#and unfortunately it got hundreds of notes before i could stop it

[copia]

hey sorry to barge into your ask box-- insane edits, btw! but you seem like you'd know how to do this and i am Very Bad at tumblr. how on earth do you get images to post in an even nine-panel grid instead of whatever stupid bullshit tumblr is trying to do?? i am tearing my hair out

hey!! feel free to barge in whenever, and thank you :D if you're talking about a 3x3 grid of images (like i've made under the cut) then that's definitely possible, tumblr allows a max of 3 in a row. you can either add each image separately or select all at once from your folder, then drag & drop them into place. works fine for me on both desktop and the app. if you've already tried this then idk what the problem could be for you, sorry :/ tumblr does mess it up sometimes

edit: WELL. i tried to put the images under the cut but as soon as i saved the draft, they all separated out into one image per row. it's only when i removed the readmore that they acted as they should and i'm still not certain everyone will see it that way ... is that the issue you had?

[holyblonded]

up in the mountains | something blue

pairings: alexia putellas x teen!reader, barcelona femeni x teen!reader

summary: as team captain, alexia plans a bonding trip… to the mountains

warnings: fire

notes: this was requested and unfortunately i lost the request but i am so happy it was omg 😭

“Nature disgusts me,” you announced with pure venom, glaring at the stretch of green grass like it had personally offended you.

Vicky, crouched beside you and holding her phone to the sky like it was a lifeline, muttered darkly, “Blame Alexia. No bars. I repeat, no bars.”

Just ahead, the team was unloading from the cluster of black vans parked along the gravel road, suitcases being dragged, doors slamming, voices rising in excitement. The older players, Alexia, Lucy, Marta, and Irene, were already oohing and aahing over the “fresh air” and the “majestic silence of the mountains”. Even Sydney was smiling like she was in a tourism ad, hands on her hips and soaking in the view like a very relaxed puppy.

Meanwhile, you and Vicky were two gremlins hunched over your phones, trying to find a single signal bar like it was a rare Pokémon.

Frido tried to snap a picture of the valley and accidentally caught you flipping off your phone. Then Alexia marched over, wearing sunglasses, a whistle around her neck, and holding a clipboard like she was organizing the Olympics.

“Phones. Now.” You and Vicky both recoiled.

“I just got to 1% of an Instagram—”

“Don’t make me take them out of your hands,” Alexia said in that terrifying mom voice.

You sighed dramatically, handed yours over like you were giving away your firstborn, and glared at her.

Alexia turned to the group. “You have ten minutes to put your bags away, change into hiking clothes, and meet back out here. We’re doing the trail to the lake before it gets dark.”

Groans filled the air. Yours was the loudest.

“Oh!” Alexia added with far too much joy. “Room assignments. Vicky, Sydney, and Azulita, you’re together.”

All three of you high-fived like you’d just won the Champions League. But the celebration was short-lived. You grabbed your rolling suitcase, dramatically dragging it like it weighed a hundred kilos up the rocky path to the cabins. That’s when you felt it.

Squish. You looked down.

“Is that…?”

“Ew,” Vicky confirmed, gagging.

“Why would any creature just… go right there?” you yelled to the heavens, foot frozen mid-step.

The rest of the team burst out laughing as you angrily scraped your shoe on a rock, declaring loud and clear, “I hate nature. I will never love nature. This is my villain origin story.”

Inside your cabin, the room had that weird old-wood smell that made you feel like you were going to inhale a splinter. You kicked off your desecrated shoes, set them outside on the balcony, and collapsed onto the nearest bed.

“This room needs air,” Vicky coughed, yanking open the sliding door.

You squinted at her. “You know a bear could walk in.”

“I would welcome the bear,” she said, dramatically flopping backwards. “Let it put me out of my misery.”

Ten minutes later, you, Vicky, and Sydney headed back down, all in hiking gear (reluctantly, in your case). The rest of the team was gathered at the trailhead, already stretching like this was fun.

You found yourself walking next to Lucy on the hike, which was unfortunate because Lucy was being… Lucy.

“Those shoes aren’t even good for hiking,” she said, nodding at your backup sneakers.

“Says the woman dressed like she’s going to scale Everest,” you shot back.

“At least I look prepared. I bet you didn’t even pack sunscreen.”

“I did,” you sniffed. “I just didn’t pack the will to live.”

“You should really work on your attitude.”

“Oh I’m so sorry, let me knit a gratitude journal out of moss.”

The bickering continued until a blur of movement on the trail made you stop short.

“Was that—?”

“A frog,” Lucy said, squinting into the bushes.

“Gross. Nature is trying to assassinate me.”

“Relax. It’s probably more scared of you than— wait, where’s the path?”

You both looked around.

The trees all looked the same. The rocks all looked the same.

“YOU got us lost,” you snapped, spinning in a circle.

“Me? You’re the one who screamed and ran when the frog hopped.”

“That frog jumped with intent, Lucy. It had murder in its eyes.”

“Aren’t teenagers supposed to be resilient? Use your energy and figure it out.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Aren’t old people supposed to be wise? Use your wisdom, Lucy.”

She glared at you. “I’m not old.”

You glared back. “I’m not resilient.”

“STOP ARGUING,” someone shouted in the distance and then, through the trees, came the sound of footsteps, laughter, and Vicky yelling, “There they are! The Chaos Twins!”

Frido, laughing, pointed her camera phone at you both. “This content is going straight to the team group chat.”

Alexia looked like she aged five years in two minutes. “I leave you alone for ten minutes.”

“I’m blaming Lucy,” you said.

“She screamed at a frog!” Lucy shouted.

The team howled with laughter as you and Lucy marched… sulked back into the group like two feral children returning from war.

As the hike continued, you turned to Vicky and muttered, “This is why I don’t touch grass.”

And she patted your back solemnly. “Never again, my friend. Never again.”

You’re standing in the foyer of the Airbnb, soaking in sweat, covered in dirt, and deeply questioning why you ever agreed to this “team bonding” weekend. Your backpack is half unzipped, Vicky’s is leaking trail mix for some unknown reason, and Sydney’s holding up a leaf like it’s evidence in a crime scene.

Alexia stands in front of you like some camp counselor who’s clinging to the last threads of her sanity. She claps her hands once, sharp and authoritative. “Alright, listen up! Showers. Now. Then get dressed, we’re leaving for lunch in an hour and heading into the city. You’ve got thirty minutes, let’s move.”

You’re already planning your tactical shower-to-food route when Vicky sidles up next to you with a stupid grin on her face.

“So, Azulita… is San Francisco, like, basically LA with fog?”

You stop walking. “What?” you ask flatly, blinking at her.

“I mean, NorCal and SoCal, it’s all California, right? Like cousins?”

You stare. “No. NorCal and SoCal are not cousins. They’re enemies. Sworn enemies. Like Barça and Madrid.”

Vicky tilts her head. “So what you’re saying is, I should wear my Dodgers hat in SF?”

Sydney chokes on a laugh. You, however, are this close to throttling her.

You’re about to tell her to shut up, very politely, of course, when you open the door to your room and freeze.

There’s a goat. A whole live goat. Standing in the middle of the room, chewing on a pillowcase that definitely didn’t come from IKEA.

The three of you stare at it. It stares back. You close the door slowly.

You, Vicky, and Sydney exchange a silent look like you’ve just walked in on a horror movie in progress. Then, because you’re a masochist, you open the door again.

The goat is still there. It baaas at you. Loudly. No one moves. Not an inch.

And then, of course, Vicky sneezes. Because Vicky’s allergic to everything that breathes and/or grows in nature. Her dramatic head-whip sends you all crashing inside the room.

The goat goes absolutely feral. It leaps over the bed like it’s training for a Spartan race, knocks over someone’s suitcase (yours), and tries to eat one of Sydney’s socks. Everyone starts screaming. You scream the loudest. You’re from the city. You were not built for this. There’s a thunder of footsteps down the hall and Alexia, Lucy, and Irene burst into the room like some kind of elite goat removal squad.

“What the—” Irene starts.

Alexia just points at the goat, dead-eyed.

“Why is there a goat in your room?” Lucy manages, blinking.

“I DON’T KNOW!” you yell as you dodge a flying flip-flop.

Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Jana, Salma, Pina, and Ona are doubled over in laughter. Phones out. Recording everything. You already know your screaming face is going to be the next viral meme.

Eventually, after much cursing and impressive upper body strength from Irene, the goat is wrangled out. Everyone exhales. You lean against the wall, panting. Sydney lies face-down on the floor. Vicky sneezes again and mutters, “I think it peed on my hoodie.”

You think it might have. Then, because of course, the peaceful silence is shattered by a high-pitched scream from downstairs. Everyone sprints down the stairs like the cast of a bad sitcom. Smoke is curling into the air like someone summoned a demon with a burnt offering. Frido is under the smoke alarm, waving a towel so frantically it looks like she’s trying to take flight, while Ingrid spins in frantic circles shouting, “Where’s the extinguisher? WHERE’S THE EXTINGUISHER?!”

You grab it from behind the kitchen island, mutter “Jesus take the wheel,” and put out the tiny stove fire like a seasoned firefighter.

Alexia pinches the bridge of her nose. “What the hell happened?”

Frido looks sheepish. “I turned around for one second to ask Ingrid about sourdough and… boom.”

Alexia flips her clipboard over, glares at her detailed, laminated itinerary, and with a sigh so deep it feels spiritual, she says, “Okay. Change of plans. Everyone shower. Get ready. We’re going into the city now. I don’t care if you’re still wet from the lake, I need functioning adults in one location and no more livestock.”

There’s a collective groan, but you trudge back up the stairs, muttering under your breath.

You’ve come to believe that as much as you have nature, nature hates you.

You should’ve known it was gonna be chaos the second your foot hit Market Street. The team had barely walked three blocks into downtown San Francisco when someone yelled your name from across the street.

“YO, AZULITA! I SEE YOU!”

You turned, sunglasses sliding down your nose like you were in a movie, to find a random dude on a Bird scooter doing a full 180 mid-glide, nearly crashing into a trash can as he whipped out his phone to snap a photo of you like you were a rare Pokémon that had spawned in Union Square.

Frido blinked. “Did that guy just… recognize you?”

“Yep,” you said coolly, adjusting your hoodie like a celebrity trying not to be spotted… while very much enjoying being spotted. “I got clout here.”

You didn’t mean for it to sound cocky, but you’d played plenty of games in the Bay growing up. You had fans here. You were a LA kid, sure, but San Francisco knew who you were. Legends FC never lost a game up here. You used to eat NorCal teams for breakfast, and the tournament MVP plaques currently lived in Olga’s office right next to her garden tools and your old cleats from U14s.

Still, now that everyone had witnessed it, they decided, without discussion, without a single group vote, that you were now the official tour guide of the Bay Area, to which you groaned audibly.

As the group walked past the Embarcadero and down toward Mission, Vicky jogged up beside you, frowning at a mural.

“So… San Francisco is part of LA?”

You stopped dead in your tracks.

Everyone else kept walking for a full five seconds before realizing you weren’t moving. You turned to her slowly.

“Are you serious right now?”

She blinked. “I mean… they’re both in California, no?”

You sighed so hard your ancestors probably felt it. “We are in Northern California. I’m from Southern California. It’s a totally different culture. Different vibe. Different energy. This is Warriors territory. I’m Lakers. We have two football teams, they only have one, the losers. They put pickles in burritos up here. It’s lawless.”

Vicky turned to Sydney and whispered, “I think she’s making it up.”

“I heard that,” you snapped.

Sydney shrugged. “She does sound dramatic about it.”

Eventually, thankfully, you made it to your lunch destination. A small, tucked-away Dominican spot in the Mission District, decked out in Caribbean flags, painted in bright turquoise, and smelling like someone’s grandma had just smacked a pot of habichuelas on the stove.

The second you stepped through the door, the owner gasped.

“AZULITA? DIOS MÍO!”

“¡Tía Ana!” you beamed.

Tía Ana practically flew over the counter, wiping her hands on her apron, then hugging you so tight your teammates thought she was about to lift you clean off the ground. She started muttering in fast Spanish, “tan grande estás, mírate, por fin te crecieron las orejas,” and “tú sabes que eres bienvenida siempre, mi niña.”

(You are so big, look at you, you finally grew into your ears. You know that you are always welcome, my girl.)

You melted. You hadn’t seen her in years, but it felt like home instantly.

The rest of the team just stood there blinking like they’d been hit by a rogue piñata.

“Wait, what’s happening?” Lucy whispered to Sydney.

“I think she’s related to everyone here,” Sydney answered.

You switched straight into Spanish, your Dominican accent thick and fast, your words sharp and dancing with speed. The staff lit up and started talking back just as fast. Vicky tried to keep up. She failed within the first five seconds.

“She’s just saying words now,” Ona mumbled.

“I think she just ordered a car?” Salma added.

“Is this even Spanish?” Pina questioned.

You laughed with the staff, kissed cheeks, and then pointed at your group. “Yo ordeno por todas. No confío en ellas.” (I’ll order for all. I don't trust them.)

“Did she just say she doesn’t trust us?” Frido asked, clearly offended.

“Yeah,” Vicky said. “Probably because we thought San Francisco was in LA.”

You ordered everything. Mangu. Empanadas. Arroz con pollo. Tres leches. Tostones. Passion fruit juice. You were feeding a freaking army. Even picky Ona was licking her fingers and leaning back in her chair like she was ready for a nap.

Before you left, you snuck behind the counter, slid a thick wad of cash into the tip jar. Tía Ana caught you mid-slide.

“¡No necesitamos propina!” she hissed. (We don't need a tip!)

“Y yo no necesito reglas,” you grinned, dodging the flying handkerchief that came at you. (And I don't need rules.)

Back on the street, the whole team wandered through the city in a collective food coma. You found Frido with her hands tucked into her hoodie, staring at a sea lion plushie in a window display.

“You good?” you asked.

“I would die for plantains,” she whispered.

You kept moving. Taking selfies on cable cars. Debating if Alcatraz was haunted (Vicky said yes with too much confidence). Daring each other to eat sour candy so intense it made Salma cry a little.

And then, of course, because your life is a sitcom, you stumbled across a local park having a football tournament.

It was full-on community chaos. Kids in oversized jerseys. Teens with glitter on their cheeks. Loud parents yelling things like, “¡PONTE LAS PILAS!” and “RUN, KEVIN, RUN!”

There was even a hand-painted sign that read: Bay Area Community Cup.

You should’ve kept walking. Instead, Frido looked at the pitch and muttered, “Bet we could win that.”

Lucy squinted. “You’d sprain your hip.”

Frido scoffed. “At least I didn’t tear my ACL in ‘09.”

Gasps all around. War declared. And that’s how, ten minutes later, you had two teams:

Old School: Frido, Lucy, Ingrid, Irene, Patri, Gemma, Alexia (coach), Marta (holding a burrito in one hand and a cone in the other).

New School: You, Vicky, Sydney, Salma, Pina, Jana, Ona, Ellie. Caro (forced to be the coach) Aitana (volunteer to be the assistant coach)

Alexia flat-out refused to play. She stood on the sidelines with a clipboard she found in someone’s lawn chair. Marta wore sunglasses and yelled tactical advice between bites of her burrito.

Caro was basically forced into her position, but took it extremely seriously. Next to her, Aitana was drawing up battle plans.

The local organizers looked like they were going to faint.

“Is that… is that Barcelona?”

“IS THAT AZULITA?!”

Within twenty minutes the park was packed. TikTok lives. Kids screaming. Someone was selling elotes now. A local dad was narrating the match on a microphone like it was ESPN.

The final match came down to Old vs. New.

3–3.

So you went to penalties.

The tension was so high you could taste it in the air. Sydney was pacing. Vicky was stretching like she was about to do yoga, not take a pen.

You were last. It was down to you.

If you scored, New School won.

You stepped up, spun the ball in your hands. Frido shouted from behind the line: “You better not miss, LA!”

You turned slowly. Gave her the most disrespectful wink in history.

Deep breath. Run-up. Boom. Top corner.

The net snapped.

You ripped your shirt off like it was the World Cup Final, sprinting around the pitch screaming, “CALIFORNIAAAAAAAAA!”

People were cheering like you’d just won Olympic gold. Sydney chased you with a water bottle. Vicky dove on your back. You ducked her and started windmilling your arms like a helicopter.

Yes, there were medals. Cheap, plastic, probably from Party City, but you wore yours like it was pure gold. There was a trophy, too. It looked like it used to hold lemonade. You kissed it anyway.

Alexia took at least fifty pictures. “For Olga,” she said with a smirk.

You posed dramatically, medal in mouth, trophy over your head. “Tell her I’m the Bay’s MVP.”

“She’s gonna cry-laugh when she sees this,” Alexia said.

Later that night, back at the Airbnb, you sat on the couch like a god. Medal on your neck. Hoodie off. Hair wild. Eating a bag of Hot Cheetos like you’d earned every crumb.

“You know,” Vicky said, “Northern California is not that bad.”

You crunched loudly. “Still smells like fog and tech bros.”

But you smiled anyway. Because this was the most fun you’d had in a long, long time.

[usoppsstar]

Op men when you're pregnant 🍼🍼🍼

Pairings: Op men x f! Reader

Characters: Sanji, Usopp, Zoro, Luffy

Tw: none it's fluffy/ mention of boobs getting bigger

Notes: A lot of pregnant reader being fussed over and protected, if you're looking for an op reader this might not be the fic for you sorry; you're not necessarily married to them in these, except for Sanji; I've already got thoughts for a part two; as always, this is proofread but there may still be mistakes🍼🍼🍼

🍼 Masterlist Angst ver Pt.2

🍼Sanji

We all already know that Sanji's pregnant wife isn't lifting a finger. Your feet wouldn't touch the ground either if it wasn't for the exercises chopper makes you do so your labor will be easier . If you thought he pampered you before, you won't believe how he waits on you when you're having a baby.

"Hey chopper! What's this I hear about y/n having to workout!? My lovely wife is carrying our baby! Just her sitting there looking round and adorable should already be enough!"

Has a huge problem when he finds out about the exercises Chopper prescribed you until he saw just how cute you looked trying to do them. Throws a fit and gushes about how adorable you are until eventually you get frustrated with him( and trying to balance on an exercise ball) and tell him to go away.( He's also not a great influence either cuz he's quick to tell you it's fine to stop when you get frustrated, only for you both to be lectured by Chopper).

Now, Sanji might fuss with Chopper over your little cardio regimens but he takes your diet and the food Chopper recommends very seriously, and it's obvious to everyone on the crew. From how long it takes for it to be time to eat because he's taking extra time to add extra care to your dishes, to the way NO ONE is eating until you get your plate. Not that your crew has any problem with you eating first anyway( even Luffy) but your husband can get carried away and lose track of time. They eventually come up with a plan that always gets Sanji moving. Wait until you get hungry,watch as you stomp into the kitchen, and get ready to eat.

Since we're on food, it's a given that there's no craving that you can conjure up that Sanji won't make into a gourmet dish for you( unless it's something inedible like laundry detergent unfortunately). Sanji is pretty strict with your diet though, and although you don't whine much cuz anything he makes tastes amazing, there are times when you can't help but ask for something deep fried or drowned in ice cream and caramel.

Besides that though,Sanji pretty much gives you whatever you want.You are always right during your pregnancy, no matter how irrational or illogical you're being, and that's because you are getting absolutely no logic from your man. It can be asking him to get you golden cheese from the moon as a craving or telling him that the jar you can't open is plotting against you. To Sanji you can do no wrong while you're carrying you twos baby(not that you can ever do wrong in his eyes anyway)

I feel like this is a given of course but Sanji is super overprotective of you while you're pregnant,even more than usual. Always keeping an eye on you and checking on you, or asking another crewmate to look over you if he can't. It's even worse for him during a fight. Is it safer to keep you close to him the entire time or should he leave you somewhere "safe"? Is that somewhere safe, safe enough? What if someone targets you once he leaves? There's not a peaceful moment for Sanji as long as there's a threat anywhere within a hundred miles of you and because of this Sanji frets over you relentlessly during a fight. Everyone knows it would be different if you were in your original state and could defend yourself like always, but because you aren't, you don't complain when Sanji frets over you 24/7. Simply because you know that no one would hurt more than Sanji if any harm should come to you or the baby when he wasn't around to protect you.

On a fluffier note! Sanji sings to you and the baby

Late at night, when most of the crew have turned in for bed and you two(three) are the only ones left in the kitchen. He'll make you your favorite snack ,prop your feet up, and sing to you while he finishes cleaning up the kitchen. You usually drift off to sleep, and Sanji, always carries you back to your bedroom.

***🍼***

🍼Usopp

Usopp likes to dress you up, specifically in…

Overalls. He wants to see your pregnant belly in overalls.

There is nothing cuter to him. Of Course he wouldn't actually ask you to put on the jean ones, but the huge, fabric overalls that come in a variety of colors?? Yes please. Maybe it's because he enjoys wearing overalls himself but there's something about the pockets and the look itself that gives him serotonin. He likes to see you in any of the clothes he either bought or made with you in mind really. His feelings do get hurt sometimes though because as much as you appreciate him and as lovely and comfortable as the clothes are, sometimes the most comfortable outfit to you is a baggy shirt and a pair of his boxers. He'll pout but low-key, he thinks you look good in that too.

He talks to your belly all the time. He finds it fun, especially when he feels a kick. He likes to pretend that the baby is reacting to his story, even if he knows they might just be stretching or something. Besides, we all know that Usopp never misses a chance to tell an impressionable mind an outlandish story about his past. So who better to tell his tales to than his unborn baby? Get this though, despite the amazing adventures he's been on and how incredible his skills actually are now, he tells made up stories anyway. The stories are more precious to him this way, almost like a gift for his unborn child. A story no one else has heard(Besides you anyway lol).

Usopp is building baby stuff the moment Chopper tells you both you're pregnant, like for real sketching up designs that same night. He's discussing room floor plans with Franky, he's picking out fabrics for toys and paint for walls, and asking you if the baby should have a crib or a bassinet. It's low-key a stress reliever for him. There are plenty of times when you'll wake up in the middle of the night, to use the restroom or get some water, and you'll notice the light on in his workshop. Usopp Is always super careful not to wake you up whenever he does this, so you usually never notice, but whenever he can't sleep he goes to his workshop. So ever since you two have been expecting, whenever he can't seem to get some rest,he crafts things for the baby. You usually choose to sleep on the bed in there with him when you find him like this,even if he encourages you to sleep where it's more comfortable( you always wake up in his arms in your guy's bed anyway though)

Usopp would never let anything hurt you while you're vulnerable like this, and there's no fight he'll lose if you're behind him. Unlike Sanji, Usopp has no problem deciding if he'll stay behind with you and watch over you that way, or entrust you to another crewmate and do his job somewhere else. He'd much rather you stay on the Sunny rather than venturing onto the island where the danger is, and as much as he trusts his crew with your safety, he'd just be thinking about you the entire time if he left you. If push comes to shove and his role is crucial, he'll leave you with chopper or Nami or even on your own, and trust that you'll keep yourself hidden. It's not going to stop him from panicking the entire time though.

He makes it very obvious just how excited he is to welcome your new child into the world. If it wasn't evident with how much he was preparing for the arrival, how much he talks about it definitely gives it away. He's always talking about the kinds of things he'll teach them,the plants he'll show them( He's already started propagating some cuttings from his favorites), and just how incredible it is that you can carry an entire tiny person inside you like this, a part of both of you.

"It's just so fascinating that you can carry human life like this!" Usopp happily tells you one day as you sit with him while he tends to his plants outside.

"You're really incredible honey, you know that!?" He says before turning to you with a precious smile, one that makes you glad to be sharing parenthood with him.

***🍼***

🍼Zoro

Will wake up and get things for you in the middle of the night no matter how late it is. Food, water, another pillow, another blanket, it doesn't matter. It takes a little effort to wake him up but he always will.

" Zoro?....... Zoro! Baby!" You whisper as you shake him

" Hunh!? Hm?" Zoro'll sputter and sit up on his elbows.

You'd think because of Zoro's sharp instincts, he'd wake up as soon as you need him right? And he would. If you were in any danger. Someone attacking the ship? He's up in a heartbeat. A particularly intense storm? He's up before you are. You about to pee the bed? He's awake and running you to the bathroom, but unless it's something of that nature, Zoro sleeps like a rock. He just has a sort of sensor in his sleep that differentiates emergencies from minor things, and if it's a minor thing your gonna have to darn near slap his a** to get him to wake up.

Zoro may seem like he doesn't fuss over you but he does, a lot. Someone on the outside looking in might think that Zoro doesn't pay much attention to you, judging by the relaxed way he's resting on deck, but really all his attention is tuned towards you. It's always been, but since Chopper found out that you were pregnant( you two didn't even realize for a few weeks), he's been extra attentive. Noticing changes in your tone when speaking, even if it's just playful banter between you and one of the crew, or changes in your mood at all. Always giving you looks that silently ask if you're tired or if you're ready to leave. It's as if he always knows exactly what you need, almost before you do. All it takes is a single glance and he understands what you're trying to tell him. Not even just when you're uncomfortable or tired, even if you're hot or hungry. Zoro will suddenly be over with an umbrella or loudly asking sanji when it's time to eat( which always ends in a fight because Sanji was already on top of it). It might just be his observation haki but sometimes it feels like something more special than that.

Zoro doesn't talk to your belly much. He'll tell you it feels awkward and he never knows what he's supposed to say but won't admit that it's actually because the first time you guys tried it, his deep voice startled your baby( you both literally saw the jump) and he's been secretly sulking ever since. It's also a little weird for him to talk to the baby because well, you're sitting there. You always reassure him that you're not listening but he knows you are, and that if he says anything that you deem cute, you'll never drop it. So yeah, he doesn't talk to your belly much. During the day anyway. What no one knows is that Zoro talks to your belly all the time after you fall asleep. Complaints about his crewmates, how luffy almost got them all killed today,how pretty he thought you looked today, and how much he looks forward to their arrival.

It didn't really compute to him that you guys are really going to have a tiny version of yourselves until your stomach starts to show. He doesn't notice it right away but one day you lifted your shirt after your short workout session( you decided to do it in the crow's nest with Zoro) and he saw just how tight and dome shaped your stomach looked. He only realized then, that a person was really growing in there. After that, he was pretty intrigued by how he could look away and next thing he knew, your stomach was that much bigger( that and *ahem* other things). He never told you of course but you eventually found out because Zoro kept making sure he was present whenever you changed clothes. That and he's always stroking your belly whenever you both are just chilling, nowadays he doesn't even realize he's doing it until he feels the kicks against his palm.

If you ever start to feel insecure about not being able to fight with your crew( once you get too big to move swiftly) Zoro is quick to reassure that it's alright to sit back and let him and the crew handle everything for now.

" No one here doubts just how capable you are, but that's not important now. There's someone in this crew that needs you more." Zoro tells you in a stern voice as he stands in front of you.

" So let me handle this alright?" He'll also say softly.

***🍼***

🍼Luffy

Luffy talks and interacts with your belly as if your baby is already here. There's times when you actually kind of feel like a third wheel between your captain and your unborn child, and with the enthusiastic kicks and nudges you feel in response, you're justified in thinking your baby feels the same way as their dad. Besides the quick kiss he gives you before their conversation and the kiss he gives you after, there's no other indication that he acknowledges you're there( except when he mentions you).

He likes to do things like carry you around on his shoulder and describe the view to your baby when you all are about to dock on a new island because they can't see it. He also checks on you when everyone is hanging out on deck, stopping to press kisses on your cheek and tummy, or ask how you're doing and if the baby is kicking a lot( he finds it fascinating) and at night he likes to talk about his day to the two of you while laying a little of his weight on you.

Luffy had to learn to be more gentle with you now. No more flinging back to the ship with you, no more accidentally crashing into you, no more dragging you onto crazy islands he's intrigued by. He realized this for the first time when he went for a hug and your belly pressed into his and forced him to pause. It didn't take Nami to slap him in the head or Sanji to kick him. He just realized that it's not just you two anymore,there's three of you now and the smallest one depends solely on the both of you. After that he began to be more gentle with you and think just a little more about his actions.

Luffy hates it when you start to get upset, and no,not because he thinks it's annoying. He just hates for you to want for anything, especially food. You'll never get hungry as long as you have luffy around because he's always checking if you are. At first you thought it was an excuse to get more food out of Sanji, but when Luffy passed his plate to you and made sure you ate first during dinner for the first time, you knew he genuinely cared.He always encourages you to eat as much as you want too, his words always being

" It's OK! You're eating for two now!"

Of course you can't actually eat as much as Luffy thinks you should( his standards are insane) but you appreciate just how much he wants you to be happy and well-fed.

As much as Luffy likes to see you eating, he actually takes the diet Chopper gave you pretty seriously. What you thought would be late nights of sneaking into the kitchen( after bribing him with promises of letting him have some) were actually nights full of cuddles and sleepy scolding about how ' Chopper said you can't have that'. You figured it'd be pretty easy to convince luffy to help you cheat on your diet but he's pretty diligent, not wavering no matter how complain or hang on to him and instead giving you a teasing laugh and kiss. Now of course, Luffy can't actually stop you from getting a treat and he wouldn't try, if you were dead set on it, but there's something about Luffy being responsible for your sake that makes you want to be responsible too. That and the proud hugs and kisses he gives you when you resist the temptation of a sweet treat.( Luffy definitely asks Sanji to make something special but that's good for you too,though)

When it comes to your safety, unlike the other boys on this list, Luffy has absolutely no problem leaving you with the others because he knows all of them would protect their pregnant crewmate with their lives. He doesn't even mind leaving you on your own. Luffy just kind of knows when he should and shouldn't leave you alone, and if he has a feeling you'll be safe from harm, he'll leave you with a light heart. He doesn't even ask you to keep yourself safe, instead he holds you close, presses his forehead to yours, and promises that he'll stay safe, and that he'll be back for the both of you soon.

A/n: I finally finished this one, it took me way longer than I planned, but when you're a master procrastinator it gets a little difficult to write everyday. I've already thought about some head cannons for Kidd with pregnant reader, so there'll definitely be a part 2 to this. Yaaaay, I finally posted one piece content again. Thanks for reading🍼🍼🍼

[artsninspo]

012 | Richmond Inc.

「 ✦ full library & archive ✦ 」

「 ✦ aaron pierre & characters library ✦ 」

⇚ 011

♠ summary: Lorence goes back to work and Terry shows up like never before.

♠ pairing: Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre - Rebel Ridge) X Lorence Cole (Black Fem OC)

♠ word-count: ~2.7K

⌖ - Richmond Inc. HQ

I feel like I’ve been thrown into a pressure cooker. I don’t know how Terry has managed an entire organizational overhaul after spending the weekend rearranging my insides, and then traveling extensively all week. But then again, Mr. Richmond the Boss never ceases to amaze me. I maintain the smile on my face as my colleagues file out of the conference room. We’ve just spent five grueling hours scrutinizing every aspect of our new recruit training program. It got tense on more than a few occasions. Thankfully, no one found any faults in my proposals. Unfortunately, that led to a long Q&A period that I took standing. As much as I want to pretend I’m at a hundred percent, I still have a ways to go.

Joel comes into the conference room with a wheelchair, and it makes me smile. I guess someone wasn’t fooled by my ruse. I walk over and sit, grateful for the reprieve.

“You did great, kid,” he says, patting my shoulder as he wheels me toward the accessibility route, giving us some privacy.

“You think?” I ask.

“I know you did. After those proposals you put forward during the others’ presentations, I’m positive they would’ve ripped into you if they could.”

“I don’t know. After this past week, I was thinking maybe it was favoritism,” I mutter, and Joel laughs.

“Definitely not. You really are one of one, Lo,” he smiles, wheeling me in. “Campus is gonna kick your ass though—maybe use the favoritism to come in less. Work from your home office while you rebuild your strength and endurance.”

As much as I hate the idea, it’s solid advice. We get to my floor and find Emerson waiting at my office door. I stand, not wanting to show blood to a shark. He blinks a few times, registering that I’m still injured, and his expression shifts.

“Emerson, what can I do for you?” I ask, noting how his eyes flicker toward Joel.

“I didn’t realize you were still recovering…” he mutters.

“Just limited mobility,” I explain, and he nods.

“I’ve got a meeting, Cole. See you later,” Joel says, giving me a look that clearly says be careful. I keep my guarded expression in place as I unlock the door. Emerson follows, folding the chair and tucking it into a corner. I smile at all the flowers in my office—until I feel Emerson beside me. He steadies me under the arm as I walk, then pulls out my desk chair.

“Thank you,” I say, nodding politely. He steps back in front of my desk.

“So, how can I help you?” I ask.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for what happened in Monaco. And if you need anything… reach out.” He smiles to himself. “Though Joel’s clearly got your back.”

“Pardon me?” I ask.

“You probably won’t call,” he says, just as a knock on the door grabs our attention. Terry’s expression tells me he’s been standing there long enough. I know that angry simmer of his, even though I haven’t seen it in a while.

“Cole, Cassandra didn’t see a meeting in your calendar,” Terry says, entering without invitation. Emerson’s usual cavalier expression is nowhere to be found. It catches my attention how he tries to shrink into his seat.

“I don’t. I was just going to look over a few things. Emerson stopped by,” I explain.

“It can wait,” Emerson says with a forced smile more typical of him. “Nice to see you, boss,” he adds, standing.

“Cole, I’ll have my EA check your schedule and get something on the books,” he says, giving Richmond some distance. I nod and send him a tempered smile. As the door closes, I feel Terry’s stare burning into me. I meet his blue eyes.

“That was odd,” I mutter. Richmond locks the door, triggering the smart glass to frost over.

“Hi baby. How’ve you been? Haven’t seen you in a few days. I missed you,” he murmurs, giving me a buffet of options before parting my lips with a kiss. His jealousy and complete disregard for workplace norms stirs something in me. But when the kiss deepens, I press a hand to his chest—knowing where this will lead.

“Terry,” I whisper, breathless. “We’re at work.”

“I own the company,” he reminds me, just as there’s a knock on the door. I glance up and silently thank my choice of transfer-proof lipstick. I un-frost the glass to reveal one of my junior agents. Her excitement fades when she sees the boss.

“I’ll come back!” she says, clutching her folder to her chest. It makes me smile.

“Five minutes,” I mouth, holding up a hand. She nods before offering Terry a sheepish glance. He frosts the glass again.

“Your entire team’s afraid of me,” he mutters.

“You have a reputation. And… I did miss you,” I admit with a smile. I notice the growing bulge in his pants and shake my head. He’s always ready, and while it’s been perfect... this isn’t the time or place.

“No Terry. I told her five minutes,” I warn, pulling away. He groans, standing upright and wiping his mouth, checking for lipstick.

“Next time, I’m not wearing transfer-proof makeup,” I tease, and he smirks, knowing I’ll follow through.

“I’ll remember that tonight,” he replies, dirty. I pretend to be unphased, but the threat definitely hits. I want us to hold hands, kiss, melt into each other.

“How’s your schedule?”

“Clear, once you walk out,” he says.

“I want to talk. Monaco. All these changes.”

His face switches to full Mr. Richmond mode. “What about it?”

“There are a lot of changes, and I’ve been gone for two weeks. I feel like I’m missing things. There were a lot of people absent from today’s training—excellent reconnaissance officers.”

“It’s been five minutes,” he says, trying to shoo me out. I withhold a laugh but can’t stop the smile.

“I guess a tense work relationship is one way around things.” I mutter.

“The only conversation we need to have about Monaco is the one where I tell you everything’s been handled. That happens when I have all the answers,” he says, calling the shots. I cross my arms, annoyed, then decide to let it go and head for the door.

“Lorence,” he calls from behind me.

“Mhm?”

“I see Emerson touch you again, and he’s getting a write-up for misconduct,” Mr. Richmond says. “Sit. I’ll tell the agent you’re ready.”

His jealousy shouldn’t be amusing, but it is. “Thank you,” I say, conceding.

“What do you want to eat tonight?”

“Pasta. Italian.”

“Alright. I’ll see you later,” he says, dipping to kiss my forehead.

“You might want to hide the situation happening,” I note, gesturing downward to his pants.

“Lorence, this isn’t the first time,” he say, heading into my bathroom. I glance at the clock, amused and wondering—but he’s out quick and looking normal. I don’t ask. He doesn’t tell. I snicker as he leaves. His tall stature, defined back and commanding presence has me silently swooning. It’s like he knows I’m watching and turns back to me with a small smile before his posture goes back to ridgid business as usual.

The rest of my workday is spent behind the safety of my desk until the car service is ready to take me home. It’s Beau’s last week at Joel’s, and it’s about damn time. I miss walking into my house and being treated like royalty. I head upstairs, pack a bag, and take a quick shower to freshen up. I’m not naïve enough to think Italian food is the only thing on the menu.

Terry shows up about an hour later, jogging up the stairs, dressed down and relaxed. He opens the car door and pulls me into a bear hug, lifting me off the ground. Professionalism is out the window. When he kisses me, I lean in instead of pulling away.

“I missed you,” I tell him again.

“I missed you more,” he replies, making us those corny people.

“Are you cooking here?” I ask, noticing his casual look.

“Nah. But I’ve got to run an errand before we eat.”

“Okay. I packed a bag,” I say, motioning to the edge of the staircase. He frowns when he sees it.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to lift anything.”

“It’s no more than ten pounds. Stop fussing.”

He shakes his head, and I wonder if we’re already those people—bickering like my Ma and Pa do. He takes the bag, and we head out. His car smells freshly detailed, and he’s got a new haircut.

“Your haircut looks good,” I say, running my fingers along the fade. He doesn’t tense up.

“Thanks, Lorence,” he says, pausing at my name.

“What?”

“Nickname might be a slippery slope at work,” he mutters, backing out of my driveway. I smile at him, always thinking steps ahead of everyone else. Once we hit the freeway, his hand finds my thigh. I place mine over his – happy to have him back. The silence is peaceful but I can tell he has a million things on his mind.

“Any leads on Monaco?” I ask.

“Lorence…”

“Terrance…” I tease.

“I have almost everything I need.”

“And?”

“No one’s in imminent danger. It was a colossal fuck-up. Everyone’s tucking tail and running scared. Nothing you need to worry about. It’s handled.” he assures me once again. I rack my brain for anything else.

“Then why the overhaul?”

“Because if everyone was as focused on their jobs as you are, you and Cassandra wouldn’t be in recovery.”

“So that’s what the workshops are about?”

“Yes. I’m benching all Executives and pulling travel perks until they start acting like agents again.”

I sigh. It’s the kind of move I hate—but I get it.

We end up at the private airport, and I sit upright. When the car stops in front of his private jet—not the employee one. I blink.

“What the...?”

“You asked me to take you on a date. I hope you didn’t think I forgot,” he says, putting the car in park. It’s the most extra thing anyone’s ever done for me.

“I don’t have my passport or clothes.” I start.

“Cassandra packed some things. And you can authorize your digital passport from your work phone.”

I look into his eyes and see how serious he is. There’s depth—like he’s worried I might say no. A smile creeps onto my face, and I kiss him quickly. This is what has had him on edge the entire drive.

“I didn’t think you forgot… I just didn’t expect this.” I beam.

“Pleasant surprise?”

“Mhm,” I nod, and he steals one more kiss before signaling to the valet to open my door.

The moment I step into the jet, I’m struck by the ambiance. It’s not sterile or corporate like I expected — it’s like his home. Cream leather seats, soft ambient lighting, and a familiar scent I can’t quite place but instantly associate with him. There's a chilled bottle of wine resting in a bucket of ice, and fresh roses on the side table.

Terry steps in behind me, his presence immediately soothing. He doesn't rush me. He just watches.

“You did all this?” I ask, voice softer now.

He shrugs. “You ask, I will make it happen.”

His assurance makes me smile again and I take a step back into him. Terrance wraps his arms around me instinctively as I admire the scene he’s set for me. I know there’s a tremendous amount of thought behind it and it fills me with so many emotions. When I relax I smell Italian food. Terry motions me to sit and I do. I have to definitely watch what I say around this man. He smiles and I can tell by the glint in his eyes he’s enjoying my reaction. It should be too much. It should feel overwhelming. But instead, it’s grounding—like someone finally seeing me in a way that doesn’t require explanation or translation. I settle into a seat and accept the glass of wine he pours. He takes the one across from me, even though there’s room beside me.

We’re wheels up before a flight attendant emerges with plates of food from my favorite Italian restaurant. I smile to myself knowing it isn't something I told Terry - but something from my mom’s food blog. I feel seen in a way that’s hard to explain or express. I know how much his time is worth and I understand what it means to have him here now treating me to a first date we need to fly to. 

“Thank you Terry, I’m sorry if I’m quiet but I’’m so-”

“Are you happy?” he asks.

“Yes” I nod, unable to hide my smile. He smiles back giving a shallow nod.

“That’s all I want to do Lorence, keep you happy and make you happy” 

“Why-” I immediately regret the words when they escape my lips.

Terry’s patience with me is infinite and he doesn’t seem upset by my question. His body language welcomes it. He lets go of his form laying his large hands flat on the tabletop. 

“Because Lorence you're my person.” he says and the feeling is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. So is how sure he is. We sip our wine in companionable silence as the jet cruises mid air. He drapes a soft blanket over my legs, adjusting it with such care it squeezes something in my chest. This isn’t the boss who takes no prisoners. This is the man who buys flowers in my favorite shade and searches my mother’s food blog for my favorite things, gets his sister to pack me clothes.

“You’re very thoughtful when you want to be,” I murmur resting my head on his shoulder as he comes to sit beside me.

“I always want to be. I just don’t always know how.”

The honesty in his voice slices through the atmosphere like a thread of gold. Vulnerable. Earnest.

“I’ve misjudged you Terrance” I admit. He leans back, staring at the ceiling like he's holding onto something tightly. Then, slowly, he reaches for my hand.

“I was terrified when we got the call that something was going down in Monaco, the thought of losing you like that before getting to know you did something to me.”

The words come out quietly, like they cost him something, like there’s more to them.

He pauses, collecting himself. “I didn’t let myself care about anyone for a long time. And then you came out of nowhere, challenging everything. I gave you every reason to judge me the way you did, so I’m not afraid to earn your trust. I don't need you to rush or play to my feelings Lorena just keep being honest with me.” he says.

I swallow hard, feeling the weight behind every syllable. I turn my hand in his, lacing our fingers.

“I do trust you Terrance.”

That pulls his eyes to mine. Blue and sharp, but softened now. “And you don’t have to pretend you’re not scared either.”

“I am,” I admit. “Not of you. Just… of this.” I admit feeling relieved.

He nods. “Me too.”

Silence stretches again, but it’s not empty. It’s rich. Full of the words we haven’t found yet and the ones we don’t need to say. We both know loss, and so we both know the value of a person's presence and how to honor it – and it feels safe.

“Where are we going?” I ask after a moment.

He smiles. “Somewhere warm. With a view. And a beach.”

I blink. “Are you taking me on a cliché romantic getaway?”

His brows raise. “You should know I don’t do cliches. I only deliver the best of the best.”

“When did you have time to plan this elaborate date?” I ask.

“I make time for the people I care for. And for the record, it’s not a date. It’s the date, Lorence.”

I narrow my eyes. “The date?”

“The one where you finally believe I’m not going anywhere.”

The words slip out so easily, but they land with a thud in my chest. I stare at him, speechless for a beat. Then I lean in and kiss him—slow and grateful and steady.

“I’m starting to believe it,” I whisper, seeing there’s so much more he wants to say.

authors note: Lorence and Terry are settling into each other and 'flying high' literally and figuratively. What do you think happens next? Thanks for reading, don't forget to reblog, comment and like.

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[lure-of-writing]

His little Sister: I'm sorry

Summary: The mating bond between you and Azriel has been revealed and he isn't sure if any apology will ever make up for the hurt he has cause you.

Word count: 4k

Warnings: none that I know of

Authors note: Guys I just got my nails done so if there is typos it's because I'm not used to typing with daggers on my hands. But anyways that's not what we're here for. Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Azriel was screwed. Royally screwed. Even as the spymaster of the night court he had no idea how he was going to get out of this one unscathed. First and foremost there was you. You were the mosting important thing in this giant mess that your cousin just caused and making sure you were ok was his first priority. That is once you inevitably get all of the hurt and betrayal out of your system. He could feel your emotions barrelling down the bond and it damn near made him crumple under the weight of your hurt. Next on the list of casualties was Rhysand. And by the look on the high lord's face it was a mixture of pure unfiltered anger and the need to protect his little sister. Azriel can’t blame him, you look like you could either rip him to shreds and bawl your eyes out while doing so.

Rationally Azriel knew that Rhys would never really do anything to hurt him but the other part knew that Rhysand played dirty when it came to his family and it was some sort of unwritten rule that he would go to the end of the world to make sure you were ok. If Rhysand played dirty before he was about to get filthy now. This would not be the first time he stepped toe to toe against a high lord, specifically against Rhys, but this time would without a doubt be different. This time Rhysand would pocket away all of the years of their friendship and in turn he would fight Azriel like a traitor. He, without trying, had broken your heart and betrayed your trust. To Rhysand this was the ultimate act of betrayal. 

Only being one hundred years younger than your brother means all three males were also relatively young in the grand scheme of things. Rhysand held your tiny body against his. The three males had taken a break forming training in the mountains to visit you in Velaris. It wasn’t often Rhysand was allowed to leave the camps, much less often for Azriel and Cassian. But with the arrival of a new babe they had been permitted to leave. It became a tradition to visit the ever growing babe once a year. Somewhere in the chaos of training for the Blood Rite you had grown into a teenager. Cassian was sprawled out on one of the couches in the cabin and Azirel had taken his place in the chair that was unofficially deemed as his. There in a seat a little bit bigger than his own but yet still smaller than the couch Cassian claimed you were curled up against your older brother, peacefully sleeping.

Rhysand had always disliked the way things were run in the camps, oftentimes they made his blood boil but something changed in him the day you were born. Rhys knew from a young age that he would be a protector. A protector of his friends, his family, his people and his court. But he never knew that the most precious thing he would come to protect was you. He never wanted in the camps, walking amongst those who would take any opportunity to clip your wings or even kill you without a second thought. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do to stop your visit as your father deemed it necessary. 

Silence was light in the room. Occasionally there was a pop or crackle from the fire, the sound of clothes shifting against the couch from Cassian and the light noise of you breathing. With a heavy sigh Rhys rubbed his face causing both males to look at their friend in confusion. “Something on your mind brother?” Cassian's deep voice filled the once quiet room.  For a moment nothing was said as Rhysand just looked deep into the fire before once again sighing and rubbing his face before throwing his head back to rest on the couch. “What if I’m not capable of protecting her?” The two males looked at each other in confusion before turning their attention back on their friend. Everyone knew that the power Rhys possessed was quite frankly, insane, to put it simply. “Rhys, I think you're forgetting you are there, bud.” Once more Cassian's voice takes over the room. This time in a gentle laughter. “It’s not that I’m unaware of what I am capable of.” Rhys stops speaking as he looks down at your resting form laying against him. Gently he moves a piece of hair that had fallen in your face. “I know what I can do. What I am willing to do to keep her safe but I will not always be around to protect her and that is what I fear.”

“Being her brother is the greatest honor I have ever been given but what if I fail? What will it cost her? Just her being here possesses a threat to her life. Those males out there would not hesitate to clip her wings or flat out kill her. What happens when I am needed elsewhere and she is in trouble? Who will save her then? I know my mother is training her to fight but I never want her to be put in that position where she has to. Making sure she is safe, happy and loved is all I want for her. I never want her to experience the world we have endured.” 

Neither males have a sister but they do have the love of siblings for each other and they know the lengths they would go to for the other males. They may not know what it's like to have a sibling but they do know what it's like to love you. Since the day you were born they have done nothing but love and dote on you. If you tripped and fell and scraped your knees Cassian would scoop you up and cradle you until you stopped crying. Only then would he set you somewhere where he could properly clean the cuts littering your body and then take you for a treat to make you feel better. Azriel would help you with any of the boring assignments your mother would hand out. “I don’t even know what this means!” you would groan out in frustration before dramatically letting your head fall face first into the book. Luckly Az knew you very well. Without looking up from what he was doing he placed his hand palm up in the book and waited for the impact of your head against his hand. 

Finally once your head was in his hand, did he finally look up. “You may not understand it right now but eventually you will and you will be grateful your mother made you do this.” Groaning once more you left your head where it was. “Easy for you to say you're like a genius or something.” You grumble while Azriel lifts your head for you. Gently he pats the top of your head. “Maybe if you studied more you could be one too.” A mixture of a frustrated groan and sigh made its way through your lips causing Azriel to chuckle. 

It was safe to say that they understood what a light you are in the world. In their world. And each male would do anything to protect it. “You know we would protect her with our lives, right?” Cassian now sat up on the couch. This conversation was important. “We have known her since the day she was born. We have watched her grow and reach each millstone just like you have Rhys. We would never let anything happen to her. If it were my life or hers, I would happily give up mine. I’m sure Az feels the same way.” And Azriel did. “You don’t have to worry about her by yourself. We can share the worry Rhys. You know you can count on us. If anything ever happens to you, we will protect her just as fiercely as you do. You know that right?”  And Rhysand did in fact know that but there would always be some part of him that thinks only he will ever be able to do a good enough job at keeping you safe. 

Apparently Rhysand was right. Only he would protect you. Azriel had broken his promise and now he would pay. Next on his list of people to deal with was Morrigian. At the moment she was not a priority but eventually would be. First he needed to survive the night. 

If Azriel were to go back in time less than a week ago, he would have been more or less avoiding you. After his talk with Rhysand about the more interesting part of your relationship the shadowsinger thought it would be a good idea to give you some space, not wanting it to seem like he was trying to pursue something with you. Obviously that was the exact opposite of what he wanted but he was also keenly aware of your brother's disapproval of any male you chose to date. Azriel was sure he wouldn’t fare better than the others. On the other side Azriel truly had no idea how you would react to you being his mate and that terrified him. 

He hadn’t seen you much since the training incident with Cassian. As much as it bothered him to not be able to check on your healing himself he had Cassian right there basically giving me second by second updates. Which he did appreciate but since Cassian knew you were his brother's mate he was being a little over the top. Which is why Azriel was not expecting to see you on the rooftop for the daily morning training session. 

Az and his shadows watched from across the room as Cass ushered you back towards the house. That was until you saw him and course corrected to be right in front of him. “You’ve been avoiding me. Why?” The hurt in your voice made him feel like a terrible person but he also couldn’t give you the real answer why. Not right now and definitely not right here. “I haven’t been avoiding you.” He knew he was whispering but he also knew there were more listening ears then just yours, mainly Cassians. Azriel watched as Cassian scooped you up and walked back to where he was herding you, just moments before you veered off on your own. 

As the shadowsinger and spymaster of the night court there wasn’t much, if anything, that made him nervous. The piercing stare of your gaze following his every move was definitely unsettling. But his male ego wouldn’t let him slip into that unflinching state of mind that he would usually find himself in when sparring. Now he was keenly aware of each move he was making while in front of you. His need to impress didn’t go unnoticed by his brother. Thankfully Cassian decided to have mercy on his soul and let him get in a few good punches as his repayment for when Cassian did the same to him while in front of Nesta. 

The daily sparring session was over sooner and also later then he wanted it to be. One part of him wanted to continue to impress you, even if he wasn’t a hundred percent sure that you were even impressed in the first place. The other part of him just really wants to get the awaiting conversation over with. Azriel headed over the bench where his long forgotten shirt and water bottle had been previously placed. He had barely gotten in one drink of water when you appeared in front of him. “Why have you been avoiding me?” It was the same question that you had previously asked him before being dragged away by Cassian. And yet this time it made him even more nervous then the first time you had asked him. The last thing Azriel ever wanted to do was make you feel like he didn’t want to be around you. Even before the bond he wanted to be around you every chance he could get and you knew that. He needed a reason you would believe. A downfall that came with spending all of his spare time with you is that you were able to tell when he was lying better than anyone else in the inner circle. There was only one thing he could tell you that wasn’t the full truth nor a complete lie. Rhys wasn’t a fan of the relationship, or lack thereof, between the two of us and he needed to step back in respect for Rhysand. 

Thankfully the mother was on his side that morning because you believed him. 

Opening up his arms in a form of some peace offering he’s quickly wrapped in your arms. Even though hugging anyone who was sweaty was something that he knew drove you crazy you did it anyways and it warmed his heart. But watching you place your chin on top of his chest just about made his heart melt. He prayed that you wouldn’t be able to feel or hear just how fast his heart is beating, and it is not from the training. 

Oh how Azriel wished he could go back in time to just a few days ago. Hell he would even go back to when he was avoiding you. Truthfully anything would be better than what was currently unraveling in front of him. 

“How long have you known?” Azriel tore his eyes away from Morr to look at you. The look of heartbreak that painted your face was like a suckerpunch to his gut. He took a sharp breath in. You were always stunning in Azriels eyes but looking at you now was like looking like a fallen angel. As much as the poetic beauty was undeniable he also never wanted to see that look on your face again. He would do anything to make you trust him again. 

“I-” Azriel didn’t realize just how dry his throat was until he tried speaking. Actually now that he was focused on his body he was pretty sure he felt like he was going to throw up. Swallowing he takes another deep breath. A quick glance to his right reveals Rhysand with a raised eyebrow and barely contained anger. “I’ve known since the war.” Azriel always imagined this moment would be very different. Just the two of you in private. And it would finally feel like a brick being lifted off of his chest. 

But watching your reaction to his confession felt like the opposite. He watched as you blew out a heavy breath and grabbed the back of Morrigians chair for support. Looking at the look he watches a tear finally free itself and makes its way to the ground. Just as quickly as the first tear had fallen the rest had also followed suit. He watches as you shake your head and look at your brother for the answer of what you are supposed to do. The dining room had never been as quiet as it was in these waking moments and Azriel despised it. Even if he was the cause of it. “You’ve known for almost a year and you never told me?” The spymaster watched as you fought against the lump in your throat only for your voice to crack on the last word. “Were you ever going to tell me? Or were you just going to let me continue to dream about the love I desired. Let me think I was never going to get the love Rhys and Fey have? You’ve known for months!”  Azriel sat unmoving as your betrayal turned to sadness and then anger. You had never raised your voice and yelled at him before but he knew he deserved every ounce of anger you threw at him. “You-you out of all people knew how I felt about mates and yet you held this from me. My mate! I-I-I -oh my god.” Time seemed to slow down in that moment as he watched you grab your chest in pain then collapse to the floor. He felt himself rise. Azriel wasn’t sure why, was it to move to the other side of the table and comfort you? Was it in shock? Fear for your breaking heart? He wasn’t sure. It was like slow motion as Mor swiftly twisted out of her seat and caught your limp body on the way down to the floor. Together the two females sat on the floor. Morrigian had wrapped her arms around your body and held you pressed against her chest as you sobbed. 

“Azriel!” That was the commanding voice of a high lord. The force of which Rhysand said his name and allowed his power to wash over him was the only thing capable of pulling his focus off of your crumpled body. Looking back to his right he notes that Rhysand has pushed the chair he was previously sitting in far behind him. It didn’t go unnoticed how Feyre made her way to you with urgency. The primal anger and need to protect his family also didn’t go unnoticed by the shadowsinger. He was about to get his ass beat. If not altogether killed. Rhysand may have been mad at Cassian for hurting you but he did go easy on him, even if it resulted in a few nasty bruises littering his body. Azriel knew for sure this would be nothing like that time. Rhysand had a look of death in his eyes and Azriel was sure death was waiting to greet him. 

“Uh oh. Yeah you guys may want to get out of here it's about to get ugly.” Cassian also stood from where he was once seated and began stretching. Noting Feyres' worry Cassian continued “Don’t worry I won’t let them hurt each other too much.” He paused, “Well I won’t let them kill each other.” 

Only after everyone except Mor and Cassian had winnowed away his Rhysand lunge at Azriel. 

Ever since learning that you were his mate one of his shadows followed you religiously. He never even told them to do that, it was just something they did naturally. His shadows always were ones to keep an eye on you even if you were completely safe. 

That's how he found himself in front of the river house. His shadows danced around him in warning of the two females sitting in the living room still awake at this hour. Without looking at a clock Azriel would assume it was around three in the morning. Gently he pushes the hard oak door open only closing it after allowing himself inside the quiet house.  Azriel knew he could make his way to your room without either one of the females knowing but he assumed it was better to get everything that could tear him apart over with while he was down. 

“I feel bad for her. I know what it's like when the other person knows they're your mate and you're left in the dark. But this is something else. If Mor hadn’t said anything would he?” He could hear the voice of his concerned high lady. “Do we know if she even still has a mate? Rhysand looked like he was going to kill him.” Nestas' voice that usually dripped in sarcasm was dry as bone. Stepping into the room he made his footsteps louder than he would ever step to announce his presence. A sharp gasp was the only noise that Feyre made as she brought her hands to cover her mouth. “Oh my gods” The scraping of the chair against the wooden floor pulls his gaze from the spot on the floor he found particularly interesting to see Feyre making her way over to him. Over her shoulder he could see Nesta taking inventory of the damage Rhysand caused. “Are you ok?” He shrugs off her question but allows her gentle hands to move his head from side to side.

“How is she?” Everybody knew who he was talking about. Feyre led him to the couch ushering him to sit down as Nesta answered “As well as you can expect.” Feyre had stepped out of the room to grab a pain relieving tonic “She just fell asleep a few minutes before you got here” she pushes the vial into his hands “Drink” she insists. “I never meant for it to go like this. For it to get this far without me telling her. I just was waiting for her to feel it herself but then I just kept waiting and waiting and waiting and the next thing I knew I was sitting at that table listening to Mor tell her. I promise I never meant to hurt her. You know that right? You have to believe me.” The constant throbbing throughout his body finally forced him to drink the tonic in hopes it could even touch the pain he was feeling. “I’m sure you never meant for this to happen az. But why didn’t you just tell her. Anyone with eyes could see that she already had feelings for you.’’

“I wanted it to be her choice. I would never force her to accept the bond. All I want is for her to be happy no matter what.” A heavy sigh fell from both females before the peaceful silence filled the room. Nesta was the first to leave in hopes of getting at least an hour of sleep before she needed to be awake for training. With a gentle squeeze of his arm Feyre stands above him “I Believe you Az. But you need to understand how hurt she is currently feeling.” looking up he sees not his high lady or Rhysands mate but a concerned friend. “I know I can feel it through the bond.” Feyre smiles sadly before stopping in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. “Go be with her Az. You both need it.”

The warmth of the fire was the first thing Azriel noticed upon entering your room. Although fae ran warmer than humans you were the rare exception. Unless absorbing heat from the sun or another person you were on average at least ten degrees colder than anyone else. A small smile found its away to his face to see the fire going. His own personal relationship with fire may be nonexistent but for you he would endure it a hundred times over. The next thing he noticed was your sniffling and quiet sobs. In three large strides he was kneeing besides your bed. “Y/n” you name was like a whisper of a prayer in a silent coven meant for worship. He watched as your eyes opened to meet his and listened as a sob racked your body. “I am so sorry baby” Quickly he raised from where he was previously knelt on the floor and climbed into bed with you. The move to place your body on top of his was easy but listening to the silent cries of your heart breaking wasn’t. “I never meant to hurt you I swear.” 

Eventually the tears raining upon his chest and was replaced with the gentle breathing of your sleeping form. Azriel knew he should sleep but he couldn’t help but admire every part of you just in case this was the last time he  got to hold you like this. That's why he wasn’t startled when Rhysand barged into your room, startling you awake. “I told you to stay away from her. I’m going to kill you.” He promised. Azriel didn’t take his eyes off of your brother as you raised to sit in between his legs. Rhysand could do whatever he wished but Azriel wouldn’t leave without making sure you were ok first. “Rhys don’t. You may be mad at him, but Azriel is my mate.” The bond had never sung in happiness like it did basking in the warmth of your acknowledgement.

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[satorugu]

In Every Era Part 2 (Sukuna x f!reader)

She is the reincarnation of his love, and he plans to be with her in every era.

PART 1 HERE

Warnings: Blood, violence, fighting, angst, lots of fluff

Note: The readers technique relates to ice and being able to lower the temperatures around her enough to create it. If the text is italicized it is one of the dreams she had. All take place during the Heian era, both Heian era and the version of Sukuna in Itadori's body is included. Takes place during the Shibuya Incident, and quotes the episode's sub at times.

The dreams hadn't stopped.

First, it was that night, the night she fell asleep in his arms.

Then she had another one following it.

Then a third.

It was always a memory from her point of view, so vivid she felt she could still feel his touch when she woke up. They were small, but they got her through the night, always sleeping straight through it.

That kiss was imbued with cursed energy. She didn't know how, but she knew that had something to do with it.

She couldn't take her mind off of it.

Every single night.

"Curses and mutations are mindless, you don't need to harness much cursed energy to exorcise them, although it is made out to be that way," Sukuna said. "If you make a hit on them before they can attack you, you have a better chance at survival."

She was sitting on his lap, up upon his throne. His body heat radiated onto her shoulders, his strong abdomen pressed against her back.

"Is there a reason you're sharing this with me?" (Y/N) asked curiously.

"So you will utilize this information when the time may come my dear," he told her. "Aim for the head."

"I don't think it will ever come," she laughed.

"You are correct to assume that," Sukuna said, putting a hand on her waist and pulling her closer to him. "I won't allow for anyone to harm you."

This was a trick.

The King of Curses wouldn't and couldn't possess emotions like these. He murdered hundreds of thousands, known to be the most powerful sorcerer in history. He needed something from her, to get her to trust him so he could use her and kill her afterward.

These memories were false, she was sure of it.

So she began avoiding Itadori, training after hours and for longer durations to be able to both strengthen herself and not be confronted by the eyes below his. In the end she would return to her dorm exhausted, forgetting that when she fell asleep she would be greeted by what she fled most.

Then a week had turned into a month.

"Master Sukuna had a gift delivered to your dressing room," the maid said almost timidly to (Y/N), as she bowed her head.

She made an emphasis on the fact it was in her dressing room rather than her bedroom. Being that her quarters were Sukuna's, the only part of the palace that was officially hers was her dressing room, which translated to a massive closet. It was filled to the brim with the nicest jewelry available in the lands, along with dresses he had especially picked out for her. It was also a known fact that the garden belonged to (Y/N), although it wasn't claimed by her. She fell in love with the area, so he made it off limits to others.

Unfortunately for her, he was away, handling a nearby village.

Two more servants gathered at the large double doors that led to the dressing room, opening them for her.

Inside was a large bouquet of flowers, white at the tips that slowly faded into a reddish-purple. It was as if they were glowing, vibrant and perky underneath the lighting. The vase was a piece within itself, like clear vines that curled around the stems of the flowers and bunched them all together.

Next to it sat a scroll, bound together by a cursed energy imbued seal. She was quick to unravel it, reading the hand-written, inked message.

'Although I am far away, I will remind you of my love.'

'These flowers are eternal, they will forever stay by your side, just as I will.'

'Sincerely, Ryo.'

She didn't think much of the dream, assuming it was some way of trying to make her think he actually loved her. Instead, she lingered around the campus after hours, honing a new ability with her ice technique. Once she grew sleepy, she returned to her dorm, entering the dark room to see something glowing on her desk.

It was a vibrant and perky flower, with white at the tips that slowly faded into a reddish-purple. While it didn't sit in a vase, it was unnaturally filled with life, acting as a light in pitch black atmosphere.

She thought she was hallucinating, reaching out a hand to pick it up, hoping it would dissolve as soon as she touched it.

The flower sat in her room for a week after that, as she continued to deny the significance behind it.

(Y/N) thought she could get out of having to see Itadori, but it seemed otherwise when another crisis hit.

A large curtain was cast around Shibuya, along with one at Meiji-Jingumae Station. Reports that mutated humans were attacking civillians inside were quick to spread, and both (Y/N) and Itadori were sent to handle it.

"I'll deal with the mutated ones, you search through the station for anymore hostages," she told him quickly, hoping they wouldn't have to interact much.

As soon as the two had met up inside the city, the eyes underneath his own appeared. They felt familiar now, a burning reminder of the dream she had the previous night.

They were in his bedroom, if it even could be called that.

It was larger than the average, with a desk that sat by an extravagant stained glass window, and a large table towards the center. The bed for the two of them sat against the wall, both of them already out of it, yet choosing to stay in one another's company.

Sukuna stood around the table, eyeing a set of scrolls as his wife sat at his desk. The chair was far too big for someone of her size, which he grew to love.

“I want to perform a binding vow between you and I,” he started.

“A binding vow?” (Y/N) asked, having yet to take her eyes off what she was reading.

“A pact bound through Jujutsu, except this one has specific terms accounted with it.”

As the words left his mouth he slipped his hand around her jaw, taking her by surprised as she looked up at him.

"I want to be with you in every era, as you pass, and once you are reincarnated. We will be bound together, it will be destined for you to wed me."

"And it's consequences?" she wondered.

"There are none, this vow is unable to be broken, it will see through that we are meant to be," Sukuna said. "And that you will remain mine."

She wasn't that knowledgeable on binding vows like the one he described, except for the fact it was supposed to leave a mark on your wrist. (Y/N) didn't have one though, so she assumed it was false.

A mutated curse barreled towards her, shards if ice being driven through it's skull as her pink haired friend ran down the hall. She flipped over it's corpse as it fell to the ground, attacking the others before they could make a move on her, and aiming for their heads.

The efficiency behind it was impressive, as she scolded herself internally for doing as the King of Curses had once advised.

And yet she continued for what felt like an hour, going through the motions up until the lights flickered off and she could hear fighting in the lower levels of the station.

Something was off.

(Y/N) jumped down the set of escalators and began running through the station that was almost unrecognizable. She could tell Itadori had fought here, as the remains of his strength imprinted different surfaces.

She was following her gut at that moment, turning down a set of halls until she saw a light bloom at the end of one. She could feel the heat as she got closer, as it formed an orange and yellow blur.

Screams came after the flames.

Two girls who had somehow survived being burnt alive, each coughing and holding onto one another.

As she turned the corner she saw him, Itadori, laying against the wall unconscious. He was littered in cuts, specifically his shoulder which was bleeding out. A special grade curse, Jogo, stood over him, a finger in his hand as he slipped it down the pink haired boy's throat and tilted his head back. She recognized him from the time he fought Gojo, as her eyes lingered over Itadori's figure.

(Y/N) could see the markings on his face.

She thought she might throw up.

"Don't waste my time," the special grade squinted is eyes at the three of them.

He went to lift up his arm and attack, only for it to begin bleeding out in front of him.

"I'll give you one second."

It felt like everything had frozen in place.

Silence in the dark hallway.

"Move."

The special grade fearfully jumped back, now a line of four.

(Y/N) felt her hands tremble, as sweat formed across her forehead and her heartbeat picked up in her ears. They were all that way, as the figure slowly stood up and brushed himself off.

Strength of a different kind than Satoru Gojo.

Overwhelmingly evil.

Fear that even the slightest move could lead to death.

He began to come towards them, as the wounds across his body healed themselves.

As his footsteps grew louder, she felt as if she might pass out.

Then they stopped, and he brushed his hair back in orderly fashion.

"You hold your heads quite high."

That voice.

It felt like there were invisible hands that wrapped around her back, guiding her down to a bowing position without control over her own body. She ended up in the same formation as the other two girls, as a wave brushed over top of the four that would have killed them.

"Did you believe taking one knee was enough?" Sukuna questioned.

The top of Jogo's head was cut off, considering he only kneeled. It was similar to a volcano, purple blood spewing out the top as he bled out.

"The greatest men bow the lowest, or so it goes. I see you value your heads quite lightly."

She could feel him looking down at her, as she stared at the cold floor and begged that whatever this was wasn't real.

She was terrified.

"You brats, I'll start with you," he said. "You wished to speak to me, yes?"

The girl nodded, tears staining the concrete surface below her.

"I'll grant you a fingers worth of audience. Now speak."

"Below us there's a man in monk's robes with a suture across his forehead," the dirty blonde began to say. "Please kill him, please free Geto-sama."

(Y/N) recognized that name, although she thought the man who had it was dead.

"We know the location of one more finger," the girl added. "If you'll kill that man for us, we'll tell you where it is."

"Raise your heads."

(Y/N) still kept hers down, although she could see the two girls raise theirs through her peripheral. It was a moment of relief, as he seemed to have agreed to their terms.

Red.

The head of the brown haired one next to her burst into nothingness, blood coating the other girls face as her corpse fell backward.

(Y/N) felt it splatter onto her uniform, shock pulsating through her veins as terror overrided her senses.

"MIMIKO!" the blonde screamed, shaking the lifeless body next to her.

"Did you think a measly one or two fingers would grant you the right to order me around?" Sukuna asked with amusement in his voice.

It seemed the girl couldn't care less, continuing to scream out her friends name.

"How offensive."

"SUKUNA!" she cried out in anger, slipping out her phone. "DIE!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, it sounded like a blade had cut through something. Similar to the one she heard months ago, when he had saved her.

Then, it sounded like several cuts going at someone at once.

One corpse turned into two, except the blonde had no remains. He killed the both of them without lifting a finger, a copious amount of blood being the only proof.

"You all are desperate," Sukuna turned to Jogo almost knowingly.

(Y/N) felt the invisible hands that once held onto her gently guide her to sit up again, looking at the King of Curses.

"This is the reward for the cursed fingers, come at her," he said, making eye contact with her. "If you manage to land even a single blow on her, I'll work under you all."

"What?" (Y/N) said under her breath, she felt like she couldn't breath.

Jogo slowly looked at her, as if he was making up his mind.

There was no way he was considering this.

"You're true to your word, yes?" he asked Sukuna.

No.

(Y/N) stepped back, like her legs were going to come out from under her at any second.

This was suicide, she couldn't fight him.

"Yes."

Jogos demeaner changed, as Sukuna's hands remained on his pockets and the curse went to face her. He held out his hand, a ball of fire forming within it, as (Y/N) tried to conjure ice in her own.

Again she was airborne.

Too quick for her to react as it all happened at once.

A familiar pair of arms held her bridal style, as she felt herself rest on his chest. It was cold, the fall wind curling around the two as they had fled the building.

He casually dodged them vast amount of fire-charged bullets being sent at him, as he looked down at her.

"Your avoidance has been quite amusing, I see you don't understand yet," Sukuna said, his tone changing into a softer one.

"What have you been doing to me?" she spoke boldly, like a wife would to her husband.

It made him smile, as he leaned on the edge of a building that Jogo shot more bullets at. Soon enough they were inside of it, Sukuna casually walking through a corridor as fire burned around them.

"That's my thank you for ensuring you sleep well?" he spoke teasingly. "I've been restoring your memories, although I knew you would doubt them to the best of your ability."

"They're not real," she mumbled, forgetting what he was capable of.

"And yet how relaxed you are in my hold says otherwise, little one," he said. "Your body reacts naturally to my touch."

(Y/N) opened her mouth to reply but the words never came out, as he jumped through the window of the building and met Jogo's fist. Sukuna was currently holding her securely with one arm, taking up the curse in hand to hand combat. He was quick, catching every single one of Jogo's attempts before holding onto his hand and slicing through his arms with his cleave technique.

The Special Grade was sent flying back, as he shot another beam of fire energy out of his head and (Y/N) watched it blow a whole through a building.

She had never seen a fight like this before.

Sukuna caught up with Jogo, taking his free hand that wasn't carrying her and wrapping it around his cape, throwing him down towards the streets. Smoke emitted from the area that he hit, as he continued to bounce off of it from the force before Sukuna came at him again. This time, he bashed his head into the ground, taking them below the level of the city floor.

She felt the King of Curses abdomen tighten against her side, as he laughed to himself. (Y/N) wasn't looking at him though, as her eyes were on the curse that hadn't landed even a single speck of dust on her.

His free hand slipped underneath her jaw, turning her head to face him.

"Impressed are we?"

Suddenly everything around the two seemed to burst into flames, as the blue skinned curse screamed out and flooded the street with Lava.

This was hell.

Sukuna didn't even react, as a wave of it blanketed over them, yet never touching their skin. He jumped up onto a building that was soon crumbling underneath the hot liquid as well, continuing to dodge without question.

The entire city was on fire, as hands made out of lava held onto two office buildings and lifted them up out of the ground. They surrounded the both of them, Jogo standing on a rooftop in front.

(Y/N) thought she was dead.

Out of pure instinct she took her arm around Sukuna's neck, burying her head into his chest and squinting her eyes closed.

It was only when she heard the sound of the buildings being bashed together, that she realized what she had done. Instead of feeling the impact of her skull being crushed, she felt a delicate kiss be pressed to the top of her head. A large hand then held her hair in a comforting manner, keeping her against him.

"Do you trust me, little one?" he asked her softly, low enough that Jogo couldn't hear.

"Yes."

(Y/N) felt weightless, like she was on one of those amusement park rides that threw you up into the air. Except for the fact that there was no harness, and nothing holding her anymore. Sukuna had thrown her up so far she felt she might touch the clouds, watching his figure dart towards the curse and throw him into a sky scraper.

She could see Jogo come out the other end of it, soaring through the air as Sukuna stood above him. The King of Curses drove his hand into the Special Grades head, sending the two through a roof of another office structure.

Meanwhile (Y/N) began to descend, screaming out and watching as the windows on each level shattered with each level Sukuna shoved him through. She grew anxious as time passed and nothing happened, until the bottom of the building burst out into flames and traveled upwards. She could make out the smaller details of the city now, as she picked up speed in falling and felt the wind course through her clothes. Her best bet was trying to use her ice to impact the fall, although she became distracted by what happened before her.

The building that Jogo had blown up began to form into a ball of fire, and Sukuna was nowhere to be seen.

Or so she thought.

She was trying to conjure up enough cold air around her to form the ice needed to brace her, but knocked into something else, throwing her off guard.

She wasn't surprised when she felt his heartbeat against her side again, but he moved at unregistrable speeds.

Suddenly they were on the ground, in the middle of the street, underneath the meteor Jogo was creating. All of the people around Sukuna froze in place, fear evident in their eyes.

Everyone knew who he was.

"I hereby forbid every person in a 100-meter radius from moving until I say 'now," he started. "And of course, I'll kill anyone who violates that rule."

The silence was horrifying, no one daring to take a step.

"Not yet," he teased.

(Y/N) could feel his hands underneath her weight doing something, as if he was now controlling the ball of fire above them.

"Still not yet."

The ground began to tremble, as it came closer.

"Now."

The sound was overwhelming, as Sukuna brought himself up above it as it crushed everything beneath. He sat down on the meteor, adjusting (Y/N) so she was sitting in his lap, his hands around her waist. Jogo was in front of the two, having yet to turn his back around.

The atmosphere around them was a swirl of orange smoke and broken glass that looked like stars. It floated gently in the air, as more debris from the architecture around them crumbled.

"I've grown tired of this, so I will fight you with your own specialty," he said, allowing for (Y/N) to get up as he stood and faced the Special Grade.

She stepped back, quick to cool the temperatures underneath her feet so she wouldn't burn.

Fire began to emit from his fist, beginning to curl around his figure.

"Arm yourself."

Jogo formed a small sphere of fire in his hand, as Sukuna stretched his own out to form an arrow.

The Special Grade burnt to ashes within a moments notice, while the King of Curses turned around to face the woman behind him.

"Your denial is in vain," he said. "There is nothing I am not capable of, and your death would have already occurred if i wished for it. In your moments of fear you trusted me by instinct, the vow formed between us guiding you to me."

"I don't understand."

"Because you don't want to," he corrected, coming closer to her. "Allow me to show you."

The king lifted her jaw up, taking his hand around the side of her face and kissing her lips.

It felt unworldly, as she slowly returned it and could feel him smiling. Her wrist suddenly tingled, making her to break away to see what caused the sensation.

It was a mark on her wrist, the same one that was on Sukuna's forehead.

"I will love you in every era," he said, taking a step back.

The markings on his face faded, his hair returning to hanging down.

"What happened?" Itadori asked.

She looked into the eyes underneath the original pair, not knowing what to say.

But she understood now.

A/N: I have a part 3 in mind. If you're interested let me know!

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[russellsppttemplates]

I want this every day (Charles Leclerc)

Charles has been frustrated with the team's strategies and the results he's been getting lately so you find a way to cheer him up

Note: english is not my first language. I was going to write it earlier on the week, but then I felt like I a jinxing it so I stopped... but after today, I think it's a good place to start...

Thank you so much to everyone who likes and reblogs, your feedback is appreciated 🤍 and I'm taking requests so if you have any ideas or concepts you want to share, feel free to do so as I'll try to get to them the best I can!

my masterlist

Tw: mentions Jules Bianchi

Tag list: @myloverjk-blog @hiireadstuff @c-losur3

Another race weekend where he was out qualified by his team-mate left Charles with the feeling that if it came to it, he was almost one hundred percent sure they would ask them to swap positions.

Points for the team would be important anyway and they came away with a good amount and the car showed to be competitive enough considering the RedBull dominance on the grid, but the frustration was still there.

With the team and with himself.

They told him they'd keep him - there wasn't a quesion put down about his contract -, Il Predestinato wasn't something he carried lightly but often times it was confusing. Without the support and appreciation from inside the team, it was proving difficult to achieve their goals.

His childhood dream was driving for Ferrari and Suzuka always carried a heavier weight for him. As he took off his helmet and was faced with the number 17 on the side, he apoligised. To Jules, who he wanted to make proud every day but even more on this particular track. To his fans, who deserved better than this. To you, who were there for him, arms open for a hug and a shoulder where he could cry and let his feelings out on, to hold him and remind him every single time that all of the nonsense commentators and the media still had the audacity to say about him despite his continous shows of intelligence, skill and talent, and to love him.

The way you loved him was something he had never felt before and had never thought he deserved.

The face you were giving everyone in the garage that dared look at you wasn't unfortunately a rare occurrence, hence the fact that so very few team members approached you, "Charles is just finishing his interviews, he should be here soon", Silvia said before excusing herself from the garage.

You walked to your boyfriend's driver room, knowing he would end up in there soon enough after greeting the mechanics and engineers.

He stepped inside the room less than fifteen minutes later, finding your embrace immediately as his arms wrapped around your waist, "it's not fair that this keeps happening", he mumbled.

"I know it isn't", you kissed his stubbly cheek while rubbing his back soothingly.

"I thought I could've done so much better, for the fans, for you, for Jules", he hiccuped, letting himself be vulnerable after bottling up everything he was feeling.

"You did us proud, Charles - he is always so proud of you", you cupped hisface in your hands as you hoped the words got through to him, "okay?".

The flight back home had Charles sleeping most of the time, the whole rush of the weekend catching up with his body as he slept with his head on your thighs, your fingers playing with his locks while you arranged your schedule for the week ahead.

"I was thinking we could spend some time together today", you said over the phone, hoping he hadn't booked anything since you made sure that Andrea and Joris had cleared his schedule so you could make this happen without a hitch.

"You don't have work?", Charles asked, "no, I arranged a few things and a meeting got cancelled", you explained.

"Good, I don't have anything to do either, I was just going to stay home, but being with you sounds much nicer, my place or your place?", he wondered.

"My place, please", you replied immediately, "I just want to change my clothes and I'm feeling like spending the afternoon in", you tried, hoping he would catch on and not mess up your surprise.

"Okay, amour! Do you need me to pick you up from work?", Charles asked and you heard a small smile on his face. You weren't sure why, but Charles really got a kick out of dropping you off and picking you up from work, so you felt bad for the answer you were giving him, "it's okay, you can meet me there, I'm already walking", you said as you drove out of the shop and headed home. It was an inoffensive lie but you kept telling yourself it was for a greater good.

"Okay, I'll meet you there in twenty minutes or so", he said, "Je t'aime, mon amour".

Riccardo seemed to have parked the car at the front of your building, making you get the bag out of your car trunk and join him and his family, "hey guys! Thank you for coming to this", you smiled, touching Chiara's foot softly and getting a giggle out of the little girl.

"No worries, this is such a nice idea and we're happy to help!", Marta said, letting you walk up to the door so you could get to your apartment.

"For the first time in my life, I'm the first one somewhere, and then they showed up too!", Joris said as the rest of the group you invited stood up from the hallway floor.

"I'm sorry for making you wait, but I had to pick these up and then the call with Charles had to be done at the precise time so he wouldn't get here before I did!", you explained, unlocking the door and letting them in.

"So we're fine to wait, but Charles can't wait for you?", Joris teased, making kissing noises as you shook your head, "privileges of being my boyfriend - it is what it is!", you chuckled.

Delegating the small tasks you left for the last minute, Charles' text saying he had just parked the car was enough to capture you attention, "quick quick, go hide in the living room - careful with the board game boxes! He's coming up!", you ushered your friends to the living room before your boyfriend knocked on your door.

"Hello, my love", you said, kissing his lips and pulling him inside the supposedly quiet apartment.

"Hey, gorgeous girl - I missed you", he squeezed you tight once you closed the door, "I was getting in my he - what's that?", Charles asked as a noise came from the living room.

Chiara squealed loudly enough for him to hear, so in part your surprise was not such a surprise, "you're not alone?", he mused.

Lacing your hand in his, you pulled him to the living room as everyone jumped out of their places to greet him!

"Surprise - ish!", you waved your hands as if you were announcing some great show, "I gathered all your favourite people - Lorenzo is coming with Charlotte in a bit, he just picked her up from work and your mother also had a cliente so she'll arrive a little later. Arthur is in the bathroom?", you wondered as you saw him walk out and pat his brother's back, not missing the truly surprised look on his face as he pulled you closer to him, kissing your temple, "you're the best, amour, thank you", he whispered.

You had food laid out in the coffee table and drinks in the kitchen where everybody could serve themselves so you could have your dining table available for the board and card games you were playing along with some building blocks for Chiara who was immediately stolen from her parents once your boyfriend saw her.

"Do we want to make a castle? Or maybe a rollercoaster?", Charles mused with the little girl sitting on his lap, still keeping an eye on his Monopoly game to make sure no one was missing any of the payments on his properties, "Good job, chérie!", he congratulated her, kissing her chubby cheek.

"Do you want me to get you guys anything? I'm already going to the kitchen", you wondered, "can you fill this up for us, please?", Marta asked as she handed you the orange juice jug, "yes, of course!", you grabbed it.

"This was a great idea, Y/N", Lorenzo said whole he poured himself a drink as you stepped into the kitchen, "he's been in his head a lot recently", he began.

"It's not much, really, it was quite easy to put everything together and you being here was very kind", you brushed it off.

"Y/N, gathering his favourite people to do something he loves apart from racing may seem simple but it's what he needs right now - don't underestimate yourself or the ability you have to bring him back to a good mental space", he rubbed your shoulder before going back to open the door, "it's our mother", he excused himself.

You set the jug on the table and took Chiara from your boyfriend's arms, volunteering to change her nappy in your bedroom.

Charles hugged his mother tight, "Hello, mon petit", she cupped his face and kissed his cheek, "I'm not little anymore", Charles blushed, "you and your brothers will always be my little boys, I don't care how old or how tall you get", she smiled, greeting everyone else in the room.

His favourite people were all in the same place, Charles thought. Some were playing cards, some were just chatting and you just picked his friends' daughter to change her nappy like she was your own.

"Do you have room for one more? I'm usually pretty good at this!", Lorenzo said as he sat at the dining table, "you take my game - it's not too bad, just make sure Marta pays up what she owes me - two hotels in my blue cards", Charles raised his eyebrows, "I know you were counting on your daughter's cuteness to distract me, but I have excellent vision", he smirked.

Charles walked to your bedroom, seeing you close the diaper bag as Chiara kicked the air, layed on top of your comforter and giggling at the story you were telling her, "and then I had to tell the lady 'that won't do, because I have my boyfriend's family and our friends over for dinner and I can't have too little food! Even if I have left overs for weeks!' because that's what's right, right? She also had this very fluffy bread that was still warm from the oven so I asked her if she could add that because I knew you'd like it - bread is the best, isn't it, cutie?", you spoke.

You were it, he had known that for a long time.

You were the one he wanted to grow old with and go through every challenge life wanted to throw at you, because he knew you both could face them if you were there.

"And who is that spying on us, hm? It's Charles! Let's go and give Charles a big hug and many kisses!", you smiled, picking her up and approaching your boyfriend, cuddling into his chest as you kept the little girl on your arms, kissing his chest while Chiara palmed his face and giggled when Charles pretended to eat her fingers, "yummy fingers, nom, nom, nom".

"I need to get started on dinner - I'm doing that roast you really like", you offered, "I already prepped most of it, just need to cut up the veggies and then put in the oven, simple as that".

"C'mon, Chiara - I bet my mother is wondering where you are because she'll want a cuddle", Charles took her from your arms, "I'll be back for you", Charles slapped your butt playfully.

You were seasoning the food on the trays, making sure you weren't forgetting anything when your boyfriend walked up to join you, wrapping his arms around your waist, "thank you for this, I really needed it", he kissed under your ear, turning you around to face him and kissing your lips properly, "it's fine", you scoffed.

"No, I really needed it - it's easy to lose sight of these things and these moments", he began, "I was home and getting way too much into my own head and I wouldn't got to anyone unless they asked about it", he admitted, squeezing your body closer to his.

"I'm glad you liked it, it's truly nothing but I'm glad you're happy", you smiled, "I can't control what goes on your mind all the time but I'm going to make sure that whenever you're near me and say silly things about doubting yourself, I will always help you see the truth and work it out with you - no down talking about yourself when you're with me, understood?", you stated firmly almost like you were lecturing him.

"I know, amour", he giggled, kissing your forehead and then littering some more kisses on your face and making you break out in laughter loudly.

The dinner was great and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves as they ate the meal and spoke about whatever came to mind, summer plans already in discussion.

Charles was helping you put away the plates when he decided he would voice the thoughts running through his head. Usually at this time of the day he was already knee deep into strategies and failed attempts, but this time was different.

"I want this every day", Charles said with a big smile on his face.

"Well, not all of us have your schedule, it would be lovely, but maybe making it a weekly thing? Monthly maybe with your schedule?", you tried, not wanting to kick his idea straight to the trash.

"I don't mean that - I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I was wondering if you'd like to move in with me", Charles clarified, "there's no point to keep two places when realistically, we spend most times at eachother's place - you're down to what? Sleeping two nights here per week?", he noted as you smiled.

"You want to move in together?", you checked and he nodded, "yes, I do - honestly, I've thinking we keep my place since you're renting here and that way you'd be closer to work, too", he suggested.

"Sounds good to me", you smiled, kissing his lips, sealing the deal.

"I don't want to be far away from you when we don't have to be, and this way you can save on rent, too!", he added and before you truly lectured him, he caught you ahead, "I know you won't let me pay for things on my own and we will find some arrangement for that, I was just saying you won't have to keep paying your landlord", he smiled.

"I mean it when I say I want to split expenses, okay?", you argued, "unless you start going with expensive caviar or any of that crazy expensive stuff - my salary can't take that", you joked.

"When have you ever seen that in my fridge?", he threw his head back as he laughed.

"I'm only joking, handsome - I can't wait to move in with you", you hugged him, "I love you, Charles, can't wait to be your new roomie".

[365emotionlessfaces]

One-shot that I started with much enthusiasm, and unfortunately lost all gumption nine tenths of the way through, so the ending is kinda rushed and kinda cliff-y but kinda not. It’s more of a beginning. I’m sorry if it’s not great 🙃

You Can't Stop Fate

WC:~6.6k

Growing up, your mother forbade any talk of soulmates. You assumed it was because of what your father had done. When you were seven, he just hadn’t come home one day. Or the next day. Or any of the days following. You remember not being allowed to talk about him or soulmates after that.

It was also forbidden to write on your skin. That was a safety issue, though. The one thing she was willing to tell you pertaining to soulmates was that there was a terrible genetic skin condition that ran on your mom’s side, making all of the women of her family allergic to any types of marker or pen inks. The only writing utensil she even kept in the house while you were growing up were pencils! You weren’t close to your mother’s side of the family, and she had begun reminding you of your allergy at such a young age, that by now it was something you believed, mostly, without question. You didn’t have anyone to ask if there had been a cure found or something- anything that would allow you to communicate with your soulmate. Drunk You has been very tempted to just write a message and deal with the consequences later multiple times, but has never been brave enough to go through with it.

The lack of talking about soulmates did nothing to assuage your love for the notion. One day, in middle school, when your class had gone to the library, you had snuck a book about soulmates into the back corner, and had devoured the whole thing over the course of the hour. Every single day after that, you would check for messages, drawings, notes, anything from your soulmate almost obsessively. You would check when you woke up, when you got home from school, and right before bed. Plus, probably a hundred times in between. If you couldn’t write messages to them, you had to be ready for when they sent you something.

They didn’t write anything that year. Or the year after. Or any year until you were eighteen. After you graduated high school, you lost hope. You figured that your soulmate was dead, or probably assumed you were dead because you were never able to write anything, either. Or maybe they didn’t even exist. So, you stopped bothering to check.

In the summer between high school and college, you had grieved the loss of a life you would never have. You had watched as pretty much everyone in your life had interacted with their soulmates on a daily basis. People walking around with little reminder notes or small doodles left by their destined person. Arms and legs full with conversations had by two people, separated only in distance. There were even two kids in your graduating class that had found each other in the third grade!

By the time the start of your first college semester rolled around, you had succumbed to the idea that you’d never find your soulmate. To anyone who had known you in college, they would have described you as a ‘crazy hot genius’ that could have had any girl on campus. You weren’t a genius, you just knew too many random facts. During the day, you focused diligently on your schoolwork. You made sure to study, take notes, and even set up tutoring sessions that usually ended with everyone in attendance having a big study fest. By night, you partied. You allowed yourself to release your frustrations through alcohol, weed, and quite a few of the gorgeous girls on campus.

That’s how your college career went. Grades never slipping, and parties never being missed. Your junior year was different, though. Your mother had passed away, and you tumbled your way through the following months, struggling with your grief. Your grades no longer exemplified that of an intellectual, but merely one of a slightly above-average student. Your second to last year at college started with you being one of the top three contenders for salutatorian, and ended with your grades and GPA getting lost amongst the sea of average achieving academic attendees at the University of Pennsylvania.

A girl from one of your classes, one of the integrated sciences you think, confronted you one night during the summer before your senior year. You were in the library, after a summer study session had ended, packing your things, and planning your outfit for that night’s party in your head.

“I can tell you’re really going through something, and I know we don’t really know each other, but I wanted you to know that you’re literally the only reason I passed Educational Psych. I don’t wanna overstep, but if you need someone to talk to -or talk at, I’m a great listener- I’m here for you,” she had approached you after packing her own things from the study session. She seemed really sincere, and you weren’t sure if it was the fact that you hadn’t actually coped with the loss of your mother, having no one to talk to, or if it was the fact that she had caught you in one of your rare sober moments- it was probably a combination of the two- but you felt the urge to just tell her about everything.

After the past few years, you had made friends, sure, but they were less the type of friends that you could share personal things with, and more the type of friends that you share alcohol and party addresses with. She introduced herself as Janine Teagues, and you returned with your own name. Conversation started and flowed easily, and it wasn’t long before you started venting about your turmoil. It was nice to be able to finally unleash it all. You told her about your affliction that kept you from reaching out to your soulmate and the fact that they hadn’t ever reached out to you. You admitted that when your mother had passed, amongst all of the things you had inherited was a box of photos, and you couldn’t bring yourself to look through them.

She, in turn, admitted that she hadn’t ever received messages from her soulmate. She had sent plenty, but she hadn’t found so much as an accidental pen mark in reply. She also assured you that you didn’t have to look at the photographs until you were ready, should that day ever come. For the first time in your life, you didn’t feel so alone in the Soulmate Department, and instead of going to the party that night, you had gone with your newfound friend to some pizza joint and continued talking about your lives.

Janine quickly became your best friend, and you two finished your last year of college by each other’s side. You partied and drank far less, and were able to get your grades back to the standards you had set for yourself. You didn’t quite make it back to salutatorian standards, but you were proud of yourself. Your best friend graduated alongside you, and, in hopes of sticking together, you both applied to and got hired at the same school. You even got apartments in the same building.

Melissa Schemmenti hated the whole soulmate thing, and has since she was in her early twenties. She had spent her whole childhood writing message after message, only to get assolutamente nulla, diddly squat in return. Kristen Marie always told her that her soulmate probably already knew who she was and didn’t like her, and that’s why she got no answers.

When she met Joe at twenty three, he was so sweet and romantic in the beginning, he convinced her that she didn’t need to find her soulmate to have a happy relationship, so she stopped writing on her skin. After they married, he began to tell her that someone like her could never have a soulmate. Melissa had been able to overcome most of the terrible things that Joe had convinced her of, but that idea stuck around. After almost fifty years on this planet, and not so much as a smiley face to prove they were alive, she couldn’t shake the idea that maybe she really wasn’t good enough to have a soulmate.

So she spent the years after her divorce having plenty of short lived relationships, trysts, and one night stands with hot men and women alike. If she couldn’t find her soulmate, she sure as hell was gonna have some fun. By the time you and Janine were hired into Abbott, her ‘booty call’ roster was full and there were a lot of metaphorical notches in her bedpost.

The longer you taught at Abbott, the shorter her roster got, until eventually there wasn’t a single person on it. She couldn’t understand why, but she slowly lost interest in her admirers, and couldn’t be bothered to answer their texts or calls anymore. She would deny that it had anything to do with you because she definitely did not like you. At all.

After the obligatory three months following your arrival at the school, she finally learned your name, but decided to call you anything but. She criticized every move you made, fussing at your food, complaining about your clothes- though Janine was a victim of that, too-,and attacking your non-Philly accent. It was difficult for you when you first started, but having Janine by your side, and a few of the other teachers warming up to you, you grew to ignore her insults. She didn’t stop throwing them, though.

Five years later, and you started to take the digs as affection. There’s no way that someone could have such intense emotions about who you were as a person, and not care, even just a little bit. She hurled stings at Janine, Jacob, and Janine’s new boyfriend, Gregory, and you knew that Melissa cared for them. Hell, she let Jacob move into her house!

Melissa became a really great friend. Sure, you were undeniably attracted to her, and, sure, she made you question everything you thought you knew about needing a soulmate. She had a smile that lit up the room, eyes so green you could swear that they were real emeralds, and fiery red hair that was as flaming as her attitude. You’ve known her for just over half a decade, and you’ve lost count of how many new swear words you learned. Melissa just shows she cares by bullying.

But she bullied all of her friends at the school, and there was no way she was attracted to everyone. A few of them, sure, but Gregory? No way. And Jacob? Absolutely not! They were just friends, and there are a lot of days when you have to remind yourself that that’s all you are, too.

It was the last day of school and you were preparing your little kindergarteners for Move Up Day. You had stopped in this morning to make sure Alex was still keeping his word, and coming to school, and chatted with Janine about the party she had planned.

“I’ve got everything set. It’s gonna be perfect,” she told you excitedly, and you had to try not to roll your eyes. She had already explained her system to you this morning, clarifying what and who each station was for, and while you loved your best friend, sometimes she could be a bit much. You had a feeling in the pit of your stomach that tonight was going to be a disaster.

The following few hours went as normally as they possibly could. The little ones may not have truly understood what was going on, but the big kids were buzzing with the excitement of the last day, and the small children fed off the energy of their elders. You helped your kiddos get into their tiny little graduation gowns and hats. Melissa popped her head in every time she passed by.

“Their caps are crooked,” she said the first time. By the time you had turned to sass her back, she was gone, leaving only a cameraman trailing behind her, so you just rolled your eyes with a soft smile, and returned to helping the kids fit into their outfits.

An hour later you heard her voice again. “You should let the kids design your next dress. It might actually catch some looks then.” The kids were coloring some paper graduation cords you had printed out. You let out a slight chuckle. You knew she only picked on your clothes when she thought they looked nice.

“Seems to be catching your attention just fine,” you replied with a smirk. You weren’t sure, but you could have sworn she blushed a little, but she was on her way back to her own class before you could get a good enough look.

By the time lunch rolled around, you were ready for her next quip. You had prepared yourself for any plethora of smart remarks she could have. Unfortunately, you weren’t able to experience any of the redhead’s comments. Your phone dinged as you were about five feet from the door of the break room, and you stopped in your tracks.

There staring back at you was a message from someone claiming to be your mother’s sister. You had just enough time to read the text before the same number was calling you. You panicked, and answered the phone.

“Hello?” After you answered, the woman on the other end confirmed that you were really the person she was looking for.

“My name’s Dana. I don’t know if you remember me? I was the one wearing orange at your mother’s funeral,” you vaguely recalled a woman who stood out during your brief stop into your mother’s wake. You hadn’t stayed very long, unable to stand being around people who didn’t even know your mother the way they would say they did, but you did remember seeing the one person dressed in your mother’s favorite color.

You took one glance at the doorway of the break room. You could hear Melissa’s voice over everyone, and if you weren’t on the phone with a woman who was technically your aunt but also was someone you had no memory of ever meeting, you would have been grinning from ear to ear. You could hang up and go enjoy lunch with your friends, or you could continue this conversation with a stranger and find out why she would call after so many years. You sighed and turned to head back towards your classroom.

“Uh, yeah. Can I… help you?”

“Well, uh, I’m sorry if this is awkward,” her voice was surprisingly cheery for someone anticipating an awkward encounter. “But my mom- your grandmother passed away recently, and while I was going through her things I found a letter that your mom had written to her when your father left. It, uh, it says that she told you that you were allergic to ink, and that it was hereditary. It only affects us women,” she paused for a moment.

Your heart felt like it was trying to rip its way out of your chest as you practically begged her to continue, “My- Uh, yeah?” You huffed before continuing. “Yeah. Pens, markers, tattoos. Can’t touch any of ‘em.” You reached your desk and dropped into your chair as you finished speaking.

“It’s just not true. I don’t know if that does you any good, but I- I just couldn’t let you go on without knowing the truth. It wouldn’t be right of me.”

The world around you suddenly seemed to be spinning a little faster. Your chest started to feel heavy. Unable to catch your breath, you reached forward and put your free hand on your desk.

How could this be possible? Why would your mother lie to you? How did it take you this long to learn the truth?

You had so many questions running through your head, you couldn’t keep them straight. You closed your eyes in an attempt to stop the questions from appearing, and you felt tears run down your cheeks.

“Hello?” Her voice startled you. You had no idea how long you had been quiet. Had she been talking this whole time? You opened your eyes and raised your head to scan the room. Still empty.

“Uh, yeah-” You cleared your throat. “Sorry, I, uh- Thank you. For telling me, I mean.” You weren’t really sure what to say or how to respond. A bubbling feeling was coming from your throat, like a scream trying to build up enough force to escape.

You said your goodbyes, and you stood. Looking around, the walls seemed to be getting closer. You looked at the door, wondering if you’d make it to the hallway in time before the walls completely closed in and crushed your being horrifically, left for a large group of five year olds to discover. You shook the thought out of your head as best you could, but made a run for it, just in case.

As you flew through the threshold, you entered the hallway and crashed right into Mr. Johnson, followed by a large camera.

“You alright?” He asked.

“I have a terrible headache,” you lied, and judging by the look on the camera person’s face, it wasn’t a good lie. “I need someone to take over my class for the rest of the day. Would you be willing?”

“Sure. I’m working on my mind control, and I could use some test subjects.” He smiled gleefully before making his way into your classroom to prepare for the end of lunch. You didn’t have time to unlock that Mr. J backstory right now. You followed him back into your room to grab your things, told him where your lesson plans were-even though you knew he wasn’t even going to look at them- and what time nap time was, and headed to Ava’s office to let her know you’d be taking the rest of the day off.

“You’re still gonna be at the party though, right?” was all the response she had. Once you had given her the affirmative, she didn’t care what you did.

The first thing you did once you got home was throw yourself hysterically onto your bed, disturbing your cat, Nicky. Sure, it didn’t help your situation, and it definitely made Nicky look at you like you kicked him, but dang it, sometimes it felt good to be dramatic about things. As soon as your body stopped moving, your mind started. So did the tears.

Did your mom lie because your dad left? Did your dad leave because your mom wanted to lie to you?

You hadn’t felt any burning questions or feelings about your dad since your high school days, but now it felt like everything was trying to rush back. Your head was pounding, and you knew the crying would exhaust you into a nap, so you wiped your tears and headed to the kitchen, trying to temporarily situate your brain on any other topic.

Rummaging through your pantry and refrigerator and not finding much, you settled on making yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was halfway through making that sandwich that you realized that Melissa had brought some of her mouthwatering ziti in for lunch today, and the realization put you on the verge of tears once more.

“But that’s my favorite!” You whined out loud. Nicky, who had followed you to the kitchen, meowed in response.

“Yeah, I know it was my fault for leaving, but you would not believe the day I had.” You finished making your sandwich, put the knife in the sink, and stood at the counter to eat your sandwich. Nicky waited until you were looking at him again before meowing, as if he were making sure you were paying attention to what he was saying.

“Well, apparently, our grandma died… The one we don’t know… We have an Aunt Dana… Oh! Get this! We’re not allergic to pen and marker inks and mom just lied to us and we could have reached out and found our soulmate forever ago!” You spoke between bites of your sandwich, progressively getting louder and louder until you were yelling.

Nicky had run off as you started yelling, and when you made the realization that you were the reason he ran, the guilt was the last emotional straw on the camel’s back. Your body started to wrack with heaves and sobs causing you to drop the half eaten sandwich on the plate in front of you. You leaned on the counter to keep your balance, but it did you no good, so you turned around, hitting the counter with your back, and slid down until you hit the floor. Hugging your knees, you just bawled until you felt like you could never cry again.

As you stood to take care of your plate, you caught a glimpse of the clock and realized that crying all the tears in your body had taken a little over an hour. Once your plate was sitting in the sink, you realized you had left your phone in your purse so you decided to grab it before heading for a nap.

You reached your hand into your purse, and it fumbled around looking for your phone. Once it had reached its desired item, you yanked your hand out causing your purse to fall, and some of its contents to spill on the floor. You grumbled, but stopped to clean your mess anyway. As you picked it all up, you stopped as you held a red pen in your hands. It was the only ink pen you owned, and you used it for grading papers. You had always been extremely cautious and careful not to allow even a single speck of ink to touch your skin, and yet as it sat here in your hands, you were experiencing, for the first time, temptation to allow just that.

‘It’s the only way to know for sure,’ you thought. You carefully uncapped the pen, and held it out slightly to get a good look at it.

This small thing had caused you so much anguish in your life, all because of an alleged lie. If it was a lie, you’d have a whole new box of emotions to deal with regarding your mother and your entire life. If it wasn’t a lie… well, then you sure hoped they found Nicky a good home.

Determined, you tried to figure out what to write. If it was going to be your first, and possibly last, message to a soulmate that may or may not exist, it had to be good. You spent ten minutes trying to come up with ideas, only to shoot them down as quickly as they popped up. You had to put something, even just to find out whether you truly were allergic or not.

After deciding that no words would be good enough, you decided to draw a flower. You started in the middle of the back of your hand, and began drawing the petals outward. The closer you got to the edges of your fist, the more it resembled a mandala. When you were done, you were quite pleased with yourself. You held it out to get a good look at it, and decided it was one of the better flowers you had drawn.

You waited. No redness. No itchiness. You weren’t breaking out into hives. No swelling. You waited a few minutes more before the tears began again. Your entire life had been a lie. All concocted by the woman who was supposed to protect you.

Not knowing how else to cope, you made your way to your bedroom and under your covers, all the while, tears streaming down your face. Nicky jumped up and curled himself up into the pillow next to your head, and he was the last thing you saw before falling asleep.

The first thing you saw when you woke up was Janine’s face.

“What the f- Janine?!” You screamed as you sat up.

“I’m sorry. I know you said the key was for emergencies only, but you went home early and didn’t text me. I asked Ava about it and she said she had no idea what was going on in your life, and then when I tried calling you on my way home, you didn’t answer so I decided it was an emergency because how was I supposed to know if you were still alive? You weren’t answering me! You always answer me, and you know how my head gets and-” She finally noticed your hand. “What is that? How are you not dead? Do I need to take you to the hospital? Are you-”

“Janine,” you cut her off. “I’m sorry I didn’t answer your texts or calls. I was sleeping. I, uh- My mom lied about my allergy,” you said, rubbing said sleep from your eyes.

“She lied? What? Why would she do that?” She sat at the foot of your bed, eyes alarmingly wide.

You chuckled spitefully. “When you find out the answer, could you tell me, too? I’m dying to know.”

“Sorry, it’s just- that’s huge. Lying about an allergy to keep you from your soulmate? It sounds like some straight up villainy.”

“Right, though?” For the first time in a very long time you looked at your arms and hands for a reply from your soulmate, and sighed when there was nothing. “I dunno. I probably missed my chance or something. I just wish I could reach out to my dad, and see if he has any answers.”

Janine stood suddenly. “The box.”

“What?”

“The box of pictures! Maybe it has pictures of your dad or something with his name on it. Maybe if you have a name, you can reach out to him.”

You looked at her skeptically.

“It can’t hurt, but only if you’re ready,” she added. You supposed she was right. The most it would do would bring up the grief of losing your parents, right?

You made your way across the room to your closet, and started to dig through. All the way at the back, the box full of pictures sat exactly where you had set it years back, untouched and unopened. You pulled it out and placed it on the bed next to your friend. You took your place on the bed, and then looked to Janine for encouragement. She nodded, and you opened the box to commence the task of finding your father.

The photos at the top were high school photos. Your graduation, senior photos, and prom. The deeper you dug, the younger you were in the pictures. You finally got to pictures that consisted of a toddler that had to be you, and a man that was clearly your father.

“Wait. What’s that on your arm there?” Janine pointed at the picture in your hand. You pulled the photograph closer to your face, trying to get a good look at your arm.

“It says ‘I hope I meet you someday.’ Janine!” You gasped and reached for her arm. “Do you know what this means? I have a soulmate!” You stopped and thought for a moment. “Or had a soulmate, but either way! Janine!”

You had a soulmate. They were real. You weren’t sure how many more discoveries you could make before your heart just gave out.

You scrambled through the rest of the pictures, hoping to find another featuring you with any messages from your soulmate, but in all the other photos, your skin was clear of any marks. Janine helped you pick through them, but she, too, came up empty handed. The last thing in the box was a single piece of notebook paper, folded in half with your name scrawled across the front. You took hold of it, opened it, and began reading the long-forgotten letter out loud.

“My dearest child, I hope that one day you can forgive me. I hurt your mother in a way I will never be able to repair. I have found my soulmate. Your mother and I were young when we met, and we believed that our love would be enough. We had decided that we didn’t need soulmates if we had each other. I didn’t mean to find my soulmate. I wasn’t looking for him, I promise. But after we found out, we couldn't deny what had happened. It wouldn’t have been fair to him, to me, or to your mother for life to have continued the way it was. I love you, my child, and I hope that someday in the future, we’ll meet again, and I can apologize properly. Until then, love Dad.”

“Woah,” Janine was practically reeling from shock, and it wasn’t even her dad.

“So, my mom lied to me about the ink allergy because my dad found his soulmate and broke her heart,” you were officially over today. “Alright, that’s it. I need a distraction from my life right now,” you started putting all the pictures back in the box haphazardly. Janine didn’t move, so you pulled the photos out of her hand to add to the rest. “I’m gonna shower, get dressed, and then we’re gonna go get your apartment ready for the party.”

Janine agreed, and left you to take care of the box. Instead of shoving it to the back of your closet again, you put it in your living room. Finding your father would be an adventure for a new day.

The weight of the day made you feel as if it had been weeks since you had showered. You decided that was your first step. Stepping into the steaming water, you sighed as your brain tried working through the events of the day. You thought about Melissa and how your soulmate had grown to become a rarely passing thought because of her. You couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of Melissa. A part of why she had accepted you was your shared lack of a soulmate. If she found out that you really did have a soulmate, she may stop talking to you altogether.

You scrubbed your body, and your feelings morphed into guilt as your thoughts turned to the idea of taking a chance and trying to sleep with Melissa at least once before starting your search for your soulmate. You figured that any type of relationship was out of the question. Especially now that you know for sure that you have a soulmate, there was no way that you couldn’t at least attempt to communicate with them, given the information learned today. You sighed and decided that you couldn’t do that to her. It just wouldn’t be fair.

Looking down at your hand, you frowned slightly and began scrubbing the pen ink off., and when it was gone, you finished your shower by washing your face.

You stepped out of the shower and dried yourself off quickly to avoid the cold air on your wet skin. You slipped into your bedroom, greeted by Nicky, and started rifling through your closet for something to wear to the party. A little black number caught your eye, and you pulled it out. You turned to the bed where Nicky laid, watching you, and held the dress up to your body.

“Whatcha think, Nicky boy?”

He gave you an enthused meow in return.

“What? Just because I’m not gonna try to get laid tonight doesn’t mean I can’t look nice,” you defended yourself.

He meowed again. He was always so judgemental.

“Oh, whatever. What do you know? You don’t even have a job.” You tossed the dress onto the bed, next to your boy, and he got up to leave, clearly offended that you brought up his unemployment. You continued getting ready. You dried your hair and put it up in a loose updo, and put on some light makeup. You threw on your dress and admired the way it made you look in the mirror. It definitely left nothing to the imagination, and the deep cut neck made your cleavage unavoidable.

You made your way over to Janine’s apartment, and you didn’t even have to knock. The door flew open just as your knuckles were about to connect to it. “I was waiting for you,” she said with a bright smile. She held up a bottle of wine. “Wanna pregame?”

“Of course I do,” you couldn’t have hidden your enthusiasm if you had tried. You took the bottle from her as you entered, and she made her way to retrieve the glasses. When she returned to the couch, you poured yourself a healthy helping and poured Janine the same amount. She immediately started talking about the plan for her party again, and you took the chance to take a few large sips of your drink.

After a while, the conversation turned into her recounting her day. “-and then Melissa freaked out, and I mean that she was full on panicking. She had gloves on for the rest of the day.”

“Wait, I’m sorry. I zoned out for a second. What happened?” Janine looked at you, and you thought you saw a hint of pity in her expression, and it frustrated you slightly, but you didn’t have time to dwell because she repeated herself.

“I guess one of the kids got sick, like, really sick after lunch, and it was all over her room and she had to clean it up. Said she went through three rolls of paper towel, and a whole bottle of bleach, but Mr. Johnson said he didn’t see that much paper towel in any of her trash cans because if he had he would have charged her for it. She wore the gloves the rest of the day. Gregory asked her about the gloves, and she said that you never knew when the next person was gonna throw up. It was ridiculous.” She chuckled a little and you looked at the time. Janine had recounted her itinerary for the night so many times, you practically had it memorized, so you knew that Melissa and Barb would be here any moment now.

Downing the rest of the wine in your glass, you stood and grabbed the remaining quarter bottle of wine. “Speaking of her, she and Barb should be here any minute, so we need to put this away, and act like we’re still setting up.”

She nodded and finished off her wine, handing the glass to you and standing from the couch. As a knock came from the door, you made your way to the kitchen. There on a small table was a smorgasbord of alcohol, so you placed the wine among them. Noticing a bottle of tequila, you picked it up, grabbed a shot glass, and poured yourself a shot. After downing it quickly, you heard footsteps approaching, so you turned to see a member of the camera crew.

You said hello and grabbed a shot glass to offer to him. He agreed, and together you took another shot. You started to feel that warm feeling in your stomach, and knew that you had to wait a little bit for your next drink. You thought you heard another knock on the door, but the camera man asked you about why you had left school early, and you couldn’t come up with an excuse fast enough to see if you were right about the door.

You could come up with a lie, however.

“I had a family emergency.” It wasn’t technically a lie. It felt like an emergency, and it did pertain to family.

Your eyes shifted to the doorway as Janine passed by, followed by Barb, Melissa, and the other cameraman. You couldn’t help the way your eyes were glued to Melissa’s figure. When you turned back to the cameraman, he was giving you a knowing look. You rolled your eyes, but you could feel the heat creeping up your neck. It had been long enough since your last shot, right?

You quickly took another shot of tequila, just as another knock came, and this time you were sure you heard it. By the time you made it back into the living room, the guests let themselves in and found their ways to their respective interest spots. They weren’t anyone you recognized, but you were thankful for the escape from the prying cameraman.

Janine, the cameraman, and the two veteran teachers returned just as another knock came on the door. Janine rushed to open the door and revealed Gregory and Jacob, followed immediately by Ava, who made her way directly towards you.

“You feelin’ any better?” When you nodded in affirmation, she grabbed your arm and began pulling you back towards the kitchen. “Good, ‘cause we’re drinking,” she sounded exasperated with the party already. She led you back to the kitchen and forced you to toss three more shots into your already buzzed body. By the time the two of you returned to the living room, the party was officially in full swing, and there were people talking and mingling everywhere. As you scanned the room for a certain redhead, you noticed the same thing you’ve noticed in every room you’ve walked into since you were young: the soulmates. Drunk soulmates scattered across Janine’s apartment, the majority of which were using each other as canvases. You didn’t see Melissa, though. You turned to the woman beside you and spoke abruptly.

“Ava, I want a mustache.”

“What?” The look of shock and disgust on Ava’s face was enough to have you laughing. Between your giggles, you explained that you meant that you wanted her to draw a mustache on your face. After a slight amount of convincing (and possibly another shot or two), she agreed to draw you a mustache.

She brought the marker to your upper lip, and you felt the cold tip of the marker swipe down your lip a few times. Your eyes flitted to the doorway as Melissa walked into the room, just as Ava asked, “You want Al Sharpton or Steve Harvey?”

You weren’t sure if it was the shock of seeing Melissa with half a mustache, or the humor of Ava’s question, but you laughed and turned your head sharply causing the marker to travel almost parallel to your lip and halfway across your cheek. When you looked up again, and saw that Melissa now had a mark across her face too, your head began to swim. You had so many thoughts and questions almost immediately, but the only thing you could do was stare at her like a deer in the headlights.

When you regained control of your limbs again, you excused yourself from Ava’s company and quickly headed for the door. You didn’t know what you were going to do next, but you knew that you didn���t want to do it drunk. You made it to the hallway outside Janine’s door, and propped yourself against the wall to take a breather. It didn’t last long before familiar footsteps approached. You knew who it was before you looked up to meet her eyes.

“I didn’t think I had one,” she said quietly. “An’ I thought you were allergic to ink?”

You chuckled slightly and looked up to meet Melissa’s gaze. “It’s a long story. Can I tell you over coffee?” You hoped her smile was a confirmation, but as she reached her hand out, you knew it was going to be an interesting night.

[caelivir]

red lips, dying for a kiss | rayne ames

— synopsis. in which rayne discovers that red lip combos are his weakness.

— pairing. rayne ames x fem!reader

— genres. university au, friends-ish to lovers, rayne has a little bit of a crush

— word count. 2.3k

— warnings. very brief violence mention in the beginning, alcohol consumption (rayne and reader are 21 in this), making out (i tried to keep it brief), ooc rayne but he’s kinda drunk so

— notes. breaking theme for this one but it’s okay. i wanted to drop this on valentine’s day… clearly that didn’t work out. also as i go to post this hidden lights reached 1k notes which is absolutely insane to think of. thank you for giving it so much love. anyway, happy 100 followers! thanks for sticking with me. enjoy!

dedicated to all the rayne girlies. i pray we find (or already have) a man like him. ♡

ryoh’s parties are always a bad idea. rayne can’t count the number of times something has gone wrong. cops show up. someone locks every single bathroom from the inside. a dumbass jumps off the roof and into the pool. any incident you could think of has probably happened. the last one rayne went to nearly got him screwed over when he fought against a guy picking on his brother, and it was not pretty (for the other guy) to say the least.

from that moment on, rayne had made the decision to never attend another one of ryoh’s parties. it doesn’t matter who begged him or what the circumstances were. no one was going to change his mind on that.

unfortunately, ryoh grantz would not have that. it took three days and a two hundred dollar bribe to convince rayne to go because who would he be if not taking advantage of the rich.

so that’s where he finds himself now, standing in a circle with his friends as music blasts in ryoh’s mansion. they talk about who knows what as rayne wishes he could go home. he has to see it out though because this would be the easiest two hundred dollars he would ever make.

his second red solo cup of the night is filled with some unknown (but surprisingly delicious) concoction that sits untouched. he swirls the cup around in his hand, his eyes darting around the room for an escape.

rayne chugs his entire drink down, setting the empty cup on the first surface he finds before mumbling an excuse of having to use the bathroom, not caring whether his friends heard it or not. he stops by the kitchen to rummage through a cooler, skin freezing as he digs through the ice. he finds two cans of a beer brand that he likes.

he weaves through the crowd in the living room, trying his best to not bump into anyone or spill any drinks because the last thing he needs is another altercation.

unfortunately for him, life always has a curveball in store for him.

“hey, look! (y/n)’s here!” someone had yelled, causing people to push closer towards the front door. the flow carries him closer despite his protests.

the half blonde finds you easily. it’s hard to miss your bright smile, even in a room surrounded by dozens. a crowd surrounds you and your group of friends. they greet you with hellos, offer drinks, and fight for your attention. you try your best to address everyone as you and your friends inch closer to the dance floor.

rayne knows you. your friend groups overlap often so he was bound to meet you at one point. you're popular around campus, known for your friendly nature, kind acts, and most of all, you're known for your beauty. he hears about a new attempt to gain your affection almost weekly. you never seem to accept them for some odd reason. it doesn't matter who it is. the d1 basketball prodigy? the rich girl in your philosophy class? they'd be rejected all the same. your lack of care for relationships has sparked up rumors, but even those never seem to faze you.

as for his opinion on you, rayne acutally likes you, which is a rare feat considering that the half-blonde cannot stand the presence of most people. but in this case, he likes you. he has the smallest of crushes that he wouldn't dare to admit to anyone except his brother, maybe.

in the times your paths had crossed, you had been an easy person to be around, never doing anything to irritate him and always trying to include him in every conversation and activity. it makes him feel all warm inside. the thought of it brings the ghost of a smile onto his face.

he also can't deny that you are indeed one of the most beautiful people that he's ever come across. you would have to be a fool to try and deny that. it's a little shallow on his part to like you partly for your looks, but he can't help it when your smile has the power to blind angels.

"rayne?" your head tilts, surprise written all over your face. he locates two shots in your hands. "woah, i'm surprised you're here! people said you wouldn't come to these anymore!"

rayne is barely to pick up the sound of your voice over all the music. "got paid to be here." he speaks loudly, avoiding yelling as much as he can.

"well, that's one way to get someone to come to a party." you giggle.

it's at this point where rayne closely inspects your face. his eyes are immediately drawn to your lips, colored in a combination of reds. he's never seen it on you before, and paired with the rest of the makeup on your face, it stands out, commands attention.

and it looks… really fucking good. rayne takes the sight of you in fully. yeah, you look really fucking good tonight. the half-blonde gulps, forcing his eyes back up to your face.

"take this with me!" you urge rayne, holding out a plastic shot glass to him.

unwilling to bring himself to say no to you, rayne sighs, accepting it. the two of you raise your glasses up in a silent toast before pressing the plastic to his lips, tilting his head back, and letting the alcohol slide down his throat. it burns. it tastes horrid on his tastebuds. the half-blonde scrunches his nose in disgust, and you take the empty glass from him, how you went unbothered by such a disgusting beverage is beyond him.

as much as rayne wishes he could be with you, he desperately longs to find someplace quiet. the bass of the music pounds against his head. "i'll see you around, (y/n). have fun tonight. be safe." rayne says.

"oh okay. see you rayne." you frown, but maybe that's just the lighting messing with him. he swears there's disappointment laced in your voice, but that could also just be the alcohol playing games with him.

rayne makes his way upstairs. he prays that he won't barge into people having sex. luckily for him, it's still early, and the room that he chooses, the one at the very end of the hall, is empty. he relaxes the moment he locks the door as if a weight was being lifted off him.

the half-blonde sets his unopened beers onto the nightstand and lies on the made bed. he stares at the ceiling for fifteen minutes, contemplating his life choices. his thoughts drift to you and your gorgeous lips, but he’s quick to dismiss them. when he’s finished with that, he cracks open his first beer, leaving a ring of condensation on the nightstand, and opens up his phone.

the next hour or so is spent watching compilations of bunnies and sipping on his beers. it’s perfectly fine like this. save for the bass of the music bouncing against the walls, it’s peaceful. he feels the effects of the alcohol he drank humming in his veins. it puts him into a lighter mood. however, that peace is disturbed when there’s a loud pounding on the door.

“what the hell?” rayne mumbles under his breath. did someone confuse this room for the bathroom? the half-blonde pulls himself out of bed, unlocks the door, and cracks it open just a little bit to see who it is.

“rayne, is that you? oh my god, please let me in.” you beg, clasping your hands together in prayer.

confused, but without any complaint, he allows you into the room, shutting the door behind him and locking it.

you practically collapse on the edge of the bed, and rayne can sense that something is amiss.

“are you alright?” he asks cautiously, standing a foot away from you.

“do you ever just get sick of people?” you ponder suddenly, shooting to sit straight up.

“sure.” rayne shrugs, still unmoving from his spot.

“you can’t tell anyone i told you this,” you point at him with narrowed eyes, voice slurred. “swear you won’t.”

“i won’t.”

“good.” you nod. “as i was saying, i get so sick of people sometimes. being popular is fucking exhausting. i don’t know how much longer i can keep up with this. i swear i can’t enjoy things on my own time without people barging in or commenting on it.

“i can’t sit on a couch to catch my breath without people wanting to talk to me. not that that’s bad of course, i love talking to people, but christ, just back up a bit. like can’t they just take a hint and realize that i don’t want to talk? do you get that?”

rayne nods. “must be rough.”

“it is,” you groan and then sigh, standing up to dust off your clothes. you stumble from dizziness after having gotten up too fast. however, you shake the feeling out. “sorry, i shouldn’t have dumped all of that on you. that was a stupid thing to complain about.”

“no, it wasn’t.” rayne argues. “people who are always in your space are fucking annoying. i would know so there’s nothing wrong with feeling that way.” at this point, he could tell the alcohol is doing its number on him, making him more vocal and bold.

“do i annoy you, rayne?” you ask, eyelashes batting at him, this innocent worry behind your eyes. it drives him mad.

“no.” he says sternly, inching closer, his gaze falling to your crimson lips. that damn red lipstick. he wonders what would happen if he were to mess it up. what would happen if he were to ruin that precise lining of color? what you let him cross that line? in his tipsy state of mind, he wants to find out.

“are you sure? because i know whenever we see each other i kinda cling to you, but if that bothers you, just let me know. really it’s no-” you ramble before rayne cuts you off.

“i want to kiss you.” the half-blonde mutters. his eyes stare deep into your own. your eyebrows raise in shock.

"huh?"

"i want" rayne's hand flexes at his side as he exhales, resisting the urge to touch you. "to kiss you."

"why?" you whisper so quietly that he almost didn't hear you.

maybe this is a reckless decision. maybe he shouldn't be risking a friendship with a drunken mind, but honestly in the moment, he really couldn't care less. he can regret it in the morning if things fell apart.

"i like you." rayne admits.

a moment of silence falls onto the room. you stare and stare, sinking your eyes deep into rayne’s as his confession weighs further down onto you.

“oh thank god.” you exhale, pulling rayne in by his shirt.

rayne practically melts into the feeling of your lips, soft against his own. he can taste faint traces of alcohol on you. he places his hands on your hips to press your bodies together. his palms explore your figure, circling around your lower back, trailing upwards to your ribs and back down to your waist. your hands entangle themselves in his hair, eliciting a soft groan out of him.

kissing you is a feeling like no other. it’s straight euphoria, maybe even something greater than that. the butterflies flap violently on his stomach. fireworks ignite his blood. being with you is like soaring across the sky.

you deepen the kiss, exploring each other with such desperation that it makes you dizzy. his tongue moves against yours in perfect sync, as if it were a choreographed dance. by the time you pull away to catch air, you and rayne are breathless, huffing as the half-blonde rests his forehead against yours.

you beautiful red lipstick is now smeared across your mouth, staining at the corners and below the chin. rayne pulls his head back. his fingers graze over your lips, admiring the mess. he’s sure it transferred onto him as well.

“you got something right there.” you joke, pointing at him.

“shut up.” he whispers. however, a smile breaks out onto his face, betraying his words.

“so,” you say, snaking your arms around the half-blonde’s waist. “the rayne ames has a crush on me? i never thought i’d see the day.”

he hums as confirmation. “would i be wrong to guess that you like me too?”

“no.” you grin. “in fact, you’d be one hundred percent right.”

“wonderful.” he mutters, leaning in for another kiss. you turn your head, having him miss your mouth entirely.

“i’m starting to believe you only like me so you could have a make out partner.” you tease, causing the half-blonde to sigh at your antics.

“i like you because you’re kind.”

he pecks one cheek.

“because you’re fun.”

he pecks the other.

“because you’re intelligent.”

he presses his stained lips to your forehead.

“because you’re so beautiful.”

rayne kisses the tip of your nose.

“my beautiful, (y/n).” he mumbles with a barely noticeable slur, cupping your face.

“you should drink more often. i like this side of you.” you comment, looking up at him with a gaze that drives him crazy.

“please just let me kiss you again.” rayne quietly begs, his mouth centimeters from yours.

“kiss me whenever you want.” you whisper before colliding with him once more.

in the morning, ryoh has to pick the lock to get into the guest bedroom. he stumbles in pissed off and ready to blow up on the person who dared to put him through such a hassle.

however, the sight he walks into flips his mood instantly. ryoh finds you and rayne tangled in each other’s arms completely knocked out. upon closer inspection, he notes the matching lipstick stains on both of your mouths, and a knowing smirk spreads across his face.

the blonde man pulls out his phone, snapping pictures in different angles to solidify this moment in history.

“he better thank me for this.” ryoh says to himself before walking out and shutting the door behind him.

[whoo0sh]

love at first spike!!

pairing: shoyou hinata x fem!reader

word count: 512

warnings: pre-timeskip, sfw!!!, secondhand embarrassment, sho has no rizz, meet cute (meet ugly in disguise), not proof read

author’s note: no comment i don’t wanna talk about it

“hey dumbass, weren’t you supposed to keep score?”

"what?" shoyou answered suddenly, snapping out of his staring. his gaze finally left the spot it had been glued to the last fifteen minutes. you.

"oh my— stop checking her out, the score is supposed to be 21-19," another teammate sighed, exasperated. unfortunately, this wasn't the first time this match. the karasuno girls' team was having a practice match, and in an attempt to 'encourage team spirit', mr. takeda had suggested the boys' team come watch and help out with water while the girls occupied the gym.

hinata quickly flipped the scoreboard a couple times to put up the correct score, trying to focus. just as he did so, you jumped up and slammed the ball down on the linoleum gym floor, your feet landing just barely in front of the service line. he tried to ignore how your jersey hiked up slightly, fixing the score to account for the service ace.

then the whistle blew, the opposition calling for a timeout just as your team was starting to hike up points. classic.

though it was clear that the timeout wasn't going to stop the celebration of your serve, a bright smile sat on your lips as you jumped up and down, the other girls doing similar bunny hops in excitement. it was actually kind of endearing how excited you got, even if you looked as if you'd done it a hundred times before.

after the strategy talk and whatnot, which shoyou had spent fangirling to his teammates about you, he froze up the second he saw you approaching. he felt his heart start pounding in his chest and he really tried his hardest not to look you in the eyes too much.

"sorry, could you pass me my water bottle? uh, to your right," you corrected upon seeing the ginger frantically look around for it, trying your best not to giggle. he managed to hand it to you in an at least somewhat composed manner, smiling nervously.

"oh, thanks—"

"you're really pretty.”

he finally stammered out, and you could tell that it came more from an impulse than a deliberate flirting attempt, though that fact didn’t stop you from feeling a little flustered. shoyou just hoped you couldn't hear his heart racing out of his chest and that the heat on his freckled cheeks wasn't visible. it was, but you didn't have the heart to say so.

“oh thank you! i was thinking the same actually… i need to go back to my team but uhm, here’s my number. if you want.” you managed, obviously nervous but not quite as bad as him. you quickly grabbed a ballpoint pen beside him and scribbled your phone digits down on a spare piece of paper, your fingers brushing his as you handed it over. before the male could respond, you were pretty much already off, your coach lecturing you for being gone just as the final set was about to start.

karasuno ended up winning that game, but in your opinion, the most important win that day happened off-court <3

[willcmsv]

Soft Launch - Alain Laubrac x Fem Reader (ENG)

The story that follows is in English for my English Voltaire High's fans, French version is posted there!

Requested by @babydeersblog

Synopsis: You and Alain got to know each other at the beginning of the year, and were involved in a number of group projects, which helped your relationship to evolve over time. However, after being mocked when you confessed your feelings to a boy, you decided to keep them to yourself and no longer show any signs of love. But Alain unfortunately makes you feel something you'd like to find out more about.

Warnings: small changes compared to the series.

Notes: don't hesitate to recommend oneshot ideas - I write in English and French!

Since the beginning of the year, you and Alain have been exchanging words during your class hours. You have the habit of drawing him little drawings while he writes you quotes or jokes, depending on his mood. Since his fight with Joseph a few months ago, you have become Alain's sort of guardian angel, you prevent him from going off the rails and you defend him when you have the opportunity in front of Joseph and his friends.

However, for the past few weeks, Joseph can't help but tease you by pointing out how close you are and assuming that you love each other as if it were a game. But Joseph was like that. Everything was funny to him and everything was not serious.

When you come home on weekends, you have the right to participate to the private interrogation of your brother Jean-Pierre, as if Joseph's bogus questions weren't enough. For Jean-Pierre, you were and will always remain his little sister who he must cherish and protect. He stopped watching you grow up when you were nine.

“Who is Alain?” Jean-Pierre asked the second you set foot inside your house.

"A friend. Next question?" You answered.

Jean-Pierre frowned. For him, there's no way you're dating a boy. Simone had reminded him several times that you were seventeen and old enough to have a boyfriend, but he was stubborn and didn't want to know anything about the subject.

“Apparently no, that’s not what Joseph claims to say.”

"Joseph! Do you really believe him?! He's an idiot and he likes to start rumors about everything that moves. I thought you were more intelligent…" You affirmed, grabbing a glass which you carefully filled with water.

After your exchange with your brother, you headed to your room and discovered a letter left on your bed. It is signed A.L.

You immediately recognized the sender's writing and his sentences, which were always so original and captivating. You couldn't help but smile at each of his letters, at each of his words, of his actions. But although this should make you happy, on the contrary, it made you anxious.

Every night before going to sleep, you thought about what you really wanted. You had two choices presented to you: confess your feelings to him and risk being humiliated like before, or keep them a secret and perhaps lose the love of your life.

The love of your life, maybe that’s a big word.

On Monday morning, after leaving your home, you arrived at school a little early. You especially hoped to see Alain.

“Morning.” A male voice called out to you.

Without even turning around, you could recognize this voice among a hundred, even if it wasn't pleasant for you.

“Joseph, what else do you want from me?”

"What do I want from you? What do you want me instead.”

You raised your eyebrow, unconsciously glaring at Joseph.

"Even though the school doesn't know me by that name yet, I'm excited to introduce myself, Joseph the Cupid." He stooped down, miming a curtsy.

“Joseph the what?!” You giggled at this unpredictable news. “You’re kidding me, right?”

“Do I look like it?”

My smile immediately faded from my face when I realized that indeed, he was completely serious. But Joseph, serious or not, is not someone you can trust.

“Go find another customer.” You responded, turning on your heel.

“Don’t you want to know what your dear Alain thinks of you?” A smirk formed on the blonde's lips.

“Not necessarily, and certainly not thanks to your help.” You declare.

"It's a shame, I know a lot about him and things that might interest you-" Joseph stopped in his sentence when Alain arrived.

“Are you okay Y/n? Joseph…” Alain gave Joseph a confused look. “We can already get ready for class, what do you think?”

You nodded and the two of them walked off into the hallways. Alain leaned against the wall.

“If Joseph bothers you, tell me.”

“It’s Joseph, he’s like that.” You declare.

Alain lowered his gaze, as if he was upset, and upset by what had just happened.

During the first class of the day, you couldn't help but glance at Alain who seemed so focused on the class. You were as focused on him as he was on his lesson that you didn't realize that his gaze was now turned towards you.

His blue eyes were locked on you. He didn’t even move when your gaze met his. Your cheeks suddenly took on a tint of pink while a smirk appeared on Alain's face.

At the end of class, you cross paths with Joseph again who begs you to accompany you home since you live near each other.

Alain, who was walking a few meters further, was able to see your silhouette and that of Joseph walking side by side. He couldn't help but feel jealous. Why did Joseph always have to be with you when he only dreamed of being in his place.

***

The next day, you and Alain had a science assignment to complete, an assignment that required you to work with him for an indefinite period of time. You were already looking forward to being with him, but strangely, you felt pressure, as if this was going to go badly.

You quickly walk towards the science room, seeing Alain who was already sitting on a chair at the back of the room.

"Am I late ?" You asked.

“We would rather say that I am early.” Alain smiles at you before pulling out a chair for you.

The work progressed more quickly than expected, both of them were focused, but took a few poses to discuss things more entertaining and fun than science classes.

“You and Joseph, is there…” Alain began.

You widened your eyes before answering.

“No, no! He’s just a friend, I’m not interested in him.” You hastened to answer.

Alain glanced at his notebook without saying a word, as if your answer didn't suit him.

His fingers held tightly to his pencil with which he was scribbling in the corner of his notebook.

Your eyes roamed his entire face, from his brown curls to the fine curves of his jaw.

“Are you okay?” You finally asked.

Alain’s eyes fixed on you once again. They moved down to your lips before coming back up to your eyes. Although he didn't speak, his gaze revealed so much more.

Your heartbeat accelerated and your lips itched with the desire to kiss him.

His face slowly moved closer to yours, your heart almost skipped a beat.

"Working hard?" A male voice blurted out.

You and Alain turn around with a start before seeing Joseph in the doorway. He smiled playfully at you like he did that on purpose. And you were sure that was the case.

"I need to go, Y/n. We'll meet up again tomorrow." Alain packed his things and gave you a brief smile before leaving, lightly brushing against Joseph.

"You find it funny?!" You declare.

“I thought you weren’t interested?” A smirk appeared on Joseph's lips.

***

In the afternoon, you went to the infirmary to take some medicine to treat your uncontrollable stomach ache. Before you could put on your vest again, the door opened to reveal Alain.

"Hey..."

"I- I didn't think I'd see anyone here at this hour." He affirmed.

His nose was bleeding slightly and you could notice blood on his knuckles.

“Did you fight?” You asked directly.

He didn't answer, his lips pursed and he looked away. Sometimes silence is louder than words.

You wet a cotton ball before gently grabbing his hand to disinfect it.

“It wasn’t me…I didn’t start it.” He whispered.

“It’s too simple to say that every time, Alain.”

He breathed in and out a silent 'yes' and gritted his teeth as you pressed against his wound.

The closeness between the two of you allowed you to hear his heartbeat and feel his gaze on you as you carefully disinfected his wound.

Placing the cotton on the table next to you, you felt Alain's still hand lightly brush against your thigh as you moved.

You bit your lip to hide your concern. Each of his movements, his looks or his words always gave you a feeling that was impossible to describe.

It had become more and more complicated for you to accept your feelings without always imagining the worst. However, you wanted things to work with Alain. You always felt butterflies in your stomach when you saw him smiling at you in the yard, or when he hid letters in your bag. Not to mention the times you could cross his path, like in the infirmary for example.

Everything led you to him and you felt something different, something captivating.

***

The next day, after classes ended, Alain invited you for a walk around town. At first, you walked in silence. Your interactions with him were never this awkward, and the mood was almost heavy right now.

“Sorry about yesterday…”

Alain turned his head, almost surprised that you apologized.

"It's not your fault." He answered briefly.

You bit your lip, you didn't know how to make the mood more joyful or even less morbid.

“Joseph is-” You start before being interrupted by Alain.

“It's still Joseph, Y/n. Except that Joseph takes great pleasure in bothering you, I notice that very well. You need to ignore him, because he's not going to stop so quickly. So make him stop, or I'll take care of it myself."

When he finished speaking, you couldn’t help but slip a short ‘no’ out of your mouth. You didn't want them to lash out like always.

You grab his arm to push him slightly towards you. Either you waited and perhaps risked the situation degenerating or ending differently than expected, or you took your courage in both hands.

Alain looked at you again with a look filled with desire. You didn’t know what exactly that look meant, but as much as you didn’t want to start imagining things, it wasn’t friendly in any way.

“I would like to have you to myself for once… to be able to act without someone cutting me off every time…” Alain affirmed.

You arrive in a small alley. You walked slower and slower, your bodies getting closer together as you went, until your hands brushed against each other several times.

Your two gazes met when you felt the other's hand. Alain walked in front of you and suddenly stopped, which led to you stopping too.

"Y/n, I wish you were more confident, you're pretty and smart. Don't hide or let anyone walk all over you."

Your eyebrows raised when you heard his words. Your cheeks immediately turned red despite the fact that you tried to hide them.

Alain slowly leaned towards you, his hand reaching out towards your arm. He didn't dare put it elsewhere and was mainly waiting for a response from you before doing so. His eyes lowered to your lips again. However, this time he didn't look away. Despite the hesitation, he finally placed his lips on yours and you immediately kissed back. His soft lips pressed against yours and moved in lockstep with yours.

A few seconds later, you both pulled your faces back and looked into each other's eyes before Alain gave you a soft smile.

“I wouldn’t have thought of doing that here… but it’s even better.” He smiled and finally placed a hand on your waist.

You were overcome by emotions and reached his lips again to kiss him. He pressed firmly on your waist at the same time as his lips pressed into yours.

His warm breath blew against your skin, and you felt it slowly speed up.

You felt his lips forming a smile against yours, and you couldn't help but smile back.

Once again, you felt a fluttering sensation in your stomach. His hand tenderly caressing your waist and the movements of your lips against each other only made you feel worse.

However, what you couldn't have known was that on Alain's side, tons of emotions and sensations were also invading his body and making his heart palpitate in rhythm with the beating of yours.

1758 words.

[therealcocoshady]

Request:

Marshall having to miss Lilly’s birthday because he’s on tour

Happy birthday

Author’s Note : Thank you for your request ❤️. I had a blast writing this ! I hope you enjoy it 🙈.

Tags : Fluff

2019

Before leaving for his tour, Marshall had apologized to you about three hundred times. You had just gotten engaged and he had to leave you to plan the wedding on your own, while he was touring Europe for a month and a half. The two of you didn’t want to wait to get married and agreed to do it as soon as he came back. The day before he left for his tour, the two of you almost went to city hall to get married in a haste. You couldn’t wait to finally be married and officially be a family. In truth, neither of you really cared about having a lengthy ceremony, a reception or proper wedding attire. You just wanted to be married. But as you were ready to get in the car and get to city hall before closing time, you were met with doubts, especially Marshall. 

Should we do it ?  Are you sure ? He asked. 

I’m game if you are, you said with a smile. I can’t wait to be your wife. 

I can’t wait to be your husband. Won’t you regret having a proper ceremony, though ? He asked. 

I don’t care, you said. But if you’d rather wait, we can do it too… 

I don’t want to wait, he said. But maybe… Maybe we can call my daughters ? They wouldn’t want to miss it. 

Of course, you said. Maybe we could have one of them FaceTime my parents so that they don’t miss it either ? 

Great. And we should celebrate a little, maybe go to dinner ? He suggested.

Should I dress up, then ? You asked. If we’re going out after, I should at least wear a nice dress. 

I should at least put on a nice shirt, then, he agreed. 

Ok, we get dressed, book dinner, call the girls and my parents and off we go, you said. 

Should we call Paul, Denaun and Tracy ? He asked. They were here when we met, they’re our closest friends, they should be celebrating with us. 

Ok, but then perhaps Royce too ? You asked. And do they bring their significant others ? 

You stopped and stared at each other before bursting out in a fit of laughter. He kissed you lovingly. 

Who are we kidding ? He chuckled. 

Do you… Do we want an actual party ? You asked. 

I think I do, he admitted. I love you, I can’t wait for you to be my wife, but I think I’d regret not celebrating properly. You deserve actual vows, a nice place to get married, a first dance… I want us to do this the right way. And I don’t think your mom would forgive us if she wasn’t there to attend, and possibly have a little figurine of herself on top of the cake. 

You’re right, you giggled. But I don’t want to wait too long, though. Let’s do it when you get back, ok ? 

Ok, he agreed. Right after I get back, I’m marrying the shit out of you and you’re mine forever. 

I’m already yours forever, you said cheekily as you showed him your engagement ring. 

It had been a couple of months since he got on one knee at dinner and proposed with the most beautiful ring you had ever seen. You should have gotten used to the rock sitting on your engagement finger by now, but you were still giddy every time you looked at it. Knowing that he took your daughter with him when he went to pick the ring also made it that much more meaningful. That very night, he also stated his intention of adopting Lily and caring for her. Ever since you’d met, he had always been incredible to her and, even though the adoption wasn’t official yet, he was very much a father figure to her. You knew leaving her for six weeks was just as hard for him as leaving you. By his own admission, he loved your little routine as a family and was going to miss it while on tour. Sadly, he was also going to miss her second birthday. Unfortunately, the tour had been planned before the two of you started dating, so there was no way he could have known. He was gutted, though, and he kept on apologizing to the both of you. 

It’s fine, you said. We’ll celebrate with you when you get back. 

It’s not the same, he shrugged. But I’d like that. 

If anything, you’ll miss the party with all the kids from daycare, so you’re pretty lucky, you giggled. I sort of want to skip it… 

Why did you plan it in the first place, then ? He mused. 

Because apparently, it shows that your kid and family are socially adjusted, you explained. And if I- if we want her to get into the right preschool… 

You’re still set on that fancy preschool, aren’t you ? He asked with a raised eyebrow. 

You still think that’s stupid ? You asked. 

I think preschool is preschool, he chuckled. My kids didn’t go to any fancy preschool or kindergarten. In fact, they went to all public schools and did great. But if you think it’s what’s best for Lily, sure. 

Yeah but now that you’re adopting her, you should have a say- you began. 

Doesn’t matter, he said. I’m not against it. In fact, if you want me to foot the bill, I will, happily. But, just in case she doesn’t get in : you should remember it’s preschool, not Harvard, and that her life won’t be ruined if she goes to a public preschool. I’m pretty sure they use the same crayons anyway. 

True, you giggled. I know it’s stupid, you know ? But Lily is my first and only child. I only want the best. I know you have more experience with your girls. I should probably chill… You know better.

I don’t know if I know better, he chuckled. You’re the best Mom she would ask for. Plus, you know… When I had my daughters, I wasn’t in the same position as now. I wasn’t able to be as present, physically and mentally, too. But Lily… was Lily’s going to get the best version of me. 

We’re pretty lucky to have you, you said lovingly. 

I’m pretty lucky too, he said. I’m really going to miss you. I’m not even gone and I can’t wait to be back, already.

Hopefully, we don’t burn the house down with that wild Project X party for her birthday, you joked. Are you sure you’re ok with me hosting it here ? 

You live here, now, don’t you ? He said with a smile. Besides, the house survived Nathan and the parties he threw when I was on tour and he lived here, so it should be fine with the kids from daycare. 

You were still navigating your new life as Marshall’s fiancée. Before your engagement, you didn’t live together but after he asked for your hand, you ended up moving in with him in his house. You still weren’t too used to the place. Before, you spent most of your time in your house, since all of Lily’s stuff was there. But given his celebrity status, Marshall needed his security nearby and it made more sense for you to move into his house, which was in a gated community, than for him to move into yours. You liked the place and he had made the cutest bedroom and playroom for Lily, who absolutely loved it, but you had yet to claim the place as yours. Though now that you would be left here alone for six weeks, you’d have no choice. 

On the morning he left for his tour, the goodbye was bittersweet. As a collaborator who worked for Shady Records and his biggest supporter, you were excited for him because you knew he loved performing, but as his fiancée, it was hard to let him go. He was standing by the door, bags in his hand, ready to cross the threshold. You were holding Lily, ready to say goodbye. Six weeks would be too long. He let go of his bags to hug you one last time. 

I’m going to miss you, he said. I’ll FaceTime everyday, alright ? Or at least, as much as I can. 

Sure, you said. Say bye to Dad, Lily ? 

Bye, she said in her little voice. 

Bye baby, he said softly. Take care of your Mom, alright ? And don’t become a giant while I’m gone. 

He kissed her little head and she giggled. You tried to get her to say « Bye Dad » but referring to Marshall as her father wasn’t natural for her yet. He wasn’t bothered by it, though, and said that she’d use the word in due time. 

Bye, my love, he said before kissing you tenderly. I love you. 

I love you too, you said. Have a safe flight. And say hi to everyone for me. 

Will do, he said. See you in six weeks. 

You nodded and watched him leave, tears in your eyes. As soon as she saw the car leave the property and the tears in your eyes, Lily understood that Marshall might be gone for longer than usual and started to cry. You knew it was going to be a long few weeks. However, Marshall kept true to his words. He FaceTimed you every night and even read a couple of stories to Lily, who was always happy to see him on the screen. The tour was going great and he was having fun, though he missed you a lot. As for you, you kept working and planning the wedding. At least, this kept you busy. 

Two days before Lily’s birthday, you were looking at your phone and showing her pictures and videos of Marshall on stage and she finally pronounced the magic word. 

Daddy ! She shrieked. 

That’s right my love ! You said happily. That’s Daddy. Oh he’s going to be so happy ! 

You couldn’t wait to tell Marshall Lily had finally referred to him as Daddy. Though you wished he’d been able to hear it for himself. You had two weeks left before finally seeing him and you couldn’t wait for your little family to be reunited. That’s when you decided that enough was enough and, without second-thought, you decided to book plane tickets to join him in Europe. You never thought your daughter would have a father but now she had one and your little ray of sunshine deserved to have her favorite person by her side for her second birthday. And since he couldn’t make it home, home would make it to him. You immediately started packing and called Tracy. 

What’s up beautiful ? She asked. Marshall’s on stage right now. Want me to get him to call you back when the show’s over ? 

Hey ! No need, you giggled. I thought I should give you a heads up… I’m flying to Europe with Lily. We’re packing right now. 

Seriously ?! She asked. It’s going to be great to see you girls. He’s going to be so excited when I tell him ! 

Can you not ? You asked. I thought I’d surprise him ! 

Oooh that’s a good idea, she said with excitement. Do you need me to book your flights ? 

I’m good, thanks, you said. I just wanted to let you know. We’ll be in Sweden tomorrow afternoon. 

I’ll send the details of the hotel so that you can drop off the bags, and tell security to let you in the arena, Tracy offered. And if you need me, I’m one phone call away ! 

You were incredibly thankful for Tracy. She was the first person you befriended when you started working for Shady Records and she had been instrumental in your relationship with Marshall. In fact, she was the very person who told you to go for it, and who opened your eyes to the fact that he was into you. 

As soon as your bags were packed, you got in the car with Lily, heading for the airport and ready to catch the first flight for Sweden. You couldn’t wait to see Marshall. 

It was Lily’s first long flight, going out of the country, and it turned out to be an absolute nightmare. You had only managed to book economy tickets and you had to sit through an entire flight with your daughter in your lap while she was all fussy. You tried playing with her, reading to her, letting her play with her phone (even though you were absolutely against the idea of kids playing with technology) but nothing would do. Your back hurt and you knew you’d have to face the music and deal with jet lag, all while trying to work remotely for the duration of your stay. But regardless, it was worth it : you were determined to spend Lily’s second birthday with Marshall. Before the flight, you also took care of canceling the party, making up excuses and saying that Lily was sick. When you touched down in Stockholm, you were excited, despite the lack of sleep. Lily was starting to be sleepy as well, which made her less  energic. Travelling with a toddler wasn’t too easy and, since you couldn’t pack the stroller with you, you had to carry her, as well as your bag, hers and the diaper back. So much for packing light. You only planned on being gone from home a few days but, even with the bare necessities, it was a lot. Thankfully, you got the help of a very nice taxi driver who took you to the arena. It was 2:00 and you knew that, around that time, Marshall was probably starting soundcheck. You grabbed your phone and let Tracy know you were on your way. It had been on airplane mode for hours and you just realized you had missed calls from Marshall, as well as texts asking if you were alright and if you were mad at him. As soon as you got out of the cab, you found Tracy waiting for you in front of the arena. She hugged both you and Lily and helped you with your bags. 

I made arrangements with the hotel this morning, they’ll have a crib set up in Marshall’s suite for Lily, she said. 

You’re a godsend ! She’s been fussy the whole flight, hasn’t slept one bit… I can’t wait to put her down for a nap, hopefully get some rest, you confessed. 

Someone else’s been fussy, she pointed out. He was gutted that you wouldn’t pick up the phone right before Lily’s birthday… 

I didn’t even think of that, you said earnestly. 

Don’t worry, all will be forgiven as soon as he sees both of you, she said reassuringly. 

You entered the arena and she led you backstage, where you greeted by the whole team. Paul was surprised to see you and you had to say that you had come on impulse and moved your schedule around. He was still your boss and it hadn’t really occurred to you that you should keep him informed. However, as always, he was understanding and you suspected it had something to do with Lily hugging him and cooing « Unc Paul ». Your baby had Marshall’s whole team wrapped around her finger. Seeing all these familiar faces gave her a surge of energy and she was all giddy. You were led to the side of the stage, where you could see Marshall and Denaun doing sound check. They were absorbed and didn’t see either you or Lily. However, your daughter immediately spotted her Dad and favorite Uncle and she started shrieking. 

Daddy ! She said. 

You want to go and see him, baby ? You asked. 

Yes ! Daddy !!! M’ere ! She called. 

However, with the music being so loud, no one could hear her. You put her down and she immediately started running towards Marshall, who had his back turn and had no idea Lily was coming his way. You immediately took out your phone to capture the sweet moment. At some point, Porter spotted her and smiled as he stopped everything. 

Look who’s-

DADDY !!! Your daughter shrieked. 

Marshall turned and, as soon as he spotted Lily, you could see his face light up. He put the mic down and lowered himself for Lily to run in his arms. He engulfed her in a big hug and held her tightly. 

What’s my name ? How did you call me ? He asked with the biggest smile. 

Daddy ! She repeated with pride. 

That’s right, baby ! Daddy missed you so much, he added as he kissed the top of her head. 

He looked around and finally spotted you. You stopped recording and ran to hug him as well. You held each other for a long minute, savoring each other’s presence. 

God I missed you, he said as he buried his face in your neck. 

I missed you too, you said. We missed you. 

I’m so glad you’re here, he said. I was worried when you didn’t pick up the phone last night. 

Sorry, you said. I was on the plane when you called. I wanted Lily to have her favorite person by her side for her second birthday. 

You’re amazing, he praised before kissing you. I’m so happy to see the two of you. Wait, I lost track of time… it’s today, right ? 

It is, you giggled. 

Happy birthday, baby, he told Lily before kissing her. 

I can’t believe our baby is two, you said emotionally. 

I can’t believe you flew all the way here, he replied. I’m so happy. You’re amazing. 

I wouldn’t have been able to sit through this party and celebrate when Lily doesn’t have you by her side, you said. It doesn’t feel right. Birthdays are a family thing. 

How about preschool ? He asked with a raised eyebrow. I know one of the moms at daycare is the director… 

Don’t care, you chuckled. My baby has her Daddy by her side and that’s all that matters. 

You stayed by Marshall’s side during soundcheck and attended his performance. Lily was wearing noise-reducing headphones and she was excited to see her Dad performing, jumping around and interacting with fans. It was a shame she was too young to remember it later, but she seemed to be having a blast. At some point, though, she fell asleep I your arms, absolutely exhausted by the time difference and the whole flight spent without closing her eyes. She had slept a bit during the day but it wasn’t enough. You were rocking her, holding her close to you when Marshall walked off the stage after the show. You could see him melt as he saw her asleep. 

She’s so cute, he commented. 

She was a handful, you replied. I’m glad she’s asleep. 

I can’t wait for her to wake up, though, he chuckled. We haven’t even celebrated her birthday yet ! 

We can just have cake and make her blow on a candle tomorrow, you giggled. She won’t mind that it’s a day late. She won’t remember anyway. But at least, we’re together. That’s all that matters.

I’m so happy to have my girls with me, he said lovingly. Now, how about we hand Lily to Tracy for a second and you help me shower ? 

You giggled and agreed. Tracy had always been a doting aunt figure for Lily and she had absolutely no problem watching her - not that it was too much trouble when Lily was sleeping peacefully. As soon as you were alone in his dressing room, Marshall locked the door and kissed you passionately before pining you against the wall. 

God, I missed you, he said in between kisses. 

Missed you too, you whispered. Missed this. 

He chuckled and removed his tee-shirt. After almost two hours on stage, he was a sweaty mess but you didn’t care one bit. If anything, you liked his scent and were even more attracted to him - which you could probably blame on your compatible pheromones. You playfully ran your hands on his chest, in his back, happy to finally be able to touch him. He reciprocated by helping you out of your clothes and, soon enough, you were in the shower, kissing sloppily while lathering each other in body wash. You enjoyed the warm water pouring over you, relaxing your muscles after a long trip, as well as Marshall’s hands all over your body, teasing your breasts, grabbing your butt… The two of you couldn’t get enough of each other. While you were apart, you sent a great deal of nudes and sexy texts to each other but nothing compared to the real deal. You weren’t sure if you had to blame it on your exhaustion (his from the show, yours from the trip) or simply the euphoria of being reunited, but you swore the both of you never came this quickly before. You simply laughed it off and cuddled for a while on the couch. You were taken out of your little bubble when you heard Tracy knock on the door. 

Hey lovebirds, she giggled. Time to drive to the hotel. 

You quickly got dressed and went to get Lily. You expected her to be sleeping but, instead, you found her wide awake, playing with Denaun. Obviously, the little one was too happy and didn’t care too much about rest and sleep, much to your dismay. Toddlers were a handful and, even though Lily was a rather easy child, you definitely liked it more when she had proper rest. Otherwise, she could get a bit difficult, like any other child her age. Denaun was teaching her how to answer the question : « Who’s the GOAT ? » (apparently, « Nauny » was the only acceptable answer). 

Finally, you two, Denaun grinned. Finally got it out of your system ? 

Shut up, Marshall chuckled. 

Not before the wedding, you said innocently. 

Check it out, guys… Lily, who’s the GOAT ? He asked. 

Naun- DADDY ! She giggled as soon as she saw Marshall pointing at himself. 

Fuck you, man, Denaun sighed. Took me twenty minutes to get her to say it ! 

Language, Marshall scolded as he took Lily in his arms. That’s right babygirl. Daddy’s the GOAT. 

Marshall was still beaming over the fact that he had finally earned the « Daddy » title and proudly carried Lily on his shoulder on the way to the car. Once you were at the hotel, everyone gathered in Marshall’s suite for dinner, which mainly consisted of snacks. You tried to get your daughter away from the sugary snacks and scolded Denaun for sneaking her some, but it was a lost cause. Even Marshall indulged her. 

If she has sugar this late, she won’t sleep as well, you pointed out. 

But she’s so happy, your fiancé pointed out. And it’s her birthday… 

Speaking of which, Tracy said, it’s time to blow candles, don’t you think ? 

You hugged your friend, who had taken the time to order a small cake with candles from room service as soon as she learned you were coming. Everyone sang your baby happy birthday and she was elated to have some of her people with her. When it was time to go to bed, you went to the bathroom to brush your teeth while Marshall put your daughter in her PJs. You walked in on him holding her and gently rocking her as she was yawning. He was so absorbed that he didn’t see you. 

Happy birthday again, my princess, he said with a smile. I’m so happy Mommy brought you here. I missed you so much. I swear to God, and I swear to you, I’ll never be away on your birthday again. 

[covertleathers]

Chapter 1: Smiling Faces Tell Lies

AO3 Link

Rating: 18+ Explicit, drugs, sex, murder, guns, blood

Relationships: Lucanis Dellamorte/m!Rook (they/them), Neve Gallus/Bellara Lutare, Taash/Lace Harding

Chapter Summary: A campy/gritty Disco Mafia Murder story taking place in 1970s New York City. Zi (Rook) is a down on their luck thirty-something who seems to have lost everything they had in one really awful week. They decide to head to one of their old haunts - The Viper's Den - a discotheque to relieve some stress. Unfortunately, this night out throws them into a bigger web of problems involving several murders, the law, and the mob.

Author's Note: I'm honestly very excited to share this because it's been so fun to work on! I've been listening to music, watching some 70s movies, and looking through old photos. Just so you know, I'm not the type to like, preload my chapters. I just post them as soon as I think I've got one finished enough to my liking. But, I've got plenty ideas swirling in my nogging for this.

Sheer luck. The rain had just stopped before Zi parked and got out of their car around the block from The Viper's Den. The 46th St club had been crammed for at least three hours by the time Zi arrived in their finest threads close to midnight. It was too easy to slip past security and bypass the line going around the block. They couldn't afford to pay the $25 for the cover (even if they could, they weren't gonna).

Full to the brim with cigarette smoke, silk, and sweat. This had to have been the hottest basement they had ever had the pleasure of cruising through. Surrounding them were hundreds of people, writhing to the beat. Plenty of delicious specimens for them to pick up that night. Man, woman, neither, it didn't matter if they were fine.

Just a little upper, some mezcal, a sweet high, and a hottie to bed. This was exactly the Friday night they needed after this incredibly fucked up week. Varric's dead and thus the print shop closed, losing the only semblance of employment they could keep, and Davrin still wasn't returning their calls. Fuck him. Always on his high horse… Zi wasn't like him, they couldn't hold down a real job. Oh maker, they missed him. No, they told themself, Have some self respect.

As they prowled the edge of the crowd, they kept an eye out for a familiar face. Usually, he was right at the bar…Yup, Elek. A slick, young dark-haired man who's smile captured most hearts pretty easily. Unfortunately, Zi never thought to get mixed up with him sexually or romantically, mainly because they grew up together. Two Brooklyn kids who were both caught in the muck of this city. Well, Elek was doing much better than Zi. Most were.

Elek must have saw them coming because he visibly sighed and shook his head, his gold chain nearly sparkled in the club's purple and rose lighting. He took a long drag of his cigarette, then knocked it against an ash tray on the bartop. Nursing a tall glass of what Zi assumed to be beer, he watched them approach.

From what they remembered, he wasn't related to The Den's owner, whoever she was, but somehow had free range of the place for selling and gambling. He was small game, though, compared to the other sharks that swam in these waters.

Elek was a piece of home, even if he had a hard time admitting it. They had history. If there was anyone who had what they needed to make tonight an extraordinary experience, he would be the one they'd tap. Which they absolutely were about to. You know…he looked good. Maker, they needed to get laid, this was ridiculous.

"Elek!" they called with a wave. Zi had to put on their charming face, a slight sideways smile seemed to always work. "Long time no see?"

An incredulous smirk crossed his face. "Rook," he said. "Looking for work?"

"Not tonight. And I don't sell anymore." they replied with a light chuckle. If they knew anything about Elek, he couldn't resist a cute face. Zi just had to turn the charm up to one hundred. "I was thinking, you look absolutely smoking in jewel green, is this a new sports coat—"

"You still owe me two hundred bucks, Rook," Elek casually remarked examining his watch. It looked new, gold-plated maybe. He was hiding a genuine smile behind that annoyed grimace, Zi felt like they cracked him a bit. "Want to bother me when you've got some cash?"

Right, they had totally forgot about that. A few months back Elek loaned them two hundred dollars to help cover their car note. That's why I stopped coming around so often, they mused awkwardly to themself. Shit.

"About that…" they sidled up next to him on the bar, leaning on their elbow and giving him a perfectly arched eyebrow. "My boss is dead, his print shop closed. I'm out of a job. I just need a…favor."

"Fucking…" he moaned. "Zi…do you like being like this?"

They winced on the inside, but knew not to show it. That smarted. Alluring grin still plastered on their face. To win Elek over you had to be all smiles and play to his kinder side. He didn't show it often and Zi had an unfair in to his good nature. They exploited it as best as they could. "Just one hit. It's all I'm asking for. I've had an absolute shit week and you know I'll get you back…eventually...and tell your mom I said 'hi'?"

Elek, exasperated and tired of fighting Zi's simpering act procured a tiny ziplock bag of white from his coat jacket. "If it's going to get your pathetic ass out of my face…"

"I love you!"

"Can it before I change my mind," he grumbled.

Zi got a bit closer to hid it from view and scooped away a pinky nail portion of its contents. A quick sniff and it disappeared. A familiar head rush and that wonderful heat to their face. An almost instantaneous confidence boost hit their brain like lightning. Fuck this was what it felt like to be alive. Suddenly, they felt the music pumping through their body so loudly it was impossible to stop themself from moving.

"You are a godsend," they cawed before grabbing Elek's face and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I owe you!"

"You already do, moron."

Riding that high, Zi flew to the dance floor. Fuck, nothing was better than this. Except sex. Maybe not. They couldn't decide in this state of mind and really didn't have to. The DJ made sure that anyone at the center of the dance floor could barely hear anything else but the beat. It was so loud, Zi felt their sternum bumping in time. This wasn't Soul Train. It was far messier and stickier with a layer of cigarette ash and spilled whiskey. Everyone danced with their shirts open, bodies packed tight against each other, glistening sweat rolling down their chests.

As they moved, Zi scanned the crowd for a new friend to bed. There were a fair amount of folks from what seemed like all over town. Qunari, elves, dwarves, a few humans. What mattered most to them was their moves. If Zi knew anything, great dancers were even better fucks. They would know, an art school drop out with nothing to show for it but agile feet and impeccable flexibility.

A fairly tall and lithe qunari locked eyes with them, a smile spread across her face and they drank in her long neck and silky chestnut hair. Lovely. Zi really did like brunettes. Were they in the mood for a tall glass of water or something more…exciting?

Then, Zi spotted him. Cutting through the dance floor with precision was a man in all black. Open collared shirt with rolled sleeves. A head shorter than them, built like a gymnast with slicked back black hair. He was walking with purpose in each step, slipping between revelers like a shadow. Oh, furrowed eyebrows and a determined stare! Unfortunately, they were a sucker for somber faces, too. Zi loved the look of a serious man with his mouth around their cock. It was its own kind of art.

It was probably the cocaine that made them grab his arm as he passed (it wasn't). In hindsight, they would have realized something was off. But, a bird couldn't resist a shiny object, no matter how sharp. The man paused as if snapped from a trance and whipped his head around locked eyes with them. A heavy brow, deliciously scarred lips. He was…handsome.

"You know the discoteque is for dancing!" They quipped into his ear, flashing what they knew was a captivating smile. No one could resist Zi when they turned it on tenfold. The shadowy stranger seemed surprised that someone noticed his crossing the floor. Unfortunately for him, Zi knew a good dancer when they saw one. "Show me what you can do!"

Zi studied him a bit closer in the dizzying, spinning spotlights at the center of the club. Under deep red shadows, spliced with stark white beams of light. He wore an expensive silk shirt and neatly tailored pants. Heavy leather belt. Silver diamond chain falling into some delectable looking chest hair. Italian shoes. Wow. Rich boy. They tugged his fingers and he followed with a long careful glance around. What was this guy's deal? He was acting like he had to go somewhere. "Looking for someone?"

"Yes."

A man of few words. Sexy.

"Dance with me in the meantime, I'll make it worth your while," they crooned in his ear as they sauntered closer, dragging a single finger down his chest. The stranger grasped Zi's wrist before they could pull at his belt. His grip was strong. Fine, they thought, and instead they guided his other hand to the small of their back, their waist asking his to move in time.

"One dance." The man stated firmly. They caught the accent that time. Spanish. And they picked up on deadly confidence. Zi glimpsed the ghost of a smile briefly grace his face. Oh, they had to figure out a way snag this one.

Of course they had been right. He could move. He must have been trained. They whirled together in a blur of black and maroon, keeping in step with each other as if they had done this one thousand times before. When Zi switched to a salsa, for the hell of it, he followed easily without missing a beat and took the lead. They felt lighter than air in his hands. And that was not the coke talking.

It was as if they were easily riding each other's rhythms like the tides. Their hip would collide, then separate and each instance sent their mind reeling in joy. It had been a very long time since they vibed with someone like this. They caught the smell of his cologne, musky sandalwood and leather, and that tipped them over. There had to be a way to get this guy to come home with them.

In all the nights they had cruised The Den, Zi had never seen him. Not that they knew everyone who passed through the club, but you get used to seeing the same bodies. You remember their movements. Recognize their limitations. And yearn for their possibilities. Which this newcomer had in spades.

Zi studied his face. He was half in it, half somewhere else. Espresso brown eyes scanning the club as they turned chest to chest at the center of the dance floor. It was almost unbelievable he wasn't entirely focused on the sculpted specimen before him. Zi never had this much trouble capturing someone's entire attention.

The song was coming to a slow down, ready to end this exhilarating venture. But Zi didn't want to stop. Beads of sweat were forming at their scalp from the stifling heat of a packed room. They didn't want to stop this magnetic connection. But, something had caught The Spaniard's eye, they knew they were losing him.

The stranger nodded at the end, inclining his head slightly, "Thank you—"

"No, thank you! You're an amazing dancer." they breathed, catching his wrist again before he could turn away. The music started to swallow them again. "Could I get your name? Your number? Maybe we could go out sometime? Do you like Chinese?"

He shook his head, whatever was weighing on him had his full focus now. Zi had become an afterthought, again. Expression changing dramatically to become grim and severe. The stranger was becoming more unknowable by the second.

Shit, shit, no! They panicked on the inside, I need this!

He delved back into the crowd, hand slipping from Zi's fingers with ease. The immensity of his presence on their hip left a looming empty space as he disappeared from view.

His loss, they grumbled internally and tried to let the music take them again in a haze of treble and synths. It wouldn't be hard to find someone else, they just needed to find the groove again.

Several candidates came into view as they spun through the crowns. Eventually, that Qunari woman found them again and their bodies were forced against each other as the crowd on the dance floor swelled and ebbed like tides in the harbor. Her name was Anjelika.

Zi asked over the music, "Come home with me?"

She gave an enthusiastic nod and smile. Fuck, she was gorgeous. An angel in white, Zi seemed to encircle and twirl with her for what could've been an eternity. They shared a cigarette, then an absolutely delicious kiss. Another, then another. They had feasted on her neck. She tasted like gin and lemons and ran her hand down the front of their trousers. The mysterious man slipped from their mind like water through their fingers. Only the wet essence left in his wake. Eventually, though, their high was fading.

It could have been well past 3 AM, they weren't keeping track of time. That's when the screams rang out. A record scratched and the music stopped abruptly, lights coming up to reveal the barren black walls of The Viper's Den.

"Uh…party is over, loves." The DJ stammered over the speakers, his voice slightly muffled by his facial hair against the mic. The crowd moaned in disapproval and folks weren't moving.

"Hey we paid the cover, we want to dance!" Someone said. Zi spotted a shot glass thrown at the DJ booth.

Another, "Yeah, we want to keep going!"

The sound of someone grabbing the mic and popping it against their palm, causing five agonizing seconds of horroble feedback that rocked their ears. "Get out you fucks! We're CLOSED."

Zi kept their arms wrapped around Angelika's waist, burying their face in her hair. She smelled so good. They asked again, "You coming, right?"

Then suddenly, she was all hesitation. They kissed again, her touches lingered on their neck and back, briefly pretending the music was going. There were plenty of others partiers were doing the same.

"Actually, I'm going to leave with my friends," she admitted with a sweet smile, glossy sweat sparkling down her neck. "You're a great dancer, though."

You've got to be fucking kidding me. At this point Davrin must have put a curse on them, because never had Zi came to the club and left alone. What the fuck is going on? They felt around in their shirt jacket and found their keys. Maybe it's a good night for a long drive home, then.

The crowd started moving back upstairs, murmuring anger and disappointment as they filed out. Zi followed, watching their feet in case someone dropped a bill or two. They ended up snagging three bucks. Ok, their luck hadn't totally run out.

Zi was one of the last stragglers to make it out of the cramped basement stairs. The club door was open to let in a cold wet draft, but also the sounds of walkie talkies…shit. The red and blue lights bounced around in the stairwell like memories of the dance hall. Guess they understood why the party stopped now.

All along the avenue were three or four cop cars, with officers stationed at the sidewalk, ushering partygoers out of the way before heading back inside. Eventually, they stretched caution tape over the club entrance. Zi glanced for Elek, hoping to catch him and ask what happened, but couldn't find their old friend among the lingering crowd across the street.

With one of the dollars they found, Zi bummed a cigarette, twiddling it between their fingers until they got into their car, one of the few consistent loves in their life. Wicked Grace, or Grace, for short. She was a 1969 Nissan Skyline, a car they had worked three odd jobs to get. Part time waiter, selling, and making prints at Varric's shop. Only one of those gigs turned out long term, until it wasn't. They popped open the glove compartment, rummaging around for their lighter. Dice, an old pair of aviators, a few parking tickets, condoms…no lighter.

"Fuck," cigarette hanging from their lip, they grumbled.

Zi turned over the ignition and powered the radio. Time to go home. Alone, they were reminded. It was the last thing they wanted. Or needed. In the face of Davrin kicking them to the curb, Varric's death, and in that no job. No cash. Nothing but Grace, a shitty apartment, it was all becoming too much. The precarious stack of cards they had worked so hard to build seemed to be collapsing. How could they call up Myrna and ask for the academy's help again? No, no. They'll find another way. There was no need to go nuclear.

Without warning, the passenger side door whipped open and a figure in black sat next to them. Not some drunk asshole…

Zi whipped their head and spat, "Hey, this isn't a fucking cab—"

Their cheek was met with metal so cold it nearly burned. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Not again.

The shadow put pressure on the pistol's barrel against their face, "Drive. Fast."

"Hey, I don't want to get involved in whatever the fuck this is," Zi complained, their face pushing back on the gun.

"Battery tunnel. Now." he said. "Or I kill you and I drop you into the East River."

Zi hit the gas and pulled off. At this point they were convinced their life had become some cruel, tragic comedy. Down 7th Avenue as fast as they possibly could. Of course, it was 3AM, there was hardly any traffic so they were passing 42nd in less than a minute.

"Will you get that thing offa me—"

The shadow pressed it deeper, it was painful.

"Faster," he turned around, looking through the back window. Out of the corner of their vision Zi caught a flash of intense, dark eyes.

They gunned it, pedal almost to the floor, flying at speeds they only attempt on the expressway. Narrowly dodging other cars as they barreled downtown.

Grace swerved, nearly hitting a taxi on their left side. Zi, with many, many days spent putting her to the test was course correcting with little effort, but this Mexican standoff was making them more agitated by the second. You know how hard it is to make right turn with the business end of a gun jammed into your face?

Zi swallowed nervously, "If you're running from someone, you might as well tell me where the fuck we're going. I don't snitch."

"This is nice," the man remarked nonchalantly, admiring the interior and ignoring what they said entirely. "A powerful rally car. Fast."

At least he had taste in…wait, that voice. More specifically that accent. Once that panic subsided enough for them to think clearly, they realized. The Spaniard.

"You're…you're from the club." Zi stammered, fully recognizing the handsome man they had danced with earlier in the night. His face was cast in mostly shadow, but those eyes were unmistakable.

His stare changed, but only slightly. A sign of recognition. They had to win over his good graces. He was going to be a hard one to work, but Zi had cracked harder nuts. This night had turned into some twisted fucking nightmare.

The Spaniard paused, glancing down at the cigarette somehow still precariously dangling from their lips and reached into his jacket pocket. Zi flinched until they peeped the silver lighter gleaming in his fingers. Pistol still pressed firmly against them, he leaned in, flicking it open and alight just under the end. Close enough to get it to burn. They could still smell his cologne, just like from earlier, but now there was the distinct smell of…iron. Blood. His hands were covered in it. A few precious seconds with a semblance of calm passed and he let Zi take a long, exhausted drag.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

[spookymystery67]

I Wish I Could Walk In Heels

AN: I totally meant to post this chapter last night, but then I went out to dinner and then decided to bleach my hair. Sooo, yeah lol. This is actually almost 3,000 words, so a bit longer than my usual updates as of late. I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 29:

Heading down by elevator, your attention was dragged away from checking your inventory when Leon growled at the direction of a rumbling noise. You looked up and saw the source of the noise was a boat leaving the dock, with Krauser driving and Ashley inside.

“Krauser…” Leon spat in a grumble as he watched the boat drive away. “Where do you think you're taking her?”

You shook your head in disbelief as the lift came to a stop. “I guess we need a boat. I hope you know how to drive one, I've never learned.”

Leon raised a brow at you before leading the way to the boat dock. “What, Ada never taught you? She seems like she would know how to drive a speedboat.”

“Nope. I mean, yes she knows how to drive one. But I've never learned. Never felt I had to. Ada is always there and always calling dibs on the wheel.” You commented with a chuckle, thinking back to some of the moments in the past where you'd both banter about who would be the one to drive. In reality, both you and Ada knew that you never really wanted to be the one behind the wheel in the first place.

“Well, lucky for us, I know how to drive a boat.” Leon chuckled.

You both arrived at the dock. Or more of a boathouse made of stone. Luckily, there was a speedboat left for you both to take and chase after Krauser. Leon hopped into the boat and checked the ignition for the keys while you stayed on the stone floor. Unfortunately, he had no luck finding the keys.

“Ah, damn it.” Leon cursed in annoyance.

You move to help him, maybe by attempting to hot wire the boat, when you suddenly hear the very familiar click of heels.

“Looking for something?” Ada taunted from behind, gathering yours and Leon's attention. You both turned and saw Ada dangling the boat key between her gloved pointer finger and thumb, an amused smirk on her face.

The entirety of your face and demeanor visibly brightened at the sound and sight of your love. You practically flung yourself at her in excitement, nearly knocking her off her feet as she wrapped her arms around you in return, laughing a little at your reaction.

“Hello, my love. Miss me?” Ada questioned with a teasing smirk. Her smirk soon softened to a grin of fondness for you.

“Of course! Are you alright? Did you get rid of the virus?” You asked, pulling away from the hug to check her over for the signs of infection.

“I did. I killed the giant bug monster, and the virus with it. I'm alright.” She reassured you. She almost looked like she wanted to talk to you about something else, but an impatient Leon clearing his throat brought you back to the main focus. The current mission at hand.

Ada silently nodded at Leon and dragged you along with her into the boat. She shooed Leon away from the driver seat, taking his place and starting the boat as Leon sat in the passenger seat beside her, with you left to be seated in the back.

The ride began, and you all sat quietly as the boat jumped and rocked over the occasional wave while Ada steered you all across the lake. You noticed that Leon was tense, and the slight furrow of his brow and frown on his face indicated he was contemplating something. Ada, about midway through the boat ride, took note of this too.

“You looked like you've got something to say.” Ada pointed out, breaking the tense silence.

“I've something to ask you…” He turned to face her, studying her side profile, “but I don't think I'll get a straight answer.”

Ada remained silent, waiting for him to continue. Leon's eyes flicked away from her as he sighed, “Racoon City. You know, after the incident. The world changed. You try to save one person, a hundred others die.” He paused, “I guess I changed too.”

Ada couldn't help but smile in amusement at that statement. “You? Leon S. Kennedy? You haven't changed.” She briefly took a moment to look at him properly. “You just think you have.”

Leon faced forward, eyes moving across the span of the lake, thinking about her words and what he was going to say next. He glanced back at you for a moment, before finally speaking again.

“So here's my question… Have you changed, Ada?” His eyes moved away from you as he directly faced Ada once more. “Or are you just trying to use me again?” 

A fair enough question, given their history and what happened back in Raccoon City. You and Ada have actually had the chance to speak about it, understand in a way, forgive, and move on from that mess. Leon hasn't. His skepticism was to be expected.

But Ada didn't want to reassure him like she had with you six years ago.

“What do you think?” Ada dismissed with a smirk. You raised your brows at her in disbelief, which she caught. The action only made her smirk widen further.

“We're here.” Ada said as she stopped the boat at the edge of a rocky cliff. A cliff belonging to the island your path following Krauser across the lake had led to. 

She raised her grappling gun to get it to catch on the cliff edge, shooting it, before gesturing for you to get closer to her so she could wrap her free arm around you. You gave Leon a small smile and a pat on the shoulder before walking over to her, wrapping your arms around her neck so she could get you both up securely. She holds you tightly, briefly squeezing you in greeting.

“Don't think too hard, handsome.” Ada teased him, making you chuckle. “See you later.”

Leon looked at you for confirmation on Ada's finishing statement. You nodded in agreement. “We'll see each other again. Don't worry, Leon.”

And with that, Ada and you were zipping off the boat and up the cliff, leaving Leon to continue on with his own mission. It took no time at all for your feet to hit solid ground. 

Once you did, you smiled a little and, to her surprise, gently pulled Ada toward you. Your lips meeting her own in a soft, passionate, embrace. You were just so relieved that she was alright, and you felt the need to express as much. You could tell she felt the same about you, as she immediately reciprocated the kiss with just as much enthusiasm, if not more. You were both thankful to be in one another's presence once more, relatively unharmed.

Eventually, you both pulled away, needing to take a moment to actually breathe and calm your beating hearts. She gazed at you with soft eyes, then laughed breathlessly, amused and a bit surprised at your sudden affection.

“Haven't done that in a while, have we?” She joked lovingly.

You blinked and thought about it for a moment. You honestly couldn't think of the last time since this mission has started that you have expressed your affection for her in such a way. In reality, it wasn't that long of a time span from the beginning of the mission to now.

But it feels like forever.

You shook your head with a chuckle. “I guess not. Sorry about that.”

“You've been busy, so I'll let it slide.” She shrugged, the teasing smirk evident on her flawless features, before it dropped into a more serious expression. “How are you?”

It didn't take much for you to understand that she wasn't asking about how you were doing physically. She wanted to know about how you were after what had happened to Luis, fully aware of how you tended to feel after those you have a fondness for die. How you often blamed yourself for their deaths, despite it never really being your fault in the first place.

“Fine.” You answered, not really wanting to think too much about it or talk about it any further.

She held your waist tightly, simultaneously comforting you and preventing you from escaping the topic. She sighed sadly, “I know you aren't, dear. And we don't have much time to really get into it, but I want to make sure you aren't blaming yourself for what happened.”

“I don't.” You answered truthfully. “I don't blame myself. I blame Krauser… And I want him gone, Ada. I want him dead!”

Tears burned your eyes and blurred your vision, making you blink frantically as you avoid facing Ada. Ada clicked her tongue against her teeth in disapproval and brought a hand to your face, gently brushing away a stray tear and urging you to look her in the eye.

“Don't try to hide your sadness from me. We are far past that stage in our relationship, my dear.” She told you sternly, before pulling you further into the hug and giving you a moment to get yourself together.

She was right. You both have been together long enough to have grown comfortable with expressing your emotions to each other. Why you had decided to fall back onto old habits is beyond you. 

However, you had no time to be standing there, crying and self reflecting. Not until this mission is over. You couldn't afford anymore mistakes to happen because your feelings got the best of you. 

Like letting Krauser get the Amber.

You shake your head, clearing away your thoughts and the unwanted emotions to the best of your ability. “I appreciate you and your concern, Ada. But we can't continue to stand here and let me cry while we have Krauser getting away with the Amber. I promise, we can talk about this later.”

Ada really had no choice but to agree. Your short moment of solace is over. It was time to move. So, with a hum of agreement and another squeeze, she let you go and began to dig around in her inventory for something.

“You left a tracker on Leon?” You questioned, guessing that was how you both were going to be able to find and help Leon. Plus, where he is going, Krauser and the Amber will be there too.

“Of course. This is a time sensitive situation. Might as well take the easier route to finding Krauser.” Ada shrugged as she took out the tracking device and began leading you to the destination.

—

“Not yet.” Muttered Ada, her hands steady, and gaze firmly on the interaction between Krauser and Saddler as she held the sniper rifle. Watching as Krauser gave Saddler the Amber he stole from Luis made your blood boil.

You both paused as you heard footsteps from behind. You and Ada uneasily glanced at each other, before she called out, “Who's blood are you here for this time? Ours or Saddler's?”

“That all depends on you.” Wesker growled in that unsettling low voice of his. You both turned and saw the sunglassed man had a gun pointed directly at Ada. There was no way you were going to risk taking your pistol out. Not when it would take less than a second for him to pull the trigger.

“Change of plans.” Wesker stepped forward and sat down a briefcase, which you had just now noticed he had held in his unoccupied hand.  “Of course, you're free to refuse.”

“You think that gun's gonna be enough?” Ada incredulously asked the man as she clutched the rifle in her hand tightly, preparing for the worst scenario to occur.

“Interesting…” Wesker drawled. You could not tell if he was actually impressed by Ada's audacity to stand up to him, or just bored. He's not a man of big or telling emotions and facial expressions. And that irritated you to no end. But, you guessed he was more so amused by her willingness to challenge him. Even with him obviously having the upper hand.

Ada and Wesker stared each other down for a moment, before Wesker gave an impatient sigh and pointed the gun at you instead of Ada. You stifled a groan of annoyance as he raised a brow at her over the sunglasses, “Must I threaten your girlfriend again to get you to do what I want?”

Low blow, but you are hardly surprised. Why have such an obvious and effective leverage over someone and not use it? Afterall, this was the reason he even allowed you to join Ada on the mission in the first place. To use you to his advantage.

“Okay. I'll do it. But it'll cost you extra.” Ada conceded, crouching down to open the briefcase, study what's inside, before closing it again.

“Wise decision.” Wesker lowers his gun. “I'll send you the new coordinates. And remember, I do not like-”

“Waiting. I know.” Ada nudged you forward to the railing. You both hopped over it, landing carefully to the ground below despite the steep drop. You looked up at Wesker with an irritated frown.

“I hate that guy.” You sighed.

“I'm with you.” Ada agreed, glancing up to where you both left him. You see Wesker smile slightly at the direction of Krauser and Saddler, which immediately set off the alarm bells in your brain.

“He's up to something.” You said, stating the obvious.

“Oh, for sure.” Ada agreed, eyeing the briefcase in her hand. You both began the long trek to the comms facility, wishing that Wesker just allowed Ada to kill Krauser and Saddler right then and there with her sniper rifle…

And maybe Wesker himself. 

—

“Walking around this place is getting ridiculous.” You hissed with frustration, walking side by side with Ada toward the entrance. Everywhere you turned, it seemed there was a cult member and a villager there to block your path, forcing you to fight. It was really starting to piss you off.

“Clear mind, dear. Happy thoughts.” Ada soothed, noting your sour mood. Another way for her to remind you to focus on what was important at the moment.

“I’m calm! I'm as cool as a cucumber and as happy as a clam… whatever the fuck that means.” You paused, anger immediately being replaced with confusion. “Are those sayings some sort of weird innuendo or literal?”

Ada nearly choked on a laugh at your strange train of thought, before shrugging with a smirk. “Could be both. Depending on the person.”

“Probably stemmed from poetry or something.” You muttered. Ada opened the heavy metal doors, allowing you to enter and make your way to the grated walkway. 

“Sorry I'm late.” 

Ada and you stopped in your tracks when you heard Leon's voice from a floor below the grates. Looking down, you saw Leon and Ashley, feeling relieved that he was able to get to her before it was too late.

“You brought the medicine just in time.” Ashley told him from her spot on the bed.

“Can you stand?” He asked.

Ashley sat up and looked around the area. “Where's Luis?” 

It was an innocent question, yet it was enough to make your chest ache. Though that ache quickly became frustration once more, as you were annoyed by your body's unwanted reaction for the moment.

Leon released a saddened sigh. “He was worried about you… until the end.” Ashley looked away for a moment, upset by this unexpected information, before Leon urged her to stand.

“Come on. We don't have much time. Let's get rid of these things.” He held a hand out for Ashley to take, which she did with a nod.

“For Luis.” She declared. 

You watched as the two walked away. Only a few moments after, Ada's radio had an incoming call.

“Ada, come in. There's a lab where we can remove the parasites. Had a crazy hunch that you'd know where it is.” Leon's voice spoke through the speaker.

“Their most important facilities are housed in their sanctuary at the top of the mountain. That's where I'd look.” Ada informed him.

Leon huffed a laugh, “Huh. Ada the encyclopedia.”

“Happy to help. Now you owe me.” Ada teased, then shutted off the radio, ending the call. “Don't die on me now.” She muttered.

“They'll be fine.” You reassured her, walking beside her down the halls.

“One can only hope.”

—

“Not exactly covert, but it'll have to do.” Ada decided. You eyed the cable cars with hesitation.

“They won't suddenly decide to break and make us plunge to our deaths… right?” 

She looked at you with slightly startled and widened eyes. “They better not! You better knock on wood or something right now, before you jinx us.”

You huffed and made a show of dramatically tapping on the wooden barrel nearby, before she snorted and broke the barrel to collect whatever could be inside. 

Once on the cable car, it groaned and began to slowly maneuver you over the mountain gap. The ride seemed sturdy and steady enough, until villagers with flaming crossbows crossing over from the otherside started shooting at you and Ada.

“Oh, this is even worse!” You complained, taking out your gun to shoot them before they could shoot you.

“I prefer this over deadly falls, thank you very much.” Ada snarked.

Finally, the cable car ride came to an end and you both immediately hopped off. You set to checking your ammo as Ada spoke a snarky comment.

“Not my favorite carnival ride.” 

“Oh? I thought you preferred interactive shooter rides over the drop tower.” You joked.

“I'm more partial to the tilt-a whirl, actually.” She smirked as you laughed in response.

“I think that is very fitting for you, Ada Wong.”

[cranberryjuice-posts]

I kissed a girl and liked it

Pairings - teenage Abby anderson X lesbian! Fem! reader

An - abby and reader Are 16/17, this is around a year after Jerry’s death and Owen n abby r still together

Tw - reader smokes, making out, cheating (again don’t cheat on your partners)

Synopsis- Abby is a confused young queer girl who doesn’t know if she likes women or not and you being a good friend help her out

Abby was currently hanging out at owens place. He shared an apartment with a few other rookie soldiers but Abby didn’t mind just as long as she got to hangout with him.

At this point it was 2am and Owen was passed out asleep, Abby however was awake. She just silently walked in circles until she heard a nock at the window.

She moved to the sound and opened it where she found you standing. “Hey hot stuff” You teased which made the blonde blush.

“What are You doing here so late” she chuckled and tucked some hair behind her ear. You hardly saw her with her hair down but when you did you made sure to pay attention.

“What are You doing up so late hm?” You asked Back with a teasing grin. “Well I couldnt Sleep” Abby leaned forward on the window.

“Then I couldnt Sleep either” Abby just rolled her eyes at your response. She then noticed you had your backpack on. “What’s with the bag? Are you going out or something?”

You just shook your head. “Nah I’m going to go smoke”

“Smoke? Y/n isn’t it to early for that” she slightly criticized but you just gave her a sarcastic look. “Really? I’m 16 abs I think infected or a scar will kill me before smoking some weed”

“I meant its 2am”

“Oh..”

There was some awkward silence before you just rolled your eyes. “So are you gonna come with me or not”

Abby shook her head “not unfortunately, owens asleep and I’d feel bad leaving him”

“Fuck Owen dude, come hang out with me it’ll be a hundred times better I swear” you spoke with a clear distaste for Owen, abby could never figure out why you hated him so much.

After a few moments abby looked back at her sleeping boyfriend before nodding. “Allright you win” You jumped excited and helped the blonde out of the window and onto the stair case.

Normally Both of you walked down and into the city bellow, it helped that the rookies homes was stationed in an old apartment complex inside the WLF QZ and super close to the stadium so whenever you felt like skipping out you were able to just explore the abandoned city.

This time however you started to go up the fire escape. “Where are you going” Abby yelled after you while pulling her hair back into a braid.

“You’ll see!” You shouted back and continued to climb, Abby of course had no choice but to follow.

Soon you two were up at the roof. You set your bag down and laid out a few blankets some snacks you stole and two rolled joints as-well as your water canister.

Abby took a seat beside you, enjoying the cold breeze the light from the full moon and just the comfortable silence.. the starts were bright and Abby couldn’t help but stare at them wondering if old world had ever gotten to see the stars like this.

You leaned over and pointed to a constellation. “See that constellation there, that’s Hercules and there riiighhhht above it that’s Lyra” looking over you saw Abby’s smile and you gave a content sigh before moving back.

“So.. how’s that book about greek myths you found going?” She asked as you light the blunt. You nodded excitedly and smiled. “Great actually! I can’t believe people were able to think of stories like these”

The two of you continued to talk and pass the blunt around. Abby loved being around you, she would even think more than she liked being around Owen but she would never admit it. She studied how you looked under the moonlight with your cute pj pants sports bra and jacket, the way your hair complimented your face and skin tone and your lips… she looked away embarrassed but you took note.

You softly stopped laughing and put up a face of concern wondering if you had said something wrong “What’s wrong abs?” her cheeks were a soft red. There was some silence and you grew more worried, leaning forward more towards her. “Hey, you can talk to me” you touched her hand with a certain comfort that Abby couldn’t take it anymore

She breathed out gently and leaned on her arm. “Your like into women right”

Confused and taken back you nodded “uh yeah I’m really only into women men just don’t do it for me” Abby took in the information.

“Right.. well I mean I’m with Owen so I wouldn’t know but what’s it like, being with a girl?” She finally looked over at you. You were still confused but decided to humor Her, you moved your hand away and placed it on your thigh. “Uh it’s nice… I mean there’s this certian understanding between both of you that you could never find with a guy, I mean girls are soft gentle you both just want to be loved unconditionally so it’s easier to show that with them… plus it’s funner to kiss them” You threw in the final joke but Abby just nodded.

“Ok..” was all she spoke, Abby looked back to the scenery down bellow.. you gave her a suspicious look before chuckling.

“Abby do you want to kiss a girl?” You teased but Abby shook her head a little to quickly. You laughed and moved to face her better. “It’s ok, your pretty cute so if you really really wanted to someone would”

She just rolled her eyes but eventually made eye contact with you. There was silence.. neither of you made a move but it was clear both wanted to. After a moment both reached forward and kissed each other.

You stood in your knees with your hands in Abby hair. Inhaling she took in your subtle perfume and the cherry chapstick you always wore. Abby grabbed your waist and pulled you into her as you both kissed.

It was different from when she kissed Owen, you followed Abby’s lead and worked with her to make the entire kiss enjoyable. The way your hands ran through her braided hair and caressed her cheek. Abby ran her hands up and down your back with subtle shy touches to your butt which made you laugh in the kiss.

She hated how wrong it was but shit did it feel right. Your soft lips on hers, the way you started to kiss down her jaw and eventually landing on her neck.

Abby gasped once you started to lightly suck on her neck, your new position was laying in-between Abby’s legs with your hands tracing her body. She gently tucked some hair behind your ear while you kissed her and leaned back to give you more room.

——

You two laid on your backs, your head was laying on Abby’s chest and her arm was around you. Neither daring to speak of what you two had just done. Would owen be mad if he found out you two made out yes, yes he would but if he didn’t know then there’s no way he would mind right.. right.

You felt Abby pull you closer and you just chuckled.. sitting up you kissed her cheek before her lips softly. “Common, let’s get you back before your sucky boyfriend wakes up” you joked and started to pack up, mainly you wanted to leave because you knew you loved Abby but there was no way she would love you back.

You dropped Abby back off and helped her into the window.. silently looking at each-other you finally turned and left to go back to your place, Abby gripped the window seal and watched as you walked away, she wished she could regret what you two had done but deep down she knew that was the best kiss she ever had..

The following day at training you avoided Abby not wanting to make things awkward even though you knew that was the last thing to do to not make shit awakard.

Abby sat down exhausted and Owen followed. He tried to lean over and kiss her but she just pulled back putting a hand on his chest and giving a small smile. Owen rolled his eyes playfully and looked down confused.

“Where’d you get that” he touched her neck gently rubbing the hickey you accidently left.. Abby paniced and cleared her throat.

“Oh uh it’s just a bruise, some kid was throwing rocks and it hit me in the throat” Abby lied, Owen however put on a more serious look. “Damn.. just be more careful ok”

“Yeah ok” Abby reassured him. He kissed her cheek but little did he know she was looking behind him and at you.

——

A week later Abby broke up with Owen.

Abby - *kisses y/n*

Abby -I’m a homosexual.. IM A HOMOSEXUAL😢

—

[talaok]

Hey, I have this huge exam next week, it’s the biggest exam of my life so far and I’m stressed af. I consider myself a chill person but I’m feeling beyond anxious all the time and I have never felt this stressed in my life. It’s so hard to take care of myself rn like I don’t feel like eating but I have to because I’m nauseous and then I can’t find anything I’d like to eat and it makes me more anxious IT’S A VICIOUS CYCLE I SWEAR AND APPARENTLY I HAVE TO EAT EVERY FOUR HOURS EVERY DAY BC I’M A HUMAN??

anyway, sorry for oversharing. I was gonna ask if you could write sth with pedro taking care of stressed reader, making sure she eats and is hydrated, filing up her coffee, cuddling with her when she has crying sessions wiping her tears and telling her everything’s gonna be okay and he’s gonna be there for her with every step no matter what. I literally crave comfort right now, and I’d be so grateful if you could write something 🥹

I love how caring and kind you are with asks, thank you so so so much for being here. Love you 💕💕💕💕

pairing: Pedro pascal x reader

a/n: Im so so sorry love, im one hundred percent sure youll do great, but in the meantime, i hope this will make you feel a little bit better, love you💗💗 (this ask did skip the line bc if i posted it two weeks from now it wouldn't have made any sense)

He didn't know how or when, but all of a sudden, all you did was study.

And at first, he didn't really think anything of it, you'd told him about the exam and about how important it was, so he understood, but what he didn't expect, was just how much you'd be studying.

You raised your head only to answer him, and even when you did, it was monosyllabic.

"Have you eaten anything?"

"no"

"did you drink any water today?"

"not really"

And no matter how many times he'd tell you how bad for you that was, the next time he asked, the answers were always the same. And that's exactly why by the second day, he had stopped asking and instead, started doing.

He had conceived a whole plan of attack.

For the days when he, unfortunately, had to go to work, he left two full water bottles and a glass on your desk, and an already cooked lunch in the fridge, so that all you needed to do was heat it up in the microwave.

But on the days when he didn't have to go to work, he took it upon himself to become your personal assistant, and your worst nightmare altogether.

No matter how much you complained, he forced you to take a break at least every two hours, he made sure you were drinking the water he poured into your glass, he made you coffee every time you asked, (always only after having reminded you that you didn't need more coffee but more sleep) and finally, he cooked or ordered all of your favorite foods in the hopes that it would make you feel more like eating (which never seemed to work).

Today, thankfully, he got to stay home, so for the thousand time, he walked into the studio to check in on you.

"hey there" he smiled, watching you half-heartedly wave at him before returning your full attention to your book "I brought you a snack," he said, placing the apple slices on your desk and making a soft laugh flee your mouth.

He had turned into a soccer mom, but god it felt good to hear you laugh again.

He got behind you to start gently massaging what he was sure must have been sore shoulders.

"how's it going?"

"bad" you grumbled, relaxing the tiniest bit at his touch

"I'm sorry" he murmured, leaning down to kiss the crown of your head "you wanna take a break?"

"It's not been two hours yet"

"I know, but I think it would be good for you" he explained "We could take a walk maybe"

You sighed, closing your eyes "I can't"

"sweetheart" he cooed, crouching down to be at your level and turning your chair towards him "you're gonna burn yourself out if you continue like this"

"I know but..." you glanced back at your notes "I can't fail this exam"

"and you're not gonna" he immediately reassured you

He watched something happen behind your eyes, 

"not if I keep taking breaks"

"baby-" he murmured, taking your hand in his and watching as your mouth curved downwards for the quickest moment 

"I just-I'm so anxious," you said, your voice breaking "I-I can't fail- I just can't"

"hey hey hey" he cooed, his eyes looking for yours "Sweetheart, it's ok"

And that was the moment you couldn't hold it anymore, all the stress and fear you'd been bottling up for days started spilling from your eyes.

"n-no it's not, I-I... I don't even know, I just..." you sobbed, and when you looked at him, he swore he heard his heart break " I feel like shit"

"sugar..." he murmured, wasting no time wrapping his arms around you "I'm so sorry baby," he spoke gently to your ear as his hands stroked your hair and back 

You hid your face in his chest as you cried all you had to cry.

"it's all gonna be alright sweetheart, I promise"

But at that, for some reason, you only started to cry harder.

"ok this is it, hold onto me"

And you had just the time to frown, before he had picked you up and walked out of the room and into the living room.

"w-what are you doing?"

"forcing you to take a break"

"I could have walked" A small smile appeared on your lips, and with it, a small wave of relief washed over Pedro's body.

"You've done enough today" he explained, sitting down on the couch with you, and in less than a moment, your whole body had clung to his.

Your left leg was draped over his, and your head was on his chest, as he held you close with both his arms.

"y/n, you're not gonna fail" he started gently "You're the smartest person I've ever met"

"That's not true" you muttered, your words muffled by his body

"yes it is" he insisted "And baby I promise you, that everything is gonna be alright" he swore, slowly running a hand through your hair "and that no matter what, I'm gonna be here for you, ok?"

It took a moment for you to respond, but after a few beats of silence, a muffled "ok" made its way to Pedro's ears.

"yeah?" he asked, again, encouraging you to meet his gaze.

"yeah" you sniffled, as you finally looked up

"Feeling better?"

"yes" you nodded "Thank you"

He tightened his hug, as he bent down, to ghost your mouth "I love you baby" he kissed you "Whatever you need, I'm always gonna be here for you"