in your novel about dragons and mermaids and other made up creatures. There is no historical realism here. You are in charge. You get to decide what that means.

Also:

“Depiction of Chinese philosopher Confucius in a wheelchair, dating to ca. 1680. The artist may have been thinking of methods of transport common in his own day.”

“The earliest records of wheeled furniture are an inscription found on a stone slate in China and a child’s bed depicted in a frieze on a Greek vase, both dating between the 6th and 5th century BCE.[2][3][4][5]The first records of wheeled seats being used for transporting disabled people date to three centuries later in China; the Chinese used early wheelbarrows to move people as well as heavy objects. A distinction between the two functions was not made for another several hundred years, around 525 CE, when images of wheeled chairs made specifically to carry people begin to occur in Chinese art.[5]”

“In 1655, Stephan Farffler, a 22 year old paraplegic watchmaker, built the world’s first self-propelling chair on a three-wheel chassis using a system of cranks and cogwheels.[6][3] However, the device had an appearance of a hand bike more than a wheelchair since the design included hand cranks mounted at the front wheel.[2]

The invalid carriage or Bath chair brought the technology into more common use from around 1760.[7]

In 1887, wheelchairs (“rolling chairs”) were introduced to Atlantic City so invalid tourists could rent them to enjoy the Boardwalk. Soon, many healthy tourists also rented the decorated “rolling chairs” and servants to push them as a show of decadence and treatment they could never experience at home.[8]

In 1933 Harry C. Jennings, Sr. and his disabled friend Herbert Everest, both mechanical engineers, invented the first lightweight, steel, folding, portable wheelchair.[9] Everest had previously broken his back in a mining accident. Everest and Jennings saw the business potential of the invention and went on to become the first mass-market manufacturers of wheelchairs. Their “X-brace” design is still in common use, albeit with updated materials and other improvements. The X-brace idea came to Harry from the men’s folding “camp chairs / stools”, rotated 90 degrees, that Harry and Herbert used in the outdoors and at the mines.[citation needed]

“But Joy, how do I describe this contraption in a fantasy setting that wont make it seem out of place?”

“It was a chair on wheels, which Prince FancyPants McElferson propelled forwards using his arms to direct the motion of the chair.”

“It was a chair on wheels, which Prince EvenFancierPants McElferson used to get about, pushed along by one of his companions or one of his many attending servants.”

“But it’s a high realm magical fantas—”

“It was a floating chair, the hum of magical energy keeping it off the ground casting a faint glow against the cobblestones as {CHARACTER} guided it round with expert ease, gliding back and forth.”

“But it’s a stempunk nov—”

“Unlike other wheelchairs he’d seen before, this one appeared to be self propelling, powered by the gasket of steam at the back, and directed by the use of a rudder like toggle in the front.”

Give. Disabled. Characters. In. Fantasy. Novels. Mobility. Aids.

If you can spend 60 pages telling me the history of your world in innate detail down to the formation of how magical rocks were formed, you can god damn write three lines in passing about a wheelchair.

Signed, your editor who doesn’t have time for this ableist fantasy realm shit.

#accessibility in fiction

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jumblejen · 2 years ago

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We Were Always Going to End Up Together - Ch 30

Suptober 22, Day 30: Fingers

On AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/42237885/chapters/117534598

(Or read from the beginning: https://archiveofourown.org/works/42237885/chapters/106051008)

The cookout ended up being even better than Dean could have hoped. Their guests stayed for hours and ate and talked and laughed and Dean couldn’t contain the joy that he thought must be shooting out every pore. Even grumpy Bobby laughed more than Dean had ever heard before. Gabriel and Rowena flirted with everyone liberally, but not in tandem in a strange dance that suited them both perfectly but made Dean’s head hurt when he considered how all that worked in their relationship. Cas had been a solid presence all day, a never-ending stream of kisses and touches which almost made Dean wish the social part of their evening would end a little faster.

It seemed as though as the night went on Sam was less awkward with everyone. Dean didn’t know how much anyone here had kept in touch with Sam, if at all, but whatever the current status of their friendships with him, no one seemed to be holding any major grudges or ruining anyone’s good time. A little while after they had all finished round one of stuffing their faces, Dean had seen Sam and Benny walk a little farther off from the party, wandering around the yard. He kept an eagle eye on them, wanting to be sure that Sam wasn’t going to be even a little bit of a jackass towards Benny. The conversation lasted longer than Dean thought a simple apology would, but their body language never shifted to actively hostile and there were no raised voices. Benny had seemed plenty pleased with himself after they drifted back to the others. Dean and Cas had exchanged glances with each other, but neither had any clue exactly what had gone down.

Eileen didn’t seem to talk with Sam very much, though it was clear that she wasn’t avoiding him either, and Sam seemed just as tentative about how much he should try to engage in conversation with her. He was definitely still pining over her. Whenever Sam thought no one was looking he’d get this lovesick puppy expression that Dean had to try hard not to laugh at. Eileen’s looks at Sam when he wasn’t looking were much more considering, though never hostile. Dean even thought they softened as the evening progressed.

Eventually night fell and the stars came out. There was less light pollution here than in town, and everyone enjoyed stargazing for a bit until the damp air had them crowd back around the fire in the firepit. Cas handed out sticks and marshmallows, while Dean passed around plates of graham crackers and chocolate bars. No one minded the stickiness, though there was a heated debate over whether a marshmallow should or should not be set on fire at any point during the cooking process. No one took it too seriously, though Dean made a note of those who would not be happy if he was the one doing the roasting. Thankfully he and Cas were on the same page.

After everyone was well and truly stuffed, the party began to break up and folks started leaving. First, it was Meg and then most of the others followed suit. Gabe and Rowena left cackling about some private joke that Dean knew from experience was not one he wanted to be let in on. Everyone thanked them for a wonderful night, and left in a parade of taillights from the driveway. Sam and Eileen hugged before she left, so Dean had some hope they’d reconcile, even if it didn’t happen right away. Sam stood watching her taillights as she pulled out of the driveway and left down the road.

“You alright there Sammy?” asked Dean.

“Yeah. I think I am.”

“Good. Wanna stay for another round?”

“Nah. I better get home. Hafta work tomorrow.”

“Okay. Well, thanks for coming.”

“You bet Dean.” Sam took his car key out of his pocket. “Hey Dean?”

“Yeah?”

“Is it weird if I asked for a hug?”

Dean smiled. They hadn’t hugged each other since January. Normally they’d hug whenever they saw each other, just like they had since they stopped living under the same roof. “Of course, man.”

Sam seemed relieved as he threw his arms around Dean. The hug was fierce but short. “Okay. I’m headed out.”

“Drive safe Sammy.”

Dean waved as Sam pulled out of the driveway. He turned and walked back to the backyard, ready to help Cas clean up.

“So it’s Sammy again, huh?” asked Benny, who was the only remaining guest.

“Yeah, it’s Sammy. That a problem for you?”

“Not so long as it means you aren’t gonna let him walk all over you again, cher.”

“I won’t let him,” said Cas, sidling up to Dean and kissing his cheek.

“You leaving or staying, Benny?” asked Dean.

Benny smiled. “Oh, I think I’ll stay if you’re okay with that.”

“Hell yeah. You can check out our new guest room.”

“Is that what I’m doing?”

“It’s really nice in there,” said Dean cheekily.

Cas slipped his arm around Dean’s waist, “It’s really nice in where?”

“The guest room,” drawled Benny.

Cas laughed. “No one’s sleeping at all if we don’t get this stuff cleaned up.”

“Alright, bossy,” grumbled Dean with kiss.

Cleanup didn’t take that long as most everyone had taken their dishes back home with them, and it wasn’t like anyone was leaving garbage in their wake. But there were still empty cans and bottles to set aside to take to the recycling return place for their deposits. And stray napkins and bits of food here and there. Dean wanted to leave the bits to whatever opportunistic wildlife came around once they’d cleared out, but Cas thought that was too messy and probably not good for their digestion. Benny figured raccoons could and would eat just about anything, but picked things up at Cas’ direction.

Dean made sure that the fire was completely out, not wanting to leave it to chance. Some of the chairs folded up into little travel bags and those were put away and stacked in the basement. The heavy Adirondack chairs stayed by the firepit. Dean and Cas had found they enjoyed evenings in the warm weather by the fire quite a bit.

“You know what you need,” said Benny in the quiet as they sat back down in the chairs by the cold firepit.

“What’s that?” asked Dean sleepily.

“A swing.”

“A swing?” echoed Dean.

“You know. Like to put under one of these trees out here. Sit in the shade and swing a little. I can just picture you and Cas out here.”

Cas smiled at Benny. “I think I’d like that.”

“You wanna swing Cas? I’ll get you a swing,”

“Will you put it together for me?”

“’Course.”

“Told you you should get a swing.”

“I think Dean needs to go to bed,” said Cas

“I’m not that sleepy.”

“Dean, you pulled a late shift yesterday and were running around getting ready for the party all day. It’s okay to be tired.”

“It’s nice out here.”

“Yeah, it sure is. It is a nice place you two decided on. Bugs are going to start getting you though.” Benny stood up and stretched. “Guess I should break in that guest room. Come on princess.” Benny held out a hand to Dean, who took it with minimal grumbling to help him up.

“So what exactly were you and my brother talking about for so long,” asked Dean, his arm around Benny’s waist as Cas followed behind them.

“Don’t you worry about it.”

“He’s not worried,” said Cas. “He’s just dying of curiosity.”

Benny laughed. “I bet. It wasn’t much more than you could guess.”

“So, he apologized?”

“Yes, Dean, he apologized.”

“That doesn’t take as long as y’all took.”

“Did you know you start to talk a little southern when you hang out with me?”

“You didn’t answer the question.”

“Neither did you.”

“The two of you are ridiculous. And I bet I could guess what else they talked about.” Cas sounded both fond and exasperated with them.

“Oh yeah?” Dean let go of Benny and went to cling to Cas. “What’s that?”

“That Benny was telling Sam in great detail exactly what he would do to Sam if he ever hurt you like that again. Along with what I would do to him.”

Benny laughed. “You’re not wrong.”

“I can take care of myself,” protested Dean.

“No you can’t, Dean,” retorted Cas. “I think we’ve proven that you do much better with two strong men taking care of you.”

“Oh yeah? When are they going to get here?”

Cas stopped and squinted at Dean in the dimness, his head tilting in consideration.

Dean squawked as without a word Cas scooped Dean up over his shoulder as he walked faster back towards the house. “Hey put me down!”

Benny patted Dean’s head where it hung by Cas’ waist. “Hush now. You don’t want to wake the neighbors.”

“Cas I swear if you drop me…”

“I won’t drop you.”

“Benny, this is ridiculous! Why aren’t you on my side?”

Benny opened the side door to the house that led into the kitchen. Dean felt Cas carefully step inside, where he quickly made his way to the living room, plopping Dean down on the couch and then standing back with a fierce grin on his face.

“I’m on your side, but I’m pretty sure Cas would smite me if I didn’t let him just have his way.” Benny’s smile was wide as he peered at Dean on the couch.

“Well, at least you didn’t manhandle me,” said Dean to Benny.

“I mean, I could…” said Benny speculatively, fingers stroking his chin.

“Don’t you dare!”

Cas and Benny laughed at Dean’s indignation as he stood up and tried to stomp off in a pretend huff.

The rest of the summer passed quickly, with a couple more barbecues with various configurations of guests and food. Sometimes just one or two people would stop by and hang out. Dean loved that just as much, if not more, because it was clear how much Cas enjoyed being able to speak to whoever it was in-depth instead of dividing his attention among a group.

Dean fell more in love with their new home as the weeks passed. And he was sure to get a decent swing put up under Cas’ favorite shady tree. If the mosquitos weren’t too bad, Dean and Cas loved to swing in the evenings as the sun went down. Dean imagined they would continue using it for a few months until the chill and the weather made it more practical to put it up for the winter. Dean would miss the swing, but on the other hand, he figured they’d just move their evening relaxation to in front of the fire. There would definitely be snuggling.

Sam came out and dug holes per Cas’ direction. He also took it in stride when Cas did, in fact, change his mind about where he wanted to plant a particular tree several times. From the glint in Cas’ eyes, Dean was afraid that he was going to continue making Sam dig holes until Sam lost his temper, but thankfully it seemed that four holes was enough for secret penance and Cas’ general enjoyment. After that, Cas was more relaxed when Sam came around, and Sam made real efforts to get to know Cas as a person.

It was late August and Sam was over for his once-every-couple-weeks dinner after work. He’d brought a dozen ears of corn for Dean to throw on the grill alongside some skewers of marinated chicken and veggies. Cas and Sam were in the house getting plates and other necessities since the weather was reasonable enough in the shade to eat outside, as long as they stayed in the shade. Dean was tending to the grill, figuring it would only be a few more minutes before he could get everything started, when Eileen walked through the back gate.

Dean looked up in surprise. “Eileen! What a nice surprise.” Dean signed the parts of that he could.

“Hey Dean. Sorry to just drop in.” Eileen gave Dean a big hug.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just was out this way and wanted to not be alone today.”

“Tough day?”

“Toughest.”

“Well, you are more than welcome to hang out with us. But, I have to warn you. My brother is inside, in case that makes a difference.”

“I saw his car.”

“That okay with you?”

Eileen sighed and looked away. “Yes. It’s fine Dean.”

“Alright. Wanna go scare the crap out of Cas and Sam by busting in the kitchen, or hang out here with me?”

“That would be funny, but sounds like too much today.”

“Well, grab a drink out of the cooler and take a seat under the tree. I recommend the swing if you want to decompress.”

With a grateful smile, Eileen fished a bottle out of the cooler, deposited her bag over by the table and chairs set up for dinner and then plunked herself down in the swing, pushing herself slightly to get the swing going before tucking her legs up under her. Dean shot a quick text message to Cas letting him know. While he was always a fan of the comedy of errors approach to life, he didn’t think it was appropriate with Eileen clearly needing peace, and her relationship with Sam still being a giant question mark.

Dean’s phone buzzed with a response from Cas telling Dean that they would be out soon and that he let Sam know. Sure enough, the came bearing plates and flatware, along with the platters of skewers. Cas kissed Dean on the cheek as he dropped off the food and then made his way over to Eileen. She gave him a big hug without getting out of the swing. Sam set the supplies down on the table that sat under another shade tree and then stood fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. Dean almost felt sorry for the guy, since he clearly wasn’t sure whether he should go see Eileen or keep his distance. Almost. After all, Sam did make his own bed there.

In the end Sam decided to go say hi, and Dean had to bite his tongue from outright laughing at the way once he decided to go, Sam hustled over quickly. There was no hug for Sam, but Eileen and Sam seemed to be having a nice conversation, while Cas came and joined Dean at the grill.

A short time later, everything was ready and Dean was excited to get out of the sun. Cas had given up after a couple of minutes to go sit in the shade. Sam and Eileen had stayed with the swing until Dean called them over for food.

There wasn’t much conversation while they munched their way through corn and chicken and veggies. Smiles and groans of appreciation at the food replaced proper conversation until everyone had eaten enough to feel that maybe talking was something they should attempt as well. Conversation stayed light and enjoyable. Eileen didn’t explain her presence to anyone, and no one asked her to. Dean thought that was his favorite thing about his friends. Everyone knew that they were welcome and that if they needed something they just had to ask. None of that came with some sort of requirement that you bear your soul or give anyone the gory details. If Eileen needed to talk, she would. Right now, Dean figured she needed good food and good company, and that was something Dean was more than willing to provide any day of the week.

“Dean,” Eileen said, waving her hand to get his attention.

“Hmm?” replied Dean, his thoughts nowhere in particular.

“I brought pie.”

“You did?”

“I know it’s your favorite.”

“Is it in the bag?” Dean was very excited at the prospect of pie despite his earlier mellow contentment.

Sam laughed. “Maybe we should take these plates in first Dean? And get new ones? Maybe something to slice the pie with?”

Dean huffed in mock-disappointment. “Oh alright. If you want to be proper about it.”

Cas smiled at Dean and handed his plate to Sam.

“I’ll help,” said Eileen as she took Dean’s plate and walked with Sam back into the house.

“Think there’s something happening there tonight,” asked Dean.

Cas frowned in thought. “Did you manufacture their meeting like this?”

“Me? No! I wouldn’t do that to Eileen. I mean, it’s funny to mess with Sam, but nah.”

“Then maybe…maybe there is something ‘happening’ as you say.”

Dean rolled his eyes at the air quotes, even though he secretly found them adorable. “Should we say something? Do something?”

“No. I think it will play out without us.”

“Okay. ‘Cause you know some time together sitting on that swing might just seal the deal.”

“Do you want your brother to seal the deal on our swing?” Cas was completely deadpan even as Dean’s face contorted in disgust.

“You know what, man. No. That’s just. Now I am picturing things I never want to picture about my brother. Ugh.”

“Ugh what?” asked Sam carrying new plates and forks.

“Nothin’ Sammy,” said Dean. “What kind of pie is it?”

“Cherry and apple,” responded Eileen.

“My favorite,” said Sam faintly in surprise.

Cas and Dean exchanged a look, but Dean managed to keep a straight face. “Well, don’t just stand there, Sammy. Start slicing.”

Shooting a glare at Dean, Sam did as he was told and gave each of them a generous piece of pie. It wasn’t the best pie Dean ever had (that was reserved for Ellen’s homemade pies), but it was decent and more importantly, it was there for him to have right then.

Pie finished, everyone gathered up the remains of the food and the dishes, trooping into the house together. Normally when Sam would come over, he and Dean would spend some time just the two of them outside talking. It was another step in trying to repair their relationship. Tonight, however, Dean didn’t think that was going to happen.

“Dean, I think I’m going to get going a little early tonight.”

“Yeah man. Of course. Thanks for coming.”

“Thanks for cooking. Seems like you try out something new every time I’m over.”

“You are my favorite test subject.”

Sam laughed.

“I think I’m blocking you in,” said Eileen.

“Do you want me to move your car for you? If you want to stay longer.” Sam’s face was full of longing that no one in the room missed.

“I think I’m going to go too,” she said, not breaking eye contact with Sam.

The two of them stood awkwardly staring at each other until Cas coughed. They blushed and each took a half-step back. They made their goodbyes, both of them refusing any leftovers to take with them. Dean and Cas walked them out and waved until they were both out of sight.

“So Cas. Wanna take bets on whether they spend the night alone?”

“That sounds like a terrible bet.”

“Because you think they will end up together tonight, or because you think they won’t.”

“The only way they aren’t going to be together tonight is if Sam is a complete ass.”

“Possible.”

“Not likely.”

“True. Not likely. He clearly wants to get back together with her pretty badly.”

“I think she wants the same thing.”

“Well, I hope those crazy kids can work things out.”

“Sam’s come a long way.”

“Yes he has.” Dean leaned into Cas’ side. He realized they were just standing staring at their driveway. “Come on. Let’s go sit down. I’m beat.”

“Come swing with me?”

“Of course Cas.”

They headed around back and settled into the swing, Cas tucked against Dean’s chest, their arms and hands intertwined. The swaying of the swing created a gentle breeze and all of it was just about the most Dean could ask for.

#destiel #suptober22 #fingers

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